Storms, Fires and Haitian Firemen

We survived our first storm of the year with a few bruises. On Monday as we watched the storm clouds darken the skies, we weren't exactly prepared for the force that hit us about 1:15 pm. The wind came just ahead of the rain drops that turned into a raging mass of energy in minutes.  Flying palm fronds and the slamming of doors in the house as we ran around taking pictures off the walls, suddenly a loud crash! I was relieved momentarily that a tree had not crashed onto our van but dismayed to see the neighbors' palm tree stretched across the patio and sitting on the new roof of the dining room. A few ceiling tiles popped out. Luckily, we weren't sitting at the table when this occured- that would have freaked us out. It looked like our outdoor dining space was turned into a 'jungle cafe'.  The gutter quickly overflowed with torrential downpour, leaves clogging near my office. Minutes away from another flood, we cleared the mess averting the flow. As suddenly as it started, it seemed to stop. At 2 pm we were assessing damage, taking photos, and making phone calls to make sure everyone was all right.

Tuesday morning I was greeted with Madam Gail, we have a pwoblem. The mango tree near the gate and generator was smoking, smoldering and with pockets of small blazes. The tree was humming, alive with electricity. We called the electric company to come turn off the power- no one wanted to get near the electrical sources!  Of course, they would be right over....after they dealt with the problem at the Prime Ministers residence.  The transformer was 'exploding' through out the day making everyone jumpy as the tree continued to send up small smoke signals.
EDH never did come but when the power went off on its own, John and Pierre cut the branchs, which covered the generator and gas barrels...and still touched the electrical wires. I had a big problem with this so I called the fire department. The big red pomper came with 8 guys. They had 2 helmets donated from the French and looked like silver Star Wars helmets. They shared jackets donated from Spain and shared boots as needed.  When they arrived, they said 'There is no fire". BUT there is a problem and we will help so they removed the tree, had some water and a photo session with us.  Funny thing was that I had had a dream several days before in which there was a Haitian fireman- I don't remember the dream now except that part only because Jenna and Tasha reminded me of it.
Sometimes I have 'epic' dreams, some pretty crazy ones too- last night RAM was in my dream. I find them pretty entertaining when I can remember them.  However, I have no idea where they come from or what they mean. Anyway, after this excitement we all went out to dinner to celebrate Hadrien's birthday.

Wednesday was relatively benign as days go. The neighbor sent a guy to 'clean' up the fallen palm tree,  I searched through the container for treasures and then went to the airport to pick up a team. The plane ended up sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours so by the time we returned to the guesthouse it was 9 pm.

Today we interviewed for a new driver, met the new owners of the property and enjoyed a nice dinner in  a houseful of people.

Somedays test our stamina and strength, some days our patience or empathy. I hope (or strive) for having whatever the situation calls for and celebrate appropriately.