Today I had an encounter with a large rodent - not cool.

Hello all,

I tried to post this last night but the internet was just not cooperating. Anyway's here's the latest update...it's a long one!

Well, another weekend has passed and it was a busy one. Yesterday morning we went into Petit Goave to make a stop at the bank. It was interesting walking into the bank and getting looked over by three rather large security guards…a little different than our usual banking experience to say the least!

While we were in Petit Goave we had a chance to take a walk through the local market. The market had vendors selling pretty much anything you could imagine. It was quite a sight watching people rushing all over the place and listening to the chatter back and forth between vendors and potential buyers. We had an interesting time trying to stay out of the way! Perhaps the most interesting part of the market was the “produce section.” Chad bought some key limes, some passion fruit, and some beans. Lisa was able to interpret for us which was obviously very helpful. The meat section of the market was a sight to see as well. There were a lot of little piggies who had definitely seen better days! It was slightly intimidating to walk past one meat vendor as he hacked away at the meat with his machete.

After the market in the morning we made our way back home to the compound and spent the afternoon working away once again. I was helping out with the ed. fund cards once again. They had to be completed for today as they will be going back to Canada tomorrow with Alice, who has been down here helping out while we’ve been here. It was very hectic trying to get everything organized, and difficult to get everything done as it seems that there are always so many interruptions - but lo and behold we made it through! Tomorrow begins a new project.

Chad spent the afternoon doing various tasks and took a walk with Marc to see the property where the new wall is going to be built. He looked at the pre-manufactured wall forms to try an idea of how to proceed. He’s feeling a little overwhelmed and needs Eldon’s help….so if you’re reading this Eldon – HELP!

This morning we had church. Again it was an amazing experience. I couldn’t help but feel humbled as people were thanking God for all that they have, even in the wake of a devastating earthquake in which many lost homes and loved ones. The music in the service is incredible and even though I often don’t understand much of what is being said, or sung you can really see that these people love God and certainly are not afraid to show it.

This afternoon was an afternoon of rest. It was really hot today and it took its toll on us. After lunch Chad and Dublin took a walk down to the beach; on their way home they ran into a friend that Chad made on his last trip down to Haiti. His name is Jean Philippe, and Chad was very happy to have run into him and had the opportunity to say hi and see how things are going. They didn’t understand much of what the other was saying, but they smiled and hugged.

Perhaps the highlight of the afternoon/evening though, was taking a walk with Marc and Lisa over to the property that will one day contain the goat farm (these plans are on hold now because other things have taken priority because of the earthquake). On our walk we ran into all kinds of people and were able to talk with them a bit and see the tents that they are living in. We went to visit an elderly lady who is living in an 8 x 10 hut with a bed, a few dishes, and a small oil candle. She hurt her back a few days ago and is in a lot of pain. While Dublin and I stood outside the door, Chad, Marc and Lisa prayed for this little old lady, that her back would get better. Seeing the four of them praying in this tiny hut with only the flicker of a small candle is an image that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

As it was getting dark, we had to make our way back to the compound. It’s been a great weekend and we’re really looking forward to the days and weeks ahead. We’re hoping to get out into the community more as we are starting to recognize more faces…and they are also starting to recognize us :)

Sorry for the long blog, but we didn’t want to leave anything out. We hope that all those who are reading this are well. We thank you as always for your thoughts and prayers.

God bless,

Chad, Kelly, and Dublin.

ps) I really did encounter a rodent. Chad was downstairs and heard me shriek...he thought I'd injured myself. I'm not a bit fan of rodents....and this one was a biggin!