I
don't think this post will even begin to describe how unbelievable happy I am
about today. Granted, I personally didn't do that much-BUT it was just an all
around good day.
|
morning hike |
We
started our morning nice and early and walked up the mountain with Pastor
Pierre to watch the sunrise. Walking up the mountain during the day is one
thing but to do it in the morning is a completely different story. The sun rises
over the mountain line and you can watch the light touch the other mountains
and slowly bring the valleys into a golden light as the fog drifts from village
to village through the fields of banana trees and rice patties. Afterwards I
found myself in the kitchen making pancakes for the group and getting crafty
with our resources throwing trail mix into some for a little added ump.
|
nutrition class with Shelly and Betsy |
I
spent my morning watching Shelly and Betsy (a nutritionist) go to a few
classrooms and educate the kids about their nutrition and proper hygiene. The
lesson was complete with a drawing of what their plate should look like during
a meal. It was fun watching the two of them get the kids to interact so much because children are usually in seats in a more traditional learning setting.
Afterwards
I was back in the kitchen making lunch. I always enjoying getting to spend time
in there because the kitchen staff is absolutely delightful. Although I may not
speak their language I feel as if we can still joke around.
Ray,
Carolyn, Betsy and I set off to see a local students art work in his house. His
name is Jimmy and this week he has been helping Sandy with her art class and he
approached her about buying some of his pieces. She bought one and he returned
the next day with more and the team quickly snatched them up. I am proud to say
I am the lucky owner of one! Anyway, back to us going to his house. Carolyn is
documenting our trip and turning the footage into a short film and appreciated
the opportunity to see Jimmy's house and entire collection. We walked into his
one room 9 x 18 ft. house and soon realized that each wall was lined with his work.
It took my breath away. This student, 22 years old, has an unbelievable talent
which will hopefully provide a living for him here in Haiti
|
Jimmy |
On
our way home we stopped at the Community of Hope and played with the kids who
are absolutely delightful. While they were busy dancing and coloring with
markers and paper Shelly and I brought, I tried to obtain my a petit cabri (a baby goat). I quickly found out that trying to catch
a goat is nearly impossible, even if you have a hand of trail mix to offer
it!
|
the way to New Perisse |
Before
dinner Pastor Pierre asked if some of us wanted to go see the construction on
houses in New Perrise. I jumped in the car not giving why we were going a
second thought. I'd been to New Perrise in November and there were a few very well made houses. Upon arrival today I was blown away. Where maybe 6
houses stood three months ago were now more than 15. Old Perrise was in the flood
plane which was constantly a problem. The families were trying to relocate to a higher area and relocate
they did!
|
new construction in New Perisse |
And
then we came back to the mission (I accidentally wrote "we came home"
and then realized that this isn't my home, even as much as I'd like it to be)
and there was breadfruit for dinner! I can't describe it for those of you who
have never had it except that it is heavenly.
After
dinner we always share the events of the day and there is so much more that
happened. Such as a lot of sponsors getting to interact with their sponsored children. I wish I
could write about this, but I'm going to have to defer you to the rest of the team
to get the stores from them when they return home. I've had a blast with this
group and will be sad to see some of them go on Saturday.