Thursday, December 18, 2008



Marthe scraping the goat's head in preparation to make the Haitian energy drink "Red Goat"

December 18, 2008 Photos


Mariah with Tifi

Sabine in a new dress


Josie squealing for joy with her new dress



Sweet Mirlande with her new dress




December 18, 2008

December 18, 2008

Today was another busy day around here.

The men are working hard on the school construction and Mariah went and helped for a few hours too. At lunch break, she ran across and picked up the metal plates and spoons for them to eat the food prepared for the workers by Jacob, one of the grade 8 boys from the school. They told her to take breaks from time to time so she does not get "bouke" - too tired out.

Josiah and Mariah took another run to the bank in St. Marc today to pick up donated funds to pay the December salaries. Yesterday we went too but the money hadn't arrived in the Haitian account. Karen tried calling a dozen times today but couldn't get through to check if the funds had arrived so we were happy the money was there. They travelled in a borrowed vehicle because the truck is not working, but salaries need to be paid! They raced through the dangerous area called "bandits alley" and made it home without incident. Mariah and Josiah were impressed by the BIG bag of money Grammy had. The teller had given her a ton of small bills so she looked pretty rich with that big old bag.

I took the young kids out for another walk along the canal. They came first thing this morning asking if we could go "flane" again, which means go and have fun. They thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful green scenery and the chance to throw rocks in the canal, a huge fascination for the three six year old boys and for Alex.

Today, Martha spent several hours preparing goats head and hooves. You can see her scraping the hairs off the goat's head in the photo. The Wilsons were all thoroughly freaked out by the sight of the head and hooves in the pan, but Martha insists that if she boils it down and puts it in our food, we'll all be stronger and healthier and won't even know what we are eating. I sure hope she doesn't do it! Apparently Marthe makes a Haitian energy drink for my mom which includes goat's head broth and blended vegetables, including banane, militon and roots. Mom says it even tastes good and keeps her super high energy. Maybe we should try mass-marketing it!

We had the chance to get some clothes organized for the girls from the orphanage to come and try on. They were all very pleased with what they received, but none more than little Josie who jumped with joy at the sight of her new dress. The boys will come up and try on clothes and shoes tomorrow.

Time to go and sleep. A demain!