Haiti, Day Eight (9/30/17): Fun Learning

Today, I was woken Out of my sleep around 6:30am. It was cold, but I decided it was best to get up then. I could hear voices and men working. I used the toilet, which I was afraid to do originally because I didn't want anybody to see me in the openness. It was actually wonderful. It was more peaceful than I had  imagined. The openness allowed for me to look through the trees and over the mountain. I was feeling it! (I have a video of thoughts and opinions, but after further review, I decided that I can and will not post it! Sorry followers!)

The bathroom

Soccer Volley with the teachers (courtesy of Yola)

Today was a long, but simple day. We worked with the teachers and taught them games to play in the classroom. They really loved hot potato as well as “Simon Says.” Laurie had some great games too. Although we could not speak the language, Yola translated and we enjoyed our time together. The children that were up the mountain gathered around to watch us play. We laughed together and smiled and of course, took pictures.

​Then, we had lunch; croissants with ham and vegetables. We made delicious sandwiches and passed out mocha lattes and hot chocolate packets. They were amazing as well. The teachers then had a meeting and learned how to use their new computers. John made sure that they were all up to par. We passed out gifts to the teachers for their classrooms and the fellowship was beautiful. The faces of the teachers lit up as we gave them jewelry and make up and all sorts of things for their personal lives as well.

Beautiful Chez in bliss

​Chez gave the girls in the kitchen, as well as Yola and myself foot massages. In return, Yola massaged her feet while I massaged her hands. She really loved it and needed it. It began to rain and I stood under the storm and thanked God for the natural wonders of the earth. The water felt so good. Between the lack of warm showers and the heat of Haiti, the rain was a relief.

The boys talked and laughed as we sat and bonded. The language barrier meant nothing tonight. We just had a unique way of understanding. We relaxed and had a beautiful potato and beef stew for dinner. Finally, we met for a large meeting and passed out presents to our trekking buddies. Everybody in the room; our team, our buddies, the director of the school and the teachers, spoke about what this experience meant to us and how we were thankful and appreciative for each other and what we have done. It was a long meeting, but a blessing.

See spider... RUN! (Courtesy of Yola)

​I went into the room with the Boy Scouts, Loodgi, Anchelo & James,  for another Creole lesson. I read a passage in a French text book and we exchanged information to keep in contact. Facebook and WhatsApp are the new way of the world. 

​The highlight of my day was definitely the debate over the role of women in society and in marriage. Yola and I were trying to explain to the guys that wives are more than just a hot meal. They are works of God's love and they are to be cherished and respected. Love comes from God and the guys' opinions will change as they age and accept God's plan for their lives.

​Ultimately, today was a good day but I am ready to head back down the mountain tomorrow. My body hurts and I'm not 100% sure if I could live life up in the mountains. I'm only a country girl for play! It's nice to be here though... minus the killer scorpion spiders that we ran from today... and the giant tarantula!