Contradictions of life in Haiti

setting up for celebration- Danye, our receptionist
Eric Doubt, Executive Director of HHH

Bernice's map of Haiti in lights
Certificates of appreciation to Noel & Jorel, our drivers with Dr. Nau
Flower girl without flowers
The brides family
The dancing girls
Myrline, our beautiful lady in waiting

This week we had our official opening celebration of our Klinik Kay Kapab. Much preparations through out the week culminated on Friday 3 December- Day of Disability in Haiti. We had some very special guests from the Minister of Health, Dr. Pean and Mesye Metier as well as a number of patients, our Haitian board members and press along with our devoted staff. After speeches were made, we had a lovely catered lunch.

Friday night I went out to dinner with my co workers to a Lebanese restaurant called Magdoos. We said it was Eric’s birthday so we could get the roman candle birthday treat. To be inside this restaurant and having non Haitian food in an atmophere of green plants, billowing curtains, hookahs and hummas takes us to another world away from tents and rubble and manifestations.

Wedding day Dec 4...Mercia’s (our cook) daughter was married yesterday. It was my first Haitian wedding. Al, Deb, Shaun and I went to the wedding- the invitation said 4 o’clock but it didn’t start until 5. In the yard of the church is a tent community. The bride appeared extremely nervous as she didn’t have any smiles until after the ceremony and at the reception. She was very beautiful. Myrline and another friend were also in white dresses - if we hadn’t known who the bride was, we wouldn’t know who the bride was. Apparently they are the ladies in waiting for the bride. There were 6 other young women with green dresses accompanied by 6 young groomsmen that did a slow dance down the aisle ahead of the bride.

The ceremony appeared to be in French, kreyol and with some latin thrown in. It last a little more than an hour. The sky was thick with heavy clouds and it appeared that it might rain, however it did not. I didn’t understand most of what the Pastor was saying to the couple but had the gist of it and Shaun filled in some parts, telling the groom he was share the duties with his bride- chop the spices for her, provide the water for her to clean, when he is tempted to look at another woman, look at his beautiful bride.

The reception was held at the guest house. Music was blasting from the dj’s big speakers, tables were set up in the patio. Food layed out on tables, a beautiful cake set up in the dining room. After more pictures were taken, guests lined up to partake of the chicken, rice, Mercia’s famous and delicious lasagna, pasta salads, and other foods. A beautiful fruit dispay - Hela’s specialty was a very nice touch of color display.

The funny thing about Haitian wedding receptions- I attended one last year and it was the same -they do not cut the cake and share with their guests. Shortly after everyone finished eating, they began to leave. A few people danced, namely the grooms’ grandpapa and Isaia, the brides young brother, Shaun with Luna, Suze and Veronique. The cake was left in its glory to sit on the table. Untouched.