Goodbye Petit Groave and back to Port-Au-Prince

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Today we got up and were able to ease into the day. After breakfast we packed up and waited for our rides. I tried to show Kissmer some good music on my ipad. He has been singing Backstreet Boys and Beyonce all week. I showed him Sam and Dave "Soul Man" and Bruce Springsteen. He seemed not so interested in either.

We set out to reach the Baptist Mission. This area is way up in the mountain region. It was a lot cooler up there, however it took over 3 hours to get there due to the traffic in Port-Au-Prince. I liked our area in Petit Groave so much better due to the slower lifestyle and less traffic.

We arrived and found a restaurant with burgers and sub sandwiches. This place really hit the spot! French Fries as well!

We checked out a small zoo with basically just a monkey, goat, several bunnies, and peacocks.

We shopped a bit in a few gift stores. I bought a prayer book. I also bought a necklace for me and a giraffe key chain for my niece.

There was a very interesting museum. This included the history of voodoo. I didn't see this much, but Kissmer says it's 80% of the population.

I looked for a Haitian soccer jersey, but did not see one.

I spoke to a girl from Minnesota. She stated that they had several missions, but the main one was delivering water. I explained to her that we stayed near the epicenter of the earthquake.

We finally made our way back to the Methodist dorm. There are over 40 people here from 3 or 4 different teams. Some teams were leaving and some just getting started.

I didn't eat because of our late dinner. I am very eager to get home.

Tom debriefed us and we told him the perceptions we had before and leaving. I stated to him i was worried about disease and crime, but saw neither. I also stated that I thought the people would be sad and depressed, but found they were very hopeful, spirited, and hard working.

We talked about flight arrangements and some of us swam. The real Colin came out a bit as my work face was gone and I felt relieved. I took a shower and am eagerly awaiting getting home. I hope our flights go ok. We have all decided on a glass of wine once we hit Ft. Lauderdale.

My next blog entry will be my last as I sum up my feelings on the trip. I want to get home and let it sink in a bit.

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