Early Morning Suprises

Around 5 am got up to go to bathroom armed with flashlight only to find I had a visitor. As I started to wash my hands saw one of those really large Haitian spiders sitting over the sink. I made a really hasty retreat back to my room. So thankful I did not let out a scream and wake up the whole house. Just got back to bed and again heard singing, drums and horns. People walked thru the village for an hour or so celebrating. New Years is starting early. OK I know the rest of the day is going to be good....COFFEE. Spaghetti just not sounding good today so just ate my banana today and ready to head to clinic. Told you around Christmas how I was seeing a lot of cleaning being done, well apparently preparation for New Year and not Christmas. People are repairing and painting doors, shutters and houses and washing down outside of houses. Rosena told me people buy new clothes, clean everything and then stay up all night..Not sure I can do that but have been invited to New Year celebration. More visitors are coming today. Madam Jckson's brother is coming from Port-au-Prince and bringing two American doctors. Don't know where they are from. Well it's 7:30 and still no dinner. About the time I thought I was out of luck they brought me a dinner roll and papaya smoothie. Max Lucado reminded me today that if all the things that steal my breath away and stir my heart were taken away from me and I was placed in the dry Sahara (or Ferrier) I still have reason to dance in the sand. God is still with me; He still comes and He still speaks. Oh yes He does when I am open and listening.

Joyfully,

Barbara

Thursday

Oh dear, no coffee today. Sadrac and Madam Mando not around so no fuel to stove. Oh well, bet I will survive. Scrambled eggs for breakfast this morning really good as not much oil. Clinic really slow again. I mean really slow as saw more critters than patients. A mouse jumped out of a box I opened which really startled me and then sat and watched a rat run in and out of classroom area. Wonder what other critters are hiding out or on second thought maybe would rather not know. One of the children who lives in the clinic area with the pastor has finally started calling me by my name instead of "blan". He is probably 5 or 6 and just looks like trouble. We have gotten to be friends as I think he likes getting hugs. Today he undressed in the yard and threw his clothes on the ground in the dirt. I think he went to bathe, came back naked as a jaybird, picked his clothes up out of the dirt and put them on. Silly boy. Today had a real treat with lunch...cake. Just plain old cake with no frosting but oh so good.

Think that is all for today.

Joyfully,

Barbara

Village life.  You frequently see children at the wells pumping water for their homes. I frequently see little boys and girls pushing wheelbarrows full of water which I know has got tobe really heavy.  The little boy looking over the fence can see me when I am sitting in my room studying and hollers my name and waves.  One day going to church I passed this little man sitting on his porch playing guitar.  Just started grinning when I took his picture.  Hope you enjoy this glimpse of Ferrier.  Joyfully, Barbara

The top picture is where someone is selling gasoline from their home in those plastic jugs. The bottom picture is from the day we sterilized instruments over the charcoal inside of the clinic.

This is inside the house where I live.It is almost like a garage but this is where they hang out.  from left to right are Guermanie, Wol and Wetni.

Uneventful Days

Two very uneventful days at clinic. not sure why so slow. Next three days no doctor, just me and Rosena. Have discovered I can also google on my kindle and have had a couple young men want the words to songs in English so they can learn for a program. This kindle is going to be worn out by May which is OK. So glad i have had it to stay connected. It is a little difficult to type on this and make many typos, (somebody fixes) but am so glad to have it. Mmmm!!!! Fresh bread for dinner with hot chocolate. No fresh bread might not sound like anything special but is a rarity around here. Feel like the last week or so have been complaining way too much. I think partly because Christmas was incredibly difficult which I expected when made the decision not to come home. So now I am going to enjoy the moments that I touch someone and believe that everything is in God's hands.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Joyfully

Barbara

Christmas Update

Merry Christmas to all of you. Going to combine several days here because in those days I had an opportunity to experience Christmas in very different but loving ways. Friday about 10 minutes after clinic closing time a mom showed up with her little boy who had cut his leg and doctor wouldn't see. I was pretty frustrated since he didn't start 9 am clinic until 9:50. Put my backpack up and washed little boy's leg. He probably could have used stitches but wound was a day or two old so just put ointment and bandage on it. Mom was so grateful and just kept thanking me. What she didn't know was that she was a gift to me. Later that day got all of my little goodies out and filled bags for people in the house. Guermanie came in to help and was so excited and kept giving me more names to make bags for. The kids eyes just lit up when they saw all the bags. Even some of the adults excited about the bags. So refreshing to see excitement about so little. Friday night received a gift of a roll and some lunch meat. Now I know that doesn't sound like much but I have been craving a sandwich with miracle whip. Now the roll was stale and no miracle whip but it was a feast for me even though had to brush a few ants off my bread. Christmas music on my ipod before bed thanks to my grandson Tyler. Saturday morning the house really started filling up with people. Madam Jackson closed my door so not sure if she didn't want me to be bothered or was being excluded but have decided I am just going to make the best of this day. Guemanie took all the bags downstairs and passed them out. During the day all the kids came up to thank me. Just love the children. Wol spent a lot of time with me today which was nice. I made a decision not to go to Christmas Eve service as really felt need for familiar today so decided to listen to Christmas music and read Christmas story in Luke. Later in the evening Guermanie brought a little girl to my room and told me she was a friend and "no kado", no gift. We scrounged around and she got candy, bracelets and a balloon. This morning I woke up around 2:30 am and could hear preaching, drums, bells (like cow bells) and trumpets. Christmas eve service. Oh my! Around 5 voices and same instruments outside of house. Very different traditions. Again this morning staying home and enjoying my own traditions with music and devotion. Looking outside hard to tell it's Christmas as we know it. No children outside playing with new toys and adults going about usual business of selling goods at their homes and working on building projects. So today I am thankful for a wonderful friend who talks to me every day, for sweet babies who are growing stronger and all of the little opportunities I am given to make a difference in someone's life. There really is so much to be thankful for. Joyfully,

Barbara

Christmas is here

Can't believe 2011 is almost over and a new year is upon me. What a year it has been and can't wait to see what is going to unfold next. It has been raining here at night but clearing up during day so don't have to walk to clinic in the rain. Today my sweet little twins came back and am so glad to see they are gaining weight. Also shows a commitment on mom's part as missing appointments can disqualify children from receiving Medika Mamba. House here is filling up with people for the holidays. New children in my room tonight that I don't know who they belong to...Cassandra and Wenson Etzer. The yard where all the interesting things have been happening now boasts a huge hole, I mean like swimming pool size hole all dug by hand. I wonder if its going to be some sort of a septic tank system. Guermanie says they are building a house so will keep watching. There is already a house on the property so maybe adding to it. I know I have seen rebar and cinder blocks. To be continued. Have been listening to Christmas music on my ipod when I can pry it away from others. Guermanie loves to listen to Sweet Little Baby Child over and over and over and.... Hope you all are having a blessed Christmas.

Mwen swete ou Joyeux Nwel.

Barbara

Jedi (Thurs) 15 desanm

Feel so much better but do so wish I could stay in bed. It's cloudy and rainy and a perfect day for doing nothing. OK self, get up and get moving. Brrrr, maybe should have stayed in bed...really cold shower today. With all the cloud cover water colder than usual. Still no appetite but fruit and coffee good. Also had cassava bread (kasav) for breakfast that really tasted good. It is made from the cassava root and is a flat bread.

Got to clinic a little late this morning as breakfast late here. Saw young man from motorcycle accident who is healing well except for lower eyelid that really should have had special attention. When I saw him Tusday problem not so evident due to swelling.Today I wanted to irrigate his eye but we had a momentary trust issue. I had put a needle on the syringe so could direct spray better and he is holding my arm away from him. Don't really blame him at all. Finally convinced him "no piki", no shot so he allowed me to wash his eye out. Thought that was very trusting of him. The woman that came in with him I have seen 4 or 5 times, never as the patient but with others. She frequently has a baby with her that i assume is a grandbaby. Today she was tellig me somethng, pointing to me and then to the baby and waving to outside. I am totally clueless. Another patient in clinic picked baby up and put her in my lap and again pointing to me and baby and then said "take away". If things were only that simple. Last patient of the day was a little 7 year old boy who came in with a bright yellow shirt, blue crocs but uh oh, he forgot his pants. Still am sometimes surprised by little bare butts. On the way home from clinic stopped to admire a little baby girl and they put the baby in my arms. She immediately began smiling and cooing; a young boy maybe 12 or 13 asked me if I wanted her. Too much for one day. Think appetite is back...really grangou (hungry). Issues trying to use computer. Initally everything in French; thought we had fixed that Wednesday. Trying to download pictures....very, very slow. Oh well it's Haiti and that's just the way things are so am trying to embrace it and not get frustrated. At the moment failing miserably as kindle acting up too.

Joyfully,

Barbara

Picture from Barbara

Here is the Latest

Took my second motorcycle trip to go shopping but today it decided to rain on us. Pa bon (not good). By the time got home thoroughly wet and cold...I know it's Haiti but was still cold. Shortly after getting home it started raining pretty hard and when looked off the porch there were 3 little boys who had taken there clothes off and were standing letting water run off from house shower them. They were having a great time jumping up and down. When they saw me with my camera they just had to pose. Little later looked out and saw 2 ducks who had found a puddle and were having a great time flapping around. Got a USB today to connect to internet but so far no one has been able to get it done. Oh well, it's Haiti so will happen at some point. Don't worry, be happy.

Joyfully

Barbara

A Very Good Day

Well yesterday evening Wal fell asleep in my arms and the next thing I know Guermanie is bring blankets, bottle and diaper and informs me "Madam Jackson say sleep you". Great. About 9:30 Wal woke up and figued I was not going to get much sleep but after juice and 30 min playing went back to sleep. Put my suitcases and pillows on floor by his side of bed so if he fell at least wouldn't hit hard floor. Goodnight Wal, goodnight moon. Well Wal woke up around 5 and was ready to play. Finally took him downstairs to family but by time I got out of shower he was back in my room. Hmmm. Maybe having Wal sleep with me was a good thing; they gave m a whole orange with breakfast...wonderful treat. Before going to clinic was looking outside and saw a very pregnant woman riding a horse to market. Made me think of Mary riding a donkey to Bethlehem and how very uncomfortable that must have been. Clinic today busy for us. Two people from motorcycle accident that happened yesterday that needed to be cleaned and dressed. The young woman needed her eye irrigated and we have almost no saline left and they are just 10 cc syringes. Got her cleaned and ready to go so could start on second one. He apparently came to clinic after hours yesterday and was sutured. Major road rash on face, chest, arms and legs and I have only 20 cc of saline so will use good old soap and water. Poor guy I know he was hurting; asking for a shot for pain but we have nothing stronger than ibuprofen. Best part of my day was return of baby I have been praying for and worrying about. Mom came in with baby, Jean Obdenson, and his twin. So exciting to see what one week of Medika Mamba did. Today child is sitting and smiling; he still has a long way to go but what an improvement. Twin also malnourished but not as severly. Found out mom only feeding rice with no helper foods and was able to do some teaching. Rosena called him "my baby".

Think I must be hallucinating...smells like steak cooking on the grill....think my kindle is sending me subliminal messages with the picture of steak and a glass of wine on screen saver. Now how cruel is that? Seeing that baby today was such a gift. My early Christmas present. Children like that are the reason I want to be here. Pray for more opportunities.

Joyfully,

Barbara

Early Morning Comotion

REALLY early this morning before daylight kept hearing noise like somene bouncing a basketball. At daylight saw that they are working on chopping the stump of the tree they have turned into charcoal. Really hard work with an ax. They have also dug a big trench around the base and are chopping at that, maybe to get the roots. It's a really busy house; they have had two dump trucks of sand dumped in front of the house.

Today at clinic saw another really sick child. She was carried in by a sibling as she was too weak to walk. Child is 8 years old and sat very quiet; she is very thin and pale and am told that she has sickle cell and was malnourished as baby. Today she is hurting all over but too weak to cry. Dr. Johnny said she probably needs a blood transfusion but family can't afford so she will go home with tylenol,vitamins and folic acid that the family will crush and give mixed with water. Breaks my heart that the only thing this child did was to be born into poverty. I know this is not God's will but the result of greed and lack of concern by some. Rosena has agreed to help me find the other baby and see if we can do anything.

Today instead of creole lesson had Walson walk around village and answer questions for me about village. We went over and looked in the yard where they were chopping the stump. Stump is history and there is a big hole in the yard. I guess the next step will be to chop stump and roots into smaller pieces. Hope they will wait until after4:30 am.

Joyfully

Barbara
PS Leave me a couple comments as not sure if anyone reading.

Saturday & Sunday

Yesterday was a pretty uneventful day which was spent with baby Wal...feel like I have a new baby. Madam Jackson went to Oumamin so I got the baby for most of the day. Late yesterday afternoon went to kitchen to put some dishes in the sink and nearly had heart failure. Now those who know me really well and my family know that spiders are one thing I really don't do well with. I can handle snakes, lizards, slugs and most other creepy crawlers but NOT SPIDERS. This spider was actually dead but was hanging right at eye level and absolutely gave me chills. It was probably a tarantula and was about 4" in diameter...oh so not good. Said a little prayer to please not let one come in my bedroom.
Well it's Sunday morning and am going to a different church today. A teenager in the village invited me and I accepted. Oh my goodness. We got to church around 8:10 and didn't get out until a little after 12. For FOUR longggggg hours sat on a VERY HARD bench. At one point I was so miserable I just prayed that the pastor's sermon would catch on fire so maybe he would quit talkng. I know, not nice of me at all but you have no idea how miserable I was. Some of the elders at the front had falen asleep and a few people on the benches were nodding so I was not the only one ready to go. They probably just didn't say the same prayer I did. There was a blessing in that I received ommunion...first tme since leaving Waco. Have a grea day. Joyfully.

Haiti Adventure

Ok, I know for some of you this will be duplication but a few people who are following me don't do facebook so this is for them and maybe a little addition that didn't make it on facebook.

About two weeks ago watched a man cut down a tree starting at the base and the tree fell really close to his house. Over the next few days he made short work of the tree cuttung it into about 3 to 4 ft. lengths. Earlier this week I watched as he arranged the wood lengthwise into a level pile and wondered if he was going to make charcoal. Thursday I noticed there was dirt and leaves covering the wood. Yesterday morning smoke was billowing out of the pile and right into my room...charcoal in the making and another tree gone.

Here in Ferrier we may not have TV ads touting all the newest meds you just have to try but they do have trucks with loud speakers letting people know they have meds for the "grip", fever, runny nose, malad, etc. Not sure what they sell but one I understood was acetaminophen.

Someone has a new gas powered roto tiller that they are pushing around the street. The blades are not tilling but he has drawn quite a crowd to see this great new gadget. Jackson has a large garden which was tilled using a mule driven tiller.

Rousing day at the clinic today...saw 3 patients. Rosena (the nurse) napped on the exam table and Fre Jak napped at table in pharmacy while I was the lookout. I did get the name and area where a baby we saw last week lives. The baby was extremely malnourished and at one year old couldn't sit or stand. Riki is supposed to come and help me find the baby.

Well it's after 4 o'clock and no Riki. Mwn se fache avek Riki. I am so angry he did not come as promised. So very frustrating being dependant on others for everything. Went to bed very frustrated and then remembered the gift I had received earlier in the day. A lttle older lady came running up to me and gave me a hug and kept saying mesi, mesi, anpil mesi. Thank you, thank you, many thanks. That is what I should have dwelt on instead of anger and disappointment.

Joyfully,

Barbara

Most Excellent Motorcycle Ride

Well I'll have to admit I was a little anxious about my trip to DaJabon by motorcycle but had a great time. The worst part is geting out of Ferrier as terrain very uneven and lots of potholes (road is not paved). Once you get on main road all you have to worry about is the other guy, kind of like US. There are no emission stanards so frequently get a face full of black smoke. We parked the motorcycle at police station in Oanamin because Riki doesn't have a key and didnt want motorcycle stolen. After parking walked across border to Dominican. To change America money to pesos had to use man on the street but was told was person Jackson uses. Oh my goodness, I will never complain if HEB doesn't have something I want. Trying to find ingredients for cookies...no butter, no vanilla or almond extract, no baking powder and no cookie sheets. Even had difficulty finding wheat flour as the only carry in really small bags. Bought what was available and will see what happens. One thing they did have was an artificial pyebwa nwel (Christms tree). So excited!!! Won't win any Southern Living awards but it is tre bel to me. On the way home we passed several motorcycles that just amazed me. One had two people and a twin mattress, another two people and a piece of furniture and another two adults and two children and a two hundred lb bag of rice. Motorcycles around here really groan as I know they are all carrying way over weight limit. Got home and then if course had to decorate tree but what could I use. Of course! They don't really expect me to use all those gauz sponges for wounds do they? Stretched the gauze pieces out and tied bows all over the tree and then made an angel for the top from gauze. I am so ready for Christmas. Felt like a child decorating my tree and thought this is what getting ready for Christmas should feel like. Childlike. Love to you all for Christmas. Oh, did have one unsettling experience at police station. I was holding all the purchases while Riki went to get the motorcycle and an older gentleman was standing there with a rock in his hand. He was talking loud and fast and looking at me and I could tell he was not happy but just stood ther looking at him. When Riki got there asked him what man was saying and all he said was the man was just crazy. Thought for a minute I was going to get clobbered but all ended well.

Barbara

Frustrating Day Saved By The Kids

Grrrr..what a frustrating start to the day. Got to the clinic knowing Dr. Johnny would not be there and the plan was Rosena and I would see the patients. By 9:30 still no Rosena and I am there alone. While waiiting about 8 teenagers from the classroom at the end of the clinic came into the waiting room wih me. Their teacher hadn't shown up either. Their conversation started with their favorite phrase... give me one whatever (my pen, my necklace, my notebook or whatever). After we got past that they talked about learning English and I told them I was learning Creole. One 13 year old boy said he didn't like Creole he liked English. So wanted to tell him he needed to love his own language but learn whatever other language he wanted. After they all told me how old they were they wanted to know how old I was. When I told them I was swasant twa they all gasped and laughed. By the way anyone needing a good dose of humilty should come to Haiti as you will get laughed at a lot. So after they had their good laugh one of the girls said "you are beautiful". Well of course I forgave them for laughing. The man who dispenses meds showed up for clinic but speaks no English so not a real good situation. We muddled thru with pointing and a little charades but if hadn't been for the kids making me laugh I think I would have just left. Got home late after trying to use internet so figured I either missed or no lunch. Around 2:30 got lunch so that was good. Generator again last night so kindle almost full charge. Joyfully, Barbara

Well I wanted to download pictures for you but connection too slow, After 5 minutes 1 picture only 10% loaded so will try again later. Love to you all.

Oh my goodness, I can't believe 4 weeks have passed since I left for Haiti and how much I have learned.  My creole is light years from being good but I learn a new word every day. Creole teacher says my pronunciation is better so that is encouraging. Today as I was sitting on the bench in clinic, 3 baby chickens and mom came in, Not sure if I was supposed to take care of them or not but they left on their own. Am getting used to spaghetti for breakfast and fish with bones although it got tricky last night when I tried to eat fish by flashlight. Really difficult to pick out the bones but I'm getting better.  Guermanie and Wal have become regulars in my room which most times is OK. Kind of hard for me to say no.  The kids are already asking about kado Nwel (Christmas presents) so sounds like I have some shopping to do.  Was told simple things like balloons so will see what I can find. Am glad to know you enjoy hearing about Haiti as I really enjoy sharing.

Employment in Ferrier

Well finally have enough bars to pull up gmail. My intention was to use Internet Cafe so I could post some pictures. After walking to internet sight guess what, no electricity. So here I am home again. Unemployment in Ferrier is 80% or higher with few opportunities here in Ferrier. Some people are teachers at the schools (apx 9 primary and 4 secondary); there is also a police station but I rarely see a police presence. I have been told that some people go out of town to work. The majority of people sell things in front of their homes (microindustry). In the mornings some women will have cooked rice for sale; others sell charcoal, fruits, vegetables, candies, clothes, raw sugar cane, pretty much whatever they can get hold of. There are a lot of young men with motorcycles that function as taxies. It is amazing how many people they can get on one motorcycle and I am not talking about a big Harley. A few people have gardens but have not seen a lot. Jackson has a garden at his school that helps feed us and the school children. There are two clinics in town; one government clinic and the clinic I help at. The government clinic is staffed with doctors from Cuba and Bereca Clinic by a doctor from Dominica who will only be here 1 more year. Opportunities are few and education so important but so difficult.

Joy for the day.

Barbara

Waste Management

Houses in Ferrier have a small area around them called a lakou (yard) which is pretty much dirt but they take pride in their dirt. Every morning the women are up early painstakingly sweeping their dirt and any trash is swept into the middle or edge of the road. Later in the day the piles of trash are set on fire...problem solved. The big drawback is when their is plastic in the pile the smell is awful. Additional waste management involves digging a deep hole in your back lakou for human waste and trash. Not exactly sure how that is managed and not everyone does that; however, definitely not a good idea to go wandering thru the back lakou at night.
Love to hear your comments.

Love and joy, Barbara

Affirmation

Home from church and although didn't understand much the word kontan was used a lot whih means happy, glad or content. Just love it when God gives me reminders. Actually two so far today. Have a jou kontan. (Happy day)

Enough

Reading scripture from Upper Room this morning from Philippians 4:4-9 and then read a little more thru 13. Good reminder that whatever I have or don't have here it is still enough to be content with. Sometimes eating I think about what I might have at home; food here very much the same day to day but then I think am not hungry and God has provided me with enough to get thru each day so what more should I ask for. Certainly don't expect everyone to run to Haiti to realize how blessed they are but do pray for us all to think about what really is enough and to be content with what God has given us. Love and joy to you all.

Small Victory

....and that is all I ask for. Taking a walk after lunch and some children were calling me over to their house. Toddler had a sore on his head and they wanted medicine; told them I would be right back using Spanish and hoped they understood. Went home and got peroxide and ointment and cleaned and dressed sore and gave them rest of ointment. In my limited creole told them to lave (wash) kat (4) times a jou (day) and use petet (small) amount medicine. Hope it helps and builds trust.

Maten Samde (Saturday morning)

Manje maten jodea espageti, fig, leti e kafe. (Breakfast today spaghetti, banana, lettuce and coffee.) Am sitting downstairs with baby Wol and watching a little mouse run around and darting in and out of a bag of charcoal. Charcoal not like what we have but made from trees. The wood is placed in a hole, covered and then slowly burned to make charcoal. Not good for the environment as no trees equals erosion. I noticed that we have two new chickens but as I watch Nana who is 11 grabs one. She has a knife in her hand and takes the chicken behind the wall; momentary squawking and then silence. Guess we are having chicken for lunch. This city girl has a lot to get used to. His house ia always full of people...some work in the house and others just show up. I never know who is going to be sleeping here. Love and joy until the next post.

Friday Morning in Haiti

At 6:30 this morning the generator was started and I wondered why. Went out to look and they were pumping water into the holding tank on the roof. Funny because as was showering earlier thought what if I get all soaped up and the tank runs out of water. May have been a close call. Few minutes later was looking out porch and they were washing the truck using a water hose. Now I know you think what's the big deal, but remember no plumbing like we are used to. I guess the generator allowed water to be pumped thru the hose. Quite a crowd gathered around to watch the "truck washing".

Update
After the Truck washing event I heard singing and drums beating. Went to investigate and school children were marching down the street carrying the Haitian flag and singing but I had no idea what was going on. When I got to the clinic there were more children in the street singing, beating their drums and carrying flags. I found out they were celebrating the battle of Ver Tiere. Aproximately two hundreed years ago the slaves in Cap Haitian took a stand for freedom against the colonists and began their fight for independence.

Day to Day Life

I think my favorite part of the day is morning; listening to and watching the village come to life. Every morning is a little different and yet the same. Today for the first time I was aware of the church bell ringing at 4 am; don't know if it rings every morning so early or not. The lady across the street has her rice in her pot over the fire and a good crowd around to purchase. You have to bring your own bowl with you, no styrofoam takeout containers. The lady next door is stirring a pot of beans over her fire; must going to be lunch as I can hear the beans rattling against the pot so not done yet. Children are headed for school all neat an clean in their uniforms; some are riding bicycles and pumping another child. The air not so smokey today...nice. So if I look off to the right I can see the mountains. Chickens run around everywhere and am sure they lay eggs but wonder how you find them. All of the animals pretty much run loose...pigs, donkeys, goats, chickens and dogs. I haven't seen it yet but was told they tie up their cats. Hmmm. If anyone tells you that the rooster crows at the break of dawn, not so. The rooster crows whenever he wants including ALL NIGHT. The other night even the donkeys were upset and did a lot of braying. Not exactly music to my ears at 2 am. Wol is still so cranky and am a little upset the doctor would not even look at his ears just said he was teething. This is the fourth day of really cranky baby. They seem happy if I come down and take him for a bit and he is getting used to me so will come to me. Potatoes, carrots and papaya for breakfast today, a little strange but glad to have fruit and vegetable. Am learning to drink coffee black as no sugar usually available but is OK. Love you all and enjoy hearing from you. Have a blessed day and be a blessing to someone else.

Barbara

House Pets

OK, I know I am going to totally gross you all out but telling this story will help me deal with and learn to laugh at my new life. Sunday night I woke up and felt something crawl across my arm. I knew right away what it was and had to tell myself to get a grip, so I brushed "it" off my arm. A few minutes later got my flashlight so I could get up for a minute and sure enough there was a big cockroach inside my mosquito net. Got up and got him out and then found a few more of his friends in the hall. Just part of living in a house that is open to the outdoors.
When we first got here there were two tarantulas in the downstairs shower. Needless to say I refuse to use the downstairs bathroom; that is where I draw the line. We also have different lizards coming in and out which I don't mind. Wonder if they eat roaches or tarantulas? Probably not. We have had chickens running around on the ground floor but they are gone. I wonder where they went? Oh right, we had chicken for dinner a couple of times. So just a little update on our pets. Enjoy. Love and joy.

Funny money

I haven't shared with you about money in Haiti which is a gourde (pronounced goud). There are 40 gourdes to one US dollar but when they price items they use Haitian dollars; however, there is no such currency. So there are 8 nonexistent Haitian dollars to 1 US dollar; therefore, to figure what to pay you have to multiply the Haitian dollar by 5 to find out how many gourdes to pay. So confusing.
Yesterday evening my hostess, Ildie, put her little grandson in my lap. He was so tired and really fighting it so I was holding him and singing and praying please don't pee on me....no diapers. Most little kids run around with bare bottoms. Sunday seems to be party day with people congregating around the houses. Down the street there is a little bar with music playing and lights on due to a generator. They are the only lights on the street other than our house. The stars are incredibly bright due to lack of competing light. As I was journaling the moon was coming up and so beautiful and I thought how wonderful we were all looking at the same moon. Love and joy to you all.

Barbara

Sunday in Haiti

Jodia se Dmanch (today is Sunday) The church bells start ringing early in Ferrier, 5 am, and keep ringing every hour. I guess they are reminding everyone whose day it is. Around 6 a two men were going down the street loudly proclaiming something. The only word I understeed was Jodia se (today is); maybe they were proclaiming the Lord's day. Around 7:30 am a little lady walked by with a shallow basket on her head filled with raw chicken pieces for sale. Yesterday a lady was pushing an old wheelbarrow with raw beef for sale which our hostess bought some of. Just imagine hot sun overhead, flies and dust. No FDA here. Church again today, can't undersand the words but feel what is important...Gods presence and joy. The only words I understood were bonjou senior and mesi senior. Senior is Lord and Bondye is God. What more do I need than to say good morning Lord and thankyou Lord. Blessings to you all. Barbara

Saturday Morning in Ferrier

Well it's Saturday morning in Ferrier and things still start early but a different pace; although the loud lady across the street is still loud. The lady in the next house is sitting out front selling hot bowls of rice and men, women and children are at the well getting water. Some of the boys have set up an area to play soccer; their goals are made from old lumber and rice bags. Another little boy is rolling a bicycle tire down the street with a stick. After breakfast walked down to the church where twelve orphans live with the pastor; played ball with them although I think interrupted chores. The girls were at the well getting five gallon buckets of water and the pushing them to the house two at a time in a wheelbarrow. These are not big girls so is hard work but just part of their daily life. A couple of other girls were sitting on a bench ouside studying. I believe the pastor does have some electricity from solar panels but no running water or indoor bathroom. I can't even imagine twelve children and no indoor plumbing. Later today will play jump rope with the kids, they get pretty intense. Have found no one to teach me the word for share or take turns; maybe no such word. Continue in prayer for Haiti. Love and joy.

Barbara

Finally got to the "internet cafe" to update you on my adventure.  As you know we were to leave Waco at 0625 but guess what, ice on the wings and the deicer didn't work so were delayed by one hour.  By the time we got to Dallas our plane was gone, next plane full, third attempt a charm.  We did so much walking up and down terminal C that we were worn out.  Made it to Tampa on time and then on to Miami.  Bo and I met up with the rest of the group in Miami and then on to Santigo, Dominican Republic.  LONG  day.  We arrived in Santiago around 8 pm really worn out but Thursday's anxiety gone.
Slept at Los Jardenes in Santiago and had good nights sleep and a shower.  Next morning up early for a van ride to DaJabon which ended up being about 3 1/2 hours.  Had a major "traffic jam" with many, many cows in the road who were in no hurry to go anywhere fast.  Oh well, new world.  The border between Dominican and Haiti is quite a sight.  There is a river with people bathing, washing their clothes and just playing; trash everywhere.  When you cross the border you are in Ouanamin, Haiti.  We arrived in Ferrier  around 3 pm and had lunch which consisted of fish (the whole fish), a piece of tomato and cucumber and a little  bit of lettuce.,  They also had some kind of very spicy salad made with a pasta.

It gets dark early in Haiti and by 6:30 I was ready for bed.  For supper we had  a cup of ovaltine and  bread.  The bread here us more like a roll and very dense maybe made from rice flour.

Not much sleep Saturday due to all the different noises.  Roosters crowed all night, dogs barked and people  talking...not bad, just different. For any of you that think church lasts too long they started at 0830 and ended at 1040.  The last hymn was "Trust and Obey" so while they sang in Creole, I sang in English.  Their songs will be hard for me to learn as no hymnals.  Even though I did not understand the language I most surely felt God there with me.  Tonight as I sat outside and listened to the village life I am truly amazed at the joy in such poverty.  Makes you so aware of what is really important.
.  .
On Monday morning woke up around 0430 to one man walking down the road chanting and another singing. I have no idea what was going on but it sounded mournful to me.  Spaghetti for breakfast today which is a staple in Haiti.  It has a spicy taste to it...not much sauce.  For lunch today we had beef and I kind of wondered how they store it as I saw them cutting it up on Sun.  Best not to over think things in Haiti; just enjoy what you get.  So far no GI symptoms so not going to complain.

Each morning is really a gift as I watch these people get ready for their day.  Such a country of contrast.  You will see a woman riding a mule with 2 100 lb bags of rice and she is talking on a cell phone.  On the roads you see people walking, riding motorcycles a few cars//trucks and people riding mules and horses.  Children are up in the morning and bathing each other outside while meals are being cooked over charcoal by the front door.  Many children are not in school because their parents cannot afford it and many people walk aimlessly around because their are no jobs.  Unemployment is around 80%.
Mission Waco left today so beginning of my real adventure.  Will post pictures soon.  With love to you all, Barbara

Heard from Barbara

I am taking the liberty of posting this for Barbara. I recieved this in an email to me. I am posting on her blog where others can see.   Dwyane

From Barbara,

Well, the rest of the group is gone but feeling good about decision. Went into town yesterday and got my bank account opened which was quite an experience. Later went to a beach and spent about an hour and had a nice time.  The water is very clear and the sand is very coarse and dark in color.  Found lots of coral and some pretty shells.  Fun until a tarantula scurried out of some tree limbs.  Let out a squeal before I could stop my self.  Life is very, very different but relaxed.  The people are very dramatic and loud so sometimes difficult to know if happy or mad. Still have not gotten to use computer but hopefully soon.  It is so sweet in the morning before it even gets light to hear the village come to life. People are talking, children are laughing, dogs baring and roosters crowing. The woman across the road is very loud and always yelling at someone.  As it gets light you see children outside bathing each other gettin ready for school.  There is a well across the street so is a busy spot.  What a reminder of what we take for granted.  There is water run off around the well so pigs, dogs and chickens also congregate.  As a result runoff  contaminated with ecoli and they set there buckets in it and take contamination home with them.  Children do a lot of water hauling so have no real concept of no getting their dirty hands in the clean water.  Haiti definitely not for the germaphobic.  In Haiti the biggest thing on the road has the right of way therfore pedestrian beware.  Hope to be able to start blog soon.

Talk to you soon, Barbara

Well, here we go.  In less than 12 hours I will be on a plane and headed for Haiti and a new life.  So many thoughts going thru my head today...excited for all the possibilities....nervous due to so many new experiences...sad leaving so many people I love.  I am so thankful for all of the people that have loved, supported and encouraged me and for Dwyane Warnecke who has spent a lot of time helping me learn how to put pictures on my blog.  So thank you all for making this possible.

Well I feel very official now as I received confirmation from American Airlines.  I will be leaving Waco on Friday November 4 at 0625 and returning home on May 29, 2012.  Oh my gosh 2012.  Very exciting but a little scary too.

Twenty-nine days and counting

Oh my goodness, after months of trying to find a way to Haiti I am now on my way.  Sunday Mission Waco decided I could be of help in Ferrier, Haiti and we would leave on Nov. 4.  So many thoughts going thru my head.  EXCITEMENT and a little TERROR.  Got up this morning to fix my coffee and realized that in just a few weeks I won't have a kitchen to fix coffee in.  I am so looking forward to what God has in store for me after all this time waiting and wondering if I had made the right decision...was I really following where God was leading or was this a Barbara thing.  I am so thankful for all the people who has supported me and cheered me on when I was discouraged, who have reminded me that maybe this was a time God wanted me to just wait and be patient. So hard but so worth it.