In case you haven't already heard the 3 kids that were kidnapped are back safe and sound. Also, it was discovered that Haitian police (both past and present) were involved with this kidnapping and possibly others. We had already heard from the 'street' that police were most likely invovled. I've heard some very negative things about the police in Haiti and I have to admit that when I see them I'm usually more alarmed then calmed. I think if I was in trouble I would run away from the police before I would run towards them. Anyway, praise the Lord that the kids were found safe. Hopefully things will calm down for a bit now that there are less kidnappers in the area. (my earlier information was wrong, 7 kidnappers were arrested not 12)
On another note. I joined the visitors this morning on a trip to the downtown general hospital. We visited the childrens ward and more specifically the ward for children with mental and physical disabilities. When we walked in, I had the immediate urge to do two things; turn around and leave or cry. It was really sad and Karen said that it's improved a lot from how it used to be. The kids were laying in cribs and several were laying in their own urine. The kids outside didn't have underwear or diapers on and they peed where ever they pleased. It smelled bad (although it could have been worse). The kids are fed and washed and that's it. They aren't held or interacted with at all. What's even worse is that these are the lucky ones... if they were left on the streets they'd be dead within days. Hospitals are interesting in Haiti. They provide you with a bed and medicine. If you have a family member in the hospital you have to visit them everyday to bath them and give them food and take care of all their needs. How strange. If you don't have family then no one takes care of you.
On a happier note, the playground is almost finished and it really changes the look of Coram Deo. It's really big and super nice. It has a rock wall, monkey bars, a slide and swings. It looks great!!! The kids can't wait until it's finished and they can play on it.
As far as school goes, we finished the first quater. Exams are finsihed and teachers are writing report cards. We are having parent teacher interviews next weekend and the teachers seem quite content with how things are going this year. We are having a staff meeting tomorrow morning (no one thought it was strange when I asked them to come in on a holiday for a staff meeting. ) I bought lots of treats to reward them for coming on their day off. It'll be good to talk about some of my concerns and here their ideas and suggestions.
Until next time.
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