It's a Party!

Today is Mother's Day in Haiti.

Church

Party food

I didn't know that until church this morning when they did quite a few special tributes to mothers.  It was pretty cool.  I also figured out that that's why the teachers planned a special party for the nannies this afternoon!  The party was pretty cute.  The nannies were escorted in by the younger boys, the kids sang songs, and presents were given out to each of them.  The timing worked out well because I was able to give out my gifts at the same time--I liked it that way because I didn't want it to be a big deal.  The food was pretty typical "party food" here: popcorn, cookies, and candies.  You could see the kids just about start salivating at the BIG bowl of popcorn.  One addition to the party food were little sandwiches made with some sort of vegetable salad type filling.  They looked good, but I didn't have one.

Church this morning was LONG!  Pretty much a three-hour service due to the Mother's Day activities.  I am so glad I brought my Bible along to read because I think I might have gone stir crazy otherwise.  I can get parts of the service now, but to really understand it, I have to concentrate so much I get a headache.  Even though it was long, I'm glad I went one last time with the kids.  Lovely held my hand the whole way there and the whole way back.  The group of psychology students and their adviser came with us.  They enjoyed it--they haven't been able to get out much and see the area because of the work they are doing at a nearby medical clinic.

Buddha contemplating garbage

Cool flower at the historical park

I took a couple of them to the Sugar Cane Historic Park just to get out for a bit.  They enjoyed it--we had a drink and a bite to eat at the restaurant there.  I think the part they liked the most was coming back on taptaps and motorcycles!  I enjoy showing people around.  So many of the groups aren't able to get out of the compound or out of the chauffeured vehicles that they miss out on some great experiences.  Yesterday I sent them on the "tour" that includes the Apparent Project and the drive up to Radio Hill.  They loved it!  Of course, their trip also included a stop at Star 2000, a grocery store, so that may have what put them over the edge.

Daily storm clouds!

I had a rough moment this afternoon when party preparations were under way.  It hit me hard that I leave in two days.  I almost started crying.  It's going to be harder to leave than I thought.  It's not so much the leaving that will be hard; it's the saying good-by.  I am not looking forward to that part.  I just want to go to bed Tuesday night like it's any other night, get up Wednesday morning, and head out like any other morning. It's just that this Wednesday I'll be taking all my stuff with me.

My gift from the teachers!

One way that I can tell leaving will be harder than I thought is that I'm jealous of the people who get to stay.  One of the psych. group has grown very attached to my Baby Alicia, and I don't like it.  She's posted pictures of the kids on her Facebook page, and some of her friends are seriously interested in adopting Leo, Alicia, and Kendina.  Which is great.  But I don't want my Alicia to be adopted while I am gone.  I want to meet the adoptive parents and give my stamp of approval.  I'm jealous of the folks who will come stay here in my absence because they will experience the kids in ways that I won't.  Life will go on here without me, and that thought bothers me.

These feelings lead me to think that my return to America will be more topsy-turvy than I thought.  I apologize in advance to my friends and family--please forgive me my touchiness, sadness, and mood swings in advance!