Mountains Beyond Mountains - Day 3

Haitians have a saying that there are mountains beyond mountains as they reflect on the trials they face simply trying to survive.  We saw our first malnourished baby with dark patches on his legs that looked like burns, swollen muscles, and festering sores on his legs and bottom. The clinic is prepared to assist mothers with nutritional care but the regiment must be followed for it to be successful.  Mountains beyond mountains as the clinic deals with crisis upon crisis, doing what it can to educate and assist the people of the area. 

The trail down the mountain to attend church was not any easier than last year.  We stumbled and struggled as we carefully picked our steps, weaving from side to side, looking for that perfect path to walk.  Haitians of all ages glided past us, some with cargo on their heads.  One change noted was there were several motorbikes zipping up and down the mountain.  Perhaps a few more than last year.  Evidence of changes taking here in Grand-Bois.  Many bikes hold at least 2 but sometimes as many as 4 passengers zipping past us with honks and smiles as they conquer the mountain, but always another mountain beyond.   

Church was a three hour pageant with dancing and sermonizing and
singing - none of which we could understand but what we could understand was time spent with a baby, as Scott held her and rocked her, giving the mother a few hours of  respite during the mass.  Babies are beautiful in every language!  Also beautiful was the offering where those in need gave what they could to the box.  Those with so little in their own lives giving to their church.  We thought how minor our donation was compared to the struggles they face to give what they can to something they value.  Part of the ceremony included beautiful young girls in red dresses dancing and Haitians parading up the aisle to celebrate their harvests - baskets of mangoes, plantains, bananas; bags of rice and beans; animals - turkeys, crowing roosters, and even a goat were brought forward to celebrate the products cherished on this land.

One thing that struck me was not only the crowd overflowing with every seat occupied, additional seats set up everywhere, and steps filled, but the crowd outside, faithful for three hours of pageantry.  They gazed in the window, anxious to hear the  message the priests had to say.    

After mass we had a lunch in the rectory followed by a trek through the crowded streets of San Pierre.  It is election season and the streets are filled with politicians and their supporters wearing t-shirts, dancing, and chanting. Music was playing, politicians were shaking hands, and the market
place was filled with those selling their food and produce.  A festive atmosphere and time to think of things beyond the struggles to survive. When children saw a camera, they requested to be photographed.  They love to have their photos taken and then view themselves. A simple pleasure we willingly share with them.

On our return to the clinic, one van stopped to see Cecile’s bakery - her oven door will not close without a stick to hold it shut.  The guys will have that as a priority with hopefully a treat of bon bons (cupcakes) as payment.  The dough kneader was Cecile’s first loan purchase from ServeHAITI.  It helped her business to grow and thrive.  It is kindly referred to as a Haitian Kitchen Aid and produces amazing bread!

After a visit to the bakery, we continued our journey on foot through the mountainside, Scott and Sam decided to provide a little help to two young boys who were carrying bread in baskets to their homes.  It was not an easy task and it enlightened them as to the skill needed to accomplish delivery of cargo to homes in the mountains. 

We stopped at Ecole Mixte Communautaire Coeur de Jesus, a school not far from the medical clinic.  Three of its teachers have been attending teacher training through ServeHAITI.  The need to provide education to both teachers and students is one way to improve the direction of Haiti.  It is an effort to which ServeHAITI is strongly committed.  Education opens doors to the world and even though Haitians face mountains beyond mountains, education can help them conquer the tough road ahead.