It begins at Ortlip

Many of you have been praying for us!  Thank you!  Your prayers for our safe and productive travels en route to Haiti -  including a wonderful several travel days with precious old friends and playing tourist in the Everglades soaking up the culture there J,

good flying weather, fair and considerate customs agents in Port au Prince, and safety moving through that crazy city – were so beautifully answered.  We spent last night at the Ortlip Ministry Center close to Mourie on the coast northwest of the capitol. 

Ortlip from the sea

Yesterday morning, we were all packed up and ready to board the Breezy Sea

( lobster boat given to the mission by a supporter in Canada – the Wesleyanna is in dry dock for re-caulking and painting) for the trip to LaGonave, when circumstances changed our plans. 

This is one thing that we learned early on as missionaries in this culture.  
           Stuff happens, plans shift ….. quite often  
                        ….. and one learns to go with the flow.

So, we rethought our day and have been enjoying an extended time at Ortlip instead of in and out, overnight.

More time to enjoy Sè Lousani’s good cooking!

More time to get to know Janice Cotrone, dean of the new nursing school, who is also participating in a doctoral program in nursing practice at Indiana Wesleyan University.  Much of her assignment load is on line and this unplanned time – devoid of lots of folks who can’t resist distracting her from her studies! -  is actually a gift to her.     Larry is also a gift to her, because she is not quite as savvy on the computer as she is at building a nursing school program – and he has been a willing helper as she has struggled with the technology with a sketchy internet connection.

                                                 

For Marty, all of the above and in addition, time to work on lesson plans without the joy-filled distraction of renewing acquaintances on LaGonave,  just yet.  And, additional study of Haitian creole at the sweetcoconuts.com website and the ever present creole phrase book. 

Studying with all the important items nearby - bug spray, water and sun glasses!

And, designing this blog post … slow going with that sketchy internet connection.

For Larry, time to work on development of his responsibilities for the nursing school and even some peace and quiet time which is manna from heaven for Fre Larry.

The distractions ARE here, however  …..

          

The beautiful setting of this place – the lure of the sea – the tantalizing sight of sailboats on the horizon. 

Larry seeking out the scads of beautiful, vibrant tropical fish.

Wonderful snorkeling at the reef beckoning.

Ahhhhh….

This morning, rested from our travels, we cruise over to LaGonave on The Breezy Sea …

                                                               .... maybe.....