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.
Friday, August 23, 2013
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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