First Post

The space bar does not work well on this computer, so I apologize in advance for any hard reading, not to mention I am dogged tired a bit between the red-eye on which I could not decline my seat being in the very last row against the bathroom and today being our first day helping to build the housing around the well where, Aronce (sp?), a local here, works for Haiti Outreach, who seems to have a crush on Nicole in our group, yet would call on me first to start doing the hard work while the rest of the guys in my group stood around and watched....jk, sorta....they eventually helped out ;) I really enjoyed helping out today by shoveling all of the dirt and rocks out of the bed of the truck, carrying cinder blocks, and sifting the rocks out of the sand to make it nice to mix with the concrete. What an ab workout! This was mixed in with getting to mingle with the kids who gathered around to watch. They love our cameras and video and are mesmerized by it. I only wish I knew at least more French, since Creole is so close to it, so that I could communicate better. They taught us a song, and all I know is"Cassay Cassay Cassey...Cassey My Uhl Jumblay (phonetic of course!). It apparently says something about break dancing, which we do a little dance to it as well. I think we'll have to show 'em how it's done tmrw by breaking out the Hokey Pokey. I think most of us definitely got some sort of sunburn already. The weather, though, is amazing right now despite the heat. The wind felt amazing on my burned skin riding in the back of the truck on the long trek home. We have to stand up holding metal bars welded to the truck. No easy task being the main "highway" is ridiculously bumpy over the dirt and many rocks and ruts. It's a workout holding yourself upright the whole way, which takes at least 30 mins. one way. We have mixed reviews as we drive along. Most wave and seem glad to have us, others ask for money, some scream bla bla bla, which is short for blanc (white). One little boy even went so far as to wave at us in a very special way. Everyone for the most part though seems to have a good disposition. The children are so joyous. There are these crazy cactus fences everywhere here!!! They are perfect for barriers as they are super sharp, too! I've never seen anything like it. Our digs are super nice and I guess I am almost (almost being the key word here) disappointed we don't have to live more like the locals. It's a downright posh hotel here with delicious food to boot! Their peanut butter is spiced with pepper, among other things. Delish! I am so pleased to be here in this country. We were the guests of honor at a community meeting yesterday, although in my reality I was super honored to be able to witness it. The only word I could understand was "caca" the whole time. They are trying to spread the word on why clean water is so important. I still can't comprehend why this is not common knowledge and the knowledge doesn't spread like wildfire once people know, but looking to gain more insight and understanding as the trip progresses so as to be able to help in any way. Please be praying for our group this week and, always, the people of Ayiti.