February 23 (Day 6)

Today was not a typical day. Breakfast was oatmeal. My new, free-spirited group masseuse friend, Cara, suggested I put peanut butter in it. After giving her a hard time, I did. It was delicious. We also had a slice of fresh pineapple.

The morning was devoted to supporting local vendors if we chose to do so. They set up outside our gate. Once we were let out, the frenzy began. All I heard was, " Miss miss. Come see." "Mademoiselle...look". I made it back in the gate, $30 lighter.

Next, our host, Gerald, also a local school principal ( most professionals in Haiti have 2-3 jobs), took us to his school. It took about 10 seconds to realize just how much we have available to us in the states. In Slippery Rock. The average class size is between 28-40 students. It varies. The students want to go to school but might miss a week here or there depending on the family's financial status. It costs $35 a month for a child to attend school and have lunch while there. This particular school was K-13. Most schools are in session from 6am until noon (which explains why so many kids are at our job site after lunch). They are required to take take English and Spanish in 7th grade while they continue to polish their French and Creole. They take exams in 6, 9, and 12th grades.  If you complete grade 13, you are ready to enter directly into law or medical school.

The actual bus kids ride

A make shift jungle gym

Notice the "desk" space

They love to pose!

The "Whiteboard"  (aka...chalkboard)

Again, today I was hit with a wave of emotions.  I had to walk away from the group to wipe a few tears. So many things flashed through my mind.... I will embrace copy machine jams, I don't have to rely on a whiteboard, I will try to be more grateful for everything I have now and really appreciate the simple things. Simple.

Enlarge to look at their faces...

The students were attentive and polite. They were careful in their writing and proud to show you what they could do. They asked your name and seemed to want to know more about you....a genuine interest.  All of the money and goods that you all donated were given to this school.  We understood after being in the village all week why we couldn't just go in and distribute items. There are just too many kids. I have no doubt that every single item will be used, appreciated and loved.  I thank you so very much. Words are not enough. I wish you could see it too.  My friend, Noreen would understand.  We left the school just as recess was beginning. I couldn't help but sneak in a monkey bar visit before boarding the bus back to work.

Once we were back on site, we mixed cement, filled and passed buckets to pour three floors, and called it a day. Work stopped at 2:45. Junior, the foreman told us we could have r & r the rest of the day. We headed back to the compound.

Jeff and Mike taking a deserved break

I played soccer... again. It was close to 90 degrees. It had been a long day and I'm no Pele' or Herlihy! I lasted 45 minutes.

I'm having a bit of a struggle this afternoon. I'm missing my family, my home, my life, my love, my dog. It's almost as if I'm not here. My body is... but that's about it. A fitting quote to end the night? "One small crack doesn't mean you are broken, it means you were put to the test and you didn't fall."

                                                                                                     -Linda Poindexter

PS... I found "my friend" from last night. Isn't that great?