Tuesday, December 15, 2020
I could not sleep although, I went to bed early because I had felt a little drowsy.  Finally, past 1 am it seemed that I dozed off.  I woke up abruptly at 3:20 am. Got up right away to get a cup of coffee and prepare a small breakfast of apple, orange and half a slice of bread with cheese.  I knew that would be enough for the length of the flight until I touch grown in Haiti.  I did not want to eat or drink anything on the plane.  I was getting out of the shower when the taxi driver called at 3:55 am to say he was already outside when yesterday, Mr. Shah had told me he would not be there before 4:30 because he was coming from Suffolk.  Pierre got up and helped put the suitcases outside for me while I dressed.  I was in the cab at 4:15 am.  The driver took a different route to the airport (Jamaica, Van Wick) although there were many traffic lights.  The driver felt that at that time there would be no stores/pedestrians traffic we would make a quick travel.  We were at JFK exit 5 departing terminal at 4:45 am.  The first kiosk to check in gave me trouble.  I moved to another one and a young lady came to assist me.  I told her how I appreciated her help.  Then I went to drop the suitcase.  There was a young man ahead of me with many luggage.  I asked him: ”Sir, I have only 1 bag, would you allow me to go ahead of you.”  He smiled and said of course.  I realized he was waiting for a few more people with more suitcases. 

The bag I checked was 51 pounds and I was lucky I got no comments from the agent.  So far things were running smoothly I felt really relieved.  I proceeded to all gates security.  There was no line for the first security officer to check passport and picture.  Then I moved to the x-ray machines where I placed the computer in a container with my phone, then the carry-on and my big bag on the conveyer.  TSA had me go twice, because they considered, the projector, the thermometers, the batteries, and the marble box suspiciously.  I looked around carefully and prayed while they were opening the carry on by the X-ray machine that nothing had fallen out. I had packed it so tightly and I had to repack it. With all this back and forth, I got to gate 21 at 5:25 am.  There were about 40 people already waiting at the gate.  I made sure I sent my husband a message that I had arrived safely at the airport.  I had paid extra to seat in front as he had suggested.  However, they started boarding the plane from the back seats.  I was among the last to board the plane.  They took the carry on from me although I pleaded with them to keep it with me because of the electronic and batteries, and the warning by the airline that these items should not go inside the plane.  To no avail although I showed them the items, they refused.    I obeyed the rules and waited until my row was called.  I wanted to make sure the sensitive items were not mishandled by the bag carriers here and in Haiti.  I also think this lack of space was a management issue from the airline; people from the back should not be putting their bags in that section.  What is worst, the agent who took my bag so rudely told me: “if you do not want us to take your bag take another plane because there is no more room for bags.  You paid for more space to seat not for the bag.”  I felt like crying, these were the items I had packed personally to bring to the school in memory of my recently dead daughter.  I had to let go and hope for the best.  Lesson learned.  This experience with JetBlue really disappointed me.
I should have not listened to my husband and not pay extra.  I could have used the money for something else and get the satisfaction the bag was with me. 
We were served water, juice, or soda and cookies or popcorn.  I took them for later while on the road going to the town.  My own breakfast was satisfying.  We had a smooth flight.  When I got to the airport, we had the usual troubadours playing local music.  Then I was among the first to get to custom.  I anxiously waited for the carry on.  All of them passed by, I did not see mine.  My heart sank.  I went to security who was removing them from the carousel and asked if he had seen a black carry on tagged #700.  He said no.  I went back to the main carousel and look at the bags going by.  Ten minutes later, the security agent came and said he thought he found the bag.  I walked back with him and he was right.  I thanked and tipped him, I was so relieved.  After about half hour by the carousel I located my checked bag.  I was able to hand in my papers and get to the telephone counters to purchase Digicel and Natcom telephone and network service.  Sr. Myrlande was waiting for me, it felt so good to see her. We could not find the driver in the parking lot.  We waited about 20 minutes until sister spotted him sitting in the shade and he had not noticed us.  We had some errands to do for the house.   We had to stop at a factory to pick up T-shirts for the school, then we bought eggs on the road.  It was 2:16 pm when we headed to the open road.  At one point, there was a long line of cars as in a parking lot.  Our impatient driver followed a heavy truck that was running on the left lane to pass all these cars.  Unfortunately, after passing about 30 cars, he could not get back on his own lane.  The police got his license to write him a ticket that he would have to pay at an office and get the license back.  At 3:33 pm we were back on the open road to Miragoane, our driver, Mr. Thermino sped all the way until we arrived in Anse-a-Veau at 5:35 pm.  Sr. Charitable and Quetteline greeted us with songs and mentioned how worried they had been for us as we never communicated with them.  I thanked them for welcoming me at their house.  I mentioned some of the items I had brought for the school and Sr. Charitable was plased.  Then we had supper where I told her how grateful I was to get away from NY and to be here as in a retreat.  I felt such a failure in prayers and as a mom toward my deceased daughter and my sons.  I felt tensed and sensitive about everything. 
For the past year I had seen my daughter’s health deteriorating unable to talk with the physicians as she was an adult as well as with COVID restrictions. 

After supper, I walked with Sr. Quetteline to the Square where Fr. Louis was instructing the people on the role of mother Mary based on Scripture.  Then we walked back to the house where I started to unpack in my little room outside the main house.  At 10 pm, I had finally sorted all things and prepared by clothes for tomorrow.

I woke up suddenly at 2 am.  I knew I was in Haiti.  It is the same thing that has been happening for the past month praying for my family with so much anxiety.  When Natalie was still alive, I had prayed daily for a miracle that never happened. 

I was so angry still about the evils of lupus, inflammation of her joints, depression, pain, liver problems due to alcohol that took her life.  Why?  Where is the mercy of God?  Since the age of 13 she has been afflicted with this lupus condition, joint and wrist pain, ankle swelling, skin problems, hair loss, and lately liver problems.  Why? During the nights praying and waking with hopeful feelings that something would happen then to go to sleep at the end of the days with more deterioration–no improvement, loss of appetite, bleeding, low potassium…
With the COVID 19 situation unable to get the proper care, specialists, and doctors at the North Shore Health.  Witnessing all these sufferings: two paracentesis for the ascites, postponement of doctor’s visits, and an endoscopy two weeks before her death.  I felt so powerless.  Where did all the prayers go? 
However, now I am praying that her suffering has stopped and that she is in a better place. 

Wednesday, 16, 2020
Woke up at 3 am but stayed in bed, closing my eyes.  Tried to pray but felt really not into it.  I woke up and got out of bed.  Completed the sorting of the gift and p urchased items in the memory of Natalie for the school programs: sport, music, and nursing that we sponsor.  Got dressed after a shower using cold water from the pails.  Water was purchased by buckets as the truck did not come to deliver recently and the city’s water pipes do not reach the town.  I do not take the comfort I have in NY for granted. 

At 5 am, I crossed to the main house.  I heard the dogs moving but did not need to fear, they were already in their hut.   Thank goodness I am a morning person.  At home, I never stay in bed past 7 am.  I usually do classical stretch by eccentrics the latest at 6 am with Miranda-Esmond White on WNYEDT before having coffee, prayer, and readings of scripture before having mass.

Waited a few minutes before the sisters came for Morning Prayer.  Afterward we went over to the cathedral for mass. I looked at the benches CORA had shipped from the Diocese of Brooklyn and fitted for this space.  There were 20 on one side and 12 on the other side.  The church here is waiting for the second container with more donated benches and chairs.   

After mass, we had breakfast (sweet papaya, macaroni and vegetable, and coffee).  I placed all the gift items and displayed them on a table for Sr. Charitable. I took a picture then we placed everything in her office. 

I sat on the gallery next to the office to have access to the internet.  At around noon, I felt very dizzy.  Then I became very emotional. 

In the afternoon after lunch, (pitimi, sauce pawa nwa, pwason, bannann fri, ak legim bouyi—kawòt, bètwav, pòmdetè).  Sr. Charitable, a parent, and I went to Francoville to meet with the manager, Phaeton, to make arrangement for the 7 & 8 grade gala for about 30 students, a few teachers and myself.  

Following the arrangements, we walked through the square then by the road across the church to go down by the ocean (Bòdmè) in order to go to Mrs. Leblanc who lives at the edge of town.  We had a short visit as it was getting late about 5:30 pm.  We returned to the house passing by the cemetery.  I talked aloud to Henry, my husband’s father buried there: “for 50 years you played music for the church; where were you when Natalie was suffering and her early demise?  I feel anger that evil won over her life.  This feels like an unfair situation.  How could a God of mercy allow such overpowering suffering in her life?  When we talk about Christ’s suffering at every mass, we say He freely accepted because his purpose was to redeem us.  She did not freely accept this! Where was the gift of faith, for her to associate her plight with Jesus?  Allow me to understand.”   

At the house we had evening prayers, then I went to my room to shower then came back to the house to prepare 110 goodie bags for the 110 students in preschool. 

At 9:30 pm I went back to my room so that the grounds keeper could let the dogs loose.  I searched my bags for items for tomorrow before turning in at 10:30 pm. 
I am so glad Pierre had found the flashlights/lanterns to give as a practical gifts to the sisters.  Mine was very useful and effective.

Thursday, December 17, 2020
I woke up only twice at 11:45 pm then at 2 am.  I finally was awakened by the alarm at 4:30 am. 
Got ready to go over for prayer and mass at the chapel.  I felt very emotional.  During mass I could hardly keep from crying.  At communion, I left and went to my room.  I just wanted to scream.  I had no idea how to control it or analyze the feelings.  When I felt in control of these moods, I joined the sisters for coffee and breakfast (pineapple slices and spaghetti).  Afterwards, I continued to prepare goodie bags for the preschoolers.  I noticed the box Evelyne, my friend, had sent from Florida for the sewing and embroidery class, I looked through it.  I then went to my room to prepare the sisters Xmas gift and envelopes for the personnel.  I visited all the classrooms of the school.  Then went back to the office to prepare a draft of financial report for Sister C. 

I usually don’t eat three meals in a day, but here as soon as lunch time approached, I was hungry.  We had rice and peas and goat meat in sauce.  I went to Tilou who is a Natcom Vendor but he was not home.  I continued on to EPSSA.  From the last time I was here in 2019, a gate and fence was built around the university.  The landscape is better kept and water containers where built in the boys and girls bathrooms.  Anelio, the groundskeeper, told me that the young students had trashed everything that we had built during our 2014-2015 RENESANSAVO programming but now some improvements were being made.  I visited with Tilou again to find out if he could fix my Natcom service.  He made some suggestions for the house.  By buying a router for the house it would cost 4,000 gdes but it would have a greater range and 4 G capacity for more than one equipment. 

After supper of Labouyi, we did more goodie bags before going to my room at 9:30 pm.  Marc Henry, the house groundskeeper, was waiting to release the dogs in the yard.

Friday, December 18, 2020
During the night when I woke up, I forced myself not to look at the time and to close my eyes harder and think positive thoughts.  I finally woke up at 4:15 am and got out of bed.  Prayed, showered and tried to think of what needed to be done here.  Crossed over to the house, had prayers with the sisters, however, I could hardly concentrate.  I felt so hungry.  I ask Sr. Myrlande if I could have the coffee now before going to the Cathédrale for mass.  We were about 9 parishioners in attendance. I still wonder why they have to use this large space for so few people during the week days.  The priest read yesterday’s Gospel instead of the one for today.  Maybe because he had prepared a homely for that mass and he felt it was worth repeating.  Right after communion, Sr. Charitable and I went back to the house to have coffee before going to visit each room that were decorated by the students to see which of them would receive first to third prize.  I made pictures and made videos of the prayer service while in line-up.  One girl fell sick.  I ask the teacher to bring her to the nurse and tried to locate one of the custodians to put some dirt or saw dust on the ground so that the children would not step onto the puke.

I went to one of the first grade class while they were testing one child I sang with the rest of the class “Head and Shoulders” in Kreyòl with the gestures.  I asked if they knew what the word Incarnation meant.  After explaining, they were very quiet.  I bet with the 8^th grade teacher that I would get the same vague answer as in the kindergarten.  He won the bet.  They answered immediately that God took flesh, and I asked for what purpose?  They answered with conviction, to save us.

I went to the office to use the wi-fi to call home.  I had a nice conversation with Pierre.  He had to clean the snow.  A number of inches had fallen.  I mentioned he should please call Carole who had lost her cousin, Roland, and Juliana her, nephew.   I did a Purgatory Oblation Warrior (POW) chaplet prayer for each one of them.  Death is all around us besides all those victims of COVID.

We had quite a busy day.  The pre-Ks had a party.  I helped serve the food and drinks to the little ones.  After the party, I piled the chairs on top of each other so that Jean Remy could sweep and clean the floor.  Not many people helped with the cleanup, only Marvens a little boy from the neighborhood who is always hanging around the sisters’ school.  We had lunch around 1:30 pm before going to the 7/8^th grade gala at Francoville Restaurant.  The students had a good time and their 3 teachers animated the evening for them.  While they were enjoying the meal, I went to admire the immensity and grandiosity of the ocean in front of me.  I felt I was losing my breath and a strong sob shook my whole body.  A sense of deep lost overwhelmed me.  After controlling these feelings, I videoed the event and took pictures.  Entertainment, food, desert ended at 5:30 pm.  Then we went back to the house with the driver.  I went to my room at 6:30 pm.  From my bed I could hear the priest preaching and singing in the square below.  I dared to close my eyes anyway to go to sleep although so early.

Saturday, December 19, 2020
At 3 am I woke up. I wanted to turn around and I felt the room turning with me.  I could not sit and fell in a whirlwind.  I lied down again and I wanted to retch but could not walk to the bathroom.  I lied down again and prayed for my last breath asking God for forgiveness for all the wrongs I had done in my life, to purify all the good I had done and asked to complete the things I had neglected to do.  Another movement racked my body.  I definitely, had to try to get to the bathroom to grab a pail.  I did but could not get back to the bed.  I sat in the chair next to the door of the bathroom.  The dizziness lessened a little.  But the impulse to retch continued but nothing was coming out.  I thought how my daughter, Natalie, had vomited blood before dying in a pot next to her.  Was it as acute as this moment for her?  It had to be worst with the endoscopy done exactly two weeks before. 

I had no one to call as the sisters live in the main house or should I wake up the music teacher and driver next door.  I commended myself to be still.  While the flashlight was on, I felt a little better.  I heard the groundskeeper pass by with the dogs.  On his way back, I told him if he could let the cook who wakes up to prepare morning coffee for the house, if she could prepare a cup of tea for me.  I was still feeling so lousy.  When Sr. Myrlande came to call the driver, I mentioned how I was feeling.  She rushed to bring a tea that had salt in it (they don’t use sugar when someone is sick here in Haiti).  As soon as I took a sip, it came back out.  I mentioned it could be my blood pressure.  She immediately got her machine and took my pressure.  It was 175/105.  Usually when my pressure is high, I get severe headaches.  This is the first time I was experiencing these types of symptoms.  With each stomach churning, I had to sit on the toilet as well. Even if I sat quietly, I felt I was like a lamp being turned off.  Sr. Charitable brought me some tea, and Sr. Myrlande gave me some leaves (fèy zanmann) to hold in my hands to lower the pressure.  After a few minutes, I went to lie down.  I was awaken at 9:30 am by the phone.  Mr. Labissiere wanted to know how I was doing.  I got dressed and went to the house to get a cracker or two not because I was hungry but to prevent retching.  I sat on the gallery, looking at the vegetation, quietly trying to recuperate.  When I noticed the water vendor I asked him to talk to me.

At noon feeling slightly better I was able to eat some bouyon.I did everything in slow motion.  I helped Sr. Charitable prepare a report of event.   I also helped Sr. Myrlande set up the room for tomorrow’s graduation. 

Jean Vanel, Rosalie, and Rose Camille, a fisherman family, came to visit.  We tried to make plans for when the sisters would be away.  But the decisions would be the sisters’. 
I sat by the chapel to hear the sisters do evening prayers before going to my room.

Sunday, December 20, 2020
All night I was restless.  I felt an oncoming cold.  I got up took a garlic pill then I had a headache.  At 3 am some personnel started moving around in preparation for the graduation.  I felt nauseated around 4:30 AM.  I tried to get across to get some crackers, the doors were closed.  Shortly after, I found an entrance and got two crackers and ate them then got back to my room although I had showered and was ready to get dressed.  I awoke at 6:10 am, got ready to get something to eat.  I had a piece of papaya and some tea.  I did not drink the coffee.  Sr. Charitable took my blood pressure it was normal.  We prepared to go to mass in Karouk which was schedule for 7 am but Fr. Iradin Louis began at 7:20 am.  Twice members of the choir or church came to offer us to go sit in special seats. I said no.  I was perfectly fine where I was in the pews among the people.  The girls’ scouts animated the mass.  The priest’s homily was very comprehensive but too long.  Fr. Iradin knows Sr. Charitable, he asked her to say a few words about vocation.  He recognized me and thank me for attending mass for the first time although I had given him two interviews: one in NY and the other right here.  I declined to speak when he offered.  After mass he invited us to his place, where he gave us 4 pumpkins from his garden and he reminded us that he was an agronomist.  After mass in Karouk, I went to the Cathédrale to see what was going on.   The church was packed.  On that day the bishop was celebrating baptisms, first communion, confirmations, and blessing the graduates from the Centre Juvenile.  I walked back to the house and proposed to do whatever they needed done. 

At 11:30 am the Salesians began their ceremony with the graduation procession.  I could not video properly because people were getting between me and the people to take a picture for their family or relatives.  I decided to video key points than do an interview for one person from each of the field of study.  I wanted to know of their reactions to their learning and the program.  That was most successful than being frustrated with people cutting in front of me.  It will take some time to edit but the result will be more informative on the reality of the people.

Sr. Myrlande really devoted herself since yesterday to ensure that things would run smoothly from giving out the certificates, the entertainment to the food.  Mr. Morel Berard, and Marie Carme Cineas godparents for the event who provided some assistances to those who could not afford to sew their dresses.  After the interviews and washing the dishes of those who had dined in the sisters’ refectory, I ate myself.

I went to relax then I was called because Msgr. Almonacy had come to see me.  Sr. Charitable and I had a good conversation with him.  We introduced him to Sr. Myrlande.  He did not know of the work about the Centre Juvenile being done here in Anse-a-Veau.  Sr. C. after giving him something to eat, accompanied him to the rectory because he was going to preach that evening on the square.  As soon as she was back, I crossed over to my room.

Monday, December 21, 2020
All night I was tossing.  Could hardly sleep.  I was feeling terrible as if my pressure was up yet I knew otherwise.  Was it a head cold?  I felt weak when I got out of bed at 5:30 am.  I was really struggling to shower and get dressed.  I went to the chapel in the main house and sat outside on the rocking chair feeling exhausted and weak.  After prayer, I went to get tea before walking to the Cathédrale.  The priest was already doing the homely when I arrived.  I plopped myself on the bench until it was over and prayers completed.

We had to wait for breakfast, the cook was not ready.  Meanwhile, I had some zoranj si with honey for vitamin C and a cup of melis tea.  Yam and salmon sauce was served, but I ate very little.

Afterward I helped Sr. Myrlande set up the room for tomorrow’s personnel party. We wiped the chairs, swept, mopped the room and set up the chairs, Xmas tree, and table for the food. 

I also helped Sr. Charitable tie the bags with rice and beans donated to share with the needy families.  It took hours among Mark Henry, Sr. C. and I to have them completed and labelled with the names of recipient.  Sr. C. had to make calls for pick-up or delivery.
Then I sat down to read.  I spent the rest of the afternoon nodding, looking into space mostly not wanting to do much. 
Once in a while I moved to help the sisters — place the teachers’ gift under the tree, cleaning the gallery and sending items to storage. 
We had supper then prayer while I sat in the rocking chair outside the chapel.  I nodded several time while praying.  I went to my room at 9 pm and hoped to read before falling asleep.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Sent message of happy birthday to Carida of Renesansavo.  I had a better night.  Woke up later than usual, 6 am, and got dressed and went for tea.  We had prayers while I sat on the rocking chair outside the chapel.  We had an informal and light breakfast as they were preparing a brunch for the personnel.  Sr. Myrlande creatively fabricated a crèche in the chapel with cardboard and lights.

The teachers and personnel had mass at 10 am in the chapel then moved to the library where chairs and tables were set.  Mrs. T was the animator (mc).  They exchanged presents and recited a poem and sang a song for the person they had picked in the secret Santa.  After lunch, each teacher took their present with the card addressed to them from under the Xmas tree.  Then they proceeded to the main house where they got food provision and small donated items for their bags.  Apparently, they had a good time but one said he was hoping for a bonus paycheck.  For the year 2019-2020, they had worked until March but they were paid until June.  They started in September and were paid August.  Maybe he felt it had been a waste of time to prepare food for them (the brunch) and provisions items for them with some other articles without realizing these were gifts being shared with them.  Many students did not pay tuition and the school did not have the funds to cover the salary.  The first month of the year had to be sponsored for all the teachers to find payment.  The principal thought it was important to create comradery among them in this informal setting to build moral as it is her first year in this assignment.  

After the party, the sisters and I had the room cleared and set up for class use again.  I typed some report events before going to my room.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Had a much better night than the past few days.  However, the dogs at 3 am were rummaging around the back of my room.  Maybe people threw food items or other objects with food traces in them.  The alarm woke me up at 5:45 am.  In the main house I had prayers and breakfast before going for mass.  The priest came to announce that the mass would be delayed.  So Sr. C. and I went back to the house to get ready to travel to Paillant.  The driver thought we were going to the sisters of L’Etang Rey, he had reached the bottom of their steep hill when I told him we were going to the parish of Lady of Guadalupe.  We turned back and tried to ask Msgr. Rebecca where the person Sr. C. wanted to visit lived.  He was absent but the locals indicated the house to us.  They too were absent but sister found a resident who would call us later to put us in touch with them.  This area had a nice library and recreational room.  I talked to the young ladies there.  They each had different types or books and magazines they were reading or perusing.  They were not shy to share their dreams and goals for the future with me.  These moments give me great hope for the country.

Then we travelled to the supermarket.  I was craving ice cream.  I bought a small cup of grenadine flavor for myself and a rum raising for the driver.  As usual the supermarket did not have change. Sr. C. insisted that they found some for her.  I believe this is a ploy, if every client leaves 2 to 20 gourdes, how much are they collecting.  Maybe the thing to do is to give a token of different colors depending on the value that could be redeemed at another purchase time. 
When we got to the house we had lunch then afterward worked on some accounting and activity reports.

In the early evening, I attended the tasting and test of the cooking/baking class participants.   They were ready, proud, and engaged in this event.   Some of the participants were really nervous as they were being graded as they had to explain how they had achieved their recipe. 

As the Jericho (people going 7 times around the town praying and singing) was going to happen during the night.  I tried to go out to see them pass by our street toward the cemetery but the front gate was locked.  I ran to the back gallery of the house as the ‘’float” with floodlights, singers, and loud speakers drove by. I was glad to be here experiencing the lived faith of the sisters and the people of the community.

At 8:45 pm, I went to my room, did some light laundry and used the new wi-fi system that I had bought today.  I heard the caravan of faithful on the street by my room for the last time at 12 am.

Thursday, December 24, 2020
I don’t know if the caravan had gone by again after I last heard it. But I woke up very anxious between 3 am and stayed awake for about an hour or more.  I had dreamt about school.  “The principal told me as I was entering the facility “You are late”.  I replied: Ï am late?  I know an incident happened on the route coming but did not think it delayed me that much.” Then I proceeded to my class.  The substitute teacher asked me if she could help me. I answered: “I am the teacher; this is my class.” And I woke up.  I had not dreamed of classroom since my retirement years ago. 

At 5 am, I got out of bed feeling a little dizzy.  Prepared my clothes and decided to rearrange some items in the room.  I washed my hair with the cold water thankful that I had it for my use.  At 6:30 am I went at the house for prayers.  I stayed outside the chapel not feeling comfortable yet to control my emotional trepidations.  After breakfast, worked to complete Sr. C.’s event reports and download some pictures from the telephone to the computer.  Sr. Myrlande and I prepare the reports for her program.  I printed a hard copy of a blank form for her to fill out at her own pace. 

We left the house at 2:25 pm to go to Mrs. Leblanc’s house to deliver her gift.  Then we walked through the Saline to visit with Jean Vanel, Rosely and Rose Camille. I fear for the fishermen living right on the shore. 

We walked up through the mountain pathway to the square then up by the Cathédrale back to the house.
I typed Sr. Myrlande’s report and started on doing the outline for the project.  Went to the room at 8:30 pm and called Pierre before going to sleep.  Put the alarm for 10 pm.  At 10:15 pm got out of bed to get dress and cross over to church at 10:45 pm.  The young people of the parish presented a spiritual concert.  The mass started at 11:30 pm.  Christmas celebration here was very solemn and there were quite a few people in attendance. 
At 1 am, I was in my room but I was not feeling sleepy.  I decided to begin my morning prayers.

Friday, December 25, 2020
The sun shining through the window looked like a giant flood light entering the room.   At first, I had not realized that it was the sun.  I thought some activities where being done outside.  Then there was a quick light rain shower.  Some people here had told me we don’t get rain in December.  I stayed in bed until 7 am thinking and wondering about my life.   

I straightened my room and got dressed to go to the main house.  Got the envelopes for the personnel and wished each one of them a Merry Christmas before I had breakfast.  Kerline was learning to do some new dishes and she tried a Jamaican like patty with codfish.  The dough was a little hard and the fish was very salty.  The hot chocolate was thick and cold.  We had grapes and they were big and juicy.  I was thankful I had something to eat.  I helped Sr. Charitable alphabetize some of the test taken by the students before the break.  I did not want to enter the grades on the “palmares’’ as they had to be evaluated by the principal if the teachers had graded fairly according to criterion.

After we had lunch, I worked with Sr. Myrlande in writing a few sentences and choosing the pictures for the Facebook page she would like to publish.  I had difficulty finding how to post that is when I really miss Natalie, she would have helped me or instructed on what to do.

Dorme, the boy who wants to build a remote car, came to the house.  He did an interview and showed me how his car was made from a plastic bottle and caps for wheels.  He made it run on a telephone battery.  He wants to control it remotely.  I had him talk to Leon who asked him a few questions.  He never played with a video game apparently.  He has never seen a drone.  He just wants to create on the impulses he is experiencing.  He is 14 years old in 7^th grade.  He says he has no idea about technology and computers yet he knows how to do research and is on Facebook chats on his phone.

The sisters and I had supper together before going to my room early as they had to organize themselves to travel very early tomorrow.
Sr. C. left a pile of tests packets for me to alphabetize and to copy all her files from the Lenovo laptop to an external drive.

Saturday, December 26, 2020
I woke up suddenly between 2:30-3 am and could not sleep.  I heard a man screaming.  Did he lose someone or was he being attacked? I wondered.  I was surprised of myself I did not pray for him.  Around 4:30 am I heard sister calling for the driver to let him know they would be ready to leave soon.  They had to go to Port-au-Prince for four days.

By 6 am, I got dressed and brought a few of the items I needed to sleep in the main house while the sisters are away.  I talked to the cook, Kerline, and asked her to keep things simple.  I did not need supper cooked.  Breakfast and lunch are sufficient for me.  She had already prepared coffee.  I called Marc Henri and told him that breakfast was ready.  Then I went to pray in the chapel and the readings for mass.  I also listened to Fr. Kiernan Harrington preach at the different mass from St. Joseph Cathedral in Brooklyn.    Then at 8:30 am, I was ready to assist mass live at Incarnation in Queens, NY online on my phone.

I talked to Pierre for a while.  He joked about the “bouyon tèt kabrit” our friend Nicole had brought him.  He enjoyed it even the bone that was included.  Mr. L. called to confirm that he had collected 35 boxes, storage containers, and laundry bags of items donated for the sisters which were being shipped on the container.  We also discussed that we should add some more tools to the “Bank Zouti” such as dollies to transport heavy items and compacters for road repair.  I walked on the gallery all around the u-shaped house as a form of exercise.  Afterward, I started to alphabetize the packet of tests for levels 2 and 3.  I had a lunch of ‘bouyon’ vegetable which I enjoyed very much. I called Babeth to remind her of her special spot where she used to tie her hammock last year.  I made a few more calls but no one answered.  It was very quiet and peaceful until Mario, Sr. Myrlande’s assistant, came for an interview.  Then I continued to alphabetize the tests until evening.

Sr. Charitable called when she arrived at the mother house to find out how I was managing.  There was such heavy traffic, they arrived at 3 pm after about ten hours of travel. 

After making my evening call after supper, I watched some TV in the personnel refectory.  It was a military drama with Tom Cruise, I believed Jack Reacher.  It ended at 9 pm.  So today I did not go to bed that early hoping I will be having a better night.  I closed the gate and all the doors when it started to rain very hard.  The plants will be happy and the roads less dusty.

Sunday, December 27, 2020
I could not sleep.  I prayed but I had no rest.  Between 4 and 5, I tossed.  At 5 am I went to the kitchen to get coffee to pray and do the readings of the day with Jesus.  Then I got dressed to go to Mass with Kerline.  Fr. Toto celebrated mass on time.  Mrs. Leblanc was there and I met Br. Albert of the Petits Frères de St. Therese (PFST) in Brossard.  After mass, Fr. Toto came to the chapel to give me confession as I had requested.  During our exchange, in order to give me some consolation, he mentioned the story of Job of which I am very familiar.  I told him that God allowed Satan to tempt Job by removing all that he had because he would remain faithful to Him.  At the end of the story after much struggle to understand his trials and recognizing the friendship of God, everything and more was returned to Job.  I said:  “My daughter will not come back to me.  I still believe in God, but He allowed the evil of sickness and death to have taken her at this early stage of life. I am like Job lamenting, confused, and suffering. ”  Fr. Toto understood that I was still grieving very hard.  He prayed with me and promised he will continue to do so.  After breakfast, I called home.  I felt a little lighter and ready to hear any challenge. 

I had to work on the invoices for the items sent on the container then went to lunch at 12:45 pm (legume, rice, and bean sauce) my favorite food.  What I noticed about meat or fish here, there isn’t a lot but we have a trace in tasty sauce.  I continued with the alphabetization of the test. I wanted to be done with them.  I became so tired I lied down while doing the Divine Mercy chaplet at 3 pm.  I had a severe left foot cramp, I had to walk around and stretch to loosen the muscle. 

The church next door needed to borrow the sisters’ speaker.  I had to go to the office to get it for them.  It seems that they had about 6 weddings to perform and do a community reception afterward.  I worked on more alphabetization until 7 pm.  Did not find much on TV today, I felt so sleepy I decided to retire early.  At 7:30 pm, I was in my room and I knew I was in for a long night.

Monday, December 28, 2020
I woke up so many times and tried to force myself to go back to sleep without looking at the time.  All kinds of thoughts and pain ran through my head while in the darkness.  I tried to pray but felt I was not 100% in it.  Finally, as daylight shone through the window, I got up it was almost six am.  Did the usual routine to shower and get dress then went for coffee.  I planned what I wanted to do for the day.  I carried water pail to my room outside.  The cook had prepared a ‘soup joumou’ without meat for breakfast.  It was deliciously tasty. 

Prayed and did the readings of the day, and listened to Fr. Harrington’s homily of yesterday.  I wrote thank you letters for CORA and prepared reports for the Centre Juvenile by field of study.  Also continued with the alphabetization of the test packets.  Talked to my son, Philip, to show him where I was so that he would not worry for me.  Tried to reach Kanna, a friend and supporter, she called back in the afternoon.  I am so glad she is partnering with us to accomplish the work here.  We had such great conversation on how to handle the needs here.  I promised to keep her updated on how things are being developed and progress accomplished. 

I did more alphabetization while watching a show.  At 7:30 pm, I could not find anything interesting thus I went to my room and listened to the news on my phone for a while.  This router has worked well for me. Then I went to sleep.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Another night waking up after dreams of school, old principal, teachers.  Tried to pray but could not concentrate.  All types of ideas going through my head hour after hour.  I felt it was going to be a rough day.  I could not stop crying.  I felt like a heavy compressor was squeezing my chest and I could not breathe.  After getting dress around 6 am.  I did my prayers and readings.  I was called for breakfast but I went to the chapel and sat down quietly unable to pray.  The Word Among Us had this sentence “…awaiting the consolation of Israel”.  The message was to trust like Simeon that God is at work whether he answers our prayer or not.   The prayer of the day was apropos:  “Holy Spirit, help me to persist in prayer and learn to hear your voice.”

I went for breakfast otherwise I may become sick later.  I felt the weight of loss today.  A friend who had lost a child had shared a YouTube video with me by Chris Averi “With the son of God: the Sweetest Gift.”  I had to call Pierre to comfort me.  I talked to Leon who had sent me an article about Sr. Theresa’s doubts and he too had recently lost a child. 

Although I know I am not the only one in this situation of loss, it still is so difficult to accept asking oneself, did I do everything to alleviate her pain or show her that I loved her, how was her last moments before I found her lifeless body. 

I remember one night after massaging her swollen ankles, stomach, and her back, while I was praying in my room I practically saw myself in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus sweating blood before his upcoming passion, as a human not seeing the greater purpose of His life, I screamed “Bulls—t”.  It must have been a real agonizing time for him as a man: upcoming physical pain, anxiety, isolation, abandonment, rejection – all the human feelings and emotions.  It is all summed up in the cry: “God, God, why have you forsaken me?”

That is when I fully understood Jesus complete and unconditional love, becoming man and dying for me although I was not worth it.  I had talked about this love at a conference “from the crib to the cross” but now I was called to respond in an authentic way and challenged to make it manifest in my actions.  My prayer was to just say: “Thank you Jesus.  Show me how to surrender and accept your powerful faithful love in this moment of crisis”.

Abcinad, the medical student sponsored by friends of CORA, came to visit with me for a few minutes to give an update of her studies as I monitor this project.  Mrs. Leblanc had gone to Miragoane and she brought the house a “kòk peyi” as a gift for the holidays.  I walked around the yard and I discovered the back gate by the school was left open, I reported that to Marc Henri.  I gave him the gifts I had promised him for his four kids.  I stayed until 8 pm watching TV in the personnel room before turning in.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020
The night seemed very long.  I must have gotten out of bed 7 or 8 times for stretch of time.  Finally at 5:45 am got out of bed.  Cleaned the room I was in of all my stuff and went to my room outside.  I feel so independent there although the dogs make a raucous that may be scary at times. 

I planned to type today and do some of the proposed budget for the Centre Juvenile for Sr. M.’s review.  The container has arrived in Haiti today.  I hoped the people in charge of custom would get them for us before I leave. 

I made sure water buckets were filled for my bathroom.  I am awaiting the return of the sisters today.  The water truck came in with David Casamajor as a distributor.  His father the veterinarian also came to give the last dose of shots to the sick dog. 

Vincent, a student of the Centre Juvenile, wanted to make a request to find investors for the projects they would like to develop for the town. Mr. Cerisier also came to visit and invite me to a Haiti’s CORA group meeting.  I told him I was in quarantine and not able to socialize with anyone although I wanted to see the committee and learn of their ideas for this year 2021.

The sisters arrived at 7:30 pm.  When Sr. C. called from Petit Goave it was 5:23 pm.  We helped them get their bags from the car to their rooms and at the table I recounted the event of the day and what happened during their absence.  I am glad they are back to return to a structured schedule day.

Thursday, December 31, 2020
Woke up during the night but did not feel any stress as I am back in my little room (cell) in the yard.  The room was not as dark as the full moon was shining through.  I was able to go into prayer while awake.  I got out of bed around 5:45 am.  By 6:15 am I crossed to the main house to have coffee before Morning Prayer.  I felt comfortable to join in prayer from outside the chapel.  Sr. C. had placed Don Bosco’s picture (founder of the Salesians) at the foot of the altar with a bouquet. 

After breakfast, Mrs. Leblanc called me to go to Brossard to see the progress of the construction of St. Claire chapel.  Then we visited the PFST’s guildive and food transformation center (peanut, cocoa, manyòk, sugar cane).  Frère Albert made a short appeal about the needs of the brother’s to help the people of the region.  A NY H.S. had contributed to the peanut grinder in 2018.  It is in need of repair but saved the peasants production for the end of year.  They were able to process the peanuts and cacao.  However, they still need a new grinder.  The ‘manyòk’ grinders are working but because of lack of water no ‘manyok’ was produced so they cannot have ‘kasava’.  The mil for sugar cane is broken.  They ordered a new one which has not yet arrived.  The ‘kleren’ is processed in big barrels:  sugar and sugar cane water which has to be distilled.  The peasants require the help of Ti Frères for this process as it is the only way to have some income from the sale of the Kleren to other surrounding towns.  It is a based from many products such as Kremas…  The agriculture is on halt as the leased land they had been cultivating was repossessed by the owner with all their production on it.  Water in the area is scarce making agricultural development very difficult. 

After the visit, Mrs. Leblanc dropped us at the sisters where we discussed the unpacking of St. Joseph’s statue shipped on the last container.  We helped clean the living room area.  We had lunch (white rice, bean sauce and legume). 
I called Martial, my younger brother, to let him know I was okay and give him a virtual tour of where I was enjoying nature and introduced him to the sisters.

I tried typing than felt tired.  I went to rest but the neighborhood music prevented me to do so.  Sr. Myrlande made the TV work in the communal room.  I watched until supper.  Then we participated in a beautiful end of year prayer service prepared by Sr. C.  I had intended to go to mass at 10 pm.  When I went to my room to refresh, read messages, I was nodding.  I decided not to go.  I woke up at 11:10 pm hearing the sisters calling for someone to come open the gate for them.  I tried to wake up the driver next door.  He ignored the call to action until Sr. Myrlande sent a rock on top of the little house and I really commanded him to help the sisters.  I was afraid to go myself because the dogs has already been released for the night in my section of the yard.

Friday, January 1, 2021
Prayed during the different times I woke up until 5:50 am when I got out of bed.  I washed my hair using the cold water but it felt good.  When I crossed over, it was time for Morning Prayer.  We had breakfast of a delicious ‘soup joumou’.  At 9 am I walked to the Cathédrale for mass.  The presider was the Bishop of Nippes, Msgr. Dumas, with two other priests.  He preached about Mary mother of God, Independence Day, day of peace and the ushering of the year 2021, a Jubilee for the 300^th year anniversary of the town.  After communion two speakers were invited to say a few words.  The first was the head of the 300^th anniversary committee, Mr. Yves Casamajor; followed by the newly elected mayor of Anse-a-Veau, Mr. Marc Michel.

They both talked about history and they reiterated the major problems the people of Anse-a-Veau are confronting such as lack of water, no electricity, and impracticable road from Petite Rivière to the town.  We Haitians love to talk to hear ourselves speak, I think.  As head of the anniversary committee, Mr. C. did not lay a plan of activity except asking for everyone to come together to make a difference at the end of a long diatribe.  He is the one who personally told me that he was disappointed that the bench CORA had sent were not what he had expected for a 300 year anniversary.  I still don’t understand what he meant. 

The mayor gave a lesson of geography and political statements.  Again these talks would have been okay if not in the context of mass and in inviting people to rally for this momentous occasion.   I was really annoyed wondering why talk about all this on the first day of 2021 when the Bishop and his assistant Louis Merosné had told me in 2012 we should be preparing for this event.  I thought this would have been an ushering of festivities on important dates of the year, a call to do a konbit to motivate the people to clean the town and go into community action, a conscientization.  After three hours in church, I was exhausted by the hot air given by these people.  I wanted to scream:  What specific action is being taken?  What is the plan to make a difference?  All the places in town are in need of renovation, maintenance, what is the timeline being established to have things done?  Finally after mass, I asked the mayor if he would give me an interview as I had done with his predecessor, Jean Marie Fouché, who apparently did absolutely nothing for the town according to the constituents. 

After lunch, I worked with Sr. Myrlande in preparing the reports for each of the field of study offered by the Centre Juvenile.  Then Sr. Charitable and I walked to Francoville Villa to visit with Ervey (Tipouch).   He is really proud of his constructions and what he is trying to accomplish for the area.  I like what I see too — pushing ahead, getting things done, giving jobs to some young people.  He had his driver bring us back to the house with an electrician he is encouraging Sr. C. to use to install the freezer donated by Mr. Morel.  He recommended that the electrician, Mr. Francois, give us an estimate for restoring of the electrical system in the house.  As CORA had ordered six batteries for the house, he promised to come and do the installation but he needed the jumpers for the connection.  He had called a few people and there was none available in the area, he would have to go to Miragoane to purchase them the following day.  Unfortunately, we had not known to order these jumpers with the batteries.  No hardware store in the town to purchase what is needed. 
During prayer, I was feeling so sleepy I could hardly wait to go to my room.

Saturday, January 2, 2021
I woke up at 12:20 am and it seems that the Divine Mercy chaplet song was being played at the main house. I was surprised as I had promised Sr. Quetteline I would teach it to her in English.  I started to sing along until I felt back to sleep.

The sisters went to mass at 6 am.  I stayed in my room to start packing for tomorrow to go visit Sr. Flora in Jeremie.  I wanted to bring the least with me.  After breakfast, I went to my favorite spot on the gallery facing the inside garden to type and complete some of the reports with Sr. Myrlande for each field taught in the Centre Juvenile.  This task took most of the day.  Claudette, her husband, and the baby came to visit.  Unfortunately, because of COVID I would not hold the baby or sit close to them. 

Sr. Myrlande and I went to mass Saturday evening, as we would be travelling early the next day.  Fr. Louis was the celebrant for the Epiphany of the Lord.  I finally saw him one on one.  I told him I stayed clear of everyone in retreat at the sisters. I was staying clear of people, I do not feel like socializing with anyone unless absolutely necessary. 

We had supper then I went to my room to finish packing, address and fill the envelopes for the teachers New Year’s incentive bonus.  Tired I was in bed by 9:30 pm.


Sunday, January 3, 2021
I woke up around 12:20 am, the dogs were howling practically right by the door of my room for about 5 minutes.  I prayed.  In Haiti, the belief is when the dog ‘djoule’ in this fashion, is because they see a ghost (zonbi).  I did not feel any fear nor any anxiety.  I forced myself to go back to sleep and before I woke up again at 3 am, I dreamt my second son with a tear in his eye say: “Mom I need you.  I really need your help.”  I prayed a rosary for him as it is the only thing that was in my power to do at that time.  I finally got out of bed with the alarm at 3:50 am.  I got dressed then called the driver next door to me to remind him he needed to be ready.  Both sisters were ready.  I drank coffee and prepared some refreshment for the road.  Sr. Charitable came out to wish us safe travel.  We finally left at 4:45 am.  We filled both gas tank at Carrefour des Ruisseau then dropped Sr. Quetteline at the station in direction of Port-au-Prince to get transportation for Jacmel.  We were on our way to Les Cayes at 6 am. 

We were to pick-up sister Julienne on the road at the entrance of Cavaillon.  We passed by her, she was at Boileau.  We turned back to get her before proceeding to the Salesiennes at Les Cayes to pick an item for Sr. Flora.  I was glad for this stop before continuing for another two hours to Jeremie at 8:30 am.  We were on a stretch of rocky path from Les Cayes before getting on the new paved road to Jeremie.  I don’t understand the lack of maintenance after something has been built.  This course reminded me of the curvy and winding route to Jacmel.  We reached Gommiers at 9:50 am.  Sr. Flora and the others were at Mass.  I sat down on a bench waiting for their arrival.  I had the wi-fi box, I was able to communicate with Pierre to let him know I had travelled well and show him where I was.  When Sr. Flora arrived with the others, they sang the welcome song of bienvenue.  Sr. showed me the room assigned to me upstairs.  Of course, it was Sr. Julienne’s room.  She had to temporarily stay with another sister while I was here tonight.  I asked for some coffee while I sat in their community screened room upstairs.  This house has exactly what I always dreamed of having in a house.  The gallery runs around the upstairs rooms.  I enjoyed walking from one side of the house facing the ocean view to the other side overseeing neighborhood houses.  Each sister came to introduced themselves and tell me a little about themselves:  love of  poetry/ literature, sewing, teaching.  Except for Sr. Flora, a mature woman, they are all very young ladies.  We had a sumptuous lunch (frites, white rice, chicken, bean, and vegetables) accompanied by a bourbon rosée of which I had a drop to make a toast. 

I visited the chapel for a few minutes then Sr. Flora, her driver, and Thermino we travelled to visit TiColibri.  I had seen the YouTube video and sent it to Sr. F. so that she would know, not too far from her, who might give a hand in her new mission.  The driver although he is from this area did not know of this place, Bèl Peyi, in Chateau.  No one was there, we left Sr. Flora’s number so that they may communicate with her when available.  We went to buy some ‘konparèt’, a product of this area.  At supper, we talked about the profession of an educator.  Then we went for prayer.  Afterward, I shared my life with them and asked them how they became involved with the church and their congregation.  One, the parents were protestant but she became Catholic and a sister over their objection.  Another one, no one objected to her decision, she felt it was the right thing t do.  The other one the parents were very involved in the church and were very happy of her decision.  After the sharing moment, we sang before turning in to our rooms.  This house does not belong to them, the Salesiennes are temporarily using it until their own place is built.

Monday, January 4, 2021
I woke up only twice during the night.  The only bathroom is at the end of the hallway and the doors creak.  I waited until 5 am to move around so not to disturb anyone in their activities until they went to the chapel.  I did not join them there, I stayed outside my room and prayed silently along with them.  We had breakfast at 6:15 am then at 7 am we drove to the embryonic school set up by the sisters.  There is a nice piece of land.  The office is set up under a tree in the yard.  They have to carry daily all their school material from the house where they are living to this unfinished structure.  There are four rooms built for classes and a few walls for the upstairs.  There is not enough natural lighting for these rooms.  There is no place to store anything.  Either they would have finished the classrooms or at least one, then do the upstairs for the sisters accommodation.  Who is planning these things?  I think they just don’t want the students to stay home and want to start their education with the Salesians.  Today, one classroom had an English class for older students.  The three other rooms were for the little ones.  After twenty years in education, I would want to do certain things differently.  The teacher wrote a text on the board then asked the students to read it along with him, then answer questions.  He tried to have them address him whenever they entered the room.  He was showing them how not to confuse the pronunciation of “hello” and “allow”.  I purposefully asked him to “/əˈlou/” me to say good morning. 

In one class the children were waiting for the teacher to arrive.  One sister asked them to take their reading books and to read individually.  After a while, I asked if they had stories for the children.  I recommended they read aloud daily for the students.  There was one French book around with quite difficult vocabulary words for rural children.  I wished I had some of my big books to read for the children and do it in Kreyòl.  For another class, I taught them the “head and shoulder” song in French although I would rather have done it in Kreyòl. It pains me that they are doing all this in French rather than in Kreyòl as science indicates that it would be best for children to learn to read in the language they have familiarity with (their mother tongue). 

At 8:30, the driver and I started back to go to Les Cayes.  We stopped on the road to buy some charcoal (750 gdes) the bag.  We arrived at Sr. Myrlande’s house at 10:45 am.  We dropped something at the Salesiennes House for Sr. Flora and continued on leaving Les Cayes at 11 am to return to Anse-a-Veau.  We stopped to buy sodas and water for the center in Miragone and left there by 1:10 pm.  We arrived in Anse-a-Veau at 1:45 pm just in time for lunch.  

It was nice to see the freezer was installed but they used all six batteries instead of the four mentioned.  Now we will have to order 12 for the house. The electrician bought the jumpers for us and he was reimbursed. 

During lunch, we spent some time narrating part of our trip experience.  While I was typing on the gallery, the mayors, Mr. Michel and Ms. Saintil, came to visit with Sr. Charitable and I asked for an interview. I felt it would be a good opportunity for them to share their plans for the town. 
We had supper, then after prayer I went to start putting things in order before my upcoming departure.

Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Woke up several times during the night sometimes I prayed at others I forced myself to blank out.  The trip is winding down.  I got up at 5 am with the voice of the groundskeeper telling sister about the dogs.  I assumed the one who had received the shots from the veterinarian had died.  Its stomach had been distended and it seem that he had eaten many plastic bags that were found in his stool.  Sr. Charitable is making arrangements to have it buried right away either in the cemetery or her open field.  I prayed with the sisters and then went to get coffee while they were saying the rosary.  After breakfast, I started to make arrangements for the electrician to come and re-haul the whole solar panel/converter system of the house.  There are a few rooms without lights and some circuits need to be installed.  I typed and finalize some reports and the estimate for the electrician.  After lunch, I felt very sleepy by 3 pm.  I asked Sr. Quetteline to give me a few minutes to teach her the Divine Mercy chaplet in English.  Sr. Charitable called me to go meet the second mayor, Mrs. Sherley Saintil by the generator behind the rectory.  She was going to show what she does with the children to keep the town clean.  She had a group of about 30 children from 2 years olds to 10 with a few teenagers and adults all wearing masks.  These children were carrying a few large plastic bags.  I made pictures for her and the kids.  I thought she was going to handle a small area around the church.  She told me they were going to Francoville Villa.  I thought it was a long way for small children like these.  They collected plastic water bags and bottles and the large plastic bags filled quickly.  She had to yell for them to stay together and look out for motor cycles.  Before we reached the first street (Rue Cimetière), the bags were filled.  She had a few children and an adult dump the trash on Sister’s property behind the school.  Then we continued on the road toward the Salle Paroisialle across from the Lycée.  They picked up more trash.  I mentioned to her that the children were two small to do this long route.  At that point, they gave the children water and cookies.  Unfortunately, I did not notice any handwashing or sanitizing.  I surprised myself for not saying anything. The children were too happy to get their share. 

We continued on toward the Calvaire at the end of the road.  I stopped there because I noticed no maintenance from the last time we painted in 2018.  I also saw that the corpus on the cross was again mutilated.  This time the right arm was broken instead of the two feet.  The environment again showed the sign of burnt candles and other worshipping activities. I felt really disappointed that no one continued in upkeep this place.  I know this property belongs to the Catholic Church.  Whoever worship there, this place should reflect a modicum of respect to God or deities. This calvaire and the Salle Paroisiale could be a youth project service.  One good method of evangelization is to have people come together to take care of their environment while learning to be in harmony with one another. True followers of Christ strive to act in response to His love by serving one another.

When the ‘mayores’ came back from whatever she was handling we began going down the rocky road of Tibarcadère in order to go to Francoville.  When we reached the halfway mark to that place, the adults were shoving, pushing, and cajoling the children to form two lines before we entered the facility.  My teaching and organizing personality took over.  I said in a loud voice: “Children listen to me. Can you say 1, 2. ”   They repeated 1, 2.  I said: “Can you stomp your right foot than your left foot.  Let’s go.”  I marched next to them saying: “1, 2, an nou mache.”  They took to the chant and started walking two by two in order.  I could not film it as I was leading the march until we got inside.  Mr. Ervey (Tipouch) and the personnel at Francoville were there and amazed at the sound and discipline they showed.  We chanted good afternoon Mr. Tipouch – onè, respè. Then clapped.  He welcomed them and they walked very quietly until they reach the room where they could take in the view of the ocean.  Mr. Tipouch told them that they were the future of the country.  Then I sang the national anthem in Kreyòl.  Thank goodness they knew it.  We found a line to proceed out of his place.  I left them as soon as I reached the main street.  I walked to the church where the priest had finished mass but was doing evening prayers.  Sr. Charitable called me to find out if I were ok.  I hurried back to the house where we had supper.  I watched a news brief than went to my room where I talked to my husband before going to bed.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021
I woke only 3 times during the night.  At 4:50 am the sisters started playing music in the house.  At first, I thought it was outside until I heard the type of music it was.  It is Sr. Charitable’s birthday today.  I swept the room, washed some items that would dry during the day.  Then got dressed.  We had prayer in celebration of Sr. C.  At breakfast we sang happy birthday to her and then she received some house gifts.  Sr. Myrlande wanted to give me some of the deserts and kremas she got from home. We went to my room to make sure I would not go over the 50 pounds limit.  I completed a report with Sr. Myrlande.  Talked to Mr. L who was placing the order of materials for the electrical job.  I talked about half an hour with Florence for our Reimagine Haiti committee.  We had a celebratory lunch for Sister C.  The school students and teachers also sang happy birthday for her in the yard as well.

I wanted to have just a last lazy day here.  The library was not open so I could not visit it.  Ms. Olene, the librarian, told me that she was unable to have access because it needed the town’s sanitation crew to do some clean-up outside.  I finished to the best of my abilities the account and put aside what I needed to give to the personnel.  I took some time to evaluate the programs we sponsor and ensure that every amount were recorded.
Evaluated what was completed in our projects, the progress of some others, and what future ones would be tackled.  Relaxed on the gallery while listening to the Divine Mercy song then the mass from Brooklyn’s St. Joseph celebrated by Fr. Harrington.
Mass here in Anse-a-Veau was at 5 pm.  I walked over from the house to the church and looked at the square below before returning.  I love being in the town were mountain meets ocean.  A sense of grandeur in a limited point—a feeling I can’t described in words. 
The sisters came for prayer then we discussed last minute things ordered for the house, bills paid what remains to be done.  Gave the gift for the Centre Juvenile. 
In my room, I completed the packing and charged all the phones.

Thursday, January 7, 2021
Several times I woke up from disturbing dreams I could not recall exactly.   The alarm rang a 3 am.  I got out of bed.  Went to the shower hoping the driver would hear my movements and know it was time to wake up.  At 3:30 I called out his name and said good morning.  At 3:45 am I went to the main house. Sr. Myrlande had prepared coffee and small package of goodies for the road.  Kerline was also ready to leave as she would be dropped at the station to go spend a few days home.  At 4 am Thermino was ready and at the car where we placed my suitcase and Sr. C.’s bags too.  She finally came out at 4:20 am. 

When we left Anse-a-Veau, on the road to Port-au-Prince, I saw the piles of small rocks and sand placed by some community activists to help fixed the road in the same place where I had noticed them at my arrival on the 15^th of December.  Where is the will of the people to do the job of repairing the road?  Shouldn’t they too organize a band of workers to do the spreading of the gravel and compacting it for the sake of their vehicle and the ride? 

We stopped at the Miragoane gas station and I was glad to use the facilities there.  Got some traffic in front of a school for 10 minutes at 6:30 am, I was getting anxious.   Sr. C. a cousin on the road, and she offered her a ride.  We found some traffic in Carrefour because the street going on our side was flooded with garbage and mud as well as people trying to clean it.  We had to go on a lane against traffic to bypass that area.

We got to the airport by 8:30 am.  I was so relieved and thankful that I had made it that early.  The suitcase weighted 50.9 but they let it be.  I passed security and immigration with no difficulty.  I found out the food and Barbancour stands were on the first floor.  Mrs. Renaud was glad to see me and asked me to say hello to Pierre.  I got a chicken sandwich and a water for breakfast.  I sent a message to Sr. Charitable to let her know everything was fine.  Boarding was done smoothly from the back to the front.  Most of the seats were taken.  I definitely regretted paying extra.  I did not feel there was more space. 

We had a smooth flight.  After landing, we were not allowed to use the first bathroom after disembarking at the airport.  I needed to wear layers because I had no coat.  We had to walk all the way by the carousel.  While waiting I called home to say that I had landed.  The carousel took a while and suddenly it stopped.  There was a suitcase in the second shoot slider and mine was on the first landing.  An attendant came by slid the first suitcase and took mine and threw it to land on the bottom of the carousel but it hit the side.  When I got there my suit case top side was broken.  I had to report the incident because of the callousness with which the person acted.  Maybe he is overworked or tired of these situations, nonetheless he acted unprofessionally.  I hoped that the gift for my husband of a kremas bottle was not broken.

I had a hard time to reach the yellow taxi stand, only Uber was available by the Jetblue exit.  I had to take an elevator and walk about 10 minutes and get another one to the taxi stands.  The cab driver was an older man.  I gave him the address and told him the direct route but he followed the GPS that sends him around on the highway to Belmont area and there was heavy traffic on the Belt.  I endured this unwanted detour. 
When I got home, I thank the Lord for a safe travel even with these minor inconveniences. 

What did I accomplish on this trip?  I needed a retreat in an environment of structured prayer time with people of same belief system.  We Catholic believe we live on with Christ after death.  I have been saying this prayer for All Souls by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for many years but now it takes on new meaning:
            “God our Father, Your power brings us to birth, Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust. 
            Lord, those who die, still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end.  I pray in hope for my family, relatives and friends.  … 
            In company with Christ, Who died and now lives, may they rejoice in your Kingdom, where all tears are wiped away.”

Monday, May 20, 2019
The trip for me this year had a double purpose. First, I needed to evaluate the progress of work from last year and have my husband experience some of what I have faced during the previous travels. The last time he went to Haiti was 40 years ago. I knew he would be shocked by the deteriorated physical appearance of part of the country. He volunteered to join me while I was planning to do my annual visit. He also wished to visit the church of his childhood, Cathedral of St. Anne, for our 50th wedding anniversary. We had met for the first time in a Church, St. Gerard in Port-au-Prince when he offered his seat to my grandmother. As we were approaching this set date, we became anxious about the news of unrest in the country. We prayed and decided we would go through with our scheduled 24 days journey.
We woke up at 2 am. Drank coffee, showered and prepared the last minutes detail to secure the house. At 3:10 am the PJ car service had not arrived as scheduled last night. We called them to remind them of the reservation and within 10 minutes the car driven by a Nigerian arrived. He was very helpful in embarking and disembarking the four suitcases. We had the two carry-ons with us in the front. We got to the airport in no time using the local roads. I went in search of cart by the checked bag area for free. Pierre helped me placed the bigger suitcases on the cart while we rolled the carry-ons to the kiosks to check in and get the suitcase labels. We brought them to the weigh in section. They were all one or two pounds under the 50 pounds limit. At the Security line because Pierre was not TSA pre-checked I had to go with him on the general line. Pierre had to go several times in the machine, I don’t know why. When all was done, we got to our gate by 4:30 am. I prefer to be early and waiting rather than hustling last minute. The plane was on time for boarding and departure at 6:30 am. After 30 minutes of flight in the air, the captain announced that the plane had to return to NY because of hardware difficulties. I thought Pierre would say let us return home but he remained upbeat and said let’s see what the airline is going to do. While at the gate, the second scheduled plane for the day departed for Haiti on time. Our flight 935 was rescheduled to leave at 9 am. I had to call Sister Martha who was picking us at the Port-au-Prince airport to let her know that our flight had been postponed and would not probably be there before 12:45 pm. For this moment of inconvenience, Jet Blue offered water, juice, chips or cookies. The flight attendants were very pleasant. When we mentioned our 50 years wedding anniversary, they brought us some cookies and a little bottle of wine. Pierre was pleased by this friendly gesture and relaxed. We arrived in Haiti at 12:50 pm without any other incidents. Pierre and I were brought to the front of the line by an attendant. We processed through immigration quickly and then went to pick up our suitcases after renting a cart. It took a while at both telephone companies Natcom and Digicel. Sr. Martha had been waiting for us for about an hour with her driver Fritz. We had a porter push the cart to the car parked in the parking lot and Fritz helped us in the open truck to ensure the safety of the luggage. Another guy pretended to help too in order to get a tip. Pierre and Sr. Martha had a great conversation while driving to the House in Tabarre. He did not know where he was as this area was populated after he had left the country.
I left an envelope with the books I authored for Sonide who is building the VFHI library for the schools in the Plateau Central. I gave the sisters their gifts. We ate with Sr. Martha who was unable to take her lunch as she was waiting for us at the airport. Later, we saw all the other sisters in the house and had supper with them. The Daughters of Charity are always so welcoming. They had prepared two separate rooms for us as they have only single beds. I was exhausted by early evening and went to bed right away.

 

 

 

Tuesday, May 21, 2019
I slept well until 4 am. The fan was making some noise. I turned it off. Finally, at 5 am, I went to Pierre’s room to use the bathroom in his room rather than the common bathroom. By 5:45 am, I went to the main house for prayer and mass with the sisters. Some young men and four ladies in discernment to the religious life were in attendance. After mass, St. Josephat was so proud to have us visit the yard with her vegetable gardens. We had breakfast after picking up mangoes from one of the trees. We placed our suitcase in the hallway waiting for the driver. He was delayed because of traffic. I am glad we had decided to stay in Tabarre overnight before travelling to Anse-a-Veau. Pierre’s feet had swelled during the flight. He needed some time to walk and move around. He was told not to go about in the street of Tabarre but the sister’s property is so well maintained, it feels like an oasis in a middle of a war zone. We had a chance to talk to each sister and their individual ministries. There were also two other guests—Sisters of Charity—making a discernment about their continued service to Haiti in view of the different attacks on their facilities. I had a chance to sit with the aspiring ladies to religious life with the Daughters. I mentioned I was part of the Vincentian family as a Lady of Charity (Association International of Charity-AIC), one of the oldest lay group in the church.
The driver finally arrived at 9:30. I am glad we were waiting in a comfortable place unlike last year when I had to wait for about 3 hours at the entrance of the airport parking lot. We did find some traffic as well by the airport, Delma, and Grassier. At 11:34 we stopped at a Total Gaz station completely operated by women. I became hungry and was glad I had brought a snack from the airplane. I shared with the driver. We stopped for the men at Carrefour Desruisseaux. By 1:21 pm, we were on the way via the mountain road through Miragoane. We arrived at the hotel, Francoville, at 3:30 pm after dropping the 2 suitcases at the Salesians and an envelope at Mrs. Leblanc. It was so good to relax on the balcony overlooking the ocean. We had our first hot meal of the day, lobster with rice and beans as well as fried plaintains. While sitting there we met a young man shooting a music video. His name is Baby Clement known as Black Bob San Fwen (Fren). He agreed on giving me an interview and I sent his information to Buteau to have a conversation with him for the Haitian Apostolate.
We ordered a plate of food for the both of us in the evening. We did not want to overeat. Pierre had a hard time reconciling the streets littered with garbage in Port-au-Prince, overpopulation, car and motto traffic with no stop signs to the open space where we were.
It took us a little while to adjust to the regular sound of the ocean waves.

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, May 22, 2019
I woke up around 2 am and tried to go back to sleep until 4:30 am. Finally, at 5:30, I went outside on the balcony to see the sun rise. Although there were mosquitoes flying around, I wanted to enjoy the sound of the waves, the birds singing, and the cock crow. Even Pierre woke up early. We sat together enjoying the view, watching the fishermen fishing on their wooden canoes. By 6:15 coffee was served. Arnold was sweeping the stairs. He goes to sleep at around midnight and has to go to school by 7 am at the private HS. He is in rheto. At 6:50 am the radio started playing in the restaurant bar above our room. At 9 am, Natalie called us from South Korea so that we could show her our location. Sr. Flora came to handle some business at the hotel and to meet Pierre. I used the opportunity to ask her to set up a lunch at her place for the personnel on June 7 for anniversary. We waited for breakfast until 10:30 am. The hotel served ‘mayi moulen’ and ‘mori’. Pierre wanted to relax, but I walked to Sr. Flora’s house to sort the items shipped and the suitcase I had brought with me. I separated items for the ‘foyer’ of L’Etang Rey (games and other items for the children); Kitchen and sewing materials for the Trade school run by Sr. Mirlande. Talked to Claudette to prepare for the upcoming meeting with the participants of RENESANSAVO on Friday. I walked over to the Cathedral to meet with Fr. Merosne. He was absent. I talked to him on the phone about our wedding celebration. He told me the intention would be said during the evening mass at 6:30 pm on Friday and I could give the money (suggested donation 1,000 gdes) and information to the secretary, Mrs. Dane. While at the rectory, an Officer Goodson, just appointed to the Nippes came to introduce himself. I used the opportunity and talked about CORA and our work in community development. He questioned me in some way if I were teaching civics that is so paramount. When he heard my last name. He questioned if I were related to the mayor of the town. I answered that he was related to my husband. He then asked me for my maiden name. He asked if I knew the associate mayor of Petionville with this last name. I replied that she was my sister but she is doing her job in Petionville and I am doing my ministry in the Nippes. I love my sister, but in Haiti depending on people’s perception they may equate my work or her job negatively on the other party.
Then I continued on a walkthrough of the area to EPSSA, the University of the town. I was shocked to see the state of disrepair that the school was in. The doors were half broken; the bathroom dismantled. I remembered when we did the program in 2014 and 2015, I had locked installed for the doors, painted the walls, bought a water cooler for the office, had the broken door of the storage replaced by a solid iron one and the back door of the storage room walled up so that the people on the road would not have access to it. We also bought and installed a chateau d’eau and a table built for the kitchen area. The only good thing is that they kept the ground cleared of weeds and garbage the way our team had originally cleaned it. I passed by ‘salle paroissiale’ which still is a ‘sore sight’ of mud and garbage with a box truck parked in the yard on the main road leading to the church and university, peeling paint, and cracked walls. I really felt disappointed with the hierarchy of the church which in 2012 told me at the ‘One Table” conference in Washington DC that CORA and personal efforts should be geared toward preparing 2021, 300th year anniversary. We are two years away from that date. What have they done? They own most property in the town and all of them are left to their own device. They are as absent as the local city government in the town. I do understand that maintenance is not part of the habits of poverty-stricken people but this is downright neglect.  Our Renesansavo team had originally cleaned the Calvaire, but it needs upkeep.
When I got to the hotel, we had dinner: ‘ri ak pwa kongo, lanbi, bannan fri, choukrout ak kawòt rache’. In the evening I had a mango from Tabarre. It was really delicious. I tried to read but I did not enjoy it. I went to bed early. I felt so emotionally disturbed by the lack of motivation.

 

 

 

Thursday, May 23, 2019
I woke up several times during the night. Finally, I woke up from a dream I was calling out after a woman” I know you killed my brother”. Then she noticed me. She was watching me pursuing her. Finally, I saw her raise both arms to strike me. I yelled “I know you killed my brother.” Then she came close to me and grabbed by hand where she injected something. I screamed and woke up. I immediately prayed for that ‘character’ who I had accused and wanted to do me harm in the dream. I finally got out of bed by 5:50 am to watch the rising sun and hear the waves while praying and connecting with majestic creation. After coffee and breakfast, Pierre and I went to Ti Barcadere, the beach area. Since, Matthew a crater like hole was created on the road. Up the hill and down to the beach area. Again, the benches and tables we had built there in 2014/2017 were demolished. The area was filled with garbage. There was a cow near the water. It was munching on a plastic bottle. We stayed there baffled by the negligence of the people about the environment. The natural beauty of the area marred by the people’s carelessness. My husband recalled how as a child the families used to come to picnic in this area. On our way back to the hotel, we met a peasant with his machete. We told him about our observation about the cow chewing the bottle. He said that many cows have died from eating the garbage left by the people. Pierre and I noticed that along the road they used the ‘candelabra’s tree’ as natural fencing. I introduced Pierre to Mr. Poulard. I went up town to Sisters’ place, then the rectory to bring my donation for mass. Before reaching Mrs. Leblanc’s house, I met Jean Vanel and gave him the goggles I had brought for him. After visiting with Mrs. Leblanc, she insisted on driving me back after showing me a house she is completing for her nephew and she would like to lease. Then she spent some time with us at the hotel as well. Then the foreman showed up and said he would give me an interview tomorrow. The hotel served lunch at 2:15 pm: Ble, poul di, ak salad. We ate one of our mangoes for dessert.
We lounged on the easy chairs for a siesta. One of the workers I had seen at the sisters last year asked me for an audience. He wanted to know if I could help him build a small two room house for his mother. I told him I did not have funds to do that type of charity but if he wrote his request, I would forward it to the group who is researching the idea of providing small loans to individuals. In late afternoon, we went down the long stairway by the water. Pierre went in the water but I did not feel like joining him although I love the ocean. Late evening, Mirkerlande brought us some juice. After watching the twilight for a while, I turn in early feeling the heaviness of being unable to fulfill people’s expectation and not being able to enjoy a moment free of some type of request. I am grateful that I had opportunities to work and learn for forty years to be financially stable now. Even the early struggles to adjust to a new country as immigrant, work, create a family and the pain/sacrifices to achieve do not remove the guilt I felt that I am among a small percentage of people who just had a chance.

 

 

 

Friday, May 24, 2019
During the night the wind blew hard with a torrential rain unlike last night where it only rained. The whole bathroom was wet before we had the chance to close the window panes. In the middle of the night, the interior windows felt like an animal was gnawing at them. I had to lift the flashlight several time in that direction to have the noise stop. At 5:45 am, I heard Arnold sweeping the stairs leading to our balcony then our area. There were a lot of water and dead insects on the floor and tables. He also had to dry the deck below with all the lounge chairs and cushions. We had coffee around 7:15 am and later brought the ‘mayi moulen’ and ‘sauce aransò’ with avocado. We had a conversation with Phaeton, the manager and Jean Fritz, the kitchen coordinator whose zone boat was broken during the night. His previous boat had cost him 2,000 HT a few years ago. Today, I interviewed both the foreman working on the premises, Henold St. Juste who is building the upcoming wedding venue (site) for Marie Yolenss and Jean Charlot Montesuma who built Francoville and is an employee of Caritas Nippes.
Lunch (dinner) was served at 1:45 pm. We had lanbi/kabrit in ‘sauce’, white rice, bean sauce, salad/vegetable, and juice.
I walked to the Salesians’ house and on the road, I met Ervey and Jimmy co-owners who were coming inside the hotel. I helped Claudette set the table with cookies and juice as well as fix the chairs in a circle format. We had fourteen participants in attendance. Each individual present talked about their lives and what their group is or not doing. It was a cordial meeting. Kettia was concerned with the gifts of camera and a projector given to the school (EPSSA) in 2014/2015 and none to RENESANSAVO project (participants). Her second point was that if another administrator other than Sr. Flora is appointed as head of the Salesians’ house, would the trade/professional school stop existing. I answered that the cameras were given to the university by a donor in memory of her father so that other students would continue to learn how to use them at the University; the second point, that it is an institution that we support and whoever is in charge would have to continue in the commitment taken toward the community according to their mission statement. We would have more to lose with an individual secular or not.
The 14 participants were glad we had the meeting. I gave Myriam’s gifts to Kettia and Filienne respectively and my books for Kettia’s school library, Les Etoiles. After the meeting, Filienne walked with me to the Hotel. I wanted to introduce her to Blendel at the Haitian Sport foundation in order to volunteer for their upcoming medical fair.
When I got to Francoville, Pierre was agitated saying he was told that we were supposed to have moved out already. The reservation said 21 to 24. I agreed with him stating that we arrived on the 21 at about 3 pm and check out time should be on the 25th in the am that is 4 nights, as I had discussed with the manager yesterday morning. There was no confusion for me. I had prepaid our hotels a month before as well as the transportation fees. While I was still trying to calm Pierre, the owner came along with the mayor and his brother. Pierre discussed family members still alive and known families still living in the country. The mayor stated some of the things he is trying to achieve for the town after I mentioned what I hear from the people that he is an ‘absent mayor’. We all talked until 11:15 pm. When they left, Pierre told me he had paid the bill put on our room tab. He used the gourdes I had given him for his personal expenses as well as some US money. I was upset that he did this without my prior knowledge as I handled all the financial for the trip. O my God! At least he tried to help.

 

 

 

Saturday, May 25, 2019
I could not sleep. I prayed but something was bothering my internal peace. After turning and tossing for a while, I think I had finally fallen asleep when the phone rang at 3:28 am. It was Natalie. I called her back she did not answer. I tried again to fall asleep. The ocean was turbulent. I could hear it striking across the rocks below. The rumbling was loud. At 5:30 am Pierre woke up and was surprised on how agitated the waves were below. I showered, got dressed and completed the packing of the suitcases. At 6:30 Arnold brought the coffee. Later Phaeton, the manager, came and I explained his misunderstanding about our reservation and how he had upset my husband. He should have not come with people to our space after I had discussed check-out time with him yesterday morning. I reiterated to him how reservations are made and that the personnel should be aware of set policies and hospitality guidelines. We gave Arnold a tip and encouraged him not to miss school as he had done in the past few days in order to serve the guests. I felt dizzy, I had to go lie down on the lounge chair. They brought breakfast at 9:15 am. Our usual waitress came with someone else this am.
As the manager was going to the sisters to do some errand, I went with him to take our suitcases to their place. I walked back to the Hotel to pick-up Pierre. He was in great conversation with two men. Then the owner of the hotel came to spend some time with us to hear our evaluation of the hotel so that he can make improvements. We said he would get an 8 out of 10 for personnel courtesy and services. He had us visit the whole hotel and presented us the plan for the future. By 2:30 we decided to walk to our new arrangements at the sisters’ place. We visited “Grann Sentàn”, the Cathedral for a short prayer. As we were on the big steps it started to drizzle. We hurried to the house.
We had lunch of bouillon with Sr. Flora. I ate one of the mangoes and some apricot preserves. I dropped by the sewing and cooking classes taking place in this Saturday morning and took pictures.
I made arrangements with Sr. Flora for the different trips I wanted to have instead of hiring a driver and renting a car. We also made arrangements with our airport driver to use him for a visit around the town.
We had supper: fried fish, lam veritab and plaintain. We were served cookies prepared by the students attending the cooking class. We had conversation with the Sisters and they asked us how we had met. After supper, we sat a while on the gallery before turning in.
We had changed location; we would be part of the congregation for the next few days. I was happy to be in familiar territory. This is not the impersonal atmosphere of a hotel.

 

 

 

Sunday, May 26, 2019
I slept heavily for a while and woke up around 2 am. It was so dark, I thought I was blind. I could not even distinguish outlines of things. At around 4 am, Pierre woke up. I closed the curtains separating our room window from the personnel. At 5:30, I thought Pierre had opened the light but it was the sunlight peering in from the outside window. I got out of bed, showered, got dressed and went to the main dining room and kitchen to look for some coffee. While praying on the gallery, I noticed that Sr. Mirlande was taking pictures for the communicants. I called Pierre to help with the process of individual and group pictures for each child receiving first communion before going over to the church. I made some videos for them as well processing to church. The young priest preached for a long time. [He mentioned our Catholic identity with the Eucharist instituted by Christ (John 6:20-24). Matthew and Luke which discussed to do this in memory; the controversy which existed between the Jewish communities and the pagans converting and accepting Christ. He celebrated women and asked which commandment stated to honor father and mother.] I wish the priests in Haiti would do like the priests in my Parish of Incarnation. They are never too long and yet their messages are based on one of the readings and inspiring. Not too many messages at one time always directing you to improve your relationship with God and each other. Then the mass proceeded with special attention to the kids. Some of the kids while at the house had practice the readings with me before coming to church. They did a good job in proclaiming the word of God and the prayers. They also had rehearsed a liturgical dance. It was practically 11 am when everything was done in the church. I rushed to the house to get some breakfast.
Pierre and I relaxed on the outside porch that surround the sister’s house facing the inside courtyard. We had a nice lunch of rice, chicken, plaintain, and ‘zabriko’ preserve. Filienne, a Renesansavo participant, who has been volunteering at Visitation Hospital for the past four months because she is unable to find a job yet. I had given her the task to negotiate some funds on my behalf with the Sisters at L’Etang Rey to repair, purchase, and do some needed work for the children’s “foyer”. She had collected all receipts and then prepared a financial report based on the needs assessment she had elicited from them. We planned to go together tomorrow to bring them some items brought for the children and some sewing materials.
Pierre and I went for a walk around the town. We went past the cemetery to the lower part of town called ‘La basse ville’. We strolled on the street called ‘bord de mer’ where the old houses and stores used to be, where the fishermen live now. We went on a little pathway up by Dartiguenave’s historical house filled with garbage. We stopped by the old “Frères” building where Pierre went to school. There were a few inhabitants among which there was a fisherman making a fishing net who live in this abandoned property by the hierarchy of the church. We passed by the Hospital Jules Fleury, manned mostly by the Cuban medical staff which does not speak Kreyòl. By the Calvaire, I saw Oline who was sitting on the stairs there with some kids. I asked her, as they had volunteered her expertise at our last RENESANSAVO meeting, to be part of the entrepreneurship research committee. I wondered if she would be interested to work with Sr. Myrlande in creating a workshop on small business and entrepreneurship for the cooking and sewing class participants. She agreed in talking with Sr. on this matter.
The house was quiet when we got there. It is time off for the personnel.

 

 

 

Monday, May 27, 2019
I got up from bed at 6:15 am although I was awake since 4:30 am. I got dressed took coffee and went on the gallery by inner yard to pray. By 7:50 am, the school bell rang while I was taking breakfast with Pierre. Sr. Flora seemed a little upset that a parent got mad because the school had asked for the tuition and was putting some pressure to get some funds to pay the teachers. Pierre and I got ready to go to L’Etang Rey. We put the suitcase and materials in the car while waiting for Filienne to join us. We finally left the house at 9 am. In Miragoane and at the entrance of the Paillant road we saw some team pulling weeds and cleaning, the driver and Filienne stated that this is called “Kale kò” or “Blanchi kòb”. When the local government receives some type of funding, they give a few temporary assignments to some people to clear around the road for a day or two. We reached Kafou Farest at 10:45 before taking the side road on the left to go up the rocky mountain to “St Francois d’Assise” Foyer (orphanage with a few kids with a living parent) run by the contemplative order created by Fr. Dehoux who was in the Hospital because of fractured pelvis. Sr. Marie Rose the new person in Charge welcomed us and had us visit the foyer. We made individual pictures for most of the children. Visited the classrooms of the small ones who are not sent to the public school due to their young age and inexperience to be on the road by themselves. Filienne and Sr. Hostie made the inventory of all items that were brought for them. She wrote the name of kids in order for me so that I could place them on their pictures. While there, we received two requests for funding one to complete the clinic, and another to have furniture and items for the foyer. The children had sung for us. Before we left, we (the driver, Filienne, Pierre and myself) as well as a visiting priest from Les Cayes, Jean Kenel Erinac) were given lunch before taking the road back. We stopped by Msgr. Rebecca’s church but he did not answer although his car was there.
It started to rain heavily by the roundabout in Miragoane and as suddenly as the rain had started 15 minutes later it stopped. We stopped at Visitation Hospital to drop Filienne who was on duty for the evening. I had asked Ms. Theresa Patterson, founder of the hospital, to allow her to get training at the hospital as a young graduate in nursing. However, because she had not found employment yet she remained as an intern for now four months. We talked to the nurse in charge and the ADM about Filienne. They both said how they were satisfied with her performance and sense of commitment in accomplishing whatever tasks assigned to her. Although she had a glowing review no job offer was forthcoming from them. The ADM told me if I paid her, he would be happy to keep her working at the hospital. We stopped by Manolo’s hotel so that Pierre could see where I had stayed twice. Manolo told Pierre since January he only had three guests in the hotel. We stopped two times on the road to see if we could buy some Soda’s for Sr. Myrlande’s business. We did not find any at a good price. When we got to the house, we still found some food from the lunch served in the afternoon. Pierre was really hungry. I mentioned to Sister Myrlande that I wished I had some ice cream. She froze some ‘kowosòl’ pulp with a little brown sugar on top. It was delicious. I felt an underlying headache and decided to turn in early. After putting some of my papers in order, I was really tired.

 

 

 

Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Woke up twice during the night. It is so dark in comparison to my room in NY where I can see the outline of every furniture. Finally, at 6:30 I got out of bed showered and went to the dining room for coffee. All three nuns were having breakfast. I did not stay long; I went to the porch (gallery) to pray and do the bible readings of the mass of the day. By eight, Pierre came to have breakfast before Mrs. Leblanc was to pick us up to visit Brossard. We saw the wall erected by CORA as a fencing around the property where the chapel of St. Claire is to be built. Nothing else is being done at this time. Mrs. Leblanc stated that they are waiting on a senator that promised to have the land leveled to facilitate the construction. We went to the Petits Frères (PFST)’s place. They were not there. The sugar cane mill was not working. The sugar cane sticks were getting dry under the sun or rotting at the bottom where the rain had soaked some. The bagasse piles were still very high. I don’t know when they will find a way to transform these or get rid of them. We continued on to Arnaud and Mrs. Leblanc showed us the family lands (Fleury) and her father’s tomb. On our way back, we stopped a Laurore Bellegarde’s school in the area. The director, Fritz St. Cyr, gave an interview. Mrs. Leblanc dropped us at Mr. Larionne’s so that Pierre could say hello. Then we went to Mr. Martin so that he could show us Pierre’s father tomb. As he was not home nor at his business. We continued to visit the elementary national school & St. Ange in Ka George. These two schools have the same grades and two different directors. They represent one the old school run by the brothers, the other run by the nuns. So, an important citizen of the town gave a gift of land to build the two schools in remembrance of these institutions. But both are mixed schools no longer one for girls the other for the boys. It started to drizzle, we rushed through EPSSA and side path to get to the house. As soon as we got in, it started to pour incessantly. We filled up 10 buckets of water for the bathrooms and the kitchen. Several mangoes fell on the ground and on the tin roof scaring us at time. While we were outside on the porch, three individuals from a company doing some work in the area came to ask Sr. Flora for lodging because of the torrential rain They could no longer travel around because of the intensity of the wind and rain flow. Sr. Flora had to go in the rain to the outside bungalow to fix the room with two single beds for the women and set up the front living room with a mattress for the man.
For supper we had Labouillie bannann. I had eaten three mangoes in the afternoon, I did not want to eat anything else. The main had abated a little. The new guests said they had to go look for some food, they would be back. I decided to turn in. I did some wash.
By the time I had finish the rain started again. I decided to go to bed at 8:30 pm and do some reading. The rain continued to pour down. I know most roads will be impractical in the morning.

 

 

 

Wednesday, May 29, 2019
When I heard the sisters singing, it was already 5:58 am. I decided to go shower and get dressed. I got some coffee and sat down on the gallery for my own prayers and readings. The sisters had finished their morning laud in the chapel. I saw the members of the team who had asked for lodging last night walking about the facility. Apparently, there is a monitor registering earthquake data on the sisters’ property. I asked the lady who seemed in charge if she would give me an interview. I had breakfast (haran, patat, yam) and sat on the gallery. I saw one of the students crying in the yard. He had a necklace so tight around his neck with an imbedded cross looking like a choker. I guess this was a charm against evil. I sang some nursery rhymes to him until he joined the other kids. I mentioned this to Sr. Flora. While I was talking to my daughter in Korea, the engineer, Sophia Ulysse, came to me for the interview. She is young, knowledgeable, and confident. She took about 11 minutes to explain her work and what the population should be aware of to protect themselves from these weather conditions. Pierre was picking mangoes with a stick; I took some pictures and made a short video. I texted the pictures to our kids via What’s app. We looked into the chicken coop business of eggs and chicken which supplement the income of the sisters as some children are unable to pay the tuition.
We had lunch at 2:30 pm: fish, rice and beans, plaintain, legume. This was a very relaxing time for us in a drizzling, sporadically rainy day. I went back to our room to get my notebook, it smelled like dog. Pierre had used a broom to sweep which is used to clean the backyard. I had to mop with a rinse to remove the smell. This is how we spend time as if it were our own home. The big difference there was no television and news about the political climate between democrats and republicans. What a great respite. Daniel, living in Mexico was corresponding with his brother. Wow! We take it for granted to be able to communicate to the United States, South Korea, Mexico, and within Haiti.

 

 

 

Thursday, May 30, 2019
I could not sleep. I prayed. I was not thinking of anything special. I just was waiting for the morning to come. I realized I had not written the minutes of the meeting done with the RENESANSAVO participants. After coffee and prayer, Pierre and I had breakfast early: ‘mayi moulen’ with everything in it and fresh kowosòl juice. The food here is organic. I will be missing that when I go back home. We had a chance to sit with the sisters. I mentioned some things that bother me in the country: not having enough light in the classrooms for the students to see clearly and assigned space for children to play. We also discussed some of the Salesians short- and long-term plans. Short term is to strengthen the vocational school, the chicken coop business of eggs and live chickens. The long term would be to find funds to build the fence around the other land which is being surveyed for building the additional classrooms needed for the vocational school as well as fulfilling the national education mandate to have complete elementary grades – k to 9. Another long-term request would be to replace their current 11-12 years old Toyota four-wheel drive which requires a lot of maintenance.
At noon, I decided to go to the Cathedral which was going to welcome pilgrims from Les Cayes celebrating their 300 years of their parishes 1719-2019. There were about 8-12 busses with several priests in attendance. I had to help some of the welcoming team youth bring chairs for the people in the back of the church. Fr. Louis announced that the pilgrims could find food at the sisters’ place. I ran there, they were not equipped to do so. I helped to organize the lines. When there was no more food left. I returned to the church. I saw Fr. Almonacy, I gave him a copy of the mass book explained in Kreyol that I am preparing as well as a book I think he would enjoy reading: “Silence Parole de Vie”. There was no room in the church to sit. I had to stand during the mass. Finally, at 3 pm, I cross over to the house to have lunch. When I came back to the Cathedral, they were still praying. I stayed on the big steps looking in, the pilgrims were praying singing. I noticed by the door two young men. One had a lit candle in each raised hand, the other had one. They had their eyes closed completely engrossed in their fervent meditation. I just wanted to join in their prayers and also intercede in their favor. To the right of the landing was a young woman with hunting eyes, looking so desperate and emotionally dejected that I felt the urge to go to her and kiss her and say quickly Jesus loves you. Encounters like this lingers with you. Everything ended at 4:30 pm and the pilgrims returned to their busses on their way to another church. When I returned to the house, I talked to Sr. Myrlande about one of her students, the only male, attending the cooking class who had approached me to be part of the award ceremony as graduating class godmother. I remembered Professor Claude who had taught in Cap Haitian and had also provided some small cooking devices for his students. I promised to communicate with him when I get back in the States to see how he could help or improve the classes. I communicated with Carole about us visiting Jacmel during the week-end. I also sent a message to Evelyne to thank her on behalf of ‘Foyer St. Francois d’Assise’ of L’Etang Rey. The driver came back from Cap Haitian with the carpenters who were to work on the dining room and kitchen cabinets. The new kind of mango s delicious, it could be used to do the type of chips I recently ate in NY produced by the Mavuno Harvest. Pierre went to the church to see the people do night prayers. I felt the mosquitoes wanted to have a feast night with me, I turn in early.

 

 

 

Friday, May 31, 2019
The night was better. I felt refresh in the am. I finally got out of bed at 5:50 am and I could hear the sisters singing in the chapel. Pierre and I had breakfast. We were waiting for Sr. Mirlande to return from filing out the reports for the cantine at the National school. We were headed for Aquin, my mother’s birth place. Finally, Sr. Angeline, Sr. Myrlande, Pierre, and I got ready and left the house at 9:40 am. I called Aldy, the owner of the Aldy Hotel, he was not in Aquin, and he was already in Port-au-Prince. The driver and Pierre were having fun making a joke about the motorcycles calling them the new donkeys—”Motosiklèt tounen bourik”. I like going to Aquin. The road is asphalted unlike the road to Anse-a-Veau. We visited Aldy Hotel and met Aldy’s son who is now the manager of the hotel. We bought a few items at the hotel—kremas, sodas, and confiture. We also drove to the center complex. We got back on the return road at 1:00 pm. We stopped only for gas and was at the house by 3:00 pm. Pierre liked the hotel and the view. When we got back, we had lunch. Pierre put the pictures on the computer as a backup. I talked to Mr. Labissiere who told us he found mail in our box although we had filled out forms at the post office to discontinue service for the next three weeks. I stayed on the gallery to type the minutes. I was unable to send an email; the Wi-Fi was very low. I had to ask Sr. Angeline to send the email to Mr. Labissiere for me. I helped Willene with the dishes. She seemed so tired after preparing and cooking breakfast, lunch, taking care of additional guests, selling chickens and eggs. She is like an indentured servant. She has a natural smile and is of good humor unless crossed. I like her and she knows it. I made arrangements with Sr. for the different trips using her car and driver and also preparing the dinner for June 7 for the personnel. I reminded her to give me a note for the monies received for my records. She knows how I keep track of every expenses incurred during my trips. Pierre and I went to prepare our bags ready for tomorrow. By 9:30 pm we were ready for bed.

 

 

 

Saturday, June 1, 2018
We woke up and finished packing. We had breakfast and got some coconut juice for the road. We were ready to go by 8:50 am. We drove through the Market of O’Rourck. O boy! Merchandise all over the mud, the garbage, squeezing on top of each other. I thought I was in a bad dream of Harry Potter pushing their wares in your face. At Petite Rivière we were stopped and asked money before we could proceed. There was a rope to block the street. Sr. Flora gave them some money and we were able to pass. Sr. had to go to Miragoane to buy wood for the closet. We had to stop at Siege Sound de Cosmi-coop. We reached Carefour Dufor et de l’Amitie finally at 12:12. We got to the gas station to get Dr. Brea who took a few minutes to get from Fondwa to reach us on the main road to Jacmel. We had planned to meet her so that she could spend a week-end with us as we forgot to cancel her services for the medical fair that was supposed to have taken place. The hotel is located in Caye Jacmel close to Carole’s new place. We ordered food when we got there, Dr. Brea was very specific about not having any hot pepper close to her food as she is allergic. We were really hungry. Babeth went in the water while I walked on the beach. It is so dirty not only with some garbage but dried algae’s and fresh ones. I talked about the cleanliness of the beach with a nearby guard. He said if people do not eat, how could they think about cleaning the beach. I bought a bracelet from a youth who was selling artisanal articles. Pierre was given some mangoes for us. I shared with everyone. We stayed by the beach for a while until it got dark.
We three women shared one room and Pierre and the driver shared the other. We were so grateful to Carole for making the arrangements for us. Babeth chose the side of bed she wanted and I went to sleep. Sr. was already in her bed. By 10 pm, all lights were turned off.

 

 

 

Sunday, June 2, 2019
During the night, it rained really hard. I could hear the sound of the ocean’s waves as well. Finally, at 6 am I woke quietly trying not to awake anyone. Showered and went to the front desk to ask for coffee. I saw Patrice, Carole’s cousin and owner of the hotel. I sat by our room to pray and do my readings. I knocked at Pierre’s room and asked him if he wanted some coffee. He would have to put a shirt on, wash his face, and brush his hair before coming for the cup of coffee although there was no one around our space. For breakfast, we were served omelets with everything in it with bread, kowosòl juice and more coffee. Patrice told us some funny stories on how he came to build his hotel which was completed by the day of the earthquake; his father’s involvement with building the Jacmel main road. We stayed for a couple of hours in the hotel before taking a tour of downtown Jacmel. At 12:40 we were at Fondwa. After stopping to buy some fruits at Dekouze, Pierre had an argument with a street vendor. She screamed at him not to take pictures of her stand if not buying or she will break his camera. Pierre went into a rage. He said: “just say do not take pictures. What right would you have to break my camera?” Where ever he is they called him ‘blanc’ because of his coloring, a wide rim hat and his camera. We had to calm him down. On our way away from that area we noticed that the car’s wind-chill had been punctured either with a small rock or Bibi gun. We stopped again to get the bottle of water for the cooler. We arrived in Anse-a-Veau at 3:15 pm. We had dinner “rice and beans”, chicken with nuts. Babeth said it had ‘piman’ and refused to eat.
Mr. Jean Altine and his wife came to visit me. They wanted me to convey their thanks to the individuals who for the past two years had supported their daughter, Abcinad, by paying her tuition and supplies to attend medical school. She was recently robbed after school. They took her laptop, her school uniform, and other papers in her bag. The parents said that they were grateful that she is alive. Now the trend in some areas is to spy on university students leaving school to mug and violate them. As soon as the school year is over, they will share her grades with us.
Babeth woke up from her hammock and said she was hungry. The sisters told her that the personnel are off on Sunday afternoon. They offered her bread and jam. They said they had eggs. She said she would love to have a couple. The guardian went to the chicken coop and brought her three eggs. She asked for oil, salt, and utensil and cooked them. Sr. Myrlande had to fire the gas stove top for her because she feels nervous in opening the gas tank. She also got an avocado. She ate it all then after washing her dishes, she went back to her hammock satisfied. I am glad she can adjust to where she is.
Sr. Flora again mentioned the need to write a proposal to find help to support the cantine. She has to make a new gas installation for the kitchen for two reasons: 1) the charcoal is too difficult to find and is expensive; 2) to protect the environment by having less trees cut. She has 4 gas tanks ‘bonbòn’ of 100 pounds each to cook daily for the children. It cost 1,000 gdes for each bonbòn or 4,000 gdes every 15 days. This means about $45 us or about $90 per month. She will need some contribution to enable her to cook the food for the children. This is an additional cost which would require one or more sponsors to ensure the students daily feeding.
In the evening, Pierre and Babeth spent time watching family pictures. I just went to bed.

 

 

 

Monday, June 3, 2019
Woke up at 5:50 am. Showered, got dressed and went for coffee. Today is my older brother’s birthday. His funeral was celebrated the day of Haiti’s earthquake in Colorado. I prayed for him and his family. Afterwards I woke Babeth and told her we would be living at 8 am. We had breakfast (fruits-pineapples, water melon, banana; herring in sauce, and spaghetti (absolute worst breakfast for me). Abel, our driver, was at the gate promptly at the appointed time. That is when Pierre needed a bottle of water and he forgot his shoes delaying our departure. We stopped by Mr. Esperance Berard Morel’s hotel and bar in Jubilee for an interview. We also visited Kettia’s school, Les Etoiles as she had made some additions since our last visit last year. We had to go through the rocky roads, really shaking your inside, to reach the offices of Caritas, Life Teen and Plaj Lakay. Fr. Franky was having a meeting with his staff under the main tree, we looked at the hotel rooms just built for volunteers and ministers. There is a new director at Life Teen named Franky. We said hello before passing by the Madian Beach. We saw the sign for the ‘Ferme Agricole’ and asked if we could give them an interview. They have huge land with all types of fruit trees and such a range of animals—chickens, geese, vultures, peacock, goats, pigs, a crocodile… It had rained the night before. The pathways were muddy and filled with animal excrements. The manager, Marie Rose Dextra Laguerre, was very hospitable. They had just picked a papaya and she gave it to us although we wanted to buy it from her. We complimented her and her agronomist husband for the work they are doing. Dr. Brea suggested she eats some of the papaya seeds and water melon seeds for her health.
We returned toward Anse-a-Veau in the direction of Baconois. I wanted to introduce Dr. Brea to Christine Mathurin, known as Madan Nènè, in Rocher Laval she is an organic fanatic and has her own bee hives. We bought her l’Antillaise, biomel drink. Babeth did not want to leave, she was copying the names of the books being shown to her by Mrs. Nènè on plants of Haiti. I got some morenga seeds which she swallows one daily to prevent diabetes. She gave Pierre some of her pure honey. We continued on to Petit Trou where I wanted Pierre to visit the colonial chapel and the well-organized Laferrière library. We left the square around 3:32 pm and arrived in Anse-a-Veau at 4:35 pm. As soon as I got at the house, I had to shower and wash my clothes. I felt the dirty water of the crocodile pool had splattered on me. I also wash my sneakers. Then when we felt cleaned and refreshed, we got some food. It was a mayi moulen cake with chick and black bean sauce. Babeth, Pierre, and I ate the whole thing. Then we sat on the gallery to go over our experience for the day. Filienne came to visit. I gave her a stipend for the day she spent with me at L’Etang Rey. I walked toward the church to hear and participate in the last prayers for the day. Babeth, Pierre, and I stayed on the gallery for some time then at 9:30 pm I turned in. I read for a while and then went to sleep.

 

 

 

Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Night was peaceful. Woke up and got out of bed at 6 am. Sr. Mirlande went to Port-au-Prince yesterday. Sr. Flora left very early this morning. Sister Angeline is left in charge of the school and everything else. I talked to Malou, my friend and Alix, my junior HS classmate. Jocelyne, my former sister-in-law called to find out how Pierre was managing after forty years away from the country. We had a breakfast of fresh fruits, plaintain and yam with liver in sauce. We sat on the gallery to cool down. It felt very hot. After lunch of legume, white rice and bean sauce, we planned to go to the cemetery at 2 pm to find Pierre’s father tomb. It started to drizzle while we reached the area and it then began to pour. We stayed while Pierre try to remove the ‘breziliyèn’ a kind of wild vine plant. The rain stopped and we went back to the house. On the route, some school kids called my husband ‘blanc’. I told them that I am a native and that this is my husband’s land as much as theirs. I still don’t get it when they act like that. It gets me upset to see this divide. I had to get a shower to wash away the mud and rained on clothes. I sat on the gallery with Sr. Angeline and I talked about our experience as catechist in our own local churches. I shared with her the retreat I conducted during lent for the Affiliées de Marie from 9 to 4 on the “Body of Christ”. I learned a lot in preparation of the presentations. I explained the different biblical reference and activities done in small groups. Later on, in the evening, I updated my financial sheets indicating all the expenses incurred during the trip. Because there was wi-fi at the sisters, I was able to check my regular US What’s App number. Fr. Elisca of Plaisance du Sud called me on my Haiti What’s app number. I wanted to know if he was happy with his tabernacle, light stands, candle holders purchased from the Diocese of Brooklyn storage for him. His church is still in need of a roof. I promised to send him the information about From Here to Haiti and Pax Christi of Colorado. Then I went to the church for the Holy Spirit Novena. After the prayer, I walked to the rectory to introduce Pierre to Fr. Louis Merosne, the pastor of St. Anne Cathédrale. We had a good conversation about all what CORA wanted to do for the town. As Father Louis is our liaison for the Bishop of the diocese, I complained about some things specifically the state of neglect of the university, the appalling appearance of the Salle Paroissiale, and no apparent church preparation of the town for 2021 as we had discussed in 2012. He shared with us an incident that happened for the first time in the town. A parish came to get the food from the storage of Food for the Poor that is maintained by the Cathédrale. A group of people attacked them and took all the food from them. Apparently, some people living in the back of the church were also participants in this occurrence. After we left the rectory, we talked for a short while. Dr. Brea went to her room before they release the dogs in the yard. Pierre stayed on the gallery to sip some ‘kremas’ while I went to bed.

 

 

Wednesday, June 5, 2019
I woke up early but stayed in bed and prayed, going in and out of sleep. I finally got out of bet at 6:10 am. I quickly got dressed, we had an appointment with Mr. Martin at 8 am in the cemetery. While Pierre was getting ready and looking for a machete to cut the vines, I had some coffee. I was excited that Mr. Martin would be confirming the tomb we had cleared, would be the one. When we got to the cemetery, he told us we were mistaken although I was sure it was the one, he had pointed to us two years ago. He showed two small sandy tombs covered with the Breziliyèn. They look practically impossible to clean. Pierre tentatively tried to no avail to see the top. We gave up. Mr. Martin suggested we hire someone to clean both. That is when we realized he might not be sure of anything. Pierre lost his footing machete in hand. I ran to him and grabbed it from him. He made a few pictures of the area. We returned to the house disappointed. However, I am sure that Henry, Pierre’s father’, must have appreciated our efforts to honor him. The locals looked at me surprised walking the street with the machete in hand. When we got to the house, we had a good breakfast – mayi moulen with legume and sliced avocado. It was also served with fresh fruit: apricot, pineapples, mangoes with Kowosòl juice. I froze some of the juice for later. After washing our dishes, I brought a book “Go and Do the Same” by Dr. Mortel and Fr. Philippe’s number in Fondwa for Fr. Louis next door. I also promised to do something about the salle paroissiale that I called a sore-eye on the road to the university and Cathédrale. I told him when I see a problem, I try to solve it. Yves d’Or and Renaldo, two Renesansavo participants and members of Teen Life came to work with him. They said they are ready to write a proposal and accomplish it if they find the proper funding. Immediately the idea came into my mind, if I send Fr. Louis money to fix the salle paroissiale these young men could take charge of the project working with the youth of the town to accomplish this task. I will stipulate that when I send the check.
We sat most of the day on the gallery. Dinner was served late almost 4 pm – fried fish and rice and bean. Sr. Myrlande gave me a few envelopes to put some donation for the personnel. I found small gifts to give the sisters and the personnel. Babeth gave me some money and I completed it to cover her stay at the sisters. I cleaned the table with vinegar to try to diminish the flies but it did not work. When I send him the money, I will ask Fr. Louis to use these two young people to take charge of this project in conjunction with the youth of the town.
At 5:30 pm I decided to go with Babeth to the Bells tower before going to mass. I heard the reading and the psalm while outside. After the mass and Holy Spirit novena, Fr. Louis wanted to talk to me. He proposed that I attend an event in Platsdeutche and a pilgrimage to the Holy Land which will contribute to Haiti’s priests’ retirement funds. I promised to consider it if I get the information needed. Mr. Martin came after mass one day to plead with me to support his complaint about a misrepresentation done by a religious TV program for the diocese which presented Miragoane among the churches of the diocese and not St. Anne, the true mother church. He reminded me that the Pope chose St. Anne to be the Cathédrale for the Diocese of Nippes and Miragoane is the co-Cathédrale.
Later that day, I asked the sisters to put the reception before not after mass on the 7th because everyone would be here at 3 pm and won’t have to come back later. We will attend mass by ourselves. I went to the room at 9 pm, I felt tired.

 

 

 

Thursday, June 6, 2019
Woke up early in the am and could not fall back to sleep. Guess because I am in unfamiliar territory, any sound triggers some type of discomfort. I stayed in bed until 6 am. Got up, dressed and went for coffee and prayer. I like being on the gallery and looking at this plush nature of trees and plants-communing with nature in its diverse beauty. I spent hours cleaning the gift of Djondjon given by the Jeantine. Hope I will be able to travel with it. I prepared two separate bags: one with the heads only and another complete with the branches. Babeth help this process while listening to music. I saw Marc Henry chopping down the olive tree (morenga). He told me Sr. Flora did not want it to be higher than the wall. I ask him to give the leaves to the cook to prepare a salad. She did serve it as an overcooked vegetable. After an early lunch, I went to sat on the gallery on the other side of the house facing the ocean. It felt cooler with a sea breeze. I like the house because the gallery is all around the house except where they built a wall to prevent access from the front area to the back. In the afternoon, Filienne came to do her training with Dr. Brea. She gave all the materials Filienne would need to become familiar with on matter of care. In the afternoon, we walked to Kettia’s house to borrow the library books I had brought for her. After showing them to Sr. Angeline, Filienne promised to return the package to Kettia’s school. Dr. Brea and I went to Jean Vanel’s house to see the child he felt was sick and needed medical attention. After some questions to her and the family, Dr. Brea believes the child had worms and lacking in proper nutrients. She suggested the medication (Albendazol 400 mg or Mebendazol 100 mg) and types of food the child would need to sustain her. She wrote the medication down with the proper instruction on how to take it and for how long. She gave them some idea for her daily diet. After the consultation, we walked to the hospital to find out if they would be able to give the child the medicine. The nurses Ms. Mariette and Ms. Daphne told us there would be no problem and also that the hospital has a nutrition center for malnourished children. We walked back to the church. Assisted the end of the novena to the Holy Spirit. At the house, I showed Sr. Angeline the books I authored and how to use them. I promised to send her my play “Bwat Lamayòt” and the translation of the Divine Mercy in Kreyòl. Then I took some time to go over the “Centre Jevenile” with Sr. Mirlande. She showed me what would be needed to have well equipped classes for each field of training offered. The sisters had ordered food. Pierre ate the whole plate and some banana porridge. I took a few plaintains and drank a lot of water. I shared by plate with Wedlene. Babeth had a class with Sr. Mirlande on cooking. This was the first night we went to bed very late. I asked to set up the class registration list for her on Excel.

Friday, June 7, 2019
I was dreaming that Philip, my son, was in a hospital. I don’t know for what. He witnessed some attendant selling drugs and reported it. He had to go to court. I was scared that the people at the hospital knowing this fact would treat him badly. However, he told me if I visit with him to bring some Haitian Food. Pierre came toward the bed to wish me a happy anniversary and woke me up. I decided to get dressed and go for coffee and prayer. I had a special intention of thanksgiving for my family. We had breakfast of fresh fruits, chocolate, and bread. We tried to clean the tables for this afternoon, they were all covered with flies. We tried Clorox water, then pure vinegar, and even Listerine. Nothing worked permanently to get rid of these annoying insects. We are in mango seasons. Sr. Myrlande brought some begone which was effective. While arrangement was being prepared for the luncheon, I set up an excel sheet with a tab for each field of study with first, last name, and payment schedule. Within two hours, I had the students name entered using the data on the word documents. I like setting files and using this program.
At 2 pm, I felt so sleepy I went to get a nap. At 3:00 pm I got ready. When Mrs. Leblanc came by at 3:30 pm we called the personnel to come and eat. After Sr. Flora said grace, Pierre served himself, Mrs. Leblanc, Jean Vanel, and everyone else. Pierre was waiting for me to sit down instead of passing plates to everyone. We offered soft drink to everyone as well as prestige. Claudette came a little late because she had returned home not knowing we had changed the time. I gave each member of the personnel and the sisters a little gift item and a few people a tip for their services while at the house. By 5 pm everyone had left and chairs put away and table cloth collected and paper plates thrown away. At 6:30 pm, we walked over to the church for the mass where we had made arrangements for an intention for our 50-year anniversary. The celebrant was a guest priest on that day. He did not know us and stated “congratulation to the couple who has been married for 50 years” and during the prayer of the faithful repeated the same thing. Thank goodness I had already made arrangements in my parish to have the intention of the mass celebrated at the 8:30 am mass for us. It was published in the bulletin and all the parishioners when they heard the intention, prayed for us. [This was later reported to me when I returned from the trip]. We did not feel bad about not receiving a special blessing here as they do in my parish as we had already attended the Brooklyn Diocesan wedding anniversary celebrations on May 18th. When we returned to the house, the sisters, Babeth, Pierre and I had some cake and we thanked the sisters for their hospitality for the past days.

 

Saturday, June 8, 2019
At about 1 am the electricity shut down because the solar system was not so charged because of continues rains and cloudy days. By 4:30, we got out of bed to get dressed and pack up the last items into our bags. We went for coffee and we found the breakfast of lanbi and plaintain and yams already boxed to go. Dr. Brea decided she wanted to eat right there. We loaded the car with our suitcases and the gallon of water bottles to be filled in Port-au-Prince later. We left the house at 6:15 am. When we got to Petite-Rivière past Manolo’s hotel, close to Dupuy a group of young men literally cut a ditch in the road from one side to the other. It would be impossible to go through. There was another car stopped a little ahead of us. We backed-up and someone said we could use the detour by the kenep tree. We said we had just past by and there was what seem like an accident. It was not, a box car had been placed there and more tree trunks were being added to its side to completely block the passage. We made a u-turn trying to see if we could find someone by Manolo’s. There was no one. We thought of returning to Anse-a-Veau and go through another town like l’Asile. That would be a very long detour.
Sister and the driver recognize a driver going in the direction of the barricade. We try to follow thinking both of us could go at the same time. But they did not go far. The young demonstrators started throwing rocks and bottles. We backed-up again. We saw a man passing by. Sister asked him: Do you know another route to get out to the main road? These people here have to travel today, that is the reason we took the road early. He said to wait. Babeth was saying maybe we could find a road through the beach area. Sister insisted that one of the drivers had told her there was another route, she did not remember if it was by the school further down the road. She tried to call him on the phone with no luck. The man returned with a young man with dreads described as one of the organizers. He said he could show us a way out because we have an emergency but he has to ride with us. Another young man on a motorcycle told the one entering the car not to go. Then he started to talk animatedly to someone on the phone while riding along the car for a while. Two things came to my mind: 1) that we were going to be led to an ambush or 2) he really was going to lead us away in the right direction. I prayed and ask the Holy Spirit to take over. I started to talk to the young man asking him for his name: He said he was Cherubin of the 3rd communal section. We asked him why cut the road? He answered that the mayor of Petite Rivière, Mrs. Manolo, had received funds for the town and not using it for the purpose it was appropriated for such as improving the roads, the schools and economic opportunities for the youth. I said I could give him an interview to be videotaped. He refused but he accepted to tell me about himself. He comes from a family of ‘ebenist’ (carpenters) but he learned informatique (computers). He has a child 11 years old enrolled at SESA. He used the detour in the mountain narrow pathway very rocky, hilly, and muddy with cliff sometimes on both sides. We were stopped again by a small group of women, 2 young men and children with a big tree trunk across the way. Cherubin argued with the two young men. Finally, they walked away angrily. He let us pass and pointed the route to the main road pass by Visitation Hospital. Sr. helped me by giving me some money to give to him discreetly for going out of his way for us.
Sr. Flora asked him for his telephone number because she has to come back after she drops us. By 7:22 am, we were finally free to get on our way on the main road. When we reached Vialet’s market, we found traffic for more than 20 minutes. We passed it by 8:20 am. Finally, we reached Carrefour Dufort where Babeth was meeting with her adoptive son who came to pick her up on his motorcycle to bring her to Fondwa. We all used the store’s restroom at the gas station while the car was filling up. I ate my breakfast after the rest. There was too much vegetables, I could not finish it. Pierre ate all of his. We stopped again to buy chicken feed in Gressier. Sister had to go by the General Hospital area to pick up the copies being made for school exams. We went through Champs de Mars to Delmas. There was so much traffic we were moving very slow pace. Sr. Flora was looking for glass for the cabinets. Tired, I told Sr. we need to get on the road to Fermathe because it is not close by. The traffic did not let up in Petionville until we started climbing by Laboule. We took the wrong fork on the road to Fort Jacques by the Church. We made a U-turn until I stayed on the phone with the people from the Auberge to guide us to the right gate. There was no sign to indicate the way. Finally, we reached the steep hill to the hotel at 1:15 pm. Before leaving, Sr. asked for some mint and ‘melis’ tea plants. Not long after the cook served us dinner: white rice and legume and boiled plantain from the garden. Later in the evening Yanick and Ronald came to visit. While they were with us, Claude and Evelyne called. I asked them to video called instead. They were surprised to see their respective brother and sister with us already. What marvel from Canada to Haiti, we were able to be together for a little while. After they left, we watched their car travel down from the hotel to the main street. We were served some tea that we ate with the wedding cake we had brought with us from yesterday. There was wi-fi, I watched all my messages on my international what’s app. By 9:30 pm we went to our room. Pierre sat down while to listen his radio, I lied down grateful that we had made it here and fell asleep.

     

Sunday, June 9, 2019
Woke up around 2 am. Pierre was having stomach problems. I believe it was the drink he had last night. I could not fall back to sleep thereafter. I prayed but was restless. At 6 am, I decided to get up, wash my face and went down for some coffee. We are the only guests in the hotel. I went back upstairs to pray facing the mountain from our balcony. I rearrange some items in the suitcase and prepared my clothes for mass. I showered, got dressed and went for breakfast. We had eggs ham, cheese, toasted bread and watermelon. I got what I needed to go to mass. We had to walk for a few minutes down the steep hill and to the bottom of the mountain to be at St. Jacques of Fort Jacques. There were two guests priests celebrating. We arrived right after the first reading. One of the priests seems familiar. When I shook his hand after mass, he said he had not seen me for a while—Rev. Jean Kenel Erinac. After mass, we went to the Baptiste mission. I kept saying Thumbull but they use his first name Wallace instead. The store was closed. We want back to the Auberge. Pierre was watching a soccer game – England, Switzerland. Lunch was served: ‘mayi moulen gwo tèt’, bean sauce, and goat meat in sauce. I was watching Matilda, a film based on Roald Dahl’s work I had read and watch with my daughter. In French, it sounded like the name of the characters described their personalities. When lunch was served, I just wanted to continue watching. Another movie started right after but was quickly interrupted for the next soccer match. We watched the final match of Portugal vs Netherland. Frederique D called. He was going to stop by for a short visit. He came with his wife Marie Paul H who knew my brother, Martial, when he lived in Brooklyn at Schenck Ave. near New Lots station in Brooklyn. Marie Paul is a Eucharist minister at St. Jacques and he works with the priest in the construction of the church in Soison. After they left, I watch a movie before going to bed. I was the last one downstairs but everything had already been locked.

     

Monday, June 10, 2010
I was unable to sleep and felt an oncoming headache. I could hear voices in the area at about 2 am. I heard two-gun shots. Finally, at 4 am everything became quiet. I was able to sleep peacefully. I think I was restless before because of all the unrest in the country, attacks, and manifestation. The demands of the people are legitimate but I cringe at the manner they express their discontent by burning, attacking with rock, and breaking indiscriminately. The manner of the protest seems to be horrendous but so is a continuous lack of opportunity for job, education, life free of garbage. However, people do not hear what is being asked in face of violence. I finally got out of bed by 5:50 am and went downstairs for coffee at 6:15. I was there before Credine came to serve it. Went back upstairs to pray. From our balcony, there was such heavy fog that covered the whole view of the mountains. We were disconnected to city activities where we were located. We called Natalie to find out how she was doing and show her where we were. She was happy to hear from us. Pierre and I decided to go to the Church and at Wallace’s place. Mass was scheduled for 12 noon. When we got to the mission, it was closed again. They usually are closed on Sundays and Mondays we were told today. Pierre stayed to take pictures at the museum while I returned to the church for the mass. There were five people but the priest preached as if there were 50 people present. We returned to the Auberge but Pierre had to stop several times to catch his breath, he was winded climbing the hills. Lunch was ready – kilbasa sausages, white rice and red bean sauce. I save some of the juice served for tonight. Then we called Patrick and showed him where we were staying. That is when he told us that Hailey had graduated from JHS (8th grade) and was going to HS. The children really do grow fast. We communicated with Malou, Dr. Brea, Sr. Flora, and Sr. Martha to find out if they were all well. I also communicated with Sandra. I will talk to her tomorrow. Therese called being her usual self. A defender of the people in some ways being blinded by her negative experiences with the political scene in her environment. I hope she gets to see the changes she fought to implement when she was active and involved. I decided to go to bed early.

         

Tuesday, June 11, 2019
I slept better and woke up only a few short times. Finally, at 6:15 am, I got up. I asked Pierre to get me some coffee from downstairs. It was not ready. It took sometime today to be ready. I watched the mountain view and the houses built in very high places. I prayed then took a long shower before going downstairs. I knew the time here was coming to an end and wanted to do everything practically in slow motion. Breakfast was served at 8:45 – codfish and plaintain. Then I took some time to listen to the local news to find out if we would be able to travel the next day. While sluggishly moving around, Sandra, my little sister, called. She wanted to visit. I gave her directions. Pierre had gone to Kenscoff but came not long after her arrival. She is so well put together. Her presence is impressive. I admire her for her strong will and confidence. We had very interesting conversations about our lives, our families, my community work in Anse-a-Veau, and her political career. She only wanted to drink coffee. I ask that some be prepared for her and Pierre. Lunch was served while she was there, we offered her, and she only had a taste. She left at 3:15 pm. I was really glad of the moment shared; this does not happen often. We tried to pre-check for out flight but were not able to complete the task in order to print the boarding pass. We went to our room early to pack up. There was a strong smell of incense coming from downstairs.

     

Wednesday, June 12, 2019
We both woke up several times during the night. Although we had set up the alarm for 5:30 am. Reynold, our driver for the Auberge, knocked at our door at 5:15 am. I was already awake but waiting for the buzz to get up. I immediately showered, got dressed and went downstairs within 20 minutes to drink my coffee while Pierre was still getting ready. The cook had toasted some bread, and prepared an omelet for us. We wrapped everything plus the two bananas she had purchased for us yesterday. We made sure we gave an envelope to Credine and Gregg and thank them for the service they had provided while we were here. We kept the one for Reynold to hand it to him at the airport. We left the hotel at 5:53 am. The roads were clear of cars and people. Once in a while we could see the ‘vestiges’ of yesterday’s tire burning, tree branches, or rocks in the area of Pelerin and in parts of Delma. The driver who lives in Museau used many local roads. By 6:56 we were at the airport. We thanked him. A porter helped us find the right line and held our two suitcases until we reached the roped area for check in. We gave him his tip and patiently waited our turn to the counter. We were so early it did not matter how long it would take. We were in the airport terminal safe and sound. I drank my little bottle of water before approaching the security line. While on that line, we met a couple who had just gotten married, 17 days ago. We told them to hang to each other like we did for 50 years. Pierre Swiss army complete tool and 1-inch nail scissors were ceased. He forgot to put them in the suitcase instead of the carry-on. We went upstairs to buy the rhum. I am glad he was able to see Marie Alix Renaud, a friend from Anse-a-Veau. She had him talk to another relative PIerre had not seen for more than 40 years. I also bought one bottle and some mini ones for gifts. We sat by the restaurant upstairs to eat our breakfast. Pierre bought a drink (fanta). I walked around to buy some artisanal craft for my trip to Paris and also for my grandchildren. I went downstairs to locate Pierre. As I could not see him, I returned upstairs. I met Philip who works with David Duchatellier. We also met Mrs. Saurel who has a hotel in Belot near Kenskoff called Le Montcel Hotel. She lives in Canada. Yanick called to find out how we were doing. She mentioned that her friend, Mrs. Lamour, had finally made it to the airport for her flight to Canada in the afternoon. I called Sr Flora, Ronald, Sandra to reassure them all that we were doing ok and were ready to go home. At 12:30 we went downstairs for the airline security. The machines were not working. Our bags, carry on were checked manually. At 1:04 we were on the plane ready to depart. We got in NY at 5 pm without any incident. We went to the kiosk to fill the immigration forms and submit our passports to get the confirmations that we handed to the agents. We had to walk a lot within the airport to find the taxi stand. We praised God for reaching home after the taxi ride. I found a pile of mail in the box although we had asked to have the mail delivery stopped. We called Mr. L. to find out if he was the one who had dropped the mail for us today. He said no. He would drop what he had collected for us in the am. Pierre called our children to tell them we were home. Then I began to put things away and getting other items out that we had stowed away. Praise be to God we are home! We were thankful to all the people who helped us through this trip. We sent them notes to let them know we were back.
This particular journey has ended. My husband says to all who ask him about his trip to the country after forty years: “I came and I saw. You have to experience it.” Why do I keep going every year although I don’t notice expected improvements? True, we each come with our past experiences, our personal desires, and motivations. When I witness inequalities and contradictions as it exists in Haiti, I become disappointed not only in the situation but my powerlessness to address it. In those moments, what looms in my mind is the Gospel of St. Luke 9:11-17 particularly “Give them something to eat YOURSELVES.” In the passage Jesus ask the disciples to organize the 5,000 men in groups of 50 so that they can be fed the 5 loaves and 2 fish. After sharing these apparent meager staples, there were 12 baskets leftover. There was a community of believers led by Jesus to care for the many. I am to remain in Him and He in me (Jn 6:13) and trust that He calls others to make a difference.
The pictures of the expectant boy with a handmade toy reminds me (us) there is life. He only needs opportunities…

 

Wednesday, July 12
“May Christ dwell in our hearts through faith, and may charity be the root and foundation of our life. “                                                          Ephesian 3:17

A new adventure begins for this planned biennial year. I was not anxious for my trip but at 1:30 am I was already awake before my 2 am alarm. I tried to be as quiet as possible about my morning coffee and prayer. After my shower, I called the cab. He showed within 5 minutes and thank goodness I was ready and the bags were already outside the front door.
The driver’s name was Shawn and he is from Jamaica. I really had to hold my tongue not to say anything about his fast driving and tailgating cars. He did the route from my house to the airport in 10 minutes. There were no outside counters in operation or agent on the curb. I had to push both suitcases and carry on inside.
A traveler on the line pointed out that my bags were not tagged, I had to go to the individual kiosk to print the tags and a new boarding pass although I had checked in online. I guess that is the reason that as soon as I placed my passport in the slot, I had a boarding pass and two tags were printed. After 5 minutes on the general line, an agent informed that passengers with tagged bags could go straight to the baggage check in. That was a quick process. The bags were one 48 pounds and the other 50.5 pounds. The clerk was very courteous and asked me to proceed to the security line. I had to place the tablet and the computer in a separate bin. The agents made me wait so that one of them could have the computer unwrapped and checked with a special device. It was easy enough to re-pact I put both back in the carry on. I walked to the assigned gate it was 3:30 am. I had time to read the scripture of the day and even take a nap. I feel relaxed and walked around for a little while. Most coffee shops and food stands did not open before 4:30 am. I finally found the food court near security at the entrance to buy a bottle of water. It felt a little eerie by the gate since it was still so dark outside.
After waiting for a while, I ate some of the fruits I had brought. On the plane, I ate my sandwich. As usual the airline offered water or juice and a bag of chips/popcorn. I was feeling tired and did not read nor could not watch a movie. Even though, I had the earphones, I was unable to hear over the engine sound of the plane. The movie seem interesting it was during the war. It seems like a family was struggling for survival under the Nazis occupation… The Zookeeper’s Wife…’
The flight was pretty uneventful. We got to Haiti on time. A lady I usually meet at the security airlines, Mrs. Crevecoeur, allowed me to go to a shorter line. She is always directing traffic to the immigration officers when I travel to Haiti. Someone in the back line said that was not fair, I agreed with him on principal but still took advantage in order to get ahead to handle the phone and internet before I met the driver who was waiting for me outside. There was a long line at the Digicel counter. Domingue, who usually helps me was finally available. He said the android Alcatel phone I brought with me was not equipped with GSM to provide the internet and phone services I needed. I had to use my old box, derisively called ‘ede m peze’.   Instead of paying $55 for both the internet and phone for a month, I paid $35 for 400mns. As I was leaving, the phone fell, since then it came on for a while and the signal turns off. I needed the phone to know where the driver was and now I could not call. I went back to the counter they place the sims on another phone it worked. The clerk put it back on my box, it worked for one phone call and turned off again. Just my luck!
The driver did not want to go with my suitcases to La Saline for fear of a robbery attack. He felt it was asking for trouble. We delivered the bags in La Plaine at Mr. L’s house. Then we drove to the Salesiennes’ school in La Saline. From the outside we would not know such buildings existed within. The different part of the compound seems well kept. Sr. Charitable came running out to welcome me. She was having a staff meeting before leaving for her new assignment. I was glad we found her on time to deliver the computer. She seem to be proud of the grades the students obtained. We chatted for a few minutes then we went to Avenue Christophe to wait for the ride to Anse-a-Veau. I went down Avenue Mayi past my mother’s old house to go to the Digicel store to have them look at the phone. It seems in Haiti that things degrade in some areas instead of improving. The houses are run down. The clean open space with manicured shrubs of Champs de Mars of my childhood is so different. It is now overpopulated with people, street vendors and traffic jams. There seems to be no more municipal management or local governance of public areas in a word inexistent urban planning.
At 4:30 the minibus came to bring us to Anse-a-Veau. I was happy to see Floreste as our driver as we had used him in the Renesansavo project before. The car was filled with suitcases and people. All along the ride, I was really nodding off. By 7:30 we were in Anse-a-Veau. We called Sr. Flora, the responsible of the house, to let her know we were on our way. She said she was in Port-au-Prince but Wedlene would be there to welcome me. I was so glad I was dropped first, I needed to use the restroom and stretch my legs. My suitcases would have to be dropped off later because they were below all the stuff that were being transported to town from Port-au-Prince.
I was served a supper of fried fish and plaintain. First cooked meal of the day. I requested her not to make three meals a day for me until the other guests arrived. I had asked her to sit with me to fill me in about what had happened here since my trip last year. At 9:30 pm I was in the room of the apartment outside unpacking. I was so glad I made it safely with no incident aside from the phone. The bathroom floor had been repaired and Sr. had curtains added. Thank goodness she has transformed these rooms into a welcoming apartment, she calls it la ‘petite maison’. I felt exhausted, I finally went to bed after calling home to say that I had arrived safely. I asked my husband to send a text to Omolabake to give her my new telephone number in Haiti. It rained hard with thunder and lightning throughout the night.
First night, I thank God I am here. Blessed are you, O Lord my God, maker and ruler of the universe. I am open to accomplishing what we had planned to do since New York.

Thursday, July 13
The alarm went off at 5:20 am. I stayed in bed a little longer. At 5:45, I felt it was time for me to get ready and go for coffee. I knew I was not at home, so I had to actually get dressed and ready before going to the main building’s dining room. After coffee, I walked out the gate to go to church at 6 am as I was told but the church was closed. I decided to walk around town as people were awakening. I went down the cathedral’s step toward the square. I pass by the only hotel—La Difference—in the direction of the water then turn left at the end of the block in the direction of the Frères old school house building. There were many stray dogs in the street. Although scrawny, they looked menacing and rabid to me. I saw a young boy down the road, I asked if they were wild. He answered they will not do you harm, they are roaming to probably find some food. I felt a little more confident to continue my stroll but was ready to scream if they approached too close. A few street vendors were setting up shop by the prison/commissariat. I decided to go all the way downtown by the ocean. I took the road to the steps and passed by Mr. L.’s house. I continued until the road stopped abruptly into the ocean bank. I saw a fisherman by a house on the side of the water. I asked him if he were not afraid the houses on that side would be washed away into the deep if there were a flood. He answered that is a risk we are willing to take. He explained that when they see the water rushing or a heavy storm is brewing, they take refuge on the side of the mountain. This is a risky and unpredictable way of living.
From within I felt an urge to express a desire to learn about the life of a fisherman in town as I am interested in community development. He said if I returned at 3 pm, he would be willing to go on a fishing run with me. I got a little scared but felt that I had an opportunity to learn about another sector of the population. I asked his name and promised that I would be back. I continued on the short cut path to the bottom of the church and as I got inside the mass was just beginning. I called this a God intervention moment. This was not part of the planned activities for this year’s biennial festival but a welcome learning experience.
After the liturgy, I went to the rectory to talk to Fr. Louis. On my way in I met a young American missionary, Nicole, who had come to do ministry. Fr. Louis understands the need for us to meet with him and the bishop to discuss what we had planned for this year and what we would still need to accomplish in preparation for the 2021 300^th year anniversary. He promised to follow-up with the bishop and get back to me.
When I went back to the house I had a breakfast of fruits, avocado, ham, and spaghetti. I told Wedlene not to cook again for lunch time that I will eat the pasta then. I visited the house to see all the accommodations being planned for the guests. Then I walked to EPSA to meet with the custodian to prepare for the retreat day for the Renesansavo participants this upcoming Friday. It took me a little while to locate him and he seemed to be surprised. He had no idea that I was to use the rooms in the facility but he was willing to devote time with me to get them ready. I was taken aback by this. For the past six months, I have been communicating with the former priest in charge and talked to him two weeks ago on the phone about the planned day of July 14. Fr. Louis had given me names of people to contact to co-teach with me on Social Teaching of the Catholic Church. Fr. E. had not advised the custodian nor his replacement director about this upcoming event. I asked the custodian to give me access to the storage area to find out what I could use from what I had saved from the previous years. I found the first aid kit I had prepared using the SJU bags, the first year uniforms. I got the utensils, plates, cups, and towels that I took with me to the house.
On the way back on the pathway, I met Jean Marie, a participant, and asked him to let others from the group know about the day of retreat and also the change of venue. I told him I had put the sign with this information on the bulletin board of the school. At the house, I called Wedlene and Kettely and explained that we would be doing the retreat here. It would be easier for them to serve the food they were preparing for the day. I immediately went into action to get the room for presentation ready. I had brought with me table cloth, colorful napkins, plastic forks, knives, and decoration. I would set the tables as I had done for the catechists in NY. After lunch, I walked downtown to the shore to meet Jean Vanel by the fishermen’s hut. The boat had gone out earlier and we had to wait. I sat down with a group of various ages fishermen repairing their nets. I asked them about their lives and needs in the area. Jean Vanel’s father, Jean Claude, and another man, Alex, who was described as the co-director of the fisherman’s association were giving their opinion and the lack of cooperation between the different entities in the town, the religious and civil authorities. I shared with them the purpose of Renesansavo and was glad to be talking to them.   After this enlightening conversation, I went to Mr. Labissiere’s house further down the road. I relayed my talk with the fishermen and how we could integrate them in the plan for the biennial festival schedule. They confided that they might have to cancel their cultural day at the beach with the sale of their signature food of vegetable and all types of sea products (bouillon maren). Would CORA be able to loan them the funds for this event? He was very receptive of this idea.   He too felt the movement to be open to the Spirit’s directive of inclusiveness in areas we had not planned. Mrs. Leblanc came to drop some items at his house and she drove me back uptown to the house. I prepared a few items for the next day. Feeling exhausted after a jam-packed day of activities, I went to bed.

Friday, July 14
I had a fitful night. There was a quick rain with thunder and lightning very early in the morning. After coffee, I cleaned the folding tables with seats that lined the outside gallery. Then I set the tables once and for all for lunch. It looked pretty colorful. I hoped there would be no wind to disturb the tables. I attended mass and quickly afterwards fixed the classroom with the chairs in a circle as I usually do.
I had prayed months before coming here for the participants and the town. I prayed quickly: “Lord don’t let my shortcomings be an impediment to my willingness to be used to make an impact for your Glory.”
There was no electricity in that room, I could not show the power point on ‘systemic change’ I had prepared and translated from the Vincentian site. I heard some participants come and leave while I was setting up. At 8:40 I sat in the front gallery.   Bechie saw me and she came to help me with the name badges and raffle tickets to be given out. I had three prizes in US #1-$15, #2-$10, #3-$5. The people who came after 11:00 am would not be included in this raffle. It is an incentive for participation and those who came on time. By 9:30 am I had chocolate and bread served and encouraged conversation among those who were present. At 9:45 am we moved to the classroom, sang our invocation song: “Toujou Pare Pou Fè sa ki Bon” (always ready to do what is good). We prayed and Witterson did the deep breathing exercise. The few new members who came introduced themselves and mentioned which group had invited them. Mr. Jean Renel Jean-Baptiste, associate director of Caritas, had come in while we were praying. I had him introduce himself and give an overview of his responsibility in the diocese. I asked the participants what they knew about the word ‘collaboration’. We were running late on the agenda, I did not do the exercised we had done in Rome. I explained the word and the Vincentian ideal of Collaboration in their context. I divided them into small group where I included an individual from each different team. They had 15 minutes to discuss how they could apply this concept in their Renesansavo community development projects. After they all returned to the large group and shared in concrete ways how their team would work with another and learn from each other to be more successful both individually and collectively.
After a few minutes for a break, we discussed systemic change. What do they think this means? I gave the example of the gospel passage of the Good Samaritan. I elicited the meaning from them. I asked them to think of their projects and discover what would be the root problems in accomplishing them. What kind of attitude would each person need to achieve the changes necessary to reverse some of the problems which cause dire situations? The need to find common ground, make ourselves available through listening and sharing of hopes, dreams, concerns, frustrations so that we can journey together allowing ourselves to influence each other for mutual growth.
Afterwards, we went to the lunch area to view Myriam’s video. It was clear but we did not have high enough volume, we could not hear in the open space. I had the participants talk among themselves while we were waiting for lunch. We had vegetable salad, shredded cabbage and carrots, fried chicken, plaintain, rice and beans. For drinks I served cokes, sprite, 7 up, and water. After lunch we went over the festival agenda for individuals and teams to decide where they would like to contribute their services. We proceeded to do the raffle. The 3^rd price was won by a newcomer, the second prize by Milio, and the 1^st prize by Claudette. Well done. The winners of 2^nd and 1^st prizes are hard workers, I am glad for them. While we were in the afternoon session, a participant who came during lunch wanted to know if the participants were going to receive a stipend. I said no because I provided breakfast and lunch and we also had a raffle. He mentioned the he had “inconvenienced” himself and had left another event to be here and he had spent 50 gdes for transportation. I said I am sorry you had to spend that money. We will defray it for you ask Mr. Labissiere to give it to you when he returns to the room. Another participant got angry that I said to see someone else to give him the money. I said it is because Mr. Labissiere handles the money for the project. The one who had mentioned money said I don’t want people to talk for me. This caused some friction. I said let us move on to the next item on the agenda. I felt shocked and sad for both these participants. One feeling he was entitled to compensation, the other for his remonstrance that I was demeaning a person by offering to give that money back to him. A few minutes later, the person who had requested transportation money came to me and asked for my telephone number. I gave it to him and said softly to him while someone else was talking that I am sorry if I had said something to offend him but I understood that he does not work and this was a sacrifice. Then he left. He had not done 2 hours with us.
After everyone had left, the personnel and I put everything away. I chatted with them for a few minutes to get their evaluation of the service they had provided for the day. Then I picked up some cherries in the yard to bring to the fisherman who wanted some. Kettely and I walked to his house to deliver the bag of fruits. I met his wife, sister, mom, and kids.
Then I continued to Labissiere’s house a few house from Jean Vanel’s but on the other side of the road (mountain side). Some youngsters had come to inventory the barrels and priced some of the items we had shipped to prepare for the flea market. Each of them had prepared a personal bag with items they feel they would want to buy for themselves. There were many items that were not slated for the flea market, they had put them away for purchase. I had to let them know that the toys were for the preschool, the kitchen items for the cooking classes, the sewing materials for the sewing classes, some of the sheets were to be used to welcome our visitors.
After I was in bed, I realized I had dropped an envelope with $50 that I had prepared for the speaker who had refused it and given back to us as well as the USB with CORA’s files that were in my pants pocket. Kettely, had picked up the USB. She thought it was part of the barrels stuff. She returned it to me. Then I had to call Mr. Labissiere to tell him that the enveloped with the money was somewhere in his house.
What a day. Anticipation, hard work, conflict, teaching, learning, lost, sharing—a day filled with highs and lows. Question: am I where I am supposed to be?

Saturday, July 15 I waited in bed until 6 am. Then got ready to go to mass. Fr. Louis was the celebrant today. After mass, he said the laud with the few people in attendance. We chatted for a few minutes. I wanted to ask for his participation for the festival. I updated him on the fishermen’s contact. He too had reached out to them. They attend the 5 pm mass on Sundays that is scheduled just for them. I borrowed a computer from Wedlene to type the letter to the MPCE to start the process of recognition of CORA in Haiti. I wanted to update the festival schedule as well. I went to Fr. Louis next door to print the letter so that I could give it to Joanne. While we were there Fr. Louis showed us the constructions he is doing in the Carine Bastien’s Hall, the kitchen, and the apartments for ministry families. At the house, Alex of St Isidio, came to talk to me about the original plan we had for La Salle Paroisiale. I explained my view about the space. I don’t believe people should be in the mud, especially the children. We had that space cleaned out when we started the project in 2014. It improved slightly — animals are not roaming as much and the weeds and garbage are more in control. As a facility of the church, it should be clean to show our concern for human dignity. Currently, a group of youth sell food and beverage there while playing loud music. There should be a fence, the main cracked wall repaired, the tin roof overhauled and the facility should have a nice fresh coat of paint. First world, third world, the Haiti of my childhood use to pride itself for cleanliness. Organization wanting to work in Haiti should budget money for managing garbage (jere fatra), maintenance of facilities besides doing the work they intend to do. Jean Vanel called for me to come for the boat ride around 4 pm. Mr. Labissiere and I waited about an hour before the boat came back. Wedlene had come with me too. Last year when we wanted to go to I’ile a Vache, she was crying and throwing a tantrum in fear of the boat and deep water. Now she was serene and collected and ready to enjoy this ride over the ocean. We went into deep see. A fisherman went under water to see about the catch of the day. He found two medium size fish. We went to Bichotte and stop at another alcove to pick up some of the rocks. The fishermen gave Wedlene the fish as a gift.

Mr. Batraville dropped us at the house. He had brought the phone his daughter had bought for me. I could not use the internet as she had use a new gmail account she had created for that purpose. Mrs. Leblanc’s son help me get the hotspot to use with my NY phone. The CIMS gave me problem on and off on my box I had to use someone else’s. In the evening, it poured again a lot with lightning and thunder.

Sunday, July 16
I woke up early but stayed in bed and prayed quietly there. This is quite a departure from my usual routine at home. I go downstairs in the kitchen to pray and go over the readings and commentary from Word Among Us and the Magnificat. I also had to use a pitcher to pour the water over me to shower. This is a great reminder how grateful I am for these commodities I take for granted in the States. I went to the dining room for coffee and a small toasted bread prepared by the cook. I am happy for the service but I like preparing for myself certain things and not be dependent completely on the help.
At 8 o’clock I went next door for the mass. By 8:15 I realized it would not begin before 8:30 or 9 am. I went to the room to get my Word Among Us which had an article on the Eucharist. There were only a handful of people in the church. The priest began mass a little after 9 am. The generator was not working and they had to find alternative to provide sound in this cathedral. Msgr. Louis invited parents seeking baptism for their children and the RCIA candidates to remain after mass for a short meeting. I felt the urge to ask him to let me do a presentation to the parents seeking baptism for their children. He accepted and told me to come back on Monday afternoon for that.
At the house, I used the hotspot from the new phone to face time my daughter from my Ipad. Milio, one of the participants in the program, came to ask about information for his mother’s house. He wanted to know if she would qualify to get assistance as he is not working and there were several problems with her place. I did not know the criteria for the people involved in this process. The plumber also came to give me an estimate for the repairs to be done in the bathroom. I could not agree to anything as Sister must approve any work to be done. Floreste, the driver, came to deliver the barrel from Florida prepared by Evelyne with sewing materials for the scouts.
I wanted to clean the kitchen in preparation of the arrival of our guests. I asked for cleaning products such as Ajax, the personnel did not know what that was. While we were planning to have supper the nuns came from Port-au-Prince.—Sisters Flora and Mirlene. We had a beautiful welcome and talked for a while. Sr, Flora brought a grilled closet to store the vegetables and other food items to prevent access to rodents. By 8 pm there was a strong wind blowing, I ran around the gallery to anchor down and put away any item that could fly away. The rain began I rushed to the apartment outside before it poured down so heavily with winds howling. All the curtains and rods had come down in the adjoining room. While talking on the phone with Milio to come for a day to give us a hand to get the place ready for the guests, the rod and curtain above my bed hit me in the head. At first, I got really scared before I knew what it was. I read a little using the lantern then decided to sleep and conserve energy.

Monday, July 17
I woke up in the middle of the night thinking if we were on track of making a difference. It was no doubt but how and what to do to achieve the goal of implanting change and improvement to the town. But are the young people really committed to act? Do they fill empowered to do so? If these ideas are from God, I should just follow what comes.
“For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth”. Is 55:10-11
At 5:30 am, I decided to pray and read scriptures of the day with my books. As it was still dark, I used my little flashlight. I felt at peace and it seems that I dozed off until 6:30. I got out of bed, dressed, and went to the main house. I met the sisters and we prayed the Laude. (I had left my breviary in the room) I just listened and participated softly in known hymns or prayers. We had breakfast of boiled plantains and liver in sauce, coffee.
Milio and his cousin came today to move the benches, and other stuff from the gallery to the school area. By 11 am it seems we had been working for a whole day. I gave them a stipend as they worked hard to clear everything from the living area to the school area.
I opened the barrel from Florida and sorted them—sewing materials, food, kitchen and flea market items. We gathered a lot for the sewing and kitchen classes. I sure hope these projects would materializes soon. The soccer group telephoned thinking we had brought something for them. Labissiere gave the fishermen the gas money and the loan, we will have only to pay the fare and buy the bouillon.
The scout, Mr. Paul Gustin, came to pick-up the cloth for the scout uniforms as well as the buttons, zippers, and threads. He asked if we could give him money to buy the green cloth for the kerchief. He would also need the emblem.
An old man, Mr. Monfort Dupre, came to ask the sisters for assistance. His wife had died and his son had recently passed away. He has no job. The nun prepared a bag of rice for him. I gave him a few gourdes for transportation. He came from so far to get so little help. In Haiti there is no structure to take care of the elderly (no social security, no Medicaid, no organized private charity for elderly care even if they worked all their lives).
I visited the two young ladies doing the flea market on the square. They were packing the merchandize. I helped them carry it back to Mr. L. house as they had to use two motor cycles to carry the bags. Going back to the house I use the pathway up the mountain called Nan Kwa to go up town. Since hurricane Matthew, it seemed worse to climb, there is a crater on its side, and the path is filled with weed and fallen rock. I climbed anyway. I saw a man who was trying to go down. When I got to the town I saw a group of people sitting around. I asked what happened. They said the mayor is not doing anything to improve this needed pathway to shorten our travels from uptown to downtown. I wanted to asked then “what are you doing?”. I immediately realize the power of organizing is not an easy task when you have no means or tools.
I tried to use the new purchased BLU phone. However, I still have a lot to learn to use it properly. I started to read the document given to me by Jackson about 2021 agenda for Anse-à-Veau. I felt so busy I don’t remember much of the day. Because of the novena to St. Anne, mass prayers were done at 7:30 pm. After church, I felt so sleepy, I went to bed early.

Tuesday, July 18
Having no mass in the morning, I prayed in my room before going for coffee. The sisters had almost finished with their morning prayers. Jackson came early, he wanted to know what was the budget for the Thursday opening event on the square. I said we did not have one except the materials we had bought such as the balls and the tools. I asked if he could propose one as he is the one coordinating these activities. After breakfast, I helped Sr. Mirlene to clean and fix the rooms for the guests. Jackson came back with the librarian with a budget of $525 US to rent a sound systems, give refreshments to the participating groups, then give each group an allocation for presenting. I said it was too much money. He also had a list he said of the people to distribute the balls to.
Fr. Enel came to visit and I explained my disappointment that the custodian was not made aware that we were going to have a retreat day at EPSA on the 14^th. I had to change the venue the last minute giving me a small span of time to clean and make preparation for that day. He apologized for not following up with Fr. Junior and the custodian.
After the cleaning of the 3 bedrooms and the 2 bathrooms, we fixed the beds until 5 pm. Sr. Mirlene and I change shirts, got our hats to go to the hospital to find out if everything was set for the medical fair. Then we planned to go to Ti Barcadere to see the state of the beach.
We met the Cubans stationed at the hospital who could not communicate with us in Kreyòl nor in English with me. They called a Haitian Dr., Gerald, for us. He was very courteous but he said he and the crew had no idea of what we were talking about neither did the Cubans although I told him the administrator was aware of this. Dr. Gerald called Dr. Lamarre, the medical coordinator who gave me an appointment for the next day at 9 am. Thank goodness I had gone to check with the center, I had assumed that everything was taken care of through the Haiti committee.
Sr. Mirlene and I continued to the beach area. The road was worst then we had known it two years ago. It had a big rut. No car or moto could go this way. Beside these holes, there were some pile of garbage in some areas and lots of weeds. There were more benches than when we had put in 2015. The shore is still rocky and the side basin of water were filled with garbage. I really would not bring any guests here unless an effort is made to have it cleaned. Sr. Mirlene and I had to run back as it was getting time for evening mass and prayers. Fr. Jean Julien Almonacy was the celebrant. As a preacher he walked the isle and tried to get in people’s face with his messages. He conducted the novena and adoration time. After church, I noticed that Omolabake had tried to communicate with me. I called Mr. L. to agree on the expenses for the opening of the festival and the hospital situation. I read and prayed. I had difficulty sleeping as I learned there was a man among the four guest students. I had only prepared one room for them. I had to reorganize within the five rooms I had. Sr. Flora also had two guests coming at the same time.

Wednesday, July 19
I felt I had hardly slept. After prayer and getting dressed , I could not wait any longer to get some coffee. I needed to do some calls before going to the meeting. I called Jackson to tell him how much we could afford and I wrote the amount on the original proposal. I called the historical site team to clear/clean the calvaire, the round about, and remove the weeds and paint them before St. Anne’s feast or tomorrow if available. The paint would be arriving from Port-au-Prince. I already had the working gloves for them.   I arrived at the hospital at 9:05 am. Dr. Gerald told me the director was on his way, he encountered some delays. I continued to make calls that needed to be made while waiting. When Dr. Lamarre arrived, we went to his office. While there, the representative of CORA Haiti, Me Edeve, came. I had called him to remind him of this meeting. He thought it was for 10 not 9. We agreed the fair ‘klinik mobil’ would be for two days on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 am to 4 pm. In this the doctor was in agreement with Ms. Omolabake, the team leader from the US. He said that the hospital request 25 gdes (about 40 cents) per patient. Omolabake was adamant, she has done other missions in Nigeria and Haiti. She did not want the patient charged any fees. The doctor explained that they needed water for the hospital and this is a way to get it with the money. I promised that CORA would pay the 3,000 gallon water truck to bring the water. Omolabake wanted two doctors, a nurse, and an assistant nurse beside the two assistants from the university, the Dr. from Jacmel, and our two English/Kreyòl translators. I mentioned that the Doctors, the nurse, and assistant would get a stipend. While in his office, he got an emergency call to manage the accident of two motorcycles about 4 to 6 individuals critically wounded, one with serious head trauma. He had to go place the staff on alert for the emergency mostly the Cubans.
After we left the hospital, Edeve and I went to the mayor’s office. He was not there but his director called him and he came to meet me. I talked about the plans we had for the upcoming week, the complaints I had heard about certain issues. He also shared some of his ideas for the town and its environment. I hope they come to fruition. He mentioned how he is trying to attend all the meetings pertaining to funding and political decisions about administration of towns. He was called several times on the phone. After 15 minutes we left. He is my husband’s cousin. I got to the place called Sky by the Degrammond. Ken said why is CORA here only around St. Anne’s feast day. Where is the work to be done by the people? I wondered the same thing. Should I be content in planting only the seed? How do I let go and let God act. These young people were questioning the attitude of the older people in town. Some believed in the mayor some were not on his camp.
I walked around town a bit then went to the house. The ideal is whatever is being taught or planned, maintenance must be included. Made a few call to motivate the young people to participate in the activities. Updated the scheduled agenda to give to Fr. Louis for announcements.
On my way to church, Jackson came to talk to me to follow-up on his planning for the Thursday opening event. He said that he knew I blamed him for not follow-up of Renesansavo as he is the leader of the group. He wanted to know the source of funding for this project. He would like us to be more transparent in our planning and budgeting efforts. I said he would be welcome and I would show him the financial sheets for this program. We have no government or foundation grant. Fr. Enel was there but it was late and he needed to return to his parish in Fonds-des-Negres. At mass, Fr. Louis made the announcement for CORA.

Thursday, July 20
I got up early to consolidate my suitcase and my move from this room leaving it for the male guest. I like my space here that’s why I had contributed to the completion of the work. A welcoming area should be beneficial for both the guests and the host. Having electricity and running water when the tank is filled are essential commodities for our guests. I got the balls, pumps, and gloves ready to be delivered to the groups. I tried to call Anelio to borrow the tools for doing the clean-up but he did not answer. I went to the rectory to get the priests to find people to do the divine mercy chant to go to town. I asked some of the ladies cleaning the church to come and sing with us later. Sr. Mirlene did a tape for me singing the chaplet of Divine Mercy. The ladies liked the tune and wording and sang it with great joy. Jackson came to pick up the soccer balls. I showed him the Renesansavo financial records as well as CORA’s annual report in the fund raising journal. I made an effort to continue reading the document, Agenda 21, Jackson gave me the plans to transform the town. By 4:30 I went to the quarters to get ready to go the church. My daughter is one month older then Sr. Mirlene and I noticed some similarities in their attitudes. She does not show when she is not happy about a situation, she stalls her activities. Different ways of acting when facing directives. I brought the rosaries that were given to me by Marie Therese G. to be distributed to the people who would participate in reciting or singing the chaplet of Divine Mercy with us.   There were several members of a choir ready to practice for today’s mass. We tried to teach and practice the chaplet with them, they hardly wanted to participate. The young girls who were to go on the three different roads singing and to join us on the square did not show up. At 5:30 I decided to do the chaplet asking for mercy right here, right now with those who wanted. I had to coax some people in the back again waiting to practice with their group until the members of their group showed up. Those who came forward got a rosary then we sang the chaplet in French and in Kreyol. Both Sr. Mirlene and Abstinade led the prayer. After we were done in church, I walked to the square where the opening event was to be held. There were a few people around. As the evening progressed, a few more people strolled in. Jean Marie was the MC for the evening. He was enthusiastic and the speakers were LOUD. He made the public respond after each performance. Using the term: pla w, pla aw we had experience Carole and I at another show. The librarian and her dance group performed first, then there were the karate camp that make a demonstration in formation. I lost my phone. I could not locate it. It was announced. When they described how a blu box which had its cover being held with a rubber band, the young people laughed and said we don’t need to waste time looking for that. The phone was not mine and my sims with quite an amount of minutes was in it. I was so glad to have found it by the house when I returned there. The soccer balls were not distributed, the Depozouti was not announced and I had to rush away with these item and the t-Shirts to wait for Mr. Labissiere outside the square and the gyrating crowd. The show on the square lasted about 2 hours. I had to insist three times before the medical fair was announced.
When I got to the house, I called home. I just wanted to hear the familiar voice of my loved ones. I refused questions to enter my mind. I did not feel that was such a positive event! Things happened that were not necessarily planned or desired. I felt disappointed to have paid for an event which did not bring the effect and result desired.
I could hear my first son’s voice say: “how do you feel?” For months the NY committee and I had planned, talked, and discussed this and the outcome was just unproductive. The image that came to mind was: you see the need for a nice pot, you polish it, you describe its purpose and as you hand it over to the person to handle it on the other end it is dropped and it falls shattering to pieces.

Friday, July 21
I got ready and went to the gallery to wait for the Renesansavo people in order to clean and paint the Calvaire and roundabout. I waited for a while to find the tools necessary. I went to the church that was being painted and asked if the workers had any paint roller handle or old brushes. [For the first world people, there is no 99c store or small hardware store in town.]
Jeff and Tiloup, the carpenter and plumber working with the church, were there. I asked if they could spare one or two young people working in the church to volunteer to help in the painting we had to do as the Calvaire is a historical church property. By mid-morning, about eight youngsters showed up. I asked Claudette, the leader of the team, to organize the crew and show them the work to be done. I headed to EPSA looking for the custodian of the university to get the machetes we had left with him in the previous years. Along the way I borrowed two brooms. Everyone started cutting away the weeds around the benches, and we organized the sweeping, and scraping before the painting. The youngsters decided to change the colors of the borders as they had painted them white by mistake. Fortunately, we found a place that had some paint for sale. We got blue. They repainted the calvaire white and blue. The iron benches were given a fresh coat of oil base green. I asked some members of the team to go finish the roundabout in bright yellow so that cars can notice it. We really need some reflectors or fluorescent light because there is no light in that area at night. I had one of the members get them water as it was getting hot. Then I walked back and forth getting some other cold sodas as they requested. I started with 8 youngsters. When they came to me for some type of compensation there were about 12. I offered them 50 gourdes each for their volunteering efforts. (a soda is about half that). They snubbed me and said they did not want anything and left a little angry. Originally, I wanted to give them each $1us but someone had told me where are they going to exchange it. I told Jeff about it. He said that is OK I just spent about $7 us to give them drinks. I told him I had done so already. The oldest of the group came back to me and said give me $1 for each person but we were 12. I gave $20us to cover their request and pay what Jeff had said he had spent. I have to remember that the word VOLUNTEER does not exist in their vocabulary. They returned the rest of the paint without cover and the brushes unwashed. Some of the Renesansavo participants came to collect their transportation money requested as promised. Jackson came to ask me what I had agreed to pay for last night event although he was not there. I told him. He argued I had promised more. If there are no jobs, the people are on survival mode. Everything is SHOW ME THE MONEY.
This is what I need to keep in mind: “What do you possess that you have not received.” 1 cor 4:7
Sister has a large meeting room in the back as part of the school. Workers were preparing the room to welcome the president of Haiti who had to come and meet some leaders of the area. The room was packed with chairs some broken and of all type. I told the workers, if the president is coming, we should remove broken chairs or the folding chairs without back rests. Beside the center aisle there should be one on each side of the room for ease of access and traffic. I arranged some chairs next to the table were the president was to sit in a circle. I found out there was a small storage room right behind him. I had them clear a passage in there in case there would be a need to evacuate quickly. I tried to ensure there would be exits also in the back for emergency access.
I go do some activities when I return all the chairs are placed back in the room, now there were chairs all along the table where the president is to seat with the chairs facing the public. And the escape door is blocked by chairs. Security and occupancy are words I am aware of due to the number of events we organized and demonstrations I participated in the US. But here these terms mean absolutely nothing. The cars are overloaded. The boys laughed at me in the church because I cautioned them about danger when they were climbing to the roof with no rope for safety—no safety belt, no helmet… Bondye Bon! God is GOOD.
I went to church late. I really felt I was a world apart from where the people are. My way of seeing has been warped/skewed. My reality is different than theirs. How can I plan or want to act if we are so far apart? Who has to change? I feel that I am in the twilight zone!

Saturday, July 22
I woke up cleaned the room, the bathroom, and showered and went for coffee. The president of Haiti was supposed to be at the Salesians’ conference room around 10 am. At 8:30 am one of the authorities wanted the room to have less seats because they did not expect 250 people for the 250 chairs. I gave him a hand although I was still annoyed from what was done yesterday. Labissiere came to pick me up to go to Brossard although I thought it was supposed to be 10. I gave him the few items I had for the Petits Frères and told him I would not be going anymore. I planned to go look at the 6 weddings that were planned to be done at 12 noon.
Sr. Mirlene and I finished setting up and cleaning the room for our guests. I went to EPSA to borrow the bucket with a faucet to place in the kitchen. I had to clean it thoroughly. While doing that, I heard that the president was not coming anymore because his helicopters had some mechanical failure. I had to go get the fans we had lent from the rooms to put back where they belong. I helped Sr. finalize a letter then the young men came back to get the rest of the paint supposedly to finish the job they started yesterday.
At 12:15 I walked over to the church and waited for the couples to arrive. At 1:50 I went back to the house to get lunch. The wedding had not yet started. Maddie, a photographer on mission in Haiti, was taking pictures. She has been in the country for the past 2 weeks at the Jean Paul II Center.
At 4 pm I called to find out if Danielle and Carlo were already picked up and on their way to the airport to pick up Omolabake and Leah who were supposed to be there at 3:30 pm. They were still waiting to be picked up. I was mad. This was a simple instruction. Pick Carlo and Danielle at 3 pm and be at the airport by 3:30 pm. Omolabake had arrived and there was no one as planned to welcome her. I called Sr. Martha in Tabarre to try to appease the guests for me. I lost all my telephone minutes while trying to get the driver to be at the airport. When this airport drama was unfolding, I was supposed to be visiting a Karate school on the road to TiBarcadere. I had to apologize that I could not give them my full attention in trying to solve this crisis. They wanted to show me their future plan for expansion in helping youngsters not only in sport but in academic as well.
A porter at the airport was calling me and talking to Omolabake until they were picked up an hour and half later. Mr. Batraville is usually on time I could not understand of all days this lateness from him. The time was given to Mr. Labissiere months ahead and reiterated days before. These are the type of things that make me cringe. Jackson came to give me a copy of the receipt for Thursday event. I waited on the gallery for the visitors to come. I saw a car, I started to clap welcome, welcome but it was not them. It was Kim and Catherine arriving as Sisters guests. My guests finally arrived around 9 pm. I could hardly talked to Mr. Batraville, I was still embarrassed for not being there on time to welcome them. I introduced them to the house. Leah’s suitcase was locked and she could not find the key. Johanne came to say hello and helped Carlo and Labissiere break the lock open for her. Omolabake complained about the roads but she felt better being here. She showered in my quarters as the house work was not completed. We chatted for a while and ate the bouillon. During the night the electricity went off. This is the first time that happened since I have been here. How unfortunate, the first night that our guests had come. An animal was groaning in the night causing the dogs to bark and howl. Praise be to God they are safely here. Finally, I slept in the morning.

Sunday, July 23
I woke up at 6 am finally got dressed and went for coffee. The personnel was getting ready for all of us for breakfast. We had 6 people overnight beside me and the two sisters. At 8:15 I went to church, there was no one there. I went back and forth to let the people know that the ceremony had not yet started. All the guests came and a few minutes later the mass started. I was enjoying the homily but I had to lead two of my guests to the house. They are not Catholic and do not understand the language being they are Nigerian Americans. After mass, I had breakfast and offered my guests to walk around town with them. We stopped at the hospital and talked to Dr. Gerald. We went downtown and talked to the head fisherman. We also stopped at Labissiere’s house. There I saw the driver and said how sorry I was for being mad for his lateness in picking up our guests. That is where Dr. Elizabeth Brea from FONDWA met us. We continued to Mr. Larionne’s House. Dr. Brea asked him where her grandparents’ lived. He showed her the location and where they moved after hurricane Hazel destroyed their home. When we got home after the walk it was 2:50 pm. We had lunch: rice and beans, shredded cabbage, beets/carrot salad, chicken and a type of lasagna. To top it we had cherry confection for desert the tree outside. After talking for a while the driver came to pick us up to bring us to the beach in Madian called—Plaj Lakay. We spent a few hours there. On our way back we stopped at Manolo’s inn where Danielle wanted to buy a beer. For supper we had porridge and we all had an early night in.

Monday, July 24
Finally, woke up at 5 am and prayed, showered, dressed before going to the dining room for coffee. I organized the room where I slept to help welcome the young man who is in Omolabake’s team. I’ll put all my stuff in the adjoining room. Dr. Brea (Babeth), Omolabake, Leah and I went to the hospital to finalize everything for Tuesday and Wednesday. On our way we saw Marie Ange Malebranche and she began to talk to Babeth about family and genealogy tree. Omolabake and Danielle used Sister’s car and driver to go to Port-au-Prince to buy medication and pick up the team at the airport. Leah and Carlo worked on counting medications. Dr. Brea and I went to the cemetery to locate her grandma’s tombstone as well as my father in law’s. When I got to the house I ate something quickly and went to get dressed before going next door to do baptismal preparation with the parents seeking the sacrament for their children. There were only a few people. I made sure I assembled all the symbols for the ceremony of baptism on the table and began at 2:30 pm. It was difficult to get them involved, to choose a symbol and tell me what they thought it meant after I explained what symbols meant using the Haitian Flag. I mentioned that baptism is one of the initiation sacraments to become a member of the body of Christ and the church. This make us adoptive children of God. I stressed the commitment they are taking to establish a personal relationship with Jesus and sharing it with their children. I emphasized the deep unconditional love of Christ who incarnated and died for each and all of us on the cross. I reviewed the creed in five points. I highlighted Jesus two commands which fulfill the 10 commandments: to love God above everything and our neighbors as ourselves in the context of our own Haitian prejudices. I shared some of my favorite scriptures passages: Jesus giving us his mission statement in the Temple in Nazareth (Lk4); Washing of the disciple’s feet; (John 13); the judgement day (Matthew 25). I did my best using the brochure I had prepared with Bishop Sansaricq when I used to do this presentation in Cambria Heights. It took me about ninety minutes. I felt a fleeting inner joy for having shared my faith with the parents. I could have done more if I had a singer with me to grab their attention while presenting and exchanging with them.
I called for the priest to continue with the meeting about the requirements for baptism in this parish. The parents got angry because they said no one told them when they registered that they had to bring proof that the god parents were baptized and confirmed Catholics. I told them it was not a rule made only by this parish but it is a requirement of the universal church. Wow I almost experienced a smack down. Thank goodness I could slip away and let the people of the parish get the heat. My job as Director of Religious Education (DRE) back in the US is a breeze. I know I am a stickler for rules and paperwork, I would have had that paperwork done long before the day of the baptism.  Later in the afternoon, Dr. Brea and I met with a drummer called Roland Joseph di TiRoro who played the 12 different rhythms on the drum for us. He also had his 11 year old student, Tamarre Andre, dance a piece for us.

In the evening we waited impatiently to hear from Danielle, Omolabake and the 4 others. They arrived at 9:30 pm. They ate and I showed them around. Then I went to sleep in a bed in the servants’ room. Let us praise God with hearts and voices!

Tuesday, July 25, 2017
After a steamy, uncomfortable, sleepless night. I got up at 5 am went to the outside quarter for my shower then came back to the main area to ensure everything would be okay for everyone. Omolabake came to finalize some activities. Beside the 2 sisters, there were the nine of us plus 2 other Americans, Sister Flora’s guests. I had to make sure everyone were ready and we left the house at 8:15 to reach the health center. I had to meet with Dr. L. to give him the money for the truck of 3,000 gallon of water for the facility. I was going from station to station making sure things were running smoothly–nurses, assistant nurses, patients, doctors, pharmacy, and translators. I had to go to the house to get cool drinking water for the team. After their day, everyone came to eat and freshen up. We did a tour of the town and downtown to the boat. We took a ride from the fishermen’ place into deep sea around town to Tibarcadere beach. We paid the entrance fee per person and the boat ride—not surprising the charge was doubled for us after we got there. I wonder sometimes if it is worth our personal sacrifice of time and of our hard earned money when we feel being taken advantage of. I also bought some ‘bouillon maren’ for supper in support of the fishermen traditional fund raiser. It was made of vegetable and all type of sea food. The boat brought us back downtown. While on the deep sea I thought how majestic God was in his magnificent nature. I enjoyed the palpable tranquility and the motion of the water. I imagined Jesus and Peter on the water. There were different size houses on the side of the mountain facing the water. There also was garbage hanging from the historical Dartiguenave’s house ruin going into the water—a blatant disregard for the marine life below. Then we all walked back going pass the cemetery to the house. We ate supper then stayed around the table and had a conversation about the day and our experiences so far. Thank goodness for some generous people who selflessly give of themselves such as this team to restore our faith in humanity.

Wednesday, July 26
Woke up early enough. It is the feast day. I wore a dress to go to mass later. I went next door to say good morning to Archbishop Wensky of Miami, Florida and Bishop Dumas of the Nippes. Then I went to the Health center to ensure everyone had what they needed for the day. Check all the stations – waiting room, intake, doctors’ consultation rooms, and pharmacy. We ran out of plastic bags for the medicine. I ran back to the house to get a ream of paper to do small bags. After that I went to church for mass, they were doing the universal prayers when I got there. I missed the homily. The Archbishop was the main celebrant and he did everything in Kreyol. He was acknowledged as the first Haitian Bishop for his love for the Haitian People. In his final comments he hinted at using the language for everyone to understand and appreciate. I clapped so hard others had to join in. I said hello to some dignitaries as they were leaving church but ran back to the health center. There were less people today about 85+ versus the 115 of yesterday. Some patients became very agitated because it was taking too long to get the prescriptions filled. We tried to have them wait inside not to line up in the sun but they taught we were forgetting about them or give their place to someone else. After everything was done I had to meet the administrator to give him the stipends. He thought the amount we said was per day not for the two days. He said there were three doctors although we had asked for two and a nurse and an assistant. We had to pay the 25gds per patient although we had bought the water. I felt ashamed as a negotiator. I understand the Haitian doctors misunderstood what was said although I thought I was clear. This medical team paid their trip, their food and lodging, the medication, and had to pay the doctors, nurse, nurse assistants, and the hospital in addition. That is an outrage but I tried to keep my calm in this situation. I praised God for the generosity and kindness of this team toward us. The only thing in my power at that time was to show them good hospitality. I asked the student nurses of EPSA to come later in the afternoon to meet someone from Port-au-Prince who wanted to collaborate with us.
At the house the food was not ready as the personnel thought we had eaten at the reception of the feast. I had a meeting with Mr. Bayas of Cocade to work with us on reforestation in the town as well as education on the environment. He is ready to share all the fruit trees needed to make this area green and fruitful. I will try my best to collaborate with him and other people like him on the environment.
We ate late. Fr. Louis was around to gather the material use for the reception. He sat down with us and asked everyone at the table to share a low and a high point of their experience so far. After each sharing, he asked everyone to say Mèsi Bondye mèsi, and everyone repeat that. The lows were the roads, the people on garbage piles in Port-au-Prince, the language barrier and the highs were serving the people, establishing relationships, the welcome at the house, and the food.
It started to rain hard when we wanted to go to Mr. Labissiere for supper. After the downpour, we went down past the cemetery telling scary stories. We were served grilled goat, goat bouillon, peeled sugar cane pieces, cremas, fried plantains, rice and beans. While we were there ‘feasting’ to thank Omolabake, Leah, Jeff, Kaitlin, Alicia, Jackie, Danielle, and Carlo it rained very hard getting us all wet. It was exciting sharing this cultural moment with Mr. Labissiere’s family and friends. Because it was still drizzling when we were leaving, we had to use two cars to the house. We went through the square around town to get back to the house.
They said good bye before going to bed. The young people probably remained on the gallery for more conversation.

Thursday, July 27
Omalabake and Leah wanted to spend a day with their team. I woke up not knowing what will be provided as entertainment for our guests to enjoy the area after their two grueling days of work in the medical fair. I had planned to bring them to the waterfall in St. Yves. Because it had rain so hard for the past few days it could be very muddy and difficult to drive through and then hike up there. I had not fret a van for that reason.   I decided we could take a long walk to l’Etan (the lake) in the morning and in the afternoon walk to TiBarcadere beach where they had gone before via the sea.
On impulse I decided to go to Fr. Louis’ residence and ask if there was any car we could rent for the day to go to the beach of Madian where his center is. He immediately responded that the car had to be used for different errands but we would be welcome to use it if the driver was available. He called Elto and within minutes he was there. I ran back to the house and organized the group to go. Thank goodness we had already had taken breakfast. This beach is part of the Spiritual Evangelization Center for the diocese under Fr. Louis’ direction. Our group met several of the Young American volunteers from different states doing ministry with the youth. I felt the Drexel University students connecting with them. We went down the big staircase to the beach below. The group had a good time in the water. This is next to the paid beach we had gone to on Sunday. We stayed until 2 and got to the house to have lunch—pitimi, bean sauce, plantain, vegetables and water melon. One member of the Drexel group is vegan. We made sure we all went next door to thank Fr. for the use of the car and the beach. Some individuals went to the square to buy some souvenirs. It rained so hard with lightning and thunder I don’t know where they had to wait for this downpour to end. Leah was very much interested in Abstinade who is interested in becoming a doctor. Fr. Louis would like to find ways to help her achieve her dream. She is one of the youngsters so involve in the church. She speak French and Kreyol so fluently and with pride. She just finished the class of philosophy exam and is waiting for the results. She is 19 years old but she looks much younger. She sings beautifully as well. Omolabake and Leah suggested that she apply to the University of her choice in Haiti as she learns English as well. They would like to follow her progress through Fr. Louis and see how they can encourage her in her medical career. Both these Nigerian ladies are so open-handed although according to their stories they had to struggle to reach their current status in the medical expertise. They exemplify the Corinthian scripture passage: “God loves a cheerful giver.”
We had an enjoyable supper sharing what we would like to see done with improvement for the future. The Drexel University students did very well adapting to the environment and showed great respect and admiration for their professors. They compared this mission to previous ones. We were grateful that everything happened without any incidents at the house and on the roads. Dr. Brea from Fondwa had left early in the morning with Mr. Labissiere. We already missed her. Omolabake would have the room for herself again mostly when she has to wake up so early in the am and finish her packing tonight to catch her early flight tomorrow.

Friday, July 28
I woke up at 1:55 am. Waited for a few minutes and knocked at Leah and Omolabake’s doors to ensure they were up. I went to the apartment outside to shower. I woke Wedlene up to make coffee for our guests as she has to put the gas on. She did it and returned to bed. At 3 am exactly I pushed the suitcases on the gallery toward the exit to reach the car. As soon as I saw the light behind the gate, I rushed to open it before the driver would honked to have it open. It was 4:10 am. Omolabake was finally able to relax as she was so anxious not to catch her flight. We prayed together for a few minutes before they took the road and I continued to pray while they were pulling out of the driveway for a safe travel to Port-au-Prince. I remained in the dining room instead of going back in the personnel’s room where the two young ladies were sleeping. By 6:15 am I felt so exhausted I went to one of the emptied room by our guests and slept until 8 am. The others were awake, we had breakfast. Our last guests, my support, Danielle and Carlo would be leaving tomorrow. Danielle and I walked to EPSA to return the borrowed bucket with faucet and bring the requested money for the 200 patients that came to the fair.
On our way toward the square, we saw two women sweeping the street. I hugged them and thanked them for this important job of keeping the town clean.
The doctor had already left for Port-au-Prince, Danielle and I continued downtown to give the funds to the administrator in order to get a receipt. He said he apologizes for asking for that money but the hospital has so little funding, a lack of dedicated personnel, all in all is ill equipped to handle some basic care. Even though we have noticed so many deficiencies, there is still slow improvement being implemented. I complained of not having an eye chart even in the pediatric room to determine the sight of some of the patient. The team had brought so many glasses to be distributed. The Cubans had come to get reading glasses and we were happy to have finally open a dialog with them in sharing these goods.
After this conversation we went by Jean Philippe Hubert’s house, a teacher from NY vacationing in his home town. Then we proceeded to the edge of town to say goodbye to Mrs. Leblanc. She pointed out the trees, the shrubs, and other decorative plants she had planted along the road to beautify the town. I reminded her that we had receive many trees and plant from COCADE (Mr. Bayas) and they were at the rectory. She promised to follow-up on that. She pointed to Danielle her grandfather’s house which she remembered fondly.
After supper, we did not stay too late. I turned in early and returned to my previous room in the outside quarters. It felt good. I am so grateful to Sr. Flora for having accepted to fixed and equip these rooms and bathroom for our use when we are in town.

Saturday, July 29
No special activities were planned for that day. Most visitors to town for the feast of St. Anne had left already. Woke up finally close to breakfast in the bedroom I originally occupied when I came to town. It felt good—being in my own space again. I packed everything that needed to be put away and or ready to be distributed. Made some calls to see who would show up in the afternoon for the plant next door or for the medical tools left by the Drexel team for the EPSA students. I finalize the financial report to cover our expenses in the house, the personnel, and sisters’ driver & car and gave the envelope with the money to Sr. Linda to remit to Sr. Flora when she comes back from her retreat.
I waited for Fr. Enel who had promised to bring me to the chapels of the cathedral so that I could take pictures for the Boten and deliver the soccer ball requested by Fr. Louis for the directors to promote the sport with the young people. When he came late in the afternoon, he brought me to St. Michel Archange of Lavalle where I gave the ball to Edeline Nivrose who was decorating the church. The director Monuma Dieusel talked to me on the phone but he would not have time for me to see him as we were going to go to the next chapel. While in the car, Joanne called, she needed to be dropped right away in Miragoane, she had found a ride for Port-au-Princce. Her daughter was with us. Fr. Enel asked Dr. Cassamajor who was at the house to borrow some mattresses from Sr. for his hotel to bring me to Perrien. He agreed he would do so as soon as he was done transporting the materials. I finally met Danielle’s brother, Philippe, when he came to pick her and Carlo up to go to Baraderes. We had taken lunch already, so they were good for the road.
After supper, I went to the room to finish packing and relax. At 9:30 pm Dr. Cassamajor came to pick me up. I gave Sr. Linda the message that I was sorry I was already in bed.

Sunday, July 31
I don’t know what woke me up but the dogs were barking a lot. Later on I learned there had been a little tremor in Anse-a-Veau at around 1 am. As I was leaving the room at 5:50 to go wait for the driver that had schedule a 6 am departure, Sr. Linda told he came late last night to say he would be delayed in the morning. He should be arriving around 8 am. I brought the suit cases to the front anyway and went for coffee. Kettely asked if I wanted breakfast, I said OK. I made an egg sandwich to eat later on the road. Then I took the time to pray and do my scripture readings. Dr. Cassamajor showed up I guess to apologize for yesterday or to borrow something else from the sisters. We talked about all that could be done for Anse-a-Veau in matter of education and creating jobs. I felt we were on the same page about some of the issues and projects we would like to accomplish.
Instead of a garden by Larionne’s place on the Paillere property, he and Albert think it should be a playground for the children in that area. He liked the idea of the Depozouti (Tools bank) as he said he is always helping some agricultural group to buy a tool; the chicken coop a necessity for the restaurant he is managing as well; several hospitality houses would be good for the development of tourism; recycling to keep the town clean and produce income for a few; potable water (using Kouzin Dlo) is so important for the health of the people here and guests to come; trees and plants for food and beautification so important (he took Cocade’s info from me); reopen fishermen’s cold/storage room to help them economically; cemetery clean-up to highlight our historical past; maintenance of house and public buildings; upkeep of historical monuments and forts; yearly medical fairs in different towns; university equipment and fence; retirement home at the Frères old building really great with stalls for vendors (arts).
When the driver came I excused myself and promised to keep in touch. Sr. Linda sent her suitcases to the mother house as she will be going in a week to her new assignment in Hinche. Wedlene came with us as she will be returning home. She asked the driver to drop her at the station to catch the other bus going north. When we got to the Sisters of Charity in Tabarre my phone was not working again. I could not call the driver Carlo had recommended to drive me around. Sr. Martha showed me the room and the bathroom in the section of the compound for guests. I wish we could do a structure like this in Anse-a-Veau. A section for the retired priests next to the dining room and kitchen and another building for the retired guests leasing apartments/room for a year at a time. I had to leave the big suitcase downstairs as it was too heavy to go up the spiral staircase. I brought the carry on upstairs with me with a few article of clothing for each day from the larger one. I borrowed a box from a person in the laundry room. I was able to call the driver as it was getting late and did not want him to wait for me any longer. Sr. Martha suggested I used her driver and the house car to go do my visits: My friend Malou in Pellerin; my cousin Suzy, Place Boyer; my friend Marie Michelle Delma, my friend Alix downtown, and my brother Benedick in Delma.
I came back just on time for supper. There were four nuns at this time in the house: Sr, Margareth-principal of Jean Paul II, Sr. Martha taking care of the buildings construction, Sr. Lila of Jacmel and Sr. Josapha, the sister servant. I briefly updated them on my projects in Anse-a-Veau. After supper we all pitch in to clean, wash dishes, dry them, and place them back where they belong. I talked with Sr. Martha for a little while then I turned in. I was feeling so exhausted.

Monday, July 31
As usual I woke up before the time set. I could not go back to sleep at first. I felt an onset of a headache, I forced myself to close by eyes. The alarm woke me up, I guess I had dozed off. I got dressed and read the scriptures of the day before going to prayer at 5:30. Sr. Josaphat was already busy in the kitchen as I went to the dining room to get some water. At 5:45 we said the Laude. Sr. Josaphat had me read the psalm in Kreyol. Then we went across the street to the Miraculous Medal Parish for mass. After mass, we had a light breakfast. I had felt sleepy throughout mass and now too. I felt really drowsy. I braved the dense traffic streets and to go to the Digicel office. I only made two phone calls before I lost signal again. I had to take a nap, I went to the room and fell asleep for about an hour. I borrowed someone else box to make some calls. In the afternoon, Lydie came with a friend to bring a small picture of Pierre given to her by Marie Ange. She showed me some other pictures on her phone of the family that Marie Ange will be giving to Babette. She would like to move back to Haiti but she is not sure where she would like to settle: Petit Goave where her friend is from or Anse-a-Veau where she was born. After she left, we had supper. There were two additional sisters who came tonight ‘en route’ for other destination tomorrow. One Haitian sister working in Puerto-Rico coming home to spend vacation time with her family, the other is from Meyer, Jacmel. Sr. Natalie has been in Haiti for the past 25 years. She did a tomatoes jam that was so delicious.
She came to buy medication and other supplies before returning to Meyer.
After supper Sr. Martha and I went to the office to check in online and print my boarding pass. We talked a little about American politics, I had been disconnected from the news for the past 21 days.   Then by 10pm I went back to the room.

Tuesday, August 1
I woke up in the middle of the night with a pounding headache. I did not look at the time. I use some Vicks. When my body felt better to look at the clock it was 5:50. I knew the sisters were already praying. I took my time to shower and wet my head and walk slowly down the stairs planning to go to mass across the street. I saw Sr. Martha she had just left the gate of the house so I knew maybe I was not too late although she always say she is not a morning person. The mass had just begun. But the back of the room smelled. I moved to the center of the room. I could hardly hear the priest speak in the microphone. He had a low voice and he was whispering. I just concentrated on the gestures and the moments being celebrated.
I could not wait for coffee and breakfast. I had taken a garlic 6,000 mg and I was afraid the pain would get worse. All morning I sat in the porch outside the chapel. I tried to make some calls–to Mr. Paillaire about his property, Kouzin Dlo and Claudette–were going to voice mail. I talked to Marie Michelle before I lost signal. Sr. Margareth spent a few minutes with me teaching me the prayers and a song that I liked in church.
At the different houses we had particular routines and prayers that were inspiring. At the Salesiennes I like this prayer before eating: May your will be our nourishment in all that we say and do.” At the DCs before meal we said: “Ou fè nou jwenn manje pou soutni lavi nou se pou dènye malere jwenn moso pen tou. Beni nou ansanm ak moun ki pare manje sa a. Se pou nou rete fidèl ap fè sèvis ou pa pouvwa JeziKri Granmèt nou, pitit ou li menm ki vivan e ki wa.’
After the meal : «Pou tout favè ou fè nou yo, mèsi Bondye mèsi ou menm ki vivan e ki wa depi touttan gen tan. Amen. »
The song we sang before the Gospel reading at church speaks to my heart: «Ede m viv pawòl la. Ede m pale pawòl la pou pawòl la vin yon reyalite.   Pou pawòl la pote chanjman nan lavi m.»

Finally at 12 noon, Sr. Martha asked if I would like to have some cookies or fruit before going to the airport. There was no traffic. We got at the airport at 12:30 got on line for weighting the suitcase. It was 51 pounds. The agent let it slide. I was observing the agents at the counter, she was the only one smiling with everyone. I had to compliment her for such a positive attitude. The male agent only smiled to a friend who had brought him something. I went through security with no problem. I went upstairs to see my friend Micheline Renaud who is always there and also buy the Barbancout Rhum for Pierre. I bought a bottle of water and a sandwich of ham and cheese with nothing on it. I ate half for lunch and kept the other half for supper.
The plane was on time but completely booked. This time the airline served two bags of chips although we had more people on board. I tried to watch a sci-fi movie. The sound was not working. The plane landed on time but it took about 30 minutes before the carousel started. After I picked up the suitcase, I placed the rum in it to facilitate maneuvering the bags. By gate 8 outside there were no cabs. I had to get back inside and go on the elevator up and then down to find the yellow cab. I am glad the officer helped me otherwise I would still be running around. The cabbie was a new young man doing this job for the past 3 months. I had to repeat the address 3 times. Finally, I told him the shortest way to get to the house. He said he wanted to use the GPS I told him no because they do a different route and it is much longer. I send my daughter a text telling her I had landed. When I got home, my husband was waiting for me outside. She wrote a welcome home note on my white activity board. I gave her the two bottles of hot sauce Sr. Margaret had bought for her. I was too tired to empty my bags. I watched a news clip and went to bed.
I am thankful to be back home. On this trip I did not get sick on the plane. I am so happy.
Except for the medical fair, I felt that we did not accomplish what we had purported to do this summer. I questioned the motivation of the Renesansavo participants and other members of CORA. On what type of ground did we sow the seeds for change or rebuilding? (Mat 13:3-8) Rethinking and evaluation of our way of acting must be revised if we want to make an impact.
However, the trash issue as pointed out by our guests and what I witness on our journey give me great concern. Since 2015 I have been talking about the campaign to ‘jere fatra’, now I believe the time has come to work on it seriously.

 

Friday, May 20, 2016 Praise be to God! A new day and a new trip is dawning today. I woke up at 4:30 am, got out of bed finally at 4:45 am and made sure I called the cab to be there at 6:45. The driver was on time and I was ready to go. The driver was Haitian, Mr. A. of St. Joachim and Anne. He has two daughters that is a lawyer and the other is finishing college. We talked about my work in Haiti and he was not shy in giving me his opinion. At the airport, I checked the bag outside. I had already done the check-in the day before and paid for the second suitcase. I was below the requirement for both bags – 46 and 44 respectively besides all the things I was carrying for the sisters and the camp. [The agent, Mr. Smith, was very courteous and helpful. I had to give a credit card and be charge $2 per suitcase for them to be taken at curbside. I have to remember that no cash is accepted. TSA was a breeze. I did not spend 10 minutes on line. I was assigned to the pre-checked line. I did not even have to remove my shoes. It was early but I felt very hungry. Although I had eaten my apple. When I went to use the bathroom before the flight, I was bought a sandwich at the Mexican Restaurant. I ate half and saved the other portion as they do not provide food on the plane. Boarding went smoothly at 10:30 am we were on the plane ready to fly. There was a lot of turbulence. I felt really sick and nauseated while the plane was taking off and at landing. It is the first time I experienced so much shaking on a plane. Is it because the plane is smaller or the route is different? I was so glad when we landed! After getting the luggage on my own from the carousel using the rented cart, I stopped to buy telephone minutes. I had to wait because the booth was busy with customers. On my way out a porter grabbed my cart although I refused his help. But one of the agents said he must bring you out or you won’t be able to leave. I knew it was a ploy to get some money from me. I said okay and gave him a warning that if anyone else touched the bags, I would not tip him. It worked. I don’t like when people crowd over me all trying to get something from me. I feel so powerless. Sr. Martha was waiting for me at the main entrance of the prayer. At the Daughters’ of Charity, I had night prayers with them. Praying in community has its own power. I have to follow in the breviary and their congregation’s special petitions. At Adoration time, my body shook as if I had seizures. I guess my body needed some nourishment. We had dinner. Then the daughters did the rosary while walking in the garden. Afterwards, I showed the sisters the Kreyol books I wrote for children. I made a few phone calls to my sister, brother, and friends. Then I faced time Martial and asked him to tell Pierre I had arrived and everything was fine. Then, I headed off to bed!

Saturday, May 21, 2016 I woke up twice in the night. Maybe it was the silence and complete darkness in this small room. It is a stark contrast to my home in New York, where I live on a busy street with constant traffic noise. It is spookily quiet here. My daughter would come up with many scary stories, if she were here with me. I guess I dozed off because the alarm woke me up at 5 am and it is was daylight outside. Got outside to the common shower and toilet area. Return to the room to dress and put a few things in order. At 6 am went to prayers with the sisters before crossing the street to attend mass. Fr. Samson, a former CM, was the main celebrant. He spent a month at SJU in NY. He also knows Msgr. Rebecca, pastor at Anse-a-Veau. After the celebration, we had to use all kind of strategies to cross this heavy trafficked street to get back to the house. We had breakfast of fresh fruits, hot dogs in sauce and warm French bread. Then Sr. Martha talked to me about the work of the daughters. She gave me the name of the sisters and where they came from and their particular ministries. These women are really incredible giving their lives with such joy and love educating and ministering to the poorest in this country.

I took a few minutes to communicate with my family to let them know that everything was alright with me. Regine picked me up to go to Laforterese in Mirebalais where sixteen schools being monitored by the Vincentian Family Haiti Initiative were completing a four day workshop conducted by CSCSE on “La Lecture et Moi: La place du livre pour moi et pour mon école.” Florence D. and Claude B. both presenters to the group were very enthusiastic about the subject of reading. They were very organized in the delivery of the content as well as facilitating the discussion and handling of the libraries provided to the schools. I went from table to table talking to the participants to get feedback and reactions to this training. Across the board they all said that they never thought of reading for leisure and pleasure. The animated reading by Claude inspired them to do the same to excite and develop reading in their students. I also shared some pointers about reading with some of them. Unfortunately, I did not bring any of my books or create materials to show them how they could craft some materials for reading and writing with their students based on their environment. I did not miss the opportunity to communicate with some of them the need to teach reading in the native language, kreyòl, if we want our population to make educational progress across the board. I also encouraged them to read aloud daily to their students whatever the level. I congratulated the consulting group for their work on behalf of VFHI as I heard firsthand the positive response of the participants.

After we had a hearty lunch, Regine and I left to go back to Port-au-Prince. On the road back, we talked about several subjects. It is really interesting to be with Regine. After returning to Tabarre, Sr. Martha and I went to the supermarket. I noticed several Haitian products besides all the imported goods. When we got back to the house I called home to reassure them that I was on track to doing what I had planned to accomplish. At 5:45 pm I crossed the busy street to go to the church to meet with Jacqueline and the Association Internationale de Charité (AIC) members.   I took picture of the group and talked about their work. Currently, they .have 20 members in Tabarre and 30 members in Thomazeau. During 2010-2012 period they had received funding to take care of families and seniors in needs. They delivered bags of rice and beans, oil and some other products. Now that there is no more monies, with the meager contribution they can only deliver a meager care package once a month, lately, every six months. They also have a sewing program where they teach the women in the program how to sew in order to earn money. They use to give them materials to sell after they sewed them. AIC had to stop this follow-up process as they had no more resources left. In Thomazeau, they do the goat program. The family gets a unit and must return to the core group two small goats from their work. I made a small contribution to their bank.

After the meeting, I went back to the house and had dinner with the sisters. We had good conversation then we cleared the dishes and washed everything together. I went to the room and reshuffle the material and prepared the carry on to travel to the Plateau Central. I felt so sleepy while writing the journal. I went to bed early that night.

Sunday, May 22, 2016 Sunday. The house slept late. I woke up at 4:30 am and could not fall back to sleep. Finally at 5:45 am I went outside to the showers. It is daylight and so quiet within the grounds. At 6:45 am went for coffee and breakfast. Two other sisters were there getting ready to leave to go listen to the seminarian’s talk before mass on Mary. Dukenson St. Armand used Lumen Gentium to describe the importance of Mary as mediator of grace. He explained it from John 19:26-27. She was given to us to be our mother. She is the first model of discipleship. She is not the one giving us salvation only Jesus does. She is able to intercede for us. She carried Jesus and cooperated with God to bear our only Savior, Jesus Christ. He ended his talk with a Hail Mary before we had mass. The entrance song started and was abruptly stopped and a hymn to baptismal renewal was sung while the celebrant was sprinkling the congregants. Then he intoned the Kyrie. Unusual. Everything else went on smoothly. Fr. Raphael Verlux had a homily on the Trinity for 30 minutes. He began by saying that the word Trinity is not found in the bible. He covered the history from Nicea, Constantinople to the 11^th century how the church had formulated the mystery of the trinity. He stressed the three persons of the Trinity, their role and yet the unity of expression and communal love. He emphasized the need for us Haitians although all different with different role and talent need to unite in a singular love. We are created good and must associate with other good people to produce good things. Unity among us in church and also in our daily lives is essential to reflect the love of God. He reminded us of the prodigal son parable to show that God is seeking and ready to welcome us back and the generosity depicted in the parable of the workers in the vineyard. After mass, we went back to the house. Sr. Martha and I talked about our attitude, the prejudices here and in the US. As an immigrant from Hungary, she understands some of our struggles. She really prays and hope we will make a difference to rebuilt Haiti as it should. She stressed that the people of Haiti must be the author of their changes. We had lunch at 12:30. At home, I do not have set times to eat and yet when I am here in this community I adjust pretty well. I went to the room to do some reading and I dozed off. When I got up, I went to the yard to take pictures of the different plants/trees being cultivated at the sisters. They have plaintains, bananas, peppers (sweet & jalapenos), mango cherries, onions, tomatoes, beans, limes, sour oranges, corn, and Malanga. For the construction of the new facilities of the sisters, they had to move the bee hives to new locations. Sr. Josaphat is really proud of the garden she has planted and manages. I did some reading and later met the engineer who is building the house. He stays here. I met Nicholas the Frenchman. He is at ease with the sisters. He had brought chocolate and confiture. We all enjoyed them. It was such a clear night,  I could enjoy the constellations while walking in the garden. Then I went to the room planning to read but I was too sleepy to do that for long.

Monday, May 23, 2016 At 4:30 am I was awake but remained in bed. I forgot that prayer was at 5:30. I finally went to the shower at 5. Packed more of what I needed for Plateau Central and everything else ready to be picked-up on Friday. After Morning Prayer, we had mass where some of the school children in their crisp uniforms came to the chapel to attend mass. Nicolas, the engineer, was at breakfast. He enjoyed mangoes at every meal. I talked to Sr. Kettlie on how she managed the cantine. She gave me some pointers. Then I read and wrote some emails, skyped Pierre, and face timed Natalie for a minute as she was at work. Electricity went out and we lost all communication. At 10:45, I called Regine to find out if I should wait for her at the school’s gate. She said to come out in ten minutes. She arrived half an hour later. However, I did still had to wait at least 10 minutes before Carole came out of baggage claim. We went to the Stop and Go at Tabarre to buy a few items. We went to the sisters’ house to get my luggage. I also took a plate to go as I had had no lunch. We stopped by the propane station to fill the tank. We took the road to Savanne Perdue around 3 pm. We passed by Regine’s house to get some of the sample of her products for Carole to taste. From Croix des Bouquets, we took Route Nationale #3. We went through different towns such as Bedet, Terre Rouge, Nirva, Mirebalais where we stopped for a few minutes for Regine to rest a bit and eat something. We resumed the travel taking the Road in direction of Hinche, going through Rivière Ferre de Ceval, Domond, Cange, Savanette Cabral, Thomonde, so Savane Perdue—La Cas. The road by patches was impassable with deep rut. The rain that had fallen made it really muddy at some other spots. We arrived at the complex at 5:30 pm. Yamile was waiting for us. She had prepared supper for us. We ate and talked until 8:45 pm. We fixed the two bunk beds and showered to remove the dust of the road. By 9:30 pm we were ready to sleep.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016 During the night, I had a dream. I was at a desk, someone else was at another desk to my right. Then Philip appeared at the door in uniform but his hat was black not gray. He had a sad face and he told me: “You should accept to forgive.” I woke up feeling unsettled and did not understand the meaning. I prayed for all my children and their respective families as well as my husband. I guessed it was around 2 am. I had no way of confirming the time. I slept on and off until 5:30 am. I quietly used the bathroom in order not to awake anyone else. I went downstairs to make coffee. Thank goodness I had brought my electric expresso coffee maker and coffee grounds. I made my prayers sitting on the stairs until Yamile then Carole came downstairs. They toasted bread in the pan. I had never done that before. After breakfast, before going out, I made reservations for Decameron.   My credit card company denied the charge. I tried a second time and payment was refused. Then Pierre called me to say that the card company had called the house and had cancelled my card and reissued a new one. I asked him to call me back to reinstate the card as I had no other credit card to use. I called the representatives of the bank, then the Fraud Department, then a third department not to cancel the card. I expressly told them not to honor the last request for the hotel as my friend had used her personal card to pay for both of us. I gave all the security questions they asked. I called my husband later and he told me that the bank denied my request to keep the card valid although he told them that there was no way that he could provide me with the new one. I know they were trying to protect me and themselves but they left me stranded. For the past three years I had used the card without ever letting them know that I was travelling. My trip was paid with the card and used again at the airport for the suitcases. Too bad! They lost me as a client. Carole, Yamile and I walked to the river that separated Las Cahobas and Cas(se) in Thomonde. The current was strong. The boats could not cross over.

Later Carole and I talked about the ideal of having teacher training for Kreyòl schools implementing the Bernard Reform of 1979. We strongly believe that the country in general would move forward with such a national undertaking for our people. We had lunch—cornmeal, legume, and red bean sauce. We all had great conversation around the table. It rained while were sitting outside before going back in for hot chocolate. We later walked to see Regine’s mom and aunt land nearby. We met Asefi who lives on the land nearby. There was a dispute between some locals. It lasted for hours. We talked about the inappropriate joke one teacher gave at the end of the training session last Saturday. It was one of the most awkward and demeaning experience I’ve ever had among educators. I won’t repeat the joke, as women it left us all with a bad taste in our mouths. This also showed us even in the educational setting that there is a need to sensitize the people to civic rights and discernment in what is proper in a professional setting. We four women enjoyed the exchange about our personal and professional lives. We two older women with diverse and complex experiences with two young women involved in making a difference in a land we love. We are so optimistic that our individual activities will provide hope and opportunity to those who are in need.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Woke up early as usual around 5:05, showered and went downstairs to pray. I had already made coffee when Yamile and Carole came downstairs. Carole prepared oatmeal for all of us. Yamile had the guardian cut some sweet potatoes branches. She cut some sticks for planting for Carole’s garden in Jacmel and me to bring to the sisters in Tabarre and Anse-a-Veau. The road back although a little dry was still treacherous around the bulging bumps and ruts making it difficult to travel. We stopped at Savannette Cabral where we got a bag of 32 mangoes for 100 gds. Then Regine brought some pineapples as well for her friend’s restaurant. We visited the Pinchinat, a school on our way being monitored by VFHI. We saw the 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2^nd grades. One was doing experimental science on the board, one reading in French, and another vocabulary, the other class the teacher was absent not feeling well. The 3^rd grade teacher was covering both his class and the 2^nd grade. He also had a belt in his hand. Carole asked if he was using it. He answered: “no I just want to scare them because they were misbehaving”. This was a quick visit because the headmaster was at a conference in the Decameron.

In Mirebalais, we stopped for Carole to deliver the recorders for the School and center ‘Garou Ginen”. The children played their recorders for us. They offered us to have lunch with them but it would not be ready for another hour. I visited the pre-K class and I made a video for them. The teacher is very dynamic. The classroom is print rich with Kreyòl and some French material.

Regine ordered food for us at her restaurant, the Myabèl. It was a very delicious meal. I had tasso and vegetable served with rice and beans. We dropped some of our things at Regine’s house then her driver drove us to the Decameron—going through mòn Kabrit and Wout nèf to go to Route National #1. We passed Village Canaan where the people took over a parcel of governmental land and built their homes. We went through Bonrepo then the village of Jerusalem, Titanyen, Sous Puente (I did not see the sous of my childood), Carefour Minoterie, Barrière Pois, Trou Fonbon, finally Monthrouis. We made it to the all-inclusive facility of Decameron formerly Indigo/Club Med. The entrance is well manicure with security at the gate. All guests must be identified and also be prepaid. Porters came to get our luggage. We were assigned rom 1521. Daniel brought us up to the second floor of building 15. The room faced the ocean. I walked the ground a little and then skyped Pierre from the Lobby. We talked about the credit card situation and nothing could be done about it. We got ready go to one of the specialized restaurant “the Boucanier” which served mostly sea food. The maître D’ told us this was an ‘a la carte’ restaurant we had to have a reservation to be accepted. With a little pressure telling them that the front desk did not advise of this and the restaurant was practically empty, we were finally seated. I ordered the risotto and sea food. The lightly grilled calamari was fresh and delicious. The shrimps were well prepared. I did not like the risotto that much. Carole had fish and a glass of white wine. For dessert I asked for the cake. It was not the greatest. I usually like my desert but this one was disappointing. Carole had ordered a chocolate with vanilla ice cream. She did not like the chocolate she asked for another dessert. At first, the waiter was not willing to comply. When Carole insisted mentioning this was an all-inclusive place, he relented. The serving were small portion with very decorative presentation. While there, it rained very hard. When we wanted to leave, we asked if there were some umbrellas available. They responded negatively. We decided to go through the buildings. The restaurant was on the north side of the complex and we lodged on the south side. Along the way we met an employee who offered his umbrella and accompanied us to the main lobby. There was going to be a show so we waited. This reminded me of the presentations I had seen at the Puerto Plata all inclusive—dances, jokes, and skits involving the public. The main dancer and master of ceremony was energetic however he seemed limited in his language skill for this role. Some of his words I could not understand. He used ‘plaw, plaw’ and I learned this meant applause. He always used the phrase: ‘bon bagay’ to punctuate what he wanted the public to appreciate. I felt so drowsy and dozed off. After the show, we went to the room quickly. I fell asleep right away.

Thursday, May 26, 2016 I could not sleep anymore. I wanted to make some coffee so badly. I did not have sugar and coffee grounds. So I decided to go pray outside as the balcony was near Carole’s bed and I would probably wake her up. I walked a little on the boardwalk then sat on a lounge chair on the beach to meditate and do the readings of the day from my Magnificat and Word Among Us. The complex was very quiet a few workers were around cleaning the beach area. As the day was unfolding, some guests started to walk and run on the sand. When I went back to the room to get ready for breakfast, Carole was ready to go. She went to the lobby to get internet access. ‘Le Grand Marché’ had started to be busy. I chose some fruits and a croissant. I could not wait to sip some coffee but it very was weak. The expresso machine was not yet working. The waiter assigned to our area was very helpful. He promised to get us some strong coffee as soon as that section was opened. After breakfast, I went to the lobby to call home. After several attempt, I was able to connect. Pierre told me that the barrel and my boxes for the summer camp had been picked up to be shipped to Haiti. We spent the morning at the beach. It felt so good to be in the ocean. One of my favorite places to be. I floated for more than 10 minutes letting the water sooth me while the sun shined on my face. The water looked so clear and beautiful. We walked south on the beach before lunch.

After lunch, we walked north for miles. We saw a gentleman that asked us to come and visit the arts and craft stands. The different vendors practically selling the same items were housed under a ‘tonèl’ (wooden tent covered with toll). I bought a small chain & gave him a dollar (60 gdes) that is all I had in my camera pouch. Carole wanted to buy two small items for her grandchild and the vendor offered to follow her to get the money. Then I remembered that I carried my keycard around my neck pouch and found four dollars. We were able to buy the items and I gave the first vendor some more money. They were so happy they had made this sale. As we were walking back toward the complex, we noticed tons of garbage lining the shore. On our way back to our area, we met two Canadian tourists who said they had just picked up sandals & hypodermic needles on the beach. All the rest of the afternoon into evening, the waves kept bringing garbage to the shore. There were many teams raking, piling, and bagging the garbage.  No one could go in the water. At 6 pm, the teams left with many piles of garbage still heaped on the sand. I talked to one of the workers who seemed to be a leader. First, I wanted to know why they were not using working gloves as they were using their hands to throw the trash in the bags. Second, why they did not organize the way they worked to prevent so much physical exertion as they had no wheel borrow or cart to pick up the filled bags and had to walk a distance to drop them in a bin. I felt angry for the lack of tools and management to do an effective task. I could no longer enjoy my stay here.

When I got to the room, Carole and I got ready to go for supper. We had made a reservation for the ‘Casserole’, Haitian food. We arrived at 7:15 the receptionist told us to have a seat as they were not ready although we had chosen the 7 pm slot. At 7:30 the maître d’ finally came to invite the people who were there before us and a newly arrived couple. The lanbi was served in a béchamel sauce served with a bowl of rice with peas. The salads and soups was tastefully displayed at the bar area. The soup joumou was excellent–tasty and creamy. I also had some salad and fruits. While eating there was a downpour that flooded the floor of the restaurant. Again we had no rain gear. When the rain subsided a little we got some clear plastic bag to wrap around us because I had felt a bit cold. We walked through the puddles, and the drizzle to reach our building. We dried ourselves and went right to bed. What a day it was filled with conflicting feelings.

Friday, May 27, 2016 Woke up at my usual 4:45 am without an alarm. I was afraid to wake up Carole and was planning to go outside. However, it sounded as if it was raining. I opened the door and it was pouring. Here goes my morning prayer at the beach. At 5:30 am (6:30 am in NY) Carole’s alarm rang, I was able to look through the balcony to the ocean. Everything was wet on the balcony and the floor was filled with water. We got ready and packed everything before going for breakfast at 7:00 am. I could not eat much, I felt a little out of sort. We checked out and waited in the lobby until the driver, Sonson, came to pick us up. Meanwhile, I had a chance to talk to the managers about the gang work of last night. I felt if the workers were better organized and had the proper equipment they would be more effective in doing the clean-up. On the way back to Port-au-Prince, we saw some trucks picking up some heap of garbage from the side of the street. I was so pleased that this was being done to free the people of this curse of living on garbage, the driver said it is because the president would be going through this area sometime today they are sprucing it to give the impression that everything is working as they should. What a hypocrisy! What deceit for the people to live in. When the president is going to spend the people’s money at a restaurant with his cronies the trash becomes a priority to act on while  year round it is an issue that is part the poor’s daily life.

We went to Maison Handal in Tabarre to buy the stainless steel utensils for the summer camp. We bought the cups and spoons. Carole had to use her credit card to pay for me. As this downtown store did not have the plates, we had to go to Petionville. When we had called, the sales person had assured us they had a box of 144 plates. Nothing is ever simple in Haiti. I had to wait for the plates although the downtown store had called them to get them ready. On our way back, I called Mr. Batraville to let him know that we would be in Tabarre in 20 minutes to be picked up to go to the Nippes. He was not there when we arrived. Carole and I had lunch with the Sisters. Sr. Josaphat was so happy that I had brought the seedlings of sweet potatoes for her. There was such traffic both ways on boulevard Fleurio. Batraville came around 3:30 pm. After packing the car, we finally left at 3:58 pm. We had a lot of traffic at Tabarre, Portay, and Mariani. We stopped for gas and Batraville also filled his jug with water and ice. It was getting dark and a car that passed by us splashed water from the puddles on our windshield. The wipers did not work. Our driver had to stop the car and was going to use his hand to clear the muddy water. I found some tissues that he used. They left some smudges on the glass. He continued on the road until it was really dark and the lights from oncoming cars made it difficult to see. This felt really scary. Driving in Haiti is already a dangerous venture but not having visibility makes it that much more unsafe. I found some baby wipes for him to clean the windshield. It made it a little better. When we left Miragoane, I called Sr. Flora several time and she did not respond. I called Fr. Enel and he told me he would relay the message to her but he had forgotten to remind her about my arrival this Friday. I had called Sr. Saturday and on Monday I had asked him to remind her that we would both be there on Friday evening. We arrived in Anse-a-Veau at 9 pm and the church was packed. We heard that Msgr. Louis, the newly appointed pastor, was having a seven day Jericho. Sr. Flora was home but no one else was there to help us get our stuff out of the car. I went to the church and saw Marilyn who called a few men to give us a hand to disembark. Within half an hour the truck was unloaded and everything placed in the bedrooms and on the gallery. We had a conversation with Sr. Flora and we met Sr. Mirlene of Basen Zim and Sr. Linda of Karefour. Sr. Flora gave Carole a room and me another. After fixing a few things. I felt so tired, I went to sleep at 10:30 pm.

Saturday, May 28. 2016 I spent a restless night—waking up several time in the morning. At five, I got up to get ready for 6 o’clock mass in the church. Fr. Louis was the main celebrant, Fr. Enel co-celebrant filled the role of a deacon (read the Gospel and prepared the altar) although he was wearing a chasuble as a celebrant rather than a stole. I was annoyed at myself for looking at these details. Yet, it is all the symbolism, gestures, and rituals of the Catholic Church that I enjoy. Each of these are part of the public prayer of the mass deep in meaning. The Gospel of the day was about Jesus telling the chief priest (Mark 11:27-30) and scribes that he would not tell them by whose authority he was doing these things (miracles, teaching, healing..). After church, I went to prayer with the sisters before having breakfast. Sr. gave us the password to use the wi-fi. I skyped Pierre. He was not answering then I facetimed Natalie. We saw Fr. Louis and Fr. Enel outside the rectory. I took an appointment with Fr. Louis for Monday to talk about CORA’s activities. Fr. Enel will be coming soon, Sunday night or Monday to pick-up the Kreyòl mass books (8) I bought for him for his new parish. I hope he uses them mostly in his rural parish. I become so indignant when a mass is completely done in French mostly the reading of the word of God. Do the priests want to deprive the people of full understanding of the message the bible passages impart to the people? We are supposedly a bilingual country with two official languages, they should at least be used equally mostly in church that is for all people without exclusion. Carole and I walked to the square, the brother’s old residence and school by the commissariat. We walked back to the house as it started to drizzle. We met Fr. Basil in charge of the youth Kiro program for the diocese who wanted us and the sisters to talk to the youth. The Salesian sisters addressed them first, then me, and lastly Carole. They were an enthusiastic bunch.

We had lunch. Then Carole and I went past the cemetery to the bord-de-mers. Then it started to drizzle. We asked Mr. Larionne to allow us to seat with him until the rain stopped. Then we continued on to Mrs. Leblanc’s house at the edge of town. She was home and resting upstairs. We chatted for a while. She is coping well with the recent death of her husband. When the rain stopped, we took the road back to the sisters. By the road to the cemetery, we saw a funeral processing with a band playing music and everyone chanting. All the people dressed in black and/or white marched around. It was the burial of a woman advocate, entrepreneur and a leader—Rosemarie Petit-Frère. This kind of service reminded me of New Orleans.

When we got to the house, the sisters were going to the Jericho that had been going on since the installation of the new pastor. The bus of the kiro participants was leaving. Carole and I sat on the gallery for a while after having some oatmeal porridge for supper. I did not feel well, I went to bed early.

Sunday, May 29, 2016 Woke late and still felt an underlining headache. Finally, got out of bed at 6:00 am. I was praying in my room when I heard the voices of the sisters ringing in the chapel. I quickly joined them. Then we had breakfast before going to mass. The sisters said it would not begin on time and it would be long. It started at 8:15 am and lasted for three hours. The Gospel reading was of Jesus healing the centurion’s slave.  Fr. Louis talked about the universality of God’s saving grace. He went back to all the alliances that God to the perfect one in Jesus our ultimate mediator. He honored the mothers, last Sunday in May, and said how important their roles in our lives area. Mass continued on after the homily. However, after communion before the final blessing, some youngsters came to recite some poems for the mothers, even Fr. Enel joined them to honor the mothers in the church. After mass, the Petits Frère de St. Therese (PFST): Br. Camille and Br. Elie came over to the Salesians’ place. We talked about the requirements for the camp. They took all the material I had brought for them. Fr. Enel had set up an appointment for me with the participants of Rensansavo for 5 pm at EPSA in order to reconnect with me and to distribute the application to work as counselors for the camp if they would be available during these 10 days in July. I still felt a little dizzy even after lunch. At 4 pm, the church was not yet open for the last day of the Jericho and Marial prayers before they walk around town seven times. At 4:45 pm, Carole and I went to EPSA so that she could see the parochial building CORA wanted to fix as it is at the entrance leading to the University. Then we continued on to visit the premises where the Renesansavo hospitality/tourism project was conducted for the past two summers. Nine participants showed up for the meeting. Some others were at the church attending the revival. I explained what was expected for the camp and the role of the counselors. I requested that only those available for the period of July 11 to 22 should apply. If any of them had only one day of conflict, the person should not fill out the form. I set up a date for the candidates to come for an interview with the PFST who will oversee the camp.

After the meeting, we joined the Jericho walk around the town. There were more than 300 people young and old walking around the town singing and praying. Up front there were powerful speakers set up on a truck with a singer to motivate the people and at the end of the procession the priest with the monstrance and two altar boys stood in the back of a pickup truck. It was dark, thank goodness Carole had brought her flashlight to show us where to walk. On the second round when we reached the house, we left the convoy and returned inside the sisters’ house. A few minutes after we got inside, we heard a torrential rain. Apparently, most of the participants remained on the walk until they completed all seven rounds although they had to get rid of the rented speakers. I was so tired I went straight to bed but woke up in the middle of night still suffering from a headache. I don’t know what is causing these debilitating headaches but this was putting a damper on my experience here.

Monday, May 30, 2016 I knew there was no mass this morning. It will be celebrated this afternoon before a meeting planned by the pastor to meet all groups dealing or involved in the church. I did the lauds with the nuns then had breakfast. The school started, I went to see the line-up. Sr. presented the Gospel of the day then sang the national anthem. While this was happening a little girl passed out. The teachers just looked afraid to even approach or disturb the principal. I went over and asked what was the matter. The people had just left her there unattended. I went to the house to tell the Sr. in charge. We went back to the girl still lying on the floor. We talked to her. She answered faintly. She asked how she felt and if she could move by herself. She moved slowly and she was helped to a cot prepared for her in one of the preschool classes away from the heat. They wanted to give her sugar water. I asked who advised them to use this remedy. It seems this is what they assumed was needed in case she had not eaten before coming to school. I. asked if they had a medical record for the child and would it not be good to call the Red Cross (no 911 here) and the parents before giving anything to the child. Within minutes the doctor arrived from the Croix Rouge examined the girl before she left with her parents. It seems that this was not the first time this had happened to the girl. It occurred before at home too. I suggested that the teachers be trained in first aid to know what to do safely for the person who faints or lose consciousness. There was no protocol to handle such case, this should be established and all teachers trained. After this incident, I visited the preschool class. They were just sitting. One adult was in a corner writing in a notebook. The other adult was helping one or two in cleaning up after a small snack they had eaten. When the principal came, I asked if I could sing with them. I did “head, shoulder, knees and toes” in Kreyòl with them. It was so much fun looking at these tiny hands touch their heads then their shoulders, making a mistake touching the wrong parts when we were singing, then laughing. Later, I used the internet to call home. After lunch, I read a big book: “Kabrit Mawon, Kisa Ou Wè?” The children chimed in and tried to guess the next animal. They were eager to know what was next. They also remembered the sequence each animals were named. Even the teacher seemed to have had fun with this interactive reading.

In the afternoon I took time to open the two barrels I had shipped. I separated the items: things for the Brothers and Sr. Flora’s flea market. I gave her the toaster and juicer for the house. Carole chose some of the English books for the school’s library. The remainder of the two books will go to Fr. Enel. I also gave Sr. Flora some of the class posters in kreyòl. Fr. Enel came to have Carole visit some of the classes being held at the university. I also went with him as I wanted to make an inventory of the material I had left last year in storage. Anelio helped me. I found enough forks and knives I had been unable to purchase before in Port-au-Prince. I also packed for Brossard the kitchen towels, table clothes, basket, washing basins, and serving utensils. I sealed the box and asked that it be kept for the PFST until Thursday. After our visit to EPSA, we went to the afternoon mass. Fr. Enel was the celebrant. Today’s Gospel reading was about the vineyard’s owner and his tenants after mass the pastor had a meeting with parishioners to ask them what they liked about the Cathedral and what would they like to see in happening in the future. Appearance of the cathedral–the light features, cleanliness, the benches, toilet availability for large gathering, doors, the bells; the liturgy must be animated; formation of the lay people. Msgr. Louis also mentioned his interest of the community outside the church. At the gathering, director of conditions feminine des Nippes. She is ready to work with me on the bottin for the Nippes. When we got to the house, we had a ‘bouyi’ (porridge). Fr. Enel, Msgr. Louis, Carole and I talked for a few minutes about what we could do together with Renedansavo and PFST. In the room, I prepared a bag with the clothes needed for tomorrow’s trip. Went to bed writing in the journal. It was 9:30 when I turned off the light.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 At dawn I had a dream. Someone was trying to get to the front door of my house in NY. I went behind the door to put on the chain. The person opened the bottom lock then broke the chain and walked in. He was a short dark skin man in a light beige suit, hand behind his back holding a small box as he passed by me toward the living room door. I yelled at him: “In the name of Jesus, leave.” He turned around looked at me over his shoulder then walked out. I woke up and made a prayer of thanksgiving. Even in my sleep I used my faith and called upon the name of my Lord and Savior to free our home from this intrusion and it happened. “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power are his. (Dn 2:20) Now, our God, we give you thanks, and we praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicle 13). At five, I got out of bed and got dressed. I prayed in my room as the door to the chapel was open on the outside but closed through the interior access. Later we had breakfast. I used Carole’s digital weight control. My suitcase so far is 49.60 pounds. The driver came to pick us up. We left at 6:30 am on our way to Aquin. We stopped by Manolo’s Inn to show Carole where it is located in Petite Rivière. We found out that Mrs. Celeste P. had been elected mayor for this term. Hope the stretch of road will finally be completed between Anse-a-Veau and Petite Riviere. We stopped at Carefour Callebassier to fill up both tanks on gas. We stopped at Vigil’s parish where Fr. Enel has been assigned as pastor.

We reached the beach of Village Touristic St. George or “Cocoye Anglade” at 10:45 after driving through Vieux Bourg and Aquin squares. We drank and ate some coconuts. We bought a few more for the sisters at the house. We stayed at the beach until noon then we drove back to eat at Aldy’s restaurant. We tried to stop at Jardin Sur Mer, Robert Anglade’s Hotel where he was killed on April 9. They gates were closed because the area seemed to still be under investigation. At Aldy’s, we each ordered a different dish-lobster, shrimp, goat, and fish all grilled. All these were served with rice and beans and vegetables. Sr. & Carole ordered grapefruit juice. I made a mistake in computing the tip. I felt so bad not leaving what I wanted to. Carole made some purchased at the store. At 3;30 PM we were on the road to Brossard. I wanted Carole to see the work of the PFST. Br. Camille and Br. Elie were at the house. They showed us around the leased house and their own building and fields. They gave us three regimes de bananes and a few papayas. They also provided Carole and Sr. Flora with some seedlings for their respective gardens.

When we got back I showered, dressed and went to the church meeting. Interesting meeting. There were 13 groups in all. The leader of each group presented themselves and described what they did in the parish. The youth seemd to be very active and committed. Claudette of Renesansavo also presented. I was proud of her to be there although she had a previous commitment. Msgr. Louis and Fr. Enel came to the sisters’ place where they met with Carole and me from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm. We discussed EPSA and CORA’s projects. I really hope this conversation will bring about changes for the development of the town and the benefit of the people. The Church should take the lead not only in the education process but find ways to create employment as well as economic development for the young people so that they remain in this area. .It started to rain hard as they were leaving.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The alarm woke me up at 5 a. It had a restless night. So many ideas to research, so many things to be done. Where is the will of the people, the church, and the civil authorities? Where is the money to come from or how to raise it? We got dressed and by 5:50 am, we loaded the car with Carole’s suitcases, plants, and fruits. At 6:15 am we were on our way to Jacmel. We stop at Carefour du Fort for a few minutes. The road to Jacmel is so winding and narrow. We pass by Fondwa but the gates were closed. When we got to Cyvadier we stopped at Marie Lourdes’ house where she gave us a hearty breakfast of plaintains, breadfruit, dried fish in sauce, and salad. After partaking of this sustenance, we visited the adjoining hotel, Gradier Hotel. Chris, the owner’s son gave me a plant for Anse-a-Veau’s roundabout. I am so grateful for their generosity. I hope it will work and the goats will not be able to eat them. We continued pass Raymond Les Bains in Cayes Jacmel to go to Josianne’s House where Carole is spending a few days. We also visited the house she has leased and is fixing to her taste. There is still a lot of work to be done. She talked to the carpenter to explain what she would like to be done. We went back to Lamitye to have lunch. We all ordered lanbi boukannen (grilled conch), fried plaintains and potatoes, rice and beans. It took some time, but everything was well prepared. Finally around 2 pm we left to return to Anse-a-Veau.

We reached the town at 5:30 pm. I refresh a little and ran next door to the notable meeting. The parents’ meeting for the recently opened one-class school opened by the former pastor was not yet over. They were being told that this new venture had to close and it would be best to send the kids to the existing school directed by the Salesians. There were 9 individuals at the notables’ meeting one or two people had left. After each individual introduced themselves: judge, lawyer, engineer, school inspector, teacher, university student, and priests. Funding for some projects must come from the people. They should made to participate on both the work and the finance. At 9 pm, Fr. Louis, Fr. Enel accompanied me to the sisters’ gate. She was anxious about Carole left by herself. She will pray for her. I know she is a strong person and she will see the positive in all she is doing.

Thursday, June 2, 2016 During the night, I heard a dog howling. From childhood, I never liked that sound. It reminded me of my late older brother trying to scare me out of my wits at the age of five while we were in Aquin. It was my first time in that town staying in a large room in a dark strange house. There was a wake for an old lady in the market place or square and he told me that the yelling and yowling were because the walking dead and the lougarous would be roaming in the area. Oh how memories can affect our feelings. At 5 am, I heard the sound of a door being closed. I got out of bed. I wanted to ask Sr. Flor if I could have access to the internet this morning before she left. She said yes, she would leave the computer on. I went to shower and get dressed. By the time, I was finished the two other nuns had started prayer. I stayed outside the chapel and listened in as I had left my breviary inside. I rush to the kitchen to get some coffee before going to mass. I was able to complete the morning prayers and the readings of the day before was celebrated in Kreyòl by Fr Enel. Way to go, Hey! After mass, Fr. Louis came in to do adoration. He did not have a humeral veil to incense or give the blessing with the Eucharistic Host. The church was so dirty, I had already decided I was going to sweep. I asked the sacristan for the broom. Fr. Louis came and chatted with me while I started the left front side where I usually seat. I said he did not need to stay with me as I was alone doing this chore. I promised to do this service for an hour and then leave. At 8:30 am I had done most of the center and open space in the back. The bats in the loft area had dropped so much dirt and their droppings in the back. I had no dustpan to pick up the soil and trash. When I got to the house, I really had to scrub myself clean . I felt so dusty and filthy. Then I had breakfast. I finally was able to read emails, skype Pierre and face time Natalie. It took me an hour to look for my LG phone I knew was in the suitcase. I had to call St. Anthony to help me find it. I panicked at first then I discovered it was in plain sight. I called Carole to find out how she was doing at the beach house. She seems to be enjoying the seashore and setting up her rented place. The sisters and I had lunch. We talked about several things. I asked them if it would be part of their charism and mission to handle the catechetical program for the public school children. They answered in the past the Salesians used to be part of the process of preparing the children for the sacraments not only in the school but for the parish. The two young sisters were excited about this prospect, they can’t wait for the pastor with their superior to connect with the principals of the schools and the inspector to concretize the process. I took some time to print the documents for the camps for the PFST. I started typing my expenses for this trip. When Br. Camille came we discussed the manner to organize the camp, the fair, and the day of solidarity proposed by CORA of NY. I asked him to make an inventory of all he received in the barrel and the didactic materials. I also solicited his assistance to deliver the plant roots for the team that has to plant in the roundabout at the entrance of town. We went to EPSA to meet with the Renesansavo participants to interview which one he would like to hire. Some additional participants showed up. He took all the applications and interviewed all present. Br. Camille explained what he expected from the counselors for the camp. It rained while we were doing the interviews. Claudette took a ride with Br. As she lives also in Brossard. I walked back to the house with David and Wubenson. Sr. Flora was back from Port-au-Prince with the boxes of books she had purchased to build a new library. I had supper alone as they all had eaten already. I joined in the chapel. After prayer we talked for a while before I went to my room to read a little before falling asleep.  

Friday, June 3, 2016 I was coughing in the middle of the night. It seems my chest was heavy. At 5, I woke up and was late for chapel prayer. I stayed outside in the recreation room next to the entrance of the chapel. Got a cup of coffee before going to mass next door. It did not start before 8:20 am. I miss my parish, so much. The mass is always right on time. The priest apologized for the lateness. He had to go to Madian with the deacons who will be consecrated priest tomorrow. Fr. Louis did the adoration afterward and the Laudes. A group of ladies stayed to clean the church in preparation for tomorrow’s consecration. The nuns had breakfast already. They stayed with me and we had a conversation about someone they had hired last year. They made an evaluation and wanted to have her rehired for next year. She could not be a teacher yet but they feel this position of librarian would provide her with practical experience in an educational setting. This year would provide her with the student teaching experience needed. I made arrangement with the driver to be picked-up Saturday afternoon to go to Port-au-Prince. Then I sent a note to Sr. Martha to let her know of my arrival tomorrow afternoon. I talked to Natalie and Mr. Labissiere. In the afternoon, Fr. Enel came thinking I had made arrangement with Sr. to borrow her car to go visit a few of the Nippes’ chapels. I though he had handled that. Sr. F. was resting after three days of travelling I did not want to disturb her. Fr. Enel was happy about the books although that is not what he had expected. He asked me how much he owed me. I gave him the dates to have intention of masses for deceased members of my family when he will be in his parish. Br. Camille came to share with me the choice of the candidates he made for the camp. He will hire six counselors. One or two had past experience working with him and some others had some talents he would like to use. He talked about running a clean and disciplined camp. He is adamant about giving breakfast. It will be heavier or lighter depending on the meal that will be provided for lunch. He will have to go to Miragoane or Port-au-Prince to buy the big cooking cauldrons to cook the food for the 50-60 people. They need to buy material to teach sewing. When sister came to the galerie, Fr. Enel asked for the car that is why we decided to go to two of the chapels belonging to Anse-a-Veau—St. Michel Archange at Rocher Lavalle and St. Francis de Sale in Baconois. The first one was closed but looks well maintained on a nicely kept property. The second look neglected right next to the cemetery.   There were some pilgrims in that chapel sleeping. One or two people lounging behind the altar, a few others sitting in the pews in the front. They told me they had come from St. Louis in Les Cayes. They said they came here for a few days as they had gotten their prayers answered. They had to come and thank this Saint and also they had gone St. Yves for obtaining their prayers. I was compelled to talk about Jesus, our Savior who heals and grant prayers. The Saints of course will intercede for us. They are model of followers of Christ. I realized these pilgrims were probably doing some syncretism. I called the Holy Spirit in a song and asked Jesus, our only mediator to talk to His loving and merciful Father to be with us and transform our lives to be faithful to Him as He was onto his death to save us. When we got back from this outing, Sr. Flora and I had supper. Then I went to my room to finish packing. I read a little then feeling sleepy turned off the light.

Saturday, June 4, 2016 When the electricity went out, the fan had stopped. I felt the heat under the net. I tossed and turned from 2 am to 4:30 am. I dreamt I was in a huge hotel. I was in my nightgown and I could not find where the room was. Finally, I saw Natalie with a group of people and I asked her where our room was. She replied ‘416’ and I woke up. What was that about? I always dream but some vivid ones remain with me. When I got out of bed, Sr. Lina was in the bathroom. I removed the mosquito net, took off the sheets from the bed, and pillow cases. I swept the floor and dusted the furniture. There was so much dirt on the floor. After the shower, we had breakfast before going to mass. The bishop is coming to ordain three deacons and four priests for the diocese. I stayed at mass until after communion around 11:30. The ceremony was really inspiring. The deacons: Faustin Papatoute, Garry Ocgenor, Junior Vital, Osias Dominique who were consecrated priests. The three Abbés consecretared as transitory deacons: Colbert Ceide, Gaster Souverain, and Johnson Charlotin. The church was filled and the families were dressed to kill. Many phones were used to video tape or take pictures. Thank goodness I had taken a seat in the middle of the church near an exit. A few songs were done in Kreyòl but everything else was in French. The Chorale Pax Angeli of L’Asile sung at the mass. At the sisters, I carried my suitcases to the front. The driver was already waiting, he had tried to call me while I was still at mass. Sr. Flora insisted that Marilyn give me a boxed lunch. She gave me a container of food for me and Mr. Batraville and a Tampico juice for him. I drank some more of the coffee from this morning and some coconut water. I said goodbye and left the tips for the help with Sister F.

After travelling for an hour or so, Mr. Batraville stopped after Miragoane to eat the food. At Petit Goave I stopped again to buy ‘dous Makòs’. The slices were very thin each cost a 100 gdes. It tasted fresh, I shared half with the driver. We continued on the road. The idea of making a campaign to ‘jere fatra’ (managed trash) is still on my mind. This should be a major reason for demonstration and request for change in government authorities. We stopped by Alix to hand him the bag of socks Ginette had sent for him. He was busy at the pharmacy.   While in heavy traffic from Delma to Tabarre, I called Sandrah to say goodbye. I was not successful in reaching Patrick. She was on her way to Sault D’Eau. She said her chauffeur would be able to bring me to the airport tomorrow morning as Mr. B. was not available and I had not yet heard from Mr. L. I finally arrived at the sisters at 4:45 pm. At 6 pm, we had Rosary and vespers. We had supper at 7 pm. I used the internet to confirm my flight and print my boarding pass. In the cell, I tried to read before sleeping but it was really warm.

Sunday, June 5, 2016 I woke up so early—3 am. I forced myself to go back to sleep. At 5 am, I heard some activities outside, I got ready to go outside to the lavatories/showers. We had breakfast at 6:30 before crossing the street to attend mass. It actually started at 7:15 am. I sat outside in the yard. I could hardly see the altar, the celebrant or anyone working in the ceremony. The TV screens were not functioning. We could hear the readings, prayers and music through the big speakers placed all around the church. The mass ended at 8:05 am and we weaved our way through the heavy traffic to cross over Carefour Fleurio taking our lives in our hands having all the cars, taptap, and motorcycles coming in all directions toward us. My sister’s chauffeur called at 9:10 am to tell me he was outside the gate waiting for me. I had already taken the suitcases from the room. I said goodbye and my thank you to Sr. Josaphat. Sr. Martha had left to drop 2 others to another parish to celebrate the feast of Sacred Heart. There was absolutely no traffic going to the airport. I tipped the driver then a porter dropped me to the jet blue counter. The bag was 54 pounds. When I weighed it was 49.60. I removed the shoes and put in my carry on it dropped to 51 pounds. So these things seem to be inaccurate. The Jet Blue agent asked me if I wanted to take the plane that was leaving at 11 am as I was early. I had to pay $50. As I did not have my credit card, I said no. He never advised me that I could put myself on a standby list if the plane had many unoccupied seats I could have flown earlier. Security was quick. However, as I was leaving the counter, the security agent called me back. He pulled out a zip log bag that I had on the side of my bag with a small packet of tissue. He handed the clear plastic bag to the person ahead of me to put his medication. I said sarcastically: I am so glad I was able to help someone. I will add some extra bags next time I travel. I don’t think the agent understood. Although he was doing a good thing, he acted tactlessly without asking me first. I went to buy the rhum for Pierre and my brother upstairs. I recognized the lady at the counter which is a friend of Daniel, my husband’s brother. I told, Marie Alice Renaud, that Daniel will be travelling soon and she will have a chance to see him after so many years. I waited a long time at the airport. I made calls to let a few people that I was leaving or thank them. I met a Salesian, Sr. Altagrace, taking the same flight I was. She was going to attend the funeral of another older sister’s mother somewhere in Brooklyn. I gave her the donation I wanted to give to Sr. Charitable as I was unable to visit her this time. By 1:15 because of the delay, jet blue offered the passengers juice and chips after a few passengers complained and made a raucous. We had to wait two extra hours. 4 American planes landed and departed and some other airlines too.   Finally at 4:20 we were able to board the plane that should have left at 2:45 pm. The plane went through some turbulence over the Dominican Republic. After about an hour and ½ the pilot said the plane had to be rerouted to a longer way and that it would take us more time to reach to NY. Then there was an announcement asking if there was a doctor on board for a sick patient. When we land in NY all the passengers had to remain seated until EMS arrived, then it was the police. I was feeling real tired and very hungry. The chips were not enough they were even making me feel sick. I had eaten my piece of sandwich at 11 am and now it was 11 pm. I was ready to ‘deplane’ as soon as the way for me was cleared. I had to walk out to get receipt from the immigration. I finally was able to use the bathroom. I was to get out after security, the ropes were all around not on my pathway. No one was on line as a gentleman started at the end of the rope, I asked him if he would allow me to go ahead of him by going under the ropes. He said yes. The rope got loose. Two officer at the end of the line called me out and said you better fix that. Again I asked the gentleman to fix it for me. He was gracious and did it for me. The officer made a comment about me. By now I felt I was going to pass out. I was exhausted. I rushed to the taxi line. Sr. Altagrace came to help me put my suitcase to the lobby. I put the case of rhum in the big suitcase. I could hardly give the driver my address and tell him what best route to take. I called my husband and asked him if he could prepare a soup or something to eat. Thank goodness he had a bouillon ready when I got home. He literally had to carry me inside. I felt so weak and nauseated. I ate a peach and a few spoon of the soup. I got undressed and went to bed. My stomach was upset but I try to sleep. What a long day that was. I am home and in my own bed. Praise be to God!

Epilogue

It took a few days for me to recuperate from the fatigue of the travel day. After a few days, I started to reflect on my trip: Did I accomplished what I had intended to do? Yes, in many ways. I visited the farm and experienced a training sponsored by VHFI. As a board member I wanted to experience the impact this initiative has. I will be able to better understand proposals, evaluation discussed and decisions taken. For CORA I would say some things were completed: getting the supplies shipped and delivered; discussing the process to hire the counselors, putting the materials together, determining the criteria to accept the participants in the camp. I still have some planning to do for the courses to be taught and the daily scheduling. I did not have the means to start working on the directory (bottin) in Haiti as planned. Two major groups in NY and many individuals contributed funds towards this camp and now it is up to the Renesansavo graduates & the PFST on the ground to make it a reality. “Keep control of yourself in all circumstance; … and perform your whole duty as a servant of God.”   

2 Timothy 4:5

My motto as usual is: “At least she tried!” — recognize the failures of the past, evaluate the present, and move forward with hope!

 

 

Tuesday, July 8, 2015
Woke up at 3 am ready to go to Haiti again. The taxi service came promptly at 3:25 am and I was on my way to JFK. One of the suitcases was over the limit. I had to remove some items. Thank God I had brought a Trader Joe’s bag. When I had to go to the security line, the agent had me put the carry on in the size bag checker. The front pocket was protruding slightly and unable to go down the chute. She insisted I remove some items. Then she said I could not go in because I had three items in my hand not two. I said there were a few other individuals I know who were taking the same flight and that they might be able to take the third bag for me. She said then I had to stay out away from the security line until the people I was expecting showed up and she was adamant about not letting me through until then. I said: “Lord you know all the items that are here are necessary for the program. The crucifix could not go in the suitcase. I need an angel. I need help.” After 15 minutes next to the agent, I asked her again. She would not waiver in her decision. I asked if there was another entry to the security line, otherwise I might miss my acquaintances. As I moved toward the other point of entry, I praised God for the Help He would provide. I saw a man with a Bible in His hand and a jar of peanut butter. I asked if he was going to Haiti. He explained why he was standing there with the jar. He had removed it from the suitcase that was 53 pounds. I asked if he could put his bible and the jar in my bag and go to security after I showed him what was in the bag. He graciously accepted. His name is Weekly Rene, a pastor of a church in South Orange. He is going to preach a three day crusade in Les Cayes. While waiting at gate 23, I saw Dr. Duchatellier, Nancy’s brother, who is going to Iles-a-Vache on a medical mission. I also called out to both Mrs. Elsie Labissiere, and Mrs. Clemence (Keke) Labissiere. We waited to be boarded and I made conversation with the pastor about his mission. The theme to be preached was “Ann eseye Jezi”- Let’s try Jesus. We talked about the way he preaches and he explained the steps/process he uses. He ensures the style, the clarity of style, humor, harmony and persuasion. Boarding went pretty smoothly and the flight was without incident. Thank goodness I had brought a sandwich. We were served cookies or chips. When we got in Port-au-Pince, immigration was done quickly. After paying for the cart, I had to wait a little for the suitcases to reach the carousel. Marie Noelle and her husband came to say hello and help me grab the bags. They had arrived on an earlier flight and were waiting for their uncle who had disembarked with me in order to go to Iles-a-Vache as well. I went straight to Digicel to see if the phone was functional and to add minutes. I called Mr. Batraville and along with Mrs. Labissiere brought the suitcases to the pick-up truck. We stopped by the Jean Paul II School to drop the check sent from the Ladies of Charity. Elcie and I saw Sr. Martha who showed us the construction being done to replace their container homes. Then we went to Mrs. Labissiere’s house to get the ‘drum’ shipped beforehand. We stopped at a city office to obtain an insurance/license. While waiting, I purchased two coconuts; one for me and one for the driver. We filled the gas tank before heading to Anse-a-Veau. What traffic! What heat! Yet we had to stop for another rope to hold the boxes under the tarp to prevent anyone from seeing and grabbing them from the open pick-up. We left Port-au-Prince around 3:15 pm and arrived around 6:15 pm. We went to Mr. Labissiere’s house where I resided last summer to pick up the “drum”, suitcase, and fan left there. I ordered food from Jacky’s for Mr. Batraville. He wanted meat (no pork, no chicken) with fried plantains. There were a few male neighbor’s watching us pick up heavy stuff from the car to bring in the house and from the house to the truck. No one offered to help us load or unload. Inconsiderate voyeurs! We got to the Sisters’ place and put everything on the back porch until I could go through everything to sort the materials according to purpose and destination areas.
Sr. Flora welcomed us and we had supper – potato and plantain chips with fried fish. Mr. Batraville came back later to get the generator offered from the Sister’s house to CORA. Sr. Flora and I discussed some of the things we would like to accomplish for the program. I went to my quarters and unpacked a little. The sink was leaking, I would have to report this to sister in the morning. First problem encountered in the renovated space. It was very dark at night, I would need a night light. Thank goodness I always have a small flashlight with me in case I would need to move around.

Thursday, July 9, 2015
Adapting to a new room and bed take some adjustment. I woke up several times during the night. I got up from the bed when I heard the alarm at 5 am. The shower was functioning. What a delight no pouring of water from a bucket. I like what Sr. did to make these two rooms ready for us. She had towels and all accessories ready even with little cups of candy wrapped in colored cellophane with a welcome card. I had difficulty opening the room to get out. When I arrived by the front gate, Sr. Flora came to open it for me to get to the church. I wanted to attend the 6 am mass. Father Enel was the celebrant. There were about fifteen people in attendance. Afterwards, Sr. Solange, Sr. Flora and I went to the chapel for morning prayer using the breviary. At 7:15, we had breakfast. Talked to Sr. Flora of what was needed for the project. She agreed on taking the responsibility of the kitchen for the participants at EPSA. She will go to Port-au-Prince to buy food wholesale. She will hire the cook who prepares food for the kids during the school year. She wanted to do the food at her place than transport it so that she can have a better control of what is being used and needed. Then I went to EPSA to talk with Fr. Enel and visit the space to be used by the participants and the residents from Jacmel. The space was adequate but I required they do a thorough cleaning, get an extra mattress for the third bed, and bring water for the household use. There is no electricity in the village. I have to provide lanterns to them. Anelio and Marie, his assistant, will work on preparing the space on Friday and Saturday. I have to equip the house with all necessities such as toiletries for the bathroom, bedsheets, and towels. The door to the outside bathroom is rotten and can’t be closed. I felt that the walls of the rooms were filthy. They needed to be painted but Anelio said I would have to purchase the paint from Miragoane. In a barrel shipped ahead, I had paint brushes, ‘sand paper’, rollers, etc. EPSA’s kitchen has two ovens but not having been used for a long time needs a thorough cleaning. The space in front of the kitchen, the lounge area, was muddy and needed clean-up as well. One wooden back door to the storage area is half broken and the other entrance door to the generator is rotting as well. Fr. Enel as well as Anelio agreed that the entrance to the storage area should be walled in and the door to the generator should be made of metal. More money to be spent but will make the storage room more secure. To welcome people, the space provided must be neat, attractive, and safe.
When I got back to the house I reside in, Sister was trying to add another bed into my room for our guests. They were changing my bed into a bunk bed. There was still a need to buy another mattress and a fan. During lunch, we had a pleasant conversation about my life and why I was doing this project while the rooms were being fixed. I could not sit upright in the bed on the lower rank nor could I climb the top one. Sr. Flora said that I looked dejected. She asked that the bed be returned the way it was before. Alleluia! I would not want to do this for four weeks. She added the third bed in the other room but it prevented access to the door. When the guests come, I will propose a different set up. We can’t have the door blocked in such a way. I started to empty the suitcases and place the items by categories. Supper time quickly arrived, Sister asked if I had some email addresses as she wanted to write some notes to some individuals. I walked around town with Sr. Solanges who has to exercise because she has phlebitis. She does not want to take the drugs recommended. She wants to do alternative and natural remedies. When I got to my quarters, I started some paperwork in preparation for Monday. I put the labels in the badges and labels on the folders. Sr. Flora came to ask me about budget money for some items and food as she is not going to be around. I gave her from what I had. Anelio had come to find out where I was staying. He needed money to buy soap for the lady to wash the sheets or other materials in the house village for the participants. I had no change I gave him more than he needed.

Friday, July 10, 2015
Woke up at 5 am anyway after a restless night. Prayed and dressed to go to mass at 6 am. Msgr. Rebecca was the celebrant. Sr. Solanges and I had breakfast after our morning prayers. I had to continue unpacking the containers to find out exactly what we have. I talked to Junior, a young man who is learning ironwork. I sent him to work with Anelio to speed up the clean-up process. He bargained his pay for the day. I had lunch with Sr. Solonges as Sr. Flora had to go to Port-au-Prince to buy things. Sr. Solanges left to go to Port-au-Prince for her studies and retreat. I went to EPSA to see the status of the work (classroom, lunch room, kitchen, and little house). I am praying that they do not run out of paint. After the visit to the site, I took the road by the cemetery to go to Mrs. Leblanc. On the way, I talked to Albert Larionne, a classmate of my husband in elementary school. We discussed the upcoming festival and what needs to be done. When we got to the convent, Sr. Flora was back from shopping (food, fans, and oven). She tries so much to equip the place to that we can feel comfortable. She has a good sense of hospitality. I went to my quarters early. I finished the badges and went to sleep but was awoken by laments and a raucous of music and loud talking. I wondered if this was a party or a funeral wake. It seems that I fell asleep again until my internal alarm woke me up.

Saturday, July 11, 2015
I purposefully did not set the alarm. As in the US, Saturdays I do my private prayers and scripture reading of the mass only and do not attend mass. At 7 am, Sr. Flora called to find out if I was okay. I got dressed and went to prayer with her. I did not feel like eating much but I had a piece of watermelon and a boiled egg. I felt so full. At home I usually have only coffee at that time of day.
Sr. Flora and I agreed that out of town participants should be here at her place as we have to provide them with three meals a day. They will need electricity to do their work and security for the equipment borrowed from Cine Institute. We would have had to fill one of the barrels with water for them but there is no way to get it up there easily. Sister suggested to move her kitchen helpers and provide the boys with that room which has six beds. Sister also lent me her computer to type the expense incurred so far to repair and equip the house as well as the food purchased. When the driver, Mr. Kesnel, came he went to Labissiere’s house to get the cooler. No one was there. I dropped all the materials for the program: t-shirts, caps, a few plates, the soaps, tissue paper, and other scholastic materials. I forgot to get the 5-gallon bottles to fill at the treatment plant in Miragoane. I called Valescot at 11:15 to say that I was on my way to Jacmel. As suggested by Patricia of From Here to Haiti, I stopped by Manolo to pick-up a cross donated by a friend of Kanna for the chapel of Joly, Haiti. Msgr. Rebecca had passed by the inn and Manolo gave him the cross. We met Valescot at a gas station by Marche Geffrard then we proceeded to Cine Institute to get the equipment they had accepted to lend him. We visited the cave while we were there. On our way back to the main road we picked up Antonio. On our way to Anse-a-Veau I had them both tell me a little about their lives. Kesnel is a fast driver. We did the road back in 2 hours and 50 minutes. We arrived at 5:30 pm and took all the equipment down. Introduced the two young men to Sister Flora. The driver, the two boys, and I sat down for supper. As we were eating, there was a downpour. After eating, we showed the young men their room. The “bèt lapli” flies gave me a hard time, they were so numerous invading the room I thought it was a plague descending on the area. I had to shut off the light after trying to get rid of them.

Sunday, July 12, 2015
Prayed in my room and went to breakfast at 7:30. Mass was scheduled for 8 am and did not begin before 8:30. There were 32 confirmandi. The Bishop did not come for the ceremony he empowered the priests to celebrate this sacrament. After lunch, Anotnio, Valescot and I went around town (upper and lower). We visited the old Frères residence and school. Passed by the renovated Calvaire and made pictures. Guerin’s memorial head stone and the square were completely redone. As soon as we were back to the house, a torrential rain fell. This will make the pathways very muddy to go through the short cut but the people were complaining about the drought. I typed the request for expenditures for Sr. Flora. Then went to the CORA Haiti meeting at Mrs. Leblanc downtown. Mr. Cerisier called the meeting to order. In attendance were Marjorie Lescobette, Edith Lesperance, Kettly Degrammond Piverver, Yvrose Gassant, Frantzi Benoit, Edèv, Lesperance Palmier, Mr. Leblanc, Mrs. Leblanc, Jackson Morrisseau. We discussed the role of Renesansavo in the preparation of the fair. Came back with Mrs. Leblanc’s son. Gave him the computer to see what he could do to fix it for my use. Talked to Antonio and Valescot for their background info for their filming. I prepared last minutes folders, and materials for tomorrow.

Monday, July 13, 2015
Woke up finally at 5 am to pray after tossing in bed for a while. Got prepared by 6:30 and went to the refectory by 6:45 am. Told the two guys that I would be leaving soon. As it had rained so heavily during the night, the path was really muddy. I verified that the classroom’s door and shutters were opened. I met Marie, the assistant custodian. She helped me set up the lunch area and the lunch tables. I asked her to make an inventory of what was there in the storage area and to wash the dishes and utensils from last year and the ones that I had brought with me. She needs a small chair so that she does not have to bend over the washtubs on the floor to do the dishes or a table. I had to tape on the wall some posters, list of words covered last year, and other materials related to last session.
Some participants arrived early. I had them help me give out the badges and folders like last year. Most participants came on time. We all hugged and were glad for this opportunity to be reunited. We did our regular routines consisting of prayer, deep breathing, singing, and word of the day before I talked about the plan for the day and the revised schedule for this year. Some were unaware of these changes, others were unhappy that the trips were eliminated. I gave out the different colored t-shirts for each team by lottery. They could not decide which one to choose and were making a fuss. “They did not like the neon color. I gave each team leader a whistle. Then it took some time to choose their caps—some wanted to match cap with the color of t-shirt, others wanted a particular color.
After the break, I distributed the five Sony digital cameras to each team leader and explained that they were a gift in memory of Mr. Fortune Georges of Sault D’eau donated by his daughter Mona. At the end of this session they will be given to EPSA along with the 1 Terabyte external drive, tripod, and DMI cable for a possible class in photography/recording.
Valescot of Cine Institute gave them an overview in the use of taking pictures and video taking. We had to interrupt as lunch had finally arrived at 12 noon. We have no car for our use, the cook had to send 4 people carrying the cauldrons through the streets, up the hill to us in the University. It took two trips to bring all the food. The participants were surprised to get a full dinner –rice and beans, chicken, fried plantains, salad (shredded cabbage and carrots)–as I had said refreshments.
After lunch, we resumed the camera lessons. Then we had about ½ an hour to review in their team what they planned to accomplish as work during this session. We finished promptly at 2 pm. Meanwhile Blaise Wilson a new participants who wanted to teach in the program and recommended by a friend, Jean Mirvil had finally arrived. As I was unable to interview him before to assess his philosophy and vision if it corresponded with the ideal I was trying to convey, I asked him to wait until the next day to introduce him to the assembly. I was also trying to discuss with a possible ironworker about making a door for the kitchen. I knew he increased the price regardless of the actual cost because I was diaspora. Sister was unable to cash a check because money had not been cleared although it was more than a week since the transfer was made. It was really annoying to have to go to another town to do this transaction and not being able to complete it. Sister had to buy the food wholesale for the house and the project before she went on retreat. Not everything runs smoothly here.
Three youngsters came and asked to be part of the program. I had to refuse because of our policies. The participants must be there for two consecutive summers. I got their names and numbers in case we had some other activities we could call on them. It was good that some youngster heard of the program and wanted to be part of it.
After class it was raining so hard the whole team (Valescot, Antonio, Blaise and myself) had to wait at EPSA until the rain subsided. When we got to the house, we each went to do our separate activities. I had to research for St. Francis prayer in French on the internet. Sister came back from her errands, we finalized the expense reports. After supper, we all watch the soccer game—Haiti vs Hondurans in the communal room. Haiti won 1-0. We downloaded the songs I wanted to teach and went to bed at 10:00 pm. Will they be able to learn the songs this way? I know Myriam would have done a great job teaching those two new songs. I sure miss her.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Prayed at 5 am. Prepared the lesson for the day asking God to send His Spirit so that I could communicate well the social teaching of the Catholic Church. Today, I would cover two of the seven principles suggested by the US Bishops based on the different encyclical promulgated by the popes since ‘Rerum Novarum’ in 1891. I ate breakfast alone, sister had already left early in the am. The boys were not ready. I left at 7:15, they had not come out of their room. I went to the Center, opened the office, dining area, and kitchen. Talked to Anelio and Marie about the needs for the day.
After our routines, the participants went in the field for the work session. Upon their return, they gave a report of their outings. I noticed that this time they did address the authority involved in their area (concentration) of expertise.
I taught the ‘Life and Dignity of The Human Person’ and ‘Call to Family, Community, and Participation’. Lunch was late for me as there was not enough food for everyone. The white rice was finished, there was some ‘kalalou’ left but the meat was completely gone.
At 2 pm, I went back to the house. I printed CORA’s festival agenda for Msgr. Rebecca and left it at his house as I had promised him when I had met with him. Then I typed the questionnaire for social justice. I tried to Skype home but was unable to do so because I had forgotten the name or password. We had dinner around 7 pm. It was Valescot’s birthday. I asked Mrs. Leblanc to send the mouse for the non-functioning computer for me. I stayed late to type but tired I crossed over to my quarters.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Woke up as early as usual but at 3 am I had received a text message from Labissiere telling me the name of the instruction for the Red Cross. I called him after my shower at 6:30 am. He said the instructor would be there at 8. This morning I had a piece of watermelon and a piece of yam with fish sauce with my coffee. Quite unusual for me in the am but I enjoyed the breakfast. I left without the boys to get things organized and ready at the site. The path was still muddy from the night showers. No one will do anything about improving the area. On the way out of the blue a lady asked me if I could give her 100 gourdes ($2 us). I said I carried no money. I wanted to say if you do something about the path I will pay you but I thought otherwise.
We spent most of the day at EPSA. Noel Natant taught one of the requested subjects to Red Cross– ‘First Response’ by non-trained personnel: We learned what to do/what not to do in an emergency situation or trauma – individuals in choc…
Lunch came early. We had chicken, salad, rice and beans. Food was enough for everyone. Edeline took her role of chief chef. She is very effective and disciplined.   In the afternoon we did some work by assigned team. At the house, I worked on the translation questionnaire for social analysis and evaluation. Annuel, treasurer of CORA-NY, visited me. Br. Batraville dropped the bonbòn (gas) for the oven with the 3 washtubs for EPSA. The bonbòn according to Annuel are the clamp one not the twisted one. There were no connection delivered. He assured he would solve this problem for me.
I had asked the cook to bake a cake for Valescot as it had been his birthday yesterday. I only had pancake mix. Marilyn did a nice ‘cake’ and decorated the room and the whole kitchen staff came to sing for him. He was very happy. Anelio came to pick up one of the ‘drum’ to fill with water for EPSA’s kitchen. I went to my quarters to type and read my emails.

Thursday, July 16, 2015
I woke up at 6am. Did not hear the bells calling for mass. I gave some items to be washed by the laundry lady ‘lesivyè’. Then went to EPSA. The custodians showed me the table that was built for the kitchen as I had requested. He said he had bargained for it. I felt that was positive. I paid it right away.
After the team assignments for the fair as described by CORA, the teams went out to the field. They came back to give a quick status report of what they had accomplished. Mrs. Leblanc came with the person to do the door for EPSA. He asked for 1,700 HT to build the door, the frame, and provide the lock and keys. He will not do the installation.
Fr. Enel came to the office and in our conversation presented his vision to equip EPSA with a dorm, fence, and improve the standard of the school. I ordered a desk for the classroom.
In the afternoon, I had each team take one of the five remaining principles to teach to the larger group. They had to come up with concrete example how this principle was applied in Haiti. Fr. Smarth called and gave me the name of the person to present about the application of social justice in the Haitian Culture– Chenet Jean-Baptiste. He also mentioned his just released book about the history of the church of Haiti. I promised to get a copy and if he wished to give me two other sets in consignment. I would try to sell them during the festivities in Anse-a-Veau. Jacky, the restaurant owner, was asking for forks and knives he had lent us last year. I really don’t remember which one were his and how many.I talked Jean Remy about the water situation at EPSA. He said that the people refuse to pay the required fee to get it that is why we had to haul water from a different area of the town. I had supper by myself. The boys were playing soccer outside. Blaise was busy working in his room. He later asked me to use the internet. I was watching NBC news with Lester Holtz. I love watching the news and this was the first time I was able to do so since I was in Haiti. I finally was able to open a new skype account under the name Marika Roumain (my pen name). Labissiere called and said that his mother was in the house and that there was a small bag for me with computer ribbons and night lamps.

Friday, July 17, 2015
Had some type of restless night. Finally, I got up at 5:30 and did my prayers. I did not hear the bells ring for mass. I do miss the communal prayer of thanksgiving. I got dressed and went to breakfast—coffee, fruits, eggs and avocados. I left at 7:30 as usual. I went the long way around to get to EPSA. I wanted to go over keeping track of project expenses. I had Yves Dor prepare some of the sheets needed. Three peopled asked to be excused for the day. I am really annoyed by these absences.
For lunch we had chicken, rice and beans. The participants were not so responsive today. Two other groups had to present their groups’ social justice principles and how it is applied in Haiti. Something was not altogether enthusiastic in their learning or is it me reading this attitude. At payroll, some elected to keep their week advance to be collected at the end of the whole month all at once.
Right after the session I went to handle some financial issues with Mrs. Leblanc on the expenses of the program. As I had felt all day that everything was a little off kilter, I went to bed very early. Electricity stopped in the middle of the night. I noticed beause the fan shut off. I don’t know the reason.

Saturday, July 18, 2015
Of course, I awoke several time during the night thinking and praying about the program. Finally, when I heard the church bells, I got up to pray. At the third ring, I got dressed and cross over to the cathedral. We were about 11 people present. I still don’t get it. Why open such a big space for so few attendees. It would have been better to have mass in a chapel on a daily basis and on Sunday open the church for liturgy. It would also be symbolic as well. The whole people of God is expected and awaited to worship on this celebratory day of the Resurrection.
I had coffee on the porch it so much cooler than in the room. The electricity had shut off during the nights and was still off this morning when I left for church. I called Kesnel, the driver, around 8 am. I asked if he could bring us to Brossard and Joly then Miragoane to fill the bottles of water for the cooler.
We visited Brossard but the Brother were not at their house nor at the transformation farm. They were in retreat in Carefour. We saw the corn mill, the peanut grinder, the manioc mill, the pepinière, and the cauldrons. We proceeded to Joly were I saw Franky and made pictures to send to Kanna. They had not yet received the cross sent for the chapel. Franky complained that the status of St. Andre, the patron saint, was in complete disrepair. He wished that Patricia could repair it for him or find another one from the States. On the way from Miragoane we stopped at Manolo’s Inn and at Madian’s beach. There was a big party and fair at the beach.
When we returned to the house, we all watched a documentary of the clash between the university and the government of Aristide. I read my emails, then it was already time for supper – a bouillon cabrit. The boys went to the community room to watch the soccer game between Jamaica and Haiti. I went to my quarters and skyped Pierre. Although I had just eaten, I felt so tired I went straight to bed.

Sunday, July 19, 2015
Prayed and had an early breakfast. Then went to mass. Msgr. Rebecca was the celebrant. There were many baptisms and first communions. The preaching was very long (40 mns). He was not talking about the readings of the day but doing a catechism class. After mass, I updated some of the financial reports then started typing the blog. Danielle, Kettly and Carlo arrived around 3:30 pm. I welcomed them and showed each one of them the assigned seats in the dining room and set up the sisters have here. I introduced them to our quarters and of the rules of the house about breakfast, lunch, and supper.
In the evening, we walked around town from the Salesians to the square down the main road to the street leading pass the cemetery back to the sisters. After supper we went back to our quarters—Danielle and Kettly shared the room next to mine separated by the bathroom. Carlo accepted to stay with the three other male participants next to the main part of the house.

Monday, July 20, 2015
I woke up at 5 am and prepared to go to mass at 6 am. Msgr. Rebecca was the celebrant. Quickly at 7 am I ran back to get breakfast before going to EPSA. A participants was already present. The Red Cross instructor came to do another session for us. Mr. Frantz Offin who is representative of Risk and Management talked about the different organizations (office) and committees responsible to assume responsibility in case of disaster—before, during, and after. The participants admired the breadth of knowledge of the facilitators/instructors for both sessions. We invited the instructors to join us for lunch and gave them a stipend to defray the cost of transportation. After lunch, the participants went to work to continue the clean-up process of the town in their field areas in preparation for the feast day of the town.
In the afternoon I went to give an image of the Old Testament Trinity by Andrei Rublev to the children who had made their first communion on Sunday. We talked about their love for Jesus and His for us. I explained what the artist wanted to represent and have them described what they saw in the image. I talked about Abraham’s hospitality and God being a community of love. I also asked them if they were crazy for Jesus as I was. I asked if they ever danced for Jesus as David did in front of the covenant ark (2 Sam 6:14). Then we danced and sang for Jesus. We had a fun moment. [I saw one of them a few days later in the street, she looked at me, smiled and waved].   Msgr. Rebecca asked Sr. Marie to give each child a rosary. Then Msgr. Rebecca told me that the reception on the feast day would be done at the Sisters. I wondered if the sisters knew about this because I had not seen any preparation being done at the place.
I started typing on the porch as there was a nice breeze under the shade of the mango tree. We waited a while for supper. I was really hungry. I eat three meals a day here unlike at home and yet I felt hungry. Weird! Sr. Solanges is back from her training. She arranged the dining table even though we were using the sister’s assigned seats. We had a great discussion on political responsibilities and rights of the elected and voters. Went back to my quarters, I did some more typing until I felt really sleepy, Carlo, Danielle’s husband, had installed a net:“mousticaire’ for me to keep out the mosquitoes. However in the middle of the night it fell on me. I guess the tape holding the hook was not strong enough.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015
I thought I had put the alarm to wake me up at 5 am. A flash of light coming from Sister’s room woke me up. I made a short prayer and decided to get dress to go to mass. I was late. I had not heard the three bells ring. Fr. Enel was the celebrant. Mrs. Leblanc was at the mass too. I asked her if she had flower plants to plant in the flower beds outside the school’s wall. She had none. So the participants of team 2 and I swept the street around the St. Joseph Educator School going toward the cemetery and Rue Goin from the church toward the entrance of EPSA. We had lunch of rice and beans, chicken, salad and fries. Mr. Labissiere came to visit us at EPSA. Edev Edward member of CORA-Haiti also stopped by to talk to the group. Danielle presented her lesson on communication and ESL, Kettly assisted. They both gave a small group instruction after class. Blaised stayed to close and bring the food wheelbarrow back. I took a shower after they cut the pipes outside to let the water flow from the bathtub which was backing up. I went to sit on the porch where it was cool. This morning I had given Sr. Solanges some money to get the outside walls painted for the week-end events. The priests had planned to use the porch and interior yard to set up for the luncheon.
Carlo fixed the mosquito net for me with strong tapes. Then I went to a meeting at Mrs. Leblanc with the members of CORA Haiti for the preparation of the festivities. When I came back to my quarters, I made my nightly prayers and went to sleep. I was awaken by cats fighting at 2 am. Then the electricity stopped and I had no fan to keep me cool.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015
As usual I got ready for mass at 6 am. Fr. Enel was the celebrant. Today is Marie Madeleine’s feast day. Mrs. Leblanc was at mass too. At the house, I saw Sr. Solanges for a few minutes. Valescot came early out of his room while I was still having breakfast ready to tackle this new day. Today we had to review the schedule for the days of festivities. Different teams will be responsible for different activities. [On Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we had to schedule flexible time for the teams according to their assignment.]. At lunch time we had white rice, beans sauce, and chicken. I had to make sure the beans were measured in the plates otherwise they spill it on the floor carrying the food to their seats. They are sometimes oblivious of the mess they make for the personnel.
When I got to the house, I started a clean-up of the porch that is all around the house. Then had two young boys help me pick up the dried weeds in the yard. Then I gave them two small plastic football as rewards. They had been donated to CORA. They ran home to show their parents the balls. They were so happy to have earned the balls and proud of their hard work helping me clean-up.
Danielle, Carlo, and Kettly went to Jacky’s to experience the local cuisine. However, they returned disappointed they had not been served what they really wanted. They ended taking supper at the house. I had Blaise help me download the “one day at a time” sung by Christi Lane for the group to learn. I typed a little and then did my nightly prayers. I could not fall asleep although I felt tired.

Thursday, July 23, 2015
I had a sleepless night. I could not even concentrate on prayers or saying a rosary. There was no mass this morning. The triduum started today in the afternoon. I stayed at the University to handle the food for the participants and the marching band while the historical team and some other members went to Joly to visit the Acao fort. While preparing and waiting, Mr. Labissiere called to say that Dr. Dupiton was close by in Petite Riviere. He had told her to go to the rectory of the cathedral as it was easier to locate. I called her telephone and left a message. As soon as she reached the rectory she called. In a few minutes I walked to meet her and her husband. I showed her room at the Sisters. We also made accommodation for her driver to be in the boys’ room.
Guy, Dr. Dupiton’s husband, came to EPSA with her where we had to handle a situation. The group working at the beach asked that their food be sent with the two emissaries they had sent on a motorcycle. In the morning we had decided that everyone would be returning to eat here. Then the food team was responsible for the cleanup and set up for the band who was to be served food before they marched at 3:30 pm. The food is not cooked on the premises. The cook had already sent the wheelbarrow with the food. The kitchen in the university is not yet equipped with an operational oven nor has no cooking wares.
Thank goodness a barrel which had arrived this morning and they had some plastic utensils for the Gala and some small cups. We also found in it a box of aluminum foil and plastic containers.
The three of us packed some food to send to them although I was disappointed in their lack of planning and the tone taken by a member that if I did not want to give them the food, they will try to buy some. I wondered where they would find it where they were! We also had to rummage through some items to find some sturdy bags to put the food in addition to the 12 bottles of juice/soda as well as the plates. The girl in the passenger seat of the motto had to carry all this behind the driver of the moto. Neither had helmets or any protective gears to go on these rocky pathways. As a mother I felt quite concerned about their safety but they were only bent on pleasing their friends. While I was handling this ‘crisis,’ the band arrived earlier than expected, I asked the food team to welcome and entertain them. We had not yet received the drinks and some other platters from the Sisters’ kitchen. The leader had them seat in the classroom and put their instrument there. The team members introduced themselves and had the band members do the same and they sang our anthem song “zanmi” for them. The director of music decided to walk around town while the food was being transported up the hill to the university. This allowed us some preparation time to set up for them.
However, they came back at 3:15. The team waited more than two hours for them wandering what to do while the food was getting cold. After feeding the band members, they had to go change into their uniform (red t-shirts) representing Music of the Heart. The Lodging/ transportation team came to provide security along the ‘parcours’-route. We had a rope on the side of the band held by the security team. At last, the band started from the university ground and went down town past the cemetery to one entrance of town (the bridge). At each stop, they played the national anthem and hymn to Anse-a-Veau. Some people followed the band along the streets. At each major stops, Witerson talked about CORA and the need to be united and to do positive things for the town such a keeping it clean. The food group walked alongside the band with a cooler to provide water at the stops intervals. We had ran out of water at EPSA’s cooler. I had to go to the sisters to borrow a 5-gallon bottle and fill a dozen 8 oz bottles.   The two team working in security and passing drinks did a good job. When the parade was over, we spent a few minutes to take pictures and thank the marching band for their performance. I was exhausted walking back to my quarters. After some rest, Dr. Dupiton and I attended mass that was being said in memory of a friend who had been killed.
We, all seven guests at the sisters, had supper then got ready to go to the conference on Anse-a-Veau by Kesnel Regis. It was planned for 7:30 but it did not begin until 8:45 pm. During the talk it started to pour. We had to move under the main ‘choukoun’ which is 4 feet away from the speaker’s stage. We could hardly hear because of the noise made by the generator. Now it was worse with rain between us. Stoically the speaker when on with his talk.   I was nodding off so hard during the talk. Guy and Mrs. Leblanc, respectively in their cars gave us a ride back to the house. I went straight to bed.

Friday, July 24, 2015
I woke up about 6 am. There was no mass again in the am. The mass was done in the evening. We had set up a 9 am rendezvous to walk together to the beach. I was at EPSA at 8:30 am. Most of the participants strolled in until 9:30 am. Claudette did our opening prayer, we practiced our new songs for this session. We walked together to the beach. It took us about 20 minutes. The natural sites team had done a good job of having benches built and painted the same color as the ‘round about’ at the entrance of town. Merchants came to sell foods. We enjoyed the ocean. I loved floating, I could do it for long period of times. One of our participant is an entrepreneur, he came with his cooler to sell cool drinks (soda, beer, and juices). The music came later with the troubadour to play. At 12 o’clock I had to go back to the University to set up for lunch. I also had to prepare the payroll envelopes. I told that participant at 2 pm I would be available to give them out. I also had to give out tickets for the gala for tonight to those who wished to attend. It was 3 pm when many came to eat and get their money. By 3:30, I gave the rest of the food to the people in the village and went back to my quarters. On my way I met two participants who wanted their envelopes and food. I said they were too late for food and had missed the deadline. Finally, I relented and gave them the money. I typed a little before getting ready to go to the event.
I am glad the custodian and some of the children around the house had finished painting the walls around the building to make them look good for Sunday.
When we got to the Renaissance night club, the band was setting up. They did not start playing until 11:30 pm. Meanwhile some sodas and beers were offered to the public followed by goat soup. When they gave the first dancing music, I dance with different participants for 1 minutes each than that was it for the night for me. Then Mr. Labissiere asked me to help with food warmers and trays to keep the food hot. They had their own idea about set up. I put the sterno on than I went back to my seat. I did not want to eat so late. At 2 am, I asked Dr. Dupiton if she was planning on leaving. Finally, all seven of us left. I went straight to bed.

Saturday, July 25, 2015
Woke up early to make sure everything was okay with Dr. Dupiton who was going to Brossard with Danielle, Ketly, and Filienne to do pediatric consultation. The ladies were in the shower before me so I had to wait. They had breakfast and were waiting for another doctor to go as a group. When it was getting late, Dr. Dupiton and the group decided to go set up and have time to look around the Petit Freres de St. Therese’s place. Dr. Dupiton and the team of helpers waited more than an hour before the other doctors showed up. Meanwhile they had set up make shift consultation and triage area. Because of political campaign some of the doctors who were to arrive from Port-au-Prince did not make it on time. Dr. Dupiton, the nurse interns, and the helpers saw 142 children for that morning.
While that group was in Brossard, Carlo was doing some repairs in our setting here. I was handling some financial reports. When Dr. Dupiton returned with the crew, we went to the square to find out what was happening with the agricultural fair. I met Christine Mathrurin who had a stand of hydromel at Roche Laval. I got back to the house, did some typing but the internet was not working.
In the afternoon, the teachers and I moved the plants to beautify the yard. The nuns, the children, and all of us cleaned around to make the place look good for the reception welcoming the Nuncio, the priests, and other guests who were coming to eat in this space tomorrow.
After supper, the group went to the night club. I stayed. They came back around 2 am. It seems that they had a good time–better than the gala the night before.

Sunday, July 26, 2015
I woke up at the usual time of 6 am. I wanted to thank Dr. Dupiton for her generous volunteering and presence in Anse-a-Veau. One of our participants asked her to give three friends a ride to Port-au-Prince without talking to me first. I would have said no. They have to squeeze to accommodate them. They are taking a risk if something happens to them. What would be their reactions? There political affiliations may put them at risk. The doctor and her husband had graciously accepted to bring them along. I realized that the participant who had asked for this favor wanted to be helpful and culturally did not see any inconvenience and/or risk in this matter although this was to me a tactless act to impose on our guest. Maybe it is me that have become too acculturated to the ways of the US.
After they left, I got ready to go to mass at 9 am. I met the Mallebranche and Dr. Max St. Albin. I thanked him for beautiful work he completed at the Calvaire. Last year we had met at Manolo’s where I had explained the work of the Renesansavo project in cleaning up the historical sites and other activities.
Then the teachers and I went to the sister’s place where the reception was to take place. Msgr. Rebecca said he would give us the seven spots needed to accommodate our guests living here besides the nuns. Within the hour, the political figures, the hierarchy of the church, and others started arriving and filling the seats set up for them. This luncheon was arranged and provided by Mrs. Cineas, candidates to the Senate for the Department of the Nippes. She had food catered in, chairs and tents brought in, and decorations set up early this morning. She was very efficient in the organization of the set up both for the reception as well as the church were tastefully done using white and yellow streams with palm and wild yellow flowers.
Right after Bishop Dumas had finished eating, they were still conversing at his table eating cake. I tried to get his attention. I was finally able to have Valescot and Antonio record a message about what he would like to see happen with the project and a message for the participants as they complete this second and last part of the pilot project. Bishop Dumas asked the Nuncio if he wanted to say a few words, he answered to me and him: “Ma’am, it is not the time to do an interview while we are at table.” If felt so ashamed of his comments. It felt as if he had slapped me. The Nuncio gave a blessing and all the cohort of priests and political figures sitting at his table left with him. According to him, it seems I had broken a protocol. He doesn’t understand that was the only opportunity I had to talk to the bishop. I wondered if it were Jesus there, would he have welcomed and encouraged me in my service to my brothers and sisters. I really think so. In most biblical stories, Jesus sought to eat and talked with others while reclining at table. I guessed this nuncio was a tired man in the heat of the country he is not used to. The song that came to mind to calm me down was: “Men Jezi nan pòt la prese ouvè ba li, la rantre lakay ou la manje ananm avèk ou.”
At supper time we all came together to thank Dr. Dupiton, her husband, and the driver for their service to the community. After lots of personal sharing, we all went to bed.

Monday, July 27, 2015
We didn’t have a working day session as to give the teachers, participant, and personnel a break for having worked all week-end.  Sr. Flora, the teachers, and the three participants in the house and I decided to go to St. Yves.  Many of them had not visited that area and the waterfall before.
The driver brought us all the way to the church steps by the market stands.  Then we followed the path to the mountain to the top of the fall.  At times, the path was very narrow or we had to jump over some small pools of water. First, we saw the round side of the fall.  No locals wanted to go near.  They said it is for the ‘service’. That there is a pink fish in the area watching all the time. Then we continued to the higher fall ending in a small pool. The three young men, Carlo, and I continued up the mountain to locate the source of the water.  It was quite treacherous and steep.  We reached the top were the nap of water lies.  Many ‘lessivyè’ were doing laundry.  The men continued toward the area were the water is captured for distribution to town.  I met a group of about ten young girls and boys studying under a tree.  I asked what they were learning.  They answered that this group was discussing a problem in the area of teen pregnancy and what it takes to prevent it.  I commended them for addressing this issue.  I asked if the young men were also taught about the need to respect women and not use the Haitian proverb-Kòk la gen tout dwa se ti poulèt ki pou pran prekosyon.  After asking me where I was from, I told them I was doing an empowering community development project through solidarity and hospitality in Anse-a-Veau.  The purpose is to help young people change their attitude and become agents of change and advocate for equality in a just society.
The three young kids we had as guides – Evans, Lines, Michael came back down the mountain with us.  We tipped them close to their homes to prevent others stealing from them.  We had a good time, taking massages under the waterfall.  Sr. Flora enjoyed the outing as she doesn’t have the opportunity during the academic school year.  We had lunch at the house when we got back.  Mr. Labissiere came to see Sr. Flora to discuss some financial matters.  Later at 9:30 pm he came again to have some papers signed.  I was so drowsy, I went to bed.  I was too tired to write or do anything else.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Went to mass, Fr. Enel was the celebrant.  After breakfast, I went to EPSA.  I made sure everything was in order as we were off yesterday. I had to change the bottle of water on the cooler, added cups, ensured that the toilet had tissue paper and the water bin to wash hands was filled. I visited the lunch room and the kitchen to make sure we would be ready for lunch later. The speaker was going to be in at 9:30 am.  We finished or routines and practiced the songs.  Many participants did not show up.  That was a shame that they would not be there to listen to Mr. Chenet Jean-Baptiste recommended to us by Fr. William Smarth.  He was here to talk about the history of the country that affects our way of thinking and acting.
Carlo, who was part of the audience shared his take on what he heard from the presentation.   “Mr. Jean-Baptiste went on to explain some of the negative proverbs such as: Ayiti se tè glisé, a way of seeing ourselves that is a problem that plagues the country since after the proclamation of its independence from 1804 and until 1915. Restless period for definitive power was an unrealistic achievement because of the constant insurgencies emerging from the northern and the southern section of the country, accentuated with the perpetuation and ineptitude of bad rulers. Finally the role and the influence of foreign countries interfering in our government invalidated all the constitutions. The people coming from slavery to freedom through fighting, struggling to remain free did not really have a chance to build a nation.
Mr. Jean Baptiste a professor of fòmasyon sosyal added that working with the youth should be of paramount importance if we want to see a difference in the future of the country. Changes are possible he believes if the youth understand the past. In a nutshell, he believes that the future is in their hands, because they are the ‘poto mitan’ of a certain future. A call to unity amongst the youth should be our hope.” A quote we should revisit: “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”
We had lunch and continued with instruction as well as questions and answers.  I was so glad we had a chance to get Fr. William Smarth’s 2 volume “Histoire de l’Eglise Catholique d’Haiti 1492-2003”.  I gave one set of his books to the library of EPSA for the benefit of the students.  Another set was purchased by Danielle.  I will bring one set back to the States.
When we got to the Sisters, we sat on the porch enjoying the breeze from the mango trees.    We had supper and enjoyed the conversation around the table about our children, things we were successful with or what gave us some challenges.  In my quarters, while checking my email, Pierre Skyped.  I talked to Natalie as well.  I was so glad to connect with home for these few minutes.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Woke up to go to mass but the church was closed.  That is when I noticed the bells had not rung.  Unlike in the US, if the mass is at 8:30 am it always is at 8:30 regardless of who will come to celebrate if the pastor is not in the parish.  After my prayers and breakfast at 7:30 am, I left for the University.  There were only 20 participants today.  I told them how disappointed I was with the attendance and lateness.  Every day I was receiving a note to excuse an absence, a lateness, or leaving early.  I reviewed the policies written in the manual and the agreement they had signed.  Someone with three absences or more would not receive the certificate at the end of the session and will not be paid for the third absence.  However, I conceded that I would look at each case individually mostly if the absence was related to a community matter.   Example, I gave a participant who had to attend a 3-day Red Cross recertification training, an assignment to do.  He had to paint the round-about at the entrance of town on his own time to support the work of his team.  He did it willingly.  I will not penalize him in any way because he is always on time otherwise and ready to be of service in finding needed tools for the different groups.
Each group gave a report of what they had accomplished during the festival and what they could improve next time.  Then Kettly Samuel started her workshop on effective leadership.  After lunch, we resumed on the subject until 2 pm.  Afterwards, we all cleaned-up and set up.  We then went back to the Sisters.  Sr. Flora had bought some coconuts for me.  They put the water in a pot in the freezer to keep it cool.  Yey!  Heaven!
We took some refreshments and went for a walk to “L’Etang.”  We walked about half an hour and passed the entrance leading to the body of water.  The road being constructed was elevated and completely overlooked the entrance path to l’Etang.  The road construction company, Vorbes, knows about the existence of this pathway as a villager told us.  The company had a confrontation with the inhabitants about their use of the water for the construction.  They felt using the diminishing water would affect the fish and the water supply that is a drinking hole for the animals of the area.  I believe there is no one defending the people on this issue.  Is it a way to make the people pay for their opposition to the use of the water?  That would be a pity.  A Haitian company acting in such a despicable manner, I don’t want to believe it.  I will bring this issue to the participants for them to follow up on this subject.  When we returned to the house we really had to have our feet washed.  We were so dusty.
We had supper and good conversation at the table.  Sr. Myriam was there as she came to pack up as she is leaving Anse-a-Veau for another assignment in Port-a-Prince (Cabaret).  Sr. Marie of next door called me back in response to my visit earlier at the rectory.  I wanted to share some materials I had for her use.  I had her visit my quarters and reminded her that I had proposed for her to do this work for her space.  We need a welcome center in Anse-a-Veau if we want volunteers to come and give us a hand.  I can’t stress enough the need of good hospitality.

Thursday, July 30, 2015
The bells from the church did not ring.  I got ready anyway.  The doors of the church were closed.  I stayed on the porch and prayed.  I miss hearing the word of God proclaimed and sharing in the Body of Christ.  At 7:15 I went for breakfast before going to EPSA. I have to start the clean-up process. The uniforms must be given to be washed and stored.  An inventory of things used and other must be done.  We have to begin planning how storage of materials will be done and what should be given away.
There were again several absences.  A few were studying during the session for their afternoon exam at the university.  This overlap of activities is not healthy for all the participants in the program and shows that they may not be prepared.  These types of issues must be addressed if there are future programs.  The work session for today consisted of ‘mapping’ the town.  I asked the teams to talk among themselves to determine which area they would cover.  A few took the liberty to pursue their own agenda.  However, at reporting time the representatives of the five teams presented and explained their work.  Group 3 did a really detailed map.  Group 2 wrote a legend.  I questioned the way they did not include “the Calvary” in their map. The representative answered they did include the monument as Saint Inri as it is named (I heard Enri).  I argued that there were no monuments dedicated to any saint in that area of town.  I described the cavalry as the newly renovated monument with stairs and a crucifix inside a little chamber with an iron gate.  The representative insisted that I was mistaken and that place is dedicated to a saint.  It was time for lunch, I relented.  After lunch, I sat right beneath the design and my eyes fell on the “INRI” on top of the cross.  I realized they did not know the inscription represented the Latin initials of the title Pontius Pilate had written on top of  the cross in three languages – Hebrew, Greek, and Latin meaning:  “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” [John 19:19].  Lycée and University students not knowing anything about such a historical and prominent monument in their own town.  This again denotes a lack of functional literacy of many of the participants.
Kettly continued with her presentation of leadership.  At the end of the session, she had the participants do a mock election.  She chose candidates for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.  Ballots were distributed, votes were tallied.
When we got to the house, we leisurely stayed on the porch to enjoy the breeze from the mango trees then we had supper all together to thank Carlo, Danielle, and Kettly for their presence in Anse-a-Veau.  They told us how grateful they were for the time spent with us.  They made a donation to help defray some of the expenses incurred on their behalf in matter of food and personnel.  This was unexpected but very generous of them.  I really appreciated the gesture from our guests.  This will help us to pay for some needed equipment in the house such as an oven, fan, and freezer and ‘a chateau d’eau’ for EPSA beside walling the storage area, and installing an iron door to secure the generator.

Friday, July 31, 2015
No bells.  I guess no mass.  I got ready.  No one was awake not even the kitchen staff.  I sat on the porch, prayed and waited for coffee.  Later went in for breakfast – akasan, egg, and avocado.
I had finally received the desk yesterday after three weeks of waiting.    I made sure to set it up in the classroom.  Today the bricklayer came to install the iron door and wall the door space to the storage area.  He needed money for cement.  The participants will complete the mapping of town and by small group to use the computer room for introductory lessons by Carlo, assisted by Antonio, Kettly and Blaise.  After lunch, we did English vocabulary through mapping and directions.
Made payroll and received notes from the two nursing students who will not be returning for the last week.  They have to start their nursing internship.  Another conflict.  I paid them for the full three weeks they had worked.  Danielle, Kettly, Carlo said their good-byes too to the participants although we ran out of time as many students had to go do their exam after 2 pm.
The wall and the door installation were completed.  I paid Mckenson the labor charge without bargaining because he had come in early as requested and completed the work well within the day.  He had to hire a helper to finish the job in the framework I wanted
Danielle, Kettly, and Carlo did not leave as planned because the driver had some issues to solve.  They stayed one more night, the boys were happy.  They asked if they could join us for our trip tomorrow.  Sister’s car could not accommodate that many passengers.  Their car would not be available as early as we wished to leave in the am.  Again it was a disappointment that they would not be able to be without in this outing.

Saturday, August 1, 2015
I woke up before the alarm set on for 5 am.  Sr. Flora, the young men, the house personnel would be going with us to Ile à Vache for the day.  It would be a day to thank them for their services.  They only did coffee for this morning.  Those who were hungry ate peanut butter and bread before leaving.  Sr. Flora ordered food for us in Les Cayes.  We stopped at the Salesian’s mission there to pick up Sr. Marie Merci who would join us on the boat.  We boarded a motored “kannòt” to bring us to l’Ile a Vache about 30 minutes away.  We landed a Kay Kòk.  We walked to Morgan – visited the outside premises pass the pool to the beach.  We saw the horses, the dining area, etc.  Sr. Marie Mercy took another deep in the ocean there.  They all enjoyed the ocean except for one who is an Adventist who refuse to participate in some activities because it was the Sabbath.  We had a nice welcome by Mr. Dume who came along with us and brought us to his house on the island where we met his wife Santana and land manager Abron.  They provided us with coconuts and mangoes.  We shared our food and cake with the whole family (besides the 12 of us, husband, wife, and three children).  When we returned we packed some of the food for tonight for the staff.  I would be doing the cooking for them as it was there day off.  Technology is good but could be scary as well.  The boat ‘captain’ stop the motor twice to answer his cell phone while the water seems to be high and choppy swaying the 15 seater wooden boat.
Finally, we left Les Cayes at 5:30 pm.  Twice, we met some convoy of candidates on the way.  All in all, I am glad I was able to make this day happen for the personnel and all those who helped in the program.
When I got to the house, I quickly sautéd some onions and added some sardines.  We ate in paper plates so that no one would have to do dishes tonight.  Thank you Lord for a successful day!

Sunday, August 2, 2015
I stayed late in bed.  I heard Blaise arguing with Antonio that finally made me get out of bed at 7 am.  Soon after getting ready, I heard the bell for breakfast.  The church bells did not ring.  But I got ready once and for all for church.  I was pleasantly surprised while organizing some things on the dresser to notice that Danielle had left the “Off” mosquito repellent for me.  How thoughtful!
Blaise left to go to Baradere to organize and plan a meeting.  Valescot and Antonio were relaxing.  At mass, Fr. Enel thanked CORA and the Renesansavo for their presence and work in the town.  After mass, we talked a little with Mrs. Leblanc and Sr. Flora.  In the afternoon, I worked on doing the presentation on behavioral styles.  I did some clean up in the room as well.
Fr. Enel came to visit.  While we were talking on the porch, Sr. Flora and I heard an explosion like noise coming from inside the house.  The newly bought oven door busted into pieces.  It was not on.  Thank God no one got hurt.  We picked up the broken pieces.
When I went back to my quarters, I saw ants crawling in different parts of the room.  I tried to sweep the colonies away and put them in the tub.  There was no water coming from the faucet.  I did not want to use the little reserve in the bucket.  I looked outside it was pitched black no one to ask for water.  I pour the bottle of peroxide water on them.  I thought they would not climb on the bed.  I went to bed but could not fall asleep.