Currently I’m sitting outside bathed in deet and sweat in my favorite spot on the balcony. I thought I would sit down and write. So here it is. It isn’t thought out and cleverly crafted. . . It’s just going to be however it comes out.
This week has been much better than last. We are all finally well again and I feel a little more productive, though my list never seems to get finished… but that’s life, eh? Thankfully we haven’t had any team members ill either, such a blessing!
I’ve found myself on the verge of tears several times this week. Not out of frustration, stress, or anything like that. It’s just I will glance over and see a baby half-naked, with a string tied around her distended belly to keep away evil spirits, and it gets to me. Or the joy that the Haitian Christians exude and the beauty just overwhelms me. Seems I’ve become quite the emotional creature over the past few years. 🙂
I can’t believe it is already mid-April and fear my time here is going to be over before I realize it. But then I get to return to the land my heart loves so dearly – Ukraine!! Yes, unless you wonder if those plans have changed, let me assure you they have not. Even in the midst of my love for the Haitian people and love for what I am doing here, at least several times a day Ukraine is on my mind. I actually responded to one of our Haitian translators today in Russian. Funny that I cannot get Kreyol down for the life of me but the few Russian phrases I know pop out randomly.
In my “spare time” – which just became even shorter tonight since I was just now informed I have a meeting in 15 minutes – I am writing web content for EITanzania and trying to be part of discussions for an AIM Storytelling School, which excites me greatly. I’m also trying to hang out with the staff and the teams and create relationships there. Basically the introvert in me wishes there were several more hours in the day.
Speaking of… I wake up at 6:30 a.m. every day. I know this is not unusual for many of you but I, on a normal schedule, don’t go to bed until around 2 or 3 a.m. It’s a stretch let me tell you and I am quite thankful for Starbucks Via right now.
And with that said… I must go. Thanks for the many prayers and encouragements. I love hearing from everyone so feel free to send me an update or post a note. Love! Pridge
