The Second Trip

Sitting here on the last night wondering where the week went. It is difficult to separate the days, everything runs together. I was wondering how the second trip to Haiti would differ from the trip a little over three weeks ago. For the most part the orphanage, city, and Marie’s have all looked the same, and work is work. What has changed is my sensitivity to the environment. Earlier in the week Jim made a comment that stuck with me. He was talking about becoming accustomed to the dirt, traffic, noise and all, and whether it was a good thing or not. One of the things that bothered and humbled me during the last trip was that there were very few times when it was quiet. During the day, traffic noise, construction noise, people going about their day noise, etc. At night, generators, dogs, roosters (thank the Lord that young lady had her baby) and people going about their night noise, etc. When times became tough due to the noise or whatever I would think about the thousands of people living in the tent camps and my problems seem quite insignificant. I can say for certain that I have become accustomed to and have accepted that all you experience in Haiti is a normal and admirable way of life for the people of Haiti. So in a way I have become desensitized and that is a good thing.
A little while ago we returned from the orphanage to say our goodbyes. For me this is the part of the trip I have been dreading. I have always felt uncomfortable when saying goodbye. Most of the girls were in the bedroom watching a movie when we arrived. Everyone spread out in the room to mingle and get a few more lasting hugs. I sat for awhile admiring the girls as they enjoyed their movie, exchanged a few smiles and glances, and then slipped away to the kitchen area. A few minutes later one of the older girls came out, spotted me in at the edge of the building and came over to say goodbye, that’s all it took, tears. Also for certain this second time around, my love and compassion for the girls and the Haitian people in general has strengthened. I will be back.