As shown if the previous pictures, we were pleasantly surprised with amazing accommodations. We had a full size bed, our own toilet, sink, and shower. We were in Haitian paradise! (Thank you Shane for giving up your room for the week!) Thanks to these lovely accommodations, we got a much needed night of restful sleep. We were even lucky enough to have A/C for a couple of hours thanks to the generator.
We awoke on Monday, well rested, and called the airport. Thankfully, our bags had arrived. We were told that they would be waiting for us in the Cargo building. Ryan and Emily (two of the full-time missionaries) joined Paul and myself on a trek back into Port au Prince to the airport.
The sites along the way.
This is how many Haitians live. See why I was so in love with our accomodations?
My first time seeing the US Embassy.
"Tent cities" are still seen along the main roadways. Please make sure you know where your money is going when you give after a disaster. I know millions of dollars where donated after the earthquake yet some of these people will NEVER be able to recover from their losses.
Finally made it to "cargo" at the airport.
I had a great fear that we would find our 4 of our large duffle bags nearly empty. Things have a way of disappearing in this country. Even the things that you would think would be useless to most can be sold on the street. Anything is better than nothing. For that reason, things disappear.
To our astonishment, the bags appeared to be untouched. Thank You God!
So while we were in Port, we decided to visit the REAL hardware store to get some much needed items. Last time we were here, we started a playhouse that needed to be finished. There were also other things here and there that needed fixed.
Now that is real lumber!
Not badly priced either.
Another blessing!
Having fun at MSC!
It is not uncommon to see people walking around with machetes in Haiti. Little did I know you could purchase one for just $3!
Really? A transformer?
Why would you need such a thing in a country that does not have reliable electricity?
I dunno!
We then found a very nice restaurant not too far down the road. It was an old sugar plantation that still had all the old equipment out to look at.
Checking out the sugar cane crushers.
Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to purchase a bag full of decent tools for Ryan. We also were able to purchase a new water pump for their house so they would not have to pull water from the well with a bucket anymore. Then we got all the wood needed to finish the playhouse.
By the time we made it back to the creche, the heat of the day was in full swing and we were not able to get any real work done. However, we were pleased because we had gotten our luggage, purchased all the needed items to finish projects and we were able to bless Ryan and Emily to a delish HAMBURGER AND FRIES!
The rest of the afternoon was spent loving on some beautiful Haitian children who are waiting to travel to their forever homes here in America.
When we awoke Tuesday, we headed off to the original creche. This is where we spent all of our time last September.
This is what we found in the playhouse we started. Evidently they had decided to make it a "sitting area." We removed these boards, put a roof on it, and added a bench to one side. We also purchased some good paint to leave with Shane (the missionary picture with Paul), and he will be able to paint it very soon with the help of some of the older boys.
This is the toy organizer that we built last time. Most of the toys have been VERY well used to the point of trash but that happens when you have 100+ kids playing with them.
We were happy to see the furniture piece was still being used even if it was not how we intended.
This is the play kitchen area. Obviously well used and loved.
I am fascinated at the girls' ability to braid hair at an early age.
How can you not fall in love with that smile?
Beautiful smiles!
This was WITH bug spray!
Morning of Day 2.
I was thrilled to have my much loved pates for lunch. I crave this street market food when I am in the states.
After a day of working in the heat, it was time to call it quits. Shane called his favorite moto driver, Miller, to give us a ride back to Creche #3. This was my first experience on a moto. Super fun!
We then walked up the road to a restaurant. I was so excited to see I could feast on lobster for just $8US! It was delish and I enjoyed it greatly.
Then when I figured it up and realized that Haitians get paid an average of $5 per day of work, I felt a bit spoiled and frivolous eating it. (But it was super yummy)
During our other trips to Haiti, we have been treated as visitors, as outsiders.
Not this time! We walked the streets, rode tap taps, and traveled on motos.
I love being accepted as somewhat of a local. I don't want to be treated differently. When I am there, I was to live as a Haitian would live (well, a spoiled Haitian at least).
Storms are rolling in!
Stay tuned to hear about the rest of our trip.
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