Wikenn

This weekend was full of fellowship, adventuring, and good food. We spent most of the day on Saturday with some sweet friends who live down in the city. We decided to have a little adventure and went up the mountain to Wynne Farm for a nature hike. Our little party was composed of eight adults, a couple babies, a toddler, three-year-old, and three bigger kids. What was described to us as a 45-minute hike turned out to be an hour long climb straight up the mountain. I was huffing and puffing (all due to the altitude, of course. I’m in excellent shape) for most of the climb and I wasn’t even carrying a child for very much of it. We were all second-guessing the decisions that led us there at some point on the hike, but when we got to the top we all knew it was something we would do again in a heartbeat. Our reward was the most incredible view of the mountains for miles and miles. It was breathtaking. I felt so blessed just getting to experience it. The pictures simply don’t do it justice. You all need to come visit and do the hike yourself!!

We made it!!

After kids go to bed we have a little “grown-up time.” On Saturday night we tried our hand at making my favorite Haitian/Dominican food- fried green plantains. We found some ways to improve our technique, but overall a very delicious first go. They are especially good when topped with “pikliz,” a pickled hot pepper and cabbage mix. For our entertainment we got to see one of the Lord’s most impressive lightning storms across the dark sky. Every time we leave the house we are confronted by obvious brokenness, suffering and ugliness in this country. However, it is also a place of the most astounding and inspiring beauty I’ve ever experienced. It reminds me of Eden, it is so vibrant and alive. It is a juxtaposition of extremes, but there is no doubt that this is God’s land.

I had a peaceful morning on Sunday, enjoying the Haitian voices from the church next door singing “The Sweet By and By.” Then the adventure continued with going down the mountain to church and the grocery store. I was surprised by the wide variety of American foods they had in the store. I could get much of what I would typically eat back home. That is, IF I was willing to pay for it. Since it’s all imported from the US it is crazy expensive. Cereal? $8 a box. Velveeta? $16 a block. Chips? $5-6 a bag. Crazy!! On the flip side, the best things in life are super cheap- mangos, avocados, and Coke. That’s right. Real sugar Coca-Cola in a glass half liter bottle. Proof that God wants me here. Hallelujah!

Now that it’s Monday, it’s back to studying Kreyol and feeling like a huge dummy. Hammock time!
M’ renmen nou! (I love y’all!)