Back in the Saddle

I was able to take the motorcycle out today.  I first took it for a spin in the neighborhood to make sure that I could still drive it.  Once I felt comfortable I drove it to the stables where I planned to meet Elizabeth.

It was so good to so her and Milo.  I watched Elizabeth work with some of the horses for a bit, and then we had the afternoon to talk and catch up.  She coaches both Milo and another rider so that they can compete in competitions.

We talked about the chicken project--we're pretty sure that we can do it at the orphanage without a problem.  We may need to take out some of the garden that was planted earlier in the spring, but that area of garden wasn't growing anyway.  My understanding is that we will need a total of 85 chickens in order for the program to become self-sustaining.  And, as soon as the chicks are ready and the coop is built, Gertrude will be in business!

I am so pleased with the way that Elizabeth and Gertrude have connected.  Gertrude has had some issues with the Labor Board, and Elizabeth and Thierry were able to help out, and if issues like that come up in the future, Gertrude can count on them to be supportive.  Elizabeth also thought there might be a way to take ownership of the land next to the orphanage which would give space to really do some gardening and maybe expand on the chickens.

After returning to the orphanage Alix and I decided to take the kids to play soccer.  Well, the "field" across the road has been shut off so that a soccer league can play there.  We then walked to the school, but that gate was locked.  We had no choice but to come back.  I asked the guy at the gate to the "field" what was going on, and he explained that a soccer game would be starting at 5:00.  It would cost 5 goudres to get it (that's about 12 cents American).  We decided to pay for the kids to go (at least, the kids who could find shoes and who weren't in trouble); they were way excited.  Of course, in typical Haitian fashion the game didn't actually start until about 6:00, so first Alix and I had to go back and eat, and then the kids had to go eat.  The game had started by the time the kids had to eat, and I swear they were back in 3 minutes!  Of course, it doesn't take long to slurp down flour paste.  Rosie came, too, and her cousins Kethia and Safi, and then their aunt came along.  It was really fun.

So, right now, I'm back up on the roof as I type.  A nice breeze is keeping me cool after a hot day.  I feel as if I never left.  It's different being here this time, though.  I'm here more as a guest, not as a worker, so I feel more comfortable taking time for myself and not getting caught up in the day to day functioning of the system.  I like that.  I didn't realize just how stressful it was to be "on" so much while I was here.  I am much more able to relax and reflect.