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Day 8- Grande Saline

When I was with the other group some of them were jealous that I was going to stay longer but when it came to going to Grande Saline they were happy to let me go. It has been a long day. We left the guesthouse this morning at 8am. We arrived in Grande Saline around 12:30pm. On the way there we stopped at our hotel in Saint Marc to check-in. The hotel is about 2 hours away from Grande Saline. But the worst part of the trip is the 10 miles of road we have to go down that is full of holes, ditches, and rocks that takes us about 45 minutes to an hour to drive down. But we made it. And it was an awesome day.
We started by unloading the suitcases that had equipment and supplies in them for the water filtration system. Then we went back to the school/church building to unload computers, clothing, and art supplies.
Today with the kids Jen worked on teaching PowerPoint and having the kids open up files from a flash drive. A group of students in NY made PowerPoints that were translated into Kreyol to show to the kids here. They loved it! Whenever a group goes to Grande Saline they go in with a plan. A well organized, neat and tidy plan. I would never bet on that plan. The kids love whatever you have. They crowded around the computers. And they loved drawing with the art supplies we brought. The goal was to draw and make puppets but instead they all wanted a seat and a couple crayons or colored pencils. Then when they were done they would come up and hand in their crayons and I would say "fini?" And they would say "wi". Then they would hand me their paper and I would say "pour moi?"  They all handed in their papers, everytime.
Then Dr. Robinson came up to me with the cutest baby and said she needed a Godmother and asked me if I would be her Godmother. I said I have never been a Godmother and I don't think I could do that... but I ended up holding her, taking some pictures, playing with other kids, and she fell asleep. Last time I was in Grande Saline a little girl fell asleep just like that too. There is nothing more precious. But then everyone around me was saying "dormir" and "alle". Then one of the girls pulled me out of the school to follow her. I was not sure following her into the cluster of people's houses was a good idea. And it probably wasn't. But I had the little girl and a group of children with me so I figured it was somewhat safe. Well they took me to her house. The baby's name is Onnika. And I met her mom and she put her in bed to sleep. Then we went back. And that tiny little moment was actually a huge adventure for me.
Then I also saw a lady that had been pregnant last time I was there and I had held her daughter for a while before too. So I ran and gave her a hug. She asked me for clothes for her children. Sadly we had already given them all away. So I am going to see if there is anything I can get together to give to her tomorrow.
When Jen and Marcia were done with the computer and art lessons we headed up to the water filtration system. The guys had hit a snag and were trying to get the system reconnected remotely to Pall... or something like that... I tried to follow along. So while they were working the ladies finally got a break, drank some water, and I, of course, played with more children. We started off counting in French and English. Then we worked on learning the English alphabet, and then they all sang for me so I could take a video. And you know what? I love every minute of it.
The more time I spend in Grande Saline the easier it is to picture myself working there everyday. I envision working with other students or volunteers and starting projects like the ones we are doing to help the people in remote villages like Grande Saline. I actually get excited trying to figure out what project I could work on and how I could make change happen somewhere like this.
Considering this is one of the longest posts I think you can tell what I am most interested in.
After the guys got the filtration system figured out for the day we headed back down the "atv path". About an hour of driving down Riverside drive. We made it back to Saint Marc. We all cleaned up quickly and then went down for dinner. I had spaghetti and chicken with a salad on the plate.. I'll let you know if I make it. Jen's dad has stayed at this hotel before and ate here so we should be okay. Should be. 
After dinner I went in the pool with the translators and everyone went to bed. For future reference Haitians cannot swim or float, but they are experts at holding their breath and sitting on the bottom of the pool for a hold your breath contest.
I'm excited for Grande Saline tomorrow. It is always an adventure. Bonnuit.
Love has no borders,
- Rachel Martha

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