Day 5

Yesterday was really fun. I went to the same job site, but I worked on the fence around the hospital instead of the hospital. We were putting the paneling up. JT (another volunteer) and I were working with a crew of Haitians. I had been talking to Joseph (he's working with us) a bit throughout my stay, but we really talked alot yesterday. He's 26. He has a three year old daughter. He works for Hospital Sainte Croix. The hospital was destroyed during the earthquake. This is the hospital that we are rebuilding in a temporary state on a new site.

Joseph speaks English fairly well. He said his #1 dream is to come to America and live there. He has an uncle in Orlando. He told me that it costs upwards of $10,000 to hire a lawyer, etc. to get a visa to come over. He said that the lawyers are so corrupt that some of them just take the money and don't even work.

He said he will eventually come to America. He will not stop until he gets there. He was talking about how he needs a computer. I've got a laptop that I don't use, so I told him that I would send him mine. He then told me that last week he was asking God for some help (specifically a computer and a digital camera). Another volunteer gave him a used camera, so he got both of his prayers answered, I suppose. He was so happy. I can't describe how happy he was, because the English language does not have terms sufficient enough.

In the afternoon, we went and played with Haitian children in a field filled with cow-pies. We played duck-duck-goose and other games. The kids sang and danced. I've got a really funny video to post. I wish I had the bandwith to do so. I'll do it when I get back. The kids are so fun and happy.

We found a place that sells cheeseburgers. It is near the Canadian army base. We walked there during lunch. It was serviceable, but I wasn't impressed. I did get to have burgers and fries though, and that was a welcome respite from the Haitian food. I also had two Cokes.

Sunday is our day off, so everyone went out last night to the bar next door to relax and celebrate. It was a really good time. Joseph came out. I also made a new friend Peterson. He told me about an American Haitian that came home to visit his family and as soon as he walked in the door, he put his suitcase down and the earthquake struck. The home collapsed on him and he died. Another guy got offered $25,000 for his home on the day of the earthquake, but he wanted 30,000 so he didn't sell. His home was destroyed. He was understandably upset, but he survived.

Today we are going to the beach. I am very excited. I miss everyone in America. I am still thinking about Union Jack's buffalo wings.