Oatmeal, pancakes, and lessons in Creole!

There are some things that don't taste as good unless they come out of Germaine's kitchen, and oatmeal and pancakes are just two of my favourites. There is something special and distinct about the taste of the large, thin pancakes that come hot off the griddle. No need for butter, though...just a splash of syrup, some hot coffee off the stove, and a seat at the table to enjoy the taste of a Haitian breakfast that I could never come close to duplicating at home. The only thing that could possibly rival the taste of pancakes is a bottomless bowl of Haitian oatmeal. After only one year here, my nose recognizes the sweet, warm smell of oatmeal on the stove. This oatmeal is like a great bowl of plain vanilla ice cream--no need to add anything. It's one of those things that tastes good all by itself.

    But it's not just about the food. Beate and I have become students of the oldest boy, J.J. (Gee-Gee). After filling our bellies this morning, Beate and I took turns having him test us on the first page of Beate's book, "Creole made Easy"! I am proud to say we passed page one with flying colours...high fives all around! "Nou vle aprann Creole"--We want to learn Creole. But we didn't want to strain our brains too much with 'Creole school,' because I know mine is already a little soggy from these mid 40 degree temperatures, so we're saving page 2 for "demen"--tomorrow!  

    More importantly and exciting, we had a special visitor this morning--Ti-Fi! Beate and I walked her from the girls' house ('kay' in Creole) to the main house. In just a day, we have noticed a difference in her spirit. This morning, she was sitting up holding her hand out to me as soon as I went into the house for Beate and I to take her out. She was a little steadier on her feet, and a few times, I caught a glimpse of her old familiar smile that lights up her face. 

   When she came to the main house, she sat close, and she nodded her head most times when we asked questions. She loves the contact of holding our hands, and today she was full of hugs! There was nothing sweeter than feeling her hand come around the back of my shoulder to give me a gentle 'tap, tap' on the back, then two arms to give me a hug... It was so encouraging to see some change in her in such a short time, and I hope this is the beginning of the road back to normal for her...

    In the meantime, I am enjoying the few minutes of down time before Karen takes us on a little road trip to the bank. As the drive from the airport was an adventure, so, too, is any little road trip off the compound. Eyes open and always aware, I go back to giving thanks for some of my most favourite, yet simple things while I'm here--oatmeal, pancakes, lessons in Creole, and special visits! Hugs from Haiti 👍😉