March 9, 2010

Today was sort of an R&R day for us. We started off by renting another truck so we'd be comfortable today. Just going from the house to the orphanage is no big deal; but we were on the road for hours so we needed more room. It took an hour @ Hertz near the airport. We all hung out in the shade and it seemed like it took forever. After we got the truck we went to get some of Jimmmy's orphaned kids. Only 4 of 7 of them could come, but that was great for them anyway. This writing will seem like things went quickly, but we never are able to drive faster than 25; and being with a big group things take a long time. We started off at 8:00 and by time we started up the mountain it was noon. We stopped at an actual restaurant to eat. Service is not a strong point here....customers are treated like a burden! It was a hamburger place which made me nervous, but I dealt. The burger had a bunch of nasty sauce that I tried to wipe off, but there was too much! I ate a little more than half then couldn't eat anymore. After lunch, we kept trucking up the mountain. We stopped for some good views, and stopped at a couple little shops. Things are so expensive here! We barter, but it's such a difficult and lengthy process. It's not even fun or worth it like it is in other countries. Hours up the windy mountain road, we finally make it to this Baptists mission place. Vendors bombarded us as soon as we parked...it was overwhelming but nothing as far as what was to come. Rebecca told us to shop the gift shop first because that will go to the mission, but they barely had anything to choose from. So...we went out into the chaos. They would start at a ridiculous price like $5 for a mini flag...it took SO much to get it down to one or two bucks where we were atleast willing to pay. There's still a lot for a cheap flag, but it was going to help someone's family, so it was justifiable. The vendors were crowding us and telling us to come see their items. I got so overwhelmed and couldn't deal with it. I was about to have a panic attack. I bought some glags, a cup, a keychain, and a bracelet then I was done. The other girls were patient enough to stand and get prices down. They got handmade drums, painting, carved globes, and masks all for like 5 and 10 bucks. When they were showing all their stuff I was a little bummed because there were things I would have really liked to buy.....they weren't useless little knick knacks. Lots of the girls spent a long time, so we kinda had to sit around for a while and entertain the little boys. Next was the zoo....well sort of a zoo... I thought it was hilarious that they had some goats penned up when EVERYWHERE we look there are goats piling through garbage. Then they had a really old alligator with a dead rabbit next to it. The monkey was the best part. He was all about one of the little boys and followed him in his cage everywhere. The younger boys started out really scared of it, but slowly would watch from a distance. There were also a few peacocks. That's the zoo, thanks for stopping by! My favorite part was the little park that was set up. The boys had a blast on the slide and played for a long time. Then it was time to go because going down the mountain and taking the boys home took a long time and we had to get back before dark. We left at about 330. The sun had already gone (I think behind clouds0 and it was starting to get chilly. In the back of the truck were me, Michelle, Joel, and the two little boys. Once we dropped them off, Boney joined us. The 4 of us had a blast on the way home. Those are my most 4 favorite people of this trip! I have a cough and my lungs hurt (I think from exaust fumes) so I keep joking about having the black lung. But they love my "northern accent" and mock me as if I sound like Fran Drescher. Ha ha! Once we got home we were all beat! Thankfully, dinner was ready to go. It was a Haitian stew similar to beef stew.
Devotion was cool tonight. We went around and said 3 things that we're thankful for. Mine were:
1. New beginnings - a forgiving God
2. Unique and personal gifts from God
3. Supportive and loving family and friends

Next, we went around and said a prayer request. They were:
Paige: family togetherness during rough times
Karissa: to be more Godly and encourage her family to do the same
Joel: to be a stronger leader
Sarah: to know or find out what's next for her in life.
Rebecca: help for a son who steals and her kids that are struggling
Holly: raising money to return to Haiti
Candice: Financial struggles and moving when she returns home
Michelle: to be able to adopt Kerby
Me: My siblings faith restored/bitterness from past gone
Whitney: for her Dad and the trials he's been facing
Brooke: applying for nursing schools

Our last question was if we were an old, dying person passing on wisdom to the younger generation, what would we say? My answer was "give generously." We just completed this series in church and it really hit home for me and John. This week has really opened my eyes so much more to the face that I am SO blessed and have so many comforts in life. I feel guilty for all the things that I have and the fact that there are more things that I want. I need to give more love, understanding, time, and figure out my financial giving to the church.