Our first real work day
First, let me make an editor's correction: the Guest House where we are staying was the U.S. Embassy, not the U.N. embassy. Also, the house next store on the school site was previously the Swiss Embassy and is not called, the Swiss House.
Along with the many volunteers at breakfast today, Jim Gulley, one who was in the hotel 55 hours under rubble that collapsed in the earth quake shared some of his story. A poignant remark Mr. Gulley offered: people need to first read the history of Haiti, and the rest will fall into place. So many desire to help and wonder what little they could offer. As in any area of need at home or abroad, it's the little things that make the difference and ordinary people do such kind deeds everyday!
This has been a work day filled with "ordinary" tasks according to Zac. As he remarks, "If I knew that I would be removing ceiling tiles and having rat droppings fall on my head, I wouldn't have signed up for this!" However, Zac continued in his conversation about the day and realizes that the manual labor we 6 are doing allows the young people to attend school and further their education. Zac shared that in his tutoring of youth in California, he appreciates the demands on their time. By contrast, he more fully is in awe of the youth here who have experienced so much in their young life who remain resilient.
Myrna, being a Type A personality, (unlike the rest of the team of followers) endeavored to take time away from the work at hand to interact with the people. Since she was born in Haiti and lived here until she was 7, she is recalling her life here and regaining her command of the Creole language. Steve always works along side us and today had us all a fright when he almost fell of the ladder. Wow - what a scare resounded by screams from those nearby! He's fine and continues to outwork all of us!
Zac and Kent received the workers of the day award for not only their strenuous removal of ceiling tiles, but for the look of chimney sweeps at lunch and beyond. Although the showers are lacking for hot water, we are simply grateful to have a shower to clean off the dust and dirt. Doug, Steve, Myrna, and Mary Ellen sanded the outside of a building that had been re cemented and then reflected the Tom Sawyer story of painting the building. Seeing that Zac and Kent needed some fresh air in the dusty rooms they were working, Mary Ellen offered to be the clean up crew. Myrna suggested that I not look at myself in the mirror until I had showered. When the washrag was black during the cleanup time, I understood her warning.
We have a lovely interpreter, Karen, who joined us today. Not only is she proficient in English and assists us in our communication with the Haitian workers, but also she is a beautiful young lady. Tomorrow we will surprise her with a birthday cake to celebrate her big day. She refers to me as M.E.-M.E. and laughs at this old American lady who isn't afraid of getting down and dirty. In return, I call her Tik-Ka the Haitian queen! Karen works right along side us and is eager to practice her English.
Tomorrow we will be at an apartment complex that was completely destroyed in the earthquake. Whether we are one talented and skilled team as we all believe, this is an immediate need to complete the units for people to return....and we are available. We will be making cement and building walls under the direction of a Haitian boss.
Myrna offered devotions and read from the writings of Howard Thurman. Team members reflected on the day and where they had seen God along the way. Our evening sharing is one of the highlights of our VIM experiences and although this is the smallest VIM group, we have bonded and feel blessed for the opportunity to create wonderful memories together.
Mesi and Djebenis!
Mary Ellen
