As promised....

Yep, this one is going to be a little more on the humorous side. I thought I would take the time to share some interesting experiences I have had this trip.

#1. I've ridden a PUBLIC tap tap. For those of you who don't know tap tap are a major form of transportation for the Haitian people. Imagine a 1980 (or older) Ford Ranger with the bed of the truck enclosed on the top. Now add LOTS of colors and some random sayings about Jesus or bible verse or yes even pictures of Nathan Lee (an American I met in Haiti who was famous enough to be painted on a tap tap-he goes down in history for that one). It was interesting that while riding the Haitians didn't want  to sit by me. I think they were taken aback by a Blanc on a tap tap. After the 14th person crammed in I quickly had people on either side. The public tap tap was quite an experience and I've decided I will try to avoid from now on, primarily due to the fact that I am too tall and hit my head both times I entered and exited.

#2. I've walked through the streets and played with some of our kids in the rain. This BY FAR might be one of my favorite times in Haiti. We jumped over puddles hand in hand and even found a drain running off the roof of a school and stood under it to get doused in the rain. Cha Cha, a brilliant boy, had the best time playing in the rain. Even sweet Rosa who is typically timid and shy, jumped the puddles and laughed as we made our way around the neighborhood!

#3. To follow that one up, I've walked through mud to church. This was quite humorous. It took about twice as long to get to church, as I was trying to avoiding slipping and falling on my bottom. Cha Cha goes to church with me and on our way he got stuck in the mud and I had to pull him out. Not ideal for his black leather church shoes. The Haitians are very practical about their church and school shoes, so I assume the nannies didn't appreciate our escapades! Oh, and I got to do this twice because I forgot my Nalgene at church. Good one, Tori! Cha Cha, however jumped at the chance to go through the mud again!  

#4. I've ridden in a machine (this is the Creole word for car!) without a battery. Yes, that's right, you can drive a car without a battery. Since you're all wondering I will just tell you how. You take the battery from the generator (because the car battery isn't working), connect it to the car, then start the engine, then disconnect the battery and somehow tie the cables. Viola! Off we went through the streets of Port Au Prince! Yes, this happened for about 4 days before we were able to get another battery! I certainly learned something new with that one.

#5. I've been stranded on the side of Delmas (quite possibly the craziest/busiest street in Port). As we were crossing the street the car battery died. Some men offered to help push the car to the side and after about an hour (which I didn't mind getting a sun tan!) we were back to running our errands.

#6. Speaking of Delmas, I have also ridden a moto (yes, I've ridden a motorcycle in Haiti, but never in America- I know this makes a lot of sense, right?!) through rush hour traffic on Delmas. I was thankful to complete the ride with all my limbs intact. The drivers weave in and out of traffic like I've never seen. I spent about 80% of the transit in prayer for my safety and wisdom for the driver! Nonetheless, I safely arrived a dinner at La Reserve, my favorite restaurant in Haiti (not that I've been to many- it's just been a ritual for most of my trips).

#7. I know how to operate a generator and inverter now. The things I have done to have power! I'm just beyond thankful to have the opportunity to have power here.

#8. I've read by the light on an old gasoline lamp. My grandmother showed me one of these at her house a few years ago, but now I can say I've used it. Those few nights without power were pretty cool to read in the simplicity of light and I had a really sweet time in worship one of the nights also!

That's about it for now as far as my funny stories go. Please continue to pray for me, the children, and staff. You prayers for unity have been felt. Today was a wonderful day working with everyone and great things were accomplished! Pray for some of our sick ones, it seems that the common thread right now is fever. Please pray that fever be gone from our home in Jesus Name! AMEN!