Miss International Leaves Her Bookprint in Haiti - Part 2

A Billboard that I was featured on throughout Port au Prince!

It was soon time to leave Cap-Haitien. We said our goodbyes and returned to Port au Prince. My mission was not complete as there was still another orphanage that I needed to visit. Encouraged by my first visit, I was excited for this one. However, I was unprepared for what awaited me. When we arrived at our destination, I immediately noticed a difference. Being in the capital and largest city, this orphanage’s resources were stretched particularly thin. After asking a few questions to figure out how they operated, I learned that the government doesn’t provide any funding for orphanages. Orphanages are entirely dependent upon donations. 

Sobered by reality, yet emboldened by my mission, me and my pink suitcase were ready. We went through the gate and were greeted once again by smiling inquisitive faces. To have so little and yet be so grateful is truly amazing. We started off by asking one of the girls to read the Three Little Pigs to everyone. She was excited to be the center of attention! Then I shared one of my favorites!

The school supplies were given to the teachers for use throughout the year. Each child received one age appropriate book. The remainder of the books were given to the teachers to establish a library. The idea being that once a child gets tired of their book, they can trade it in for a different one. My hope is that this small library, which I am committed to adding to each year, will encourage them to keep reading and will improve their literacy skills.

 

The path leading to the orphanage

The Magic Pink Luggage!

The children circled up for story time

The best rendition of The Three Little Pigs that I have ever heard!

Sharing my favorite children’s books!  Apparently Green Eggs and Ham is global,  as soon as I took it out, all of the adults said it was their favorite too!

Sharing my favorite children’s books!  Apparently Green Eggs and Ham is global,  as soon as I took it out, all of the adults said it was their favorite too!

This was indeed the trip of a lifetime!!

Ciji Dodds

Miss International 2011

Miss International Leaves Her Bookprint in Haiti - Part 1

The entire reason that I took this trip was to ensure that my platform, Just Read-Fighting Illiteracy Starts With Your First Book, had a truly global impact. It is no secret that literacy is the gateway to a brighter future and is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty. Many countries struggle with the task of educating their population. This is true in Haiti and has taken on a new dimension since the earthquake. The earthquake ravaged the country in more ways than one, but children were especially impacted. Thousands of children were orphaned and orphanages have struggled to care for and educate these children.

While in Cap-Haitien, I visited one such orphanage. When I walked through the door I didn’t know what to expect, but I was immediately greeted by smiling faces. When we told them that I was there to give out books they were ecstatic. Coincidentally, my traveling companion Alejandra Barillas had brought back packs! It was the perfect combination.

Living in an orphanage, you have to share everything. Very rarely do you have something that is yours and yours alone. I wanted to give them something that they could call their own and at the same time, hopefully, spark a lifelong desire to learn. Here are a few pictures.

Alejandra distributed the back packs first, that way, the kids would have something to store their books in right away.

Before I distributed the books, we asked one of the children to read a story from one of them.

I don’t know who was happier me or the kids!

Mission Accomplished!!

A very special thank you to Anedie Azael for coordinating with the orphanage to make this all possible!

Best,


Ciji Dodds
Miss International 2011

The Citadelle

While in Cap-Hatien, I visited an amazing historic landmark called the Citadelle.  The Citadelle was built between 1805 and 1820 by Henri Christopher to keep the island safe from invasions.  It is currently the largest fortress in the Americas.  Impressiveis the only word that I can think of to adequately describe the Citadelle.  It sits atop the 3,000 ft Bonnet a L’Eveque mountain.   It is filled with over 300 cannons and stock piles of cannon balls.  It’s architectural design was beyond its time and emulated by kings and leaders of other nations.   Check it out!

The only way to get to the Citadelle is by foot or to ride a horse up the side of the mountain!

There were canons from France, Spain and England.  I’ve never seen a canon close up, they were huge!!

Stockpiles of cannonballs

Ciji Dodds

My Journey Continues!!

I woke up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore…I can’t think of  a better alarm clock.  We ate a spectacular breakfast consisting of fresh fruits, omelets, pancakes, toast and grapefruit jam…Yes grapefruit jam!  If you’ve never had it, you don’t know what you are missing. 

Then I was told that we were boarding a yacht and touring the northern tip of Haiti!! You’ve got to be kidding!! I thought to myself. But no, this was real. We ate up, slathered on sunscreen, and headed out.

Our yacht for the day!

I was ready for fun in the sun!!

The scenery during our tour was breathtaking!

We anchored on a sandbar, hopped off and waded to the shore to spend some time on the beach!

Once we returned, we took a quick nap and ate dinner. Then it was time to go judge one of the Preliminaries for the Miss Haiti Tourism Pageant.    Right before we went to the pageant, we took a moment to tour the Cathedral of Cap-Hatien! 

It was Beautiful!!!

Cobblestones and my favorite Tory Burch heels didn’t mix!!

We were celebrity guest judges at the pageant.   I had a blast!!!  The entertainment was Amazing!!

The competition was stiff - but the top three ladies were chosen!!

Au revoir!!!

Ciji Dodds

Miss International 2011

The Journey of a Lifetime Begins!!

My trip to Haiti began at 4 a.m. on April 25.  I had to get up super early to make sure I’d checked off all the items on my packing list, printed my itinerary and completed online check in.   4 suitcases later…. 2 of which were filled with books and supplies…  I was at Reagan National Airport saying my goodbyes and preparing to embark on a life-changing journey!    As soon as I got out of the car the attendant noticed my pink luggage and said “what’s in there, make-up?”  I replied, “Nope, books and school supplies for kids in Haiti.”  He was stunned and I think a little embarrassed.  He immediately pushed me to the front of the line and upgraded my ticket to first class so that I wouldn’t have to pay additional baggage fees!!  I was shocked and grateful!  This trip was getting off on the right foot! 

I flew into Miami and a 45 minute layover later, I was on a flight to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  I could immediately tell once the flight attendant began giving instructions in French.    For the first time, it began to sink in.  The flight was short and as we approached Haiti I was in awe of its beauty.  Mountains and beaches like I had never seen before!  As we landed, I began to get more and more excited. 

While on the plane, I met one of my traveling companions,  (and now one of my friends) Shakira Martin.  This was her second trip to Haiti so she was quick to show me the ropes.  As soon as we got through customs we were greeted by Rachel Azael,  Anedie Azael (our host),Alejandra Barrillas, and Marlyn Rivas.  We were quite the party!!    We were then whisked through customs and all of our bags were ready to go.   This wasn’t my last flight of the day…

I was told that we would be flying on a tiny plane to Cap-Hatien, which is in northern Haiti.  I’d been on small planes before, but nothing like this!  I was terrified.   But, I put on my big girl crown and hopped in. The ride wasn’t that bad at all!!

As soon as we landed we were greeted by the Ministry of Tourism.

They picked the perfect representatives to greet us!! Tiny prima ballerinas from a local dance school! We were greeted with a song and flowers!

Then we headed to Hotel Cormier Plage, one of the most beautiful hotels that I have ever been in.  We spent the rest of the evening resting up for the next day’s adventure!

Best,

Ciji Dodds 

Miss International 2011

Countdown Until Haiti!

There is one week left until I embark upon the trip of a lifetime. The Richardsons have blessed me with an amazing opportunity to promote my platform and I intend to use it to the fullest! I have been overwhelmed with the generosity that so many of you have and continue to display. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You! But, our work is not yet done, I’m making a final push for donations and I hope that you all can help.

I am still accepting, books, pens, pencils, crayons, notebook paper and spiral notebooks. If you are interested you can mail them to P.O. Box 421, Laurel, Maryland, 20725-0421; c/o Madison Donovan Group. If you are close to Maryland, I will be more than happy to come pick them up. I will also be holding an in-person collection where you can drop off donations on Saturday, April 22 from 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. at 401 Main Street Laurel, Maryland 20707. Companies or individuals who are interested in donating towards or sponsoring costs associated with shipping and preparation should contact the Madison Donovan Group at- http://www.madisondonovangroup.com/#!contact

Best,

Ciji Dodds
Miss International 2011

Fundraising for Haiti

I have a confession.  I’m the kid in school who sold the bare minimum number of candy bars.  If you wanted to  win the class pizza party for most candy bars sold…you had better hope you weren’t in my class.  I’ve always struggled with fundraising for two reasons.  The first one being, I don’t like to feel like I’m bugging people. The second one being, I don’t like hearing the word no.   I guess you could say I have a fundraising phobia.  

Well, as a titleholder I’ve had to get over that quick.  As I continue to seek donations for my trip to Haiti, I’ve heard the word no more than I can count.  But, I have also heard the word yes just enough times to keep me motivated.   So…I’m still seeking donations of books and school supplies.  If you are interested you can mail them to  P.O. Box 421,  Laurel, Maryland, 20725-0421;  c/o Madison Donovan Group.  I will also be holding an in-person collection where you can drop off donations on Saturday, April 22 from 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. at 401 Main Street Laurel, Maryland 20707.  Companies or individuals who are interested in donating towards or sponsoring costs associated with shipping and preparation should contact the Madison Donovan Group at- http://www.madisondonovangroup.com/#!contact

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Best,

Ciji Dodds

Miss International 2011