If Bruce and I didn't look out the window of the patio toward the hillside, we would soon forget where we were. One night after dark, I went out to pick up towels from the patio. All I saw from the spot this photo was taken was darkness and one small campfire. I heard dogs barking and a few baby cries. That was all. During the day, the zoom on the camera showed what we knew to be true: no electricity, no trash bins or pick-up, no plumbing, no streets, no windows. And this was one of the better parts of the city, where homes were built of sturdy stucco and where the water would not run as deep in a hurricane. They knew no different...nor did our Haitian kids. We could only guess their enjoyment by the length of time they spent washing their hands in warm water. They were careful to share everything from their snacks to pool toys to markers. They didn't seem to understand that what we had brought was actually just for them. At supper, Pierre would take my plate from the server if he tried to clear it with any food remaining. He would eat what he could and then would offer it to the rest of the kids at the table. Likewise, the kids would put any item they might not like, like radishes or scrambled eggs, on my plate to eat. We decided we would need to work on "cleaning our plates" more back at home, to avoid any disrespect they might feel seeing us waste so much food.
It was fun to see what clothes they preferred...since we'd been guessing on what to send them until then. Ange-Laurette rummaged through a stack of clothes to pick anything sparkly or dress-like each day, just as we were sure she did each day at the orphanage. Pierre took a liking to the more formal polo shirts and khaki belted shorts, rather than the swishy athletic shorts and tees boys prefer here. He was so careful to fold up his clothes each day and return them to his side of the suitcase. Trash went on the floor...or over the side of the patio railing, as we noticed was a part of culture there. All else was meticulously picked up.
We watched them in wonder and soaked in every little moment. Still, we missed our kids at home and were anxious to hear news of a new baby nephew being born back in the States. It was hard to have no phone contact, but we had internet access for email and sent updates with photos nightly. That seemed to help Bailey and Nate feel connected to our experience. We knew that our purpose there was to bond with these kids....and that we did!!
