Good morning! We saw that there were major storms in Minnesota last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those that lost loved ones, are injured, and those affected in any way.
Yesterday, Anne and I had a wonderful day. We were able to enjoy the day at Wahoo Beach. It is about an hour and a half drive out of Port au Prince. Leonard drove us and it is always wonderful to spend a day with him. His wife, daughter, grandson, Gertrude and Rosie joined us for a day of fun, sun and relaxation. I was happy that we had this opportunity for Anne to see the beauty of Haiti before she flies home today.
Theo, Rosie and I at the beach!
While we were driving yesterday, Anne said “Look up, it is so beautiful.” We talked about how often when we are driving or walk in PAP that we are looking down or forward to avoid tripping a collision. Plus there is so much to observe right in front of you. When you do look up it is amazing. The beauty of the mountains, lush trees, magnificent sky are all right there as a gift. The beach is a true gift of beauty as well. Then it got me thinking, in this country that is over taken by trash, dust and heat there is so much beauty. Sometimes you need to look a little harder but it is definitely there. I find the most beauty in the eyes of the people. Take a moment and really look someone in the eyes and you can see the beauty of their heart.
On our drive, I also was thinking about how often in my life I spend most of my time looking right in front of me. I should be spending much more of my time looking up to Jesus. He will never leave me and is always such a comfort. Now that is beauty!
After our amazing day we arrived back at Heartline guesthouse. We enjoy another great meal and then walked to see the patients at the hospital. They bring us so much joy. To think many of them have been there for months and this is their new family and home. We did get a pretty big thrill when we saw 2 gigantic rats. It was so nasty. Of course, I started jumping and screaming. The Haitians got a huge kick out of it and some good laughs. Once we arrived back at the guesthouse, Anne saw a spider, I think she said the size of Texas but regardless we both got a good scream in for the evening.
Last night was miserable sleeping. It was so hot; I was pouring sweat all night. I went to bed cuddling with my ice-cold water bottle. Never done that before. I did keep thinking that as miserable as I was that I was at least not sleeping under a tarp or in a steaming tent. The heat seems hard to escape this morning. I feel for all those living in tent cities and without the luxury of a fan.
Once again, giving thanks!
