I write this from the airport in Haiti. We have made it to this point on our journey home. No one felt able to ‘blog’ last night due to mental and physical exhaustion – a common combination. Yesterday was our last full day to maximize our efforts and experience. Renee, Karen and Diane volunteered to stay back to organize the menagerie of crafts and ESL materials which we had utilized during the week. Those of us who don’t have the gift or organization or desire took a trip to the “sea”. We loaded into the pick-up truck with Patty, my God child, to add to the fun and off we went. It was about a 45 minute drive through several other small towns, if you will. Burros with homemade saddles carrying the load of their leader were more apparent in this area. The level of poverty, which at this point is hard to categorize - as what word describes worse than horrid. More children running naked, more elderly just sitting along the road – more open fields with beautiful mountains in the background. Frequently we would see a lone man using a hand tool to prepare a little plot of land for planting. His efforts in the blazing sun were representing his hope of growing something to sustain him. Horses, cattle and sheep speckled the hillside. We shared our smiles, waves and “bon jour” to those along the road, some received them enthusiastically, while others had the look of “why bother, nothing changes.” We saw a significantly populated tent city which had a large cardboard sign displayed by the road which read “We need help.” Their plea made me want to sob at their desperation. Memories of our tour of the capital the day before came to mind where we saw NOTHING being done to restore the city - the rubble lying where it fell and NO equipment to remove it, let alone rebuild. Who will possibly remember the thousands of these remote people?
Soon into our drive we could see the Caribbean Sea whose beauty drew all our attention. When we finally arrived we stood before the shore and within seconds most were running into the water, clothes and all. It was actually too warm to bring refreshment, but clear and welcoming. It made my heart sing in a “motherly way” to see the smiles on Miki and Bridgette’s face, as their heads poked out of the water. Some walked the shore (in the rocks) hoping for a treasure. A fish bit Ethan’s nipple – which brought him out of the water very quickly! The view of the mountains meeting the sea was totally magnificent. We could see huge homes along the coast, which Frenzie explained were “weekend homes” for wealthy Haitians. The disparity once again bringing us confusion.
We returned back to Bon Repos feeling refreshed, quite sun burn, dried skin from the salt water and I was feeling a bit guilty for the amazing time, wishing the girls at the orphanage had come along. (I must add that Rene and Frenzey were like fish in the water. They had contests of who could hold their breath under water the longest while doing a hand stand. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much.) I had the sheer joy of Patty falling asleep in my arms in the back of the pickup truck. She was like a limp noodle and totally unaffected by the belting rain that stun like B B shot and pot holes that sent us bouncing out of our seat!
When we returned to Marie’s we found Pastor Wislet had come to visit and the three team members who stayed back had the gift of learning more about the Pastor and the struggles he faces trying to keep his 35 children fed and clothed. The members were very touched at his faith toward trusting in God to provide. His needs are many. I might add that the obedience of his children and their gratitude was very apparent and touching during our visit on Sunday. We will wait and see who God uses to provide and enrich the lives of these innocent children.
Late afternoon we headed to the orphanage for our final time with the girls. We had a lesson in ESL with exceptional results. It was helpful to evaluate their existing skills to determine where to go from here. The youngest girls became a bit rambunctious and “Sister Patty” had to pull in the reins as their pseudo Mom. Being firm with them isn’t always easy for me.
We had the joy of giving the older girls English/Creole dictionaries which were donated by Oxford University Press in New York. They looked thru the picture dictionaries with such interest and so proud to have a book to call their own.
By having Andy as our translator, we had the sheer joy of having a discussion with the 15 oldest girls. We asked them how they felt about the groups who come to visit. They were unanimous in reporting their excitement. They asked about specific “missionaries” and it was very cool to hear who they were curious about learning more about. Lori spoke with them about the earthquake, i.e. where they were when it occurred, how they felt, and how they feel about it now. In general they shared their fear at the time it occurred, but none reported any existing apprehension. Then we asked each girl to name something she would like to have. Underwear was the #1 request – followed by barrettes. Shoes and clothes were a popular request, as well. I’m pretty sure that’s a genetic given! They get so excited over a new outfit and shoes – and the only place they have to wear them is on their own premises to church. A confirmation that is DOES matter to them how they look, just like it does to us.
Merlinda, the oldest spoke up on behalf of the girls and thanked us with such sincerity. She elaborated that they look forward to teams visiting and how sad they feel when they leave. By the time she finished with her heartfelt words, she had tears flowing down her cheeks as did her sister Michelle and of course some of us as well. To be able to communicate what they are thinking thru translation was such a gift. When I asked the three oldest if they had a dream – they immediately answered “yes.” All three want to be able to go to college.
Then the dreaded final goodbyes had to take place. The girls stood in a long line as we hugged each one goodbye. We expressed our love and assured them of God’s love as well. Several of the younger girls began to cry as well, which made us feel even worse to see them so sad. When Michelle whispered to me, “Don’t ever leave us.” I proceeded to a full blown sob. We walked back to Marie’s looking like a pack of mourners.
The rest of the evening was spent packing for our departure and sharing our thoughts of the week’s experiences. Before leaving for Haiti, we each had been given a “prayer rock” with a name of a specific team member. We went around the table and shared who that person was and what we had prayed on their behalf. All of the many gifts each member shared with the group during the week were recognized and surely appreciated. It’s amazing what God can do when we respond to His calling and work together for His good.
Without a doubt – lives were changed – mainly ours. Despite our best intentions and efforts to give ourselves away to the people of Haiti – they give it back to us 10 fold. On the way to the airport this morning we took in the same scenes of poverty that exist day after day after day. To me, it felt so disheartening. Then I had to remind myself that God sent us to Haiti to plant His seeds and share His love. Or, could it be the other way around and now we are to return home and share the abundant love we received.
Many thanks to those who spent the time to read our entries as we shared our daily experiences. I must add that we are delayed in Miami airport due to the weather as I finish this entry. So, home sweet home is still our desire. With mosquito bites, heat rash, sunburn and changed hearts we re-enter life as we know it.
Patty
**We are now home – and I am FINALLY sending this to blog land. After a good night of rest without bugs I step back into a very complex life, leaving simplicity behind.
6.24.2010
6.21.2010
Eye Openers
Our morning started out cheerful. We had good conversation, some laughs, and a nice little breakfast. As we hear Rene try to start the truck we prayed it would turn over and get going, finally it did and it was great to hear the rumble of the extended cab duly truck. We all piled in with our water, sunscreen and bug spray for a day of much traveling and experiencing.
Our first stop was back at Wislet to drop off a bag of clothes that did not make it into the truck yesterday. Patty went in by herself to make it quick and while we waited in the truck Kemsliy came over to say hello to us. He had such a big smile on his face, I am guessing from the joy of seeing us another day. With the clothes dropped off we headed to our next destination, Grace Hospital.
In all honesty I do not remember much of the ride to the hospital, I was so impacted by the experience there that the drive over has become a bit of a blur. I remember seeing great big fancy houses and then complete rubble and tents (if you could call them that) set up in large clusters all packed close together.
To enter the hospital we had to have an armed guard open the gate for us and once inside we searched for Mr. Robinson. From the beginning you could tell he was such a wonderful and appreciative person. We began our tour with the section of the hospital that was devastated by the quake. I do not say devastated lightly as it was the most eye opening experience. Concrete crumbled up, pictures, papers, plaques, toys, and gravel dust all over the floors. Just on the other side people’s homes opened up and exposed. The quake was in January, it is now six months later and things are still just as they were when the quake first hit. Here we are physically walking through a building that was impacted. Part of the facility actually shifted and moved just two weeks ago.
We were able to see the lab where the staff uses microscopes to look at blood samples on slides, determining if a patient is positive for TB or HIV/AIDS. The women were so appreciative to have us there; to even fathom how they would be thankful to us is hard to put into words. The work this group of individuals does at this hospital is amazing, they even have a counselor on staff for when a patient is informed that they are HIV positive and needs help getting through receiving such horrible news. The patients waiting for HIV treatment or testing are outside in tents. I could go on and on just describing the one building but I will move on to the second building across the street that we visited.
The building the hospital has across the street is where their surgeries are performed; this building was untouched by the quake. Yes, equipment fell and things inside were disturbed but the building itself looks magnificent. Here we witnessed patients waiting to be seen for optical needs, glasses, cataracts, and glaucoma. If you ever start to get frustrated waiting for the eye doctor or doctor please just think of these individuals sitting in a room with hard chairs lined up row by row, only an overhead fan on and the heat of Haiti while they wait for their name to be called, both young and old all waiting. Mr. Robinson told us they are in desperate need of reading glasses and medicated eye drops.
Continuing on we saw the exam rooms, which were actually air conditioned and must be a nice break for the patient. We were able to talk to one of the optimologists that was with a patient and he too was so grateful to us. Mr. Robinson told us that they can see up to 80 patients a day and give out up to 50 eye glasses a day! From there we were able to see the surgery area and there were some patients on beds recovering. The doctor there informed us that her and her team can perform up to 10 surgeries a day and they do surgery 3 days a week. Amazing, absolutely amazing! Plus, they are hoping to get other optimologists to come and help educate individuals and promote their services in hopes of reaching out to the community and helping those in need that may not yet feel comfortable coming for it.
Next we moved on to the pediatric area. The amount of individuals sitting in one room and the lack of crying and complaining was just absolutely amazing. It was great to see so many people there receiving the help and check-ups that they need. At the same time it was sad to see so many people waiting patiently in the dire heat to be helped.
Our final stop was to see the six children the hospital cares for that are orphans and have nowhere to go. Prior to the quake the hospital had over 30 children and all those with families were sent home with their families. These six children were just amazing, they all have some sort of special need or are malnourished and much smaller than what they should be for their age. We all had fun giving them beanie babies, puppets and just tickling and playing with them. One girl with epilepsy was just so animated and happy; she insisted on knowing all or our names and told Bridgett she wanted a coloring book, crayons, and a doll. We were able to provide all but the doll and she was just so thrilled and did such a wonderful job coloring (in the lines!) in her new book. The one child that touched my heart the most was one that did not move or speak. This child had been dropped off at the door of the hospital with a hole in his head. He has neurological damage and they are not sure what else, he has never spoken and does not move on his own. To just touch him and feel the innocence of this sweet child, to then have him turn his head toward you when you stop is just amazing. I am glad that the hospital will not adopt out these children, they take such good care of these kids and have such a strong connection with them they are in the right place to be loved. We parted by leaving more coloring books, beanie babies, puppets, reading books (in both English and Creole!) for the teacher, and of course candy for the kids.
After such an emotional endeavor we headed off to lunch at Epi D'or. What a treat, pizza, chicken tenders, fries, cold coke, air conditioning, and desserts! This was a great way to recharge and recoup before heading on the Port Au Prince tour.
On the way to Port Au Prince we were all treated to an experience of chicken on the streets of Haiti. One small little road was lined with cars parked to the right, a big pile of rubble still left and a Mercedes just left off the curb and blocking ½ the road – right by a light pole. This little car in oncoming traffic decided he could come before us and refused to back up; we had a line of cars behind us and he had none but still refused to back up. So, after much heated conversation between the other driver and our drivers Frenzy got out to direct him through. Rene moved over as much as he could, the other car made it through and then we ended up stuck with the abandoned car, the light pole, the pile of rubble and a wall. Yes, abandoned, the truck would not start again after being turned off. After many attempts at turning the steering wheel it was determined the car had to be moved. Rene, Frenzy and Ethan all got out of the truck to attempt to move the Mercedes, no luck. FINALLY the driver of the Mercedes showed up and moved the car. While that helped we still had the light pole directly in front of us with a dead engine. So, the boys decided to push the truck and this time they received some Haitian help. With a little muscle they got us unstuck and a few of us started jumping on the truck from the back. Well, remember how I said the engine was dead, we were also on a hill so Rene let it go, popped the clutch and got her going. However, those of us jumping in the back got a little joy ride!
After that excitement we made it into Port Au Prince and took in so much. It looks just like the pictures but to see mattresses, tables, and office chairs crushed between layers of concrete in person, with the heat, the people and the smells is something that just cannot be explained or shown. The capital building lawn is still kept up and yet just across the street is a tent city with children, masses of people and tent after tent just on top of each other. It is amazing to see how one house or business will be fine and untouched and another is nothing but rubble. After thinking you have seen the worst you could see we were at the port and the site was just sad and eye opening. The mud, garbage, masses of tents and shacks all in one area was something.
It was a tough day; we experienced all sorts of emotions and saw so many different things. Rene is an awesome driver and not once bumped or rubbed up against another vehicle, and put up with our efforts to buy a fan to replace the one that shorted itself out. Frenzy is a wonderful person and we are pretty sure gives us the polite version of what some Haitians say to us. Ethan helped get us out of our jam and took a few of us across the street to get a closer look at the capitol building. Andy helped educate us and helped us communicate with the children at the hospital. For having 9 women together on a mission we ended up with a great group of protectors.
Thank you to everyone at home for your thoughts and please continue keeping us in your thoughts.
Ruth
Our first stop was back at Wislet to drop off a bag of clothes that did not make it into the truck yesterday. Patty went in by herself to make it quick and while we waited in the truck Kemsliy came over to say hello to us. He had such a big smile on his face, I am guessing from the joy of seeing us another day. With the clothes dropped off we headed to our next destination, Grace Hospital.
In all honesty I do not remember much of the ride to the hospital, I was so impacted by the experience there that the drive over has become a bit of a blur. I remember seeing great big fancy houses and then complete rubble and tents (if you could call them that) set up in large clusters all packed close together.
To enter the hospital we had to have an armed guard open the gate for us and once inside we searched for Mr. Robinson. From the beginning you could tell he was such a wonderful and appreciative person. We began our tour with the section of the hospital that was devastated by the quake. I do not say devastated lightly as it was the most eye opening experience. Concrete crumbled up, pictures, papers, plaques, toys, and gravel dust all over the floors. Just on the other side people’s homes opened up and exposed. The quake was in January, it is now six months later and things are still just as they were when the quake first hit. Here we are physically walking through a building that was impacted. Part of the facility actually shifted and moved just two weeks ago.
We were able to see the lab where the staff uses microscopes to look at blood samples on slides, determining if a patient is positive for TB or HIV/AIDS. The women were so appreciative to have us there; to even fathom how they would be thankful to us is hard to put into words. The work this group of individuals does at this hospital is amazing, they even have a counselor on staff for when a patient is informed that they are HIV positive and needs help getting through receiving such horrible news. The patients waiting for HIV treatment or testing are outside in tents. I could go on and on just describing the one building but I will move on to the second building across the street that we visited.
The building the hospital has across the street is where their surgeries are performed; this building was untouched by the quake. Yes, equipment fell and things inside were disturbed but the building itself looks magnificent. Here we witnessed patients waiting to be seen for optical needs, glasses, cataracts, and glaucoma. If you ever start to get frustrated waiting for the eye doctor or doctor please just think of these individuals sitting in a room with hard chairs lined up row by row, only an overhead fan on and the heat of Haiti while they wait for their name to be called, both young and old all waiting. Mr. Robinson told us they are in desperate need of reading glasses and medicated eye drops.
Continuing on we saw the exam rooms, which were actually air conditioned and must be a nice break for the patient. We were able to talk to one of the optimologists that was with a patient and he too was so grateful to us. Mr. Robinson told us that they can see up to 80 patients a day and give out up to 50 eye glasses a day! From there we were able to see the surgery area and there were some patients on beds recovering. The doctor there informed us that her and her team can perform up to 10 surgeries a day and they do surgery 3 days a week. Amazing, absolutely amazing! Plus, they are hoping to get other optimologists to come and help educate individuals and promote their services in hopes of reaching out to the community and helping those in need that may not yet feel comfortable coming for it.
Next we moved on to the pediatric area. The amount of individuals sitting in one room and the lack of crying and complaining was just absolutely amazing. It was great to see so many people there receiving the help and check-ups that they need. At the same time it was sad to see so many people waiting patiently in the dire heat to be helped.
Our final stop was to see the six children the hospital cares for that are orphans and have nowhere to go. Prior to the quake the hospital had over 30 children and all those with families were sent home with their families. These six children were just amazing, they all have some sort of special need or are malnourished and much smaller than what they should be for their age. We all had fun giving them beanie babies, puppets and just tickling and playing with them. One girl with epilepsy was just so animated and happy; she insisted on knowing all or our names and told Bridgett she wanted a coloring book, crayons, and a doll. We were able to provide all but the doll and she was just so thrilled and did such a wonderful job coloring (in the lines!) in her new book. The one child that touched my heart the most was one that did not move or speak. This child had been dropped off at the door of the hospital with a hole in his head. He has neurological damage and they are not sure what else, he has never spoken and does not move on his own. To just touch him and feel the innocence of this sweet child, to then have him turn his head toward you when you stop is just amazing. I am glad that the hospital will not adopt out these children, they take such good care of these kids and have such a strong connection with them they are in the right place to be loved. We parted by leaving more coloring books, beanie babies, puppets, reading books (in both English and Creole!) for the teacher, and of course candy for the kids.
After such an emotional endeavor we headed off to lunch at Epi D'or. What a treat, pizza, chicken tenders, fries, cold coke, air conditioning, and desserts! This was a great way to recharge and recoup before heading on the Port Au Prince tour.
On the way to Port Au Prince we were all treated to an experience of chicken on the streets of Haiti. One small little road was lined with cars parked to the right, a big pile of rubble still left and a Mercedes just left off the curb and blocking ½ the road – right by a light pole. This little car in oncoming traffic decided he could come before us and refused to back up; we had a line of cars behind us and he had none but still refused to back up. So, after much heated conversation between the other driver and our drivers Frenzy got out to direct him through. Rene moved over as much as he could, the other car made it through and then we ended up stuck with the abandoned car, the light pole, the pile of rubble and a wall. Yes, abandoned, the truck would not start again after being turned off. After many attempts at turning the steering wheel it was determined the car had to be moved. Rene, Frenzy and Ethan all got out of the truck to attempt to move the Mercedes, no luck. FINALLY the driver of the Mercedes showed up and moved the car. While that helped we still had the light pole directly in front of us with a dead engine. So, the boys decided to push the truck and this time they received some Haitian help. With a little muscle they got us unstuck and a few of us started jumping on the truck from the back. Well, remember how I said the engine was dead, we were also on a hill so Rene let it go, popped the clutch and got her going. However, those of us jumping in the back got a little joy ride!
After that excitement we made it into Port Au Prince and took in so much. It looks just like the pictures but to see mattresses, tables, and office chairs crushed between layers of concrete in person, with the heat, the people and the smells is something that just cannot be explained or shown. The capital building lawn is still kept up and yet just across the street is a tent city with children, masses of people and tent after tent just on top of each other. It is amazing to see how one house or business will be fine and untouched and another is nothing but rubble. After thinking you have seen the worst you could see we were at the port and the site was just sad and eye opening. The mud, garbage, masses of tents and shacks all in one area was something.
It was a tough day; we experienced all sorts of emotions and saw so many different things. Rene is an awesome driver and not once bumped or rubbed up against another vehicle, and put up with our efforts to buy a fan to replace the one that shorted itself out. Frenzy is a wonderful person and we are pretty sure gives us the polite version of what some Haitians say to us. Ethan helped get us out of our jam and took a few of us across the street to get a closer look at the capitol building. Andy helped educate us and helped us communicate with the children at the hospital. For having 9 women together on a mission we ended up with a great group of protectors.
Thank you to everyone at home for your thoughts and please continue keeping us in your thoughts.
Ruth
6.20.2010
Day of Rest
Portions of the Team have recovered from being a little under the weather and God has provided a wonderful day, even though slightly overcast and with a wee bit of rain. Up early with nine women trying to get ready for church service at 9:00am. Patty provided some early inspiration telling us she wanted to take our picture today as “this” is the day we will be looking our best. Hate to think what we looked like the rest of the week! Worshiping God was exhilarating as Marie introduced us to the congregation and all had tears flowing by the time we got halfway down the line. The Haitian congregation had expressions of thanksgiving for all of us. We wish we could express to them that they teach us more then we could ever teach them about faith, hope and love, now and for the future. We finished our worship listening to the girls sing beautiful worship songs in French and English. Each girl was also wearing her beautiful spring dress she had gotten the day before in lovely spring colors.
It was then back to Marie’s for a quick lunch of crackers, salami and cheese. Then it was off to Pastor Wislet’s Orphanage for an afternoon of serving. While Patty took pictures of each child, the rest of the team was busy making backpacks and decorating picture quilt squares. Since we had our interpreter, Andy, with us, the team members that had sponsor children there were able to talk one-on-one and had some great conversations. We handed out lots of balls and got some physical fitness in today as well. Hope no one feels it in the morning! We ended the day hanging the quilt finished off with Pastor Wislet and his lovely wife, Jacqueline. He commented while looking at the quilt that he had never stop to think what a large responsibility he has, but God will provide. The ride home was quick as not many people are traveling on the streets on Sunday and it was beginning to rain. So all had a quick competition to see who could get their poncho on the fastest riding at 50 miles an hour in the back of the pickup truck! It definitely was a Kodak moment.
Then home for another delicious meal prepared by Gina of chicken, rice and vegetables. For those watching their stomachs, tortellini was provided for all. In recapping my emotions of the day, I know God is the one that has brought me back to Haiti with many more visits to come. I thank the Haitian people for allowing us to serve this week. God’s light is shining brightly in Haiti. It is in the elderly lady’s face around the corner from Marie’s who sell some basic needs out of a make shift cabinet everyday and teaches us a new word in French with wide smile on her face, it’s in the families that live below Marie’s with hope for their new infant children and certainly in the young children’s faces as they smile and wave as we pass on the street. Please pray for all of them.
Renee
It was then back to Marie’s for a quick lunch of crackers, salami and cheese. Then it was off to Pastor Wislet’s Orphanage for an afternoon of serving. While Patty took pictures of each child, the rest of the team was busy making backpacks and decorating picture quilt squares. Since we had our interpreter, Andy, with us, the team members that had sponsor children there were able to talk one-on-one and had some great conversations. We handed out lots of balls and got some physical fitness in today as well. Hope no one feels it in the morning! We ended the day hanging the quilt finished off with Pastor Wislet and his lovely wife, Jacqueline. He commented while looking at the quilt that he had never stop to think what a large responsibility he has, but God will provide. The ride home was quick as not many people are traveling on the streets on Sunday and it was beginning to rain. So all had a quick competition to see who could get their poncho on the fastest riding at 50 miles an hour in the back of the pickup truck! It definitely was a Kodak moment.
Then home for another delicious meal prepared by Gina of chicken, rice and vegetables. For those watching their stomachs, tortellini was provided for all. In recapping my emotions of the day, I know God is the one that has brought me back to Haiti with many more visits to come. I thank the Haitian people for allowing us to serve this week. God’s light is shining brightly in Haiti. It is in the elderly lady’s face around the corner from Marie’s who sell some basic needs out of a make shift cabinet everyday and teaches us a new word in French with wide smile on her face, it’s in the families that live below Marie’s with hope for their new infant children and certainly in the young children’s faces as they smile and wave as we pass on the street. Please pray for all of them.
Renee
6.19.2010
IHOP in Haiti
It’s another beautiful day in Haiti. Our day started early with making breakfast for the girls. Many of us helped prepare the batter, pour, flip and count the 150 odd pancakes made today. Others prepared bacon. We rounded out the meal with cups of mandarin oranges. What a team. We worked like a crew of chefs from Chez Paul, with much more challenging accommodations. Yeah, they didn’t actually look like Chez Paul pancakes, but they were made with love. This was a very special treat, both for us to serve and for the girls to eat. What joy we had in all the elements of preparation, serving and watching the girls devour this rare treat. We were amazed at their respect and restraint to wait for everyone to be served before digging in. Their pray also touched out hearts. Unfortunately, not everyone got to join us in the fun. We had a few casualties from our long, hot day yesterday. Renee, Bridgette and Catrina were all struck with aliments that we all prefer not to mention. Renee and Catrina bounced back quickly and poor Bridgette was down for the count until later in the afternoon. No need to worry, there was plenty of fun to come. Due to the illnesses, we changed our plans the day and decided it would be best to stay close to home. Change is nothing new to this team. We have been incredibly flexible which needs to be noted as amazing since many of us are ‘schedule’ people. God is always growing us.) Our new plan consisted of assembling teams of girls to come over to Marie’s and make crafts. This allowed for a change of scenery for the girls, reprieve from the intense heat for us all and an opportunity to spend some small group time with the girls. We still had some prep work to do but shortly, we were ready to roll. Once again, we functioned like a well oiled machine. We gained an additional ‘cog’ when Bridgette was healthy enough to join us. We all have learned that time with the girls is the best medicine. All the girls made a quilt square that had their picture in the center. These were prepared by Patty who is a whiz with a camera and printer. Next, all the girls got a small backpack that was stenciled to color and personalize. As a special treat, each girl got to pick out a beautiful dress to keep. I can’t wait to see them all modeled for service tomorrow. The older girls also got to make a bracelet. This is a long, tedious project that required a great deal of patience to teach and monitor with the girls. Lori, who headed this project and her crew were a bunch of angels. After all of this, we were pretty wiped out and so were the girls. We took some time to do some bonding, bed bug removal and some crafts ourselves. Karen spent some time with Andi, our interpreter, to edit a college paper he wrote. That’s our team, always serving. The title of his paper sparked a great deal of conversation, “ Is God in Haiti.” Wow! What a topic.
Then, something amazing happened. God answered our prayers for some relief from the heat, a rain storm. What an amazing blessing. As we enjoyed the coolness of the rain, the Haitians kept working. These are the hardest working people I have ever met. They do construction in 100 degree heat as well as sweep out water from the back of a pickup in the pouring rain. They never stop working. And they are happy about it. Now, that’s gratitude! We wound down the evening with a delicious meal of goat meat, rice and vegetables. Of course there were sides of American pasta for those with weak stomachs, both from illness and lack of adventure. I must admit I was one of the less adventurous souls. Sorry Bob, maybe next time. I did try a mango though. (Wow, what STRETCH!)
We end the evening with devotion and more bonding. We thank the Lord for this wonderfully, perfect day. I think a fitting verse to sum up this day would be, “From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another.”
Blessings to all! Diane
Then, something amazing happened. God answered our prayers for some relief from the heat, a rain storm. What an amazing blessing. As we enjoyed the coolness of the rain, the Haitians kept working. These are the hardest working people I have ever met. They do construction in 100 degree heat as well as sweep out water from the back of a pickup in the pouring rain. They never stop working. And they are happy about it. Now, that’s gratitude! We wound down the evening with a delicious meal of goat meat, rice and vegetables. Of course there were sides of American pasta for those with weak stomachs, both from illness and lack of adventure. I must admit I was one of the less adventurous souls. Sorry Bob, maybe next time. I did try a mango though. (Wow, what STRETCH!)
We end the evening with devotion and more bonding. We thank the Lord for this wonderfully, perfect day. I think a fitting verse to sum up this day would be, “From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another.”
Blessings to all! Diane
Survivors of the non-fittest!
I was in a kind and loving mood and very ready to be the “blogger of the day” but the internet depleted me of patience and any accrued coping mechanisms. It seems so unjustified to complain about the frustrations of the internet while in Haiti especially when the majority of the country doesn’t even have the luxury of electricity. So let me just suck it up – lose the pout and share our day with you.
I won’t elaborate on the nightly rooster duet or the fighting dog serenade, mainly because I find I can now sleep through it - sort of compared to living by a train station. We laid in bed until SEVEN O’CLOCK like a bunch of lazy loafers. I made scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon. It wasn’t exactly Denny’s, but we pretended it was a Grand Slam and ate it with enthusiasm. As long as I have my coffee I can enjoy most mornings.
We decided to take advantage of our free time while the girls were in school so went to the Artist neighborhood and helped the Haitian economy. We weren’t very good at the bartering business. I was able to get the artist to drop $5.00 off his starting price, only to give it to him anyway. (Don’t worry Jim – it was a very small piece…but needed for our collection!) To watch these various artists kneeling on the ground, all bent over as they skillfully hammer away on a nail to achieve their intended pattern makes it very difficult to not accept their already low asking price. The hours and talent that is required is worth much more. Most of us will return home with a treasure of their labor.
Believe it or not – the shopping actually took a bit longer than we had expected. ( Nine women must inspect all the available merchandise to make the proper decision, you know!!) I have stressed to the team over and again how they are not to give money or anything for that matter to anyone when we are out and about. A simple handout can create disastrous conditions. Well, I am writing to confess that as we got into the back of the pickup to leave the artist area, there was a very old man sitting under a tree wearing only a well worn pair of pants. He had no teeth, a sunken face, with spindle arms which had almost lost the definition of the muscles he once wore. My heart so ached as I saw him sitting there, in his effort to escape from the scorching sun. In a flash I envisioned how many years this literally poor man had endured the struggles that come with existing in Haiti. So, I succumbed and shook his hand with a crumbled ten dollar bill. Before he even knew I had put a bill in his hand he was saying, “Merci’”, just for stopping to shake his hand. His face will never leave my mind…or rather I hope it doesn’t.
Once I confessed to the team I had just broken my own rule – out came the bag of candy we had brought and root beer barrels were handed over the bed of the truck to two young boys with pleading eyes. Well – before you knew it, we had a few more boys running behind the truck and we were throwing candy off the back of the truck like we were in the Rose Bowl Parade. That’s when you just wish you could be supernaturally suspended high above the country and be able to pour all the things they need to exist from the heavens. Instead – we’re receiving huge smiles and hearing laughter over a root beer barrel retrieved from the dirt. Further down the road, naked children looked equally as excited just to jump around and return our waves and smiles.
We did stop out front of the voo-doo temple and some jumped out to see the inside. There were roosters stacked in cages, which we assumed were used as sacrifices. Marie told us later they are usually used in “cock fights”. That didn’t seem quite as creepy.
Then – because we are wimpy Americans – totally overheated at this point, drinking warm water from our bottles, we stopped at a little air-conditioned small eatery where we ordered eleven orders of French fries for starters. We gulped down our cold drinks and certainly questioned how the locals can bare sitting outside to sell their wares, day after day after day and can’t even afford to walk into this place.
We returned to Marie’s stuffed, hot and tired – but after a round up of supplies we went to the orphanage for their second ESL lesson. Today we focused on colors and the girls were very responsive. (I got called out for not paying attention and the girls thought that was pretty funny!) All the girls were provided with the materials to make bracelets. The youngest strung glow in the dark beads, while Lori taught the older girls how to make much more complicated bracelets of beautiful beads and string. The girls did a great job and were very proud of their work – with good reason. So – they left the session all “dolled up” and feeling good about themselves. They each got their OWN little bottle of bubbles and they put on a bubble display that would make the Lawrence Welk show look lame. For those of you who are too young to know anything about the Lawrence Welk show…..just GROW UP!
It was getting dark by the time we returned from this adventure and trust me that we were grimy, sweaty, and exhausted campers. Once again Karen and Renee did a great job as we proceeded with ESL. We are planning to make the girls a pancake breakfast in the morning and then visit Pastor Wislet and the children at the second orphanage. We have spent this evening in heaps here and there as we digest the day. I am very proud of the team for hanging in. They are each empowered by our creator with huge hearts and sincere desires as we continue on our trek to spread the love that can both give hope and sustain one’s ability to persevere.
Lord, please forgive our spoiled brat impatience with the internet. You clearly knew we would never be able to handle the life of a true Haitian…that is an ability none of us have been able to comprehend or put into adequate words.
Proud to be called “Sister Patty”
I won’t elaborate on the nightly rooster duet or the fighting dog serenade, mainly because I find I can now sleep through it - sort of compared to living by a train station. We laid in bed until SEVEN O’CLOCK like a bunch of lazy loafers. I made scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon. It wasn’t exactly Denny’s, but we pretended it was a Grand Slam and ate it with enthusiasm. As long as I have my coffee I can enjoy most mornings.
We decided to take advantage of our free time while the girls were in school so went to the Artist neighborhood and helped the Haitian economy. We weren’t very good at the bartering business. I was able to get the artist to drop $5.00 off his starting price, only to give it to him anyway. (Don’t worry Jim – it was a very small piece…but needed for our collection!) To watch these various artists kneeling on the ground, all bent over as they skillfully hammer away on a nail to achieve their intended pattern makes it very difficult to not accept their already low asking price. The hours and talent that is required is worth much more. Most of us will return home with a treasure of their labor.
Believe it or not – the shopping actually took a bit longer than we had expected. ( Nine women must inspect all the available merchandise to make the proper decision, you know!!) I have stressed to the team over and again how they are not to give money or anything for that matter to anyone when we are out and about. A simple handout can create disastrous conditions. Well, I am writing to confess that as we got into the back of the pickup to leave the artist area, there was a very old man sitting under a tree wearing only a well worn pair of pants. He had no teeth, a sunken face, with spindle arms which had almost lost the definition of the muscles he once wore. My heart so ached as I saw him sitting there, in his effort to escape from the scorching sun. In a flash I envisioned how many years this literally poor man had endured the struggles that come with existing in Haiti. So, I succumbed and shook his hand with a crumbled ten dollar bill. Before he even knew I had put a bill in his hand he was saying, “Merci’”, just for stopping to shake his hand. His face will never leave my mind…or rather I hope it doesn’t.
Once I confessed to the team I had just broken my own rule – out came the bag of candy we had brought and root beer barrels were handed over the bed of the truck to two young boys with pleading eyes. Well – before you knew it, we had a few more boys running behind the truck and we were throwing candy off the back of the truck like we were in the Rose Bowl Parade. That’s when you just wish you could be supernaturally suspended high above the country and be able to pour all the things they need to exist from the heavens. Instead – we’re receiving huge smiles and hearing laughter over a root beer barrel retrieved from the dirt. Further down the road, naked children looked equally as excited just to jump around and return our waves and smiles.
We did stop out front of the voo-doo temple and some jumped out to see the inside. There were roosters stacked in cages, which we assumed were used as sacrifices. Marie told us later they are usually used in “cock fights”. That didn’t seem quite as creepy.
Then – because we are wimpy Americans – totally overheated at this point, drinking warm water from our bottles, we stopped at a little air-conditioned small eatery where we ordered eleven orders of French fries for starters. We gulped down our cold drinks and certainly questioned how the locals can bare sitting outside to sell their wares, day after day after day and can’t even afford to walk into this place.
We returned to Marie’s stuffed, hot and tired – but after a round up of supplies we went to the orphanage for their second ESL lesson. Today we focused on colors and the girls were very responsive. (I got called out for not paying attention and the girls thought that was pretty funny!) All the girls were provided with the materials to make bracelets. The youngest strung glow in the dark beads, while Lori taught the older girls how to make much more complicated bracelets of beautiful beads and string. The girls did a great job and were very proud of their work – with good reason. So – they left the session all “dolled up” and feeling good about themselves. They each got their OWN little bottle of bubbles and they put on a bubble display that would make the Lawrence Welk show look lame. For those of you who are too young to know anything about the Lawrence Welk show…..just GROW UP!
It was getting dark by the time we returned from this adventure and trust me that we were grimy, sweaty, and exhausted campers. Once again Karen and Renee did a great job as we proceeded with ESL. We are planning to make the girls a pancake breakfast in the morning and then visit Pastor Wislet and the children at the second orphanage. We have spent this evening in heaps here and there as we digest the day. I am very proud of the team for hanging in. They are each empowered by our creator with huge hearts and sincere desires as we continue on our trek to spread the love that can both give hope and sustain one’s ability to persevere.
Lord, please forgive our spoiled brat impatience with the internet. You clearly knew we would never be able to handle the life of a true Haitian…that is an ability none of us have been able to comprehend or put into adequate words.
Proud to be called “Sister Patty”
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