Friday, October 28, 2016
Today the team took the
time to learn a bit more about Haitian culture and history. We visited Mupanah - the Musée du
Panthéon National Haïtien .No
pics were allowed inside and I had to laugh at the sign that listed the symbols
for No Guns just before the sign for No Cameras. The displays were interesting
and our tour guide provided the historical background and details needed. I
don't think any of us will ever look at Columbus the same way. Exhibits also documented the conditions endured during
slavery that eventually led to a revolt and formation of the first
independent black republic in the world, to be known as Haiti, in
1804, More modern history is explained and there is a revolving display of Haitian art.
Then we took the long
tap tap ride up the mountain to the Baptist Mission. It was overcast but we
enjoyed some lunch at their open air restaurant with a view. There was a gift
shop featuring artisan works. We toured the grounds, their museum and a small zoo.
While used to seeing people carrying loads of merchandise on their heads, a
museum photo of a woman carrying a huge pile baskets must be some sort of
record.
~ Although, for me, on our trip, seeing a man with a huge basket filled
with live chickens of every color on his head was pretty impressive. The
Mission also runs a school and a clinic. On the way back down we stopped
at the look-out but again our views were limited due to the clouds.
Before returning to the
guest house we went to Laphare orphanage. We did a craft and applied temporary
tattoos which the kids loved. We played with a parachute, did the hokey-pokey
and passed the hot potato. The kids were so much fun but it was soon time to
leave. It was a great way to end our service.
Our final night together
was celebrated at a local restaurant with the team, Jean Fils-Amie (Director of
Development for Healing Haiti) and Mike's friends and family. Great lobster and
music! We presented gifts to Rev. Willis and Rev.Jeffrey in honor of Pastor Appreciation
month. Time for some final packing and sleep. We leave early in the morning.
How to say goodbye???
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