Leaving the Guest House this morning was similar to what many experience in America's largest cities, a monumental traffic jam. No sooner than we had turned on the main road down the hillside, the traffic stopped. We could not see any movement ahead. And, this is only a two lane road.
After a few minutes, our driver did a U-turn, turned down a side street giving us other sights to see. We did see some more tent cities. Just imagine, these people have been living for two years in tents. What a miserable existence especially in the rainy season! But, they persevere even having small stalls and businesses just outside their tents.
Today, however, it was very dry. And, these side roads are so dusty. Some of the motorcyclists wear face masks trying to defeat the penetrating dust. And, upon returning to the Guest House, I think we each washed during our showers five pounds of dirt down the drain.
After feeding the people breakfast, Stevenson arrived to direct our practice of the Creole hymns. As before, some of the community and church members joined in. I think that is some entertainment for them. Where else would you find a generator powered keyboard behind a 3/4 completed church with a few Americans singing very bad Creole being directed by a Haitian musician?
Then, as promised, we were given work. We cleared away the rubble from the portion of the wall that had to be taken down. Two shovels, one wheelbarrow, and several five gallon buckets were furnished. When we finished, it was lunch time.
These ladies cook delicious food with the bare minimum equipment. Charcoal is the fuel. As I have mentioned before, it is such a laborious effort to feed so many people. (There were about 90 for lunch today.)
Last August, I gave Gilbert, the neighborhood leader, $200 to outfit the community soccer team. At the season ending soccer tournament, this team won the championship. They were very proud and wanted to perform for us. Playing four on four, these young men displayed some exceptional skills. They were very entertaining. It seemed that this soccer team helped lift the neighborhood spirits.
Soon after, we returned to the Guest House. If we wait too late into the afternoon, the drive back can take at least twice as long. Today's return was a piece of cake compared with our morning commute.
It is almost time for dinner. You should eat as well as we do at the Guest House.
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