Numbness

We've now been here over a year and I just wanted to update everyone. At this point last year, we were both relatively shocked with how depressing it is in Port-au-Prince.  Garbage, poverty, hungry kids, hungry dogs, goats hanging upside down on the sides of tap-taps (one of my biggest freakouts), people kicking dogs, dirt, etc. You name it, we've seen it.  It's very depressing.  And it is sad to say that time makes you 'numb' to it.  Someone who was departing post when we arrived told me "it is sad at first but after a while you don't really 'see' it."  That advice has totally come true. I don't know what I think about that but wanted to share. I guess it is just normal to us now.

On a funny note - this is what arrives on compound when you need your internet installed.

Jonathan really wants to buy one of these van/car/things locally and soop it up.  If any of you know my husband I hope you laughed at that because you know he is serious. "Come on, we would have the party van to take to anywhere!"  To my relief I don't think we can legally purchase one of those here and bring it back to the States with us - whew! And he has already researched them in the US - I don't think it is possible to find! But the guys that came were super nice and they had to climb all over the roof to install our internet, so I offered them d'leau and they were so respectful and washed their hands before touching our glasses and stuff. Which if they hadn't done that it wouldn't have even crossed my mind! So that was weird/respectful I guess.

Mardigan now rarely eats for me in the mornings and he waits for Agnes - his new best friend.  He loves her. That's all.

As most of you know, I work in the Medical Unit at the Embassy.  We do a lot of driver medical clearances and they are mostly Haitian staff.  It breaks my heart to do these exams.  Just like Americans, many Haitians either have high blood pressure, diabetes, or vision problems.  And we take a lot of things for granted, it is sad...for a lot of them they have to choose between their kids or taking medicine.  And most of them want their kids to go to school and learn English in hopes that they have a better future so they choose their children and don't take medicines. Or don't update glasses. Contacts are out of the question.  There are no optometrists here that US Embassy staff are referred to...we would have to go to Miami if there were any serious eye injury/problems. But it is very difficult/breaks my heart when we can't 'pass' someone and they are expected to get glasses. I guarantee you that buying a pair of glasses is a huge set-back and expense...and it just makes me sad.  Some of these employees that we have gotten to know a little bit are such great people and are so nice/genuine so it is sad.

No we do not not know where we are going next!  Stay safe Boston.