The Familes We'll Be Working With

I have just gotten this information from the Habitat office in Moloka'i and wanted to share it with you. It looks like we will be working with up to three different families this year in different stages of construction.

1.  Tasha M. is a single woman who is the caretaker of disabled children. She currently cares for an autistic girl and is heavily involved with the Special Olympics.

2.  Kanoe Kekelaia is a single mom who has a minor developmental disability. A recovering addict, she has pulled herself together almost no support from her family or friends.  The office has worked with her for almost 3 years to get to this point of home ownership. There is finish work and landscaping to be done on this house. Apparently, she is so happy, she has painted the house purple!

3. Aunty Lani is a rehab/renovation.  This is still tentative.
She had to shut one section of the house because the rats had eaten the floor boards and it was dangerous for her grandchildren who live with her occasionally.  Her two sons and their families live in shacks in the backyard.  Her homestead is on an acre or so Hawaiian Homelands,  with an outdoor kitchen.  If we can fix  Lani's house then
we can improve the lives of 3 generations.

Itinerary - Subject to Change!!

Arrival day, December 25^th, 2010

Team arrival all day- transportation will be provided from airport/ferry terminal

Dinner TBD

Sunday, December 26^th

9:00 AM Breakfast & Team Introductions

10:30 AM Depart Hotel Molokai for Cultural Activity TBD

*** Lunch will be provided***

5:30 PM Orientation/Hotel Molokai

6:00 PM Dinner Hotel Molokai

Monday December 27

7:00 AM Breakfast (Set up by Team Volunteers)

8:00 AM Depart Hotel Molokai

8:15 AM Arrive Build site

10:00 AM Break

12:00 PM Lunch

5:30 PM Arrive Hotel Molokai

7:00 PM Dinner

Tuesday December 28

7:00 AM Breakfast (Set up by Team Volunteers)

8:00 AM Depart Hotel Molokai

8:15 AM Arrive Build site

10:00 AM Break

12:00 PM Lunch

3:30 PM Clean up site

4:00 PM Depart site

4:30 PM  
6:00 PM Evening Activities *
    *TBD

 
Wednesday, December 29th
7:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM Depart Hotel Molokai
8:15 AM Arrive Build Site
10:00 AM Break
12:00 PM Lunch
3:30 PM Clean up site
4:00 PM Depart 

3:00 PM Depart Residence for Kuma Farms

3:30 PM Arrive Kuma Organic Farms * 

6:45 PM Team Volunteers Prep for Dinner
7:30 PM Dinner

Thursday December 30
7:00 AM Breakfast (Set up by Team Volunteers)
8:00 AM Depart Hotel Molokai
8:15 AM Arrive Build Site
10:00 AM Break
12:00 PM Lunch
3:30 PM Clean up site
4:00 PM Depart
6:30 PM Evening Activities TBD

Friday, December 31st Day Off 
9:00 AM Breakfast (Set up by Team Volunteers)
10:00 AM Depart Hotel Molokai
All Day
Maunaloa Exploration/Maunaloa Town & Hale O Lono Beach
West End Exploration/Dixie Beach, Papohaku Beach, Kaluakoi Beach
(We will be doing one or two of these activities. Lunch will be provided)
Local New Year’s Celebration!


Saturday, January 1, 2011

Team Beach Day


Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 Departure 
R & R for those staying on...
Transportation will be provided to airport & ferry terminal

7:00 AM Breakfast (Set up by Team Volunteers)

8:00 AM Depart for Kalaupapa Hike & Guided Tour of Father Damien National Historic Site *

*This is a long downhill hike. We are working on transportation out of the valley for those who do not want to hike uphill! The options are really fun...

Lunch will be provided

 

Details, Details

So, I'm 24 hours away from flying off to Cairo & Kathmandu. I do love saying that! Part of the Habitat Global Village fun!


I wanted to highlight a few things before I leave since I won't be able to check my email with as much frequency as I do now.


1.  TRIP COST IS SET AT $1500
This includes:
*Transportation to and from the airport or ferry
*Three meals per day plus snacks & water at the job site
*Transportation to and from the job site
*Double Occupancy hotel room with linens & towel service once every two days.
*Saturday night stay 12/25 through Saturday night stay January 1st, 2011


This does not include:


*Tips
*Alcohol
*Multiple Mocha Mama's at Coffees of Hawaii


2. TRIP PAYMENT IS DUE IN FULL NOVEMBER 15th, 2010


This is very important. We advance funds to the affiliate in Molokai to help pay any deposits we need to advance before team arrival.


Some of you are doing GREAT with your fundraising! I will be able to provide at least one update for you while I'm gone.  


To make a payment or mail in donations, please refer to the official invite letter I sent you OR click on the Page Link "Donations & Payments" to the right. 


3. FLIGHT ITINERARIES


Many of you have gotten your flight information to me and I thank you. I will be arriving on the 22nd of December and leaving on the 3rd.


We have January 2nd posted as a departure day, however, if you are leaving the 3rd, we may plan a hike or beach day/whale watch that day for those people that are staying.


4. EXTRA ACTIVITIES


I am researching the Father Damien hike. It is very hard and steep to go down to the valley. Emillia and are looking into the flight school to charter some flights down if you are into that. It may cost a bit beyond the cultural activity allotment however.  We are planning many fun things to do during the week you are there, so believe me, you will be immersed in Hawaiian culture!

What to Bring & How to Pack It

For the Work Site:

Sturdy closed toe shoes – work boots or strong sneakers are fine. No sandals!

Don't forget socks.

Old clothing that can get dirty/stained. 

Personally I love my overalls!

Bring a combination of shorts and long pants. Most people bring pants that can zip off at the knee.

2 pairs of work gloves.  I recommend the leather gloves. For women, you may want to pick up leather gardening gloves. I find that they fit much better. Additionally, we will be doing some gardening, so they can be multi-purposed.

Hat or bandanna – for sun protection

Water bottle.  There is fresh, mountain water on site.

Let’s respect the Molokai initiative to be green - please bring a SIGG or Nalgene bottle for your water fill ups.

Daypack or small backpack. It’s very helpful to carry a simple day pack for the site.  You can also use that bag for your usual "purse" items and camera.  In other words, figure a way to keep it all together in one place.

Raincoat or poncho.   Remember we will be in Hawaii where every day brings a here a light rain.

Small zip-lock bag with your own Band-Aids, ointment

(I will have a larger first aid kit for team use.)

Anti-bacterial wipes (large “Wet Ones” are great to help get dirt off)

Anti-bacterial gel. Personally, I don’t use this as I find it irritating to my skin.  If you have the time, I would recommend myself to make your own natural gel.  I found  recipe this through Mary Jane’s Farm Magazine:

Antibacterial Gel
1/4 c. witch hazel
1/4 c. pure aloe vera gel
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
10 drops tea tree essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a container with a lid and shake well. Use as an antibacterial rub on your hands when you aren't able to wash your hands.

Nifty Thrifty Tip: Use an empty trial/travel size lotion bottle so that you can create your own purse-size antibacterial gel container. Cool, eh?

You can find witch hazel and glycerin in the pharmacy and/or health & beauty section of most stores that carry personal care products. You can find pure aloe vera gel and tea tree oil at your local health food store, and thankfully both are fairly affordable as far as natural products go. Cider vinegar (aka Apple Cider Vinegar) can be found at your grocery store near the regular vinegar.

For Evening and Other Activities

Jeans and a clean shirt will be appropriate for you to wear throughout your stay. The sun can be intense, and keeps things warm throughout the day.  Wearing layers is the key! Make sure to bring long sleeve shirts, a sweater or fleece for evening. Temperatures can drop to the 60s in the evening.

Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking

Flipflops

Casual clothing - Bring a nice outfit for our dinners with the affiliate and the partner family. It should not be too fancy. Women usually bring a casual skirt and top. Men can wear jeans & button-down.

Yoga Mat and appropriate clothing

Other Items That are a “Must”:

Sunglasses

Sun screen

Toiletries

Laundry bag with your name on it (mesh or old pillowcase)

Insect repellent. I’m recommending this, but I don’t think you’ll need it.

Bathing suit & towel for beach

Camera

Motrin, Advil or other anti-inflammatory for muscle aches

Alarm clock

Optional:

Flashlight/batteries

Bathrobe

Reading and writing materials/journals

Materials to lead spiritual focus (favorite poem, speech, song, story, insight, etc.)

A few photos to share with your new friends - Remember that you may be sharing these with homeowners, or others who live very simply... we want our pictures to show who we are more than what we have. Please be aware when choosing them.

Binoculars – some people enjoy having them, but remember that I cannot guarantee security.

Tools: Label all of them with your name.

Nail apron or tool belt

25 foot tape measure

Work gloves (2 pairs)

Eye protection (goggles, clear or tinted plastic glasses)

*****************************************************************************

Tips on Packing and Traveling

• You will need mostly work clothes.  Your other activities are quite casual. Don't let the weather keep you from doing an activity just because you don't have the proper clothes.  Be prepared.  Temperatures in December/January average a high of 81 and low of 65 F.

• We are also in a tropical environment, so count on some rain & humidity.

• Think "layers"  - for the work site all of them should be suitable for work and getting dirty.

• Jewelry – It is recommended that you not wear jewelry at the work site, especially earrings and necklaces that dangle.  Please don’t bring anything of value to wear at other times because security for it cannot be guaranteed.

• Bring all of your medications clearly labeled. Make sure you have all of your prescriptions and let me know in advance if you have any medical conditions I need to be aware of.

• Have a carry-on with whatever you'll need for 24 hours after arriving in Molokai, just in case your baggage does not arrive with you.

• Pack ALL of your tools in your checked luggage! 

• If you are extending your trip in the area and think you might do some shopping, pack lightly or try to keep your luggage to one piece. If you only bring one piece, you might want to pack a lightweight roll-up duffle to use as your second piece on the way home.  

• Travel light, but DO bring enough for the entire trip (you COULD get dirty enough that you will want to change work clothes each day).  There is a laundry mat in town, and we will recruit two of you to handle the team laundry day on Wednesday or Thursday.

• Pack leaky items (shampoo, lotions) in zip lock bags - and tighten the cap right before you put them in.

• Keep your airplane tickets in a safe place.
  

Meet the 2010/2011 Team!

Louise Hoppe-Mermond     San Rafael, CA

Hello All, My name is Louise Hoppe-Mermod.  San Rafael is about 17 miles north of the GoldenGate Bridge. I am a retired nurse. I grew up in MN, and moved to San Francisco many (too many to talk about) years ago. After a short visit with friends who were living there at the time I decided it was the place for me!! It is a world class city -- I still love going there although the weather in San Rafael is infinitely better. I enjoy cooking - for others - reading, gardening among other things. I am very excited about being on Molokai, meeting all of you & the recipient family and getting to know everyone. Unlike some of you this will be my first experience with Habitat and perhaps not the only one for I am a firm believer that Habitat is a most worthwhile endeavor. See you soon.
 Caroline Reynolds   Amherst, MA

Hi, I'm Caroline and I live in Amherst, Massachusetts with my dog, Sadie. Currently, I am student preparing to teach earth science to middle schoolers some day (soon, I hope!). Previously, I had been working in environmental engineering and alternative energy research... with a bit of a sustainable design/build hobby on the side. I enjoy yoga, running, tennis, crafts, theater, and live music. I'd advise those with a discerning palate to avoid my cooking. 

Occasionally I've been caught singing narration to my activities.... usually off key. You're welcome to point and laugh.

This will be my second trip to Moloka'i and my second trip with Habitat GV. I'm looking forward to getting back to the beautiful people, scenery and food in Moloka'i this December, and meeting all of you there!

Phil Weiner    Newport Beach, CA

Hello, my name is Phil Weiner, I am a professional Video Cameraman based in Orange County, California.  I couldn't be more excited about this trip and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you. I have a passion for everything I do and this will be one more adventure to add to the list. I am blessed to be invited by Kat and can't wait to experience the new friendships and to help where help is needed.

Alex Teitelbaum    Manhattan Beach, CA

Hi! My name is Alex and I am a freshman at Tulane University in New Orleans, originally from southern California. The Moloka’I build last year was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and there’s no reason why this year will be any different. I can’t wait to go back this Christmas, see the finished house from last year, and start the process again. It was an amazing time will be amazing again!

Bob & Diana Kelly     Alpena, MI      

We just recently celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary by spending a month in Europe. We flew to Amsterdam on our anniversary, spent a week on a bike a barge trip, then a week in Germany with our daughter and grandsons, and then flew to Portugal for a two week Habitat build in Braga in Northern Portugal. This build was a reunion of most of our team from Hungary 2008, so we all knew each other and it was great fun working together again.  We are getting to be experts at tying re-bar, mixing concrete and digging foundations. (We call ourselves “TEAM REBAR”)  We have been hooked on Habitat for a number of years.  I began going on GV builds in 1999 and the build in Molokai will be my 20^th.  Bob began going on builds after he retired from teaching 7 years ago. The Molokai build will be his 12^th.  We are going to Guatemala in November for another build.

We are looking forward to returning to Molokai and renewing friendships from last year and meeting the new team members.  It will be great to see the  completed house that we worked on last year.

 

Mary Ann De Jesus      Ozone Park, NY

Aloha!  My name is Mary Ann and I’m a lifelong resident of Queens, NY.  I am the Director of Human Resources at a financial communications firm in NYC, but my passion is volunteering.  I began volunteering with Habitat in 1995 and since then have built with Habitat in 13 states, plus Hungary and Poland.  I also have built or otherwise volunteered in 5 other states and Poland through other organizations.  My goal is to volunteer in all 50 states – Hawaii will make #19. While I love all GV trips, this one will be particularly special because my husband is joining me.  Jose and I were married 7 years ago on a beach in Maui, and spent a day of our honeymoon in Molokai.  I’m very excited that we will return for the first time to each of these islands during this trip.  I’m looking forward to seeing Kat again and meeting all of you. 

 Jose De Jesus     Ozone Park, NY

I am a lifelong New Yorker, having lived in Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens.  One of my favorite things to do is riding my motorcycle.  I also like to ride my bicycle, and have done two long-distance bike rides for charity.  I enjoy working with my hands, but building a house is new to me. 

Julia Cohen   Arlington, MA  

 I’m Julia and I’m 18! I have lived in Pittsburgh PA, Durham NC and most recently Arlington MA. I enjoy art, music and physical activities. I enjoy cats, too, and will miss my cat when on the trip. I’m a huge Duke Men’s Basketball team fan. I am very excited to go to Molokai for my very first trip to Hawaii and first build for H.F.H.

Kayathiri (Kaya) Subramaniam    Toronto, Canada
My name is Kayathiri (Kaya) Subramaniam and I’m 21 years old! I live in Toronto and I am currently a third year nursing student. I also work part time in a hospital and volunteer some time with children at the Hospital for Sick Children. This is my first (of many more) Global Village trip. I am thrilled to meet you guys and help build homes for people in Molokai. I enjoy travelling and learning about new cultures and tasting new cuisines. Some of my hobbies are reading, cooking, baking and mediating. Lastly, I love to try out new things and hope to do so during the trip!!

Patricia Sullivan  Pasadena, California
 I was asked to take early retirement in 2000 which turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me.  I was living in New York City at the time, and I love the city but after 20 years there, I decided to spend time exploring other places - lived in the suburbs for a few winters shoveling way too much snow, spent a great winter in Charleston, SC one year, drove Route 66 and around the country for 25,000 more miles in 2005 and have been in Southern California for the past few years.  Working again part-time in a community college which gives me time to do a lot of reading, mainly mysteries and some weaving (have my own loom).  I still travel as much as I can, back to NY, to weaving conferences and also trying to do a Habitat Global Village at least once a year (Molokai will be my fourteenth one).   I enjoy movies, museums, theatre and dance performances (ballet is a favorite). And I like taking classes to try new things – trying tai chi this semester.  

Rachel Clancy   Santa Clarita, California

 My name is Rachel Clancy and I couldn’t be more excited about my first ever work trip to Molokai, Hawaii.  I’m 16 years old and a junior in high school.  I live in southern California, and I love it.  To occupy my spare time I listen to music, go to concerts, and participate in student government activities for my school.  I hope this trip will show me different ways of living, and allow me to experience a new culture.  I can’t wait!






Jill Goldberg   (Vancouver, Canada)
I'm a Montreal (Quebec) ex-pat living in Vancouver, B.C. where I teach English Literature at the college level, go on long bike rides and run near the ocean.  I am also a writer and a shiatsu massage practitioner and use massage as a tool for outreach by offering it on a volunteer basis at a women's drop-in center for women who are mostly sex trade workers and addicts.  I'm delighted to be going on Habitat's trip to Molokai and am looking forward to meeting fellow volunteers!


*from Kat - check out Jill's website: Blissful Shiatsu

Welcome to the Moloka'i Christmas Build 2010!