The PAP (Port-au-Prince) team began work at Puit Blans School this morning, tearing down a piece of security wall weakened by the earthquake and digging a ditch for footings to build a new one. Our amazing translator Ti Joseph helped us communicate with a local crew to understand how they could use us and when we needed to stand back as sledge hammers, pulaskis, machetes, pick axes and shovels came into play. We ended the work day with a leveled wall, a tidy ditch, a pile of rocks ready to work into support for the new wall, and a whole bunch of new friends.
We especially enjoyed getting acquainted with the principal of the school and the children. The principal's warm, caring and dignified interactions with the children and staff inpressed us all. You could see how pleased and proud he is of his school, staff, and the children. The children are a pure delight. Through the course of the day we progressed from shy sideways smiles to dancing and conversing about the children's hopes for their futures. They were excited to have people with whom to practice their English skills. These children can speak Creole and French fluently, and are serious about learning English, too.
June Essing visited the Grace Children's Hospital today and investigated possibilities for expanding support. Grace is an Advance Special project caring for children with disabilities, HIV-AIDs and TB. 80% of the building was damaged in the earthquake and for many months they provided care in tents. Now they are in a sheet metal structure. The rest of us plan to visit there Friday.
Folks from the guest house drove out to Mellier today to check up on the other team. It was reported that multiple drops of "dew" were visible on our Bishop's brow, and Clint had a revelation of some kind. More to come.
Blessings to all.
Su DeBree
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