Day 2: Cite Soleil

"City of the Sun" is what Cite Soleil means.  What it is, is the poorest slum in the world.  The home to approximately 300,000 people, mostly children, divided into approximately 28 districts.  Our goal for the day is to deliver water to the families living in three of the districts.

The ride in the "tap-tap" is an adventure in and of itself.  We pile into the back, excited, anxious, full of trepidation as we travel the oftentimes pot-holed filled, bumpy roads, CRAZY intersections, with surreal sites, and extraordinary smells unique and all their own.

While we waited for the water truck to fill up at the watering station,we observed what appeared to be chaos - but a system must exist as the line of trucks driving forward, backing in, horns bellowing...trucks were filling four at a time...all day, six days per week.  

First stop is "district 17", doors open, "hey you", hands raised in the air, each of us leaving the back of the bus picking up the children; one, two at a time, buckets everywhere, water flowing, energy - children everywhere.  Before we know it, the water truck is empty and we are gathered in prayer and worship on the grounds of what will soon be a church (Fall, 2015).

Back to the water station - barely time to drink some water, a bagel w/peanut butter, beef jerky, and a mango slice (thank you Brian!), process what you just experienced, scan the faces of your team, and take a deep breath; we're off to stop #2:  District 21.

On the edge of, my guess, what could be a beach or shoreline on the Caribbean, but far from it.  Sea shells, pigs, garbage...everywhere...and the smell is extreme and extraordinary.  Same drill: "hey you", buckets, children everywhere, one in each arm, and each of us filled with compassion for all of them.  It was amazing to witness the extreme conditions, yet realize these are families, with children, a community, with us, participating in a regular routine for them.  Every day!

Back to the water station.  We started the day with white shirts.  It's hot.  Everyone was sweaty, covered with dirt from head to toe, with no worries, and smiles all around...reflecting on the families and the experience; there are no words.

District 26 - much of the same, a child on your shoulders, in your arm, and a bucket in the other - everyone looking for a helping hand...energy, smiles, voices everywhere; "hey you", "merci"...the buckets seemed heavier...we felt good.  Impressed by what we say and experienced.

An unexpected stop and a soccer game with the kids (Haitian Initiative) who were having practices - and a team getting ready to make the trip to the "Schwann's USA Cup" this summer - we are all fans!

Some time afterwards; reflection, prayer, back at the house...a quick picture for contrast of the beginning of the day.  We are grateful to be here and sharing the experiences together.  A biographical event, never to be forgotten, forever changed.

  Posted by Rock Kostick and Calvary team.