Day 6

Today was a good day, but a little different than most of our other days this week. After breakfast we headed to Sherrie's and most of both teams went. We all just jumped in and started working on projects at the orphanage attempting to get things finished there so the children can move in. We didnt get everything done, but we did get the floors cleaned the first time (they need cleaned many times to get the dirt and mud off of them), painted all if the doors, and cleaned up around the outside. Arnie also went out with Edmond ti buy the supplies needed to build a couple of small privacy walls for the bathroom. We didn't get the walls built, but at least the supplies are there, ready for the next team to pick up where we left off. When we were done with what we could do on the project at Sherrie's we all went out on the bus to "sight see" a bit. For so many it was their first time to see the downtown area of Port au Prince, and to see some of the more prominent earthquake destruction. For me, I was surprised that even since December it appears as though much progress has been made on tearing down collapsed buildings and rebuilding new ones. That is very positive to see. After we were done seeing downtown, we went to Epi d'or for some ice cream. It was a nice treat! Then we headed back to the guest house. On the way back we ran out of gas. Another God moment for sure...in probably less than 2 minutes some guy was at the side of our bus with a milk jug full of gasoline. There were no gas stations around us, so we aren't really sure where he came from, but we were thankful he was there! As soon as we arrived back at the guest house dinner was ready. We aren't going out to churches tonight because tonight the 'carnival' starts. It is like a massive Haitian mardi gras. In downtown they are building massive dancing stages and breaking out decorations. As we understand it, this is a pretty massive celebration and from mid-day Monday through Wednesday morning everything pretty much shuts down for the party. We have also been told that this is a time when voodoo practices are more prominent. After dinner we sat around and relaxed. Most of the teenagers fell asleep soon after we got back, but us 'old people' are still going strong. We are splitting up to attend three different church services tomorrow morning and then will be coming back to pack up and get ready to leave early Monday morning. Overall it's been a good day. More tomorrow...God bless!