We are slowly getting Karen’s office organized (one of the main things Karen wanted me to do while I was here). Karen has to wear many hats and is off running to do things whenever someone calls her. I do as much as I can without her help and then we work together. Karen really could use another couple here to help oversee the kids home as well as help with general administration. Please pray for that special couple that is needed. Even if a couple can come for 3 months, 6 months or longer at a time. It would take a huge load off of Karen. There are lots of people saving the planet, whales etc. Now, let’s help save the mission.
On Saturday night we had a chance for a social outing. A Canadian friend, Debbie, invited us over for a meal and to visit with more Canadians down from Ontario to work at the hospital. It was very good for me to socialize with others that have a passion to help these little ones. Two “blancs” in a new vehicle at night is not very safe so our security guard escorted us there and back. It was pitch black and very difficult to see all the people lining the roads. Also, it was scary when we had to stop and figure out which driveway to take. Men walked by peering in the windows. Unnerving for me!!
Sunday morning we had a church service in one of the classrooms. There were approx. 40 people, mostly kids. I love their zeal for singing! Us “blancs” can really learn from them when it comes to praising the Lord. Our Canadian friends showed up to see the mission and came back to give school supplies to the kids.
It is another hot and humid day. Whenever I get up from sitting my clothes are stuck to my legs and it feels like I have saran wrap around my legs that I have to peel off. After lunch I went down to the kid’s home and Cecile, the housemother, did my hair in braids. Took 3 hours!!! The elastics that I took down were not the right kind so I gave some to the kids. They played with those for hours. They are so easily entertained even without “ipods and video games”.
Today one of the teachers had an accident on his motorbike on the way to school. He had one of the students on the back. He got transported to the hospital (not sure what the word is on his condition as of yet) and the young girl ended up here getting bandages on her arms and side. This morning I spent some time with Ti Fi (she’s mentally challenged so she doesn’t go to school). She loves to walk with me and put her arm around me as if we are real buddies. This afternoon I brought Dieunel up to the house, gave him a bath, and put some new clothes on him that I bought for him. He is my sponsored child for the orphanage. Today he wasn’t feeling well and was real cuddly. I usually spend time with all of them as a group but like to give them some individual time as well. Later today (Monday) Karen and I took Ti Luckner up near the hospital to look at some wares that people were trying to sell. The group of Canadians had asked them to all come up to the one area so they could look at their things.
Of course they were all pestering us to buy. I wouldn’t buy until Karen came and bartered with them. They were all nice until they knew that we were leaving. I had bought some things for lower than what they were originally asking and apparently it was too much then. All the rest of the blancs had left and it was only Karen and I bartering on this painting that this guy wanted to sell me. Two white women and the rest all black men!! They started to get rowdy and began to turn on us as we headed for the truck. I ended up buying the painting as one followed us to the truck. Hopefully then one would be on our side!! Three of them were peering in the truck window as I was counting out the money for the painting. Then we tried to get out of there in a hurry. We should have left earlier but thank God we left when we did. One guy threatened Karen that he was going to lie down in front of her truck and she would run over him and then the police would put her in jail and then she would have to pay. Karen realized then that we should have left earlier or at least had the security guard with us.
Another day, and we are safe inside the compound.
Another day, and all the more admiration I have for Karen and the work being done here at HATS-HAITI!!!!
~Brenda
My arrival Nov. 03.09
Getting measurements for new staff house
I wanted to have braided hair
The finished product and on our way up the mountain with Odner (Chief Security)
Bath time for Dieunel and some new clothes!!
Work team from Ontario (doing work at hospital) handing out school supplies.
