Why I'm Going

One afternoon last December I was listening to a National Public Radio (NPR) podcast hosted by Adam Davidson of NPR's "Planet Money". The podcast featured a school pincipal in Haiti who believed he could build a new school for $3,000 (see link below). Unfortunately $3,000 wasn't enough to get the foundation completed, but the message was so strong it inspired me to email Davidson to see how I might help.

Davidson contacted me soon after that to let me know about the conditions in Haiti, especially after last year's earthquake and hurricane. I admit, I was naive about building costs in Haiti as well as the other hurdles I would encounter but Davidson was kind enough to help me understand what I was up against and encouraged me to continue. The more I looked at it, the more I was convinced I could use my 30+ years of building experience and organizational skills to help build this school.

After doing more research it also became evident that I would need to start out as a volunteer with an organization that was already working in Haiti. That is when I came upon "All Hands Volunteers". Within a week, they emailed to say I was welcome to help with the 2011 program starting the end of January. So ready or not, here I go...

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Update

Hi everyone,
Here is an email Tim sent last night (the notes in parenthesis are mine):

"Hi sweetie, today was a catch up day. Nothing big to report. Sebastion took me to Leogane (where he was originally staying) and back. Picked upped my stuff, quick goodbyes and out. Forgot my food bag. No goodies now. Will miss it when I start work.

Tomorrow I will work on the shelter plans and schedule. Will meet Lionel (pronounce Leeonell) at 6:30 AM. Review basic material and tool list and plans. The structure designs are all based on modular units he designed before for the relief effort. We just adapted them for the orphanage's needs. Tuesday I check out of the lap of luxury (modern hotel in Port-au-Prince) early and off to L'Artibonite with Sebastian. (The location of the school that needs to be rebuilt - his original purpose for going to Haiti) It will be an all day trip. Back that evening to the small hotel by the orphanage (he is the only English-speaking person there). Wednesday start work. I'm nervous. Lionel is leaving town tomorrow for the week. I 'm on my own. Wish me luck. Love you."

Tim has a new gmail account if you want to drop him a note:  timmyers45@gmail.com.  Thanks for all your support and kind words!
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