It’s the time of year in northern Haiti when through the car window, you see pint-sized baby goats toddling through fields and wee chickens running across the road. Daytime temperatures are enjoyably warm (I’m guessing low 70s) and by evening a sturdy wind is whistling through the Artibonite Valley.
After dinner, Mme. Francis sits on the steps next to the kitchen wearing her winter parka…for Haitians, this weather is cold; for us, it’s a welcome change from the dreary Oregon winter.
After spending last night an hour north of Port au Prince at the Mission of Hope, we set off this morning for the long drive up country. Our travels have been long and arduous, and there is nothing so beautiful to my eyes as the village of Terre Blanche! The Haitian workers here greeted our arrival with a song, and we prayed together, so thankful for safe travels and to have finally arrived here, at our destination.
For me, Terre Blanche truly is starting to feel like a second home. I love this village…the dusty brown hills and the cactus fences, the mangy dogs and laden donkeys, the mango trees and thatched huts, and above all else, the familiar smiles and embraces of friends.
Before dinner, I got to go for a run through the village with the Arteest and our teammate, Rachelle. We were joined along the way by three little musketeers who loped along beside us and kept us company as we ran along the road, passing all kinds of traffic: pedestrians, donkeys, chickens, motorbikes, and a pig.
Tonight after one of Elvie’s trademark dinners we got to work setting up the clinic and pharmacy so we can start seeing patients after church tomorrow. The day is winding down, and I am one happy girl. Sunshine, good friends, exercise, good food, and meaningful work. This is what it’s all about!
What a wonderful adventure, a sacrifice of love that you do every year, Sarah! I had no idea. Reading through the entries I was envisioning your surroundings; the church service, the village, the clinic. I have been to enough 3d world countries to envision the sameness. But of course, the people are not the same–each are individuals who Christ loves with His life.
Thank you for going, because in that you represent me and every other Christ follower, since we are the body. I pray that you will be excited to be home, and will refresh! It is always good to sleep in your own bed again, take a nice long shower and eat familiar foods. God bless you, Sarah!!
Comment by Lorie Neighbors — March 15, 2009 @ 8:22 pm