One of the things I love the most about my new home is the enduring spirit of the people I share my days with. Regardless of the long hours, the meager wages, the burden of caring for 35 cildren and young adults, more often than not without the convenience afforded by electricity, the women that work here show up with smiles on their faces, loving kindness abounding, and diligently perform their work. Well, at least for the most part.
Most of them great me with the customary kiss on the cheek, smile and tell me they love me. And danged if I haven't come to love them in return. It's the little things that count. I firmly believe that. What to you may seem like such a trivial gesture may be more compassion than the recipient has ever been shown before.
For example, one day I asked the cook to change two American dollars for me. $1 US is worth $8 Haitian, but there are no Haitian dollars. The country's currency is in Haitian Gourde, (pronounced good). There's 5 Gourde to a Haitian dollar and about 40 Gourde in a US dollar. She didn't quite have enough to change the whole $2and I told her that was fine with me. The next day she came with 3wonderful Mangoes They had to have cost more than the entire $2! But she insited. So I had her show me the Haitian way to cut a Mango, and then i shared it with everyone, including the entire staff. Then I doled it out to my nest of peeping baby birds to cries of "mwen, mwen"
The woman who does our laundry always has a smile for me. Even on the days when we have no city power and she has to wash, ring, and hang clothes and linen for 20 plus people by hand. One day she came and asked me for more clothesline. I had some picked up the next time we were out. You would have thought I split my Lotto winnings with her for the joy that gave her!
I've thoroughly impressed most of the men that come to the Mission to work on various mechanical or trade related chores. It really surprises them that I have a working knowledge of so many areas that are typically not in the realm of "women's work" For that I owe an eternal debt of gratitute to my papa for instilling in me a sense of wonder at the way things work to the point that iI know my way around a combustible engine, plumbing, and how to throw a hammer at a nail. Today I taught Kervens (my hHitian son) how to hammer naills imto a piece of board and we made a key organizer.
Well, my friends and followers, my Ipod just finished my playlist which means it is time to go to bed.
TTFN
Stay tuned!
