Taking a break from Math....

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 8:00p.m.

Palm tree branches doubled over, churning waves crashing upon the shore, water pouring over the fishing dock like small waterfalls, sailboats tossed and turned far off course, jackets and long sleeves donned, temperature dropped sufficiently.

Perhaps this seems to be referencing some tropical storm. No - it's just a description of a blustery day in Haiti. The wind suddenly picked up late this morning, and soon school papers were blowing all over the place, so Ashley and I decided it was time to take a break on the beach. We were instantly entranced...with spray from the frothy waves sprinkling our faces, the deafening wind and crashing waves filling our ears...this opportunity could not be passed up; Math would wait. Crash joined us, and we all jumped in, riding the gigantic waves, screaming and laughing as they pulled and pushed us, now throwing us onto the rocky shore, now threatening to bury us in the depths. When we tired of being tossed like dirty clothes in a washing machine, we sat on the edge of the dock and let the white caps splash up over our already drenched selves. A thorough and rewarding search for seashells along the shore was the perfect finale to our afternoon adventure.

Two hours later we traversed upstairs to bathe and relax, invigorated but exhausted. The wind had slowed a bit, but the pretty little wind chime hanging in my window was still tinkling delightfully. Sigh. Another wonderful day in Haiti.

Haitian Holiday Season...

Saturday, December 5th, 2009 7:00p.m.

This is the first time I have been away from home for Thanksgiving and for the holiday season in general. I wasn't sure what to expect, from myself and everyone else. Would I be homesick? How different would it be? What new traditions would I learn and participate in? Well, I needn't have worried.

Thanksgiving day dawned sunny and hot, just as every other day here does. I had given the girls the day off, even though it was an American holiday and all the Haitians wondered why in the world Ashley and Kelsey got to have a holiday from school on a random Thursday. I sure didn't mind the break! Crash and I read and relaxed all morning, and Dee and Grandma spent their time in the kitchen, concocting numerous surprise dishes...we were very curious.

By mid-afternoon (about the same time my family would have been sitting down to eat their dinner) the food was ready and we were astounded to find the table set with special plates and silverware at each place (turkey and Indian place settings made by Ashley and Kelsey for a school art project were a nice addition as well), and in the center of the table were bowls and bowls of mashed potatoes, noodles and gravy, creamed corn, homemade rolls, and broiled chicken (I liked it better than turkey). There were guests as well, just like my family always has: there's always at least one person present who is not a member of the family. The only difference was that these guests could not speak English. Ashley read her informative essay on the first Thanksgiving, we each told one thing we were thankful for - some in English, some in Creole - Wilckly prayed, and the feast began. I almost forgot I was in Haiti for a while; the food and the stmosphere were so American. And when we were satisfingly stuffed, Dee produced, not one, not two, but three pumpkin pies! I was overjoyed...what a perfect finish. The entire day was wonderful, and I was not homesick once.

Now it is December...though my mind knows that, it is difficult to get my body to believe it, as Ashley, Kelsey, and I sit here making Christmas cards in 90 degree weather. We went swimming this morning, I got a darker tan and more freckles, and I'm sweating as I type this in the open doorway, only twenty days from Christmas. Crazy. This week we have been singing Christmas Carols, listening to Christmas music, putting up Christmas decorations, and making Christmas cards. Just the same as I would be doing at home. I have always loved the holiday season, and I am so glad that celebrating it here is turning out to be such a fun experience.

So, though this is a bit late and a bit early; I figured since it was right in the middle, what better time to say: Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas from Haiti!