Wednesday, June 15, 2011

In Haiti

Every morning a rooster would stand outside my window and Cock a doodle do at 4 o'clock in the morning. Invariably waking me up and making me begin to have the rather paranoid thought he was actually giggling at me, quite unabashedly.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


The water coming out of the shower head feels like ice down my spine and I jump every time it hits my skin.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


The electricity goes out for long hours every day. Sometimes lasting the whole day and even the night too.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


It is the rainy season and my hair appears to be playing some kind of cosmic joke on me.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


There are no popsicles, no air conditioning, no swimming pool.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


It's Sunday and I'm standing in an itty bitty tent with no circulation, the sun beating town and tarps covering every surface.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.

I have to be careful not to stick my toothbrush under the faucet every time I brush my teeth. I have to have a clean cup, with special water from a system our church put in a jug whenever I even want a sip.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


My body is constantly covered in sticky, smelly bug spray and sunblock.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


The main staple is goat and everything is fried. (Neither of which I'm used to)

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.

All cooking is done in a teeny tiny cookhouse over hot charcoal with no circulation to be found.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


The internet is down in the whole country, my phone doesn't work and I have no idea how my family is doing.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


My feet are constantly covered in a thick mud that is impossible to avoid as there are no sidewalks to walk on or grass them clean.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


There are no Wal-Marts or Targets or CVS's to make quick runs into.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


We visit a pastor's house and there is only an open air, outdoor bathroom.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.
Almost no one spoke but a few words of English.

But it's hard to complain, when I'm in Haiti.


4 comments:

Janet said...

Wow! Incredible post!

Tam said...

I remember feeling many of those same sentiments, when I was in Haiti. It was the most physically miserable trips I have ever taken. It was, however, the place where my heart grew the most its ever grown.

Love that you went.
One day, I will go back.
Great blog!
Tammy

Brigette said...

Amy, I got teary eyed reading your post. It renewed my efforts to remember to faithfully pray for Haiti. Thank you for going there and giving.

Fantacy so Sweet-n-Stuff... said...

I absolutely 2nd what Brigette said... I needed to not see this until tonight when I am fuming over rabbits in my garden, kids who won't quit bickering & just an overall feeling of GRRRR with the day... I <3 you Amy!