Strange Awakenings

I am amazed that I am functioning as well as I do with as little sleep as I get. This past week I have been awakened very early every morning in some very interesting ways. On May the 1st, it was Labor Day for Haiti so the schools were closed. The night before, we all stayed up late (10:00 p.m.) knowing that we could sleep in a little later (yeah, right) the next day. Well, a man who lives behind the orphanage had other plans at FOUR in the morning. He decided it was a good idea to give a half hour sermon for all to hear within shouting distance. At first I thought someone was in trouble but then I started hearing a repetition of words and realized he was either chanting or preaching. Apparently it was acceptable because no one did or said anything. He finally stopped at 4:30. Amen!
Another morning I was awakened by the sounds of three different tunes going off on cell phones in the house. The owners of these phones had charged them the night before but did not pick them up before the gates were closed. Guess they missed their morning alarm. Just so happened that all three picked nearly the same time on the same morning. The locals do not have a phone service. Instead they buy calling cards ($5.oo haitian dollars for five minutes) to stay in touch with friends and family. They also use their phones to play the few video games that the phone offers. Some have figured out the gimmick of calling someone and hanging up as soon as they answer; so that the caller will call them back. That way they save on the cost of their conversation and have minutes left on their cards. The ones who call back have not caught on yet.
This morning I was awakened by the sound of chairs being dragged across the concrete floor over and over. I could not imagine what was taking place. I thought maybe one of the kids was just bored and moving the chairs around. Shortly after the first noise, one of the girls starting her morning wailing. (She wants to wear the same dress everyday and gets upset when it's time to wash it). So, I got up to see what was happening. The chairs were being moved by the housekeeper so she could sweep and mop the floor. She was not feeling well because of an infected tooth so she decided to drag the chairs. She apologized. The crying child, however, could care less about being quiet.

On another note, the bridge across the river is coming along very nicely. I pass by it three times a week and everytime I can see the progress. It's pretty exciting and will make a huge difference for many people when it is finished. I like seeing the changes and appreciate the hard work that these men have been doing. Even women and children are involved in collecting and stacking the rocks.

This morning I decided to time my walk to OFCB. I was told initially that it was a twenty minute walk but I knew it was longer. Going to OFCB is difficult because it is mostly an uphill climb with a lot of deep muddy holes and rocks to navigate around. Returning to the Orphanage is also difficult, even though it is downhill, because I usually leave in the afternoon when the sun is extremely hot. Either way, my walk usually takes about thirty-five minutes at a quick pace. I figure at this rate, twice a day, three times a week, I should be in pretty good shape before too long. At least, that is my hope. Sit-ups wouldn't hurt either. On second thought, yes, they would hurt quite a bit. Ha! I am looking forward to trying the journey with my bicycle. Oh yes, I wanted to add that while making my walk, I come across a lot of discarded items, especially broken sandals, and whether I like it or not, the Jimmy Buffet song always comes to mind, "Blew out my flip-flop, stepped on a pop-top....". So annoying, but I end up singing it anyway. "Flip-flop" is also one of the newest words I taught the kids and they have gotten such a kick out of saying that. Those who forget from time to time come up with attempts like "Flew-flips" or "Flop-flops". It's been one of the fun words this week.

We had another successful English class yesterday. We have decided to divide the classes into three groups. Tuesday afternoons we will have the Pre-K thru Primary children. Thursday afternoons will be the Middle School and Parents, and Saturday mornings will be the High School and Teachers. Soon I will have some teaching materials to work with and will be working more closely with the guys (Mislet, Eddy, David, and Bernard) to learn French and Creole.

Here is an excerpt from a conversation I had with the one of the staff members
at OFCB on our first meeting:

(He is a tall, older looking man with an aged face, greying hair and beard)

Gregoire: Bonjour Ms, Vicki Jean, I am Gregoire! It is nice to finally meet you. I have heard many things about your coming.
Me: Hello, it's nice to meet you, too.
Gregoire: I am told that you have many years on you.
Me: Yes, I have 50.
Gregoire: Well, you have four more than me. I am only 46.
Me: (obviously looking surprised) Wow! Well, my mother and father always looked younger than their ages.
Gregoire: Yes...yes...,you are much too young for your head.
Me:(smiling, but trying not to laugh) Thank you very much.

Well, my escort, Aquel, has arrived to walk back with me to the Orphanage. He has become one of my favorites. (He will be 17 this month although he looks 14). He is picking up English very fast and we have a lot of fun practicing together.

I have a few more pictures to share with you from before and will try to get some new ones soon. Take care, God Bless and my Love to all.

Julius (our day/night watchman and Aquel)

My Language Buddies: Mislet, David and Bernard. They help me with Creole, I help them with their English. Great guys!

Group shot with some of our neighbors and a couple of my kids. Smith, front and center. Marc Antoine, directly behind Smith. Mirlude is on the right in the photo, next to me. She is actually Marc Antoine's half sister. They had the same father. She lives next door. I am uncertain as to the whereabouts of the parents. I am still trying to gather information on all of the children.

Thanks for visiting my blog and have a blessed day!