Trip to the Village I

July 17, 2010

“Get down on the ground”, I yell to my sister Marieke, swinging beside me on the swing set. The earth rumbles and begins to shake with increasing intensity. Still swinging in full motion I half jump, half fall to the ground and roll over onto my stomach. I look around and see that we are in an open grassy field. As the shaking becomes stronger, fear grips me. I wake up sweating. Opening my eyes in my own bedroom the images of my dream begin to fade. Another earthquake nightmare. I sigh, roll over and hug my pillow tightly. Morning is dawning and the soft light filters through the cream colored curtains. How many more of these dreams will I have? I wonder. Every time I’m in a different place, with different people, but it always feels so real. According to my cousin Marin, who has studied psychology, these dreams are a good thing and a way that my brain is processing the experience. Might as well think positive I guess, but each time I wake up from one I feel drained. I lay quietly until ten minutes later Jason’s cell phone alarm goes off. Today we hope to fly to the village and there are still a lot of last minute things to do, so I carefully crawl out of bed. I quickly brush my teeth and get changed. Jason meanwhile has gotten out too, and is getting dressed in his pilot uniform. Once he’s dressed I smile at him. He sure looks handsome in his uniform! I go check on Jayden but notice that he is still sleeping. Willing him to wake up, I quickly change him, but he hardly stirs. Oh well, I guess I’ll go make some sandwiches for breakfast for us to eat in the car. Marin and Robert are up too, and when I reach the kitchen they are already preparing their sandwiches. With our bags packed the night before, it doesn’t take long for us to get ready and at 6:45 we are out the door. Now sitting in the car, Jayden is awake and hungry. “I want bread Mama, I want some bread.” I pull out his bread box and after he prays, he starts to eat. “I want more, Mama. Please, Mama.” He looks up at me, begging with his big blue eyes. “Alright”, I sigh, “you can eat some of mine”. I open my bread box and he begins to eat. “ You better save some for Mom,” I tell him. He looks at me for a moment and then hands me a small crust. I eat it, and then notice that the rest of the bread is already gone. “What happened to all Mommies’ bread?” I ask Jayden. “It’s in my tummy” he replies, smiling, patting his stomach. I laugh and tickle him. I guess he was hungry. I’m really not that hungry myself anyway, so I take a drink of my water bottle instead. Since it’s still early, the drive to the airport doesn’t take long and 15 minutes later we arrive at the domestic terminal. I notice the parking lot hasn’t changed as I help Jayden over the giant mud puddles. Inside, Jason fills out the manifest and then we head out through the doors to the tarmac. It’s Saturday and Jason’s first flight is to La Gonave. Not having enough seats available for all of us, he takes only Marin and Robert with him. I wait with Jayden in the MAF office and raid Jason’s candy supply. As Jayden reads his Thomas book, I take the opportunity to catch up on emails. Less than an hour later Jason, Marin and Robert are back and he now has time to drop us off in Pignon. I grab our carry on suitcase and purse and minutes later we are all seated in the Cessna 206. “I go in airplane! I fly to Grandpa’s house!” An excited Jayden bounces up and down on his seat. “I see Grandpa!”

“Not today Jayden” I gently tell him and give him a hug, but he’s not listening. He’s simply too excited. Giving up on trying to explain that we aren’t flying to Canada, I ready myself for takeoff.

Once the bags have been strapped down, our seat belts securely fastened, and Jason’s checklists completed, we taxi to the active runway. As the wheels pick up speed, I peer out of the window! I love the powerful feel of the aircraft as we lift off into the hazy blue sky.

It’s been six months since I’ve flown in one of the MAF airplanes and I always love the experience. I gaze down at Port au Prince below and only now do I see the full extent of the tent cities. Field after field of once vacant land has now become small towns of tents and tarps.



With a bird’s eye view, you can really see the changes everywhere. Before long Port au Prince
vanishes from view, giving way to rolling green and brown mountains.



As we fly further, clouds breeze past us and the ride gets a little more bumpy. Feeling myself get sick I reach up by my head for the sic sac. I fight the waves of nausea as I read the instructions on the paper sack. In case of motion sickness, focus on a stationary object ahead, it reads. I pick a mountain top and stare at it, willing my stomach to stop rolling. Slowly the sensation subsides. I look over at Jayden and he doesn’t seem affected at all. Since we are sitting in the tail section the bumps affect us the most. Looking towards the front of the plane I’m happy to note that no one else looks sick. When 10 minutes later, Pignon’s airstrip comes into sight, I’m relieved. I really need to get on the ground. As the airplane comes in for landing the ride becomes bumpy again. This time I really have to fight not to throw up, but I somehow manage not too. Once we’ve landed and my feet are back on solid ground I instantly feel better. People come to greet us and I smile and wave! It’s been a year now, since I’ve visited Pignon, and I’m excited about the weekend ahead! Jason quickly helps us unload the backpacks and our small suitcase before readying the aircraft for takeoff once again. He has a few more flights to do before joining us in Pignon. From the airstrip we make our way over to the MAF office and then carry our belongings to the newly built hotel, run by a friend of ours.



It wasn’t completed yet when we did language school in the village a year and a half ago, but it’s done now, and I’m looking forward to spending the next two nights here..
.

Special Moments and Seeing the Sights!

This last week has been full of special moments, fun times, and interesting experiences. Since a picture is worth a thousand words I'm going to post pictures of the highlights of the past week and let them speak!



Here we are celebrating Sabboule's 3rd birthday. His birthday is actually in the beginning of May, but since we weren't here he didn't have a party. Denise asked if we could still celebrate it and of course I said yes! He loved it!




Since I have to make everything from scratch, making meals can be time consuming! I really appreciate the help Marin and Robert have been giving me and I'm sure they've learned a thing or two about cooking! Here they are making homemade pizza.



It was very delicious, as you can tell!

In our spare time we've been going on walks and exploring the neighborhood!






We've seen beauty...





and filth...



markets...





and tent cities...



We ate at Epidor, a Haitian fast food restaurant close by,





and helped out at a feeding program...





We visited downtown Port au Prince...



and took pictures of the Presidential Palace...



We visited the Look Out, where we had an amazing view of the city...



and ate lunch at the Baptist Mission.



We drove up the mountain and visited the ruins of Fort Jacques, also badly affected by the earthquake...





and just enjoyed spending time together!

The Beach!

Wind in my hair

Sun on my face

Eye catching beauty

My favourite place

Turquoise ocean sparkling Beckoning to me I slip off my sandals And dip my toes into the sea

Who wants to sleep

In such a wonderful place?

I dive into the ocean

Salt water hits my face

When Jayden is done napping He splashes in the pool He loves to swim just like his Mom The water sure feels cool

Chocolate cake, something Jayden enjoys Two plates later he is quite full Sleepy again he leans back in his chair Too much cake has taken its toll

The beautiful beach What a fun place to be Jayden laughs As bubbles float out to sea

Baskets of fish

Are caught in the sea

Men show us their findings

It's interesting to see

We snorkel through coral
and see bright coloured fish
Walking back on the sand
I rescue a starfish

Paintings and pictures

Breath taking weather

Brilliant colours

Blending together

Memories made

Joy and pleasure

Time with my cousin and friend

Are moments I’ll treasure!

Snapshots!

A snapshot. A moment in time. A memory made.

"What are you doing Jayden? Is Marin playing trains with you?" “Go away Mama! Go AWAY Mama! You go on the computer.” I can’t believe my ears! Honestly, he is SUCH a Mommy’s boy! Now, in less than 24 hours I’ve been replaced! It’s simple really. Marin is very enthusiastically playing with his Thomas the Train and learning all about Thomas’ friends, so who needs Mom right? I might as well go and enjoy my time on the computer!!

Did I say fickle? The sun is hot, we’re sitting outside and enjoying my first attempts at a Haitian meat pie called pate. It turned out quite nicely and looks delicious too!


Now less than an hour later the skies have changed from a bright blue to a stormy gray, just when we’re swimming of course.


But if you’re wet already who really cares if it rains right? I pull myself under water and then come up laughing as cold, wet rain dances on my exposed face. I love rain here and agree with my cousin when she says “Rain in Haiti makes me want to go stand outside and get soaking wet!” Now it’s just perfect because with our swimsuits on we’re dressed for it too! “On our walk home we will just put a little shampoo in our hair and shower off!” I joke to Marin and Robert. But ten minutes later the clouds have moved on and the sun shines again! Fickle!

Meee!! Meee!! The goat looks a little hungry so we pick some leaves off of the tree for it.


Who needs a petting zoo when you can just walk down the street and enjoy all kinds of animals? Goats, cows, chickens, dogs, you name it, they are probably tied to a gate or wandering loose and would love some attention!

Snapshots. Moments in time. Memories made.

Special Guests!

I adjust the picture frames one last time before looking around the room in satisfaction. Both guestrooms are ready! The curtains have been washed and ironed, sheets washed, blankets washed, floors swept and mopped, windows and screens carefully cleaned, cupboards re-arranged and fresh towels placed on the beds.

It should only be a few more hours now before my cousin Marin, from Holland and her friend Robert are here. For the last hours Jayden has been practicing their names and when at last he still can’t say “Marin” correctly, I tell him just to say “Mary” instead. I know she won’t mind and he seems much relieved at the suggestion. “Mary is going to sleep in your bedroom Jayden,” I tell him again and he still looks a little worried about this. To get him used to the idea I had re-arranged his bedroom a week ago already and I now point to the extra bed.

Finally he nods, apparently accepting the idea. “I give Robert Salty,’ he says, referring to one of Thomas the Trains friends. “I’m sure he will like that,” I tell him smiling and Jayden now seems quite excited about the idea. I check the bathroom one more time and am happy to notice it's ready as well. The guests will share a bathroom with Jayden as you can tell from the decorations!

My thoughts turn to the three weeks ahead and I can’t help but get excited! We plan to visit the village, help out at the orphanage, shop at the markets and spend two days at an amazing beach! I’m also looking forward to spending time with my cousin again, since it’s been five years!

Keep checking for updates!

Sunday

I stare into my closet and reach down to pick up my fancy dress shoes. They are bronze with a small heel and very, very cute. They still look brand new, and not only that, they are the only shoes I own that actually have a heel! I carefully slip them on and then do a practice walk in front of the mirror. Click clack, click clack, the heels tap against the tile floor. They look perfect with my Sunday dress too! I walk a few more steps and then plop down on the bed. Cute, but completely not practical! I sigh and slip them off again. If I don’t wear them to church when am I going to wear them? I wonder for a moment. Oh well, maybe next time. I put them carefully back on the shelf and then grab my sandals instead. Not exactly pretty, but pink, practical, and comfortable. I slip them on instead, give my hair a final check in the mirror, grab my purse off the shelf and then make my way to the living room. Jason is still sitting on the couch slowly eating his breakfast. “Are you coming?” I ask, slightly annoyed that he’s not even dressed in his church clothes yet. “Yup”, he replies. “Why don’t you take Jayden's car seat out of the Pathfinder and put it in the Land Cruiser instead and I’ll be right there.” He jumps up and bounds to the bedroom to get changed as I go help Jayden with his shoes. He’s already dressed with his hair slicked just so, and is patiently waiting by the door. “Let’s go,” I tell him, and squeeze his hand. For the last week we’ve been driving the Pathfinder, but on Saturday Jason drove the Land Cruiser, a much more powerful vehicle, home from work and it is now blocking the smaller Pathfinder. I grab the car seat and strap it into the Cruiser. Once Jayden’s in with his seat belt on, Jason’s ready to go, just as he promised. Anoud pulls open the heavy iron gate and we slowly back out. Although it’s only 9:30 it’s already very hot outside and I’m thankful the air conditioning is working. As we drive, I can’t help but admire the blue skies, and the pretty flowering trees, a direct contrast to the dust, garbage and rubble lining the streets. A few minutes later we reach Delmas 75, and as we turn the corner, Jason remarks. “Hey that looks like Mark Williams’ vehicle.” “I think it is”, I reply, “slow down”. Sure enough, inside the blue vehicle I see Glee. The hood is popped open and Mark, our program manager, is standing in front, checking the engine. Jason pulls over and hops out to see if he can help. A little while later he returns with Glee, and a Haitian boy, who they were giving a ride, called Alex. “Mark is going to stay with the vehicle” Jason says, “So we will take Glee and Alex to church”. “Okay”, I reply as I climb into the back beside Jayden, so Glee can sit up front. Several minutes later we arrive at church. We find a spot to park on the grass under a tree, and then get out. Quisqueya Chapel, the church we attend every Sunday morning, is an international, non-denominational English speaking church. When we first arrived in Port au Prince we attended some Haitian, Creole speaking churches, but soon decided Jayden was much too big of a distraction for the people in church. Since we were considered guests, a spot would be found for us to sit right in the front of church, and Jayden who was younger had a very hard time sitting still. Especially with the heat and mosquitoes! He thus attracted more attention than the pastor, so we soon decided to attend Quisqueya instead. With 10-20% of the members being foreigners, we blend in much better. We also aren’t required to sit up front and instead find a bench right in the back to sit. Although the church does have its own pastor, almost every other Sunday we have a guest pastor/missionary/student from some other church or country who preaches. Since each pastor comes from a different background, you’re never really sure what to expect from week to week. Today, a friend of ours Missionary/Pastor Zachary King leads the service and he preaches on Revelations 21. Although I’ve heard this passage before, sitting on a tiny bench, melting in the heat and humidity, shooing away buzzing mosquitoes and surrounded by people who’ve survived such a tragedy the words come alive.

1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

For a people whose city has been destroyed and who know everything about pain and suffering, the message of a new heaven and a new earth and a new Jerusalem is a marvel indeed. Out of the rubble and destruction and pain comes a hope for a better future. A future where God himself will wipe the tears from their eyes. The church is silent, everyone soaking up the Word. God’s Word. Even Jayden who usually has a hard time sitting still, sits quietly and listens. From our spot against the back wall, my eyes drift to the right back corner of the church. As I continue to listen I watch as a young Haitian man, not much older than myself, signs out the message to a group of deaf children. The passion in his eyes as he conveys the message with his hands, brings tears to my eyes. The children's eyes are trained on him, and I am certain that his passion alone is enough to draw their attention to the importance of God’s Word.
After the service we head back to the Cruiser and drive towards home. Mark is still waiting by his vehicle so he now asks if we can tow him. I silently thank God for making us drive the powerful Land Cruiser rather than the pathfinder today. A Haitian man helps tie the two vehicles together and we are soon on our way. Traffic begins to back up behind us as Jason drives at a crawls pace, but no one seems to get impatient or angry. Jason sweats as he carefully navigates the two vehicles around impossible turns, tight corners and hazardous pot holes. On a final steep embankment, the Land Cruiser stalls, since Jason is forced to stop due to traffic driving on the wrong side of the road. “Grace”, I remind him, as he struggles with the Land Cruiser, while complaining about the backwards traffic. A car stops besides us and the driver suggests Jason carefully back down the hill and try again at a more level section. Although difficult it does work and we are soon pulling Mark and his vehicle up the hill again, all the while praying we will make it to the top. This time it works and we are able to pull Mark’s vehicle all the way to the street in front of his home. We are now faced with a new problem as Mark, Alex and Jason are unable to push the vehicle into the garage area. I now smile and thank God that I wore my practical shoes as I jump out of the cruiser. My extra girl power is just what is needed to push the vehicle into the garage. Dusting off my feet, and hands, I slowly make my way back to the Cruiser. Sunday in Haiti, you never really know what to expect.