the nuclear option…

God is very important to the people of Haiti.  Many personal conversations, especially those looking forward are backward, include either ‘Gras a Dieu’ Grace of God or Si Jezi vle ;If Jesus wants’.  Eske w passe bon weekend? (Did you have a nice weekend?) I might ask.  Oui, Gras a Dieu (yes, by the grace of God).  Deman (see you tomorrow) si Jezi vle (if Jesus wants).  Many meetings start or end with prayer, or singing.  The singing is spontaneous and everyone knows all the words, it is really moving.  I want to learn some of them, but they do go on… not that that is a problem in itself, more that there are so many words to learn!

I had the impression that the dominant religion was Catholic.  However everyone in this area seems to Baptist, as is the hospital.  I did find the Catholic Church though about a 20min walk.  The first time it was Christmas, and nearly two hours.  I can understand that.  The second time happened to be a First Holy Communion service.  It was beautiful, the girls all in white with flowers in their hair, the boys in shirt and tie.  Lots of singing and readings, even some dancing on the altar.  I had to leave early though we had a commitment somewhere else.  I left after 2 and a half hours… Wow.  The third time was Ash Wednesday.  I thought that would be fairly rapid, it was 0700 and n the UK that would be a 30min canter, no sermon.  Well I did see it through to the end this time, 90 minutes and change.  Big sermon.

So, the beginning of Lent.  Well since I arrived here I seem to have stopped swearing, and there is not much in the way of sweets and chocolate (too expensive).  So all I was really left with was alcohol.  40 days and 40 nights, can I do it?