Day 7 | Emily Bleigh

We bartered today! It was really crazy. People would chase you down, and they would make you go to their shop. I bought a bracelet and a painting. I cut the price in half of both of the items. I didn’t really enjoy bartering because they wouldn’t leave you alone. I would rather just have a set price and pay for it without people making you look at stuff. This trip has been amazing. The one thing I’ve really learned is that we need to appreciate the things we have. I’m really going to try to do a better job at that when I get home. This trip was life changing.

Day 6 | Emily Bleigh

We went to the market today, and let me tell you what, this lady freaked me out! She held out her hand, and then I gave her a funny look. Then she pointed at my hand, so I laid it on hers. She started rubbing and pinching it. Then she handed to another lady! Once I left, she started on Mickey. We spent sixty dollars on potatoes just so we could leave. I was pretty freaked out. Oh, we got there by riding in a dump truck. I came like a quarter of an inch from getting a black eye several times. I think it really sank in today that we have it way better than most. They walk everywhere. It’s not just a short little walk either, it can take days. I really am ready to come home, but I like it here. I’m really going to miss Cheryl! She is so nice. I think Quinn, Gina, Courtney, and Cheryl need to move to Gassaway. Another thing I’ve noticed is that I have had a great time with these people! When I decided I was going, I thought I wouldn’t be comfortable around anyone, but it has been a blast. The Bridgeport girls fit right in with us.

Day 5 | Emily Bleigh

Well, let me first start off by saying I’m happy to be alive. Literally, I almost died three times yesterday. The “hike” we went on was a cliff with trees. I slid down the whole way, and got cut up pretty good. I got bit by fire ants too. Becka fixed me though. Our tour guide Johnny is the only reason I’m still alive. I cried three times on that mountain, and will never do that again. When I got to the bottom, I laid on the rocks because I couldn’t even walk. I went to bed at like six, so that’s why I didn’t blog last night. Today I’m doing better! We worked on the boat some more today. Trey and I helped build the rock wall. Lane, Courtney, and I made lunch, and we were told it was good. After lunch, work was really slow. There wasn’t much to do unless you were on the top of the boat. After the little “hike” incident, I’m not getting on anything high for a while. One thing I do want to say is the bible study last night was great. Bill was talking about being in bondage to something. Well, he just so happened to mention one of the biggest causes of stress in my life. He said people can be bondage to their grade. An example he gave is “I need to get a 24 on my ACT to get in to WVU.” That is straight on for me. I feel like that controls me. I am going to try to do better though. Mom, I’m okay, I took pictures of my cuts so you can see. Love you!

Day 3 | Emily Bleigh

Today was a long day. There was so much wood to be carried! I met a lot of new people today. One girl was named Janae. I took some pictures with her, and let her take some pictures. There was also a little boy named Regas and his sister named Paola that stayed with us for a while. They were the cutest thing ever. I realized today that the language barrier can be overcome. Lane Jack said something today that will stick with me forever; laughter is a universal language. The showers are something! Haha, I’m just happy to have one though, we didn’t have any in Montana. Bill asked a question tonight, “Why did you come here?” My answer is a bit complicated. When I first decided I was going, I was excited and I knew I was going for the right reasons. I found out that I probably could not go, and I was really sad. When I found out I could go, I wasn’t as excited as I was at first. I couldn’t figure out why. I still don’t know why I wasn’t, but I’m so glad I came. This experience will change my life forever.

Day 2 | Emily Bleigh

Today, our bible study was about the fruit of the spirit. The one I struggle with is kindness. I don’t really like people just in general. Unless I’ve known you for a long time, I’m probably not going to interact with you much. Well, today I stepped out of my comfort zone, and I interacted with both Haitians, and the white people that live here. I also learned today, that they are happy with what they have, even though it’s next to nothing. Bill told us today that we probably brought more money for spending than they make in a year. This really changed my outlook on a lot of things. My family is going through some rough times at the moment because most of the coal mines are shutting down, which will put my dad out of a job. I realize, even when we may not be as comfortable as before, we will still be very rich. The weather today was awesome! My jobs today consisted of sifting sand and weeding a lot of gardens. It was a good day.