Timon & Pumba

In Haiti we have witnessed and made memories of many new things.  We have made some amazing new friends.  Most of all we have been welcomed with open arms into a new community. 

            Walking away from the plane and what was going to be the last air conditioning we would have for the week we were all humbled to sense what surrounded us.  We piled into a van that had a window broken only minutes before and were in for the ride of a lifetime.  Horns blasting and motorcycles flying all around and in between cars with up to 4 passengers and luggage, we were on our way.  We were on sensory overload with the smell of stale air mixed with burning trash.  Sites of tent cities and rubble surrounded us.  Almost 3 hours later, we arrived. 

            On the second day the guys were all hanging out in the room, with a bit of cabin fever, we ended up assigning Disney characters to our entire team to match each person’s personality.  They are as follows:
Jacob = Pumba (lion king)

Eric = Timon (lion king)

Kevin = Mougli (jungle book)

Kasey= Nala (lion king)

George = Russell (up)

Heather = Jane (tarzan)

Bill = Professor (tarzan)

Kathi = Elisabeth (pirates of the Caribbean)

Rachel = Miss Bianca (rescuers down under)

Zoe = Tinker Bell (peter pan)

Chelsea = piglet (Winnie the pooh)

Ashley = Dory (finding nemo)

Leah = Duchess (aristocats)

Kelli = Repunzel (tangled)

Hollie = King Louie (jungle book)

            Yesterday our on site leader, Alex, took us to a nearby river bed to show us how the community has come together for work that will better the community by protecting it from erosion and providing income.  We came upon one of the main work sites and saw 15 by 5 by 3 foot cages filled with rocks lining the river bank to protect the town.  Individuals of all ages were around us collecting rocks and putting them in piles.  Every pile that they collected was worth approximately $6 US.  In the midst a group of children came up to Jacob and wanted to play catch with a rubber ball.  It began with one child and grew to a swarm of children playing catch.  Every kid wanted a chance to play, and was calling “You!” begging for their chance to play.  They were all so starved for attention.  Their eyes lit up with excitement every time the ball went in their direction.  This lasted for about 15 minutes before we had to leave, and they had to go back to work (in order to pay for schooling). 

                Today in the morning we were able to put the roof on a house we hadn’t worked on yet.  After lunch we were able to go to the big market and see another part of the community.  We took a chunk of the afternoon seeing the market and ended up not going on the job site for the afternoon.  We changed and talked or guide and friend, Junior, into taking us to go play some basketball and soccer.  Although we could not connect with many of the locals through words we were able to have an emotional connection with them through playing with/against them in sports.  During each match we didn’t have to speak the same language but we all laughed together and sweated together.  Before we had to leave we all smiled, shook hands and said or bilingual goodbyes.  Even with a language and cultural barrier we were able to bond with a group of Haitians over a common interest.  It was an experience we will not soon forget, and I believe that the others won’t ether. 

-Jacob and Eric