Beach Day

Today was a bit of an early-in-the-trip break for the team.  We were getting ready to frame in and pour some of the vertical support posts / pillars and weren't particularly needed.  Usually the team takes a day and goes to a local beach resort for a day to swim, relax, and enjoy a restaurant meal about the mid-point of the trip, but we decided to take advantage of the opportunity and do so today while there was a lull in the work.  We had a nice day for it and an enjoyable time; everyone is feeling relaxed and refreshed for the upcoming work now.

As always, having a chance to drive anywhere in Haiti and see some of the homes, streets, and general scenes of life is an eye-opening experience.  Today was no exception.  A lot of the guys noted a guy on the roof of the gas station we filled up at armed with a gun - apparently they have a strong policy about paying for the gas you get...  We had a tire leaking air and had to stop at one of the roadside garages or stands - it was basically a pile of tires with a small hut behind, and a number of Haitians standing around.  It was a little intimidating, especially for those of the men sitting in the back of the trucks and attracting a LOT of looks.  The trip was pretty smooth overall (though dusty, and it put what we complain about as potholes back home in a whole new kind of context!).  Brian Bowers is certain that Gerry managed to hit every single pothole while he had his turn in the back during the drive home though!

Here are a couple of photos from our drive, showing our miniature convoy during a short break on the way, and passing through the streets of St Marc on the way home:

The water and the chance to relax together and get to know one another better were wonderful.  Just about everyone enjoyed a swim (the kids spent a lot of time swimming and snorkelling with Tim) and some time in the sun.  Here`s Leonard relaxing during lunch and then chatting with Bob, Colton, and Brian Deux (Brian Bowers - Brian Un being Brian Roberts):

Aidan did a school project on coral reefs this year and loved getting to see some for real.  We have some old-fashioned film pictures from a waterproof camera we`ll get developed when we get back, but no digitals unfortunately.  He liked a big brain coral he saw that was as big as Erin, as well as some pretty blue and purple fan corals.  Erin and Grampie had a bit of a treasure hunt along the water line for shells, rocks, and a pretty red (but dead) fish.  :)

The local Haitian crew made a lot of progress under Luckner`s direction while we were gone today!  The back walls are nearly at full height, and probably half of the posts have been framed up and poured.  We`re hoping to finish the walls and remaining posts tomorrow (Saturday) then when we resume work on Monday we`ll work on getting the headers (horizontal beams at the top of the wall that help support the roof) done.  Then it`ll be time to do the framing and rebar for the big roof pour at the end.  We`re also planning to work on several other projects while we`re here - some walls for the generator building to cut down the noise, fixing the clothesline, building a new table for the dormitory, and maybe a new laundry washing area for the dorm.  Here are a couple shots of the progress today:

Mercenaries or Missionaries - You Decide!

And here are two out of three of Karen`s Chia Pets:

Finally, here are a few other quick pictures we wanted to include:

Dominoes is one of our main night-time activities:

Peter hard at work:

Our main sleeping area:

Germaine, one of the mission support staff, with Dieunel:

Gerry and Vladimy during morning devotions:

Karen and Dieunel during devotions: