lunch break

We just got back from the trip into the doctor's office, and we have a little bit of time before we start working again with the kids. It was really fun to get to go into town, and driving in Haiti is always interesting. The drive was basically a bumpy trek down steep, winding roads with all sorts of things going on throughout the town. The streets are lined with little shops, people walking to and from work I suppose, and stands to sell anything from juice and candy to purses and sneakers. There's also a ton of artwork for sale, and the paintings are beautiful.

It was neat to see a lot more of Haiti-more beautiful mountains and a little peek at the gorgeous blue ocean, but it is definitely shocking at the same time. We passed a few areas that were slums and I really felt like I was looking at a scene out of Slumdog Millionaire. I was reminded of how we easily forget that not everyone in the world lives like we do.

We had six kids in the car with us, and five of them sat in the backseat on our laps. It was me, Becca, and Jamie who got to go and help with the trip, and it was definitely a cozy ride piled back there. The kids were so cute and somehow fell asleep in our laps despite the crazy bumps and rocky ride. Once we got to the doctor's office, the kids did great and it really went by pretty fast. The doctor just did a basic check up to see how they're doing developmentally and what not. We bought some of these tasty banana chips (I'm sure they have a name...I just wouldn't know how to pronounce it, much less spell it) for a snack on the way home, and we drove in silence just soaking in the scene of life in Haiti. It was a really cool experience.

Later...

It cooled off a little this afternoon, and it was really relaxing with the kids out on the balcony. I got to spend a lot of time with Shonie today, and I'm just praying for her health and healing. Most of the time she just plops her head on my chest and lays there with deep breaths. It's kind of sad because it almost seems like she is just giving up. But I'm fighting for her...and I actually got her to smile today. It was the first time I have seen her smile, and it was a wonderful feeling for sure.

I just got finished hanging out with Bennie, and he is always such a fun little guy. He is doing great and surprises me each day. D-Love and I went on a walk too and bought some Tampico juice on the way. It's funny because the local kids always come up to us and ask us to take their pictures or give them a dollar. They know what they want, that's for sure.

It's about to be dinner time and then we'll head back to our house for some down time. These past couple of days have been so fun with the kids and the volunteers, and I can't believe it's going to be Friday tomorrow. A new volunteer is coming to the orphanage tomorrow, so pray for her travels and her first day here!