SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
I looked forward to today knowing the children would be home from school and we would have the whole day to interact. I should have known that the majority of the day, however, is spent cleaning their room, hand washing their clothes, re-braiding their hair for church and possibly the hair of a younger child. This includes even the younger boys, who are responsible for washing their socks and underwear in a bucket. Seemed everywhere I wandered there was action. I was SO impressed with their diligence and level or responsibility.
At one point I saw a huddle of at least 15 girls with everyone talking at once. In the center was one of the Nannies who was giving out new barrette’s for their hair. Since I couldn’t understand a word being said, I assumed they were all pleading their need and style preference. Then a packet of rubber bands for their hair was given to one of the older girls who was flocked as she divided them into even piles on the floor for individual distribution. After all, one must have their hair adorned properly.
I sought out a few kids to give them the letter I had received from their sponsor. I try so hard to have it be a one on one time between me and the child – but the others seem to find us. Everyone gets so excited to see the photos of the sponsors. It’s turned into quite the highlight for the children. Now I’m dealing with, “Will my sponsor send a photo?” or “When will my sponsor come to New Life?” Always difficult questions to answer.
About 10 of the older boys were gone all morning to a special trade school. Most of them are in a plumbing class or learning tire repair. It was encouraging to see that they are getting prepared for life beyond the security fence by learning additional skills.
I loved listening and watching the children play. Their imaginations were flowing and I couldn’t take in enough. If ONLY I understood Creole!! This old dog, just can’t learn any new tricks. I’m terrible about learning the language. I figure if I only have a limited amount of viable brain space left – I better save it for something I might really need to remember! I posted my first video on Facebook – I’m really going places in the technical world! It was of some of the little ones playing. I taught two of them to say “I love you.” in English yesterday so they repeated it back so cute in the video that I had to share.
Whenever they see me coming with my big shoulder bag, TOO MANY come running. Some get excited to do a dot-to-dot, color a page, do a Word Search or this time I brought math sheets from Kindergarten to about 8th grade. The older children actually took the challenge of a math sheet and wanted their sponsor to see their great work. Then of course, you have those who come running knowing the chances are pretty great there is a piece of bubble gum or candy somewhere in all that mess.
It’s difficult to spend quality time with 97 children – but I gave it my best shot. I would be lying to say it was all bliss. I actually had to threaten a “time out” here and there when I got overwhelmed with repeat offenders. But all know they are dearly loved.
In the late afternoon Rene’ took me to pick up ice cream for our party tomorrow. We are having hotdogs and ice cream as a treat tomorrow, in addition to celebrating Lulu’s (a guest at New Life) birthday. Every time I am in the street and outside the peaceful setting of New Life I’m reminded of the REAL life. Despite being in Haiti probably 20 times now over the past five years – I still stare at the activity on the street with disbelief and remind myself this IS life in Haiti day after day after day. Mounds of garbage here and there, a piece of tin being supported by four, thin sticks hoping to provide shade for the person who will sit under it on the sidewalk to sell whatever they might have to sell, someone urinating in the sewer that runs by, young, young barefoot children trying to wash off your windows if you are a stop – hoping to get money for food. The sidewalks are packed with people, horns are honking non-stop – although each toot has a universal meaning to all. I have seen the same homeless man laying in the same spot against a brick wall in a fetal position at every visit. I’ve started looking for him on every visit, to be sure he is still alive. Today was no exception.
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