Good afternoon to all! Last night we were treated to the most beautiful sunset I think we have ever seen here (including last year). The moon was full and high in the sky as the sun was setting over the sea, creating beautiful reds, golds, violets, oranges and a steely blue on the horizon. There was a refreshing breeze and we watched makeshift kites flying alongside the moon. We even enjoyed a bowl of Jiffy Pop together (thank you Jeff and Rachel) while we looked at pictures and already began reminiscing.
Then the rain came, just long enough to chase us off the roof and make us turn off the generator, which was nearly out of gas anyway. The rain was short-lived but left in its wake a hot, still and stagnant night. And it was Saturday night, so the only thing drowning out the familiar and often obnoxious “wildlife” noises was the blaring noise from the “disco” down the hill – I think they celebrated longer and the D.J. played the music louder as part of the celebration of the official announcement of Martelly as the new President of Haiti.
Finally, after 3 AM the music ceased and we were treated to our friendly neighborhood barking dog and the scattered crowing of roosters as we contemplated if it was humanly possible to sweat any more. Dr Bob, this morning, summed it up nicely…”I think that was the worst night I have ever spent in Haiti.”….and he has been coming here for 27 years.
Now for a little perspective…I too agree, it was a BAD night with sleep in what seemed like maybe 5-10 minute intervals, punctuated by futile attempts at fanning away the perspiration with my unfolded passport. I am sure the bags under my eyes have their own bags this morning. With all that said… I slept on a foam mattress, with the protection of a mosquito net and a roof over my head. I had a belly full of good food and the knowledge there was more where that came from. We had access to a large supply of clean water and even sodas and beer if we wanted it. Most of the people we worked with who were paid regularly could not say this and certainly not the average citizen…most definitely not the residents of the Ravine. You get my meaning…”perspective”.
Once we got moving this morning and had breakfast and a shower we were faced with our most difficult goodbye of all. Josi came as promised and early as usual. He came bearing gifts for my family and a message of thanks to our group that leaves us feeling inspired and somehow elevated and inconsequential all at once. He is truly a remarkable young man – his love for his country and his fellow man and his desire to lift up those whose suffering is greater than his own is what this nation needs to be restored and I am sure his role in that restoration is just beginning.
PLEASE pray for these people and their country. We can only hope the new government will start the arduous process of change necessary to make a meaningful difference in their lives. They will most certainly need to include people like Josi in their decisions if they wish to be truly successful.
We now prepare to head to the airport, where we will have one more farewell with Vanessa and our newest friends Dr. Bob and Nancy who will travel on to their remarkable project and clinic in rural Jolivert to the north. It has been our privilege to share this experience with them. We pray for their safe travel and hope to be able to visit their project when we return.
Our focus is now shifted to our return home and reuniting with family and friends, but our memories and the connections we have made and renewed remain close in our “rear view mirror”. I pray they will not have faded much before our next return.
Gotta go now to catch our flight. Will send a quick message when we are checked in for our last flight. Love to you all and see you soon!
The Team