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.
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