Celebrating today

Yesterday was my son's birthday. He was 22. Another birthday missed by me but hopefully he felt my presence as I was thinking of him all day. I'm pretty sure he was celebrating with his big brother and friends so probably didn't miss me as much as I missed him. It is hard to believe he is that old. I wrote about him last year since I was here for his birthday as well. These times are the hardest to be away from family - the markers of time passing. I hope he had a good birthday. Danny, I love you and wished you a wonderful day.

The celebrations. We celebrate the moments here- sometimes with a troubadour band on the patio and some homemade chocolate brownies and rice krispy treats like last night. The team from Connecticut reunited after members had been in different parts of the country. Everyone had a good time dancing, learning some new dance moves of Kompas. Maybe a few future Dancing with the Star contestants (or maybe not).

The demolition boss came by today. He thinks the majority of the demo will be complete by the end of next week and they'll be ready to remove all of the debris by truck and start leveling the ground. We've got sandbags to begin filling to protect soil erosion until walls can be built. We will celebrate this phase of the demo with a prestige. (Once the debris is removed, we will make a cheap champagne toast!)

In the guest house, the kitchen work is coming along- the cabinet maker is working on the doors, the counter tile is laid, sinks are being installed and connected to plumbing. Maybe by the end of the week, the cooks will be back in the kitchen cooking and celebrating their new kitchen!

Progress is good.

Another reason to celebrate: Pascale is the director of Holy Angel Orphanage. He hopes to be granted a change of name to Melissa's Hope. (I will write about that when it happens). Today he had a meeting with the directors of 12 orphanages and they formed an organization. So instead of one tiny voice, hopefully now they can make a loud statement to Haitians from government level to community level to receive services and support as needed.

Michael is the organization Haiti Rescue organization. He has been here nearly 2 weeks working with Pascal on his home- repairing water service, electricity, patching walls, drainage systems, repairing toilets and anything else he can including helping Pascal feel empowered to bring organization to the orphanages. Today's first meeting lasted 4 hours and the group found their voice to create an organization. I will have to have them write it down so that I can get it correct. Michael and Pascal left with positive feelings that this can be successful and grow in strength as other orphanages learn what can be done with one loud voice.

So in the face of destruction, we can celebrate the power of small steps leading to a better future for Haitians.