Day three -- Friday

Friday morning has come after hours of rain last night. Thunder included. As I heard the pounding rain all I could think about was the thousands of people trying to withstand the pouring under their cardboard make shift tent. I feel like we are part of the elite living here. Yesterday flew by for me. This is not uncommon. While life is very slow here, the days go quickly. I had several hours alone with Marie and we had a wonderful conversation. She needed additional confirmation that rebuilding IS a reality. She says she still can’t believe that it will really happen. I tried to tell her about all the amazing people who have donated and care about her and the girls welfare. We realize that she has been living here trying to survive and get thru the day, while I have been on the receiving end of things. It still makes me sit it awe at all that has transpired the last, almost two months, at the outpouring of generous hearts. I hope many are reading this to confirm to them that THEY are a vital part of this reality. I guess I can’t expect Marie to feel that. I’ve told her many stories about the schools who have done collections in addition to Wheatland Salem and other churches, as well. She just shakes her head and then lies her head down on the table trying to take it all in.

The Pastor from COENHA came to visit and I was able to talk with him through Marie translating for a couple hours, as well. His needs are SO great. All he had on hand were bags of rice and water. The skinny mattresses that he had are ruined and rotting. He needed toothbrushes/paste, bar soap, all things we had brought and able to supply. We filled a big sack for him with raisins, granola bars, etc. and Marie gave him a gallon size can of mixed vegetables. He was so thankful to also receive money to go and purchase some thin mattress pads that they have here and more food for the children. We will be going to his orphanage this morning to play with the children, take photos, and we’ve packed a bin of new clothes.

Helicopters continue to go overhead thru out the day – which is really my only sign that something unusual is happening in Haiti. Otherwise, it feels like it usually does – only more bricks lying about.

The girls were in their glory as Joan and Jeneane spent hours there yesterday playing everything imaginable. They have already fallen in love with the girls and know many by name. Last night at dinner they both told Marie they suspect this won’t be their only trip to Haiti. We had a wonderful dinner last night of chicken and vegetables. We were eating like savages, although very aware what sat before us exceeded what 99% of the country was eating. Marie told us stories of her life after dinner and had all of us laughing. She herself was laughing so hard. Then she said it has been so long since she has laughed, that life really must be getting OK!

Debbie came to visit for a short time with a team of about 10 medical people from Georgia. They had been working downtown PAP and came for a visit. This group has done medical clinics for Lazarus Project on several other occasions. It was very refreshing to see them.

So far the bugs have been behaving and not affecting us. We feel at home. Last night we heard singing and across from Marie’s house, where they slept in the gravel, there was a gathering of people singing praises. When I went to bed I could hear others singing in the distance. Marie said that the entire nation has united in their faith and that rumor has is that VOO-DOO is over. The President and high officials kneeled in front of a gathering of people to proclaim their faith. She feels the country is finally together and people say there is a “new Haiti.”

Time to hit the bath bucket and get this day started. We are doing well, despite the heat, and have more plans and desires that will be possible to get in – time is going so fast.

I must end by sharing this visual for you. Joan brought a ukulele and sat down on the ground in front of Marie’s gate and began playing to two of the children walking by. Before you knew it there were 10+ kids grinning ear to ear as she taught them “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes”. All you could see were big huge smiles and these children doing all the motions and singing. After about the third round they were singing it in English and following every movement. It was SO dear. I got the SHEER JOY of giving them each a piece of Bubble Gum and watch them skip off – looking back at us with big smiles. Joan is truly a “kid magnet”. What a blessing.

May each of you know that part of you was brought here with me and I know that is what sustains me and makes the love I have overflow for the people around me.