So we are on day three of our #Bloggers4Haiti trip and the only thing I can say is that this has been a trip of a lifetime. There is so much to write but I have only a few moments of internet before we get in our van to go to Jacmel to visit more artisans that hand make the art for Heart of Haiti products sold at Macy’s.
Yesterday we went to a tent camp not too far from the airport. Within the camp, a group of women known as OFEDA have organized themselves to form a cooperative where their mission is to get themselves out of their current situation and into jobs and independence. There are about 200 women in this group that have no one to rely on but themselves. Some of them have children and have been abandoned by their husbands or boyfriends, others have lost their entire family from the earthquake. Despite their dire situation, they have decided that they are going to get out of the tent camp and into a better situation.
When we arrived at the camp, we spoke with them and learned more about their life experiences and their dreams for their future. They were so excited to see us and knew exactly what they wanted to learn from us. They wanted business training, English training, and for us to teach them “everything” we know. The amazing thing is that I learned more from them then I think I could teach them.
I will share more about their story later but until then, here are few pics of their group. We donated many things including purses and toiletries. Like many women, a new purse put big smiles on their faces.
A portion of my trip was sponsored by the social media marketing firm, Everywhere.
Wonderful. Thank you so much for participating in this trip. I know your work will make a huge difference.
What a wonderful experience! Can’t wait to read more about it. I completely understand what you say about learning more from them than one can possibly teach
Love it. Thank you for sharing.
wonderful experience! I am sure you hearts are filled with love and joy after this!
Thanks Nadia for sharing your lovely photos and Haiti trip adventures. I am so happy you and the other women bloggers are in Haiti doing great work. Keep shining!
You are an inspiration to these women making a difference everyday. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the trip.
I’m so happy for you to be “home” and doing something wonderful for the islanders.. it’s a life-changing experience for sure. Enjoy it all. And isn’t it amazing how a purse, something so simple, makes ANY woman smile. Some things are just universal!
What a wonderful trip. I am so excited for you!! thank you for sharing!
What a moving experience, and great pics!!
Wow…what an enriching experience. I wish I could have been there to share it with you all and look forward to the rest of the recaps. You put a smile on many faces. What did they say when you gave them the purse?
Nadia,
Thanks so much for joining us on the trip! Without your guidance and background on everything Haitian we would have been lost. I will always have the image of you surrounded by women showing them the internet for the first time. You opened a door for those women allowing them to see how their voices could be heard!
I can’t even begin to tell you how inspired I am by your trip to Haiti. Thank you so much for sharing your journey!
I love your photos and your take on the experience. Thank you for going and thank you for sharing!
Wonderful that you and other bloggers including Spanish Baby’s Ana Flores and Todo Bebé’s Jeanette Kaplun went–to show the world that while the much of media has left, the earthquake victim’s plight continues. Thank you for shining a bright light!