Everyone seemed to have a great sleep last night. We were all eager and ready for the day ahead. We met up with Durand headed to the church, got to see all the work their church family has put into their building since we left. Measured a few things, talked to a few people and made some plans. Art and I set off to buy supplies, we drove via a borrowed Tap-Tap to what I would assume is the West end of Carrefour and ordered supplies. Headed back to the church just in time for lunch and had a great meal from the church ladies. The materials had arrived while we were eating so we set to work on carrying them upstairs. We were experimenting with a few ways to get them up the stairwell, some wanted one way, others wanted another. I had already been scolded by lineman Tim on “Where’s the line?” So when someone suggested shooting it out the window, I asked how close to the line will it be? Someone didn’t understand which line I was talking about and said a long ways. Well Tim knew which line and had run outside and came back in shouting “don’t do that again”. Apparently I came within 2’ of the high voltage uninsulated power line. That’s too close, as Tim said. I filed a near miss with my Health & Safety Suppervisor and we all determined not to do that again. To be honest I probably don’t realize how fortunate I am. This blog could have possibly been allot shorter, if I had been any closer. But please, no one tell my wife, I wouldn’t want her to worry.
After the materials were all tucked away, it was decided Art, myself and Morgan would run to Port-Au-Price for a metal chop saw. I pondered on what the others would be doing while this expedition went forth. There was no plan in place. So I offered to graciously lead them back to the hotel to suffer by the pool, instead of the trek ahead. Well the plan worked and they even gave us a ride to the hotel, to help ease our suffering. Morgan and Art found the saw and discs we needed and returned at the end of our pool time. Sorry Morgan, I really just didn’t want to deprive you of the experience of the ride across town in the Tap-Tap.
So what is a Tap-Tap you may ask; It is a privately owned communal transportation device. It could be a bus, van (door usually optional) but most commonly it is a small pick-up truck with a metal canopy over the box with benches down the sides. Usually they are very colourful, sometimes with loud music but always crowded. It seems that is our mode of transportation to and from the hotel. It’s very funny when locals hop on, look at us wide eyed, talk to one of our escort and quickly jump off. We have our very own personal Tap-Tap. After picking up the first set of supplies I was sitting in the back of the Tap-Tap waiting, when Durand sat down to chat. We talked about family, about the church, about church family (so many topics wrapped up in two words), politics and society. Durand does love his country, but he knows it’s broken. He also knows the answer isn’t simple. “No one pays taxes”. “They would pay taxes if the government does something for them first”. He says the government officials get into power just so they can coast. Live the life of leasure and spend the public dollars. Now we do have a Prime Minister that used public funds for a private holiday, but at least he said sorry. What then, are all politics corrupt and we should give up on governmental establishments? No, I’m not becoming anti-establishment. There is only one leader who won’t let us down. Only one who is worthy to be called King. He will reign over all, and all who believe in Him will live forever in his Kingdom. King Jesus. “Merci Jesus” (That’s the phrase on many Tap-Taps, it means thank you Jesus).
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