I can’t tell you how much I have been enjoying this wonderful place…yes…wonderful! My flight was rather uneventful until I got to the PAP airport. Actually, I don’t want to complain at all. I found the chaos of searching for my luggage rather exhilarating, and it gave me an opportunity to meet several Doctors and Engineers who were volunteering their time here from places such as Alaska, California, Alberta, and Toronto. I felt very proud of each and every one of them.
Luckily Karen and her granddaughter Mariah, were able to get right up to the door to greet me. Boy, the moment I laid eyes on their smiling faces, and received their big hugs, I could just feel it in my soul that I had come to the right place. The drive through PAP was interesting to say the least. I saw hundreds and hundreds of tents in several spots and just couldn’t imagine what it has been like to live in these tent cities with the extreme heat and the heavy rains.
We kind of skirted the city, so I didn’t see much of the earthquake damage, and made our way to the countryside for the 3 hour drive to Deschapelles. I was so very impressed with the highway that has been built. Newly paved and well irrigated, this road will last for along time. The only thing that was scary were the crazy drivers…honk…honk…is the signal that you give when passing a transport around a bend to warn the oncoming truck that you aren’t moving over. Mind you, I felt totally comfortable with Luckner at the wheel, and I totally enjoyed the ocean view, stopping at several village markets and getting gas (it sounds silly, but even getting gas can be exciting when your travelling).
Arriving at the compound, I was greeted by squeals of delight from the kids…Ti Luc even said my name…wow…was I ever impressed. I was made to feel right at home, and Karen gave me the upstairs bedroom…with a private bathroom and balcony to boot 🙂 I absolutely love it.
It didn’t take me long to remember everyone’s names; although, I do get some of the kids mixed up. I get my daily dose of hugs and affection from them, and I’m beginning to learn their personalities. They are wonderful kids, and I love them all already. I am enjoying helping out with Ti luc as he does need some extra care, but he did beat me in a game of soccer …Brasil against Germany…3 to 2 🙂
I know that I’ve only been here two days, but I feel so at home. My only complaint is the heat…oh my…I can’t explain it. I carry around a wee towel to mop up my sweat (sounds gross, but it helps). Thankfully, it cools down after the afternoon rain, and yaaayy, I have a fan in my room. Marta, the woman who cooks here, is unbelievable. I will certainly gain weight with her delicious Creole cuisine (red beans, rice and goat stew…yum…corn cake lasagna…wow…). I can’t wait for her to cook the chickens that Mariah’s dad bought. I watched Marta kill and prepare them…very interesting indeed 🙂
Yesterday, we went to Pont Sonde to pick up the “chocolate” which is actually a highly nutritional powdered drink donated by the Reliv Kalogris Foundation. It was interesting to see how quickly the men unloaded the big truck. Back home today, we unloaded the pick up truck (which we had to leave under the carport due to the rain), and it took no time at all with all the kids helping. I just love the way they put the packages on their wee heads and off they ran to the storage unit. I honestly couldn’t keep up with them.
Okay, I will sign off now as Mariah is making guacamole (here she is smashing the garlic)…and I don’t want to miss out. We get to bed around 9 after a nice chat and maybe a bit of television. The rooster wakes me up around 5…but thank goodness I did remember to bring ear plugs!
I realized after these two days that, even though I can’t perform surgery, nor can I build bridges or repair buildings, I can do what I think I do best…play with and love the kids…which I hope gives Karen a bit of a break so she can fill that with a million other things she has to do around here.
Bye for now….all my love.
~Beate
