I love the market.
And for awhile I didn't know why. It's busy and crowded and dirty and smelly. People get frustrated with the blancs blocking the path, then beg for us to buy from them. We get overpriced. It's hot. The money is confusing.
And yet, I love the market.
I finally figured out why! A couple of the interns and staff went with Melonnie to the big market for some vegetables. She mostly wanted green bell peppers, along with some other things. I have never since bell peppers in the market before, so I was a little doubtful... "They are hard to find... Keep an eye out."
And that's where the fun begins! I began searching every stand, looking for bell peppers. In the meantime, I would get excited over other rare treats, like pineapples (giant ones!) or variety packs of cookies. We searched and searched in vain. No bell peppers.
In the States, I would have been annoyed. "You don't have bell peppers?! Are there some in the back?" In a world of WalMart it's hard to imagine not having exactly what you want available to you at all times.
But none of us were annoyed. Bummed, but content. I climbed back into the tap-tap saying, "Sorry, Mel... That was fun!" And that's when I realized that it was the trill of the chase. Shopping in Haiti is like going on a treasure hunt. You are looking for that one rare treasure--the prize. If I saw pineapples every time I came to the market, they would no longer be a treasure. I would pass right by without a second glance. But I don't.
It doesn't matter so much that you find what you're looking for... but that you search. It's always different, ever-changing. What will be at the market today?
I feel like there are tons of "lessons" I could pull out of this little story for you... but I won't. I'll let you take from it what you will, or nothing at all. It's just some food for thought. (Bahaha, get it?)
Prie:
Last couple of days for WWW Camp! I love all of you! Have fun and love campers for me!
Also, I'd love to be rid of this cough/sore throat. : /
Loue:
I get to see everyone soon! I love you guys!
Creole Lesson:
"Paske, kote riches ou ye, se la ke ou ye tou." -Matye 6:21
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:21
This reminds me of one of my most irritating experiences possibly ever, but definitely in a Wal-Mart. And I've probably told you this story before because it made me so angry I just couldn't stand it!!! This lady was standing in line in front of me at customer service.... completely indignant that they were out of milk. (first of all I've never seen a Wal-Mart out of milk so I think she must have been blind or crazy) But either way she was practically cursing out this poor lady behind the counter. And I couldn't believe my ears. This Wal-Mart World that we live in is absolutely ridiculous. I feel like everyone should spend at least a small portion of their life somewhere where that isn't the case. It would sure teach some people a thing or two about what is important in life.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean you don't find no bell peppers? Oh, that's okay. you make lamb.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you again. Love you, Papi!
This is much like it's not the destination, it's the journey...or it doesn't matter who wins or loses, it's how much fun you have playing.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, my treasure is in Haiti. I am excited to have you back home soon.
Love you so much and can't wait to see you,
Mom