Sunday: Hike to Two Trees and Coffee with Ian
We woke at 4:30 am today to get ready to hike up the mountain again to the sacred place called Two Trees. The nurses, Shar, and Brandon the photographer with Project Hope and I made our way up the mountain in the dark. It was not easy as there were several paths to choose from, but we found our way after I chatted with a couple of Haitian nurses going home after their night shift. We followed the path up the mountain until there was a woman walking barefoot up the mountain with a water jug on her head. I felt a bit like the blind leading the blind as it was only my second time up to this spot. This woman with the water jug would walk then wait momentarily to be sure I knew which way to go. At the top she wanted me to take her picture and simply show her the photo on my camera. She then set the jug of water down and began her prayer ritual of greeting the four corners of the earth. She recited her prayers and sang. It was definitely a sacred moment.
There was a huge misty cloud hanging over the valley this week which made it difficult to see the entire Artibonite River. Nevertheless it was beautiful. The sun finally peaked its head out around the eastern mountains and greeted the cusp of a moon that remained momentarily in the sky. The colors were spectacular – pinks, purples, blues, and grays mixed with the white clouds over the green valley. Breathtaking! There was not as much activity at the community well this week so we made our way down without the many kids who had joined us the week before. We made it home in time for a breakfast of pancakes, fruit, and coffee. Then it was time for a quick shower which was occupied by three of the Haitian nurses so a quick dip in the pool had to suffice.
Then only other pressing agenda item was a date for coffee with Ian at 7:30 am at the Mellon home. We were changed and began our 10 minute hike down the mountain on the other side of the hospital to the Mellon home. Ian greeted us and we had coffee on the veranda. He had a great deal going on with the second in command from the CDC at his house. Nevertheless, Ian made time for us. He told stories about his family and how he had been one of Paul Farmer’s teachers at the University. Then we had a tour of the Mellon family garden. Levi was a Haitian man who grew up with Ian here in Haiti. Levi is an agricultural specialist. He has transformed the limestone hills surrounding the Mellon home into an organic and lush garden. His garden is based on the terracing principal of three levels of plants and trees specifically designed to create shade and nutrients for each other. Levi creates cutting and grafts of plants for other Haitian to plant at their homes. The garden was spectacular. We were then shown the meditation spot which served as the final resting place for Dr. Larimer and Gwen Mellon, Ian’s mother and step father. It was a very special moment to be shown this part of the garden and to hear the wonderful stories Ian shared with us. Shar and I were each given 2 grapefruits by Levi. We thanked Levi for his gift of the grapefruit and more importantly for his gift to the people of Haiti for his agricultural talents.
We had a mellow rest of the day by the pool. I was able to finish reading the book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and then caught up on some limited email. I will begin to pack tonight as tomorrow is jammed with patients. I hope to also get in one more swim under the moon! A team from Bangladesh has arrived so life continues to be very interesting!
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