Monday

Today was one of the most different days I have had, but it was just as good as all the others.

A couple days ago, Jennie found an old man in the Haitian side of Pancho Mateo who was basically wasting away in his own filth. Makarios is not an organization that does any sort of medical missions, but when we see a desperate need, we help where we can. So today a few of us took the tough task of cleaning out this man's small tin home, basically by throwing out all his clothes and mattresses and pretty much everything in there, as a lot of it was covered in feces. We fed him a protein drink and water, because apparently he did not eat unless the neighbors (some of which are his own family members) had extra. He could barely hold his head up to drink from the straw yet devoured two drinks worth. We bathed him (he had no clothes, just a towel covering him) and cleaned his floor. We have a bed for him and a new chair and are bringing him sheets and a set of clothes tomorrow. This man seems near death but at least we can give him his dignity back.

The great thing is, as I was bathing this man, I didn't feel grossed out or miserable. I truly felt the joy that I think is only possible to feel when you finally die to yourself and live for others. It may have been the most humbling experience of my life up to this point. I am so thankful for it. Now reflecting back on that moment, it is apparent to me that this act of dying to myself daily is something that I want to implement in my life back in Austin. I don't want to be the same. I want that moment to be in my mind and I want to be that for the people I love and serve them the way I served an old man I don't even know.

In the afternoon I made my first trip to Chichigua. This village is tiny, much smaller than Pancho Mateo, and completely Haitian. It was harder for me because the children spoke more Creole than Spanish so they were not as easy to communicate with, but just as loving. Camille had class and they all sang "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" in Spanish and I loved it. One of the neatest things was meeting Jaina. She has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, but Camille carried her inside for class and I got to sit with her and help her participate. I don't think she understands Spanish, which made me want to learn Creole right then and there.

Although I loved the Austin Stone group and miss having lots of people here, it is great to be here and spending time with the other interns and to have a little peace and quiet. Although I was thinking about it today; it is never truly quiet here in the DR. There's always some sort of noise, whether it be a motocoche, a rooster, or some Reggaeton music blasting somewhere in the neighborhood. But I love it!