2nd Week down South

I've been trying to compose a blog for a few days now, so this time I am really going to finish. We are leaving for Fauche tomorrow on a plane at 8am. We are so ready to go back! There are plenty of good things about our time here, but the nature of this place eventually (after about 2 weeks) makes you want to go home. We have experienced more frustration this time around than we did the first trip, surprisingly, since it seems it would be easier since we knew what to expect and whatnot! But Haiti continually demands increasing flexibility. We have spent a few rounds of several days in a row with no teams and not much to do, and then a team will come, usually unexpectedly, and it's crazy for a few days, then back to nothin' much. As the ones responsible for meals, it was hard in that teams came and went and the timing was very up in the air. They would be scheduled to arrive at noon, and not get to the house until 3:30, that sort of thing. And today, we weren't supposed to have anyone new, but suddenly we got a call saying we had 7 hungry people heading our way to stay for the night! At times it would be the other way around, for instance we were scheduled to have a team of five from Monday-Friday, and got word Monday that they weren't coming at all. It is really challenging to have a good attitude at times. The reason we are here is to host people, and yet it's so hard to be flexible! I like to be prepared, especially if we're the ones making a meal or holding responsibility. But things always come together sooner or later. I decided that if I ever run a guest house, I am going to sit down on a cheerful day, write a check list of things that we HAVE to do each time people come (Offer the computer, don't cringe when they eat the breakfast food unknowingly the night before, offer fans, etc.), to make sure that if they inconvenience me I won't subtly make them feel guilty! Oh this is a growing experience. :)
Above...the pictures are of a bunch of bags put together by a team from SC that were here yesterday. Each one has beans, peanut butter, and canned goods, they are "family packs" which make distribution easy. It was impressive to see how quickly the bags came together and know they will go to people that need them. The group in the truck was a great group of people. We got to see Matt and Justine again, as well as the other missionaries from LaGonave, which was fun! We always say goodbye to them not knowing if we will be brought back together again in Haiti. So far we have gotten to see Matt and Justine 5 times, and the rest of the group 2-3 times!
Chris has been sick this week but is feeling much better now. He is becoming a real jack of all trades. As you can see in the picture, he tried to put in plugs, but when he took off the plate, this is what he found, and after testing all the wires, realized it wasn't possible! This house presents a lot of challenges, between the generator, water, and everything else. He's been hanging pictures, a light outside, laundry lines, and laundry :) He is currently making casseroles to freeze for tomorrow after we leave, and earlier made biscuits to go with our stew for dinner. I'm so proud of him, I can't explain how much, his willingness is humbling.
When we go back to Fauche, we will have 5 more weeks with the Thedes and with Haiti. I can't begin to write about leaving yet, because I don't know what to say, I just hope that God will prepare us. We feel a bit numb toward the earthquake and everything we see here. Hopefully we will have time to process with each other and the Thedes in the next few weeks. Thank you for being part of our lives!! We're SO thankful!!
Have a great weekend!