Haitian Ways and Haitian Nights

When I knew that I was moving to Haiti, I did some research to learn about the people, the culture and the environment. One of the things that stood out was the fact that most Haitians like to be greeted. If you greet them, they consider you a friend, if you ignore them, they will not speak to you later, and will consider you a stranger. I could see how that played out when I first arrived. The fact that I am white (a "Blanc") makes it impossible to not notice me. Whomever was in eyesight, was either greeting me or I was greeting them and each returning the greetings. This can become pretty overwhelming when you cross paths with at least 80 to 100 people on a half-hour walk. I remember thinking several times that I could not recall ever saying good morning to that many people in one day in all my life. Also, to do that twice a day, three times a week, is a lot of people, many of them having already been greeted earlier.

So, here I was again, being escorted to OFCB by Julius and Bernard (who came along for the walk) and pondering this custom. I was a little tired and was not really up to being so friendly. I kept on with the greetings,

alternating between, "Bonjou", "Noula, Noula"(which is an informal Krayol phrase meaning, hello, we are here) and "Good Morning". At one point I even considered counting to see how many times I actually said it. My thoughts were interrupted by Bernard who said, "Uh, Mees, I want to tell you that not everybodee can say Good Morning." I said, "Yes, I am aware of that but if they are younger, (such as a student), then I usually greet them in English." Benard said, "No, I am not talking about the English. I am saying that not everybodee can say it to you. Do you understand what I am talking?" I paused and thought and then said, "No, not really." He said, "I am saying that some people don't want to talk and you don't need to say anything to them because they will not say it back." I stopped in my tracks and just burst out laughing. I said, "Okay, that's fine with me. I feel the same way." I went on to explain what I read and then Bernard started laughing. He said, "Maybe somewhere else, but here, it is not important unless it is your friend or someone in your family. The rest you can let go." Thank you, Bernard, for enlightening me and allowing me the good laugh at myself.

One night last week Saint-Victor brought a DVD over for some of us to watch. It was not appropriate for the younger kids so we viewed it after they went to bed. The movie was made by a famous Haitian comedian and was supposed to be a romantic comedy. It was definitely very low budget and had a greenish-pinkish-purplish hue on the screen as well as the cover of the case. The subject matter was a little risque and the dialogue was cheesy but the actor himself was entertaining with his slapstick comedy, his outrageous wardrobe and his overdone expressions. Lucner tried to translate as much as he could when he was not laughing. I was a little bothered by the fact that we had a ten year old girl in the room but her mother was with her so I couldn't say much. I enjoyed the show because it was nice to be watching television for the first time in more than a month. (I was also glad to know that the electronics survived the bus ride and were still in good working condition). Even though the dialogue was in Krayol, the storyline was very predictable and it was easy to guess what was going to happen next. There were even some words that I actually understood which was exciting for me. It was nice to be entertained for a couple of hours. One thing I missed was having some popcorn.

Last night a few of us were sitting on the porch at the end of a very long day. I was trying to start a new book that I found in one of the donated boxes but there were too many interruptions and distractions. A couple of the older guys were listening to the radio (at the normal volume: LOUD) trying to get some current news on the happenings in Gonaives. (There were some political gang wars over the past weekend). Three of the boys were playing with a toy car and two girls were braiding their hair. I was listening to all of the commotion and fighting the many bugs that like to hang out around the porch lights. Some of them bite! Right about the time I could concentrate, the lights started flickering, which was an indication that the generator was running out of fuel. Julius made a quick dash for the generator and I went to get the big flashlight. I came back out to the porch just as the lights went out and picked up Jeemy-Ska to put in my lap. A few minutes later, we heard the generator start up and the lights came back on. Jeemy-Ska remarked in Krayol, "Wow, San Vilier (our other watchman) doesn't know what to do with the generator but Julius is good!" Then in English he said, "Good job, Julius!" He started clapping and looked at me with the biggest grin. Everyone started laughing and David explained to me what was said. I was so tickled by him. What a precious little guy!

Little Jeemy-Ska with his famous grin.

A couple of shots of me working in Actionnel's office. (Note to whom this applies: You can sit there and point out all my flaws or just be happy to see my face.) This helps to keep me humble. Ha!

Many thanks to those who visit my site. I'll be back on Friday. Much love to all!

Sorry So Short....

I will apologize to anyone who was expecting one of my novel postings but I came unprepared this morning. I spent a lot of my time over the weekend trying to sort and organize the donated items. Still a lot to do and so much to be thankful for. The kids are having a great time.

Some good news to share:

Just before getting off line last week, I received the nicest email from a gentleman by the name of Ian Smith. He wrote to say that he had viewed my blog and nearly jumped out of his chair when he saw the pictures of the bridge. He just happens to be with the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Bridge Team that came to Haiti to plan and fund the construction of the bridge. They were the first pictures he had seen in a year and he was very happy to see the progress. He also said that they were planning a meeting to see about funding for the completion of the bridge. I was both surprised and excited to receive his email. It was very nice of him to write.

I spoke with Actionnel this morning and he said that they will have a meeting at the U.N. office next Monday to discuss the funding and the equipment needed to finish the project. This morning I saw a few people back at work and they were very happy. I'll be posting some more photos soon. At this point, I would like to say another big THANK YOU to Actionnel for making it possible for me to use the Internet and giving me the opportunity and the joy of sharing my experiences here. Thanks again for your generosity.

We have had quite a bit of rain for the past couple of days so Julius and I made the trip over to OFCB on foot this morning due to the muddy conditions. The walk was pleasant because it was nice and cool. Everything looks very green today and the farmers are starting to see some of the new growth sprouting in their gardens. I am looking forward to reaping some of the benefits of the crops that have been planted by Saint-Victor's brother across the road from the house. Evaniel (his brother) gave me a quick tour of his garden last Saturday and showed me the different varieties that he has planted. There will be a lot of corn, a type of greens (like spinach), some okra and some melons. Another exciting thing to look forward to.

For those of you who enjoy reading blogs, I would like to let you know that my new friend, Morgan, who spent three months here in Haiti and left five days after I arrived, now has a new blogsite.
It is http://www.trans-iberia.blogspot.com/ . He is currently in Spain and plans to explore Morocco. He was only home for a short six days before taking off for another adventure. He has two postings on his website so take a look when you get a chance. For those of you who did not read his other blogsite: http://www.haitianhills.blogspot.com/ , that is also definitely worth a look. He is an amazing writer and a wonderful soul.

Here is a photo for your viewing pleasure. I did a little extreme makeover for Madam Denise's (the mother of our cook, Marie-Rose) market stand on our property. It used to have only one shade structure (an old sheet) over the table so I added some more posts (tree limbs) and two plastic tarps. One covers her table of goods and the other shades the box that holds her ice and bottled beverages. She was very happy with the new look.

No, that is not Madam Denise. That is my little Noula enjoying the shade while playing with her new-found collection of bottle caps.

I hope to have more exciting news for you on Wednesday. God Bless and keep us in your prayers.

Oh, the JOY!!!

There is so much joy to share today since I have not been on the Internet for more than a week! Last Thursday was Aquel’s 17th Birthday so I took him to the local market as planned and our friend, David (my English assistant), went along with us. I was so glad because he understands the Haitian currency and knows how to haggle for a good price. Aquel came away with a new pair of soccer shorts, a bandana, and a “sweat rag”. (A colorful washcloth that you keep wet to wipe off your face when it gets too hot. Stays wet longer than a regular washcloth. Not sure why? Really very useful. Have enjoyed mine!) He also purchased two pairs of ankle socks (one says U.S.A.), and a pair of second hand tennis shoes. (Nike and in good shape). He was very happy. I enjoyed seeing the market and how they operate. (I have no problem becoming a vegetarian after observing the meat sitting in the sun and knowing it will be there for several hours). I also got my very first Haitian sunburn. Did not feel the burn while it was happening and still did not feel it until after my shower. Ouch! We stopped for a quick photo op with Saint-Victor's mother who is a vendor and his brother, Richmond. A few more candid shots and then we returned home. A couple of hours later, our school bus arrived! What a beautiful sight!

We had plenty of help getting the bus unloaded and then we had this incredible pile of wonderful donated blessings. There were many bags of clothes, shoes, blankets, towels, sheets, food, medical supplies, school supplies, and a great assortment of sports equipment for the children. All of the things that we received are to be shared between the two ministries: Modene Murphy Ministries and OFCB Ministries along with the members of both churches and the families in Bayonnais. We would like to send a very big thank you out to all the people who spent their time, energy, and money to make all of this possible.

After we got everything unloaded, we took a short break and then moved on to have Aquel's Birthday celebration. Because of all the commotion with getting the bus, Lucner and Saint-Victor were unable to get a cake but we had just enough strawberry filled cookies for everyone to have one each and honor his day. The children played a couple of games and then we had a very nice dinner. Aquel was so happy and said "Thank you, my mother" so many times. (The kids started saying that on the evening of Mother's Day). He said it was his first party and the best birthday he has ever had. I was very moved by his joy.

Because of the arrival of the bus and all of its contents, I did not go on the field trip. Aquel was the only one who chose to go. It was important to him to be a part of Flag Day. I stayed with the rest of the kids and spent my day sorting the supplies and taking an occasional break to have fun. The children of MMM were so very happy and excited about everything they saw. Each time I gave them something to wear, use or play with, they would say, “Thank you, my mother!” with giggles and the biggest smile. They have so enjoyed all of the art and school supplies as well. They were thrilled with the stacks of books and even a couple of ninth graders (in their 20's) were fascinated with the pictures and the vocabulary. We have had some lessons with Hula-hoops, a Frisbee, and how to throw an American football. Last night some of the kids practiced writing out the Alphabets on their lettering tablets. I am going to save the bubbles for a special surprise this weekend.

I was so looking forward to writing in my Blog this past Monday (the 21st) but the Internet was out of service. It was not repaired until late Wesnesday so I made a special trip on Thursday (yesterday). I was having computer withdrawals and very anxious to check my email. The Internet was still having some problems and we kept losing our connection. It is now Friday (the 25th) and I was finally able to read my mail and complete my Blog. Thank you to those who sent a personal email and a special thank you to Helen for leaving a comment on my Blog. I, too, hope that we will one day meet here in Haiti. It is so exciting for me when I see that someone has left a note. Makes me feel less isolated knowing that someone is back in the homeland keeping up with my adventures. Thanks to all who are doing the same.

I cannot end this writing without telling you about my most recent personal joy. Thursday, I finally had the great pleasure of riding my bicycle to OFCB. What a great feeling to be riding again! It made the trip go so much faster and the wind was refreshing. I had to laugh at myself a few times when I was struggling to get up the rocky hills and finding the strength to pedal harder for the uphill climb. I would get an occasional break when it was necessary to get off the bike and guide it up a steeper path. (I was able to walk off the cramps that formed in my forgotten muscles). Coming back was just as exciting. Earlier in the afternoon it had rained just enough to get the dirt nice and slick. We were moving at a pretty good rate of speed going downhill most of the way. There was no need to pedal, really. I just kept my hands on the brakes to be ready for the sudden obstacles and tried to maintain control when the bike would fishtail. At one point, I was moving at a pretty good rate of speed and watching my surroundings whiz past me. I haven't moved that fast in ages. Right then I wanted to let out a loud and long Texas "Yeeeeee-Haaaaaa!" all the way down but I decided to keep it to myself. Didn't want to startle the natives. The bike ride was quite a rush for the most part but pretty scary when I would encounter a large maze of rocks and boulders and had to make split-second decisions on which way to steer. I had a great time! This morning, my body was not so thrilled. It only took a few minutes to work out the kinks and then I was back to the challenge of the uphill ride. I am now looking forward to the trip back home. Until next week, God Bless and Love to all!!

Flag Day in Haiti, May 18th

On Friday, May 18th, Haiti will be celebrating Flag Day. (It will also be my 30th day of living in Haiti. At this rate, two years is not a long time). I have posted some information that I gathered from the www.EnchantedLearning.com website for those of you who have an interest in history. I have not seen the flag up close and in person but it is an attractive flag on screen. We will be going on a field trip this Friday to another city to join in the celebration. The schools will be closed for the holiday so I will be back online on Monday to fill you in on the weekend events.
Great and Wonderful News!!!!
I just received word that the school bus has arrived in Gonaives! Saint-Victor is trying to find someone who can go and get the bus today, or tomorrow for sure, since the Customs Office will be closed on Friday. We may not be able to use the bus for our trip but at least we know it is here and the supplies will be on the way very soon. Thank God for this fantastic blessing!

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The Flag of Haiti

The flag of the Republic of Haiti was adopted on May 18, 1803. Haiti had been a colony of France since 1697, but the people rebelled in 1803 and Haiti achieved independence on January 1, 1804.
The Haitian flag is a red and blue bicolor; for state occasions, the Arms of Haiti are added to the center of the flag on a white background. The colors red and blue were chosen from the French flag. The Haitian arms depict a royal palm in the center topped with a red and blue cap of liberty. There are also six blue and red flags, two smaller red banners on the sides, many weapons (rifles with bayonettes, two yellow cannons and many cannonballs), a drum, an anchor, green grass, and a white banner reading "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE," meaning "Union is Strength."
Haiti is located in the Caribbean Sea. Christopher Columbus sailed to Hispaniola in 1492. Haiti and the Dominican Republic constitute the island of Hispaniola, located east of Cuba; Haiti occupies the western third of the island. Haiti's capital city is Port-au-Prince.

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Also want to note that tomorrow, May 17th, is Aquel's 17th birthday! He is such a terrific and loving guy and deserves to be honored on his special day. I still have a few Haitian dollars left so I plan to take him to the market after lunch and let him pick out a gift for himself. I have not been to the local market yet so it will be fun for me as well. I am excited about having a birthday to celebrate. Hope to have a cake or some kind of treat for the kids but it all depends on what Lucner can find. If all else fails, we still have some strawberry cookies that they would enjoy. I'm sure I will have some pictures to share with you. Much love to all!

Mother's Day and so far away......

Happy Mother's Day to all the great Moms, Mother's and Mama's in the U.S.A.!!! (and anyplace else that people celebrate)

Yesterday was Mother's Day in America and the first time in 21 years that I have celebrated without my son. There is no question that I missed him very much. I tried using my cell phone but could not get a signal. I'm even out of roaming range. I was comforted somewhat during the Sunday service when Saint Victor announced that it was Mother's Day for me. (Haitians will celebrate this day in two more weeks) He asked all the young adults and children to come forward to give me a kiss and a hug and wish me a Happy Mother's Day. It was very emotional for me when my kids came up to hug me. I think Saint-Victor likes to make me cry. Ha! Anyway, I did receive the most wonderful email from my son, Dylan, and it warmed my heart. Thank you, Son, for keeping it special. I love you the most!

I want to ask everyone once again to please post your comments on this blog. I would like to get some feedback from those of you who are keeping up with it. Let me know what topics you would like to know more about or pictures you would like to see. I also want to know who is actually reading this. For those of you who have received emails from me, please take the time to send more than just a quick note. I am eager to hear some news and to stay in touch. I do a lot of writing and would appreciate having something to read as well. Thanks to all who read this blogsite. God Bless.

A Haitian Wedding

This past Saturday, the 12th of May, the Modene Murphy Ministries hosted their first wedding in the church. The lovely couple were united before God, family and friends. It was a very nice ceremony and the visiting pastor gave a wonderful sermon. There were definintely some differences in customs but overall it was a typical wedding. As you will see in the photos, the groom escorts the bride to the church with the wedding party close behind. The church is decorated with colorful sheets and curtains. The floor covering under the wedding party is actually a bedsheet with a twin-bed mattress pad in the center. The bride and groom sit facing each other while the best man and maid of honor sit by their sides. The witnesses are sitting behind the groom and best man. A special song is performed by the church choir. An original poem is recited by David. The bride receives a ring but the groom does not. The signing of the marriage certificate is done by all of the members of the wedding party during the ceremony. They are pronounced man and wife but they are not told to kiss. (Lucner said it was up to the discretion of the officiating pastor. Some Haitians get upset when they leave that part out. They start shouting that the couple should kiss). On a side note: The bride tried very hard not to smile during the wedding but I managed to catch her a couple of times. I still don't know how tall her husband is but she is also pretty tall herself and was wearing three inch heels. A really sweet couple. I wish them many years of love and happiness.

They are now officially Husband and Wife!

New video information added on Jan. 21, 2009:

Because of the interest this particular blog has generated, I have added some information about a YouTube video that my friend Peter Daniel recorded, while living in Bayonnais, and put it on his blog as well. It is a casual demonstration of part of a typical Haitian wedding dance. It is very nicely done.

Best wishes for all the newlyweds and soon-to-be marrieds. Please read the comments at the end of this posting to see what others have shared. Especially take time to read what Maggie had to say. She actually still lives in Haiti and had some thoughts to share with the brides-to-be. Thank you, Maggie!

Go to the YouTube website and do a search for the video. Just type in the words..........Bayonnais: Rosena and Wilgar dance

I am sure you will enjoy it! God's Blessings to all!

Over the River and Through the Mud....

Here are a few candid shots of the walk over to OFCB. It is really a pleasant walk in the early mornings when it is cooler and there is a breeze. I was informed this morning that the funds for the bridge are running low and the project may have to be put on hold soon. That would be a real shame for all who have put their hard work into this and for the locals that are counting on having a better way to cross. If anyone is interested in making contributions to help with the completion, please send me an email or post your comments on this blog site and I will get you the information you need, to do so. I thank you in advance for your support and your prayers.

Organizing the rock piles for the completion of the bridge.

Young Haitians hanging out on the bridge. The one with the big smile asked me to take the shot.

The progression of a ramp on the OFCB side of the bridge.

Typical road conditions after a heavy rain. This is the path leading to the river which prompted the need to build the wonderful bridge. It is a lifeline for many students and teachers to get to their schools and for the locals to get to the market or travel to other cities.

Woman who filled her bucket from the water fountain on right and then posed for this picture.

Local Haitians that I see with each trip back and forth to OFCB.

My new "zanmi" (friend), Semamoun (pronounced: See my moon). She greets me every morning when I pass through. One of the many children that cannot afford to go to school.

Posing with Semamoun and her companions. Aquel wanted to take another shot since he only got her head in the first one. Should have seen the look on his face when he reviewed it.

Did someone say "Rocky Road"? Tough on the feet. Worse on the vehicles.

A Mango tree bearing lots of fruit.

One of the oldest trees in Haiti known as "Mapou". This photo diminishes the magnificence of its size and beauty. I will try to get some better shots.If you can see the man on the road in the red shirt (just going around the bend) then you can get an idea of how big this tree really is.

Photo: My Beautiful Children

Front row: Cadjina, Cardina, Jeemy-Ska, Angeline, Rosenelsia (cook's daughter), and Noula.
Back row: Aquel, Ismalene, Smith, Fenelson, Veniel (cook's son), Alicia, and Marc Antoine.

Photo: My "Ugly" Kids (only my cousins will understand this)

The kids were told to make silly faces. (Poor Jeemy-Ska...Fenelson is using his head as an armrest!!!) The younger kids are still not quite comfortable with the camera. I'm sure they will catch on later.

Photo: Young Artists at Work

This was the very first time these children had ever used crayons and colored their own pictures. It was the beginning of their road to using their imagination.

Gladys (visitor) and Lucner observe the children.

Lucner St. Louis, our Administrator, in the "Time Out" chair. (just kidding)

Cardina made rows and rows of the number six in different colors.
Jeemy-Ska works on his circles. His favorite color is orange.

Cardina shares her masterpiece with Saint-Victor, our President.