Thursday, June 3, 2010

Laughter.

So today was good. Filled with laughter.

I'm really starting to feel like part of the team here which is a great feeling. Before I came to Haiti I was uncertain if I would have a good time with the people I worked with... especially since I knew I would probably be 20 + years younger than them. However, I have discovered that is not the case and it was a joy to start joking around with one another today and to hear several funny stories. Including one of a dead woman on a floor who ended up not being dead. It's a very funny story, but way too long to put in this blog entry. If you want to hear it sometime, let me know. :)

I did not really go outside the compound today. I took inventory of medical supplies and finished combining my tool kit sheets. I also searched diligently on the internet for a necessary car part that we knew the name of in Kreyol but not English. We finally found it, though! It felt like a big victory.

The afternoon was low-key for the most part. I mostly worked on my Kreyol and followed my cousin, Matt's, progress in the National Spelling Bee. He, unfortunately, did not make it to the semi-finals, but he's still a winner in my eyes!

I did, however, get to take another visit to the end of the street to buy more boys from the tent city on our campus some sandals. We had 6 boys come with us and 5 needed sandals. They were very excited about the trip and looking at their feet it was obvious they needed new pairs of shoes. In fact, they all probably needed some new clothes in general. Some had clothes with huge holes in them, some had pants that were obviously too big on them, and some had shoes that were essentially split in half and hanging on a thread. We sat around and talked to the boys a bit before going back to work. The kids bring me great joy because they're just so adorable.

Here is my other adorable kid story, which also caused for some laughter. There are these three girls that sit outside the Guest House in between my building (which is called the Swiss House) and the Guest House. I found out today that they are Eric, the head driver's, children. They're absolutely adorable. The first time I passed them, they said "Bonjou!" and I responded back with a hearty "Bonjou!" The next time I saw them, however, they said, "Bonjou poupe! Bonjou poupe!" I had no idea what poupe meant... I just knew it sounded like poopy. I couldn't tell if that was an English term that they had learned and were using potty humor or if poupe meant something else in Kreyol. After that first time, though, every time I passed by them they said it again, "Bonjou poupe! Bonjou poupe!"

So today when I walked past them, they got out of their seats and swarmed me, touching my arms saying "Bonjou poupe! Bonjou poupe!" Luckily, Mike was with me that time and I asked frantically, "What on earth does poupe mean?" And he said, "Oh that's the name of their doll." And I said, "No, no... they're saying it to me... what does it mean?" He did not know the answer so he asked them a few questions in Kreyol and found out that they were trying to tell me that they thought I was very pretty.

Once we got inside, Belorne explained that poupe is actually Kreyol for doll... so they were saying that I looked like a doll which is apparently a very big compliment in Haiti. I felt really flattered. I think those girls and I will soon be good friends. :) It was quickly turned into a funny moment, though, when Doug said "Oh, that's what they call you? Well that will be your new name from now on. We'll just say 'Hey poopy!'" Oh dear.

So yes. It was a good day. Also a good day because it was relatively cool for the majority of the day which was a great blessing.

Tomorrow will be a big blogging day I'm expecting, though, because I will go to Millier in the morning. Millier was the area probably hit hardest by the earthquake and most people there are living in extreme poverty. I am certain it will be an experience to remember.

Again, I hope you are well and life is lovely!

Beth

1 comment:

  1. I would just like to point out that, as an activist working against human trafficking, perhaps you shouldn't begin a sentence with "I did, however, get to take another visit to the end of the street to buy more boys..." I think you probably want to say, "to buy some sandals for more boys." :-) Just want to clear up any confusion.

    ReplyDelete

Page Stats