Baking Brownies with Bobby

This morning Rebekah and I woke up early to say goodbye to three of our friends who were leaving, two for a short vacation time and the other to return to the States. It was a sad goodbye, as we do not know when or if we will ever see them , but hopefully our paths will cross once again. After they pulled out of the compound, Rebekah and I went for an early morning run until it was time for breakfast and devotions. The devotions were extremely intimate and special this morning, consisting of two short songs and a time of prayer..It was such a powerful moment and wonderful experience to be a part of, for God was truly moving among us.

From devotions Rebekah and I went into the kitchen and began baking brownies with Bobby, one of the cooks here. Sixteen eggs, two bottles of oil, and eight packages of brownie mix later, we had a huge pan of delicious brownies baking in the oven for dinner. We then drove into Cite Soleil to observe a school that teaches women practical life tools. There were different classes such as one for learning English, developing literacy, medical skills, tailoring, embroidery, and cosmetology. Educated Haitian women teach other ladies of all ages a specific class for either three or six months. Although no where near as dangerous as before, Cite Soleil is still rather dangerous and the opportunity for these women to learn some important skills is invaluable.

While we had been baking and visiting the women's program, my mother had left with the mobile clinic to visit a church. Everyday a team of medical people travel to a different camp, orphanage, school, or church to give care and medicine to the people there. My mom played with some children and talked to the adults as well as helping out the medical team by counting and sorting pills. She also played photographer for them as they worked.

The rest of the day was pretty low-key, and we all just stayed on the compound either resting, spending time on our computers, or walking around. The meteorologists say that we are in a tropical depression and as some of you have expressed your concern for our safetly, I assure you we are completely fine. It is actually quite an enjoyable break from the harsh sun and constant sweating. The mild temperature, overcast skies, and strong breeze are quite welcomed here. One of our friends apparently caught Iwith his bare hands) a giant tarantula, "bigger than he's ever seen" before. I haven't gotten a picture yet because I'm too frightened to go look. Apparently they can jump up to three feet, but I'm not sure if this is one of those things the boys tell me to scare me or not. I've learned quickly not to believe EVERYTHING they tell me here, especially about the tarantulas ;)

With love from Haiti...