The first team arrived on Friday, it seems a long time ago already. Today is only Monday and already they have seen so much. Port au Prince still in shambles, but people struggling to move on with their lives. The amazing Haitian countryside as we travelled by car to St Louis de Sud. We had an amazing welcome by the community of St George. We took a boat with 18 people across the sea to be welcomed by hundreds waiting for us on shore for the inauguration of 2 dry toilets in the community. There were songs and dances and words of gratitude in both directions. And they fed us a feast of fresh fish and lambi (a national food of Haiti) and lobster! Then back acrosss the water in the boat to Les Cayes and up the mountain in the dark to Duchity. Marcorel’s car got a flat tire and we all climbed(squeezed) into the car generously provided by Fred Cheron. We arrived in the night still waiting for our luggage and collapsesd in a heap on the mattresses on the floor.
Sunday was fortunately a day mostly of rest, and dancing at Franci’s bar in the evening. We were refreshed for our work in Trou Bois today to make Arborloos. A bit of disorganization but finally a hard=working team of 17 made 8 Arborloo platforms before the rain came teaming down. Dr Nita and Dr Tom spent the day in the clinic with Dr. Max, the local Cuban-trained Haitian doctor. They were very impressed with his skill and caring.
After showers and a great dinner of bullion (goat soup), a long game of hearts ended the day.
This is the briefest of reports as the electricity will go off soon and the internet is slow. I hope to write more soon.
love
gigi
