Haiti, Day Seven (9/29/17): Bouvier

Myself and some of the Bouvier school boys

I'm not really sure what to say about Bouvier. I have no witty captions or phrases and I am at a loss for words. I do not wish to be repetitive in my writing, so I'll just say this: the people here are simple and gracious. They do not ask for much. They do not want for much. They only wish for the ability to empower their people and their nation and they are very grateful for what we can bring to them because they do not have the means to provide it all for themselves.

The children here, as well as the teachers are lovely. Many of them have never seen white people; never seen Americans; do not know English, but you can feel their happiness when we are here. That is the mercy that Chez speaks of. Even by being here, we are stomping out the devil and bringing a light. We are saving people in Jesus' name, bringing them out of voodoo spirits, simply by taking this journey. To be a part of that fills me with joy. I am happy. I have felt miracles and I am summoning my angels.

Today was a work day. The ladies and I worked to do administrative work. We collected data and updated charts, making sure that all of the children were known and accounted for. The men built a toilet with a wall and put up a fence and filled holes so the children were safe. As we all worked, we Listened to the children in their classrooms, singing songs. I do not know if they were gospel songs or not, but their voices are incredible and it made me happy to hear them. These babies are blessed beyond measure and they have no idea that they are struggling. They are unfamiliar with the rest of the world and this life; this simple life of joy and diligence is all they know. Sometimes I wonder how my life would be had I not known the things I know or had not been given the things that I have. Some of these children seem better off than I am because they do not have the things that I take for granted. Therefore, I am weary and they are filled with joy all the time.

The guys seem to all think that If i was here another week, I would know creole. They all spend time teaching me words and phrases; working on my pronunciations and diction. My accent is terrible, but they see that I am trying. We laugh. We joke. I am learning. Pastor Reggie continues to make comments about when I come back to teach. I feel more ready a little each day. I'll work on it and continue to pray on the opportunity and on the journey.

I'm starting to miss home a little bit; not because I can't survive up here in the mountains, but because I have so much to share and to teach. I feel ready to change my life. Everything I have to say is sitting on my phone in English. I have no service and no internet, so all of these posts will be delayed by a week or so, but I want to share my good news and share the gospel. I want to share my spirit. A hug would be nice too.

We had an early dinner tonight. Our dinner is different from all of the Haitian men's dinner and lunch, so I find myself sneaking to the kitchen to try the authentic Haitian cuisine which is AMAZING. I love Caribbean food though because ... well I'm from Trinidad and Jamaica and wherever else lol.

The electricity went out today. The solar power ran out, but we were able to take solar bag showers. We stayed out in the darkness and played drums and sang songs. Around 8:30, everybody headed to bed but I stayed out with Joseph and Jean Jean to play games on the phone and to show pictures of our lives. Jean Jean has a brother in Miami and he is partial to the American rapper life. He seems as if he will move to America one of these days and own a night club. I believe he can do it. I believe they can all do whatever they set their minds to.

I enjoyed today. I'm preparing for the trek back down the mountains. I received knee massages today to ease all of my pain (thank you Chezy). I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Me helping the guys! (courtesy of Yola)

Myself, Chez, Yola & Joseph during the blackout