Moto Taxis and Christmas Festivities

Yesterday I did something I never thought in a million years that I would do. I rode a motor cycle taxi up the mountain to go see a friend. I know, before you say, Holy Cow Michele Has Changed! let me explain that there are only a few ways to get around. And only a few roads on which to do that. One, you have a POV that you can use to go places. Ours is a Ford Econoline van. And while it's a good sturdy vehicle, it is too long to traverse the dangerous hairpin turns on the mountain roads. Also, it doesn't have the power to get up many of the steepest roads, plus the roads have holes in them that make pot holes look like tiny pips. Secondly, you can hire a vehicle with a driver. This can cost anywhere from $35 US to $150 US depending on if it's a one way ride or a whole day, wait for you kind of excursion. After that, you have 2 choices for public transportation; tap-tap, which is like a mini bus - either a converted van or truck, or a motorbike taxi. 

Vacation all I ever wanted...

So I left on a Monday and came back on a Monday. Now my kids are convinced I am going to leave this Monday. I keep trying to convince them that I will not be going anywhere for quite some time. I am all vacationed out for now, budget wise at least! So every day another one will ask me, "You go on Monday?" and again I have to tell them no, I stay, every Monday for a long time. But really, what is a long time to a 4 year old? A week is an interminable time when you are waiting for something you really want. Or how about a night? I remember Christmas Eve's that seemed to last for at least 700 hours! 

So for now, I will have to bide my time until enough Mondays have past for them to understand that I am here for a good little stretch of time. One way that I have discovered will set them on another track is to tell them that my daughter, Emily, may be coming in the Spring. To which they then want to know when my boy, Nikolas, will be coming. Everyone here loves Nikolas. Now to work on getting his passport and setting aside some money for a plane ticket. 

All for now, come back later for tales of my yoga antics with the kids.

Calamitous Saturday Morning

It's not a full moon, so I'm not sure where the bad juju came from, but we've had quite the morning. A few of the kids have some odd bacteria or virus or another. It causes blister-like lesions in close proximity to their noses and often inside their noses. The first one with these symptoms was put on Amoxicilline and it seemed to respond to it. Then two more kids presented with symptoms so on the antibiotic they went. Now this morning the first one has all of her symptoms again. Guessing it must be viral and not bacterial, but waiting to hear from the doctor. 

Things to be thankful for

Every day brings new challenges, and often new reasons to want to go home. I am resolved to see this through. I am certain I was called here for a reason. Whether it is about helping with the growth of these children, or just to help with my own personal growth, or maybe both, I do not know. What is certain is that I am not the same person I was 4 months ago. 


In many ways I am become more cautious and reserved and in other ways I am letting go of that caution and reservation. I am hoping to achieve a higher level of enlightenment either way. 


One of the most difficult things to do is to practice what you preach. Even to practice what you believe. To say you believe in something is one thing. To actually have the conviction to live it is not an easy life. 

Mamma said there'd be days like this

My vacation is coming in two short weeks. I say this even though I know they will be the longest weeks of my life! I have nearly battled off what I'm assuming was a case of strep. I had the swollen glands for only a few days, but the malaise is lingering. Oh, and I guess I haven't been doing a good job of replacing my proteins, my hair is falling out in chunks! I'm going to have to get a case of green beans or spinach and start beefing up my diet. 


Or I could just let it fall out. That would be one less thing to worry about. There is an awful fungal infection that keeps passing around the kids. It mostly affects their scalps. Some of the girls are losing small patches of hair. There is little we can do. The fungus is common in dusty regions like Delmas. Aside from living in a bubble, we are providing the next best thing for these little ones. They have the best meds and care available. It's just one of those things you have to get used to. Meanwhile, I think I will start adding tea tree oil to the hair grease they use. 


So, I'm headed to Universal Studios for two days of fun in the sun. Besides the Harry Potter Adventure, what MUST I do when I get there?


more later...

Things to Ponder

I have been having a lot of difficulties in addressing many of the staff issues here at the mission. Both with employees and with some of the older young men and young ladies that help out here while they complete their education. It seems like some things we Americans take for granted is the ability to discern cause and affect. It seems that often times I think I have achieved acceptance of some principle of hygiene or preventive maintenance when all of a sudden, it becomes a challenge once again. I feel like I am constantly reinventing the wheel. I sometimes get to the point where I want to throw my hands up in the air and take the next flight home. 

School Daze, School Daze, Dear old Golden Rule Days

So, today begins our 3rd week in the new school. I am amazed at the progress so far, both from our students, and from our Haitian staff. The cornucopia of Montessori materials that were brought have taken the English lessons to a whole new level. No wonder these programs are so awesome! Aside from a few kids that have some developmental or behavioral issues, all of the kids are really enjoying the access to these resources.


This week we will attempt finger paint for the first time. I'm a little trepidatious, but the kids have really taken to the new format well. I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised.