We are connected because of JC( Jesus Christ ) and JB (Justin Beiber)

On the fourth day in Haiti we went to Anse a Foleur which is the Voodoo Capital of Haiti. It is said that 95% of the Haitians are practicing Christians and 100% are practicing Voodoos.

We drove to the Anse a Foleur and our first stop was to go up to the monument. The monument is up on a mountain . The climb was steep and very rocky with jagged mountainous rocks sticking out and a small narrow path to follow. Here is where I  am glad I hired a personal trainer for the 3 months before I left. This was quite the hike. I made it....thank you Cindy Leckie Cleaver! The sweat dripping and blinding in my eyes was not a new experience after the workouts you put me through. On the way up to the monument we have a new group of children following us. They climb this hill like little billy goats. some in bare feet and the rocks are so sharp. It doens't even faze them. Once again they were so wonderful in trying to help me but I think common sense over took courtesy and helpfulness. They could see that if I fell it could take out a few children. I also needed both my hands in order to pull myself up and grab on to the rocks. On the way up there were fires burning which I assume were some sort of sacrifices to St. Anne.

 It is said that back in the rebellion, when the Haitians made a covenant with the devil in pig’s blood, for the freedom of Haiti against the slave owners, there was a terrific storm in the night. They claim that lightening came from heaven and struck the 30 ft  stone cross on the mountain, and shattered it, leaving only the broken stump which remains today. They also teach that on that same night, a black doll fell from heaven and landed there on that mountain. This doll defeated Jesus on the cross.  The doll is named St. Anne I find that interesting that the doll is call St. Anne , it sounds very similar to (SATAN). Coincidence??? .  There is a voodoo temple in the town, where upstairs, enclosed in a glass case, they have this doll. People line up to go see the doll and pray to it. 

 It is really difficult for us to believe that anyone would pray to a doll.  But, many go  there, lighting candles, sacrificing animals , bringing offerings of silk flowers, money of which they don't have, and jewelry. There are rumors that child sacrifice is still included in their practice of worship to St. Anne as well. 

We are horrified to think that this type of practice continues especially child sacrifice. My daughter Christine made a good point that we do whatever we have to out of desperation. The Haitians are going to try anything, pray to anything, worship anything in order to get help. What have you done in depseration? What would you do in desperation?? On a smaller scale of desperation how many of us have tried some weird fad diet to lose 30 lbs in 2 weeks??? ate only grapefruit??? We are desperate to get that weight off for the high school reunion? how many people do you know who might gamble their last 100 dollars in order to win enough money to pay their mortgage? Try different types of medicines, herbs, potions or fly accross the world for a CURE for a disease? They are smaller issues than what the Haitians are going through but it gives you an idea of what one would do if you were desperate and hopeless. 

We don't know what we would do in such circumstances therefore can't judge or shake our head in disbelief. 

We were unable to go into the temple on this day as there was a big celebration going on. in fact walking by the temple we were told to hurry by Haitian guards. 

I  did see vendors selling pictures and post cards of St. Anne. I could hear music and celebration. 

We continued to walk through the streets and stopped to have lunch at a Haitian restaraunt. They opened for us so we could have a private lunch of Haitian food. I asked how a restaraunt could survive here and was told that there are some people , like store owners who do have money and could go out to eat. I dont' know what they would pay for a meal there. I would assume less than what we paid. For us it was 10 dollars a person. We ate rice, haitian coleslaw, plantains,  and chicken and had a coke and water. The food was delicious. I felt bad though because the children walking with us through town sat and stared through the windows at us and then were chased away by the owners of the restaraunt. 

After our lunch we boarded the bus to drive to a private beach where we were to do a bible lesson (VBS) for children. We have come with peanut butter sandwiches and candy  for 100 kids. We drive up in the bus and see more than 100 kids waiting.  I cry again knowing that we are going to have to turn away kids. Wishing we had more food and could give more.

We set up our VBS. There are guards with us and are very helpful and organized in getting everyone sitting . They make it known that there will be no fooling around. One Haitian boy made a comment in Creole, so I dont' know what he said, but it got him kicked out.
We told our biblestory and had the kids draw pictures. Then we gave out our buns and suckers. Again the gaurds were very helpful.  I mentioned last time we handed out candy it was chaos and Christine and Brian said that their last trip the food part was always so diffiuclt , everyone scrambling to make sure they get food. 
They lined the kids from smallest to biggest to ensure the little guys would get fed first.

The Guards were a big help but also controlled the situation so much that we couldn't have fun. They wouldn't let us play games with the kids. We wanted to play red light green light, or what time is it Mr Wolf, but after a half hour of explaining it and discussing it we ditched the idea because the guards didnt' really want them playing. They basically wanted them to get food and go.  We walked over to the beach where 1/4 of the kids followed us.
I had a little girl holding my hand so I started singing Justin Beibers song "BABY " and we were dancing. All of a sudden close to a dozen girls come running and join us holding hands in a circle and start singing. I called  Shyla, Kitty and Maggie because I am LOST after the chorus. I needed help. The Haitian girls sang the verses in Creole, while Shyla , Kitty and Maggie sang in English. I thought it was amazing that they knew Justine Beiber songs. We are first connected by JC and then by JB LOL.

After dancing and singing we entertained each other by doing cartwheels and the splits and other gymnastic type moves . When I say we,  I don't' mean ME. I watched and cheered enthusiastically while Shyla and Kitty and Brian showed off their moves and the Haitian children showed us their moves.

Brian and his cart wheel

We then went to cool off in the water. I have never felt ocean water so warm. It was like a warm bath. The girls all thought it was funny that I went in with my skirt on.They are all so enthralled with my body there is no way I am putting even less onto be ogled.  Some stripped down to nothing and jumped in the water. Its so interesting how being naked is just the "norm".  we swam and played and sang songs. The boys all played frisbee. It was a great afternoon

We were suppose to be back at the mission to go back to the brothel and prison but our bus ran out of gas. so we were stranded on the side of the road for quite some time.
 As we wait for someone to bring us gas we waited in the bus and became entertainment for the haitians that were walking on the road. They all stop to look at us. I felt like an animal in a cage.It provided lots of entertainment for all of us. 
The pics are from the bus window. They are looking in the windows at Brian, Cayden and Ryley who are entertaining them through the window. 

I love how the haitian women carry things on their head. The cooler is very funny. I think she sold us some freezies that are called Sappy Bon. They are VERY SWEET but refreshing. 1 dollars buys 6 of them. 
The bus troubles made the trip that much more adventurous. Another fun day! I love the people in Haiti. They are so free and so full of love!