beach and children's program

On the 26th Leon, Jacky, the visiting family, Nadege and I went to the beach. We went to Obama Beach Hotel which was very quiet and not as resorty as the last place. The beach was pebbles and there was shade to sit in and beautiful water to swim in. we had masks and snorkels and while the colors weren’t the brightest it was fun to see…and scary. Jellyfish were somewhat abundant. They don’t really sting but make you itch for a while (I think as I wasn’t stung). A couple of bright blue fish. Spiny anemones. And a live starfish. We tried conch as an appetizer for lunch and then had fish kreyol (fish with a Creole sauce). It was served with hot ketchup which was great. (Here in Haiti they also do a hot peanut butter that I also really like.) The kick was subtle.

some of the audience before the program began
(girls from the girls' home down the road)
graduates (in white robes and red stoles) and performers
center graduate/performer is the oldest (13) from the girls' home

We got back just in time for a children’s Christmas program which is also the graduation for kids to start going to big church. It was lots of fun with songs, poetry recitations, skits, and presentations. Very well put together and entertaining for everyone. There were even refreshments—cake and drink and candy. I sat with Pastor Luc’s family. His 2 kids go to an American school and have great English—not shy at all either.
After that I found out there was a soiree going on in the courtyard next. I’m still not sure what that entails. It looks like a church sponsored date night that older youth (?)/young adults come to and stay up all night. With the microphones and speakers—right outside my room. I was ok with the music but at 1:30am they started yelling (maybe just speaking loudly) into the microphone and it was all I could do to not go out and yell myself…or start crying as I don’t like confrontation. Needless to say, I’m going to ask for some warning next time—and hopefully get myself out of the way for the night…

coming soon: mom's visit (I'm obviously behind as this is from December...and Mom left Jan. 29)