What I see:
A white building sheltering tired missionaries. They play cards, call home, enjoy each others company. A chicken wanders into the building, but is quickly moved back onto the porch by a Haitian cook. World Racers gleefully fill their waterbottles with gatorade powder and cold water from the orange coolers. Tree branches that surround the building shake in the wind. A bird flies against the wind and into the trees, finding shelter. Beyond the tops of the trees, light brown and forrest-green mountains surround me. Dirt roads snake their way alongside the hills, and at the top, a few trees stand tall. To my right is Port-Au-Prince, the crazy and loud capital, but form here, it is peaceful. Buildings litter the sides of these great mountains, and on the farthest side, the mountains turn into clouds. To my left is the ocean. Bright blue and calm, it is covered in a yellow-tinted haze due to the time of day. Soon, the sky will be filled with even more color for sunset.
What I hear:
Missionaries talk about where they are from, how they came to Haiti, and how long they will be here for. The wind shakes the Enos surrounding me, and the distinct noise as they flap in the wind draws my attention. Behind me, the generator makes a loud background noise like that of a helicopter. Occasionally, a car will drive up the gravel road, or will honk on the street below us.
What I smell:
Dust picked up by the wind. I smell the chicken the cooks are making for our dinner, and the smoke from a nearby fire.
What I taste:
I taste a delicious chocolate milkshake from a coffee shop here on campus.
What I feel:
Wisps of hair slap my face thanks to the wind. The gusts of air push my hammock backwards and rocks me back and forth, causing my exhausted self to feel relaxed and comfortable. I feel my bare feet swinging below my hammock, and dust blowing into my face, little by little. I feel pure contentment as I look towards the mountains. I feel joy pulse through me when I think about how I currently live. I feel extreme thankfulness when thinking of all of the gifts Jesus has given me, today and everyday. I feel adoration for this country, it’s people, and the ministry I am working at. I feel right, knowing in my heart that is somewhere I could easily call home.
