HAITI, DAY TEN (10/2/17): Preparation to Leave

Today was an extremely peaceful and even boring day. Because we came down from the mountains a day early to monitor the political unrest in the city, there was not much work for us to do. Chez went to deliver mattresses, but my body has been in so much pain that I could not fathom walking around Carrefour. The rest of us relaxed for the day. Pastor gave me a job in the office and I was working hard for him all day. Unfortunately, the internet service was so slow that it took me hours, literally hours, to figure out all the answers that I needed.

Final Goodbyes at Love Community (Courtesy of John & Chez)

I took pictures and videos of Christie, Pastor's daughter, on Snapchat since she did not have school today. Yola and I got Haitian food off the street for lunch. I believe we had turkey and rice and beans with legumes. It was delicious and what I had been missing this entire trip. I also had a small amount of ham and avocado. The avocado made me just as happy as the fresh squeezed grapefruit juice up at Bouvier.

For the remainder of the day, we transferred pictures and bonded with one another. We laid down and talked and exchanged stories. We headed to Love Community to say our final goodbyes to our prides and joys. I will remember each of these beautiful children for the rest of my life. Angelica and Fonia drew me pictures and gave them to me. It was like they knew we could come by today; they prayed on it. We exchanged final hugs and lots of love. Oliviere was not there, but God will keep me in his heart as he is in mine.

​Afterwards, we went to a very fancy restaurant for our final dinner. John and Chez gave each of us presents. Pastor Reggie and Joanne came, as well as Phalone. The food was immaculate. I had creole shrimp with Haitian rice and beans and green vegetables. The vegetable soup was great too. We all tasted the papaya milkshake which was absolutely incredible.

Dinner Vibes (courtesy of John & Chez)

Pastor Reg & Joanne (courtesy of John & Chez)

On our way home from dinner, I spoke to Reg about my visa to stay in the country. I think I'm really going to come and stay in Haiti. This country of resilience is a true nation of hope and I want to be a part of its change and uprising. Haiti has found its way into my heart and I have been forever changed by this experience. As I prepare to travel home, I will take with me a new found love, hope and sense of determination. I am thanking God for every moment. Phalone asked me to be her English teacher, so I will take that as sign three that Haiti is where I should and need to be, God willing.

So, thank you God, John &  Chez, Dave, Laurie, Rach, Yola, Pastor Reggie and Joanne, all of the beautiful people that I met and even the beautiful people that I passed on the street. You have blessed me in so many ways.