Mary's Missionary Musings September 2019-New Land

March 2019 -Training Haiti Farmers

Mary's Missionary Musings January 2017

July 2016 Newsletter-New home

Christmas Update-2015 Year End Review

June 2015 Newsletter Update-Tree Project

New Years Eve Recap January 2015

Hi!  A few of you have asked about my New Years Eve party.  A recap from my evening is following this brief message from me!!

My exciting news for today......drum roll....orange seedlings are appearing!!  After 26 days I was beginning to wonder.  Also replanted some moringa in the bags that didn't grow.  After inspection, I think they were planted too deep.

Had a message from my friend Tracy Muhlenbeck this morning.  She wants to come visit.  I instantly thought of a ladies conference but don't know what she is thinking. Do I have any more takers for coming along???

So had a rough night last night.  I woke up at 2am and couldn't figure out what noise I was hearing.  Finally realized it was drums, and then realized it was a voodoo ceremony.  Not close to my house but I could still hear all the noise.  The animals start acting very weird.  Like they sense what is going on.  But then I hear that people can turn into animals too!  Didn't like that too much so spent time praying and turned on soaking music to drown out the sounds.  It worked a little until the people stated screaming!  Sure wish I understood more.  All I could pray was for protection and Gods spirit to override the other spirits hanging out.   Maybe I shouldn't have told you that if I want you to come.  

If you don't come until later, I might have a house built for you!!  That is my next goal. I will pay for that out of Eds life insurance money but am trying to raise funds to finish the cement block wall around the property.  Getting close!  About 2 3/4 done. We are installing 2 big metal gates today.  And then patching up the cactus fence so that the chicken stay out. They have been chewing my seedlings off at the ground.  Little stinkers!

So here is the recap from NYE. 

I had a wonderful time.  Very interesting!  We arrived at a party and was served 1 oz of wine at the door.  Reminded me of communion. Then we waited for 1 1/2 hours for the dj to arrive, which the organizers kept thanking us for our patience.  They gave us a piece of gum while we waited. 

Then they had a political program.  Something about the democrats for Haiti.  Finally we were allowed to dance.  In between they served us cherry rum, which I liked, popcorn, a piece of candy, and a bottle of beer, which I gave away.  Then came the bouillon,  a thick soup.  They made me serve everyone, and I didn't know what I was doing.  Haitians are very picky and want to make sure they get meat.  I couldn't even tell what chunks were meat!  Luckily they gave us a second bowl in which whey could take whatever chunks they wanted.

And then we danced.  It was very fun.  It was interesting to watch the ladies get mad if their man danced with another woman.  But then some of the dancing looked like sex with clothes on.  Don't worry, not me!!  I was the one with the mouth gaping open as I watched them move their hips.  I know my hips don't move like that!

But I was a good dancer.  Many of my friends told me that.  I think I surprised them that I knew the Haitian steps.

Then at midnight they stopped the music and lit off firework shooters right around the tables.  I am amazed no one got hurt. Everyone hugged and kissed each other on the cheeks. 

Then we danced and most of us fell asleep waiting for the 'meal'.  Which was servedat 3:20am. They did serve it in take home boxes, so that's what we did.  Took it home and went to bed,  I think Big Fos is heating his up now to eat.  

I can't remember the last time I was up that late.  Usually I am awake at that time after sleeping for many hours.

It was very fun and interesting.  This was a high class party and everyone was dressed very nice.  We had to pay $25 a couple to go.  That is why everyone waited for the food.  They wanted their money's worth.

It was freezing for me. Junior, one of my friends went home to get me a shirt to wrap around my arms.  Everything was held outside under the stars with beautiful twinkling lights.  Such a wonderful setting.  I wish I could have taken pictures but my iPad doesn't have a flash.

Then we walked home in pitch dark as there was no electricty.  Big Fos carried the food as I clung tightly to juniors arm.  I had heels on and I didn't want to fall.  And junior didn't want me to drop the food. He didn't care so much about me falling ;)

And then I was woke up at 6:30 by my cook so she could make the traditional New Year's Day food.  Pumpkin soup.  It is very good but we eat it all day.  Breakfast, lunch and supper.  

I tried sleeping but the neighbor was handing out money to hundreds of people so it was too loud!!  I am worried about the noise as my neighbor is doing a wonderful thing.  I had a few attitude checks today!!

Just played dice with a few kids and now I am going to cross stitch.  How is that for a lazy day? And I have a sweat shirt on.  I have turned into a whimp!