Ray of Hope

After my complete and total breakdown, we had real work to do! We had to go through the catalog (papers with patients photo and history) of school children from Lotore to alphabetize them. While doing this, I began to feel very sleepy, so I wanted to go and take a nap. I went into my room to lay down, but there was a fly fest going on! I didn't know if it was just my room, so I went to check out Mandy, Laura, and Cynthia's room.

Dr. Mandy unpacking

There was a double and single bed in their room, plus they had a FAN! I started to become jealous and almost decided to move into their room with them! There was no electricity on at this point, so it didn't really matter. The electricity is produced by generators, and I was told that they do not usually turn them on until night. I quickly realized that it was way too hot to lay down anywhere to take a nap, so out to the porch I went again for some comfort.

Hanging on the porch writing in my journal

Even after my breakdown and recovery, I was still feeling the language barrier. I didn't feel like I could communicate to any of the Haitian people and this made me feel very disappointed. While I was sitting on the porch journaling (which is how I have been able to remember most of my details), I heard music! Now, if you do not know me, I love music! I especially love the acoustic guitar! I looked into the courtyard of the compound and this is what I saw.

Oriel and two Haitian students learning to play guitar

I realized that Oriel was playing guitar and teaching two other Haitian boys how to play! I was immediately drawn to them. I knew that Oriel spoke English, so I knew that there was at least one person I could converse with! I was so excited! I approached the guys and said hello. To my surprise, the two young guys could understand and speak some English! I asked the guys to play a song for me, and they did! I cannot remember the two boys names. They were names that I could not pronounce and had never heard before. I was to embarrassed to keep asking their name and to scared to say it in fear of my saying it wrong! Soon another boy joined us, he introduced himself to me, his name is Stanley ( I could actually say that name!).

Stanley

I was pleasantly surprised that Stanley spoke very good English! Stanley borrowed Oriels guitar and began singing. I was amazed at his musical talent. He was very good, and he's only 13 years old! He sang many songs in creole and the other guys would join in to harmonize; it was absolutely beautiful. One thing I believe is that music has no barriers. I can appreciate music and song no matter what language. Again to my surprise, Stanley and Oriel sang some songs in English! I was blown away!

One thing I thought was very cool was that the songs they sung in English were songs of praise to God. I felt like God was telling me again, " You are where you are supposed to be". I was filled with the Holy Spirit and knew that I was where I was supposed to be, no more doubt for me!

Stanley jamming on the guitar!

I felt so comfortable now! I was just sitting there listening to beautiful music and song. I totally got lost in the moment and did not even realize how long we had been hanging out. A few team members stopped by to join in on the fun. Cynthia and I even sung "Amazing Grace" for them!

Laura hanging out with the boys!

I was loving every minute of this experience so far! Some of the boys had their school books with them. The boy in the picture below took out is book and would point to a picture. He would say what it was in Creole and then I would tell him what it meant in English (i.e. Dog=Chen). It was a fun little game and I think we both learned something! I decided that I would really like to make an effort to learn Creole so that it would be easier for me to communicate in the future. He fondly referred to me as "my friend"!

Me and my new friend!

As I was intrigued with them, the guys were also interested in me! I showed them pictures of my family and my dog Pebbles. They enjoyed the pics and began asking me many questions about my life. They asked me if Pebbles ( a 4.5lb Chihuahua/Yorkie mix) was nice, if she was fed everyday, and if she got baths. They were very amused to find out that Pebbles sleeps in the bed with me and that she even has clothes to wear. Someone then asked, "does she go to school too?". I thought that was a very silly/cute question, but soon realized that some dogs really do go to school (obedient school). They thought all of this was hilarious. In Haiti, dogs are not considered pets or part of the family like most Americans do. Haitian dogs are pests to them, which is really sad to me.

Soon it was dark, time just flew by! The boys had to go home, so our jam session was complete. I was a little saddened because I had enjoyed myself so much, but I was now even more excited for the next step! Thank you Lord for these wonderful people who have welcomed me with open arms. Thank you for shining your ray of hope and for allowing me to see it!

Coming up next....First night in Haiti