More about January 25th and 26th

When we returned from Jacmel on Sunday, we were in the most incredible traffic jam in Port au Prince. It was gridlock, after dark, no streets lights and lots and lots of people on the streets. Though this was in a very developed part of Port au Prince, the highway we were on was not paved, and was flooded. Cars (fortunately we were in an SUV) drove though incredibly rutted streets with deep water. For Haitians, it seemed very routine. Lots of horn honking - but no sign of road rage.

The part of the road where we were on was in front of a huge power plant - but still the road wasn't paved. This is one of three power plants recently donated to Haiti by Hugo Chavez and Venezuela. The power plants are located in CAP Haitien, Gonaives, and Port au Prince.

This afternoon I watched a practice of the St. Joe's residents as they prepared for dance performances that they give. The performances are fantastic, and the dancers and drummers are so talented. They have traveled to the U.S. to give performances. We also got to see paintings done by one of the staff (and former resident) of St. Joe's). They are unique and beautiful. All of the residents are former street kids. The impact of the program on the kids is so far reaching on their lives. They are able to express their talents and who they are. It is such a well developed program that truly empowers these kids.

The trip to SOPUDEP yesterday was incredible as Paul said. The kids were so delightful, and it was wonderful to see them getting an education. The school has had to struggle for its survival because the Mayor of Petionville where it is located wanted the building and property where they were located. The director of the school talked about how important it was to have the support from people in Minnesota who advocated for them so that the U.S. State Department intervened and used its power to prevent the school property from being taken away. - Marcy