We installed the filters

We split into 3 groups
this morning and off we went to head down to the church.  Jeantini was the person that has been trained and when we are long gone, will go back into the homes and answer any questions, help with the filters if there are problems and just be there for them to explain things.  The process was that the pastor distributed a number of "tickets" to the homeowners.  Not sure how he picked certain people but you had to produce a ticket in order to receive a filter.  When we got to the church, about 70 women were there listening.  WOMEN....they were the ones that make the decisions and will follow through with the procedures.  There were lots of questions, it was kind of chaotic but at least they were curious.  I had Jim White and John Gruizenga in my group along with Aldo (who we realized that his real name was Jean Baptiste Aldo  - pronounced John)  Again great english and a lot of fun.  With each group we had a translator and a "runner" to go back and forth getting us supplies as we needed them.  One of my fears was the smell that I would encounter in these homes.   I didnt want to offend anyone by having to excuse myself.  My heart started to race slightly but we headed off to our first home.  The woman of the house was ready for us, presented the card, and I took down information about the family.  I asked how many kids - in various houses it ranged from two kids to 10 kids in one house. Most of these houses  - average 12 x 12....and that is the average!   Amazing what people can live with when they dont know any different.  Some of their homes were VERY CLEAN and I wanted to make sure that they knew that "bell api" (not sure how to spell it) but it means very beautiful.  I made sure that I said that many times, when I took their picture, when I saw their house and when they smiled and laughed.  We began the installation - fascinating process.  The filter goes in on a flat surface, which at times will take some manuvering.  Then there is some recording - Steve wanted to know about the family  - has anyone suffered from Cholera, anyone have diarehea?  I took some of the information and then the other two did.  We switched off jobs and taking pictures with the family so that everyone could experience it all.   5 gallons of water was poured in first, then the larger gravel, then the smaller gravel, then we had to make sure that the gravel was level so we had to reach our hand in and move it around (we have interesting pictures from this - very funny), then 2 more gallons of water would go in, then the sand poured slowly (80 pounds of fine sand), then more water...at that point the water will begin to trickle out and pour into a "pwop" bucket (clean) We had to write that on the side of the bucket.    I just have pictures of all the families and the genuine appreciation that these people felt.  We got hugged, heard lots of "praise God" and many "merci" (thank you's)  Such a good feeling to know that we were helping them.  We stressed that this water will make the diarehea go away and make them feel better.    The other groups had some issues with their filters but overall we installed between 20-25 filters.  Our last one of the day, was a beautiful home!!!  It had a dining room table and she was so proud of herself - she had 5 kids and father was not around.  But the house was really nice!!!    We walked out and noticed that 2 cell phones were on the porch being charged by a lawnmower battery, we wanted to know how that was being charged....we walked around the corner and saw a solar panel charging the battery....amazing!!! 
You know its really funny - I am around a great group of people - again I feel completely safe, from the great group of people that I already knew from the states to the many haitians that I have made friends with, and when we pray before meals, pray before we headed out this morning there was an overwhelming feeling that I was a part of something much larger.  I get choked up several times throughout the day, but it still feels great that we are here. 
Overall great day!!!
Love - hugs and kisses to all!!!