My new friend Erin is a rockstar.  Originally from Nashville, she is now making her residence in the hills above Port-au-Prince serving just about every demographic in the valley below.  She is working with Thirst No More to coordinate need and relief efforts.  From finding orphanages filled with kids who need wheelchairs to providing tents and coordinating medical aid… she’s doing it all.  The need is so great — every day, she picks one and does her best to meet it.  I’m waiting for the dust to settle here a little bit, but we’re already talking about going back and serving along side.

Erin was the one who told our driver where to go for the city photos I posted yesterday, and yes, she even led him down this crazy riverbed to get to an otherwise inaccessible neighborhood.  These might be some of my favorite photos from the week.  The joy in spite of baking in 95 degree weather and living in a tin shack with a tarp roof…well, I was speechless.  Crystal’s word to describe the week was “resilience.”  This neighborhood was the epitome of that.  Garbage bag kites, cardboard store signs, and pigs sleeping where you wash your clothes.  It was all really surreal.  Hungry bellies and still, such a calm peace in their expressions.

Most of the photos are of the women, as our security detail waited in the car.  Just to take natural precautions, we avoided the areas where the men were hanging out.  Plus, I was generally mesmerized by the strength of the women who managed the home and kids and ran businesses at the same time.

Once again… our road… (color is funky on this first one as it was shot through a car windshield)