Day 3 1-25-12

I awoke this morning had breakfast (Haitian toast and mango) and prepared to go the the mountains to visit the Baptist Mission and spend time at an orphange with the kids. We drove through Croix de Bouquet a city outside of Port Au Prince and stopped at a metal works. When I got out of the vehicle to the sound of constant banging and indivuduals wanting to sell us something. As I walked through the alleys and tents/houses I realized what the banging was for. The individuals were cutting, hammering and forming scrap pieces of metal to unbelievable pieces of artwork. It was definately an experience to witness what they were doing and to be able to support them as well.

After leaving Crox de Bouquet we headed towards Petitionville and up the mountains to the Baptist Mission. This was my first trip to the mission and I was excited to see the mountains and the greenery as well as have some american food. While at the mission we were bombarded by the Haitians wanting to sell us jewelery, pictures. Our driver served as our body guard and has to step in a few times to protect us from the Haitian people. It was important not to go anywhere alone and to make sure we always had someone with us. I was not used to seeing the green grass, gardens and feeling the cooler temperatures. The lack of resources has been one of Haiti's downfalls because they have farmed the land stripped it of all resources and have not replaced anything destroyed. The roads going up the mountain were windy and seemed to have only one lane with not guard rail. There were numerous times that our driver slammed on the brakes and would constantly honk his horn at pedestrians and drivers.

After leaving the Baptist Mission we began to climb the mountain to our final destination at the orphanage. We had to park and walk because it was on the side of the mountain and the vehicle would not make it down the winding road. As we began walking down the street I overheard individuals saying U.S.,U.S, as though they were telling the rest of the village we were there. I thought about the purpose and wondered if it was because they didn't see many Americans in their town or as and opportunity to sell items or potentially take our money. We made it to the orphanage and took in loaves of bread, peanut butter and tampico to drink. When the gate opened the kids came running to us giving us hugs and thanking us for visiting. The orphange looked and smelled as clean as it possibly could and the joy and smiles on the their faces helped me to know that they were being taken care of. The kids sang numerous songs and were excited when we joined in with them. After visiting with them we provided them with the food we brought them and it am still amazed at how appreciative they were and how fast they ate. It seemed as though they were taken care of but the looks on their faces when we made them peanut butter sandwiches made the trip worthwhile. The orphanage was small and on a hill and I questioned the things that they do not get to do that we take for granted daily. After eating the kids sang another song we prayed for them and began our trip back down the mountain to Port Au Prince.

It was an hour and half drive back to Port Au Prince and the traffic was at a complete stand still throghout the trip. My mind started to relax as we got closer to the orphange because I knew we were safe and if the car broke down we could at least walk back to the orphanage. I still do not understand the driving situation in Haiti. There are horns constantly blowing becasue cars a pull out in front of each other and the tap-taps (taxi's) are continously stopping without warning. I have noticed in the time that I spent here that there are also a lot of pedesterians in the street because the sidewalks are filled with vendors and junk cars that no longer work. Today I witnessed an accident where a lady was walking across the street and was ran over by a car who did not stop. We were all amazed not only that someone was just ran over but the person that hit her kept going. We slowed to check on her and before we could stop the lady was on her feet and walking back about fifteen feet two get her shoe that was ripped off when she was hit.

The orphange has a new kid that has been here a few months and I was asked to check in on him this evening and gather information on how he is transitioning and his thoughts and feelings about being at new life. His English was limited but I was able to use a translator to assist. It was a great opportunity to be able to work with him and to assist in removing any barries he may have to the transition.

Tonight is my last night and after dinner I was able to bring Wisbens back to my room and skype with Jen and Maddox. It was a great experience and I feel that he connected well with them and the phone call was successful. I look forward to many more of those calls before we bring him home. After evening devotions I was able spend time with the kids and begin the closure process of telling them goodbye! I plan to get up in the morning to see Wisbens and the rest of the kids off before leaving for the airport before lunch. It has been a quick trip but I am ready to get back home and see my family have time to adjust to American life before retuning to school on Monday. I appreciate everyone's support and will try to get my final post in before getting home tomorrow night after 11:00.