I wore many hats on this trip. Saturday I played nanny so the team could have a planning meeting. Babysitting isn’t as difficult as I’d imagined. I just let the kids do anything they wanted as long as it was not life threatening. Sunday allowed me to move tables and chairs and get my first opportunity to drive in Haiti. Well, me driving on the MEBSH property is like your 12 year old moving the car from the east parking lot to the west lot and telling everyone he drove in Michigan.
You’ve already heard about my opportunity to serve as “garcon.” Monday and Tuesday I was able to listen in on the men’s portion of the marriage conference which was very beneficial to me as a husband.
Wednesday everyone on the team met with the MEBSH board and I was able to give my input to the goat farm based on my experience working on a farm as a teenager way back in the early 1970s. On the way back Pastor Jean stopped at the
local hardware store to build a 5’x9’ frame. The hardware store surprisingly had a good variety of tools and hardware. However, we still had to go across the street to get the 16’ boards cut to fit in the truck. I’m sure the Haitians
could have carried them on a motorcycle taxi but we Americans tend to be a little more cautious.
Wednesday evening we had a prayer meeting with the missionaries (in English). After that I borrowed a hammer, saw, nails and square from Sean the missionary (a fellow packers fan) to build a frame for Christy’s painting. She didn’t need it built until 9 AM on Thursday so I started early. The ladies were very pleased and really had me thinking I could become a carpenter. Jeremie wanted to know why there were so many bent nails.
Haitian saints. The men’s conference started “about” 9 AM and they didn’t get a lunch break till 3 PM and not even a water break till 1 PM.
Saturday was a typical relaxing day in Haiti. We were going to visit Pierre’s sister in the country. First, we went
to the ATM (All Three Men) to exchange US dollars for Haitian gourdes. We pulled to the side of a very busy street and Pierre did business with 3 different men, 1 on his side and 2 on the passenger side. Then we stopped for gas. Think of an ant hill or bees nest. After traversing some rugged terrain to get out of the station we were back on the road and headed for the country.
Soon we were on a new and uncongested road and enjoying a side of Haiti that we had not seen. Unfortunately, our vehicle broke down and we had to return to the guest house.
Today, Sunday, we were able to worship with a church that we had not previously visted. After another fantastic meal with Pierre’s parents we are back at the guest house organizing and packing for tomorrow’s return to Michigan.
Teren asked us each to write a blog early on in the trip. I told her I flunked English (true) and couldn’t do it. I don’t know if she specifically did it so that I could hear but a few minutes later she was telling someone about her translator who says, “Yes, I will,” and then figures out how to do it. I felt guilty. But not guilty enough to write a blog. Then as each person
contributed their blog, they looked more and more professional. I thought, surely, no one will want to hear my ramblings. I should have gone early so I wouldn’t have had to write so much. Now, my only questions is: “Does this excuse
me from having to speak at the next members meeting?”