Q & A

What are the kids' sports leagues like? Catch any good baseball games?

Rod, thank you for your question.  I have actually been concerned about the lack of extra curricular activities that the children here in Haiti have.  There are no sporting events to attend, no sports to play, very few concerts to attend, no movies, and the list goes on and on. 

Carmel tells me that this has gotten worse since the earthquake.  The country of Haiti has recently hired some people to work on this issue and create parks and activities, but with everything the process is slow and the funds needed are few.  I was very excited to see a brand new basketball court at the Episcopal High School yesterday.  Next they will be working on their soccer field.

The children at St. Simeon’s do play, but it is usually a game of some kind.  There are no balls, board games, or play ground equipment.  Kellaura and I have been playing cards and the children like to join us.  I will be leaving the three packs of cards I brought with me for them.

There is some good in this situation, there is lots of time to be together and visit.  Oh do they enjoy each other and laugh!  I have loved watching how the people at St. Simeon’s always greet each other with a kiss or a handshake, every day.  No one passes each other without speaking.  This is a lesson we could learn from them, appreciate the ones you are with and embrace the new people that come in to your life.  Every morning we are greeted with a warm Bonjour from all the people that work at St. Simeon’s.  It makes waking up so pleasant.

Thanks so much for your question.  Keep them coming!

Blessings,

Mary Balfour