Two weeks later

Again, hello from Haiti,

Well, we have been here for two weeks. Len and Sandy Boguski from PA have joined us for the next 2 months. Makes things a little more lively and some help. I went to Port au Prince on Monday and picked them up on Tuesday. It was dark by the time we were about half way here. The alternator of the car was not working properly so the lights kept getting dimmer and dimmer. Finally they went out completely and, of course, it was in an area where there was no cell phone service !! So kept driving by shining a flashlight out the window to see the side of the road and another out the side back window so other cars could see us. Finally called and someone came to rescue us. Changed batteries from the pick up to the car and proceeded on. It started to rain and the windshield wipers did not work!!! Very difficult to see as there was much dust on the window which was fast making mud. Finally washed itself off and we continued. When we were about 10 minutes from home the clouds cleared and that beautiful full moon emerged!!! God does have a sense of humor!! We were safe and thankful !!!

Have a new light in the kitchen so we can actually see what we are cooking !!! Made a double batch of Mango Jam yesterday from mango we had put in the freezer last summer when they were so plentiful. Will make some more today.

Also, we will be planting some seeds today: zuchinni, yellow squash, dill, lettuce and what ever other seeds we have. There are so many ornamental plants in our front yard, but they are in a state of disarray and in ugly pots. Are planning to "spruce up" that area today and in the following days. An old Haitian man who works beside the street in front of our house makes cement pots. Will get a few new ones for the project.

Have a team of 4 women coming on Monday to look over some schools that need assistance. The following Monday there are 9 people coming from Louisiana and Kansas. On Sunday, after church, we will go to the beach at Port Salut. Last week we could not go because of the fuel shortage. There is a man who makes baskets along the way, so we will stop and start stocking our gift shop here at the house.

Well, that's the update for January 17th. You in the north, stay warm as we are trying to stay cool. Virginia and Jack Bell