There are many experiences that
I can write about in the week I spent in Haiti. I feel EXTREMELY lucky to
have been able to experience and work with this great team of people. The
most rewarding about the week for me was seeing the older/younger teams of
young men use their skills and abilities to help others at Eden Garden and
beyond. I believe we were able to demonstrate that doing good work on
behalf of others ends up in reward and recognition of their efforts. Mr.
Christians’ Monday ceremony with all of the school kids sitting at their new
desks was an incredible feeling of pride for me, and I hope, for Nicholas,
Gregory, John Weber, Bichard and Merlens.
I feel like the medical team
that supported this trip ended up being the unsung heroes. To see the
snapshots is one thing (and they are powerful!), but to watch them in action,
healing communities and bringing comfort and hope to people was a beautiful
thing. This was both the hardest and most powerful part of the week for
me. I tip my hat to Elizabeth, Erin, Stacey, Mary and Ed as they are
incredible human beings and I am blessed to have spent time with them.
Finally, I would like to
personally thank all of the donors who continue to provide for the children of
Eden Garden. I have never been involved in a charitable effort with such
transparency, generosity and focus on making sure that the dollars are spent
where they can have the largest impact first. It is to you, the donors,
that helped provide the materials and allowed us to make an impact on Eden Garden, the
community and for the Ramon family’s damaged home. The certificate that
I received from the principle of Eden Garden Academy fully belongs to the
donors, Eden Garden's board, the fantastic TEAM of individuals on this trip and those
fine young men for a job well done all around. Thank you for a fantastic
experience!
Sean Ryan
Cisco Systems/Virginia
Trip Participant/Builder