Friday, August 23, 2013

Another VIM Team Last Day

When we arrived this morning, surprise, the grounds were trash free.  And, the rubble on the church floor was completely gone.  The church had been completely swept.

Picking up the grounds required some effort and several people.  Sweeping the church floor is another step or two higher on the effort scale.  The neighborhood does not have brooms as we think of them, nicely made with heavy duty nylon fiber.  Haitian use a 'broom' made from plant leaves which is not too sturdy.  And, after to control the dust, the workers sprinkled water on the water.  They did a good job.

Today is performance day.  Yesterday, Stevenson worked all morning with the children preparing for today's Vacation Bible School performance.  The children sang in groups, there were solos, and there were dance routines.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the two hours watching their sons and daughters, friends and neighbors, showcase their talents.  The children had a very good time.

Lunch was served to over 200 people.  I never get used to hungry people.  As Cindy ladled the meat and broth onto the rice and beans, she said, "I have to keep my head down when I serve.  I do not want to see their faces.  If I do, I may recognize some one and give a slightly larger portion."  This is an important observation.

These hungry people are very observant as to the amount of food everyone is receiving.  Seeing some one receive more feed, even if slightly more, can create resentments.  In order to try to control the adults, we instituted a number system that Michelle could control.  As numbers were served, others came to receive their food.  Of course, there were always people crowding around the food, but nearly as many.  Everyone received food that we tried to uniformly serve.

We also banned pot and pans that were being brought from homes.  Some people were taking food home.  This also caused some minor irritation.  Unsolicited feedback indicated that the people liked the number system and the banning of the pans.  According to Gilbert, the people thought that it was a more fair way to serve the food.

This VIM team left $1500 with Gilbert to pay for medical care.  There are many medical issues that need to be addressed; $1500 is just a drop in the bucket.  He and the community will select people for care and pay their medical bill.  (Last February, we left $500, and nine people were helped.  Most came to the church to express their gratitude.)

Last February, a teen aged girl helped Stevenson when he was teaching us and the children a couple Haitian hymns.  She had such a very good voice that I thought she was one of his students.  She wasn't.  Sadly, a few months ago she died of appendicitis.  In our country, rarely does one die from appendicitis.  No money, no health care.  (Remember, even to get free care from the National University Hospital, one must pay for transportation.  No money, no health care.)

There are so many problems.  At the same time, the friendships that have been nurtured have been very rewarding.  The Haitians are such loving and grateful people.  We will not be able to erased their problems, but we can continue to show Christian love.

Benito, the new lay pastor for Croix des Mission, says that he will initiate children's Bible study each Sunday afternoon.  This will be the first direct out reach to the community.  Even though we have been building a church, the church is the people.

There will not be any more building teams for Croix des Mission.  About $35,000 is required to finish the building and furnish pews.  Dedication is set for February 16, 2014.

Thank you.  Many of you have sweat equity in this church.  Many of you have contributed to its construction.  You have fed the hungry.  After the earthquake, you helped repair homes.  With your donations, you have clothed the poor.  Collectively, we have been God's servants in Croix des Mission.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Tuesday's Drive to Petit-Goave

During the past couple years, I have been collecting used eye glasses to take to Haiti.  Five different optical shops in our area determine the prescriptions before I pack a suitcase full.  Including this trip, I have delivered about 1800 pairs of used eye glasses to the Haitian Methodist Church.

I have been wondering what an Haitian eye clinic looks like.  Today, we drove to Petit-Goave to visit a Haitian Methodist eye clinic.  The drive was about two hours, much of it along the coast.  As we passed through some towns and villages, the street markets were just as interesting as in Port-au-Prince.

The Petit-Goave eye clinic's main building was destroyed by the 2010 earthquake.  That building is being rebuilt.  However, we were able to see how the staff has adjusted in order to continue seeing patients. Haitians are very flexible and resourceful.

As we asked questions, here are some more interesting facts.  There are three Haitian Methodist Church eye clinics.  At Petit-Goave, about 500 pairs of glasses are prescribed annually.  The glasses are sold for the equivalent of US $2.50.  About 25% of the glasses are given freely to those unable to pay.  This clinic has evolved into a general medical clinic.  Occasionally, it even has a dentist.

I was surprised that the staff depend on consultation fees for their pay.  Since the earthquake, the clinic has had fewer patients.  Thus, the staff has had to cope with reduced pay or no pay.  We were told that the staff had not been paid for three months.  Why don't they go elsewhere?  There are not any jobs, or they would go.  Now, they just hope to eventually be paid.

Although I did not see any glasses that I had brought with me, I did see some glasses very similarly packaged in zip lock bags.  So, I am not the only one bringing glasses for the eye clinics.

On the return to Port-au-Prince, we stopped at a sea side restaurant that also had a beach.  It was fun watching the bathers and the small fishing boats trying to sell items to those in the water.  One boat was a bar with beer and rum.  Another had fresh coconuts.  These boats were only a few feet from those in the water, but they did not seemed concerned about their safety.  I would have!

Meanwhile back at Croix des Mission, Stevenson worked with the children all morning until lunch.

 (We called to check.)  Tomorrow's performance should be fun.

This evening, I finished making the pictures.  There are about 125 of them.  So, I have over 50% of our average daily attendance including adults.

Tomorrow is our last day.  Bob

Last Day VBS


Even though we have two more days remaining, today is our last VBS day.  As is becoming usual, the day did not go as planned.  About the time Michelle was concluding the Bible lesson, Stevenson arrived early perhaps to make up for skipping Saturday.

Stevenson spent the morning and early afternoon auditioning the children for a show to be performed on Wednesday. He has the patience of Job.  Before the earthquake, Stevenson taught music at the French School.  He is a gifted teacher and works well with the children.

One of Stevenson's students is a very good dancer including break dancing.  About 18 children were selected to learn a dance routine.  The dancer is also a very good teacher.  It was fun watching.
For this VIM team, I bought a small, portable photo printer.  While the children were sitting listening to the auditions, I photographed many of them.  Tonight, I spent about 2 1/2 hours making 4 x 6 pictures to be distributed on Wednesday.  This Canon printer produces a very good image.

Tomorrow, we take a trip to Petit-Goave to visit an eye clinic.  Bob

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Sunday


Two big surprises this morning.  The first had to do with the traffic.  Usually, it takes 1 1/2 hours to drive about 15 miles.  This Sunday morning, it only took 35 minutes.

The second surprise, 31 children walked to church with us.  We arrived at the new church at 8:10am and waited for the children.  One by one, they came wearing their best clothes.  Even after we began walking, a couple more joined us.  We must have been quite a sight, these 'blancs' walking down the road with all these kids and a couple Haitian adults including Gilbert, the neighborhood leader.

Upon arriving at the church, I was asked to conduct children's time.  I had about an hour to think about it.  And, it went well.  Michelle translated.

Cindy's sermon was well received with congregational amens.  Instead of Michelle translating, Rev. Chrisnel, the Jeremie Circuit Superintendent who was visiting, translated for Cindy.

After the 2 1/2 hour service, the children were served refreshments.  This has never happened before.
 While I was being asked to conduct children's time, I was also asked if I would fund the refreshments.  Of course, I did.

After church, Madame St. John, whose family is the church property caretaker/security, took me to see her husband in their small, one room house on the property.  His foot still has not healed properly since the surgery a year ago.  (I paid $425 for his treatment.  Thank you for your discretionary donations that allow me to do this.)  Then, he asked me to pray for him.  All the family, myself, and Johnny, the driver/translator held hands and prayed.  Everyone should have that faith experience.  I gave them some transportation money in order that he might be seen and determine the cost of treatment.

Before returning to the guest house, we went to Croix des Bouquet.  There is an artisan area where several metal artists work.  It was very interesting watching an artist use his hammer and punch.  He was super skilled.  But, after viewing many art pieces in three buildings, I did not see any metal art that actually appealed to me.

In two previous VIM trips to Haiti, I have purchased two beautiful pieces of metal art.  Not only all they beautifully cut and punched, both are painted.  Seldom are Haitian metal art pieces painted, just buffed with wire brushes.  To me, the painted art is much more expressive.

Back at the guest house, it rained again this evening.  With the exception of one evening, every other evening/night it has rained.  This is unusual.  Fortunately, we can use the church for VBS.  Otherwise, it would be difficult since the ground in the back of the church turns into a thick mud that cakes on one's shoes.  The guest house maintenance man, Eric, also commented on the unusual rain.  Climate change may be the cause.

Tomorrow is our last VBS day.  Tuesday, we visit an eye clinic in Petit-Goave.  Wednesday, the VBS children perform for their parents.  Thursday, return home.

Hope you had a great day.  Bob


Saturday VBS

Where Friday was so smooth, Saturday had a major glitch.  Stevenson stopped by to say that he could not conduct the music session with the children.

The previous evening, we went to the Coconut Club, a newly opened Italian restaurant, to hear Stevenson's band entertain.  He has four fabulous vocalists.  They are good.  We only stayed about 1 1/2 hours and enjoyed ourselves.  I had every expectation that he would show up the next morning.

It seems like another church wanted to borrow his audio equipment for Saturday afternoon, and he had to take it and set it up.  In the USA, spending time with us and, then, going to another later engagement would not be a problem.  Since traffic is such a problem in Port-au-Prince, Stevenson could not do both.   Two hours to travel 15 miles is not unusual.  However, the VIM team practiced with the children the songs that we were planning on singing Sunday.

We asked the children, "How many of you will go to church with us tomorrow?"  All raised their hands.  Last February, about 15 actually went with us to church.

Many people are asking for all kinds of help: medical, food, shoes, education, etc.  Politely and respectfully, I have to say, "No."  This is hard to do so.  If I help one, I have to help them all.  These conversations are taxing.

Last February's VIM team left $500 with Gilbert to help with medical issues.  He was able to help nine people receive medical attention.  Yes, most good medical attention has to be paid for.  These people do not have money for food, much less doctor and surgery fees.  Before we leave on Thursday, we will leave again money for medical purposes.

Tomorrow morning, how many children will go to church with us?  Bob


Vacation Bible School Continued - Friday

The stars must have aligned; the day was relatively smooth.  Michelle gave the lesson, the crafts concluded as Stevenson, the musician, arrived.  It was almost as if we were on a North American schedule.

The children and adults enjoy all the crafts.  They do not have the discretionary income to buy simple items like paper and crayons.  We had one activity where scissors were used.  Using them was not easy for some adults.  Coloring with crayons, painting with water colors, using scratch art paper, making crosses from tongue depressors, drawing pictures on pennants are some of the crafts.

There are age appropriate crafts.  But, some want to try them all.  Even the translators made their crosses from scratch art paper.  All are enjoying creating their crafts.

A young man, Alex, joined us for the morning.  He is a summer intern with Dr. John Harbottle,. a long term medical missionary from Great Britain.  Just like Parker Sorenson on a previous team, Alex was a hit with the young people.  Alex fit right in, assisting us feeding breakfast (peanut butter and bread), helping with the crafts, and participating in the music.

Later, Sharon Harbottle arrived to observe our Vacation Bible School.  The wife of Dr. Harbottle, her expertise is religious education.  She also pitched in.

Without translators, VBS would be very difficult even with having a native speaker, Michelle Pierre, on the team.  I have hired two neighborhood young men who are fluent in English.  Edwine is self-taught while Jean-Bart learned his English in New York City.  Our driver, Johnny, is also fluent in English.  So, we have enough translators.  Others, who want to practice their English, also help when possible.

Each day, we are taking three large jars of peanut butter.  Also, we are buying 15 bags of bread rolls, 15 rolls to a bag.  Each morning, all is eaten by a hungry people.

Today at lunch time, we watched a toddler looking for more food.  She had already been fed but noticed Ken's lunch on a pew.  Using her tiny fingers, she began to eat his lunch.  What she had eaten earlier would satisfied an older child in the USA.  Obviously, this child is not eating daily like so many in Haiti.  Even though these children eat large portions, they remain hungry.

Want to feed the hungry?  Talk to me.  Bob

Friday, August 9, 2013

Vacation Bible School Begins

Thursday, we were able to begin VBS.  About 75 children and 25 adults attended.  Quite a crowd for the first day.

The new pews are about 15 feet long.  The seven completed pews were arranged in a U shape, 2 rows.  Without being told, the children naturally seated themselves according to height, the smallest in the front and the older in the back.  The adults sat off to the side.

Michelle Pierre led off with a Bible lesson about Jesus' love.  Michelle is an Haitian-American, fluent in Creole, and has a commanding presence.  She did not have any difficulty maintaining control over so large a group.

Using a suggestion by Wendy Vencuss, a Connecticut UMC pastor with much experience in Haiti, we placed four tarps on the church floor in order to divide the children (and adults) into craft groups.  Using the beads and string that we broujght with us, they made bracelets and necklaces.  However on succeeding days, we expect to see more and more beads in the girls' hair.

As the craft was concluding, Stevenson arrived with Larochell, a guitar player.  Both are extremely talented musicians.  And, Stevenson is a wonderful teacher.  The children really respond to him.

Stevenson and Larochell worked with the children for about 1 1/2 hours.  Two of our interpreters, Edwine and Jean-Bart, also helped when Stevenson began to teach the children a hymn in English.  The children seem to be quick learners.

The food for lunch arrived after 1pm which was OK.  That gave us more time with the children.

The Croix des Mission congregation has a new pastor, Benitho.  He spent the entire morning with us.  After we leave, he is planning children's Bible study every Sunday afternoon in the new, unfinished church.  He was prepared with a note pad to take everyone's name.

I introduced Benitho to Gilbert, the neighborhood leader.  It seemed that they got along fine.  Gilbert said that he would support Benitho's efforts.  (In any endeavor, it is important to have the neighborhood leader on your side.)

After the day ended, we were satisfied the day's results, happy children with full stomachs.

Will Friday go as smoothly?  Bob


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

VIM Team #9

This team's members are Michelle Pierre and Lissa Olbeter from the Boston area, and Ken and Cindy Hall from the Philadelphia area.  And, myself.  Only Cindy is a first time participant.

Today, we began our renew our friendships with the Croix des Mission neighborhood.  I wish each of


you could experience these first day greetings.  We are so warmly welcomed by so many.

After all the pleasantries, we found that we could not use the church today.  Two sets of workmen were busy.  One set was completing the finishing touches around the windows.  The other was making pews.  Seven, new 15 feet long pews have been completed.  (A total of 40 will be made.)  So, we could not conduct Vacation Bible School this morning.  (The ground behind the church was too muddy from last night's rain.)

Later, after talking with Pastor Marco and Engineer Rousse, all work will be suspended until we leave.  The church will be ours.  And, we will be able to use the new pews for the children to sit on.

Last February, I gave Gilbert Nalzy,  the neighborhood leader, $500 to provide for some neighborhood medical needs.  He was able to help nine people; two required surgeries.  One young man was so grateful for the medical attention that his pregnant wife received.  Her complications were resolved.  He asked me to be the baby's godfather.  After inquiring about the obligations in the Haitian culture - there really aren't any, I accepted.  The baptism will be in February.

There were less than 100 people for lunch.  Most did not know of our arrival until this morning.  Tomorrow, I expect many more.

Repeatedly, I am astounded at the eating capacity.  Some of these young kids can eat more than I.  I, though, am used to three meals per day.  These children are not!

As usual, the traffic is dense.  It took about 1 1/2 hours to travel the 15 miles to Croix des Mission.  However, there have been more roads improved.  They must attract the extra traffic.

Stayed tuned.  Bob

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Wednesday - Last Day

Previously on the last day, VIM teams would hand out give aways like t-shirts, ball caps, and gloves.  The crowds just could not be controlled.  Different methods were tried, and they failed to create order out of the chaos.  While the people would not intentionally hurt one another, accidents could happen.

This time, we gave about half the items to the church on Sunday.  The other half we gave to Gilbert, the neighborhood leader, to distribute as he deemed appropriate.  On the last day, we saw many t-shirts that both had given to the people.  We will use this distribution method in the future.

The Croix des Mission people are hungry.  They appreciate the food that many of you have donated.  These people are very poor.  They appreciate the clothing that you donate.  We, the VIM teams, receive thanks for  your generosity.  Thank you for your support.

Tuesday - Haiti Communitere

After lunch today, we visited Haiti Communitere, an incubator for proposed projects in Haiti.  Organizations with an idea to work in Haiti contracts with Haiti Communitere to see if the idea or design is feasible.  At their site, there were some very innovative pilot projects.  Ubuntu blox was one of the project houses.

(While in Haiti, I was having problems with the blog.  I decided to complete it when returning home.  However, my camera was stolen at the Port-au-Prince Airport.  I had packed my carry on bag with the camera under dirty t-shirts.  The carry on was put inside a normal piece of luggage.  When I arrive home, it was apparent that both bags had been opened and the only area rifled in my smaller bag was where the camera was.  It is as if the thief knew exactly where the camera was.  Thus, I do not have photos.  Perhaps, when other team members post their photos, I will be able to put some in.)

Monday - Grace Children's Hospital

After lunch, we drove to Grace Children's Hospital.  The multiple building old campus was destroyed by the earthquake.  However, the newer, much smaller expansion across the street survived.  It is in the newer section that, after the earthquake, three wards were constructed for HIV, tuberculosis, and other inpatient babies and children.  (This was made possible by a $1,000,000 grant from the National Hockey League.)  To completely rebuild, about $20,000,000 is required.  Do you know a potential donor who may be interested in this type of project?

Walking into the inpatient ward was surprising; only two beds out of eighteen were occupied.  Robenson, our guide, said that the inpatient doctor had left the hospital.  Since the hospital did not have a doctor, it could not accept patients.  Do any of you know a doctor who could volunteer for a few months?

One of the beds was occupied by Cynthia who was a patient before the earthquake.  Cynthia has epilepsy.  After the earthquake, all children were released to their families since the hospital could not provide care.  No one claimed Cynthia.  A teenager, she has a great personality, always smiling.  Cynthia is credited with saving two other children during the earthquake.  Is there a special family willing to adopt this special girl?
Cynthia in September 2012


While on our tour, one query regarded the general mental health of the earthquake survivors.  That promptedRobenson to tell his story of a lost friend.  Sensing his deep loss and grief, Shirley led us in prayer for Robenson.  It was a special spiritual moment.  Have you felt God's comfort?
One of our team was able to bring several dozen bottles of children's vitamins for the hospital.  Malnutrition is a problem in Haiti.  Most children do not have enough to eat; seventy percent of all Haitian children go to bed hungry.  Is it time for you to join a VIM team to feed the hungry in Haiti?

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Sunday Worship


Sunday worship with the Croix des Mission congregation is always one of the highlights of the trips to Haiti.  The services are usually over two hours, but time flies.

We were not the only Americans attending; there was a medical team from Brighton, MI.  They are working and staying at a hospital founded by Haitian doctors (husband and wife).  The wife is also an ordained pastor in the Haitian Methodist Church.  Julie, the Haitian pastor,  conducted the service.

The Michigan pastor gave the message.  Our group sang with our Haitian neighborhood children and a couple of Stevenson's music students.  A great worship experience.

Before leaving the church, we gave half of our give away items to the church.  The church leadership will distribute as they decide.  (Gilbert, the neighborhood leader, will receive the other half also to distribute as he decides.)

After lunch, we drove into central Port-au-Prince to see the Presidential Palace and visit the Haitian National History Museum.  The palace is no longer; the rubble has been completely removed.  Although the museum is across the street from the palace, the museum only suffered minor earthquake damage.

Then, drove up a hillside to see first hand how dense that housing is.  When the earthquake occurred, many hillside communities literally fell to the bottom of the steep hills.  However, the people continue to the build in the same places.

Our last stop was the new Montana Hotel where about 80 people died when the hotel toppled over during the earthquake.  Casualties included the head of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the head of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.  There is a small, permanent memorial to those who died.

Only three days left.  How fast they have gone!


Sunday, March 3, 2013

SATURDAY WORK!


Picking Up Trash
Haiti is a throw away society.  If the object in your hand does not have any value, throw it away immediately.  It does not make any difference where one is, toss it.  So, plastic bags, those little bags that water is sold in, other plastics, paper, and odds and ends litter the landscape.  The Croix des Mission work site is no different.  We have been trying to teach the children to pick up trash and keep the site clean.  Many willingly participate in the clean up activity.


Moving Dirt
The pit for the septic is finished.  It is roughly 10x10x10.  That must be over 20 yards of dirt.  The boss man, the foreman, wants it moved to the front of the church.  That is a lot of wheelbarrow loads.
Dale Practicing His Crepissage Technique

The graffiti on the background is "KPP F.C."  It is the KPP Football Club, the neighborhood soccer team.  Even though the space at the rear of the church is relatively small, the team practices there.  (I do not understand what the KPP stands for.)



Dale has a long way to go before practicing 10,000 hours.  The technique for applying crepissage involves flicking one's wrist to propel the concrete onto the concrete blocks.  The skilled workers manage to apply most concrete with little falling to the ground.  Dale is at the beginner stage, applying little with most falling to the ground.  He liked it so much that he bought his own trowel.





Playing with the neighborhood children is always a delight.  They seem to really enjoy our company.  
Wanda and Shirley :Playing Ring-Around-the-Rosie

Friday, March 1, 2013

In the Mountains


There is more to Haiti than the millions who live in the Port-au-Prince area.  Today instead of working, we drove into the mountains above Port-au-Prince to visit Janet Daniels as she teaches sewing and quilting to women from a mountain village, Bois d'Avril.  Janet comes to Haiti twice per year and remains for two or so weeks at a time.


 As you can see, her students are very proud of their work.  One lady kept me taking pictures as she held up different items that she had made.  They believe that sewing and creating beautiful items can lead to a better quality of life, or they would not spend the time and effort in this endeavor.

Without exception, all the adults in Bois d'Avril are illiterate.  Even without an education, they know that they are learning a skill that has earnings potential.  It will not take much money to improve their lives.


 John and Deb Currelly, Canadians who have been working in Haiti for over 30, host Janet and her school.  (I neglected to take current pictures of them as they hosted the team for lunch.)  Their home has these wonderful views.

Our team took school supplies and Legos for the local school.  This school was only begun 2 1/2 years ago and has 2 1/2 small rooms.  Previously, the building was a roofless shell.  Roofed and painted, it is a poster child for the most basic school.

It is a private school, and the two teachers are paid by charging tuition.  John and Deb Currelly provide the teachers room and board as the school becomes established.  The school has 33 students in grades K-3; the oldest student is 15 years old.  (Since it was Friday, the students were released at noon, so we were not able to meet them.  Monday - Thursday, the hours are 7:30am to 3:30pm)

I am impressed with the teachers.   The students are learning English, French, and Spanish.  (One teacher speaks Creole and French; the other speaks Creole and Spanish.  Deb Currelly teaches English.)  The lead teacher is Montessori trained and has other training from a U.S. organization.

Tomorrow, back to Croix des Mission.


Thursday, February 28, 2013

Thursday, Day Two




Today began at the work site as in the past, feeding a Haitian breakfast of bread rolls and peanut butter.  In this picture, Karren Crowson (Huntsville, AL), Wanda Rosser (Williamsburg, PA), and Jamie Lindtner (West Grove, PA) hand out food to the waiting neighborhood people.  Today, we prepared about 120 rolls and used two large jars of peanut butter.


Many of those that we feed are children.  For some reason, these children are not in school.  So, they are hanging out with Wanda and Johnny, our driver.  (Johnny has been our driver on previous VIM teams, and the Croix des Mission people like him very much.)

The crepissage work is being done by skilled Haitians.  So much sand had previously been sifted that even that unskilled job is not immediately needed. We have try our hand at applying crepissage, but it is difficult without 10,000 hours of practice.  In this picture, BK Chung (West Grove, PA) is giving it a try.  (Two others, Shirley Daddario and Jamie Lindtner, are also from West Grove.)



While serving breakfast, we heard singing coming from a couple houses down the street.  A couple years ago, that family hosted a Pentecostal day of fasting.  There is non-stop singing and preaching all morning and early afternoon.

I took the VIM team down and ask to worship with them for a while.  (I had done this a couple years ago.)  The Haitians are appreciative that we take the time to participate with them.  Later, they came to the work site, formed a circle, and prayed for me.  I was touched.  But, then I found out that they thought that I was a pastor from Texas who had worked last week at Croix des Mission.  Oh well, it was still a powerful faith experience.

When the team returned to the work site, Stevenson was ready for us.  What conditions he has to teach in!  He has to bring a generator to power his keyboard.  Look at his seat, concrete blocks.  Stevenson is a marvelous music teacher.  We are making good progress on two Creole hymns.  We perform Sunday.

Hope everyone had as great a day as we.  Bob




Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Wednesday, February 27, 2013




Look at the church!!  Isn't it wonderful!!

Last evening, I arrived again in Haiti with team members Wanda Rosser, BK Chung, Shirley Daddario, and Jamie Lindtner from Pennsylvania and Dale Clem and Karren Crownson from Alabama.  Another congenial team.

This morning followed previous team routines: leave the Guest House about 8am, buy bags of ice for the water coolers, and purchase eight bags of fresh bread rolls from street vendors.  Upon arrival at Croix des Mission, there were warm greetings and introductions before the team began handing out bread rolls lathered in peanut butter. (This is a typical poor Haitian breakfast, but a Haitian would spread the peanut butter so thin as to be translucent.)

Last week, workers began applying crepissage (a concrete made with very fine sand and applied about an inch thick over the concrete blocks) to the north side of the church.  By the time we depart next Thursday, the crepissage work for the entire church may be completed.  Yea!

Our team helped dig the septic tank pit.  We did have two picks and three shovels.  Of course as in years past, neighborhood volunteers also helped.

Stevenson Theodore, our choir director, spent about an hour with us teaching us another hymn in Creole.  As in the past, we will sing for the Croix des Mission congregation Sunday.

The neighborhood was fed lunch.  I was surprised at the number fed.  I would guess about 80 people including the paid workers.  And, there was not the crowding around the food servers as in the past.  Perhaps the people are finally realizing that there is always enough food; everyone is served.

There were many requests for educational assistance, medical help, etc.  After these were politely and respectfully denied, the people did not persist and respected our decision.

Working at Croix des Mission is so rewarding.  The next VIM team is scheduled for August.  Sign up now.

Bob