Woke up very early this morning for a run, because then had to make Mass at 7 (-ish, was a bit late). Gary was singing in the choir, for his Boy Scout troop's festival. I haven't been going to church, and find it hard to practice any kind of spirituality here. But today, it hit me.
-The overflowing congregation standing on broken tiled floor and rubble, leaning on beams that make up the temporary church structure, crowding under the tarps to avoid heat.
-Pere Marat's homily in lively call&response style: "only strong with God... pray for his will..."
-Wilfrid gave me communion, as I remembered our conversation a couple weeks ago on a drive to PaP; when he spoke of his friends lost, and his hope for the world to help Haiti rebuild.
-At the end of Mass, a second collection was taken for the parish. Clapping & loud singing as nearly everyone processed up the aisle to give some of what precious little money they have, to something they believe in. I didn't know whether to smile or cry.
At home a few weeks ago, heard an Easter Vigil homily that seemed to be anonymously all about Haiti (or so it felt to me). The priest spoke of "Easter People" who "don't deny Good Friday... but acknowledge sadness while embracing joy" and then share that joy with others. That's what permeates here: little bits of joy being shared in much sadness.
Though usually cede all medical care to the real providers, today I helped with wound clinic because things were slow getting started in that area. Debriding large gashes that remain from when the "blok tonbe" (blocks fell) three months ago. People stoic, and somehow still both gracious and graceful.
Also visited today with a pastor who runs a little orphanage. Other than some food and supplies Sean has rounded up, they have received no aid. One of the boys, 8-year-old Williamson, is in the hospital now with bad sores that never heal because he lives in filthy debris. The pastor is desperate, has tried fruitlessly to get help through many NGOs, the Cellule d'Urgence committee, and the government. A former professor, he only wants to give a fighting chance to kids whose families can't care for them. More work on this tomorrow, so hope to update with better news soon.
Pere Marat ended church today with a call & response of my favorite Kreyòl proverb.
"Men anpil" he called [with many hands]
"CHAY PA LOU!" the people responded [the burden is light]
Men anpil, chay pa lou.
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