Saturday, December 27, 2008

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all had lovely holidays! Christmas here was really nice - although a bit strange in 90 degree weather. Christmas eve was lovely - I made pies and Dorothy invited over alot of friends for a big meal. I met a lot of Americans working in Haiti with schools, orphanages, clinics, etc. Anna however did not meet these people as she was very sick. Thankfully, she is MUCH better now and eating food like a normal person. That night, christmas eve, sounded like a battle was happening in the city, but it was just celebratory fireworks. We sat on the roof and watched the fireworks, listening to hilarious carribean music. On christmas morning all the babies sat in the living room and each opened two or three gifts. The ones who were old enough to understand were beside themselves with toys of their very own. Little Gertie and Esna (both about four) immediately stripped off their clothes and started twirling around in their new dresses. It was pretty adorable.

Today I handed out toys to a few of the kids from the area that Dorothy feeds everyday. They were beyond excited - as soon as they walked out of the front gates they ripped their bags open and played with their toys. They kids are obviously very poor and wear the same ripped clothes that are falling off of them every day. Their hair is a burnt orange kind of color - a sign of malnutrition. Thankfully, they are now being fed at least once a day and getting vitamins. And alas - now they have new (to their standards at least) shoes thanks to another lady visiting!

One funny thing about the Haitians is that they don't give the kids anything to drink. It's hatian tradition to not give kids water - which of course is TERRIBLE; I suppose it's so you have to change less diapers. Even though the Haitian nannies who work here are told that water is important it's hard to change their ways of thinking. One of the babies, Johnny J has AIDS and is always sick, poor thing, and some of the nanies are afraid to even touch him so as not to get the disease. Even though many people have AIDS here there's definitely alot of shame that comes along with it. When he cries, which is often, some of the nanies are afraid to touch his tears.

My only complaint here (other than bugs in my bed) is that I can't speak creole. However at least ten times a day I'm telling a little one to SHITA LA! Sit here. Or Vinni - come here. We're working on it.

Coming home soon!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Becca, it was great to read your post. While I figured ya'll were busy, I hated that it was so long between posts. Is Anna better? Did she have a virus? It would be nice to get a note from her too! I don't see how the children live without water??? What do they drink besides milk? Give the little ones with AIDS an extra hug as I can imagine they don't get nearly enough. Give Anna one for me too as I miss her terribly. I continue to pray for both of you: safety, health and prosperous ministry. I love you both and look forward to you being back home. Have a great day loving on the kids.
I love you both.
Linda

Susan Alexander said...

BUGS!!! At least you aren't lonely while in bed??? Try not to bring any home with you. What does Carribean Christmas music sound like. Give the little kids extra hugs from us too. One more update on the blog would be great about Monday (hint, hint) so we know you both are still doing well. Love you , Mom, Dad and Allie