9 American Women, 27 suitcases, and a Stick Shift Truck

Finally all settled in after a very long day starting at 3:00 a.m. for most of us. Everyone arrived on time and met Patty and Jim to start the process of checking in. Some of us said hello for the first time to Catrina Greeno and Lori Bird. Checking in went fairly well considering there were 18 max-ed out bags. Our flight to Ft. Lauderdale ran a little late but made our layover a bit shorter. Our flight to Haiti was short and uneventful…that of course gave us a false sense of security upon landing and proceeding to customs. Had Patty not given us a heads up on what lay ahead, most of us would have turned around and gotten back on the plane. However, everyone stepped up to the plate maneuvering carts, the crowd, and the unbearable heat. We managed to walk to our truck, load it up, and jumped in. We found solace in the relative safety of our vehicle and handlers (Rene & Ethan). It was quite a ride to Marie’s. As one could imagine what has happened here, the Haitian people continue by sheer will and faith to eke out a life worth living. I personally could not fathom how my presence would make life better for them. Upon arriving at Marie’s, we quickly dropped our bags and went to see the “girls.” To see them made the strife of the day melt away. They were so very happy to see us…some of us for the first time! I am now known as “Miki Mama” and waited for my turn at hugs and kisses after…Miki got hers. The girls returned the favor of sweet treats by singing us a song, “I Am So Happy to See You.” Do you know that they sing in harmony without even knowing it? It’s so beautiful; I think it is in their genes. Well this weary blogger is about to hit the sack…everyone is fine, tired but fine. A good night sleep will do everyone well and we look forward to all that God has planned for us here.

Miki Mama,
Karen Campbell

Another day in Paradise ( I Think )

Things are quite different down here without Jim and the boys. For dinner last night Marie broke out the T-Bone steaks, twice baked potatoes, fresh asparagus, and a nice chilled salad. All pared well with the wine selection. After dinner we enjoyed watching the World Cup on the big screen while savoring our Key Lime pie. Bed came early after such a fine and filling meal. A little rough during the night, I had to get up and turn up the central air, Ethan must have been the one to set the thermostat at 60, sure glad I had the down comforter…. Then I awoke to the sound of the rooster. Dream or reality I’ll never tell. Up at 5:24, still able to make the coffee thanks to the inverter (no city power again last night), Morning Prayer, finish the book of Job and start Psalms. Blueberry pancakes all around. The young one downstairs ended up pretty sticky after eating pancakes as finger food. Ethan received a call from Andronic the young interpreter used on occasion by Impact and the other groups that stay here at Marie’s, Andronic stated he was on his way and would see us in a few minutes. Due to the traffic he arrived about two hours later. We had a nice talk about his dream to study medicine in the US and his desire to return to Haiti and open a clinic. Like all too often in Haiti the passion to succeed is strong but the funding is weak. Andronic was able to fill my request for two Haitian Creole Bibles (sorry Chris Ethan has yours) and I also received a bonus gift, a small paperback entitled “ Angle’ pou tout moun” which should help with the Creole lessons. Andronic bailed about 1:00, he was going to try to watch today’s World Cup match. I offered to let him stay and watch it with us on the big screen but he didn’t seem too interested. Ethan and I are going over to orphanage to try the new drain system and inspect yesterday’s concrete pour on the new quarters then another fabulous dinner and packing. As with past trips tonight’s goodbye session with the girls will be so bitter sweet. What keeps me grounded though is the fact that I will be back. Tim /Not Bob.

Day 7 - Monday June 14th 2010

Got up today with big plans in mind. Got over to the church around 8 and starting building the trench for the drain that we were putting in the church. Chrisnell was a giant help since both my dad and I were beat from saturday and sunday. Worked on the drain pretty much all day, haven’t gotten a chance to try it out yet but i am sure it will do just fine. Came back around 1 not knowing what time it was and had lunch. Gina cooked up spaghetti which was just needed to recharge my batteries. Got city power for a little bit today, probably just long enough to charge up the batteries on the inverter. Well the bugs are getting bad and its real humid so we are going to bed soon. probably gonna post pictures on facebook tomorrow to let everyone know how building is going and how the girls are still the cutest things ever.

Day 6 - Sunday June 13th 2010

Woke up today around 6. It seems like I would be super tired but i guess when you go to bed around 9 you get enough sleep. Time seems different down here. It reminds me of the transition between Taylor Ridge and Chicago. It moves slow down here. I like it but still am used to the fast paced lifestyle but I am slowing down. Went to church today didn’t understand a lot of it but what I did get was Philippians 2:5-8. We also sung a song I recognized “Just a closer walk with thee”. It was reassuring to hear it because it reminded me of home. After church my dad and I came back and took a nap...we took full advantage of our day of rest. I find myself counting down the days until I leave. not because I want to leave but I want to keep track and relish the time I have left with the girls. To my Mom and Shannon please bring a straight jacket because you will need it to pull me away from the girls. I am tearing up just thinking of when I have to leave. Its looked like it is going to rain all day today but it hasn’t yet. Well both my dad and I are going to bed early tonight so we are just waiting for it to get dark.

Concrete Relationships

We can’t really talk about the heat, dust, and smell anymore – but we want to. We did allow the rooster into Marie’s complex for several minutes this morning (for real), but Gina had already bought the two chickens that were to be our dinner. So, I guess we have one more morning of Haiti’s built in alarm clock. With Jim Meyer’s tour repertoire exhausted, we were destined to a day of mixing, hauling, and pouring the new concrete floor for the orphanage dormitory. What started out as a helping hand ended up with a bunch of fifty and sixty year old men (throw in a couple younger) trying to relive their youth for close to six hours in the tropical sun. As the piles thinned and the floor expanded, our shirts turned into wet rags and our leg and arm hairs congealed into some sort of concrete mix. Despite this, our new girl friends were oblivious to our outward appearance, smell and wet bodies. Our breaks were filled with piles of young girls stacked two, three, and four deep. Endless Gatorades, Cokes and waters were shared by all as we replenished ourselves. Haitian tempers flared momentarily as the cement mixer ran out of gas and the crew was forced to take an unplanned break. The Americans from Chicago didn’t show their tempers at all.
Another crew of Chicagoans from Wheatland Salem Church showed up at 3:30 with Pizza, cupcakes, guitars, and new dresses. Suddenly our smelly bodies were not as appealing. But, when the kids brandished their new clothes, smiles and full tummies we were encouraged and blessed. The worship music that the kids sang was a glimpse of heaven that literally filled our hearts.
Dinner tonight (yes chicken – not rooster), black rice, carrots, green beans and squash was outstanding. The showers were warm as the Haitian sun had beat down on the 400 gallon tubs on the top of Marie’s home. As I write this we are once again sharing in fellowship, listening to worship music and talking about our new memories. I do love Haiti.
-Andy Code