Monday, August 20, 2007

Wesley, Roland, 2 other gentlemen and I went into Port-de-Paix today to buy some food supplies. It was really an interesting experience. I took some money with me to buy a soccer ball for me and the kids to play with, however they were charging a little more than I was willing to pay. We went to the bank first to get the money we needed and it all I can say is that I am not longer going to complain about the lines in a American bank. They had a security guard with a metal detector at the door scanning you as you went in. I did not get scanned however, and I am thinking it is because I am an American. After a little waiting in the bank Roland and I walked around town price shopping for a soccer ball. I wish I would have had my camera so you could have seen the condition of the “streets’ and the sheer quantity of “shops” and people. The streets where dirt and stone and since it has been raining, the dirt was mud. It smelled of feces and garbage, and was littered with garbage as well. We stopped at several shops and I saw some really nice things but could not find a soccer ball for less than 250 goudes (35 dollars). Oh well, we then went back to the truck and helped them load the first batch of supplies. Our second trip to the town was a little different in that when we got to the store Roland and I simply sat on a bench and chatted while we people watched. Good times. On the way back we had to stop because some of the supplies were falling off of the truck. Stopping is an interesting situation because there is really no place to pull over since there is only one lane for travel. We made it back to the orphanage with all but one of the things we bought. I took my phone with me the second time and got a few pictures of the town. Look for the soon to come. After a short lunch break. I spent several hours outside with the children simply letting the climb all over me and play with my hair. I learned one of the card games that they like to play today. It was fun, except I am not any good at it. Today Faniece (a young female orphan) and I told each other how to say common words in our respective languages. I wrote them all down so I could study. I spent a lot of the night with some of the older boys and girls, trying to learn some more Creole. They are fun to interact with because they know a little more English than the little ones and the know some of the modern day pop culture American things that we can talk about. The electrician came today and finally put a light in my bathroom so I can see. The plumber also came AGAIN to try to figure out what is wrong with the water in my bathroom. Since I have been at the Orphanage I have taken a shower with little or no water pressure. I think I now have full pressure but guess what…..NO HOT WATER. I am actually ok with that because it is so hot here. I chatted with one the local pasters tonight about this and that and he invited me to the prayer meetings that the staff has in the mornings. I am finding that through the simplest things it is getting easier and easier to interact and relate with the Haitians. For instance, only the camera function on my cell phone works so I got it out to let the kids take pictures of whatever and it bridged a gap of communication that I never would have thought would. Well today was a really really good day so I think I am going to call it a night. Peace