Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Central Church Day 2 - Similarities, Hope, and Communication
Today was all about being aware of our similarities, learning how to communicate and finding hope in a hopeless time. We started out our at the Sweet Home Orphanage who is home to approximately 45 children ages 2 - 17. All of the children go to school, either on the compound, or are sent out for the older kids. They are in the middle of construction to be able to house 50 more children and more schooling buildings. To learn more click HERE. We played soccer (futbol), colored, jumped rope and many more games, with the children. We also learned new words and ways to communicate.
Team members Zach and Steve were playing with the kids when one little boy (about 6) hid behind Zach with fright as three older boys yelled at the boy and ran to get him. That's when Steve stepped in between to stop them. The whole ordeal only lasted a minute and they, but as Steve said it best, "You didn't have to speak creole to know what those boys were saying.". Bullying is bullying in any language.
Next we went to Papillion where we were able to support a local business that provides job and daycare to single parents so they can take care of their families. They train these men and women to be craftsmen and amazing ones at that! Check them out HERE.
Lastly we served in the hospital for the sick and dying children where they also were an orphanage. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly nun who gave us instructions. there were two areas. One for the infants, and one for the toddlers. When you walk in you notice that there are cribs lined up classroom style. Over a dozen in each room. Inside some babies needed an IV, Some coughing, or had rashes, and some were so weak a emotionless that you couldn't tell. The older kids were a little different. They were vocal and able to play a bit more.
When we brought some of them outside on the playground their demeanour changed. They were engaging, inquisitive, playful. Though this change was not right away, the smiles on their faces were worth the wait. We fed them, changed their diapers, played with them, and more.
The ride home was more somber than before and we started to process all we experienced. At reflection time we used words like, "innocense, support, standards, heavy, eye-opening, WOW, grateful, real, desire, vulnerable".
Nancy used hope as her word because, "There's hopelessness all around us, but we have a choice to see the hope in all situations". While Kate, who is training to be a leader shared that her word was emotions because while she is tends to be "closed off" by her emotions in situations, she also gets uncomfortable when others are experiencing profound emotions. She prayed for God to get her our of her comfort zone, and throughout the day, she was able to provide emotional support to some members on the team.
At the end of the day we were extremely thankful for three gentle reminders;
1. That we are all similar in some way and it's important to find out what it is.
2. To remember to see the hope in any situation so you can continue to shine His light for the world.
3. Remember to always work on your communication with others, no matter what that looks like.
Tomorrow is water truck day so stay tuned
Central Church-Arrival Day
Todays focus was all about introductions. Introductions to one another, a new organization (for many), a new culture, and overall a new way of living for Jesus. Let me start with me.
Bonjou, mwen rele Samantha.
Hello, my name is Samantha.
With the expertise and assistance of my leaders, Michael and Melissa, I will be your virtual guide to the teams experience here in Haiti. Everyday you will be able to get a glimpse of this beautiful country and share in our experiences of all things new. Please be engaging. Share this link, comment, ask questions. Would love to do this together.
DAY 1
If you've ever traveled with kids you can relate when I start by describing our 2:30 am gathering. We started out very much like we were about to take a very long drive with a bunch of school kids (at least I felt like one). As the team of eleven of us (plus family members and friends) gathered around the lobby of Central Church, excitedly sharing about our sleep habits of the night, what we packed or didn't, emotions, and lots of bright, and awake, eyes eagerly awaiting to get in the car. For our two leaders, however, it was all about logistics. Passing out folders, getting our bags together, packing and repacking, asking about bathroom runs before we go. Then there was the call to gather for prayer and everything changed.
The 10 team members (and family and friends) were mature, and focused. Our leaders relaxed a bit, smiled, and looked around at what will be their closest family for the next 8 days with excitement. There was balance and joy. We received our final instruction, emptied all of our individual thoughts, and prayed together as One mind, One voice, and One Spirit for our trip. We said our goodbyes and were off. Off for a wonderous adventure and a sparkle in our eyes for the unknown.
This is my first trip out of the country (as it is for many of us), and Melissa, Kate, and Michael were fantastic! They guided us through every process. We were presented with an outline of what to expect, then provided more detail as it was happening, so to not inundate us with a lot of information up front. When we arrived at the Port au Prince Airport it was exactly how they described it. A lot happening, in a small area, with a lot of people. We were in a large room with a beautiful view of the mountains for customs, then guided through narrow hallways with maze-like turns to be in a smaller area (with the same amount of people), then approached by many to "help" us, or to keep the "flow" going in the room. I state it like that because one was only for their own gain, and none of us seem to understand the method to that madness that was supposed to be their flow process.
We were not there, however, to "fix" any process or tell anyone what we might think can help make their process better. We later came to the understanding that none of us knew, at that point, what we were really there for individually. All we knew is that we wanted out of the chaotic process and be free. Which were were, finally, and met with a great big warm smile from a man that took us to what will be our home for the next week.
After about a 20 minute drive in the tap tap (I'll describe later) we approached two large purple doors. They opened and introduced us to the beautifully colorful Healing Haiti homes. The staff, along with 4 well trained loving dogs, welcomed us and introduced themselves. We were lovingly given an overall directional of the place along with an outline of what was about to transpire. All of us eagerly entered the doors and, as if it was the first day at summer camp, picked out our bunks and sleeping arrangements.
We were then given a couple hours of free time to process and explore the grounds. After about an hour the team gradually convened in the living room and got to know one other. We were all given journals that will be written in by everyone (except ourselves). These journals are for others to encourage, share knowledge, reflection, and thoughts to you through this journey.
Dinner was incredible. We all sat down at the 16 person table covered with a muted fuchsia tablecloth with our plates on top of laminated flash cards. Afterwards we worked as a team to clear the table, do the dishes and set it up again for breakfast.
As the evening came to a close we gathered to do our devotional and reflection. Our devotional was on John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you"
We focused on the first half of the fact that we were chosen. As each of us answered the question, How does it feel to know that you are chosen? One of the answers was that it raised another question for them, "Why did you choose me for here-Haiti?". This was enlightening to the group. Some answered about changing their comfort zone, or mindfulness-to stay present with God more (You need to do a lot of adapting here), maybe to find their purpose in missions, or to be less controlling.
For reflection, we got to pick a word of the day. These words of the day are the lessons Jesus shared with us throughout our daily walk. Below are the answers given:
Amanda - Trust
Eryka - Grace
Tara - Excited
Laurie - Relieved
Steve - Servitude
Melissa - Finally
Melanie - Strength
Michael - Exhausted
Rebecca - Why
Zach - Team
Nancy - Faithfulness
Kate - Lens
Sam - Presence
Each one's reasoning behind their answers was wonderful to hear and very relatable. I encourage you to reach out to someone on the team and find out what their reasoning is. Not all posts will be this long, but as I sit here with everyone fast asleep resting for the next days adventures, I am an awe at how organic the communication was today.
Now with introductions coming to a close (for now), reflect on your own day (or morning) and ask yourself what your word of the day is (or will be) and just be open to the possibilities of greatness, one small task at a time.
Bonjou, mwen rele Samantha.
Hello, my name is Samantha.
With the expertise and assistance of my leaders, Michael and Melissa, I will be your virtual guide to the teams experience here in Haiti. Everyday you will be able to get a glimpse of this beautiful country and share in our experiences of all things new. Please be engaging. Share this link, comment, ask questions. Would love to do this together.
DAY 1
If you've ever traveled with kids you can relate when I start by describing our 2:30 am gathering. We started out very much like we were about to take a very long drive with a bunch of school kids (at least I felt like one). As the team of eleven of us (plus family members and friends) gathered around the lobby of Central Church, excitedly sharing about our sleep habits of the night, what we packed or didn't, emotions, and lots of bright, and awake, eyes eagerly awaiting to get in the car. For our two leaders, however, it was all about logistics. Passing out folders, getting our bags together, packing and repacking, asking about bathroom runs before we go. Then there was the call to gather for prayer and everything changed.
The 10 team members (and family and friends) were mature, and focused. Our leaders relaxed a bit, smiled, and looked around at what will be their closest family for the next 8 days with excitement. There was balance and joy. We received our final instruction, emptied all of our individual thoughts, and prayed together as One mind, One voice, and One Spirit for our trip. We said our goodbyes and were off. Off for a wonderous adventure and a sparkle in our eyes for the unknown.
This is my first trip out of the country (as it is for many of us), and Melissa, Kate, and Michael were fantastic! They guided us through every process. We were presented with an outline of what to expect, then provided more detail as it was happening, so to not inundate us with a lot of information up front. When we arrived at the Port au Prince Airport it was exactly how they described it. A lot happening, in a small area, with a lot of people. We were in a large room with a beautiful view of the mountains for customs, then guided through narrow hallways with maze-like turns to be in a smaller area (with the same amount of people), then approached by many to "help" us, or to keep the "flow" going in the room. I state it like that because one was only for their own gain, and none of us seem to understand the method to that madness that was supposed to be their flow process.
We were not there, however, to "fix" any process or tell anyone what we might think can help make their process better. We later came to the understanding that none of us knew, at that point, what we were really there for individually. All we knew is that we wanted out of the chaotic process and be free. Which were were, finally, and met with a great big warm smile from a man that took us to what will be our home for the next week.
After about a 20 minute drive in the tap tap (I'll describe later) we approached two large purple doors. They opened and introduced us to the beautifully colorful Healing Haiti homes. The staff, along with 4 well trained loving dogs, welcomed us and introduced themselves. We were lovingly given an overall directional of the place along with an outline of what was about to transpire. All of us eagerly entered the doors and, as if it was the first day at summer camp, picked out our bunks and sleeping arrangements.
We were then given a couple hours of free time to process and explore the grounds. After about an hour the team gradually convened in the living room and got to know one other. We were all given journals that will be written in by everyone (except ourselves). These journals are for others to encourage, share knowledge, reflection, and thoughts to you through this journey.
Dinner was incredible. We all sat down at the 16 person table covered with a muted fuchsia tablecloth with our plates on top of laminated flash cards. Afterwards we worked as a team to clear the table, do the dishes and set it up again for breakfast.
As the evening came to a close we gathered to do our devotional and reflection. Our devotional was on John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you"
We focused on the first half of the fact that we were chosen. As each of us answered the question, How does it feel to know that you are chosen? One of the answers was that it raised another question for them, "Why did you choose me for here-Haiti?". This was enlightening to the group. Some answered about changing their comfort zone, or mindfulness-to stay present with God more (You need to do a lot of adapting here), maybe to find their purpose in missions, or to be less controlling.
For reflection, we got to pick a word of the day. These words of the day are the lessons Jesus shared with us throughout our daily walk. Below are the answers given:
Amanda - Trust
Eryka - Grace
Tara - Excited
Laurie - Relieved
Steve - Servitude
Melissa - Finally
Melanie - Strength
Michael - Exhausted
Rebecca - Why
Zach - Team
Nancy - Faithfulness
Kate - Lens
Sam - Presence
Each one's reasoning behind their answers was wonderful to hear and very relatable. I encourage you to reach out to someone on the team and find out what their reasoning is. Not all posts will be this long, but as I sit here with everyone fast asleep resting for the next days adventures, I am an awe at how organic the communication was today.
Now with introductions coming to a close (for now), reflect on your own day (or morning) and ask yourself what your word of the day is (or will be) and just be open to the possibilities of greatness, one small task at a time.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Healing Haiti Trip, Oct.20, 2018
We slept in a little due to a change in schedule. Breakfast was at the usual 8:30. Besides French Toast, oatmeal, bananas, avocado, juice and scrambled eggs we had cinnamon rolls and monkey bread from Fleri Bakery. (Thanks Deb and Wendy)
Fabrice and Chrissy from White Bear happened to stop in to visit this morning.
Charlie and Mike had gotten a haircut last night, from the new barber down the street, and looked very nice.
Then we did some shopping at the Papillon Gift and Enterprise. They have a job creation company for Haitians. They buy their goods from locals artists and companies. They also purchase clay powder, mix it and form it into ceramic items and fire it in their own furnace. We enjoyed smoothies and coffee upstairs at the Clay Cafe.
The " For His Glory Orphanage" was next. (Also called Maison des Effants de Dieu Orphange) There are about 70 kids there. We played and held them for 1+ hours. One of, our driver and interpreter was amazing interacting with the kids. He had some doing gymnastics and the worm crawl. The parachute game had the kids laughing for 20 minutes.
Lunch was at the Compound and consisted of snacks and then we had to wait until 3 PM to go to "Sick and Dying Babies Orphanage." It is associated with Sisters of Charity. There were more than 75 children there. They varied from pretty healthy to very frail. After 2 hours of holding them and nurturing as best as we could we went back to the Compound.
Dinner was a wonderfully prepared spaghetti, red sauce and garlic bread.
Both teams gathered for a debriefing together to finish the evening.
Fabrice and Chrissy from White Bear happened to stop in to visit this morning.
Charlie and Mike had gotten a haircut last night, from the new barber down the street, and looked very nice.
Then we did some shopping at the Papillon Gift and Enterprise. They have a job creation company for Haitians. They buy their goods from locals artists and companies. They also purchase clay powder, mix it and form it into ceramic items and fire it in their own furnace. We enjoyed smoothies and coffee upstairs at the Clay Cafe.
The " For His Glory Orphanage" was next. (Also called Maison des Effants de Dieu Orphange) There are about 70 kids there. We played and held them for 1+ hours. One of, our driver and interpreter was amazing interacting with the kids. He had some doing gymnastics and the worm crawl. The parachute game had the kids laughing for 20 minutes.
Lunch was at the Compound and consisted of snacks and then we had to wait until 3 PM to go to "Sick and Dying Babies Orphanage." It is associated with Sisters of Charity. There were more than 75 children there. They varied from pretty healthy to very frail. After 2 hours of holding them and nurturing as best as we could we went back to the Compound.
Dinner was a wonderfully prepared spaghetti, red sauce and garlic bread.
Both teams gathered for a debriefing together to finish the evening.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Healing Haiti Team 2, Oct. 19,2018
6:00 AM service at Church on the Rock. There were about 150 locals present and only a few were not up walking and moving with the spirit from the service in them. The church looked like it would hold 500 parishioners. It was clean and neat throughout. We were greeted by the first speaking Pastor and many parishioners returned our smiles, hand shakes and one gave each of us a hug. We all walked home and the children were walking to school in their uniforms.
Breakfast was pancakes, avocados, mango, bananas, scrambled eggs, juice, oatmeal.
After devotions the Tap Tap took us to the site of the Mass Graves. The guide mentioned 300,000 people died in the earth quake and a majority of them are buried here, Almost every person in Haiti lost someone that day. There is a site up the hill from the Mass Graves where non Haitians quake victims are buried. It is marked by 3 large crosses. This area of Haiti is called Titanyen, (tea- tawn-yeah) which means "less than nothing
Next stop was Grace Academy. It looks like an oasis with its new buildings and bright colors. A 2 y/o named James greeted us . Mackenzie (sp) greeted us and showed us around. The classrooms are small but organized and the students were attentive to their tasks. There are 150 sponsored student and about 450 total. Only 60 of them live there in family style settings. Kinder garden covers grades 1-3 and there are 13 grade levels in all. Last year students are called "Filo" for "last year". They were a different uniform too. All of the teachers and the dentist are Haitians.
There is a medical and dental clinic there along with a small library.
Next we went to serve some elders. The first was Deaufort, a somewhat frail man who lives alone. ( he smiled when he explained that God lives with him so he is not alone) It appeared his only family contact was with his daughter, Claudia and she had written her name and number on the outside of his small house. We bathed his feet and put lotion on his hands, feet and shoulders. He received a meal. We prayed for his well being and that his roof would get fixed.
Maricia was next and we did the same with her. She was cheerful and in generally god health. She cares for a grandchild. She asked for prayer for spiritual strength and enough health to care for her grandson.
Elafet has an approx 20 y/o granddaughter who doesn't speak and did not respond to our greetings. She was sitting in the hot sun. Elefet was also frail in appearance. She asked for prayer to find a better living situation as only one of them can sleep on the bed and the other, (usually Elefet) is on the floor.
Next we toured the Fleri ( It means to flourish) Bakery. Jake is the Executive Manager at there. Every employee is Haitian. We ate their pizza an it may be the best we have ever had. Wendy bought Monkey Bread there for our breakfast treat tomorrow.
After we got home, Mike and Charlie went for a haircut.
6:00 AM service at Church on the Rock. There were about 150 locals present and only a few were not up walking and moving with the spirit from the service in them. The church looked like it would hold 500 parishioners. It was clean and neat throughout. We were greeted by the first speaking Pastor and many parishioners returned our smiles, hand shakes and one gave each of us a hug. We all walked home and the children were walking to school in their uniforms.
Breakfast was pancakes, avocados, mango, bananas, scrambled eggs, juice, oatmeal.
After devotions the Tap Tap took us to the site of the Mass Graves. The guide mentioned 300,000 people died in the earth quake and a majority of them are buried here, Almost every person in Haiti lost someone that day. There is a site up the hill from the Mass Graves where non Haitians quake victims are buried. It is marked by 3 large crosses. This area of Haiti is called Titanyen, (tea- tawn-yeah) which means "less than nothing
Next stop was Grace Academy. It looks like an oasis with its new buildings and bright colors. A 2 y/o named James greeted us . Mackenzie (sp) greeted us and showed us around. The classrooms are small but organized and the students were attentive to their tasks. There are 150 sponsored student and about 450 total. Only 60 of them live there in family style settings. Kinder garden covers grades 1-3 and there are 13 grade levels in all. Last year students are called "Filo" for "last year". They were a different uniform too. All of the teachers and the dentist are Haitians.
There is a medical and dental clinic there along with a small library.
Next we went to serve some elders. The first was Deaufort, a somewhat frail man who lives alone. ( he smiled when he explained that God lives with him so he is not alone) It appeared his only family contact was with his daughter, Claudia and she had written her name and number on the outside of his small house. We bathed his feet and put lotion on his hands, feet and shoulders. He received a meal. We prayed for his well being and that his roof would get fixed.
Maricia was next and we did the same with her. She was cheerful and in generally god health. She cares for a grandchild. She asked for prayer for spiritual strength and enough health to care for her grandson.
Elafet has an approx 20 y/o granddaughter who doesn't speak and did not respond to our greetings. She was sitting in the hot sun. Elefet was also frail in appearance. She asked for prayer to find a better living situation as only one of them can sleep on the bed and the other, (usually Elefet) is on the floor.
Next we toured the Fleri ( It means to flourish) Bakery. Jake is the Executive Manager at there. Every employee is Haitian. We ate their pizza an it may be the best we have ever had. Wendy bought Monkey Bread there for our breakfast treat tomorrow.
After we got home, Mike and Charlie went for a haircut.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Haiti Team 2; Oct. 18,2018
Last night several members of both teams had some significant stomach distress. This morning most felt improved but Charlie was uncomfortable. Despite our urging to take the day off, he insisted on accompanying us on the trip.
Coffee was started a 6:30 am.
Breakfast included french toast, juice, avocados, mango, oatmeal, scrambled eggs.
Our first stop was at Haiti Design Company Boutique and Workshop. We had a tour of the work area and met workers and observed some of the shop employees doing their jobs. We supported the economy by purchasing some beautifully made products. Iced coffee, smoothies and other choices were purchased and we all sat up on the rooftop patio in a cool breeze while enjoying the shop managers company, (Tess)
Next stop was at Sweet Home Orphanage. The children were in good spirits and seemed pleased to have us there. They were all neatly groomed and wore matching attractive uniforms. We played for about 30 minutes on the swings, "keep away", and various children's playground activities.
LaPhare Orphanage was our next stop. The children were attentive to Kathleens' Faith Presentation." She colored water with dye and said the change was like our pure lives being tainted by sin. She then added bleach to neutralize the dye and the water cleared. This is like our sins being forgiven by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. She described how Jesus desires a personal relationship with each of us. She gave an example of a simple personal prayer to God.
We described the life cycle of a butterfly and compared the change from egg to caterpillar and from cocoon to butterfly . These dramatic life changes were compared those that take place in those who invite Jesus into their lives.
We then spent nearly 45 minutes playing jump rope,catch, coloring,beading and holding the children.
All the children were beautiful today and we felt gratitude and blessed to have them share their lives with us.
We met Team 1 at the pool and wound down with socializing there.
Dinner was a Haitian style meal. Chicken legs, kibby, coleslaw,dark rice and beans, potatoes and carrots with broth, and a squash like veggie.
Coffee was started a 6:30 am.
Breakfast included french toast, juice, avocados, mango, oatmeal, scrambled eggs.
Our first stop was at Haiti Design Company Boutique and Workshop. We had a tour of the work area and met workers and observed some of the shop employees doing their jobs. We supported the economy by purchasing some beautifully made products. Iced coffee, smoothies and other choices were purchased and we all sat up on the rooftop patio in a cool breeze while enjoying the shop managers company, (Tess)
Next stop was at Sweet Home Orphanage. The children were in good spirits and seemed pleased to have us there. They were all neatly groomed and wore matching attractive uniforms. We played for about 30 minutes on the swings, "keep away", and various children's playground activities.
LaPhare Orphanage was our next stop. The children were attentive to Kathleens' Faith Presentation." She colored water with dye and said the change was like our pure lives being tainted by sin. She then added bleach to neutralize the dye and the water cleared. This is like our sins being forgiven by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. She described how Jesus desires a personal relationship with each of us. She gave an example of a simple personal prayer to God.
We described the life cycle of a butterfly and compared the change from egg to caterpillar and from cocoon to butterfly . These dramatic life changes were compared those that take place in those who invite Jesus into their lives.
We then spent nearly 45 minutes playing jump rope,catch, coloring,beading and holding the children.
All the children were beautiful today and we felt gratitude and blessed to have them share their lives with us.
We met Team 1 at the pool and wound down with socializing there.
Dinner was a Haitian style meal. Chicken legs, kibby, coleslaw,dark rice and beans, potatoes and carrots with broth, and a squash like veggie.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Sabbath
Haiti Team 2, Weds. Oct.17, 2018
Charlie had coffee ready at 6:30 am. We did sleep in a little because there was a protest scheduled in our area. The details/purpose of the protest are still unclear but we were unaffected by it.
Mike offered a nice devotional for our team this morning. That was after a breakfast of oatmeal, pancakes, bananas, mango, avocados.
Jean, (vision expansion coordinator), shared his story and his history with Healing Haiti.
We spent the morning and early afternoon reflecting on our purpose here and enjoyed sharing time together. Some games included bean bag and Farkle (sp).
From about 1:30 until 4:00 both teams and the team from Reiser Relief ( White Bear Lake, St Mary’s Church) went to the local pool/hotel just a couple blocks away. We used the beach ball to volley around the edge of the pool and reached a remarkable sequence of 52 volleys before missing a hit.
The were remnants of 3 burned tires on the road along our walk. There was no evidence of a protest. 15+ local young men were casually sitting along the roadside. They smiled and returned our greetings.
Dinner of Haitian lasagna and fresh veggie salad was tasty.we were essentially unaffected by it. So our teams were advised to not go out of the compound
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Day 2
Haiti Trip, Team 1, Oct 16, 2018
Charlie started coffee at 6:30 AM. We slept varying amounts between strange (but comfortable) beds and new nighttime noises. The roosters get up early and seem quite proud to announce it.
Breakfast at 8:30 after prayer and a devotional. French toast, scrambled eggs, avocado,juice, bananas, oatmeal.
At about 9 AM we left in the Tap Tap to serve in Haiti. Our first stop was at Hope Church and School in City Soleil. As we approached, the children were curious and started poking their hands out the windows to touch us. When we went into the worship area, (connected to the classrooms) the children came out to greet us. (hey you!)
The children are all wearing matching uniforms and are neatly groomed. They seemed to not get enough of our holding them and giving them attention.
There are two Pastors and we met them too.
The Technology Pod was ready to start up today and we had a tour. We had brought down 23 IPADS on our flight and each one can be used by up to ten students. It is State of The Art in teaching technology.
We split up into two groups of 5. Our two Haitian guides introduced us to 3 different elderly Haitians. We asked each what they would like us to pray for them. They have so little and their situation seems so desperate that my prayers seemed empty. I thought of my faith and focused on Jesus promise of a life after the time we spend in these bodies.
We then went to the 4 Coffins area and again delivered water. It is fun interacting with the Haitians despite the strenuous work carrying water with them to their homes.
At both water stops the children were swarming around us and wanting us to hold them. Their dark eyes and smiles are easy to love and they genuinely enjoy our attention.
There was a Haitian protest planned that seemed potentially risky for us so we returned to the Guest House. So, we all went to an adjoining property to use the pool. The setting was beautiful. It was great fun and we set a record of volleying a beach ball 34 times in a row.
Dinner was supurb.
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