Saturday (Grace Village, Apparent Project & Mountain Shopping)

Today (Saturday) we had the opportunity to go back to Grace Village, something I was really looking forward to since our last visit.  Today’s activities were centered a craft and a skit.  The skit was to teach the children hand signals to help remember the 10 Commandments, but as a surprise to us all, each child already had them memorized!   Well it was still cool to see them shouting out the Lord’s Commandments to us, and at the very least, provided a reminder to some of us - I know I needed a one!

After the skit, we did a craft with the kids, the same necklace craft we did with the children at Juno’s.   The kids all seemed to really like the craft and it was cool to see them all helping each other.  Some of the older boys went out to play soccer during this time and I’m sure they schooled the American guys!  After the craft we shared snacks with the kids and it was a great difference to see that they didn’t scarf them down as quickly as all the others - we took this to mean that they are well fed at Grace village and that is a beautiful thing.

After some more playing and hanging out, it was time to get back on the Top Top for our journey up the mountain – an exciting journey with Max at the wheel.  Our first stop on the way was the Apparent Project – a shop that sells Haitian goods to tourists.  The Apparent Project was started by an American Missionary in 2009 in her living room and now it employs more than 200 people of Haiti in a beautiful shop on the mountain.  They sell beautiful items and it feels great to be able to support them and their hard work. 

Next we began the long journey up the mountain, and what amazing sights we saw along the way - a stark contrast it was to the streets of City Soleil.   God’s beauty is so awesome and I’m so thankful he opened my eyes to see it, because if you’re not paying attention it can really be missed. 

At the top of the mountain, we were expecting a spectacular view but what we got instead was a cloudy sky.  We were all a little disappointed but while we were up there we started to see the clouds break and we were able to see some of Port-au-Prince below so we were very thankful for that.  Next the shopping began!  I think some of us were overwhelmed by the intensity of the salesman but it was worth it for the great prices we got on some things!  For a true shopaholic, this was a great time J

As we started our adventure down the mountain, we were again reminded of the beauty of Haiti  - from the breathtaking views to the flowers in bloom.  On the way, we made a stop at the Giant supermarket and were able to get a taste of America so far from home.  There was a lot of similar foods and even a delicious Boulangerie (bakery) where we all enjoyed some sweet treats.    Then it was back in the Top Top, with the Guest House as our final destination.

A delicious dinner, a swim in the pool for some and a relaxing evening around the kitchen table rounded out the evening after another great day spent in Haiti!   Our time is almost at the end here and I am sad to be going home but overwhelming thankful for the opportunity to serve in this beautiful country. 

-Shelby S.