A Great Weekend!

Check out the H.E.R.O. Website @ http://www.haitihero.org/                             



Brice and I in Les Cayes

What a weekend!  It started off on Thursday with a drive to the province of Nippes where we have been donated land.  This drive is crazy during the dry season, and is truly incredible during the rainy season!  As my friend Brice and I approached the large river that we had to cross to reach the land, we took a moment to stop and ponder whether we should go across or not.  After making the decision that we could cross this 3-4 foot deep river in our SUV, Brice inched us forward into the shallow part of the river.  The water began to rise slowly on the sides of the vehicle, and then before we knew it, we were in the deep part.  Water began to come through the bottom vents and began slowly filling the car.  Even worse, at that point the car became stuck in a rut, and we were still 10 yards from the other side!  The water rose to cover the entire engine, it began filling the cab, reaching our seats, at which point I escaped through the window!  The engine and exhaust eventually filled with water, cutting off power to the engine.  Along with some locals we managed to push the vehicle back to dry land before the entire cab filled with water.  After allowing the car to dry overnight and a quick trip to the mechanic, Brice and I returned back to Port-au-Prince, safe and sound!



Fetching water from the river

The next day, on Saturday, Michele and I, along with Brice and Kerby headed out to Les Cayes to look at some potential additional land for H.E.R.O.  5 hours later we ran into another river, nowhere near the size of the one in Nippes, but one that still had to be crossed to get to the property located in the town of Maniche, near Les Cayes.  As we crossed the 6 inch deep water, we again became stuck!  The wheels ran down into the rocks of the river, embedding the tires, rendering our vehicle immobile.  After 45 minutes of pushing and pulling the vehicle, we were finally free to continue our journey to Maniche.  We stayed overnight in Maniche, visited the land, and the nearby river.  The countryside of Haiti is truly beautiful.  We enjoyed an amazing fish lunch in Les Cayes, gazing out at the beautiful beach and ocean.  This is the type of living I could get used to!

Brice, Kerby, and I at the local public school

Returning to Port-au-Prince one realizes what a congested city it really is.  On both the trips to Nippes and to Les Cayes, once out of the city, there are very few cars on the road.  Back into PAP though, traffic is a nightmare.  After taking a break on Sunday, it was back to work at the Delmas house on Monday.  The bunk beds for the children arrived!  They have been placed into the rooms waiting for their mattresses and sheets.  The two toilets are almost ready for operation and the dining room and outdoor tables have been completed.  We will begin registering children this week!  As soon as the house is completed and the registration process finished the first 12 children will be welcomed!  We are truly excited to make a difference in the lives of Haitian youth!

Check out the H.E.R.O. Website @ http://www.haitihero.org/