“Just roll with it!”
Today this has become a bit of a theme for our mission. We were prepared to go to the Home for the Dying and as we couldn’t find the needle for the air pump, we made a quick stop on the way in order to find one at a Haitian supermarket (yes, they do exist!). We got the only one in the store and we were on our way.
Half our group had the joy of travelling in “the Frog”—a green pickup with benches in the back, open to the air. They were thrilled with the opportunity to have a closer look at Haiti (as well as smell and sound!) Grace expressed her experience by reflecting on how the Haitian people reacted to us as we drove through the busy streets and marketplaces—some were happy and some were “less welcoming” and it was a call to be sure that in our service we are not being condescending, but to be sure to treat all the people with the dignity that is theirs.
When we arrived to the Home, Sister Superior met us just as we were getting off the truck and told us that since there was another big group of volunteers arriving that day that we would only be able to stay for Mass and then have to leave. Since we only had less than an hour before Mass began, we tried to share a few moments with the patients while we had them.
The girl missionaries had a bit more opportunity to interact with the women patients upstairs—helping them by putting lotion and nail polish. There were varied reactions to the sick and dying patients of all ages that we encountered—fear, to begin with, but then finding a way to communicate love and share.
Father Daniel got to concelebrate his first Mass in Creole and we were able to experience the fervor of the Haitian people as they worship God—all of them participating and singing and attentive (from the very young to the old).
We went back to Walls for lunch and a bit of down time (for most) and later a bit of time to help prepare a craft for later this week. The men decided they wanted no part in the craft and after Jason’s suggestion, they went for a walk around the guesthouse to “preach the gospel”. They weren’t able to engage in much conversation (because of the language barrier) but they enjoyed being able to see more of the city and were impressed at the feeling of welcome that they encountered.
In the afternoon we decided to go back to the Children’s Home and were met with a wonderful surprise. Our little girl that Father baptized yesterday was off the oxygen and back with the other children. She is still very ill, but she pulled through the night and is much better. Sr. Annie Francis told us that they see many miracles there because it is a house that belongs to God.
Donna and Danielle had a moment to be with some of the older children upstairs singing praise and worship songs with them and being accompanied by a boy who has a great talent for drumming. The kids were especially grateful for the visit because they recently had a chicken pox outbreak and have been quarantined upstairs for some time!
The rest of us went and found some of our favorite children once more, enjoying the bonds that have already occurred and once again experiencing our own limitations faced to their needs. We were able to sneak a few good pictures!
Back at Walls we had time to get a bit cleaned up before a typical Haitian meal of beans and rice and chicken. Delicious!
At this writing, an intense card game is afoot and we are taking pleasure in each others’ presence. We thank you for your prayers for us and ask you to continue them!
