Today was bitter sweet. On one hand, I am dirty and tired and eager for a clean environment, but on the other, I am so sad to leave these children and their families in this poverty. But it is their home and they seem surrounded by love. They are a cheerful people and I have NEVER seen men work so hard. They have incredible stamina.
The work at the site was more gravel hauling and there were plenty of workers so Marilyn, Michelle, and I played with the children. It was great fun. Marilyn and I searched our inner resources and taught all the childhood songs and games that we could recall. Hot Potato (Hot Bread Fruit), hand clap rhythms, finger plays, and jump rope were big hits.
After another hot lunch for 120 people, Michelle handed out the gifts we brought from church members. We had wrapped a pencil and crayon box in each clothing item for the children. The teenagers and men got t-shirts and ball caps.
As you can see from the pictures, everyone was very pleased by the gifts!
Did I tell you that it rained for about two hours? Not a hard driving rain but a steady one. Finally, the men improvised a shelter of tarps using the clothes line that we had just purchased for jump ropes!
Soon it was time to say goodbye. Hugs and handshakes and sincere smiles all around. We promised to return in February.
Haiti's people are special.
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