Market Day

Today was the day we bought the fresh vegetables and fruit for the guesthouse. We shop for a weeks worth at a time, however a typical Haitian household would go to the market everyday to buy what they need and can afford.  It came to mind today that this weekly adventure has become part of my routine ~ in one years' time, I have learned how to navigate the roads, where we are going and by God's grace return with groceries in tow!  It is such a joy to see and be seen by the lovely ladies who we buy from.  When we arrive there are big smiles, warm greetings and of course beautiful produce.  They understand when the big gray van arrives, it is a good day for their business as they have come to learn that Mme Serge buys a lot.  My job is to serve as the driver, money carrier and door opener/closer.  You see, I cannot actually do the shopping as the price would change (ie. get bigger) but I can watch the negotiating.  I've always been an avid people watcher and living in Haiti, there is so much to take in.  I see in the ladies eyes a lifetime of stories and hope to someday be honored enough to learn just a few.  I see the beautiful headwraps they wear and how they truly enjoy the company of one another.  I see how proudly they display their produce (even Whole Foods would be proud!) and wonder how many people that days wages needs to support.  There are times like today that I am surrounded by beautiful Haitians and forget that my skin color is different than theirs.  I talk with and sing along on the radio with Mme Serge to songs I know (even if I don't know all the words).  There is so much that Haiti is teaching me and it is days like these that I have a chance to stop and take in the culture of this new country we have been called to live.  There are and will continue to be days that are just plain hard, but today for just a short while I enjoyed and felt comfortable.