Back in Haiti - Day 7 - Fini

What a day. What a seriously great day.

It started off super slow. No real plans this morning. Oge and I picked out some songs for his last CD but that was about it. I talked to Sarah about wanting to do something fun for my last day but not knowing what that should be. She and Tom put their heads together and decided it would be a great idea to go to lunch. Sounds good to me!

We went to Bouchara, a great Haitian place with reasonable prices, air conditioning, and great food. It was a relaxing lunch. Wonderful to share stories and experiences with each other - comment on places we've been and places yet to go. It was a nice way to spend the afternoon.

After that, Oge had scheduled for the two of us to meet with some lawyers to discuss the possible establishment of the Bracelets of Blessing program. Unfortunately, Oge had a family emergency that he needed to deal with so Peterson helped me for the first half of the meeting. Thankfully Oge came in at the end to best understand the whole process.

I found out that it is entirely possible to establish the organization in Haiti AND I have an actual plan of action after speaking with the lawyers. It was SUCH a helpful conversation and I am so thankful for all the prayers over this meeting. It was really an important and necessary step towards establishing the program officially and moving it into its own separate entity. I am excited to start the process and work with folks here and in the US to make this program into everything it can be. I am just so glad that I was able to have this meeting before I went home.

Home.

Tomorrow I go home.

I am definitely feeling sadness over that. I really wish I could have stayed longer - spent more time with my family here. However, I suppose all good things must come to an end and there is a whole slew of things waiting for me back in Fort Worth that I need to attend to.

Just because I'm leaving, though, doesn't mean I'm not taking part of Haiti with me.

I'll leave with sounds of "Poupe" (my nickname) still ringing in my ears. I'll leave with the memories of hugs from great friends filling my mind. I'll leave with wonderful Haitian food still filling my body and soul. And I will leave with the knowledge that I am not forgotten and that in many ways, I am still part of the tapestry that is Haiti. My fingerprints are still here. My life and my presence has been important.

I'm sure I will cry again tomorrow, though, as I did when I first arrived. When I arrived they were tears of joy - so glad to be reunited. Tomorrow they will be tears of sadness - frustrated that land, water, money, and time must separate me from my friends here. However, I am certain I will be back, and depending on my financial situation... I hope it is sooner rather than later.

Bye Bye Ayiti. Mesi pou bon semen. Na we...