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.
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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