Notes from a solo relief effort
Bryce Toney (sitting) and fellow workers relax after putting the roof on an orphanage house.
Editor’s note: Bryce Toney, owner of the Curious store on upper Pier Avenue, was so moved by January’s devastating earthquake in Haiti that he raised donations from friends and loved ones and flew there to put the money and his building skills to use.
He wound up about 20 miles from Port-au-Prince at an orphanage and school run by Mission of Hope Haiti in Grand Goave, where the vast majority of buildings had been destroyed.
His final email dispatches, trimmed and lightly edited, wrap up the tale:
by Bryce Toney
Friday, April 2
The volunteers are down to Rebekah and me only, and we’ve both been here for five weeks, and perhaps we both needed a getaway, a bed, a warm shower, something!
I got a little sick for the first time this week, in one day I developed a slight fever, lots of cold symptoms, and the dreaded D! I have to admit I was a little scared of it being malaria, but it wasn’t.
The kids continue to enjoy the seesaw my buddy Jim and I made. I crack up at how many kids can pile up on that thing.
Tonight I will spend my first night in a bed since my arrival here five weeks ago. I took my first shower with warm water, and my friends it was nice!
Tuesday, April 6
Well it’s down to the count down here, with just over a week left. The shelter at the orphanage is going great, the roof should go on in the next day or so. Talk about pressure, to know the kids sleep on the ground in tents until it is finished! The Haitian guys helping me have such endurance! I personally can only handle so much in the heat. It’s around a hundred in the heat of the day.
I’ve had lots of baby time lately. Once the ladies realized I like to hold the babies, and know how to, they keep them coming. I love the way they stare up at me, probably thinking who’s this strange white hippie holding me!
Can you imagine being pregnant here? There are no doctor’s appointments, no special treatment, no vitamins or additional food. Then one day their water breaks, wherever they are. From what I hear most babies are born very fast, no long labor, just adjust where you are, and have that baby.
It’s just the way things are. The last baby born at the orphanage, the lady sat on a cement block, and pushed it out. That’s not an exaggeration!
Wednesday, April 7
If all goes well, today is the day we buy the tin roof for the orphans’ new home. We’re driving into Port-au-Prince (always a treat, NOT!) to get it. I promised to have the roof on in 48 hours, so the orphans wouldn’t have to spend one more evening in a wet tent. The structure has turned out great, and is a far upgrade from the tents.
While waiting for my ride Rebekah and I went on a short walk around town. One little guy followed us around like he was keeping us safe. I’m not so sure he wasn’t! At the end of our journey we bought him a Sprite that brought on a huge smile. I quickly noticed how he shared it with his friends. Sharing is something I see every day here.
The people here seem to do most things for the greater good. Which makes me question: how much do we do in our lives that is actually for the greater good? If anything! Ego and greed are not demonstrated in any fashion that I recognize here.
Thursday, April 8
Half the roof [of the orphanage] is already up, it looks awesome. The orphans have now figured out that it is for them, so they are really looking forward to its completion. New mattresses have been ordered for all the orphans. Now that brings a smile to my face. To any of you that made a donation to me, or to this mission, know that your dollars are well spent!
Friday, April 9
It’s finished! With the help of Pepe, Wilson and Egnar we finished the orphans’ new home. There are a few pieces to go up, window covers and such, but the kids are now sleeping inside. Just in time, with the rainy season getting closer and closer.
It was so sweet to see the orphans sweep their rooms, and get ready for their first night’s sleep inside. Definitely touched my heart.
I’m so lucky to have been part of building this, and have a feeling it won’t be my last. Just yesterday Laura let me know that someone told a “Hollywood” organization what I was doing, and they want to make a nice donation. Yahoo, that may mean that I can come again this year, and again have funds to work with.
Saturday, April 10
This morning I took a twisted, rusted and broken children’s play set that was on the roof of the office for trash, and rebuilt it. One man’s trash is another’s toy!
The orphanage looks great all cleaned up, especially with all the tents down. From the airport at Port-au-Prince all the way to Grand Goave all you see is blue tent communities, it’s nice to no longer have them on our site.
We also took the kids to the beach again, one last time. I was exhausted from working all morning, so it was good to jump in the water with everyone.
See you in the states. Aloha! ER