Yesterday, this VIM team had its first "meeting" at the Miami Airport. Patty Charman and I flew from Boston; Wanda Rosser and Jack Willis flew from Philadelphia; and, Bob and Suzanne Browning had previously driven from Maryland to Florida. As other teams, this is another great group.
Today, we were given another very warm welcome at the Croix des Mission building site. It was great to renew old friendships. And, the children have grown so.
Sad news to report. Upon closer inspection at the "pulpit" end of the building, there was some earthquake damage higher up on the wall that will support the roof. The higher part had to be removed. So, we watched as three workman, taking turns with a sledge hammer, took that upper part of the wall down. Sad to watch the project take a step backward.
Although several truck loads of a course sand were delivered, there was no plan use it today. Perhaps tomorrow it will be used. It seems that the plan is to use it to make a concrete that will be used to make the walls smooth, sort of a concrete plaster.
So, we did not do any work. We did feed people a breakfast of peanut butter and bread rolls. A short tour of the immediate neighborhood was given by Gilbert, the neighborhood leader. There were very few children to play with.
At this time last year, there were as many as 70 children on site. I asked Gilbert if all the children were in school. He affirmed that. There is a government initiative to get all the children in school. It was very noticeable.
Stevenson Theodore, our choir director, brought his generator and keyboard to the building site. In the afternoon, we practiced a new hymn. We are a challenge for him. Sunday, we will perform under his expert direction. Even though we are not accomplished vocalists, the congregation always seems to enjoy our efforts.
Harry, Alan, Rudy, Edwin, Sandy, Madame St. Jean, and others send their regards.
Stay tuned to more from Haiti. Bob
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