Haiti Blog Post 13

Submitted by haiti.project on Wed, 2013-01-16 19:38

 

Haiti Blog Post 13- January 16, 2012

What a wonderful day in Haiti!  We started out the day with a visit with the Rt. Rev. Jean Zache Duracin, the Bishop of Haiti.  We were so grateful that Bishop Duracin made time to see us.  He has been the Bishop of Haiti for twenty years and there was a line of people to see him today!  He was charming, friendly, and graciously answered all of our questions.  I asked him if he had ever visited the Seminary of the Southwest after seeing honorary degrees from many seminaries on his office walls.  He responded that he had not visited Austin and my mind immediately started running in a thousand directions about how I could get him to visit my beloved seminary.  A new challenge for me!

Pere Val and our wonderful driver Jimmie then took us to a grocery store.  I felt like I was in Kroger or HEB, all the necessities I might need were there.  Kellaura and I took great delight in buying some vegetables for Carmel.  She has been the most gracious host and we were thrilled to do something for her.  We then visited a Baptist Mission.  American missionaries started the mission in the 50’s.  They have a gift shop and a museum of the history of Haiti.  There is also lots of wonderful Haitian art.  I find myself very drawn to the beautiful colors in Haitian art.  It is truly splendid.  I will post lots of photos on facebook.

We then went to the top of a mountain and could see Haiti and the beautiful water that surrounds it as far as the eye could see.  Some of the mountains are so green and luscious.  It is a wonderful change from the erosion I have seen on most of the mountains in Haiti.  The country is rebuilding.  It takes time and the people of Haiti are patient.  I am jealous of their patience.  It is a wonderful trait of many of the Haitian people. 

We have a week left in Haiti.  Although my body is ready to be home, my heart is here in Haiti.  Bishop Duracin asked me today if I would ever consider being a priest in Haiti.  My answer was maybe, just maybe…

Blessings,

Mary Balfour