My Trip to Zimbabwe

March 2nd, 2006 by rosaliemaduro

OOPPS just going through some old albums and emails and found this great and (to me) interesting account of my trip to Zim…I really do miss Africa.  Most of all, I miss my friends Tom and Lorraine.  They just had a baby girl and she is so adorable!!!

Zambezi River (116 pictures)

Sent on Oct 08, 2004

Hello Folks!!! Here are some pics from my trip to Zim.  My friends Tom and his wife took me on a tour of Harare, Zim’s country side and Victoria Falls. We drove from Harare to Victoria Falls and it truly was a great adventure!!! We almost ran out of gas, drove over a wild rabbit (it turned into rabbit stew), at times there were no toilets so we had to use the bush (yuck!!!), no running water in some places, bread shortage, malaria outbreak, herds of elephants charging towards us, a lodge in the middle of the damn jungle, and bungee jumping 113 meters off the bridge which connects Zim and Zambia… Hey check out my new hairdo… just go to this site:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BcuGbZuzZMcO

-Rosalie

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Hurricane Katrina

March 1st, 2006 by rosaliemaduro

In Sept. 2005, I volunteered to rescue animals left homeless by Hurricane Katrina.  It was truly an amazing experience and I had high hopes for the future.  Yet, here we are, it’s March 2006, months later and the problem is much worse than I anticipated.   Now there are more puppies born as a result of Katrina, but no one wants to claim them.  The rescue effort is very much alive and in need of more supporters.  If you are interested in learning how you can help, please contact the A Forever Home ( http://aforeverhome.org/ ).  Thank you!

Lots of love,

Rosalie

From:  Rosalie Maduro <rosalie_maduro@yahoo.com>
To:  rosalie_maduro@hotmail.com
Subject:  The Lost Town of Pearlington
Date:  Thu, 22 Sep 2005 21:59:20 -0700 (PDT)
Dear Friends and Family,
On Thursday, September 8th I received an email from my friend, Randy, asking if I would be interested in driving to Mississippi and Louisiana to pick up pets left homeless by Hurrricane Katrina. The plan was to leave on Friday and come back on Sunday evening.  Without thinking twice I volunteered to help with the transport even though I had just returned from a couple weeks of surfing in Maui and golfing in Scottsdale - Ok I was still exhausted :- ).  Having lived through floods in the Philippines, volunteered in orphanages in Africa and Asia, I figured I was well equipped (mentally and physically) to handle the strains brought on by the disastrous hurricane.  So after countless hours in a car with 3 girlfriends (Randy, Danielle, Taryn - all of whom were Environmental Lawyers from DC) and following two trucks with no clear destination, we finally decided to settle in the town of Pearlington, Mississippi.  Pati, from the A Forever Home Foundation which was coordinating this trip, heard from her contact that this town was in dire need of help.  That contact was right (see CNN Article on Pearlington: http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/20/forgotten.town.ap/index.html).
As we entered Pearlington, not a single building/house was intact.  There were boats and cars everywhere, even on trees.  There were debris mounting on both sides of the road and as far as the eyes could see.  Every movement kicked up dust and mud.  I have witnessed scenes like this before, but never expected it in the US.  We were in the middle of nowhere, no electricity, no running water, no cellphone reception, and definitely no Starbucks. 
Across from the old Firehouse was the make-shift staging area set up by volunteers who came from Orlando, Florida.  With them was a vet named Dr. Ann Scholl and her Vet tech, Yadi.  There were dogs everywhere; tied to whatever could prevent them from running away again.  There were hundreds of pounds of food, leashes and collars, water bowls, treats, latex gloves, hand sanitizers, and other necessary supplies left in a stockpile.  In the midst of all this chaos was a man (in his 60s) named Sam Bailey who, with Kendra Williams of Mandeville, LA, was doing his best to manage the animal rescue efforts in Pearlington.  It did not take long for us to realize that there was no one in charge in this devastated town.  Volunteer groups that expected to load their trucks with animals and drive back home were asked to catch the hundreds of hungry and thirsty animals roaming everywhere.  Members of the A Forever Home and DC Humane Society couldn’t stay and headed back to DC with the 20 dogs cleared for travel by Dr. Ann (for images of these animals, please go to http://aforeverhome.org/default.asp?id=AvailDB1&PageNum=1&status=Katrina).
My girlfriends and I decided to stay and help with putting order in the staging area as well as "wrangling" the animals.  We slept in a tent in an elementary school protected by the National Guard and lived on Oreos, chips, Wheat Thins, and the occasional hot meals from the Salvation Army. 
Throughout our time in Pearlington, there were about 10 of us working around the clock, catching dogs off the streets with only a leash, giving them their rabies & other shots, treating them for ailments, photographing and documenting the dogs (so owners can reclaim them), building kennels to put them in, trying to provide shade from the 100 degree sun, walking and feeding them, cleaning poop from their crates (we couldn’t walk fast enough), etc.  It was a race for time as the county had reportedly instituted a plan to euthanize animals within 10 days of catching them.  No one slept or stopped working, and luckily vans dropped by to pick up dogs "sorta" regularly. We caught, treated, and sent out (to foster homes or shelters) about 250 dogs.  There were still hundreds running the streets with no food or water other than what we would leave for them.  They were also beginning to form packs, which obviously makes catching them much more difficult.   By the time we left, a couple of VMAT vets were taking over for Dr Ann who has been there for over a week.  Volunteer vets (coordinated by Pets and Animals in Distress) were scheduled to relieve them in a few days.
It was truly one of the most emotionally and physically draining experiences in my life.  The conditions were unimaginable but I think the images and descriptions in this link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BcuGbZuzZMlE

should provide you with some details  (please copy and paste the link into your browser)
As you view the images please note the following information about Perlington (a town not even on most maps):
Pearlington is a census-designated place located in Hancock County, Mississippi. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 1,684. The median income for a household in the CDP is $31,224, and the median income for a family is $36,711. Males have a median income of $32,450 versus $25,948 for females.  The per capita income for the CDP is $14,040. 17.6% of the population and 18.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.0% of those under the age of 18 and 22.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
The people of Perlington had very little even before the eye of Hurricane Katrina hit the town directly with winds of 150mph.  The whole town was flooded with 25 ft of water. There really is no town to speak of anymore. It has been completely obliterated. In the last few days since I returned to DC, I have allowed myself a few moments to cry for the people and animals of Pearlington. Then I think about everyone who came to help (local cops, the cops from AL and FL, Dr. Ann and Yadi, all the volunteers, local residents who gave what little they had to help, the Natl Guard, FEMA). I think about the local woman (a complete stranger) who comforted me as I cried after giving up a dog that I fell in love with (I just couldn’t foster him with my current schedule). She gave me a hug and said "Thank you so much for being here for us and our animals.  I have 10 animals and they are the reason why I stayed here".   I think about Sam who received a gift of fresh ham from a grateful neighbor, but instead of bringing it home to his wife, he gave it to a family of 10 living in a tent.  I think about Kendra who, despite suffering from breast cancer, manages to find the strength to coordinate with Sam and house hundreds of animals in her own kennel.  The images of destruction, of humans with haunted looks in their eyes as they told their stories of miraculous survival and great loss, of tired, scared and hungry animals, of desperate volunteers running to save as many lives as they could, and of the stench of death that still lingered in certain neighborhoods will haunt me for a very long time.  But there are also images that tell inspiring stories of survival of people and animals faced with such great adversity.  Amidst such wretched state of devastation and despair is the bittersweet promise of hope and faith.  And when I close my eyes to sleep, I take comfort in the strength of the human spirit and the gift of compassion.
- Rosalie
PS - A few amazing stories
Sam Bailey - He is the president of Ponchartrain Humane Society in Pearlington Mississippi.  Sam and his wife decided to ride out the storm with their pets, when a 20 foot tidal surge wave of water broke through their windows and doors and washed through their home like a river. Luckily both Sam and his wife were able to save themselves and their pets by pulling themselves out of the rising water and climbing into their attic. All survived the catastrophic disaster, while many of their neighbors and pets did not. Sam and his wife Lynn lost everything they owned to Katrina, but Sam was spending his time helping the animals and his community rather than starting on rebuilding his own life.  As soon as he was able to make a phone call, he called his daughter in Massachusetts and gave her his email address and password. His daughter then contacted numerous organizations.  Her plea reached Pets & Animals in Distress which then sent out emails to thousands of other animal rescue groups.  Through their efforts, they were able to secure donations and volunteers (including the vets) from Fort Lauderdale, Pompano, Port Saint Lucie, and Fort Pierce for Pearlington. 
I had the chance to ride with Sam in his van and observe on my second day in Pearlington.  Everyone (including the Natl Guard, FEMA, Red Cross, Animal Control,etc) came to Sam for information, direction, help with rescuing animals and burying dead animals. I could tell he was starting to get overwhelmed, but he was extremely dedicated.  He worked all the time, even on his wife’s birthday. 
Kendra Williams - works with Sam Baily for the Ponchartrain Humane Society in Pearlington Mississippi. She is in her early 30s and has cancer on both breasts.  Her kennel, 60 miles East of Pearlington, is serving as a holding facility for hundreds of animals. Everyday she came to Pearlington to help out with whatever needed to get done.  If you want to know how to help her and Sam, below is their contact information:
Lansas Kennels
C/O Kendra - Sam
23015 Kilgore Street
Mandeville, LA 70471
985-246-9388 or 985-892-8168
Dr. Ann – amazing vet from Orlando, Florida who came (in a rented RV) at such short notice and brought other volunteers and medical supplies with her.  She and Yadi (her vet tech) cared for all the animals that were rescued. She was extremely patient with everyone and even stayed for a few more days to train the VMAT vets who were taking over for her.  Other members of her team (Mark, Rance, Boyd, etc) came in big trucks with food and water which they distributed everyday in Pearlington and other neighboring towns. Others came to rescue and capture the animals.
Pets & Animals in Distress - headed by Brenda and her husband Don secured donations and volunteers from Fort Lauderdale, Pompano, Port Saint Lucie, and Fort Pierce. Don, along with friend Chris, loaded up relief supplies in a Ryder truck and headed to Mississippi to help in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.  Chris and Don were so kind to give me a ride to Pensacola where, with help from Brenda, I was able to get the first available flight back home to DC.  Thank you so much Chris, Don, and Brenda!!!

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My First Trip to Ethiopia - AAFA 06/2004

November 26th, 2005 by rosaliemaduro

Hello Folks,

It’s me again.  This time with tales and pictures from my trip to Ethiopia.
After a few days of rest and basking in the tranquility of my friend’s NY Lake house, I am happy to report that I have recovered from the jetlag and whatever ailment befell me upon my return to the US.  I do not think I have malaria, although the malaria pills I have to take for the next 4 weeks are giving me nightmares and making me even more psychotic .
As you know, I volunteered to help my friend’s mom (Cheryl) bring back 4 infants, a 2 year old, and a 7 year old from Ethiopia to New York.  We delivered them to their new parents.  I initially thought that traveling with 6 children couldn’t possibly be that bad.  I mean, it’s about a 14 - 16 hour flight time and I figured the babies would spend the whole time sleeping.  So I got ready by wearing my relax jeans, my most comfortable Farragamo loafers, and wore no make up at all!  I even checked in all of my luggage and had only my backpack on me (no last minute airport shopping for Rosie).  Well, I had a very rude awakening soon enough!  I should have realized what I was up against when 3 nuns came up to me and said they will pray for me  (honestly!!!) upon seeing me with the 6 children.
So the night started off with Cheryl thinking she lost her passport as we were checking in (she eventually found it after 15 minutes of frantic search).  During this time, the babies decided they were hungry.  Cheryl instructed me to prepare the formula.  Formula?  Huh?  So there I was surrounded by strollers and a 7 year old who could not stand still as I prepared my very first baby formula.  I think there was more powder on the floor than in the bottle but the babies seemed to have enjoyed it   so I was pretty proud of myself by this time.
I do not know at what point it happened but somehow we ended up with so many carry-on bags (and no they were not all mine!) while pushing two double strollers and a single stroller.  How we managed to repeatedly fold/unfold the strollers while carrying the babies individually through security, I really do not remember.  I found myself in a dazed, wondering if this was one wacky dream.  I remember standing inside the plane with babies in both arms waiting for the seating arrangements to be finalized (I think the flight was actually delayed by 30 minutes).   The kids were actually not so bad once the plane took off.  They only cried when they needed food and a change.  Ok, I did not think about the pamper changing experience ahead of time.  It was certainly one of the most traumatic experiences of my life and I’m sure for the kids as well.  I had never seen pampers up close and personal before!!!!  It was NOT very cool  (definitely nothing like walking my dog) and I think it was right about this time when I vowed never to have any kids of my own  .
And of course, although the children were very cute and adorable (especially when they were clean) they really made a mess of the plane. The floor was covered in rice, juice, crackers, and stinky blankets. I was also very worried that the seatbelts would not hold the babies in place so I watched them like a hawk; some people thought they were my kids (especially with the cornrows on my head).  Needless to say I did not sleep much and I was looking quite ragged by this time.  Can you imagine these 6 cute little bundles bringing Princess Rosie down to her knees?  I wanted a stiff drink.  No, I wanted a manicure, a facial, and a massage.  I wanted my knight to come and rescue me from this never-ending, somewhat loud, nightmare.  There were times when I just felt helpless and almost in tears while attempting to console the upset children.  They did not speak a word of English and I did not speak their language.  However, some of the Ethiopian passengers were kind enough to speak to them and alleviate some of their confusion and fear.  Some even helped us push them through the immigration and customs.   But honestly, despite the chaos and exhaustion, this was certainly the best part of my African trip (even better than bungee jumping into the Zambezi River!).   Nothing can compare to the happiness I felt when I watched the children greet their new families.  There was so much love from people whom, until that day, have never physically seen these children.  It felt so good to know that they will no longer be hungry and alone, that they now have somewhere to call home with parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins…All thanks to a program called the Americans for African Adoption, Inc (http://www.africanadoptions.org/) which was established by Cheryl Carter-Shotts of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Cheryl adopted my friend, Mohammed, from the Saharan desert 20 years ago (you may have heard or seen his story on 60 minutes, Dateline, and Oprah).  She then went on to establish the Americans for African Adoption, Inc to help these unfortunate children displaced by war, and for the most part, economic and social circumstances beyond their control.  All of the children we brought back from Ethiopia were abandoned by their mothers; a few were given away, while the rest were left for dead in the garbage. Today, the Americans for African Adoption (AFAA), Inc operates in several countries including Ethiopia, Liberia, Mali, Uganda, etc. The 4 bedroom AFAA house in Ethiopia is home to almost 50 children of ages up to 15 years along with their 9 house mothers who are charged with caring for them 24 hours a day. It is very cramped and warm (there is no AC in this neighborhood).  Electricity is sporadic so we’re never sure of the availability of hot water.  The AFAA house does not have reliable transportation (the import tax of 170% does not allow the limited AFAA budget for the purchase of a car conducive for driving in the rocky dirt side roads) hence it relies heavily on taxis and help from local volunteers.  Most Ethiopians do not speak English so catching a cab on the road isn’t exactly simple.  Because of increased crimes, walking is not advisable.   
I spent most of my time in Ethiopia in the orphanage with the children.  I have seen poverty in my previous trips to Asia and Mexico but I have never been so close to it.  I watched the children in silence and listened to their stories.  One infant was missing an arm; another was found dying of starvation; some were orphaned when parents died of AIDS.  Each child had his/her own tragic story etched in his/her beautiful little face… One cannot possibly escape the sorrow and fear in their vulnerable eyes.  I do not think they know how lucky they are to be alive.  Perhaps it is not luck at all, but a strength in character that wills them to survive in such dire conditions.  The AFAA House, with the dedication and diligence of Cheryl and her staff, nurtures that will and provides these children a second chance at life.  Currently, all but one of the children in the Ethiopian AFAA House has adopted parents waiting in the US.  For every child placed in the US, there are probably 100 waiting to take his/her place in the orphanage.  Unfortunately, those thousands who test HIV positive will never make it to this orphanage and will never be placed.
In all of my life, I have watched friends and family strive so hard for financial success.  Sometimes, no amount is ever enough.  I do not think there’s anything wrong with this definition of success.  I, myself, have been accused of using materialism and financial success to validate personal success.  However, it was so humbling to watch these children at the orphanage.  It took very little to make them happy.  They needed only a few things in life:  a roof over their head, rice to eat, and a little bit of love.  So nowadays, when I’m a bit sad, I think of those children and remember how lucky I am.  I may not have a lot, but I do have all the things in life that count, that make this life worth living. Please review the pictures I have attached and read through my little descriptions. Simply go to:            

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeAuXDNs3ZsmMB

(If you can’t click on this link, try copying and pasting it on your web browser.)   
And when you are done, I hope that you will take a few minutes out of your busy schedules to visit the website for Americans for African Adoption, Inc (http://www.africanadoptions.org/) to discover how you can help in the plight of these children, maybe even make a donation.  You do not have to make a difference in a million lives…sometimes one life is enough.  Thank you!
Lots of love,
Rosalie

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