After a dusty busride from the AIM compound just past the DR border…we made our way through Port au Prince….dropped off 3 of our teams…and headed off toward the mountains. Through garbage littered streets, the smell of filth, waste,and rot clung to my nostrils. Bump, crash, smack, bang…no amount of re-positioning could make this tarp+duct tape seat comfortable…but finally we made it. Trees and luscious plants began to replace the smoking earthquake rubble.
We were on our way to Grand Goave to serve at the Mission of Hope. When the bus stopped to sort out logistics, we found ourselves beside a mini-tentvillage. People gathered round as kiddos passed a soccer ball to-and-fro. Laugher, giggles, and curious stares surrounded us. Women holding babies, babies growing inside soon to be Momma’s bellies, half-naked kiddos, completely naked kiddos, men smoking and sitting on their buckets…we’d finally made it.
I began playing pass with a little girl — her item of choice was none other than a bike-reflector. I thought to myself how simply these children live, and how creative their playtime must be…how growing up Iikely owned dozens of bike-reflectors, but they never served any other purpose than to make my bike look cool and safe. Two little girls ran up to me – taking my hands. I asked their names and they answered me in giggling-creole. One girl told me to wait a moment.She ran to her mother and grabbed the baby from her arms. Running to me, she handed the baby up with a proud smile. The baby wasn’t sure what to do about some strange white lady holding the baby…and then the adventure began.
A woman carrying a rather interesting load on her head approached me and began to talk to me about the baby. She asked me to take the baby with me – to feed the baby. I wasn’t sure what she was talking about until she began to freely point out on me how and where I should feed this baby. A few other women garthered around — and atleast half a dozen kids…all showing me how to feed the baby – pointing out on my chest…and describing what the baby should do. I very politely insisted “I don’t think that will work” — and “I won’t be much help” — but in their mind – if I was holding a baby – and had the apparent ability to feed one…I should offer that baby some milk.
Naturally I was relived that my team was gathering our packs from the bus at the very moment I was sure they were going to experiment on me — and I was able to hand the baby over to one of the women and casually flee from the scene. I was slightly embarrassed, but mostly full of laughter and shock. One thing the world race does not specilize in, is wetnursing. I can only imagine what stories I’ll acquire over this next year…Thanks for journeying with me! Stay tuned!!!! 🙂
