Day 14 | Hollis Skidmore

We are finished! We went to the house dedication service, and I cried when the homeowner gave us thanks certificates. Today we went to eat at the mountain maid to eat, then bartered. We cleaned and packed, and will soon leave. We shared our feelings at the bible study. I have learned so much this week. I am truly blessed to have went on this trip, and hope to return in two years with my sister. Please keep BHM in your prayers so that this dream can become possible.

Day 13 | Hollis Skidmore

The house was finished today! I sifted sand with Emily all day, making several more sifting songs. The owner’s kids were there today, and while I didn’t to hold the baby, I did read to the little girl. I doubt she understood what I was saying, but she was fascinated with the colors and pictures of the four books we brought. She also loved the bubbles we brought. Today was pretty basic, but it was still powerful. It was the last day of work, and I would do the entire trip again in an instant. I definitely plan on trying to come back next year. See everyone soon!

Day 12 | Hollis Skidmore

I was based at the church today, helping with painting, sifting, and VBS. It was so amazing how eager the children were to paint. At one point, I had two handing me full paintbrushes to replace used ones while I stood on cinderblocks. We came up with some more sifting songs while doing the fine sand. Then VBS came, and I was based at the games. We played “Cona Cona Goose,” their version of “Duck Duck Goose.” Running in a skirt is so hard, and I had to play for over an hour. The kids seemed to enjoy hitting me on the top of the head as hard as possible before running off. Five children were saved, and it was so amazing. I was followed by a brother and a sister today, Alecson and Francesca. They basically just loved to be near me, and loved the beeping noise my watch made. I am disappointed that today was my last day among the kids at the church, but look forward to finishing the house, and seeing how it affects the family. Love to everyone at home!

Day 11 | Hollis Skidmore

When we woke this morning, we went to a Haitian church. It was interesting, with another American group from Texas. After we came home, some of us prepared to go on a hike. It was challenging, but worth it. I slipped several times, but got out unscathed but for a tiny scratch on my ankle. In the end, we saw five waterfalls, the last of which we went into. The walk was so pretty, but would have been better if there wasn’t so much trash. I would do it again in a second. Love to home!

Day 10 | Hollis Skidmore

I was at the house today. We sifted sand again, as well as swept. There weren’t many other jobs to do, so in our downtime we avoided the heat. I must have had 15 bottles of water today. We also got to meet the family. Right now they are living in a rental, and it is going to be amazing for them to have their own home. We finished the walls and floor today. Our translator, Robinson, taught us some Creole, and I look forward to utilizing it. He also had some questions, and we discussed for a while. It’s beautiful here, and I’m really sad my camera was ruined by bubbles. Love to everyone at home!

Day 9 | Hollis Skidmore

I was assigned to the church today. In order to get there it was a rough ride, but the view more then compensated. It was beautiful! Once we got there we broke rock, shifted sand, and other various jobs. We also got to play with the kids that wandered in. All of them were pretty hard workers, and loved to play also. They braided, used bubbles, and danced among other things. It was really interesting to attempt to communicate with the language being different. If I ever come back, I’m going to try to learn Creole first! Love to home!

Day 8 | Hollis Skidmore

This morning started off fine, with the MIF waiting room. After 4 hours of flying, with a Bahamas layover, it was my first time out of country. The view was beautiful from the windows. The airport was decent, and went quickly. It is very hot, and very crowded. The driving here is horrid, with several near-collisions on the drive to the compound. It is very colorful, with vendors selling a variety of products. The compound is nice and welcoming. The people are nice, and the area is amazing. Some of us went to the playground and threw a Frisbee, later joined by a local boy. We then ate, reviewed for the next day, and did the bible study. Love to everyone at home!