Hard Work in Haiti

Haitians never talk about the weather, but for the sake of our MN folks, I have to say that I'm pretty sure--hot and humid as it is here in the tropics--our weather is better than yours these days! It has been in the upper 90s and humid during the day, but it has either rained or cooled down a lot in the evening last night and tonight. We soaked up an absolutely beautiful sunset and twilight on the rooftop of Neil van Dine's house (mentioned earlier) who lives a few minutes by truck away from the Guest House. It was the perfect spot to reflect on the day and talk through some of the many questions that have surfaced during our time here.

The last two days have been full of HARD work. We are working with a nearby community called Char (I think that's how it's spelled--it's a shortened form of "Charles") to help repair the dirt road that runs through the town. This community is in the early stages of working with Haiti Outreach to help themselves have access to clean water. In the last month they have established a committee that will oversee the well that has recently been drilled there. They will come up with a budget, a plan for recruiting "subscribers" (people who pay small dues to use the well), hours and rules of operation (things like needing to use a clean bucket, forming a line, keeping the area clear of animals, etc), and basically take responsibility for the functioning, maintenance, and repair of the well. We have learned so much about the successes and pitfalls of this process--and it was so incredible to be present at one of the first public gatherings of this community--literally the first time that they had participated in something that was organized for the collective good. As Bill reflected, it was kind of like being there to watch a "fledgling democracy."

So...in the context of that poignant moment, we have been been helping them to repair their road: mucking out huge ruts in a dirt road, hauling rock out of the nearby river, loading it in the back of a pickup truck, driving it about 10 minutes to the huge ruts, and filling them in with the rock. It is muddy, heavy, hot work! But we have a crew that knows how to make work feel like play, and we are loving working alongside Haitians from the community. While we work together, they teach us a thing or two about carrying heavy items (on your head works best); and while we rest, we do our best to talk to each other. We're learning more Haitian Creole every day!

We are exhausted but enjoying the work--and look forward to another day of it tomorrow. Will try to get some photos up of our work crews tomorrow night so you can see what we're up to!

-Katie