We Made It
January 25, 2012
Starting from both coasts of Canada and the nation’s capital, we all arrived safe and sound in Deschapelles last night after a long and interesting journey. Our flight was unable to land in Haiti due to a disabled aircraft on the runway, so we circled around the Gulf of Gonave several times while they worked to remove it. The day was clear and sunny, so the view was quite nice for those of us (well, me) in a window seat!
Happy to be out of the airport
Happy Travellers
Friends of Karen’s, Dave and Tammy, were with her to help us transport all of the luggage back to HATS. Karen and Sandra sat in the back of the truck catching up and Luckner let Dickie drive once we were out of Port-au-Prince. Both Jim and Dickie remarked on the changes they noticed since their last visit.
After saying a big hello to all the kids, a great meal of welcome-to-Haiti-soup (soup joumou) and some initial unpacking, we all headed upstairs to our mosquito tents for the night. Nobody slept very well, however, due to the nighttime cacophony courtesy of goats, guinea fowl, dogs, roosters, horses, drums, etc.
Sleeping quarters
This morning, we went to devotions over at the school. We got to see Mariah teaching her adorable, though sometimes naughty students, ages 3 and 4. Dickie worked on fixing various plumbing issues, such as a clogged drain in the kitchen and toilets that didn’t have enough water flowing to them. Jim worked on computer maintenance and supervised a group of guys who were here to fix the internet connectivity issues on the compound. This blog is made possible because of their good work. Halellujah! Sandra and I sorted donations, cuddled baby Sandra, brought some supplies over to the school, etc. Karen was super busy as usual!
Sandra serving food to Mariah's class
Mariah with her students
Working on internet
Later in the afternoon, we headed over to Luckner’s to see the Radio Creole station. It is quite impressive. Karen was teaching an English class there and she used us as teaching aids for a lesson on families. We learned why Shondi is not married! The class got out early as they were going to get to watch an important football (soccer) match on the television that was being simultaneously translated on the radio in creole.
Trip to Radio Creole
Father and son at Radio Creole
After returning to the compound, all the adults and the kids went for a walk along the canal. There is always lots to see and do and fun was had by all!
Family walk on the canal
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1 Comment
1.
Patricia Roselli | January 25, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Oh – thank-you so much for posting a picture of Mariah’s class!! You have no idea how BIG the smile on my face is right now!! God bless – I am happy that your travels were safe. Enjoy your time together…