May 31, 2011 day 1
The flight and 3 hour drive up the mountain was uneventful except for some rain. When we arrived at the orphanage, we were greeted by beautiful faces and kisses galore. Berline was getting her hair done. It was so funny. She grinned when Carol introduced her to Savanna and Emma as her sisters. She definitely recognized him. She quickly went to him, fuzzy hair and all and called him Poppi. She warmed up quickly. She and Emma haven't been a part day or night.
June 1- day 2
Communication is still a struggle but we are somehow managing. I want to tell them all how wonderful they are and ask them 1000 questions but hugs, hairdos and treats seem to work. We walked up to get Berline from school, I took lots of pictures. I asked Agathe to help me find her brother. Pastor Moises found him. His name is Jonson Midi. He is so cute. He will be 9 July 25. He looks so much like her. I was so happy to meet him. He smiled so big as I shook his little hand and hugged him. I didn't want to leave him. He was so smiley. What a blessing to just meet him. I wish I could speak creole so badly.
Rest of the day was uneventful. Spent the day with girls, getting bible school stuff ready. Berline got to eat dinner with us. She usually gets grits for breakfast, rice and beans about 1:30, right now they get a mango in the late afternoon around 4:00 and some kind of white gravy looking pudding around 7:00. Mona said it was a sweet pudding. That's their food for the day. Berline has enjoyed eating with us. She eats rice and beans, chicken, and plantains. I think it is a treat for her to get that extra meal. She has shared a plate with Rob or savanna every night. Then she eats applesauce, granola bar and or other snacks we constantly feed her.
It has been so awesome to have her in our room at night. She sleeps between the girls. Usually her arm around Emma and savannas arm around her. Emma actually fell out of bed because she sleeps so close to her. They take her to potty and brush her teeth. She falls asleep about 1 minute or less after she lays down.
Thursday, June 2
Still raining. Rained all day. No one goes anywhere in the rain. Our walks were cancelled because pastor Moises wouldn't take us out, Bible school was cancelled because no one showed up. We spent the day with the girls. Painted nails, played swinging game, sorted rice and beans.
I had the privilege of hanging out with Rachel, Carol, and Agathe for a while. Agathe told me Berline lived with her Grandma - moms mom. Grandma goes to church at Camatin. Mom works and lives in jacmel. When her grandma heard the orphanage was taking 15 new girls, she ask the pastor if she could go. Mom got pregnant really young and had Jonson. Her sons dad disappeared. A couple of years later she got pregnant again and had Berline. Her dad left. Her mom was still young and needed a job so she left her kids with her mom and went to Jacmel to work. Agathe thought she cleaned houses.
While I was in the room with Agathe, Mark was outside talking to a ditch digger about digging a 4x4 15 foot deep hole for the toilet for the new church. When I came out, I was introduced to him. He is Berline's uncle. Her dads brother, Saintembien (I think). He said her dad was working in the Dominican Republic. He was a real small man. Very smily. Rob gave him a pair of his shoes we had brought to give away. He was barefoot. It was raining so his shoes may have been outside. I was so happy to meet him.
We went to play with the girls a while later. I was on the front porch when I saw a small women getting off the back of a motorcycle that had just pulled up. I saw her eyes and immediately knew who she was. My heart kinda sank. She looked straight at me walking towards me. I greeted her at the gate with a hand shake and hug. She just knew who I was. It was really kind of wonderful to have an introduction without really an introduction. She looks exactly like Berline. She has striking eyes and an incredible small frame. I'm afraid Rob missed out in his big tall ball player if she grows up to look anything like her mom. I left to go get Agathe. The others were all called to dinner so they left us in the porch with her and her driver. I was so glad Agathe was there. I ask her to introduce Savanna and Emma and later April came and got introduced. I ask Agathe to tell her we would take care of Berline and treat her just like we did our big girls, and that she would go to school and someday go to college. She again just wanted to know if we would bring her back. I promised her we would. She said Berline has been more of a sister to her and she called her grandma mom. Cenita said she had 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I neglect to ask if they were older or younger, but later met her mom and found out she was #2. First of her mother’s babies died, then a girl, another girl- Cenita, boy, girl, then boy. I gave her mom the new UT scarf I had brought her and a photo album with pictures from Rob’s trip as well as a photo of our house, Emma’s room, and a family photo. I told her I had other pictures I had brought and that I would give them to her mother. She said ok but those pictures were hers. :). There were some photos of Rob holding Berline awake and asleep. I just hope she can see through those photos the care Berline will get from us and that we already love her so much. Berline simply gave her a hug and talked for a minute then she went to Rob. I knew I couldn't cry eventhough I felt so overwhelmed. I didn't want Berline to think anything was wrong. Her mom talked to Agathe for a long time. I wish so badly I knew Creole. Agathe said she was assuring her we were good people and would love her girl. She actually was afraid we might make her a slave. It hurt my heart to think of it. We took a few photos, discussed the fact that her ID card was messed up and that we were getting her a new one and that Rico would call her about the new court date. We hugged tight, she smiled big like Berline's smile and left. I just went and sat down to process it all. I still haven't cried! I'm pretty sure it's not too far away. My next hope is to meet her grandmother and talk with her. The day was full of information I feel so grateful to have. I want Berline to know all she can about her life's story.
Okay. Friday- June 3
Can't begin to imagine how to tell you about my day. Woke up at 4:30. On the truck with Rob, Christianie, and Alfred by 5:00. Stopped at entrance to coq chante to pick up Oneise mom and dad, Christianie mom and dad and Reginas mom. 4 hour drive down the mountain through Pap past airport then east to croix des bouquetes. Unbelievable traffic. People everywhere. In Places it looked like New York at 5:00 pm. Christianie was car sick all the way down the mountain. Her dad have us a Walmart bag. We were in the front with her. She threw up about 20 times. I kept wiping her head with wipee. I didn't know what else to do. She never complained just quietly had tears rolling down her cheeks.
We waited outside the courthouse - loose term- for about 45 minutes. We arrived at exactly 9:00. While waiting, I watched the roadside vendors. One had spaghetti noodles served with 1 boiled egg cut in half and salted, then a spoonful of picklies-slaw- then she shook some ketchup from a can, a spoonful of some brown sauce, then topped with hotsauce sprinkles. Men would come by and pay for this, sit on the ledge behind her, eat then give her back plate and fork. She would rinse it in dish pan, wipe with towel and be ready for the next customer. I saw a total of 3 plates. It was just a little insane.
Several men stopped about 15 yards from where I was standing to urinate in the bushes. This seemed like business as usual. Again a little insane. A lady squatted under the truck to urinate about 5 feet from Rob. It seemed like no big deal to anyone. Rico showed up. Rob ask about purchasing a drink. Rico had Alfred buy 2. I gave mine to Christianie. Rob and I had wanted to buy a drink for everyone with us before Rico came but communication is so bad. We didn't know how. We were definately the only white folks around. Folks were generally friendly and smiled. We could only say bonjour.
Nathalie showed up. She was dressed in black pants, ruffled green long sleeve top, lots of jewelry. She was definitely had a presence as a woman to be respected. We went into court house. It was a small concrete building with multiple small rooms about 10x15, 3 wooden benches, a raised concrete platform with a dark stained home made looking desk. We were first. She was very upset with Rico that Berline's parents did not come with us. Rico explained to her that her moms Id card was somehow incorrect. She fused at Rico but continued with us. After she talks with the court reporter who was writing in a composition book!, We got up and signed the next page of that book about half way down the page. Crazy!
Next Christianie’s biological mom and dad were up. Not sure the problem there because we couldn't understand anything but I think they have to have a marriage certificate. Rico then whispers to us that the court reporter is asking Nathalie for money because everything isn't here. She pulls out her wallet, they talk, she hands her money, we leave. Oneise parents and Eeginas mom hadn't done anything Yet. Crazy!
Poor Christianie comes by car sickness honestly. Her mother got sick as soon as we left. I can't begin to imagine the emotional stress of this day let alone get car sick in the back of the exhaust filled streets of this town. She laid on top of a tarp in the back of the truck bed. Rob bought her a sprite from a guy who came up to the truck, but she didn't want it. We insisted. Her husband drank a few sips of it. You could tell he was worried about her.
Christianie left with Rico to go for blood work. We left for Nathalie’s office we thought.
Half way through PAP, Alfred stops truck and wants Rob and I back in front. Not sure why but we got back in front. I didn't like being treated special. We were wonderfully content in back with the other parents. Plus, the front is like a scary 3D ride at an amusement park where u think you are going to crash at any moments. We actually did do some rubbing with a couple of other trucks while we were in the back. Apparently you just grin and bare it in Haiti.
You get a different prospective riding in the front. You can see the town head on. Most blocks are similar, street vendors selling mangos, figs -bananas, clothes hung up on outside of concrete buildings for sale resembling yard sale. Children walking past in school uniforms smiling and looking inquisitive at the blancs. Lots of little boys with nothing but ratty tshirts on, women walking balancing wash tubs full of groceries and clothes on their heads, women washing clothes in a washtub. I actually saw the electrical stores:). Hee hee. A piece of wood with old wire, plugs, other used parts and a few tools hung on it. The worst part of sight seeing is the mounds and mounds of trash everywhere in the streets and on the sidewalks. So many people and not enough space. What choices do they have?
We finally made it to Nathalies office in downtown pap after about an hour and half. A second floor office 900 square foot open office with bookcases blocking off her desk. She took all the biological parents back first. Not sure what they did. We never did a thing. They made copies of our passport stamp and the entry green card from the airport to show we were really in country. We sat there for about 2 hours.
Finally we left about 4:00. Went about 10 minutes down road to a restaurant. Outside, Several boys about 12 or so wanted us to give them money. We just said no and kept walking. We went in with Alfred who speaks very little Creole and other parents who don't speak any Creole. It looked pretty clean. A small place. You just order at window and have a seat. They bring it to you. Rob and I both ordered polle plat. We felt safe with that. chicken plate. I think the other parents ordered the same. It was dark rice and beans with great flavor, a chicken leg, some vinegar flavored string green beans and onions sprinkled on top with 2 plantains. I had sprite from bottle- no ice! Rob had same but coke. Bottled cokes here are made from sugar can instead of corn syrup. The coke seemed sweeter but not sure. The meal was pretty good and a lot if it. It was 280 goudes each for chicken. 100 goudes for coke. 40 goudes to $1. So less than $5 each. Traffic was awful on the way back but interesting to see the busyness of town and experience it. I only saw 4 other whites all day. Sometimes during the day, I felt like I was in a parade with so many on lookers especially the children. I just smiled and waived. We finally made it back to Camatin in the now pouring rain around 8:00. I was so happy to see all my girls together and I think they were happy to see us.
Saturday June 4
A break from the rain in the morning. We moved VBS from the church to the rooms under the mission house usually used for the clinic because there was going to be a wedding at the church. We walked to the church and started walking children down. Many were in their Sunday best. So many of the girls wear dresses that look similar to ruffled, lacy ones I would have worn in 70s- like the same dress. The were so cute with ribbons in their hair. Most have some kind of shoes or sandals. All their shoes are old. Many do not fit them properly. I wish we had brought shoes to give out. Over 300 show up in the next few minutes. We were told to expect 100. I pretty quickly found Jon. He is easy to spot with his big eyes. I made eye contact and he smiled big and waved shyly.
Agathe led some songs the kids loved. April lead a skit while Agathe narrated from written page. It was let the little children come to Jesus. Samuel then sang a beautiful song in Creole.
Agathe separated them into groups of 20 and we started rotating to stations. I did Facepainting. There was jump ropes, frisbees, dancing, snack-Teddy Grahams and kool-aid , and a few others. After the rotation, all the kids got a goody bag with new toothbrush, toothpaste, toy, hairbows, candy and a Creole Sunday school book, some of the kids got a t-shirt (some duck race) until we ran out. Most of the kids hung around for a long time outside orphanage. The wedding was moved to rooms under mission house because the rain was about to return. The bride was pregnant (not much different than home). She was beautiful. The church has 2 wedding dresses brides can borrow. I took several pictures and promised to bring copies in September. Agathe knows them well. We left the wedding and got ready for a walk through Coq Chante. Just as the truck pulled out, the rains returned. We stopped and visited Islandes family. They are so beautiful. Everyone greeted us with hugs and kisses. Her handicapped brother was sitting in the stroller the Kecks had brought. He looked so different than in January. He was clean and dressed. It was a joy to see them. They are a happy family just so insanely poor. Islande’s grandma sang as Rob taped her. Islande said she misses her grandmas singing. Savanna liked meeting her older brother. He's 19 but looks about 15. Very clean cut and handsome. So kind just like her whole family. Her oldest sister hugged me so tight. She too is strikingly beautiful.
We left their house and after a long trek up the muddy mountain, we made it back to the truck where we headed on to Coq Chante. It was pouring rain and the truck only made it to the entrance. We began our walk. We climbed the side of the mountain to visit Nicolettes (Atanie’s mother) house. Nicollette and her husband were gone out working somewhere. The older brother (14) had gone to move the goat because of the rain. The baby girl, 2 year old baby boy, and severly special needs brother were there alone on the side of a mountain in the pouring rain. None of us could take it so we wrapped them in our rain jackets and took them with us. April carried the baby girl for a long time. I carried the baby boy for a while. They were so happy to be held so tight. It poured rain. We stopped at a couple of homes and gave out water buckets and bags of rice. They were so appreciative. I think especially in the rain. You don't get out here if it rains much so the fact that the blancs were tweaking through the pouring rain to bring then food and water seemed to mean so much more to them. We were all mud covered and drenched when we returned. I was worried about Berline because she wasn't used to being out in the rain so much. Savanna had carried her almost all the way back. Both Savanna and Berline were good when they got dried off. It was an emotional difficult trip, but so blessed to be a small part of blessing some families with some bags of rice and noodles.
Sunday.
The girls went to church before us because they had Sunday school. We went up when we heard the singing start. It wasn’t raining but definately overcast all day. Berline sat in my lap. I spotted her brother pretty quick. He has these beautiful big eyes you can't miss. When I made eye contact with him, he would grin big. Berline feel asleep on my lap almost immediately. She slept the whole time. Mark preached. Agathe interpreted. Mark did a great job. He preached from Ephesians 4:17-32.
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned
21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
26 “In your anger do not sin”
[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
It was very real to me. Pastor Moise ask the blancs to stand as his congregation prayed over us. I really lost it here. My precious Savanna did to. Nothing could be more humbling than to come here and have an entire congregation of Haitians praying over you. It was incredible powerful and moving. I am not worthy of their prayers.
After church we fed the congregation rice and beans. They waited almost an hour so patiently for the food to be ready. They got rice & beans, chicken leg, spoon full of noodles with peppers and mayonnaise. We did not give them a drink. I'm not sure how many we fed. I would guess over 300. When we ran out of chicken, we made peanut butter wraps.
Daphne helped me find Berline’s grandma. It's so amazing how much I can communicate with these incredible people without being able to speak Creole. Daphne told her grandma that I was adopting Berline. She smiled, laughed and hugged me over and over. She was a very tiny woman. Agathe came over and helped me talk to her. She lives with a man and her youngest son probably 13 but looks 10. His name is Jean (John) Gary and Berline's brother, Jonson. I gave her a backpack full of shirts, shorts, candles, and candy for the boys. She was again smily, happy, and hugged me. I gave her a necklace with an angel on it. She said she was not allowed to wear jewelry that pastor Moise did not allow it. I told her to hang it in her wall that it was just a gift. I wish I had given it to her mother but she took it nervously. I ask if I could bring her something special when I returned. She said she loves everything. Agathe explained tome she was very simply and plain. It was a joy to be with her. She talked a little of Berline saying she was rude because she would not eat when she was given food. I have seen Madam Magdela force feed her noodles. She just chews and chews. I also saw her hide a sweet potato under her leg while at the table and sneak it outside and throw off porch as she walked past. She is so tiny and obviously doesn’t require a lot of food.
After the congregation ate, they again waited for their name to be called for a bag of rice and noodles to take. Some names were called to receive a water bucket. Many hung out for a long time after church. Again, it was a joy to be with them.
You can really tell the girls in the orphanage are celebrities. They just stand out in the crowd as healthy and happy. I do worry a little about Danyse. She is the quietest of the group. Her little belly button is severly herniated. The others made fun of her. They were all called into Rico’s office later that night and several got fussed at for it. She is in her room on her bed a lot. I took her down a new pair of black shoes we brought, someone had given to me to share. She seemed happy about them. Later in the day we took a short walk to Valencias moms house that mark had built in march. The rain began just as we left the orphanage. Agathe took Emma and Berline back for me. It was raining hard.
The house was a small 2 room plywood small building. She was so proud of it. This woman is happy all the time. She is just a joy to be around her. It was raining so hard. Benita's brother joined our group. He is about 16 or so. He loved talking to Savanna. We kept our eyes on him.:)
Our room was a hot spot several nights. Faguelin, Benia, Merline, and Lenia hung out, played in iPods. We were happy to have them around. I loved watching Berline at night when everyone was gone. She would sit on the bed and play with Barbies. She changed their clothes and lined them up. I loved that she lines everything up just like Emma does. She claimed the little bag of stuffed animals Grampsie sent. She would put them in circles on the pillows like they were going to bed. It was sometimes overwhelming to just sit and watch her be a little girl and have babies and toys to play with probably for the first time ever. She seemed to enjoy being alone playing too. I imagine that doesn't happen much here. The girls forgot to take her to the potty before she fell asleep so I woke her up and carried her to the potty and brought her back and put her in bed with me and Rob. She is perfect. I decided it was my turn to snuggle her all night.
Monday - beach day
“This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Due to all the rain, the water and trash wash to the ocean. We decided to take the girls to a hotel swimming pool in Jacmel. The view was beautiful. I took so many photos. It was wonderful. Only 3 of the 26 had ever been to a pool or restaurant before. It was a day of pure joy. The girls loved it. Hippolite and Valencia’s mom loved it too. They both swam and swam. Valencia’s mom laughed so much. You could tell this was a new experience for her. Berline finally got in if we held on to her. She wasn't too sure of it but I think she trusted me and knew I wouldn't let anything happen to her .you had to pay attention to all the girls. They struggled with figuring out the water and it's buoyancy. Savanna held Nieca. She struggled to keep her feet down as Savanna held her. Savanna also played with Fagueline. She almost had her swimming. I was so happy that Savanna made that connection with her. All the girls got a shredded chicken sandwich with tomato, onion and ketchup with 7 up. It was a huge sandwich and most of them ate it all. After lunch (which took a long time to get because they cook over such a small fire) the girls swam some more. There was a shower(cold) outside. The girls played in it too. I held Berline in the pool. She would reach her hand around my neck and play with my pony tail. The chlorine made it feel slimy. She couldn't figure it out. After a perfect day, we headed home. All the girls feel asleep almost immediately in the truck.
When we returned, the team spent some time together sharing on the roof. This was a treasured time since we hadn't been able to do this much because of the rain. No stars though because of the clouds. I loved being in Haiti with this group of people. Everyone had a servant’s heart. We ended the day playing with the girls, popping popcorn for them, and they watched The Cat and the Hat. I had brought several new movies for them including The Cat and Hat and Veggietales. They loved The Cat in the Hat. It's funny to watch them stare intently at an English movie when you know they don’t understand it.
Berline feel asleep between Savanna and Emma immediately after I kissed them all goodnight. I love a girl that loves to sleep.
Tuesday- The team leaves
The day started early(6:00) as Merline woke us up to get Berline her bath and ready for school. The sun comes up around 5:30. I stirred every morning around 5:00. You hear the trucks on the mountain road, Madam Magrela begining breakfast, a few girls downstairs waking up. The rest of the team was getting ready to head home. Several girls were crying when they pulled away in the truck but I was surprised to see how quickly they bounced back. Berline was eating breakfast. She had already had a banana and granola bar upstairs. Madam Magrela was standing over her spoon feeding her the morning breakfast of flavored spaghetti noodles. I hate I can't speak Creole. I wanted her to know she had a good breakfast already. The girls were soon scampering for jackets because it was time for school and it was raining. My goal is to bring rain jackets to all the girls in September when I return.
After doing a little clean up and sorting of clean and dirty cloths and sorting all the food left behind, Agathe came to visit. She was truly sent to us by God. We learned so much about Haiti, Berline's family, the girls and this mountain called Camatin. She and her husband Rowland - our security and guide took us on a walk to Berline's grandma’s house. We walked behind the school and church through a beautiful valley about 45 minutes. Berline was at recess. It was fun to wave at her at school. She was so happy to see us walking by. The walk was long and hard. I just kept thinking that her brother walks this crazy long rocky, hilly path to school everyday and family walks to church 4 times a week this way. We passed Nieca’s house on the way. Niecas mom is Berline's father’s sister. There was a tiny little girl we gave suckers to. We passed Cadonia’s home and greeted her family. We walked up hills and through valleys. It was amazing to see all the gardens that had been planted on the side of this mountain. No tractors, no tillers, and probably old garden tools or pieces of garden tools. These people work so hard to survive. Whenever I made a comment to Agathe about how hard life was here she always said "it's just life". She is right and somehow I am sad. It makes me think of the words- live simply so others may simple live. We arrived at Berline's home to find a neighbor babysitting her baby boy cousin Ti- Jacque (little jack). It was such a blessing to have Agathe these 2 days without the team. The elderly man that lives with her grandma brought us out chairs to visit and wait for her aunt and grandma to return from the market. I almost immediately ask to hold the baby boy. He came to me with ease. I gave him a sucker and sang to him. He was pretty content just sitting with me. Rob gave him some baby toys and put some rattle socks on him. He loved them. Emma and I took several pictures if her home. It was pitiful to think that grandma, boyfriend, jon-son, John-Gary (uncle 13-14), her aunt and the baby all lived in this 2 room house. And I use the word house loosely. They had a latren dug but no building or wall around it. The kitchen was a make shift shack of leaves and wood.
The grandma and aunt showed up after about 15 minutes. Grandma immediately greeted me with hugs and kisses. She was so honored that we made a point to visit her. She apologized for Berline's grandpoppi was not there. We visited with the help of Agathe for a while. I told her we left a few trinkets on her bed - a pillow, jar of peanut butter, a shawl scarf, etc. Nothing at all of significance just things to show her we care about her. Right now, we are not allowed to do anything for Berline's family. It could look like to the government that we were buying their child. We didn't do anything above what we had been giving out during other mission walks. I had given her a scarf for her head on Sunday and she had it on. I was happy to see she liked it. Jonson and Jean Gary showed up from school soon after grandma did. We hugged on them and gave them some suckers. John son just smiled and smiled. We walked back to the orphanage on a different path but just as rocky and hilly. We greeted a few folks in the way back and handed out what chapstick (gloss), suckers, and crackers we had left. There were several young boys we had passed. I ask Agathe why they were not in school. She said they could not afford the $35 uniform. I don't know how to help. I am just sad these boys will grow up without knowing how to read and write and survive by working a small piece of land. Ceasespan ronse! - stop the madness!
We met Berline's uncle (her dads brother- the hole digger) on our way back. It was good to see him again. I think they said his name was Saintebian.
Berline was awaiting us when we arrived back at the orphanage. We spent the afternoon playing with the girls. We did the chicken dance. We all taught them the cupid shuffle. They loved it and caught on so quickly. They taught us an under over dance. Emma taught several how to do a back bend. They were very impressed with her and obviosly hadn't seen anything like it before. Savanna spent the day with Fagueline. They have definatly made a serious bond. Madam Magrila made our family a delicious dinner of rice, beans, chicken legs, French fries, fried white sweet potatoes, picklies, plantains, and white pineapple. This was a huge spread. We were very appreciative and thanked her with a peanut butter, nutella, and honey wrap for a dessert later. She smiled graciously. I tried to help her wash our dishes but she just said no with a smile.
We played 123 tickle on the porch with all the girls then Agathe came and invited us to go on a walk to see the house she was building near by and meet her neighbors. It was a nice shirt walk. Her house is made of block and only half finished. They work on the house as they have the money. She has a nice garden and showed us all her plants - coconut trees, green lemon trees, cucumbers, corn, green peppers, hot peppers, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and several things I hadn't heard of before. I stepped on a small ant hill and really regretted it. I have some scars to prove it! Flip flops and ants don't mix. We visited a neighbor - very poor young couple who was pregnant. We sang happy birthday to her. She was happy and laughed at our singing. The Haitians we have met are so beautiful inside and out. They are hard working people just trying to survive.
We walked back to the orphanage and said our goodnights to the girls and loved on our little girl. We all crashed by 9:30.
Wednesday
Another great day with one major exception. Savanna woke up so sick. She spent the day in bed with stomach and head ache. After Berline left for school our family just hung out and rested. I spent time on the roof with Emma just resting and talking. When Berline came home from school, we went for a walk with Agathe and Rowland. We walked to Fagueline's home. Her dad invited us to stay. He sent one of his sons up the coconut tree. That's right. He shimmied up the coconut tree in about 3 minutes. Easily 50-60 feet off the ground. He threw some coconuts down. Her dad had another son he had get some water to wash his huge knife before cutting the coconuts so we wouldn't get sick. It was very humbling. I told Agathe he was being too kind and I ask her if we could pay for the coconuts. She said he was a good man and just trying to be a good host. We could not pay him but not to worry because he will be blessed because he is good to so many. We all had coconut water straight from the coconut. It was okay. I drank half of mine and took the rest back for savanna to try. She did not love it. Rob drank all if his. We were very honored by this gift. After thanking him graciously we walked back to the orphanage. We stopped at the roadside market and Agathe bought some mangos. We spent the rest of the day with the girls coloring and playing. Berlines grandma showed up while the girls were in their afternoon french class. She had brought Berline's grandpa to meet us. It was again how much communications took place without speaking. We showed him the photos we had brought of our home and some pictures of Berline. He laughed when he saw one of her with her hand on her hip. We gave him a copy of it we had. We gave them a waterbottle full of koolaid, a couple of packs if crackers and 2 of Robs tshirts he had left.
Thursday, We have to leave
We awoke around 4:00. The truck was leaving at 5:00. I was so grateful to of had these 2 extra days here alone with the girls. I am thankful for the hospitalilty of Agathe and Roland, Madam Magrila, and Alfred for driving us down the mountain. I was such a blessing to be with our little girl longer. Rob woke her early. She quietly whispered “good morning”. She sat up and looked around for Emma. She then called out Emma and patted the pillow next to her. Oh how I wish she was going home with us today. I want to talk to her and make sure she understands how much we love and how much we are going to miss her. I want her to know Jesus said: “
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.´ Jeremiah, 29:11. I believe in my heart that God has a plan for her to be a part of our family in a bigger way than this long distance relationship. I just pray it is sooner than later. It is so hard to be so far away from her. It was very difficult to leave her. The girls had a really hard time getting on that truck. It was difficult, but bearable. I really felt the prayers being lifted up for me by so many friends back home. After a long delay in PAP and a longer delay and 2 flight changes, we finally made it home around 2:00 am. It was nice to be home, but I found myself wishing I was still on that mountain.
