Sunday afternoon:
Well, I wasn't sure Gail was going to make it when I
first looked back at her when we puttered up on the 5-seater plane to LaGonav
but after a face that can't be described she seemed to settle into a comfortable
position and even took a few pictures. The landing strip was like something out
of a 2nd rate comedy or maybe a horror show--I'm not sure. It was feet from the
beach and extremely short and made of dirt and sand. The plane cruised right
right up to a tiny cinderblock "airport" complete with Haitian flag. Our truck
was waiting so we headed out going through two little towns that seemed to be
newly built and were very attractive. We experienced the usual pitching back and
forth and I only hit my head 3 or 4 times--no seat belts in the back. We were
doing okay until an ubrupt stop halfway up a hill when we had to stop for a flat
tire. Luckily, our driver was able to whip out a little air compressor that
plugged into the cigarette lighter so that along with a little jack of sorts we
were soon on our way--but only after some bare-bottomed children brought us some
folding chairs from their house on the hill and covered them with towels. They
didn't appear to know what to do with the dollar we tipped them.
We had some rice and beans for supper (Saturday) after an
afternoon at a very sad funeral (several folks thanked us for being there with
them). The dog that the entire community seems to know, Cornelius, is said to
be a WHITE dog--he only likes people with lighter complections--a racist dog!
Etienne, our translator said he thought it had belonged to a white woman and
she was nice to him so he learned he'd get some love from whities that might not
be forth-coming from Haitians. He ended up spending the evening with me and
tried desparately to come to bed with me. Our host was not as pleased as I was
with the arrangement so Cornelius had to go--much to Gail's relief! We were
shocked when mid-way into the night we had to pull out our winter gear to sleep
in--it was COLD!! There was quite a breeze coming in through our mosquito net
but I don't think the skeets would like this weather. The toilet is a bit of an
issue but they are apparently getting us a WOODEN toilet seat to put over the
hole to aid in our attempts. Cross your fingers for
us!
The school (especially the garden) is delightful! We
have high hopes that some of these techniques can be applied at St. Marc. Salien
and the gang arrived this morning and we're heading to lunch together. We start
our training at 7:30 in the morning.
From the right vantage point you can see the ocean.
Really very beautiful.
We're on the school computers and they are a bit if-y
but we'll try to keep you informed. Hope all is well your way--stay warm!
:)
Love, Gail and
Caroline
