What you can expect as host families of a Haitian Hearts child.

  Upon arrival they are very scared, but have great courage. They do not understand English. Non-verbal communications work well most of the time. Using gestures or acting out like mime will help you communicate with them. They may be very sick, and have to go to the hospital upon arrival in Peoria. They may be on medications. They may have an infectious process such as TB, worms or infectious diarrhea. Sometimes they are scared or shocked by so many white people.  Strange, loud noises often scare them. They may only have the clothes on their back or very few items. Most people are more than willing to give you clothes to borrow or to have. Any second hand store is fine. It is not necessary to overload them with lots of new clothes.
  The name we tell you may be backwards. Sometimes they go by their last name, so it is confusing.
  There will be multiple Doctors appointments to Peoria. There will be waiting at the appointments, sometimes most of the day. Sometimes the children will have more problems than their heart, we may not know about these problems until after they arrive. Sometimes the families will pick up on this, for example you may notice a vision problem by watching them. Depending on the surgery schedule, their recovery and health, they may stay 3-7 months.
  Personal Care requires good hand washing for everyone in the household.  Teach the Haitian child how to wash their hands in the sink. Do not share drinks or food with the child. Most Haitians have never showered, taken a bath or used a conventional toilet. They don't understand running water from a faucet or going to the sink and getting a glass of water. Once you show them this they will get the hang of it. Some will come with their own hair supplies. If they don't they need a hair pick and hair moisturizer, this can be bought at Sally's beauty supplies, Wal-Mart (East Peoria or Peoria). Wash their hair a maximum of once a week unless necessary. They can get dry skin easily, so lotion is very important. They may have scars on their body from impetigo or other skin diseases. For menstruation, these young women are used to pads or rags, you may attempt to teach the use of tampons if you wish.
  They are taught to be polite, mannerly and respectable. They are used to very strict discipline, do not be afraid to correct them or spank them if necessary. Treat them like your own child. If you wouldn't let your child do it, don't let them do it.  If you do not discipline them it will be harder on you, and them when they return. Do not give them extra privileges. Do not leave money sitting around, or things that might be tempting for them to take. We don't think this is a problem, but just be alert to it.
  Try to live life normally. If you need a break, there are many families that will help. If you have plans, you may take the Haitian with you, but it is not mandatory. Some of them, depending on how ill they are, will not be able to participate in some activities. We do expect them to help around the house if able: dishes, sweeping, simple chores. They can be taught independence by getting their own drink and/or snacks. They are not used to Playskool, fisher price or most toys. Please, do not indulge them. They are used to soccer, marbles, and maybe a bike. Some may have been exposed to more than this. They may know French, and have gone to school. Others have not gone to school because they can't afford it or they have been too sick.

  We try to get an address and information about the Haitian's family, but this is not always possible.
  We try to maintain some contact.
  Some of the children are very particular about what they eat and others will eat anything. They may crave salty foods because of anemia, for this reason we suggest that you give them children's chewable vitamins every day.  They will be amazed by the availability of food.  They will want to eat often, but small portions at a time.  After surgery, you will notice that they will eat much more than before as they become healthier. You may offer
    Rice/beans, popcorn,
    Chicken, hot dogs,
    Fruit of any kind
    Bread, rolls, muffins, bagels
    Water, cola, juice
    french fries, potatoes

Upon leaving:
  You have spent a large of your time with your lives revolving around this situation—this becomes very difficult when it comes for them to return to Haiti. You may never see or hear from them again. If they develop problems after returning to Haiti, there is no guarantee that there will be anything that we can do for them

Suggestions for going home supplies:
    Shoes/sandals/thongs
    Flashlights/batteries
    Dry food items/Raman noodles
    Tooth paste/toothbrush
    Any personal hygiene items
    Peanut butter/nuts/protein
    School supplies/pens/pencils/paper
    Backpack
    Creole bible books/bible/Jesus video in Creole
    Pictures books