1/7/15: The prayers of Central UMC in Mathews, VA are with you all! Haiti is a wonderful country with so many possibilities! Thank you for all you do in ministry with them! From Suzanne Gibson
Our love and prayers are with each team member as you go and be God's hands & feet to the people in Haiti. May God be with each of you as you share your love with each person you come in contact with. Blessings. Pat & Gary
Blessings and safe travels to the whole awesome team. Barb Pearson
Hey Haiti team. You are much in our thoughts and prayers on this trip. We thank you for your faithfulness, service and courage. We ask the Lord to give you safe travels, good health and great strength. As you labor for and minister to the people of Haiti, may your spirits be lifted up and your lives be deeply blessed. With love, Mark Pearson
Our love & prayers go with you as you share your love and inspiration as God's hands and feet to our neighbors in Haiti. Be safe. We miss you. Love Pat & Gary
Prayers for safe travels today. May God smooth out the rough places and open hearts as you share the love of Jesus with people young and old. Prayers are lifted for you all as you begin your ministry in Haiti. God's love, strength, and power go with you!
I am so impressed by all of you folks who are willing to pack a bag and get on a plane to go to a primitive country and share God’s love! My prayers and God’s love go with you. Have a blessed trip, we will be praying. Love Betsy
although the pilot was able to make up some of the time, our late arrival in Miami caused us to nearly miss our connecting flight to Haiti. Our luggage unfortunately did not make the plane. (This is why we always pack a change of clothes in our carry on.). We waited at the airport thinking that our luggage would make the later flight. Unfortunately our luggage did not make that flight either did not (this is why we pack a change of clothes in our carry on).
Our original plan to go straight to to Petit Goave and be on the work site on Olivier on Friday did not pan out. After a total of about 4 hours in the Port au Prince airport our "flexible" team headed out to the guest house in Port au Prince. So...now I learn that we did not all pack a change of clothes in our carry on luggage (bet we will in the future...you never know??!!!).
Now having had a good nights rest and a couple of good meals, we are preparing to leave for the airport in hopes that our luggage will have arrived on the morning flight. Hopefully we can then go on to Petit Goave and maybe even get to the work site this afternoon...at least by Saturday morning. "FLEXIBLE" will no doubt need to be our mission word of the day again.
We learned last night that there was a political demonstration in Petit Goave yesterday. Who knows what we might have encountered there??
For now we are grateful to be here safe. God has the rest figured out. Looking forward to see what God will do in this week.
Peace and blessings to the entire team! We are so glad you are safe and remaining flexible! We know you will be a blessing to our Haitian family no matter what the circumstances. But no luggage! Ask Mark and Molly how well I would manage- haha. Ava loves Papa. (passing on the message.) I am having coffee/hot chocolate with Ava in the morning if Papa would like to respond. :) Love to all.
Well, there is not really a lot to report because we have just been waiting for our bags and tools. Those who only wait are supposed to be serving too. Not sure I understand how. No telling where our gear has been. Maybe back to Washington National and back. Do bags get frequent flyer miles?
So, we drove again to the airport and then to Petit Goave where we are staying at Pastor Jacob's house. Every time I travel in Haiti I am thankful to arrive at the destination safely. I've always thought we should get hazardous duty pay like you do in a combat zone.
Some drove out to the worksite to see how it looked, but I figured I would see it tomorrow. So, took a much desired shower while there was not line. Hoping to use up all the hot water before the others returned, but ther was not hot water anyway.
We had a big dinner with good food, but some of the items are to spicy hot for my tongue, throat and stomach. After dinner we had our usual devotions and sing a long.
Mark told me I had deotions (my turn) tonight, but after scaring me he said I had Sunday night. Moe Lindsey from Amelia did a great job.
oops!! left out a portion of yesterday's blog....sorry!!!
Greetings from Haiti. The word for the day on our travel day to Haiti was "FLEXIBLE!". It turned out to be a very different day than we expected. When we boarded the plane to depart from Washington we were informed by the flight crew that they had issues with the original plane and we would have delays for fueling and service details.
We were about an hour late leaving Washington and although the pilot was able to make up some of the time, our late arrival in Miami caused us to nearly miss our connecting flight to Haiti. Our luggage unfortunately did not make the plane. (This is why we always pack a change of clothes in our carry on.). We waited at the airport thinking that our luggage would make the later flight. Unfortunately our luggage did not make that flight either did not (this is why we pack a change of clothes in our carry on).
Our original plan to go straight to to Petit Goave and be on the work site on Olivier on Friday did not pan out. After a total of about 4 hours in the Port au Prince airport our "flexible" team headed out to the guest house in Port au Prince. So...now I learn that we did not all pack a change of clothes in our carry on luggage (bet we will in the future...you never know??!!!).
Now having had a good nights rest and a couple of good meals, we are preparing to leave for the airport in hopes that our luggage will have arrived on the morning flight. Hopefully we can then go on to Petit Goave and maybe even get to the work site this afternoon...at least by Saturday morning. "FLEXIBLE" will no doubt need to be our mission word of the day again.
We learned last night that there was a political demonstration in Petit Goave yesterday. Who knows what we might have encountered there??
For now we are grateful to be here safe. God has the rest figured out. Looking forward to see what God will do in this week.
Thankful you all arrived and seem to be flexible and well. Still wondering about the bags...they must be having a great time touring the world on their own. Praying for peace and "back-up plans" and for moments of laughter. blessings to you all. Pam T.
Sunday Jan 11, Greetings All, Hope you will be feeling the many prayers lifting you up today as your AUMC family gathers together and prayers for you at both services. Have a delightful day of work and relationship building. blessings Pam T
Blessings and prayers from Asbury Memorial UMC for the team and those you are in ministry and in relationship with during this time. I hope you have a wonderful day praising the Lord!
Hello from Petit Goave! Saturday was our first day at the worksite. After a delicious breakfast, we rode out to Olivier, where we helped the local construction crew with repairs on their church building. We spent our day digging holes, mixing cement, and sifting sand; singing, dancing, and taking selfies with the local kids; and trying to learn some Haitian Creole. By the end of the day we had dug 115 linear feet of 12X12 footings to prepare for the steps that we'll build in the front and on the sides of the new sanctuary. We had also befriended several of the local children who shared high fives and games of hokey pokey with us, and even taught us a game similar to ring around the rosy. In the evening we played a lively game of Apples to Apples, in which the winners "won" the opportunity to write a few sentences of this blog for me. :)
During our drive from Port au Prince to Petit Goave on Friday, our interpreters, Rodney and Joseph, shared with me that in Haiti they have a proverb - "Beyond mountains, there are more mountains." Already we've seen that this saying is literally true, as there are mountains around every corner and it's difficult to find a bad view here. They explained that this proverb can refer to a challenging situation, but that they also use it in positive situations. For example, if someone tells a joke and then their friend tells a better joke, both would laugh and say, "Well, beyond mountains, there are more mountains." As we get ready to begin this next week, there will be challenges ahead, but progress will continue to be made on the church building, there will more excited children to play with, funnier jokes will be told, and there will be more beautiful mountains around every corner. "Beyond mountains, there are more mountains."
What a glorious time we had today. The team was up bright and early to prepare for our trip to worship at Olivier Methodist Church (where we are working). We arrived to the sound of beautiful music by the Church choir. We were very warmly greeted by the children and Church laity. We were very excited that for the first time in 3 years were able to worship Inside of the Church instead of outside Under the trees shaded by tarps. It was a wonderful service including lots of wonderful music and even a solo by a little girl who was probably about 8 years old. Preaching was Michelle Lindsey with interpretation by our translator Rodney. Our team was able to sing a couple of songs which the congregation joined in on.
After lunch the majority of the team visited the beach for some rest and relaxation. It was truly beautiful.
This day was enjoyed by all and readied us for a big work day on Monday. Blessings Maurice, Sr.
A good day! Typical Haiti weather, warm, clear skies, no breeze, smiling faces. We arrived at Olivier worksite a little later today. The Haitian workers were already mixing mortar. Our first job was to sift gravel so they could mix concrete to finish the left lower exterior wall of the church, which they did. Then they built the front steps with mortar and blocks, and then filled the spaces with concrete. Finished that today too. It will be tiled along with the sanctuary. Our team made banners and other things for the next two days of Bible School. You will hear more about that tomorrow. Kids will show up just after school around 2:00. It should be fun. The team will be busy helping with building forms for steps on the side of the church. Miss you - be home 3 days from tonight. God bless all.
Our team was blessed to share this day of mourning and celebration with our Haitian brothers and sisters. Today, January 12, marked the fifth anniversary of the devastating earthquake which killed and injured hundreds of thousands of Haitian people and left 1.5 million homeless. Throughout the country of Haiti many people paused at 4:53pm for a moment of silence and prayer for those who lost their life in the earthquake. In Petit Goave where our team is staying, mourners dressed in black and white marched down the street in a funeral procession following a hearse. While it was a day of pain and mourning, there was also great celebration and thanksgiving for what God has done to rebuild Haiti and restore hope for the future. The Haitian people are amazingly resilient.
We were up and off to work early this morning. Our work to rebuild Olivier Methodist Church continues. Today our team worked very hard sifting sand and hauling rocks which were used to make the concrete and mortar to pour the footings for steps at the entrance to the church. Yesterday we walked a plank to enter the sanctuary for worship service and hopefully next Sunday the members at Olivier will walk up steps into their sanctuary. Rows of block were laid to reinforce the foundation on one side of the church.
We started putting up decorations in preparation for Vacation Bible School which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday. We had help from many, many children, some new and old friends who came to visit. We were excited to see and play with children we have known for three years. How awesome that many remember us and came running for hugs.
After a productive day of work we returned to our residence in Petit Goave. We enjoyed another beautiful dinner and evening of fellowship, singing, and devotions. We enjoyed having Pastor Jacob, our host, join us for devotions. He honored us by sharing his testimony and call into the ministry with us.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to share some of your experiences with us back home. It helps us know how to better pray for you and it helps us feel like we are there walking with you on this journey. You have a huge crowd of folks thinking of you and lifting you up in prayer daily. thank you for serving. May you have a delightful time with vacation Bible school. blessings, Pam T.
Today was the first day of Bible School - what an incredible day! The theme was "I am the Good Shepherd". The Bible verse was John 10:14: "I know my sheep and my sheep know me. My sheep listen to my voice and they follow me."
We readied the church for the children with banners, balloons and love. Behind the altar we hung a beautiful painting of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, done by our own Diana, who works in the church office. Cross banners and photographs of actual Haitian sheep and shepherds decorate the walls. There are heart balloons, polka-dot balloons and ones with smiley faces. There was a blue tablecloth to represent a small pond and green tablecloths for pastures....
An hour before the program was to begin, the children began to gather, sitting quietly in the pews. So polite, so patient.
After the theme was discussed and the children recited the memory verse, several of us donned white furry sheep costumes and one wolf (Mark has been nominated for an academy award for his performance!) and Laura as 'lead sheep', gave a very convincing performance! Much laughter and applause! The children loved it! They jumped up and gave the Good Shepard, (played by Joseph our translator) a standing ovation - which was followed by much laughter and cheering when he was able to protect his flock and banished the Wolf!
After the skit we had music with Michelle on guitar and Rodny (translator ) and Laura singing the Lamb song in Creole and English respectively.
One of the miracles of the day was that we were able to feed about four hundred children a chicken dinner with rice. The ladies from the church did a wonderful job preparing the meal and we were able to help distribute the plates to the children.
After a long day the first truck-full of team members returned to Pastor Jacob's from Olivier, some riding in the back of the pick up with the stars overhead. It was a great day!
The day began with a 5:30 a.m. cacophony. It was a little brown dog with a white collar and white paws named Bistou, who looks a lot like a fox. Bistou started barking 'neath our window, and this inspired the rooster. From then on it's a counterpoint duet: bark, crow, bark, crow. Therefore abandon all hopeall ye who harbor aspiration toward further slumber.
Lots of coffee filled the interim until breakfast about seven. The "light" breakfast consisted of papaya, grapes, apples, oranges, avocado, banbanas, watermelon, and mangoes, with eggs and toast, ham and cheese on the side, all washed down with copious amounts of fruit juices.
At eight, we piled into the pick up for the 30 minute drive from Petit Goave, our lodgings, to Olivier, the work site. We actually require two trips to accommodate 10 crew members, two interpreters, the driver and sometimes Pastor Jacob and assorted tools. Today's work was primarily hauling away- by wheelbarrow- accumulated dirt and débris.
After the lunch break, Pastor Jacob tooks us to a sited owned by the Olivier Church. It's a half mile from the Church on the main road and overlooks a large, meandering lake. Pastor Jacob said they hope to build a school there.
At two, the children arrived for VBS. The bible lessons were followed by a number of Young soloists- Young meaning ages in the single didgits for the most part. Play time was the standard jump rope, soccer, and parachute and beach balls. Then we fed more than 460 kids while a four piece band with three singers entertained the masses.
We said our goodbyes to the Haitian workers at the site, and to cooks and other friends, and piled into the pick up for the return voyage to Petit Goave.
Safe travels back to the USA and give our sweet hugs and love to your friends there in Haiti. Thank you for serving. what a joy to read about all your experiences. Can hardly wait to hear stories and see photos. blessings, pam T
Saturday, January 17, 2015 Today will be our last day of this trip. Yesterday, Friday, we traveled back to Port-Au-Prince from Petit Goave. The trip back was uneventful with the following exception. Along the way, we had the opportunity to talk among ourselves about the trip. We reflected about what we felt was the favorite part, least favorite, funniest, most serious, etc. We also had the chance to talk about the difference in scenery from leaving a very poor countryside church and returning to their largest city, including all of the sights, smells, scenes, people and animals along the way. We did a short sightseeing trip and bought a few items from some local vendors. We slept at the Petionville guest house last night and shared breakfast today with a couple of other mission teams from other parts of the country. Our last devotion of the trip was given last night by Dr. Jim Wall. I often have heard that it pays to save your best for last. After hearing his devotion, I have to admit that I believe in the old saying. Thanks, Doc. Our travels today back into the US were also uneventful, which is what you hope for on your return. I also can't close without giving proper credit to our Lay Leader, Pam Jones. Pam took on the role of VBS coordinator and did a wonderful job. Her insight and understanding are unparalleled. Her dedication to the team's effort was second to none. Every aspect of VBS, from the Bible verses, song selection, music selection, themes, activities and playtimes to the planning, coordinating, decorating and participating were well thought out and enabled both days to be a huge success. Thanks, Pam. Every mission trip in which I have participated has been different. Each trip brings a unique blend of talents donated from each volunteer which melts into a God directed effort for His purpose. Thanks to all of the team for your individual contribution. I also would like to thank all of the prayer teams from each church. We really could feel that you guys were with us. Personally, I have been given an enormous blessing to be a part of this trip to serve God in Haiti. Mark
1/7/15
ReplyDeleteGreetings Mission team,
Your prayer team is already lifting you up in their prayers.
have a blessed journey.
Pam Thomas
1/7/15
ReplyDeleteOur prayers will be for safe travel, and team success in your mission. May God be with each of you.
Evie and Bob
1/7/15
ReplyDeletePrayers going up for safe travel.
-Sherri Kenski
1/7/15:
ReplyDeleteThe prayers of Central UMC in Mathews, VA are with you all! Haiti is a wonderful country with so many possibilities! Thank you for all you do in ministry with them!
From Suzanne Gibson
Our love and prayers are with each team member as you go and be God's hands & feet to the people in Haiti. May God be with each of you as you share your love with each person you come in contact with. Blessings. Pat & Gary
Blessings and safe travels to the whole awesome team.
Barb Pearson
Hey Haiti team. You are much in our thoughts and prayers on this trip. We thank you for your faithfulness, service and courage. We ask the Lord to give you safe travels, good health and great strength. As you labor for and minister to the people of Haiti, may your spirits be lifted up and your lives be deeply blessed. With love, Mark Pearson
ReplyDeleteOur love & prayers go with you as you share your love and inspiration as God's hands and feet to our neighbors in Haiti. Be safe. We miss you. Love Pat & Gary
ReplyDeletePrayers for safe travels today. May God smooth out the rough places and open hearts as you share the love of Jesus with people young and old. Prayers are lifted for you all as you begin your ministry in Haiti. God's love, strength, and power go with you!
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers and traveling mercies today as you begin your mission trip. May God bless you and keep you as you do His work! - Jay
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed by all of you folks who are willing to pack a bag and get on a plane to go to a primitive country and share God’s love! My prayers and God’s love go with you. Have a blessed trip, we will be praying. Love Betsy
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletealthough the pilot was able to make up some of the time, our late arrival in Miami caused us to nearly miss our connecting flight to Haiti. Our luggage unfortunately did not make the plane. (This is why we always pack a change of clothes in our carry on.). We waited at the airport thinking that our luggage would make the later flight. Unfortunately our luggage did not make that flight either did not (this is why we pack a change of clothes in our carry on).
ReplyDeleteOur original plan to go straight to to Petit Goave and be on the work site on Olivier on Friday did not pan out. After a total of about 4 hours in the Port au Prince airport our "flexible" team headed out to the guest house in Port au Prince. So...now I learn that we did not all pack a change of clothes in our carry on luggage (bet we will in the future...you never know??!!!).
Now having had a good nights rest and a couple of good meals, we are preparing to leave for the airport in hopes that our luggage will have arrived on the morning flight. Hopefully we can then go on to Petit Goave and maybe even get to the work site this afternoon...at least by Saturday morning. "FLEXIBLE" will no doubt need to be our mission word of the day again.
We learned last night that there was a political demonstration in Petit Goave yesterday. Who knows what we might have encountered there??
For now we are grateful to be here safe. God has the rest figured out. Looking forward to see what God will do in this week.
Blessings!
Michelle Lindsey
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePeace and blessings to the entire team! We are so glad you are safe and remaining flexible! We know you will be a blessing to our Haitian family no matter what the circumstances. But no luggage! Ask Mark and Molly how well I would manage- haha. Ava loves Papa. (passing on the message.) I am having coffee/hot chocolate with Ava in the morning if Papa would like to respond. :) Love to all.
ReplyDeleteWell, there is not really a lot to report because we have just been waiting for our bags and tools. Those who only wait are supposed to be serving too. Not sure I understand how. No telling where our gear has been. Maybe back to Washington National and back. Do bags get frequent flyer miles?
ReplyDeleteSo, we drove again to the airport and then to Petit Goave where we are staying at Pastor Jacob's house. Every time I travel in Haiti I am thankful to arrive at the destination safely. I've always thought we should get hazardous duty pay like you do in a combat zone.
Some drove out to the worksite to see how it looked, but I figured I would see it tomorrow. So, took a much desired shower while there was not line. Hoping to use up all the hot water before the others returned, but ther was not hot water anyway.
We had a big dinner with good food, but some of the items are to spicy hot for my tongue, throat and stomach. After dinner we had our usual devotions and sing a long.
Mark told me I had deotions (my turn) tonight, but after scaring me he said I had Sunday night. Moe Lindsey from Amelia did a great job.
John Rogerson
oops!! left out a portion of yesterday's blog....sorry!!!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Haiti. The word for the day on our travel day to Haiti was "FLEXIBLE!". It turned out to be a very different day than we expected. When we boarded the plane to depart from Washington we were informed by the flight crew that they had issues with the original plane and we would have delays for fueling and service details.
We were about an hour late leaving Washington and although the pilot was able to make up some of the time, our late arrival in Miami caused us to nearly miss our connecting flight to Haiti. Our luggage unfortunately did not make the plane. (This is why we always pack a change of clothes in our carry on.). We waited at the airport thinking that our luggage would make the later flight. Unfortunately our luggage did not make that flight either did not (this is why we pack a change of clothes in our carry on).
Our original plan to go straight to to Petit Goave and be on the work site on Olivier on Friday did not pan out. After a total of about 4 hours in the Port au Prince airport our "flexible" team headed out to the guest house in Port au Prince. So...now I learn that we did not all pack a change of clothes in our carry on luggage (bet we will in the future...you never know??!!!).
Now having had a good nights rest and a couple of good meals, we are preparing to leave for the airport in hopes that our luggage will have arrived on the morning flight. Hopefully we can then go on to Petit Goave and maybe even get to the work site this afternoon...at least by Saturday morning. "FLEXIBLE" will no doubt need to be our mission word of the day again.
We learned last night that there was a political demonstration in Petit Goave yesterday. Who knows what we might have encountered there??
For now we are grateful to be here safe. God has the rest figured out. Looking forward to see what God will do in this week.
Blessings!
Michelle Lindsey
Thankful you all arrived and seem to be flexible and well. Still wondering about the bags...they must be having a great time touring the world on their own.
ReplyDeletePraying for peace and "back-up plans" and for moments of laughter.
blessings to you all.
Pam T.
Sunday Jan 11, Greetings All, Hope you will be feeling the many prayers lifting you up today as your AUMC family gathers together and prayers for you at both services. Have a delightful day of work and relationship building.
ReplyDeleteblessings Pam T
Blessings and prayers from Asbury Memorial UMC for the team and those you are in ministry and in relationship with during this time. I hope you have a wonderful day praising the Lord!
ReplyDeleteBen Horrocks
Blessings from Annandale UMC this morning...
ReplyDeleteHello from Petit Goave! Saturday was our first day at the worksite. After a delicious breakfast, we rode out to Olivier, where we helped the local construction crew with repairs on their church building. We spent our day digging holes, mixing cement, and sifting sand; singing, dancing, and taking selfies with the local kids; and trying to learn some Haitian Creole. By the end of the day we had dug 115 linear feet of 12X12 footings to prepare for the steps that we'll build in the front and on the sides of the new sanctuary. We had also befriended several of the local children who shared high fives and games of hokey pokey with us, and even taught us a game similar to ring around the rosy. In the evening we played a lively game of Apples to Apples, in which the winners "won" the opportunity to write a few sentences of this blog for me. :)
ReplyDeleteDuring our drive from Port au Prince to Petit Goave on Friday, our interpreters, Rodney and Joseph, shared with me that in Haiti they have a proverb - "Beyond mountains, there are more mountains." Already we've seen that this saying is literally true, as there are mountains around every corner and it's difficult to find a bad view here. They explained that this proverb can refer to a challenging situation, but that they also use it in positive situations. For example, if someone tells a joke and then their friend tells a better joke, both would laugh and say, "Well, beyond mountains, there are more mountains." As we get ready to begin this next week, there will be challenges ahead, but progress will continue to be made on the church building, there will more excited children to play with, funnier jokes will be told, and there will be more beautiful mountains around every corner. "Beyond mountains, there are more mountains."
Blessings from the Monday Centering prayer group! We continue to lift you all as you work, play, sing, and share God's love.
ReplyDeleteJanuary 11, 2015
ReplyDeleteMaurice Lindsey, Sr.
What a glorious time we had today. The team was up bright and early to prepare for our trip to worship at Olivier Methodist Church (where we are working). We arrived to the sound of beautiful music by the Church choir. We were very warmly greeted by the children and Church laity. We were very excited that for the first time in 3 years were able to worship Inside of the Church instead of outside Under the trees shaded by tarps. It was a wonderful service including lots of wonderful music and even a solo by a little girl who was probably about 8 years old. Preaching was Michelle Lindsey with interpretation by our translator Rodney. Our team was able to sing a couple of songs which the congregation joined in on.
After lunch the majority of the team visited the beach for some rest and relaxation. It was truly beautiful.
This day was enjoyed by all and readied us for a big work day on Monday.
Blessings
Maurice, Sr.
1-13-15 Tuesday
ReplyDeleteA good day! Typical Haiti weather, warm, clear skies, no breeze, smiling faces. We arrived at Olivier worksite a little later today. The Haitian workers were already mixing mortar. Our first job was to sift gravel so they could mix concrete to finish the left lower exterior wall of the church, which they did. Then they built the front steps with mortar and blocks, and then filled the spaces with concrete. Finished that today too. It will be tiled along with the sanctuary. Our team made banners and other things for the next two days of Bible School. You will hear more about that tomorrow. Kids will show up just after school around 2:00. It should be fun. The team will be busy helping with building forms for steps on the side of the church. Miss you - be home 3 days from tonight. God bless all.
Love in Christ
2015 Haiti Team
Jan. 12
ReplyDeletePam Jones
Our team was blessed to share this day of mourning and celebration with our Haitian brothers and sisters. Today, January 12, marked the fifth anniversary of the devastating earthquake which killed and injured hundreds of thousands of Haitian people and left 1.5 million homeless. Throughout the country of Haiti many people paused at 4:53pm for a moment of silence and prayer for those who lost their life in the earthquake. In Petit Goave where our team is staying, mourners dressed in black and white marched down the street in a funeral procession following a hearse. While it was a day of pain and mourning, there was also great celebration and thanksgiving for what God has done to rebuild Haiti and restore hope for the future. The Haitian people are amazingly resilient.
We were up and off to work early this morning. Our work to rebuild Olivier Methodist Church continues. Today our team worked very hard sifting sand and hauling rocks which were used to make the concrete and mortar to pour the footings for steps at the entrance to the church. Yesterday we walked a plank to enter the sanctuary for worship service and hopefully next Sunday the members at Olivier will walk up steps into their sanctuary. Rows of block were laid to reinforce the foundation on one side of the church.
We started putting up decorations in preparation for Vacation Bible School which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday. We had help from many, many children, some new and old friends who came to visit. We were excited to see and play with children we have known for three years. How awesome that many remember us and came running for hugs.
After a productive day of work we returned to our residence in Petit Goave. We enjoyed another beautiful dinner and evening of fellowship, singing, and devotions. We enjoyed having Pastor Jacob, our host, join us for devotions. He honored us by sharing his testimony and call into the ministry with us.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to share some of your experiences with us back home. It helps us know how to better pray for you and it helps us feel like we are there walking with you on this journey.
ReplyDeleteYou have a huge crowd of folks thinking of you and lifting you up in prayer daily. thank you for serving. May you have a delightful time with vacation Bible school. blessings, Pam T.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
ReplyDeleteMolly Wilmarth
Today was the first day of Bible School - what an incredible day! The theme was "I am the Good Shepherd". The Bible verse was John 10:14: "I know my sheep and my sheep know me. My sheep listen to my voice and they follow me."
We readied the church for the children with banners, balloons and love. Behind the altar we hung a beautiful painting of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, done by our own Diana, who works in the church office. Cross banners and photographs of actual Haitian sheep and shepherds decorate the walls. There are heart balloons, polka-dot balloons and ones with smiley faces. There was a blue tablecloth to represent a small pond and green tablecloths for pastures....
An hour before the program was to begin, the children began to gather, sitting quietly in the pews. So polite, so patient.
After the theme was discussed and the children recited the memory verse, several of us donned white furry sheep costumes and one wolf (Mark has been nominated for an academy award for his performance!) and Laura as 'lead sheep', gave a very convincing performance! Much laughter and applause! The children loved it! They jumped up and gave the Good Shepard, (played by Joseph our translator) a standing ovation - which was followed by much laughter and cheering when he was able to protect his flock and banished the Wolf!
After the skit we had music with Michelle on guitar and Rodny (translator ) and Laura singing the Lamb song in Creole and English respectively.
One of the miracles of the day was that we were able to feed about four hundred children a chicken dinner with rice. The ladies from the church did a wonderful job preparing the meal and we were able to help distribute the plates to the children.
After a long day the first truck-full of team members returned to Pastor Jacob's from Olivier, some riding in the back of the pick up with the stars overhead. It was a great day!
January 15, 2015
ReplyDeleteJim Wall
The day began with a 5:30 a.m. cacophony. It was a little brown dog with a white collar and white paws named Bistou, who looks a lot like a fox. Bistou started barking 'neath our window, and this inspired the rooster. From then on it's a counterpoint duet: bark, crow, bark, crow. Therefore abandon all hopeall ye who harbor aspiration toward further slumber.
Lots of coffee filled the interim until breakfast about seven. The "light" breakfast consisted of papaya, grapes, apples, oranges, avocado, banbanas, watermelon, and mangoes, with eggs and toast, ham and cheese on the side, all washed down with copious amounts of fruit juices.
At eight, we piled into the pick up for the 30 minute drive from Petit Goave, our lodgings, to Olivier, the work site. We actually require two trips to accommodate 10 crew members, two interpreters, the driver and sometimes Pastor Jacob and assorted tools. Today's work was primarily hauling away- by wheelbarrow- accumulated dirt and débris.
After the lunch break, Pastor Jacob tooks us to a sited owned by the Olivier Church. It's a half mile from the Church on the main road and overlooks a large, meandering lake. Pastor Jacob said they hope to build a school there.
At two, the children arrived for VBS. The bible lessons were followed by a number of Young soloists- Young meaning ages in the single didgits for the most part. Play time was the standard jump rope, soccer, and parachute and beach balls. Then we fed more than 460 kids while a four piece band with three singers entertained the masses.
We said our goodbyes to the Haitian workers at the site, and to cooks and other friends, and piled into the pick up for the return voyage to Petit Goave.
It's been wonderful to read about the relationships and shared ministry!
ReplyDeleteBen Horrocks
Safe travels back to the USA and give our sweet hugs and love to your friends there in Haiti. Thank you for serving. what a joy to read about all your experiences. Can hardly wait to hear stories and see photos.
ReplyDeleteblessings,
pam T
Peace for your journey home.
ReplyDeleteSaturday, January 17, 2015
ReplyDeleteToday will be our last day of this trip.
Yesterday, Friday, we traveled back to Port-Au-Prince from Petit Goave. The trip back was uneventful with the following exception. Along the way, we had the opportunity to talk among ourselves about the trip. We reflected about what we felt was the favorite part, least favorite, funniest, most serious, etc. We also had the chance to talk about the difference in scenery from leaving a very poor countryside church and returning to their largest city, including all of the sights, smells, scenes, people and animals along the way. We did a short sightseeing trip and bought a few items from some local vendors.
We slept at the Petionville guest house last night and shared breakfast today with a couple of other mission teams from other parts of the country.
Our last devotion of the trip was given last night by Dr. Jim Wall. I often have heard that it pays to save your best for last. After hearing his devotion, I have to admit that I believe in the old saying. Thanks, Doc.
Our travels today back into the US were also uneventful, which is what you hope for on your return.
I also can't close without giving proper credit to our Lay Leader, Pam Jones. Pam took on the role of VBS coordinator and did a wonderful job. Her insight and understanding are unparalleled. Her dedication to the team's effort was second to none. Every aspect of VBS, from the Bible verses, song selection, music selection, themes, activities and playtimes to the planning, coordinating, decorating and participating were well thought out and enabled both days to be a huge success. Thanks, Pam.
Every mission trip in which I have participated has been different. Each trip brings a unique blend of talents donated from each volunteer which melts into a God directed effort for His purpose. Thanks to all of the team for your individual contribution.
I also would like to thank all of the prayer teams from each church. We really could feel that you guys were with us.
Personally, I have been given an enormous blessing to be a part of this trip to serve God in Haiti.
Mark