Day 3 - Sunday Leisure... Sort of

So Today was a big day. Not even sure where to begin.  First I guess I just want to comment on the weather/climate atmosphere.  It is warm, and humid obviously with no air conditioning, but it's not overly hot at this point in time.  I think this may be part of their cooler season.  I would say maybe 80 or so and humid.  The sounds are amazing. It is so quiet, and we are up in the mountains, which has somewhat of a rainforest feel.

 We went hiking today, after a big lunch of goat, beans, rice and beet potato salad.  The goat wasn't too bad for the most part, but one of the pieces I got was just fat deep fried.  The texture was really soft, gooey and stringy, and I couldn't hardly get it down.  But other than that it wasn't too bad.  We hiked down to a river and a waterfall.  It was beautiful.  Picturesque and peaceful.   We climbed up a little bluff and jumped off a little cliff into the feet about 10 feet below.   The trip was actually to see the hydroelectric plant that powers the campus.  Currently it is having issues, but I think it is still partly functioning.  The hill was pretty steep, and we were breathing pretty hard by the end.  It was beautiful though.  The countryside here is pretty amazing, and I'm looking forward to doing a little hiking while I'm here. 

We got to experience the Haitian church this morning. They had a little translating system, one of the Haitians had a transmitter and we all had receivers, and he would translate as the service went on. It was a bit hard for the translator to keep up at times, but at least we were able to get the gist of the sermon.  Most of the service was singing anyway.  In our conversation this morning we determined that Haitians worship from the bottom of their hearts and the tops of their lungs.  We actually were able to go up front and sing a song of our own. We sang Blessed Assurance, and later when we sat back down, we sang it again. This time the Haitians sang a verse, than we sang one for all 3 verses. 

We also visited the house and talked a lot more about the Job scope today.  Daryl gave me a Haitian phone to use while I'm down here as well.  We had a desert at Daryl's place where we talked even more, and sang a bit with guitars. 

So far so good.  It is neat getting to know this team. They are a lot of fun, and seems like we are all getting along well.  I'm excited about this new perspective of staying for a little while.  The biggest concern that I have at this point is that I would have the skills that they would need for the project that they are going to put me on.   From what I gather at this point, the team is working on the Aberle's house, getting it ready for them when they move in sometime in July.  I think my role after they are gone is to wrap up what they were not able to get done, as well as any other projects that Daryl would have, which by the sounds of it are numerous.  I just pray that I would be a good fit for the types of things he needs done.

I also hope that my relationship with the missionaries down here would be good as well.  That we can blend and get along, and that I could find a peace and a place in this little community. 

I am really looking forward to getting to experience the real Haitian culture.  Coming down for just a week doesn't give a real good insight into what is really going on.  The wow factor hasn't faded yet, and you don't really get to become a part of this other world.  I am hoping that I can become a part of that. 

God has already been working on me.  The people on this team have already called me out on some of my insecurities, and have encouraged me more than they know.  Just small passing comments in conversations have really meant a lot and are helping to change my attitude.  God has been working, and I am excited to continually see Him work. In my life, as well as through me in the life of others

Today's Prayer:

 

Father, Thank you for this day.  Thank you for the opportunity to worship with the Haitian brethren,  and to get a glimpse into their hearts.  I pray that as I am down there that I can understand their hearts better, and that I can learn from their outlook.  Bless these relationships father.  Continue to guide me and use me Lord.  I thank you.  Amen.