Ashleigh and Katie, kicking it in Haiti: One Big Week

We had a big week here at Wings. Our visitors arrived safely on Sunday evening, so we had late dinner and then crashed. On Monday, Katie and I and a few of the visitors helped sort out donations. Once the clothes were arranged by size and gender, Jacky and Renee came in to pick out the items that they needed for the three St. Joseph's houses. When they were finished, they allowed the staff to come and pick through the rest to take items home for themselves and for their families. It was great to watch them carefully select items for their children, wives, and themselves. Tuesday was a day of cleaning. We were going to have our 17th Anniversary party on Thursday, so we needed to get the place looking shiny! Gary recruited some of the visitors and Katie and I to help scrub down walls and clean the patio. It was hard work, but it looked great when we were finished. Wednesday was another day of cleaning, but this time it was on the inside. I was given to Titoto to help him hand scrub the floors. For some reason, I decided I should tackle the Ramps of Death. I thought they were treacherous before, but add soapy water that turns into mud from all the dirt, and they literally are deadly. I was able to wedge my feet into the railings just right so that my toes could cling onto the sides so I wouldn't slip-slide my way down the ramps. After about and hour and a half, the Ramps of Death were almost sparkling, and I still had my life, so I feel I was very successful! Thursday was a day of celebration! It was the 17th Anniversary of Wings of Hope! Everyone was dressed to impress in their nicest clothes. I have to say that Junior won my vote for best outfit with his skin tight jeans and yellow flannel shirt! Adorable! We started the day out with church service led by John Risitil, Gephte, and KC. After service, the games began! We started with a spaghetti eating contest. Steve, Clemene, Jean Denny, and Greg, a visitor, joined. Jean Denny was the champion, but Clemene put up a great fight! Then we went on to sack races. We had a race for the children first: Pierre, Raul, and Frank Ely. Peirre won hands down with Frank Ely in second and Raul brought up the rear, shuffling to the finish. Then we went on to the adult sack race which consisted of Kerin, John Rodain, Peterson, and a kid that was visiting for the day. John Rodain lept off the starting line and was at the finish in less than two jumps! Kerin was the kind soul that stopped and turned around to help Peterson to the finish. After sack races, we had wheelchair races. Lazar, Josephine, and David lined up to race each other. Josephine got off to a great start and it seemed she was the sure winner until David came out of nowhere, swooping in from behind for the close win! After wheelchair races, we played musical chairs. In both games, someone we didn't know won. Katie and I played in the second game and Katie showed me up like she does in most sports. Papa Lazar (Lazar's dad) was the one who knocked me out of the competition. Katie lasted for a few more rounds, then was eliminated. Then it was time for darts! We had a lot of extra people this week. My team got second place and Katie's got first (of course) and they received a cash prize! Then it was time for the wonderful feast that Alcindor had been preparing for almost 2 days. It was great! We had such a fabulous day filled with joy and celebration! Friday, the kids went to horses and the visitors went to Jacmel. About mid morning, another group came up for the day that have been staying at St. Joseph's. They brought their musical instruments and led the dance party. After dance party, we had typical Friday worship and then lunch. After lunch, Katie and I decided to play a pick up game of basketball with some staff, and Team America was successful again! Today has been a very relaxed day. We packaged some of necklaces made by Walnes. They will be sent out with Christmas cards to our major donors. We just got home from the Baptist Mission and the market. We took Peterson with us and we ran into his mother at the market. They were very happy to see each other! We ate some ice cream at the Baptist Mission and decided to try different pates on the way home. They were very delicious but didn't contain any eggs this time. We are now waiting for Walnes to come with some jewelry. The visitors are heading home tomorrow, so its back to rice and beans for Katie, Kerin and I. I guess we'll survive. Love to all! We miss you!