I have not had/made the time this week to transfer portions of my journal entries here. There's been a lot going on at the compound which have altered the routine I was establishing then. I would take the time tonight to type that information into a lovely entry, but I'm too tired. Instead I will just provide a few of the highlights and make a point to include more details this weekend (probably Sunday).
Last Wednesday we had my first bibliotec, which is a weekly time with the beach kids. There were a couple of familiar faces, but most of them I had not met previously (some of whom Nicole and the Carlin children did not recognize).
A week ago today, I moved into my "new" space which is an individual apartment instead of the guest house where teams stay when they come down to work. I even managed to get pictures up on the walls and my belongings situated to a comfortable level. It's pretty easy to do when all of your things fit into two trunks, one of which acts as your dresser.
Friday was spent in preparation of my first group's arrival on Saturday evening.
Saturday morning, I went to the market again with Nicole and 3 Haitians who helped us carry the bags of goods we purchased. I believe I will continue to take in more and more of that experience for some time to come.
Saturday evening, the first team arrived which began their (and my) orientation to the desired routine.
Sunday I helped put away the chairs and "pews" after church and was able to see the inside of a local school.
Tuesday I conducted school for the Carlin children in the midst of a construction zone... gotta love distractions.
Yesterday, a few of the youth who were assisting the team with various construction projects began helping me practice my very poor Creole. The second team (of HFI board members) arrived in the evening and seemingly brought us a late Christmas.
Today we had bibliotec again, only to realize some blancs were down the beach surveying the coral. So we took a walk to better understand what they were doing, which allowed me an opportunity to "become" friends with a couple of the youth.
Sam, Sophie, Tessa, Riah, and I have been spending time on the beach and in the water roughly 3x per week. Our presence draws the attention of the Haitians to the point that I sometimes feel we have a magnetic force around us that pulls people into our space (no matter where we are).
All week, I have finally been exposed to authentic Haitian cuisine.
Like I said, it's been a busy week. I want to share the details with you. It just takes time, but it often seems as if there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish all that I desire.
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