Tuesday's Roller Coaster

Got up by 5:30am when the roaster was crowing and our neighbor was out planting what we haven’t quite figured out is either corn or sugar cane. But the way he plants is quite unique. He comes out to the weed patch, takes off his worn high tops, and bends over with a hand sickle in his hand to wack away the weeds before planting. He continues to do this all day long in the hot Haitian sun and has cleared a patch about 30 x 30 feet during our weeks stay. While we waited for the guys to get back with four new tires on Marie’s large truck we spent the morning inventorying and packing all activities we never got to this week, sharing devotions and praying. The next group will have plenty to do and when we come back in June. You learn very quickly that one must relax and go with the flow around here. Flexibility is definitely the word of the day! Then it was off to the adventures of the day. First stop was Marie’s sister tent camp. Unfortunately, she was in the states, so we said hello to a few people, visited the make shift church and prayed for all of them. We then left to journey to the iron works area where artists make beautiful pieces of art out of 55 gallon used drums. So off we went, traffic being more than any traffic jam one has ever experienced in the states. At one intersection, that actually had a traffic light, we sat waiting for an hour plus, only to turn into another “stand still” traffic jam, four cars deep. While waiting, we learned how to strip sugar cane, get on and off a Tap Tap (Haitian Taxi), make Haitian snow cones, how many UN and Haitian policeman it takes to direct traffic, just how much diesel fumes one person can inhale before passing out and just how long it takes for your toes to burn in the Haitian sun. What a learning! Shortly after all of this, we turned left and realized after traveling about half a block in one half hour that the iron works area was still very far away and we were not destine to make it there today. Pulled out of traffic, made a U-turn and headed back to Marie’s. Stopped on the way home at a bakery to get the girls a cake and us some fries and a coke. How refreshing it was to walk into our first air conditioned building. We watched as a young woman made crepes on a flat griddle and filled them with “Big Mac” sauce, ham, cheese and hot sauce. We decided that must be a “Haitian Cuban Sandwich”. To Marie’s then to gather all sponsor gifts, cross necklaces and toys. Back to the orphanage to have a wonderful evening of giving. Each girl sat down in her place and came one at a time for a sponsor gift and a small gift from a mission team that was staying at Hope House this week. We all took turns putting cross necklaces on each girl and hugging and telling them we love them. All of a sudden rain started to fall heavily. So we waited for it to let up and moved quickly back to Marie’s in between the rain fall. Unfortunately, darkness came quickly and we were unable to get back to the orphanage to give them their “pink” cake. We will get back to it tomorrow.
Yesterday was a roller coaster of emotions. The truck journey was more than “our first” timer hearts could take. What our eyes took in was beyond more emotions that we could feel. One wonders if God has forgotten this country. But the time spent with the girls renewed our faith in Him. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti and tell all who will listen of their plight. God Bless you for your continued support.
Renee