Thursday, March 25, 2010

Day 3 in Haiti

I awoke at 4:12 am, before my alarm at 4:30 am.  Nelson, who i will replace beginning on Friday, wanted me at work at 7 am.   I slept amazingly well in my REI recliner.  My carpel tunnel syndrome has progressed to the point where at home I would begin sleep in our bed but my arms would go to sleep and begin to ache.  Then I would move to the recliner in the living room by 12:30 or 1 am.  For some reason, the recliner position relieves the pressure on my arms.  I usually awaken 2-3 times per night.  I did not wake before 4:12 am. 

I dressed in the tent for my work out.  Patty bought me an aerobics DVD so I could work out every day.  I am such a dork with some of the moves – I worked out on a balcony and my head set was long enough to not disturb others with music. It must have been a sight for the Haitians that could see me from the street!  Did I mention that I am the sweat king?  I had my quiet time on the balcony with some local bread and a grapefruit - it is shaped like a pear, with very thick skin and yellow flesh.  Not bad at all. 

We have a bath and shower - no hot water but who cares.  I brought my electric razor that i have had for years but don't use very much.  I figured it would be better to use than to shave with a blade and questionable water.  The building stays warm at night.  You brush your teeth with a bottle of water.  There is very little water pressure from the cistern on the roof.  There is no ventilation in the bathroom and between the heat and my workout - I am sweating before i put my clothes on. 

WC owns 7 vehicles for getting around for meetings and supplies.  Staff send in written requests the day before and we place the need for drivers on a white board in the morning and assign drivers.  Compare, the head driver, does not speak English.  If there are conflicts with more cars needed than available, I will be responsible to resolve it.  I am not sure I will know how to do it.  Things work at a very slow pace here.

I spent most of the day on my computer - writing my blog, looking for some jobs to apply for. 

Lunch was provided again but not until 1:30.  It was strange - like some local staff received their food at 12:30.  i have not figured this out yet.  The staff finished their day about 4 pm.  We are own our own for dinner, except for special occasions.  I had some "clam chowder" from a MRE (meal ready to eat).  There were no instructions so I added to hot water.  Not very appetizing.  i had some crackers with it.  A little beef jerky and trail mix, for dessert.

I worked on job applications until Patty and I tried to skype call without video.  There is something wrong with my computer.  We finally were able to talk for a few minutes.  Her voice sounded like a chipmunk.  She could not hear me consistently.  I heard her just fine.  It was good to hear her voice!

I was one of the last to go to bed at 10 pm.  (It has not rained yet, since I have been here.)  TTFN

2 comments:

  1. So thankful to hear there has been no rain! I pray that continues for those living under bedsheets!

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  2. Steve,
    Patty graciously sent us your blog and I love it. I can see you there taking it all in and being the natural servant leader you are. What a challenge and you rose to the occasion. I would know and expect that from you Steve. We will love any news we get about your time and thoughts there. Love from Mary too.
    Dave

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