Pure Water for Haitians: Food. It doesn't get more fresh, local, labor intensive than this

It was an early start this morning and we downed all the coffee they had made for us before we even sat down to breakfast. So Darenda asked for more. Later she heard the kitchen staff laughing about her and her coffee. The fresh coffee turned up at lunch. You must know the coffee is really a big deal here - it is wonderful! Strong, flavorful and very mellow - and a little sweet, even without added sugar. Karl discovered the secret. Around behind the dining hall and kitchen is a little hut with a fire pit and a large wooden mortar and pestle. Karl heard pounding out there and went out to investigate. He found one of the women who works in the kitchen grinding coffee beans that had just been picked and freshly roasted over the fire. Doesn't get any fresher than that!

Speaking of fresh, we awoke this morning to the squealing of a goat (at the time we didn't know that's what was making all the noise). It was in the process of being killed for our dinner and none too happy about it. Just now I went around back thinking I might catch someone grinding coffee but instead I found one of the women working on the goat meat and a dead rooster ready to be plucked. These people, who don't necessarily eat every day, are going to incredible effort to feed us three cooked meals a day. It is truly humbling. It doesn't get any more local - or labor intensive - than that.