Keith Wight

It has been a long and stormy winter this year in Haiti. Not snowy and cold like Montreal and Newfoundland. No, it has been politically stormy instead of meteorologically stormy. You have read in previous blogs, the CBC, BBC and Karen’s FaceBook the state of the crisis here in Haiti. It is real.
But for now we are good, we are safe and we have water, food, electricity and usually internet. Thank you for the notes of support and encouragement.

Despite the chaos outside the compound, today’s blog is to tell you about the bedlam inside the compound. Day 10 of no school and the kids are getting a little squirrely! Karen, Joan and I are trying hard to maintain a sense of calm from the storm outside, reassure the kids and keep them busy and occupied. Of course they think that Joan and I are their social conveners so we needed to find a balance.

They usually amuse themselves and do chores and laundry etc. in the mornings.

That gives Joan time to do schooling with Luc and I continue to do jobs around the compound. This week it has been replacing broken screens ( and in 2 instances re-placing a new screen; thanks Anne and Judel!) There is at least a water leak per week and a leaky toilet in the boys’ home. Unfortunately I need supplies or a new toilet. I have even run out of chewing gum trying to fix that leak!

 Then we come up with an afternoon activity. We have done at least one special activity with them each day. Most mornings the bigger children have gone to the school compound with the soccer ball to blow off steam.

JELLO

Monday was Jell-O day. That was a great afternoon treat. The kids were fascinated by the texture and the colors. Jofky wanted to know if it was made from Clorox??!! Oh Jofky, there are days I’d like to feed you chloroform or something stronger but no it is fun and safe and so are you!

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BIKES

Several afternoons the bikes all came out and the kids did laps around the compound. Of course when the bikes come out so does the air pump and the pliers and the tube patching and the screwdriver etc., it is remarkable the bikes keep running.

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Karen has a monthly Birthday Party for the kids to celebrate their special day. This week it was Josee (13) and Leica’s(14)  turn. The birthday girls got dressed in their finest dresses, got to sit in chairs of honor and we welcomed, sung to and hugged by their brothers and sisters. They loved their clothing gifts and purses. Everyone devoured the cake with Nutella icing. Some good ‘bye.

HOCKEY

We had to move our hockey games to 8:00 as it is too hot to play in the afternoons. We have had some good competitions. I need to bring some replacement hockey blades next trip as the ones we have are worn pretty thin from rubbing on the concrete.

AIRPLANES

Then one day it was paper airplane day. We tried several different shapes and designs and had a blast.

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Stay tuned.
Keif