Fin de Semaine

To say that my crash course in solar power mechanics and diesel generators was the highlight of my weekend would be stretching the truth a bit. I hope that the engineers are correct in their decision to trust me with troubleshooting technical problems that may arise; if not, OFCB may very well become an Amish community. Jokes aside, Sunday morning began with an angelic choral performance by the church congregation. Actionnel Fleurisma, the venerable pastor, continues to inspire as he preaches ardently the message of God. Our group was introduced before the congregation and it was clear that after a week’s work, both the Haitians and the Americans alike had been truly moved by their interaction with another.


Following church, the engineers and I hiked into the hills in order that we get an elevated perspective of the OFCB compound, both literally and figuratively. The trails were narrow and rocky, interrupted by streams flowing from above. Although Haiti has become a victim of deforestation in the past few decades, the verdant ecology of these particular hills is that which could be expected of the Caribbean. The pinnacle of the trek was scaling a rocky peak atop which we were provided a 360 degree panoramic view of the valley. As mentioned above, the Engineers Without Borders, and often without sleep, spent the rest of the evening putting the final touches on their week’s work.