Exploring Haiti - Sunday and Monday

Sunday: church, lunch, & tree of life
"your love is unending" and "there is more to come for this city" were the two lessons which stood out to me in our church service Sunday morning. The pastor knew exactly was the haitiAns need, love and hope. The service was so full we sat out back... But after several people walked out with wobbly legs from heat, I was happy to be in the cool breeze and shade. Those two lessons were perfect for me too... And gave me some mid trip inspiration.
We headed out for lunch at the caribean resort, apparently a un hotspot (more on my feelings about the un another day... Haiti don't you ruin my obsession now). We also spotted Sean penn and his son. He is the director of an post earthquake tent city... But must have a room in the resort. It was so strange to see such luxury just off the main roads of Port de prince.
For the afternoon we brought crayons and paper up to tree of life. The 25 children there are so loving and strong. Orphans with huge smiles on their faces who love to sing and play with you simply need a little attention and a few smuggles. The medical teAm who arrived today will visit with us wednesday to check them out. Many have scabbies or other infections.

Monday:
today began with an hour drive out to luly to survey with the interns. It was so awesome to see them at work with the families. We heard about sanitation, education, and wishes of the community. This village does not get many visitors so the children all call out "blah" or white person when we pass... We were even scary to some babies. I observed some interviews, played with children, and helped Derek measure and weigh all kids in the homes under 6. I had tons of girls want to touch my hair... They were so interested in it's color and texture... Even the women were curious. For the afternoon Alex, Damon and I headed to waho bay to see the ocean and do alittle tourist shopping. We had a delicious Haitian seafood lunch and went snorkling. I am sleepy from being in the sun all day but it certainly was incredible!

Thursday: we headed to rosemberg village to do "vbs." the visit was organized by one of the local medical clinics. We played with the kids I'm the school yard first. Damon and I had some great moments exchanging french and English by counting and singing the abc! The kids love showing off both. I had no idea how excited they would be to have their pictures taken... And trying to take pictures of the other kids. We told the loaves and fishes story and taught the kids about hygine. The activity was making fish out of soap and a wash cloth. Interacting with the kids was a treat, but we were really treated to Haitian culture with a Haitian dinner!

Friday: Today had a really slow start but a great afternoon and evening. After a slightly frusturating and confusing morning, Damon and I headed out with four interns, crystal, Alex , bre, and Andrea. Our driver Fabian showed us around the city. We saw the wwv warehouse and it's stock of toms and feed my starving children. Since we are passionate about both organizations, this was so great to see. We also visited the palace, catholic church, historic neighborhood, city de sole, and many villages. The images were heartbreaking and encouraging. We also had the oportunity to buy some paintings and fruit from the street vendors. Eating mango the haitian way was the highlight of the afternoon! Alex and crystal also pulled some coconuts down for some entertaining snacks. Our intimate group loved yet another creole dinner and some hilarious games.

Our friends who left today from Tennessee gave us a great theme for the week, de ga je (make it work). We are learning haitian culture including the flexibility of de ga je!

Haiti Day 1 - tropical storm Emily

Two teenage white students going through international customs in Haiti is craZier than it sounds. Not only was it swealtering and hot but loud with confusion, frustration, and excitement. Nearly all of it in an unknown language. Once we found our luggage, we headed outside to try and find the world wide village staff. Instead we were rushed by a hundred Haitian men wanting to help us... For pay. Saying no is harder than it seems! One man finally came up saying "I know who you are" not knowing what else to do we followed him to a second man who knew our person and promptly ran away to find him. Just getting through the airport was a challenge of our patience, flexibility, and trust in people! (we should also probably mention that out 5 team members decided not to come on Wednesday morning... we got the text while sitting on a plAne to meet them in Chicago)

We were so happy to find that an amazing group of people were waiting for us at the guest house. They have welcomed us with open arms and we are so grateful! Their stories are interesting and thought provoking. While they leave Saturday I already know we will be sorry to see them head back to tennessee.

Today the now non existant Emily kept us from going to our worksite. Instead we did some odd jobs around the house. Damon helped build some school desks while I helped organize and pack 200 plus backpacks for school. We also explored the village by visiting the intern house, a little shop, and the bakery. "being still" as we called it in devotions was hard for me, but I think part of my lessons this week will be hatian time and felxibilty... Something I am not comfortable with. The storms gave brought some beautifully cool breezes and cloudy skies. So we are thankful of that! Despite a slow day... It was a good begining to what I know will be a challenging and emotional week.

Traveling Schedule

schedule for the week

Tuesday: Head to STL

Wednesday: arrive at World Wide Village Guest House

Thursday: VBS

Friday: VBS

Saturday: More VBS & working on family homes

Monday: Wings of Hope & St. Joseph’s Home for Boys

Tuesday: Tree of Life Orphanage & The Beach!

Wednesday: Traveling back to Marion