I must admit that last night I was mistaken…the dogs were loud and untiring…once I reached my bunk. No roosters though and I am told the bear was actually quiet.
We awoke to a delicious breakfast and did a little shopping at the Much Ministries guest house. We then went to the outskirts of Gonaives to the slum of Jubilee where this organization focuses their efforts – school, medical clinic, home building, garden and the only sweet water well in the area. This is quite an operation.
Once we rearranged all of our belongings for the 23rd time, we embarked on our 4-hour journey back to Port au Prince. A true highlight of our trip was stopping in the city of Archaiae for a reunion with Christine. She looks fantastic and she brought her 2 sons to meet us. It was a short visit but oh so sweet. She sends her best greetings to all and we can hope to be able to spend more time with her on our next trip.
The drive was exciting with Kitty and me at the wheels. I think we may have learned how to drive Haiti style and managed to make the trip in about 2.5 hrs Haitian time (that’s about 4 hrs US). I have to admit…driving is fun in this country. The other highlight was our “short cut” through City Soleil, otherwise known as the East LA of Haiti. Lucky for us…no driveby’s.
Interestingly, the 2 Haitians in my truck were dumbfounded by our choice of routes. In fact, Josi introduced us to a wise Creole saying: “The long road doesn’t kill.” Anyway, the choice turned out well and we managed to “escape from LA” unscathed.
We got settled in our new guest house accommodations at St Joseph’s which is clearly the pinnacle. What a way to end our time here. Those who saw the damage to this structure after the quake and then the rebuilding process one year later will be amazed by it’s appearance now. Can’t wait to share the pictures.
Once settled, we were joined again by Josi as well as his beautiful wife Ruth and their absolutely adorable son Niely. He is without a doubt the cutest, healthiest and most loved child we have seen here. What a wonderful and beautiful family. The love and respect they have for each other is palpable – not only Haiti, but in fact the whole world could learn much from this young family.
We all enjoyed probably the best meal of the trip but our time was all too short with Josi and his family. They were required to depart for home before it got too late. Once again this young man has touched our hearts with his spirit and love of country. He is truly wise beyond his years. We will miss him dearly and look forward to seeing him again soon! We pray he and his family remain safe and well in this challenging land.
We are now winding down as a tight-knit group on a private terrace in paradise with Prestige. We are lucky to be joined by another new but fast friend Mary Therese. What a wonderful young woman who is making great sacrifices personally to help the people of her country. We hope she is doubly blessed for all she does.
The air is cool tonight and we are enjoying our last hours here – it seems odd that we will only have one night in this city compared with previous trips. I am certain we will not miss the traffic, but the people and the energy…that’s a different story.
Please wish us a peaceful night and safe travels tomorrow. We will certainly depart with both anticipation AND a heavy heart. It is almost time to begin planning to write the next chapter, but for now we will focus on the finishing of this one.
Love to all and we will see you all soon.
The Team