Tears, sweet and smiles

Well we made it safely to Haiti. There aren't many words for yesterday. I am still trying process everything. The flight here was uneventful alhough I was pretty nervous. We made it through the airport and customs without any issues at all, which was great. Then we rode a bus for about 4 hrs from Port Au Prince to Cyvadier, Jacmel. It was absolutely devasting driving through Port Au Prince. Not all of the damage was from the earthquake either I had just never seen the condition of Haiti first hand before. There were piles of trash everywhere and not small piles either! It is really hard to put it into words. It was really hard seeing all the tent communities. I almost felt bad looking at them because I felt like it was degrading to them in some way, like driving by a car accident and staring the whole time. I don't think I saw one building that was standing without damage. Rubble was everywhere and the roads were a mess. I completely lost it when a couple of little boys came to the window begging for money. When we drove away one of them chased us and banged on the side. All I could think of was how awful it would be if my boys had to do that. It took everything in me not to tell the bus driver to turn around.

We drove through the city and then the mountians to reach Tina's house. Riding through the mountains was very interesting to say the least. Apparently it is customary that if you want to pass someone to just simply honk your horn repeatedly and go around them. There were quite a few times that I was sure we were going to collide with another car! The rule was true for people as well. When we drove through areas where market day was in swing, the bus driver just honked and shooed people out of his way, not slowing down a bit!

It was a relief to finally reach Tina's house so we could unload and eat. The food was waiting for us and FABULOUS! I cannot wait dor tonights meal :) She currently has 15 orphans living with her and they quickly capture your heart! I am slowly trying to learn Creole so that I can ask them questions. Last night I was able to ask their names and ages. Despite the language barrier I was to find ways to communicate with them. As I was coloring with a cpl girls, the little one lifted up her picture for me to see so I put on a big smile and said "oh pretty!" It wasn't long after that before the other girls wanted to show me theirs. They may not have understood what I said but they understood that I cared.

Most of the evening was spent with kids and relaxing which was nice. I was very surprised at how easily I slept. At one point I even covered up with a thin blanket I got from the airplane!

Today we had the opportunity to go to church. That was an experience! I recorded the congregation singing a couple of the songs with my phone. I didn't understand the words or know what song it was, but I could tell from their expressions that they loved the Lord! We had all 15 kiddos with us and some more joined us when we got there. Even Andy had a couple on his lap that wandered over. It was so cute! I was shocked at how well they behaved. They wiggled and smiled but knew not to say a word lol! I wish my kids could learn that technique. Of course there were many aspects the same, like the little boys playing air guitar and air drums :)

We are right on the Carribean Coast and it is beautiful!! It is definitley a relief from the heat! Tomorrow starts our work week here in Haiti. So far I know we are helping with the roof at the family home, electrical work, and cleaning at the Village of Hope. I honestly don't care what I do as long as I am helping.

Well I will leave you with a few pictures I took with my phone. Most are on my camera so I'll have to update those later.