In short:
1. Moved into my apartment
2. I stubbed my toe
3. I was escorted across the road
4. Began organising my classroom
5. Centipede in the shower
In detail:
If you observe me for just a day you will find that the life of Kellyanne is similar to watching an American sitcom such as Seinfeld. I don’t create the comedy or laughable moments; they find me! Yesterday was such a day.
It was exciting to move into my apartment across the road from school and begin organising my room (photos to come). It was nice to unpack my clothes and stop living in a suitcase. My apartment is very spacious; my bedroom is larger than my room in Oz and is air conditioned (AC turns off at 9pm). The apartment also has a second bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, lounge area and dining room. I am in the first of three apartments on the block. The entire boundary of our block is a concrete brick wall, approximately two metres high with a large sliding gate to enter. This type of boundary / fence is common in Haiti. The apartments are also guarded 24/7 by an armed security officer (I’m not sure how many officers rotate throughout the day?) Armed guards appear to be the norm here and I don’t feel threatened by their presence. I wonder if they ever encounter any trouble?
Anyway, back to the comedy of yesterday. As I was making my double sized bed, which has a mattress and base and is supported by three wheels and a concrete brick, I stubbed my toe on the concrete brick that is replacing the missing fourth wheel. Yes, it hurt and it bled a little under the nail; but it’s good this morning! (Are you reading this Skidmore? Add this event to the grazed knee in primary school). I pushed the brick further under the bed to prevent further incidences.
Did I mention the roads are very busy here? There is constant traffic on the local roads, though I estimate the speed of the vehicles to be less than 60km. Anyway, I have to practice crossing the road from my school to the apartment safely. Have you ever played that game on Atari where you have to cross the road and dodge cars without being hit? That’s kind of what it feels like when crossing the road here. (Don’t worry mum I’m being very cautious and I wait for a break in the traffic before crossing or wait for the traffic to come to a standstill). Now to the point; after one of the school workers (I must ask for his name again) helped me bring my belongings to the apartment we walked back to school and hence I had to cross the road. He had already crossed the road and afterwards realised that I was still on the other side of the road assessing the traffic. In an instant he walked back over, held my hand and helped me cross the road safely. I felt like a queen being escorted back to the palace! We, the foreigners, are treated with such respect at the school. It’s kind of weird having people serve you all the time; and that’s their job! I hope I remain humble about it and never take their service for granted. I’ve come to Haiti to serve yet it’s me who has received a warm welcome and hospitality since I’ve arrived.
I hope this blog entry is an interesting read… I didn’t realise how much I can ramble.
Moving on… My classroom is also quite spacious! As I entered the room yesterday I rearranged the desks and sorted through some resources in the room. Within half an hour my hands were black! There is so much dust in the room, even though most things were covered with plastic over the summer. It’s not the grey fluffy dust that we are used to; but a sandy brown dust. Haiti reminds me of Malta where people are constantly cleaning as yesterday’s work is once again covered in dirt and dust the next day; blown in by the wind. I’ll be back in the classroom today to wipe down the dust-covered resources. Thankfully no rodents have been spotted in my room yet. I hope to keep it that way!
The weather is consistently hot here! It’s in the mid 30’s everyday with humidity at 70% or more. I’ve been showering twice a day; but could go for three or four if time permitted. Yesterday evening, after a big day, I got ready for my shower. Inconveniently I was already undressed and the water was running when I spotted a centipede in the shower. Fortunately I hadn’t stepped in yet. I wrapped a towel around me and Miquette came to the rescue. She has been so gracious to me and I in return have filled her day with laughter. Thank you God for the people you place in my path to be a friend, helper, and insect as well as rodent exterminator!
Lastly, just want to say to the family and friends… Hope you are well; love you all! x
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