DAY 5

THE HILLS

Today was an exceptional day. God either decided to bless my spirits, or He grew weary of my inner whining. Early- so early we had to leave breakfast on the table- Cliff, our driver, picked us up and we headed to Matthias’ home. I had no idea what to expect but as we continued to drive farther up the hills and far far away from the heat, smell and noise, my mind cleared and my heart grew light. The countryside is so beautiful-if it had been my first glimpse of Haiti I should have fallen in love immediately.  Tall trees bloom all year long in a rainbow of colors. The air is cool, clean, and smells of blossoms. Along the streets were the same ever present markets and shacks, but there were fewer piles of black sludge. Peasants with goats on leashes and chickens on their heads walked by large green fields.

The visit with Gayle, (the wife of Abe’s employer) and his two teen age daughters was wonderful. The ever present guard and shot gun met us at the gate and we were immediately greeted with the usual kiss on the cheek and bright smiles from the two daughters. The house was encased with beautifully kept gardens. Gayle gave me a tour and told me, in perfect English, all about her husband’s rise to fame and riches from a simple street worker. The kids were in heaven as they watched movies on their big screen and ate cookies and french toast. The girls spoiled and played with the babes while Gayle took me on a tour of the area. It was so refreshing to be in the  mountain air and talk with someone who understood me. Our visit ended with Gayle taking us near the top of the mountains to a baptist mission and hospital. A small zoo was there and the kids ran free and had such a good time. Isaiah and Thaddaues cried when they learned we were heading back to the guest house. Once we have been in Haiti for a year or so and have worked off our debt from the States, I want to live in the countryside. I WILL live in the country side. J