Day 7: Haiti April 29
This morning we had to say goodbye to our police team. It was harder than I thought it was going to be. I sat with the women while they packed. It was so good to have people to talk to and be with, at least for a little bit. We snapped quick pictures before everyone left.
As soon as everyone left, we found out from Michael that the Minister of Ministry from the government was coming. So Derek, Brittany, and I scrambled to get dressed to meet him. We helped serve lunch. They were in and out in less than an hour, and have left balloons behind that keep popping and sounding like gunshots.
Afterwards our team just hung around the building all day. I did paint for a little bit to pass the time.
Day 8: April 30
FINALLY we got out of this building today! Derek and I were supposed to work at the radio station in the morning. BUT God had different plans. We were waiting at the girls home for the man to pick us up, but we never did. So we got to play with some of the girls for the morning!
Some of the girls in the home received gifts from their sponsors, and we got to watch all the girls light up with joy!
Oh, and Derek was fanned by this girl for a while.
While it wasn’t working at the radio station, it was a great morning. Then that afternoon I went with Thomas to an English Club that is held at the high school 3 days a week. It’s about 7 guys that meet so they can talk politics in English. We had such a good time!
This is Maxon.
And my handshake with Wilgens.
Monday night after dinner we had our sock sliding race I organized for our team time. Not a clear winner, but lots of laughs all around. THEN we watched the sun set on the roof. It was such a good day.
Day 9: May 1
I was assigned to the clinic with Mac this morning while they are trying to figure out the radio station. Since today was a holiday, it was definitely a slow day. I read most of the rest of my book, and Mac and I talked a little bit. I had my blood pressure taken a few times lol.
After lunch we walked around 45 minutes to the boys home. It was so hot, I thought I was going to pass out. When we finally got there, the boys were immediately all over us.
I even dusted off my basketball skills.
It was so much fun, even if we were all exhausted, hot, and thirsty.
On our way home, we passed a football stadium. Jackson, our translator, let us make a fun detour, and we were able to sneak in!
I don’t even like soccer, but it was exhilarating to do something outside the compound.
Walking through the streets I didn’t take a lot of pictures, but it was surreal walking through their lives.
For security reasons we weren’t allowed to go home the same way we went to the boys home.
At dinner we had the white privilege discussion. We talked about why or why not we were allowed into the game, and the effects of bringing toys to the boys home. Basically the discussion turned into when helping hurts. It was nice to be able to express my views on it.
Most of us went up to the roof to finish our team time. Afterwards I cornered Lynna and we sat and talked for a long time. THEN it started raining, and got cold. For the first time in 9 days, I got cold! We just sat and got soaked in the rain. It was glorious.
Day 10: May 2
I may or may not have slept on a wet mat tonight because it was cool. This morning i was off to the primary school with Thomas again (the dynamic duo). However we had to wait for Jackson to get free, so we were able to have another really good discussion before school. Once we got there, we walked right into recess. All the little girls just ran up and swarmed me. We walked around for 30 minutes, tried to start a game of tag, and sang “I get loose!”. Thomas and I substituted for a class today teaching conjugation. I learned it in French while they learned it in English. Learning all around!
After lunch I finished laundry then again made my way to the English club with Thomas and Lynna. We met inside one of the offices for the first hour or so. It was packed!
We discussed how to improve Haiti economically, politically, socially, and spiritually. By the end of the day, we were listening to worship music (and Dolly, duh).
Day 11: May 3
I woke up with my body taking revenge on my onion consumption. So that out me on the admin team this morning! We spent the morning working on expanding the supporter and team reach for people to come work here at Grace International. After lunch, I went back to English club with Thomas and Lynna. The topic for the day was “What is Jesus teaching you right now?” It led into a beautiful conversation about grace and forgiveness, and tomorrow Thomas is leading a discussion on Romans 1-4. I can’t wait to hear how it goes.
After dinner, we made our way to the roof to watch the sunset, and Derek had his hair braided.
So that happened.
Bethany
