Day 6

Allo,

Commen ou ye? Today was another busy day here in Ayiti. The Touch Global volunteers joined us again after breakfast, which was some pretty tasty oatmeal supplemented by some of our group with MRE PB and J sandwiches. Even though it was pretty hectic with so many people running around, I think it was ultimately good for the kids because some of the neediest ones got one-on-one attention and even some therapy.

 Brooke and I began our day with the toddlers and continued to entertain them, with some help from the other volunteers, throughout the day. Along with the new nannies, hopes for the toddlers to be on more of a strict schedule (as far as water breaks, potty training, etc.) and better consistency in discipline and efficiency also arrived today.

We really enjoy our time with those little guys, all nine were able to participate today in the activities because of the extra help that Brooke and I received. They are particularly adorable when they sing one of the favorite worship songs here (don’t worry we got it on tape). They are particularly difficult when they remind us that they too were born selfish and with a sin nature and we have to try to discipline them with the small amount of Creole that we have picked up supplemented by gestures and tone with our English words.

One good thing is, though, that one of the girls here who Greg and Jasmine have sort of adopted and who helps run the place is seventeen and speaks English fairly well so we have asked her about a few key phrases and she has generously allowed us to borrow a little booklet with lists of words and phrases in Creole and English, which is really helpful.

While Brooke and I were occupied the other ladies of the team (Sarah, Hannah, and Kate) selflessly offered to do the team’s laundry. They also conquered the task of a second coat of paint on the kitchen. I would like to say good job ladies; I think that counts as a productive day.

The men thought that they would have the opportunity to complete their massive dirt removal undertaking, but instead got drafted for some more pressing matters. OLTCH got a new female turkey today, and Jasmine was afraid that the other one would kill it so she asked David to build a small pen for it within the larger turkey enclosure.

The guys also spent a little while replenishing the stockpile of bottled water. They were then able to spend time with some of the babies and older children.

One thing that Brooke and I thought was odd and a little funny is the fact that most of the children are terrified of the puppies that they have here. Here at OLTCH there is a momma dog (looks like a large pug) and her three babies (two white, and one with the coloring of a shepherd, but still smaller than their momma), as well as a larger puppy (probably a shepherd St. Bernard mix from the looks of him), and most of the children are completely scared out of their minds’ by those dogs. The toddlers would scream bloody murder at the sight of them and practically climb up your body to get away.

Today’s lunch was not very appreciated by some of the team, who opted for MREs. However, dinner was quite a hit; it was rice, beans, corn, hotdogs/sausages, and spicy coleslaw for the brave (me and Nick). Brooke and I had dish duty today so we had to dispose of the scraps to the animals; the goats were quite grateful for the food (aren’t goats always?).

Some of the prayer requests for today included:

·         The new toddler nannies (who seemed quite bewildered, and there are only two for all nine)

·         The nursery/boy’s nannies (one went on vacation so there are only two for all the babies and all the boys old enough to be potty trained because they  are all in one building right now because there are not enough yet to have a separate nursery- they are trying to raise the money for that project right now)

·         General continued team health- a few bumps, bruises, sore muscles, and bug bites so far but nothing major

·         General continued team unity, strength, and patience with the kids

·         Peace, health, and strength for Greg and Jasmine

For Team Brute Strength,

                April