Sometimes it takes small, seemingly routine things to make you think about big things. This morning we watched as the school children gathered and began their day with song, prayer and by raising the Haitian flag. Plenty, of course, could be shared on what each person took away from that 30 minutes, but here’s one thing that stuck out for a few of us.
In a country where people live in tiny, very humble dwellings with dirt floors, they turn up each morning to teach or learn in their finest clothing with shirts whiter than any we have at home. “How is that possible?” we asked. The question wasn’t one about laundry techniques but more of a “How can you do so much with so little?”
The day has been a full one (it’s not over yet). So, to keep this entry short, here are a few highlights:
- holes chipped out of the concrete and posts inserted waiting for a spankin’ new wash line
- a leaky carport roof torn down and a new one is well on its way
- more rubble cleared, making clean and tidy spaces
- Brian, Bob and Karen travelled into St. Marc for some essential supplies like medication, lumber, strapping, plastic roofing, food.
- in-the-shade temperature at 9:00am: 31C
- same thermometer in the sun at 4:00pm: 49C We joke: “Is it the heat or the humidity?” Like it matters!
- work continued on the new home, of course
- some minor cuts and scratches, courtesy of a wheelbarrow and barbed wire
- more absolutely fantastic food and some of the strongest morning coffee we’ve tasted.
Removing the Old
Down with the Old
Supplies Arrive
Once again, the children of HATS continue to brighten our day with games of X’s and O’s, hopscotch and plenty of laughter. Some minor eye ailments may have been taken care of swiftly and Ti Luc is more like his charming self now that tonsillitis on the way out. Special recognition must be given to Vladimir, the shy-est and most hard-working teenager here at HATS. He can swing a hammer with the best of ‘em and might give Mike Cushing a run for his money.
Joshua and Ti Luc
A bientôt
~Aimee
