Stories of God's provision, indoor plumbing - and grapes

Life in Haiti has picked up speed recently. We're working hard to get a new project off the ground - making sure the HAFF blog stays updated - I had tests to grade from our first term - I spent my first day in a Haitian hospital as my new friend Gerald prepared for a long awaited surgery - and I went to the Dominican Republic this week. 

And now, I have a terrible cold. 

My friend, Emily is working in an orphanage in Port - and I began following the story of her friend Gerald months ago. Despite being in the capital city, the surgery he needed brought him four hours North, to our region. Emily and Gerald picked me up on their way into town and I spent the day experiencing a little of what Emily has been doing for so long now.  It was an eye opening experience - but mostly a heart warming one, as I watched the tender friendship that has developed between Emily & Gerald - and the gentleness the visiting doctors used when treating this boy who has experienced so much pain. Despite the conditions of a third world hospital - God allowed me to see through His eyes - I could have seen so much pain and disparity - but I saw His love, His gentleness and His healing displayed by people who love Him. 

I also used a flush toilet for the first time in 3 months at the hospital, so there's that. 

With Emily near the home God provided for her to stay in
during her time in Pignon. 

That was last week, this week my in Caribbean adventure,  I crossed over to the DR. Haiti only allows you to be in country, as a tourist, for 90 days and yesterday, marked my 90 days. Since I'm not ready to apply for a permanent visa (a long and expensive process) we researched all of the other options and discovered an overnight boarder crossing was the best way to ensure I would not displease any Haitian or American officials. Thankfully a couple we know needed to go too, she is American and needed to cross and he is Haitian and knows Spanish - a major, actually a necessary plus. So Monday morning, we set out on the very bumpy 4-ish hour drive and eventually crossed over into 2nd world status. You simply cross a bridge - and enter a different World. Suddenly - air conditioning, indoor plumping, television, restaurants and groceries stores become the norm again (these things are also common in Haiti's largest cities - but their not quiet the same and certainly have not spread to local communities). 

I took my first motorcycle ride -  my thought process went something like this - -

Wait, you want me (in a skirt) to get on a motorcycle with some random man, wearing no helmet - in a place where traffic laws are mere suggestions at best...?
Ok - -  
why not?  After all, "life is either a daring adventure or nothing".

It was a smooth 3-5 minute ride to the hotel, where air conditioning, toilets that flush and WARM SHOWERS awaited. We had lunch & dinner at the same restaurant and I ate delicious (& authentic) fajitas. We found a grocery store where I happily purchased two boxes of soy milk - and you would have thought I found the holy grail when I saw a street vendor selling grapes. The grapes excitement was only surpassed when we found ice cream. Here in Haiti, there are some truly delicious flavors - but variety in the rural area is very limited - this min-vacation reminded me that I am, and always will be someone who intends to appreciate all of God's flavors to their fullest. 

Meat, green veggies and dairy products all in one meal?!

BASEBALL. Granted, it was the yankees & 
 the cards in Spring training - but I'll take 
what I can get. 

Colorful and Delicious

As always, Haiti provided 
breathtaking views. 

So now, with a God gifted mini vacation behind me (including my fair share of indoor plumbing in the past two weeks) and after a busy day helping at an auction (for the items of a past missionary) I am exhausted to the fullest - and trying to recover from a nasty cold. This Sunday, a team with 410 Bridge arrives and a friend of mine is the team leader. I am looking forward to visiting with her and watching this team of college students make an impact on the little community of Bohoc, which is quickly becoming my home.