By classroom I mean tarped off quadrants of a basic two by four structure with no interior or exterior walls, covered by galvinized steel roofing panels. Yet the smiles on their faces and the pride in their "salutes" would make you think they were in a state-of-the-art American built educational facility. Education is not a right in Haiti, but a privilege. Only children whose parents can afford tuition are afforded an education. But through gracious donors this school affords an education for a mere 5 dollars per year; less than 1/20th the regular tuition. Donors are also now making it possible for each child to get a warm lunch each day. It is incredible work they are doing here. We thanked everyone for their hospitality and headed out in two separate directions; one to the work site and the other to the co-op.
Angelica graciously walked me to the co-op the back way, and we had some nice conversation out on the grass while waiting for the grounds keeper to unlock the gates. Harold, my interpreter, went the extra mile and spent the evening before, hunting for natural items to share with class today. He had a bag full of leather-like heart shape leaves, perfectly spherical pods the size of marbles, and several other oddities I have never seen before. I was so excited at his interest and his willingness to search on his own and bless our class. What a guy!
Soon the doors were open and artists were dragging out all the supplies, eager to start a new day. Today's lesson plan included calbas, cocoye, and other natural God-given materials. I began with demonstrations with each of the tools and how they could be used. Then we began breaking up the calbas into individual pieces for each student. Their next assignment was to draw on paper what their designs would look like, including detailed accessories, like beads, sequins, wire wrapping, and cord. They did a wonderful job putting their ideas to paper. The next step was turning their shards into the designs on their paper. At first it was a slow process, but their second, third, fourth to seventh went much smoother. Their confidence was difficult to build but each compliment they where given, seemed to fuel them for the next. Designs began in basic shapes and soon transitioned to more organic, creative shapes. I ran the drill all day, still not comfortable putting it in their hands. Lessons will still come before I leave, so they can continue to use it after I am long gone.
The day ended with upwards of twenty artists continuing to create with no end in sight. I figured their families where looking for them, so I eventually let them know it was probably time to go. After sharing that I would be at Lee's gallery tomorrow teaching a workshop, we agreed we all needed one more day together. So Monday we will be painting and saying our good-byes. We will also have an art show with any of the new creations that do not sell at Sunday morning's Artisan Market. Stephanie and Ash where kind enough to stick around for a couple hours and help me pack up in preparation for Lee's gallary. We had some great conversation about counseling, mission work, and spending time in Haiti. They had been inspecting the messenger bags that had been ordered by general conference, as the artist completed each one. Small holes in the burlap were hand sewn by the two of them, as they were found. Steph and Ash are both a wonderful addition to the Mizak community.
Darryl and Jaime showed up wondering if I had gotten lost. I was thrilled to have two more sets of hands to help carry all the supplies back to the HAPI complex. Everyone else had already eaten dinner but left plenty for the three of us. Other than one of the dogs performing a circus act and jumping three foot into the air while completing a triple sow-cow (ice skater trick) before stealing the chicken leg off of my rice mound on the platter in my hand, the rest of the evening was quiet and calm. I am told much work was accomplished at the work site today, as well. Pastor Craig did his best to start a war between the United States and Haiti by throwing (dropping) a bucket off the cranium off of one of the Haitian workers down in the cistern pit. Lucky we are in a peace zone, and the two shared greetings and hugs by the end of the work day. We are all anxious to see what kind of job Craig will be given tomorrow.
The team sifted some black sand, lots of bucket brigades where placed into action again, and several mentions that the Haitians seemed to have a more comfortable and humorous attitude today. Possibly they had gotten over a hump and felt progress was being made once again. Everyone certainly was becoming more like friends than strangers, as the days continued to pass by at a breakneck pace. Complete strangers on day one become brothers and sisters by day twelve. The women accomplished a lot today, as well. They washed dirty clothes for more than twenty people, all playing in red clay each day. It is amazing how clean they actually get things with a tub of water, some soap, and their hands. Tomorrow is another new day and the end of the work week, minus possibly a few hours Saturday morning. Another day, another night, Day 8.
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