Haitian Time - something one tends to forget after leaving this country. Haitian Time - the time we say we will leave but one must count on adding at least a few more hours. For Haitian people who live from day to day, life is about relationships and those take precedent over all. Following a clock is nothing compared to greeting others, friendly arguing, sharing laughter, and spending time in discussion - an appreciation for time but not a schedule.
Today we woke early to a breakfast at Matthew 25 of melon, mango, pancakes, cereal, peanut butter, and coffee. As typical of Haitian time, we planned to leave at 7:30 A.M. but took off from Port-au-Prince at 11:30 - after a trip to a “Home Depot” type store for more fix it items with a careful check as we exited. Next stop was the Giant Grocery Story - a new addition to the area and looking very “American.” It is hard to adjust to guards at stores sporting guns and examining each person who enters and leaves the establishment.
Another drive through the chaotic streets of Port-au-Prince –– past the many vendors selling assorted items; past the many carrying on their heads loads of water packets, charcoal, and fruits; past the remains of buildings affected by a deadly earthquake from nearly six years ago; past the sheds lovingly and happily called home. We headed for the mountains - the third group this summer participating with ServeHAITI but not the “third string” - according to Michelle, the “anchor team,” ready to play clean up, sort out, and finish the game strong for this wonderful organization.
The ride up the mountainside was 59 miles but took over four hours. It was another display for us of the camaraderie of the Haitians - with honking and passing on narrow rocky rutted roads, with loads of trucks baring large groups of laughing people up the mountainside towards the Festival of St. Peter in Grand-Bois. The market place was filled with vendors in the neighboring town. It will be a crazy week of celebration with music and dancing at Dr. Leo’s disco, The Majestic, along with many people crowding together to enjoy the festivities. 
We hiked up the mountainside to see Dr. Leo’s land with a dream of planting coffee bean trees and adding to the economy of Grand-Bois through coffee production. We walked through the corn fields and snaked up the mountain, paying a visit to some of the homes. Welcomed at every place, moving off the path as children and adults hauled water up the mountainside. 
In the evening on the balcony of the medical clinic, we shared insights about our first day. Abby told us about an 86 year old Haitian, Gabrielle, who advised her that we should not confuse poverty with culture. We are amazed at the happiness found in the Haitian families of poverty, who must carry water daily, prepare food on charcoal, and seek food where ever it can be found. It is a tribute to their culture of staying positive, greeting others with kindness, and appreciating the simple things in life - relationships that help them to forget the daily efforts needed simply to survive.
In the evening we used our flashlights to make our way through Dr. Leo’s lush land to his disco to do a little dancing and celebrating with others from the community. We all smile and laugh in the same language and this night was no exception. The beat was Haitian but the dance moves were universal. As I write this, the music continues, Dr. Leo entertains guests on the balcony with his stories, and Brian is learning a new card game with a smiling Haitian, relishing in the time spent practicing his English. Another day complete and ready for our next adventure.
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