We made three stops with the water truck. First was stop 17. 17 was calm compared to the other two, so it was a good place to start. The other two stops were fine, we are well protected, just a little more chaotic, be it from desperation or whatnot. There were children calling out while we were arriving, "Hey You!" Dozens of children flock to the back of truck ready for us to jump out. As one parent observed, the children lock eyes with you, with who they want to pick them up. You jump off the tap-tap, you scoop up one child or more, and you move on to see where you are needed. There was a singular line of people with buckets to fill, both adults and children alike. They seem to know where their buckets were at all times, even when the line turned into just piles of buckets being pushed at us all at once. Every now and then I would get a tug on my shirt where a woman or child would gesture to me to help them place the buckets on their heads to deliver back to their homes. There were other children playing in the mere drops of water from where the trucks connect to the green hose. The sounds of the children laughing, playing with such simple joy from a few drops of water, it's really amazing to then think of how much we take for granted, everything we toss aside. The conditions these people live in, but are still able to smile, to laugh, it's humbling to say the least. Water is so precious here, many people going without for weeks. One parent witnessed one child- who has no parents, no family- scooping dirty gutter water with the lid of a bucket and was drinking it. From the gutter. It's not just water, and it didn't look like water at all.
Filling buckets is filling buckets.. What you truly see, HOW you feel with that many people around you is something I have a hard time finding words to describe. With many visible tattoos, I expected questions and looks. But so many children wanted to know what they were, and wanted me to know that they knew the word for each- flower, bird, tree. My favorite was their pronunciation of "tattoo"! It's unheard of for them to see so many, and on me, so colorful. They would ask questions without hesitation, I enjoyed the bluntness, which surprised me. I couldn't tell you how many tried to rub them off! The children seemed to really enjoy trying to make the connections between child and parent- who belonged to who. Having a biracial child, I had many hard stares (not unfriendly), and some would just grin and pull their friend to show them to. Then to make the connection between MY Mom, me and Macyn, they just thought that was so interesting. Our kids held so many children, many their own size! I expected more hesitation with the nudity they're not used to, and the forwardness of the children at these sites. Our kids warmed up quickly! They were holding the children, they were playing hand games, they were attempting conversations. There didn't seem to be a barrier to the children's experience, but the also recognized when they needed a little break from it all.
As we reflected later this evening, it was interesting to hear their perspective. They observed a lot more than I would've thought they would. They shared fairly freely what they observed, and how they felt. Some of the parents who have made this trip before experienced a different feeling than they had previously. There was a level of protection for their child and the children in our group as a whole. As a first-timer, I don't know anything different than being in the moment as well as watching out to make sure Macyn was safe and ok, mentally and physically. I can't say how impressed I am at the maturity they showed, and at the reflection they actually put into the whole experience. And the kids don't seem like strangers to each other, they get along so well and each add a little something different to the team.
When we got back from doing water, we walked up to the local hotel to swim and cool off a little. The kids had a lot of fun, and I think they enjoyed the break! Dinner was quiet, as we were all hungry! Tonight we had a Haitian diner, so that was a new experience for many of us. I think we all enjoyed the prepared meal, and are very thankful for the women who work so hard here at the guesthouse. We aren't living in rough conditions at all! Some issues with getting our air conditioner started in our bedroom, but hot food, freshly squeezed juice, clean linen, they're even willing to wash our clothes for us- by hand mind you, no machine wash here! It's hot here. I think I was properly warned, but it's still a shock! I have quickly figured out that wearing a headband helps.
Tomorrow is a full day. We are visiting Grace village for a tour, going to Mother Theresa's orphanage, and we are also visiting 3 of the elders. We will be gone for most the day, and we have been warned that we haven't seen heat like we will experience in Titanyen. I feel like every night we are here will be a solid night of sleep, especially for the children!
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