Variety

Did a lot of different stuff today.  Alix I planned heading to the Wester Union place at Star 2000 right away this morning, but Louvia, one of the new babies who was burned horribly about 4 months ago, had to go the medical clinic nearby.  We went together--I really didn't need to go, but I wanted to see the clinic again.  The exam was really short.  Really, the doctor didn't examine her at all.  He just asked a couple of questions and then prescribed an antibiotic.  The quick blood test they did showed she is anemic, and I guess that can give babies a fever.  Once she's done with the antibiotic Alix can take her back for medicine that will treat the anemia.  They don't want to give Louvia that medicine right now because it will make her diarrhea worse.

Soon after we returned from the clinic, Chedner was able to come over for a visit.  It was good to see him because we could talk a little bit about the mattresses he wants to buy so that the kids don't have to sleep on the concrete floors anymore.  I also mentioned that I wanted to bring a team down over spring break to paint the orphanage . . . he was totally excited about that.  So, if any of you want to come to Haiti and do some painting, let me know!

I bought some piklize at the store.  I forgot to do it before I left in May, so I'm glad I had this chance. I'll need to learn how to make fried plantains so that I have something to eat it on.  It's yummy.  Looks like cabbage, but it's hot.

The rest of the afternoon was slow, but fun.  After eating lunch I took Cadet for a walk around the block.  I loved watching him take in the surroundings.  Everyone in awhilehewould just stop and stare at something.  Then he'd be ready to walk again.  He always stopped when he saw a motorcycle, no matter how far away it was.  He wouldn't move on until it had passed us.  He also didn't like the goats or the dogs much, but he never freaked out.  He sometimes yelled out, "Whoa!" as only Cadet can do.   I loved walking with him . . . he behaves beautifully and is a delight to watch.  It's cool to see how the 1-1 attention really calms him down.

I took another short break and then went down to play with some of the special-needs on the mats.  Phonsley and I practiced doing sit ups (okay, Phonsley did the sit ups, and I cheered him on).  He smiled and giggled the whole time.  Then later I played some with Wilcia, who laughed uproariously every time I kissed her.  Then the other kids started laughing.  I then, of course, had to run around kissing all the kids to keep the laughter going.  Even Catelan played nicely for a bit; that is, until in excitement, he roped Jean-Daniel around the neck, dragged him to the ground, and banged his head onto the concrete.  The blood brought an end to the fun and games.  Oh, well.

Still loving every minute here even though it's freakishly hot and I sweat nonstop!