Day 2 - A Dose of Perspective

Today was a relaxed day.  This morning, I was able to mill around the artisan houses, visit with everyone and watch them work.  It's so fun to walk through and see familiar faces.

There are a group of four professional potters here for a few weeks doing further training with the artisans.  The work they are creating is amazing.  They pick up on things so very fast.

There was also a glass artist in the house today.  Perfect timing with the potters being here.  They are working together to make molds so that they can begin to create glass beads and medallions from recycled glass.  That is going to be incredible!

Board Members Jim and Pene had a complete tour today as well.  This is their first time here and have been amazed to see all the production.

It didn't take me long to find the seamstresses.  These ladies are so sweet.  Mdm Bessa (center) speaks English and she is the team leader.  She is incredibly talented and I just love her smile.   We worked together on Keziah's quilt last year. Today when I walked in, Kettly (right) came over and gave me a big hug and then made this HUGE fuss about the extra weight I have put on since last year.  She had to touch my waist and pat my cheeks....she was soooo happy for me.   Here in Haiti weight gain is celebrated.  You are healthy and your heart is happy.  I didn't know how to feel.

Dose of perspective number one.

I've been working really hard to get the extra weight off.  It's a constant battle for me.  I live in a culture where extra weight is frowned upon.  Here it's a good thing because you have food.  You are not starving.  Such extremes. Still trying to find a balance on that one.

After a fun day at the Artisan house, we went to lunch.  Marilyn, Jim, Pene and I, along with Ted and Rebecca Barlow.  Ted is the new Haiti Operations Manager.  Many of us have met him for the first time this week and we are enjoying getting to know he and his wife better.  We all sat and chatted for about 3 hours.  Just getting to know one another better and doing some brain storming.  Our actual Board Meeting isn't until Thursday so we could have some bonding time.  So far it is going well - please continue to pray for us.  Seems like we are all coming up with the same thoughts - it's just finding the best way to implement them.

After the meeting, Marilyn and I headed down to Shelley's house via the bridge.

It is completely amazing to see up close and personal.  I found out today that not only did they build it in such a way that it can be expanded for car traffic later if needed, but they also ran the city water pipe through the bridge so when the water comes on - it flows on their side.  I did not realize that when this floods, their water supply is cut off.  So now, they have made it so the water comes to them.  I'm so thankful that we did this in such a way that they built exactly what they wanted.  They thought ahead and planned well.

Dose of perspective number two.

The things we take for granted......a simple bridge like this is saving lives.

This is Elinord, one of the AP artisans, and her husband.  I did not catch his name as Marilyn and I were down in Little Clarvil without an interpreter.  Anyway - Elinord's husband was in charge of the bridge.

Elinord invited us to come into her house.  She had made improvements and was very happy!  They are currently building a larger house close by.  It will take a while but once it is finished, they will have what is considered to be a Middle Class home here in Haiti.  Elinord took us into her house to show us the brand new toilet.

Dose number three.

She was so proud of this toilet - even though they do not have running water.  They had built a little area for privacy and purchased a REAL toilet.

Can you imagine?  She has had to squat in the dirt her entire life and now that they have work, she was able to buy a toilet.

I was so happy for them!  They have worked so hard and slowly a house is being build.  A big house. With more than 2 rooms.  No wonder they are smiling so big.

I think it's wonderful!  All those cereal boxes, all that jewelry.  Every time you have a party, ship cereal boxes, buy jewelry - you are changing lives!  You are bringing hope and dignity.

Kettly and Elinord

I know I say this all the time, but, I really am humbled and amazed to be a part of all of this.  Lives are changing.  Not just now but for generations!

Tomorrow - Croix des Bouquets to see all the Metalwork Artisans!  Can't wait!!!!

Until next time.......

Day One - Clear Signs that Lead the Way