on past trips i've always commented on the strength and beauty of the haitian people...and this trip is no exception.

there are millions of people who had nothing and that has now been taken away and replaced with food lines and tight communal living in vast tent cities.

i feel that this may go on for years to come...the people seem to be adjusting to the systems put in place by foreigners and survival for families must happen in any way possible.

we visited st. elois, an artist we always looked forward to seeing.  his funky attitude and quirky four story house ontop of the hill were always a highpoint.  today his house is in ruin.  we met him at his tent surrounded by hundreds in the same situation.  the few pieces of his work hung with him in a tent that had to be at least 120 degrees and were still fabulous... but the impish charisma was replaced with a flat distant look...empty.  he is working outside.  my hope is that he continues and that time and distance may help in the healing process and that his spirit will be strengthened by the faces and antics of the many children in the neighborhood.

all my best from haiti...ted