Joyeux Jour d'Independence! (Happy 4th of July).
We enjoyed a wonderful day of worship, rest, and hospitality today. We went to church at 7am. It is Pastor Leon's church and it meets in the temporary school. Perhaps it was mentioned earlier that the new school we're working on will be used for Sunday services as well, until a separate new church can be built. We had a wonderful time. Dinecia earned her stripes translating a PB sermon, Megan read Psalm 121 in French and then sang it in English. The prayer was passionate, all the congregational singing was beautiful to listen to, and PB even did a good job. :) His text was Elijah and the prophets of Baal--if you don't know the story, read 1 Kings 18:16-chapter 19. Powerful stuff.
After the service, we headed to the beach for some R&R on this lovely (hot) Sabbath day. Ed's watch thermometer registered that the Caribbean was 86F. Still refreshing. Dinecia surprised us with a home-cooked meal made by her mom, who joined us for swimming afterward. We had beans and rice, pikliz, fried plantains, and goat meat. For dessert we each got a coconut, which Dinecia's mom (Adeline) awesomely prepped with a kitchen machete, and sugar cane. We were so spoiled! It was, for us, an unusual 4th of July picnic, but an unforgettable one.
In the evening after we returned to our compound, we made another feast of fresh watermelon, mango, pineapple, quenapes, and homemade guacamole (made of the infamous avocados of yesterday's market experience). We are blessed, we are humbled, we are filled with joy at having the privilege to do the Lord's work here, to live in a free country where others join us in our work here at "the ends of the earth," and to thoroughly enjoy this Sabbath and holiday. May you be blessed by the same Lord as you participate in this mission with us through prayer and all your support.
Love from P-au-P,
Team Haiti
P.S. Almost forgot one very joyful thing: We ran into Ghaiti, whom some of you may remember from having met him as he traveled in the States with the Munoses last summer. The meeting was quite unexpected--he lives a block away from where we are staying, but did not know we were here! He seems well, and was happy to see us. God truly is a God of surprises. Glory be unto his name.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Haiti Day 6
Q: How many Americans does it take to buy avocados?
A: Ask Ed. (Seriously. He took 15 minutes at the market...)
Today was a short work day and a hot one--101 F! Yes, it feels very hot, but we've acclimated to the extent that it was surprising to hear that figure. You get used to swimming in your own clothes fairly quickly here. In fact, one team member observed, Haiti is the only place in which she has ever prayed for cold shower water! (Little on the warm side today--no good).
Anyway, as you may be aware, the World Cup is going on and it couldn't be bigger in Haiti. It always is, but this year a more than ever welcomed diversion. People fly and sell Brazillian and Argentinian flags all over the streets, wear jerseys, even spray paint their vehicles(!) to show their loyalties. Living in tent cities is apparently no obstacle to procuring the necessary technology to follow the games, as evidenced by the surround-sound wail we heard yesterday at our site when Brazil lost, and the 2 solid minutes of joyous shouting and dancing in the streets today when Germany beat Argentina! (Those dancing were Brazil fans). There is a tent home merely 8 feet from the temporary school in which is smaller than my bedroom closet, but has a jerry-rigged antenna and either TV or radio inside that the kids would flock to in between lessons to get the latest.
After work we were taken on a 3 hour tour (cue Gilligan music) for "sightseeing" around P-au-P and up the mountain to where we could see the entire city from high above. All 2 million people. In P-au-P alone. We have not uploaded our photos from today, but you have seen samples of the damage--piles of rubble in the streets, pancaked buildings, half-crumbled buildings with rebar hanging like spaghetti. But what you really can't take your eyes off is the people. You watch them and you see, in ways that the front page can never capture, life continuing. You see children who point and yell, "Look, Mommy--white people! Hi, people!" You see people selling mangoes, and pregnant women in sundresses shopping for mangoes. You see people driving their taped up windowed/busted windshield trucks, working as ever. You see groups of school kids in their uniforms laughing together on the corner waiting to cross the street. Life is here. Therefore, God is here. And by the way, remember that cross we saw etched into the hillside the other day? Guess where it is? Right behind the smooshed president's palace. We also saw the National Cathedral, once a magnificent building, now ruined beyond repair; half crumbled, the rose windows shattered, and yet we got the chills as we noticed that the 3/4 sized crucifix statue that is in the churchyard still stands, virtually unmarred. Christ is here! And we get to be his witnesses to you of the reality that there is a certain and real hope for Haiti. We could not be more privileged to play even a small part in it. Glory to God!
A: Ask Ed. (Seriously. He took 15 minutes at the market...)
Today was a short work day and a hot one--101 F! Yes, it feels very hot, but we've acclimated to the extent that it was surprising to hear that figure. You get used to swimming in your own clothes fairly quickly here. In fact, one team member observed, Haiti is the only place in which she has ever prayed for cold shower water! (Little on the warm side today--no good).
Anyway, as you may be aware, the World Cup is going on and it couldn't be bigger in Haiti. It always is, but this year a more than ever welcomed diversion. People fly and sell Brazillian and Argentinian flags all over the streets, wear jerseys, even spray paint their vehicles(!) to show their loyalties. Living in tent cities is apparently no obstacle to procuring the necessary technology to follow the games, as evidenced by the surround-sound wail we heard yesterday at our site when Brazil lost, and the 2 solid minutes of joyous shouting and dancing in the streets today when Germany beat Argentina! (Those dancing were Brazil fans). There is a tent home merely 8 feet from the temporary school in which is smaller than my bedroom closet, but has a jerry-rigged antenna and either TV or radio inside that the kids would flock to in between lessons to get the latest.
After work we were taken on a 3 hour tour (cue Gilligan music) for "sightseeing" around P-au-P and up the mountain to where we could see the entire city from high above. All 2 million people. In P-au-P alone. We have not uploaded our photos from today, but you have seen samples of the damage--piles of rubble in the streets, pancaked buildings, half-crumbled buildings with rebar hanging like spaghetti. But what you really can't take your eyes off is the people. You watch them and you see, in ways that the front page can never capture, life continuing. You see children who point and yell, "Look, Mommy--white people! Hi, people!" You see people selling mangoes, and pregnant women in sundresses shopping for mangoes. You see people driving their taped up windowed/busted windshield trucks, working as ever. You see groups of school kids in their uniforms laughing together on the corner waiting to cross the street. Life is here. Therefore, God is here. And by the way, remember that cross we saw etched into the hillside the other day? Guess where it is? Right behind the smooshed president's palace. We also saw the National Cathedral, once a magnificent building, now ruined beyond repair; half crumbled, the rose windows shattered, and yet we got the chills as we noticed that the 3/4 sized crucifix statue that is in the churchyard still stands, virtually unmarred. Christ is here! And we get to be his witnesses to you of the reality that there is a certain and real hope for Haiti. We could not be more privileged to play even a small part in it. Glory to God!
Friday, July 2, 2010
still more photos
Our fearless leader with several of our sweet little buddies
(yeah, they're probly supposed to be paying attention to the teacher ;)
PB and ED fixing the sagging chalkboards
Craig and Chris putting in newly welded (welt?) window
L-R; Chris, Abila (lead Haitian mason or 'boss;' Carol, and Ed
Mary the Riveter and Craig welding windows
View from our rooftop
L-R: Dinecia, Dot, and Sr. Lou;
our "ladies in painting"
Roselina, a student, with PB
Arm wrestling, though wildly amusing for the students,
was not as amusing to the teachers. ha.
Haiti Day 5
Wow. 5 days has slipped by too quickly. We have accomplished much on the school project, but moreover, we have grown as a unified team and as a vessel for God's work (work for others; work within ourselves). You've been praying that this experience will be life-changing. It already has. This is the whole team speaking.
Physically, PB is feeling better today, but we had a few more bite the dust today. Carol and Laura were under Sister Lou's good care at the compound today after *symptoms* at the work site became overwhelming. :( Lou also made each member of the team a wonderful popsicle with plastic cups and spoons and lemonade mix! A very thoughtful and special treat. Lou is the best nurse.
Must share anecdote here that happened before transportation of the invalids off the site--
Megan: How is Carol?
Dinecia: Well she has the dry leaves.
Megan: Oh.... some kind of herbal remedy?
Carol: That's HEAVES...Dry heaves.
:)
Thankfully, Carol and Laura and also Kevin, who braved it out at the site all day but was sick as a dog all the while, are recuperating and tomorrow is a shorter work day. We end at noon instead of 2pm. Then we plan to hit the beach! Lord willing or "si Dieu veut" in Creole. That is a saying that many use in Haiti!
We taught the school kids a new song (new to them), God is So Good. They pick up on song so fast. They just love it. Their teacher also led them in one in French, which they sang for us.
The gist is this: [Knock knock knock--who's there? Jesus. May I come in? Yes, yes, yes, you may come in. My heart is open to you. Knock knock knock--who's there? The devil. May I come in? No, no, no, you may not come in. My heart is closed to you.]
For lunch, Sister Jonas from the mission brought us a home cooked meal again. It was more fried plantains, pikliz, which is a very spicy slaw made of onions, hot peppers, veggies and mangoes. Mmmmm. (Except if the hot pepper gets in your eye instead of your mouth. Oops. Also she brought what looked like steak fries and tasted like Arby's curly fries and were made from malanga root. The food was called akra. Verrry tasty.
As usual, we sat up on the roof to eat our heater meals, and again Ed had gathered a crowd on a nearby rooftop for certain *special* dance moves and more "Hey you! My name's Ed" exchanges. But this time it was several kids AND several adults! They sang "Allelu/Praise ye the Lord" for us, much to our surprise, and when we asked where they learned it, they replied gleefully, "From the other white people!" (Apparently a previous mission team).
Since Megan is flying back to the US Monday, she had to make her goodbyes to the school children today. They all asked "When are you coming back?" She explained how expensive it was and their little eyes bugged out. But many of our team, Megan included, have found a special place in our hearts for this country and do indeed wish to return as soon as possible.
In conclusion for today, it must be said that his trip has not been so much about tools and re-bar as it has been about people--God's precious people, coming together from different places, talking to one another, encouraging and praying for one another, and sharing as much of His love as possible with as many others as possible. This can be done ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. So we invite you to join us in this very same work right where you are. Looky there--now you're on Team Haiti too! (but without the humidity and cockroaches). Give thanks!
Physically, PB is feeling better today, but we had a few more bite the dust today. Carol and Laura were under Sister Lou's good care at the compound today after *symptoms* at the work site became overwhelming. :( Lou also made each member of the team a wonderful popsicle with plastic cups and spoons and lemonade mix! A very thoughtful and special treat. Lou is the best nurse.
Must share anecdote here that happened before transportation of the invalids off the site--
Megan: How is Carol?
Dinecia: Well she has the dry leaves.
Megan: Oh.... some kind of herbal remedy?
Carol: That's HEAVES...Dry heaves.
:)
Thankfully, Carol and Laura and also Kevin, who braved it out at the site all day but was sick as a dog all the while, are recuperating and tomorrow is a shorter work day. We end at noon instead of 2pm. Then we plan to hit the beach! Lord willing or "si Dieu veut" in Creole. That is a saying that many use in Haiti!
We taught the school kids a new song (new to them), God is So Good. They pick up on song so fast. They just love it. Their teacher also led them in one in French, which they sang for us.
The gist is this: [Knock knock knock--who's there? Jesus. May I come in? Yes, yes, yes, you may come in. My heart is open to you. Knock knock knock--who's there? The devil. May I come in? No, no, no, you may not come in. My heart is closed to you.]
For lunch, Sister Jonas from the mission brought us a home cooked meal again. It was more fried plantains, pikliz, which is a very spicy slaw made of onions, hot peppers, veggies and mangoes. Mmmmm. (Except if the hot pepper gets in your eye instead of your mouth. Oops. Also she brought what looked like steak fries and tasted like Arby's curly fries and were made from malanga root. The food was called akra. Verrry tasty.
As usual, we sat up on the roof to eat our heater meals, and again Ed had gathered a crowd on a nearby rooftop for certain *special* dance moves and more "Hey you! My name's Ed" exchanges. But this time it was several kids AND several adults! They sang "Allelu/Praise ye the Lord" for us, much to our surprise, and when we asked where they learned it, they replied gleefully, "From the other white people!" (Apparently a previous mission team).
Since Megan is flying back to the US Monday, she had to make her goodbyes to the school children today. They all asked "When are you coming back?" She explained how expensive it was and their little eyes bugged out. But many of our team, Megan included, have found a special place in our hearts for this country and do indeed wish to return as soon as possible.
In conclusion for today, it must be said that his trip has not been so much about tools and re-bar as it has been about people--God's precious people, coming together from different places, talking to one another, encouraging and praying for one another, and sharing as much of His love as possible with as many others as possible. This can be done ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. So we invite you to join us in this very same work right where you are. Looky there--now you're on Team Haiti too! (but without the humidity and cockroaches). Give thanks!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
More pictures
Gets dusty, debris-y and buggy in ye old pickup
a common scene along Port roads--piles of uncleared rubble and garbage (with goats)
Yes. There were tongue marks on the inside of the truck window.
Kevin and Jamie finishing the perls (sp?) for the roof
The temporary school practically on top of our work site
--no door, no floor, and a skinny stray dog comes daily
to look for discarded snacks.
Haiti Day 4
A hot workday, with much progress on the school and laughter and lovin on kiddos. Today it was PB's turn to succumb to heat, but he is recovering from his symptoms--Yes, he did call Linda--and he's been good about drinking his Gatorade and laying low this afternoon and evening.
For Mary, this is smoke free day #4--WOO HOO! Megan learned to weld. (Mary did that yesterday and did fabulous) Chris got oogled by several giggly tweens who asked how old he was and if he were married.
Jamie got some great videos of PB's driving--kudos to PB for his excellent maneuvering though in discomfort and fatigue. Craig did not drop anything on anyone's foot. Ed was a rooftop celebrity, teaching the kids on a neighboring rooftop goofy songs and refined English phrases such as "Foget about it" and "Bada bing Bada boom." He also taught them YMCA and they joined right in with our humming the Macarena--there's video of that too--make sure you see it when it is made available. Arguably though, the cutest exchange went thus: (Ed) Hey you! (kids) Hey YOU! (Ed) My name's Ed! (Kids) My name's Ed! Dinecia and Megan noticed a tap-tap with the following phrase inscribed in bright paint across it: La Belle POULPITA, which, literally means "The beautiful chicken later"....... Interpretations welcome.
As we interact more and more with the Haitian people, hearing their stories and sensing their deep hurts, our emotions and perspectives undulate like roller coasters. (Undulate is a neat word--look it up. :) We take turns having those hurts become real to us and sink in. But we must share this image of hope, witnessed from the back of our truck as we bounced along in the insane rush hour highway traffic. On a green mountainside in the distance there was a bald patch, crudely but distinctly formed, apparently naturally, in the shape of a giant cross. The symbol of Christ's love for his people etched into their very earth for all to see. It was a wonderful reminder for us that He is here, even in distress, sadness, brokenness, and memories of trauma. Jesus Christ is here and he ain't leavin.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." Psalm 121:1
For Mary, this is smoke free day #4--WOO HOO! Megan learned to weld. (Mary did that yesterday and did fabulous) Chris got oogled by several giggly tweens who asked how old he was and if he were married.
Jamie got some great videos of PB's driving--kudos to PB for his excellent maneuvering though in discomfort and fatigue. Craig did not drop anything on anyone's foot. Ed was a rooftop celebrity, teaching the kids on a neighboring rooftop goofy songs and refined English phrases such as "Foget about it" and "Bada bing Bada boom." He also taught them YMCA and they joined right in with our humming the Macarena--there's video of that too--make sure you see it when it is made available. Arguably though, the cutest exchange went thus: (Ed) Hey you! (kids) Hey YOU! (Ed) My name's Ed! (Kids) My name's Ed! Dinecia and Megan noticed a tap-tap with the following phrase inscribed in bright paint across it: La Belle POULPITA, which, literally means "The beautiful chicken later"....... Interpretations welcome.
As we interact more and more with the Haitian people, hearing their stories and sensing their deep hurts, our emotions and perspectives undulate like roller coasters. (Undulate is a neat word--look it up. :) We take turns having those hurts become real to us and sink in. But we must share this image of hope, witnessed from the back of our truck as we bounced along in the insane rush hour highway traffic. On a green mountainside in the distance there was a bald patch, crudely but distinctly formed, apparently naturally, in the shape of a giant cross. The symbol of Christ's love for his people etched into their very earth for all to see. It was a wonderful reminder for us that He is here, even in distress, sadness, brokenness, and memories of trauma. Jesus Christ is here and he ain't leavin.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." Psalm 121:1
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
30 June 2010 Haiti Day 3
Dear reader, please understand that sooo much happens during the day that you simply must budget face time with the team after our return for the real stories. We will attempt to highlight today's events and "God sightings" but it would be impossible to capture a satisfactory glimpse in this cyber venue alone. Caveat number 2: PB is already sawing logs, and none of us knows how to make comments to the blog anonymously. Sorry we can't answer that question yet.
Now onto the good stuff. From Ecclesiastes 3: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to tear down and a time to build...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."
A time to build: obviously that is why we're here, and tomorrow we will post photos of our progress on the new school. (A time to weep: the reason we cannot tonight is that the nightly power outage was longer than usual (in fact it continues as we type) and it is quite late. (And PB is sawing logs.))
A time to tear down (albeit impromptu) occurred at the end of the work day when PB, on his second voyage driving in the INSANE Port traffic--replete with gear-grinding, lurching, and antiperspirant failure--and while in the wrong gear, backed into a cinderblock wall. Fortunately damage was minimal to both wall (already crumbling) and truck (FOHO, we'll be making a generous donation designated 'new truck.') The rest of that story can only adequately be told in person, and with reenactment of the team's reaction. :)
We had so many times to laugh today! Couple examples....
At worksite....
Craig drops cinderblock (unwittingly) on Laura's toe.
Laura: Good thing these are steel toed boots.
Craig: Actually they're not, but it's OK--I didn't hit myself.
Pause....
Megan: Um, Craig--it was Laura's steel toe.
Craig: Ohhhh. Oops.
(a few hours later back at FOHO)
Craig drops drill battery pack on Megan's bare toe.
Megan: Ow
Craig: Good thing those are steel toed sandals!
(ba dum bum)
A time to dance was afforded at the school children's break time when PB, Dinecia and Megan taught the eager students a couple of silly camp songs in English, which they relished and learned remarkably well! Aaaaaaaaalligator was a favorite, but the teacher rang the 'back to work' bell before we could get through the whole thing. There was also lively arm wrestling, initiated by the same PB, with some of the school boys, which was wildly entertaining for them all. Dancing it did devolve into when two boys tried it without a table! (The teachers weren't crazy about that. oops).
A time to weep; a time to mourn. Pastor Leon's middle son, Jeanganzi, paid us a visit this afternoon. He came out early from his university classes to meet us. His mother and also older brother, Emoy, are both teachers at the school. In a conversation with one team member, Jeanganzi spoke about his personal heartbreak because of the earthquake. Previosuly in that conversation, he had been smiling and bright, but as the subject turned to that disaster, his entire countenance transformed into one of utter sorrow and brokenness. He said, "I cannot handle talking about it anymore now....what I feel, it is...indescribable."
As these sentiments were shared later at FOHO among our team, many broke down and wept. PB reminded us that Jesus also wept, and we share his sorrow for the loss of his beloved children, which, though unspeakably difficult at times, is at the same time an awesome privilege. We had a very meaningful time of reflection on God's love for each of his people and about grief. PB says grief is a loss, and loss can include loss of ideas, expectations, preconceptions, and hopes as well as physical loss like homes and loved ones. So we grieved a bit, in our own ways, over those things we have lost already on the trip, and for all that is, and who is, lost all around us in this country. Again, words fail. We sincerely regret that you cannot see with our eyes these experiences we so wish to convey to you to bless your spirits. But God can do that without our help. Are you available to receive his blessings tonight? We pray that you are, and that you, and we, will be drawn closer to His love and his generous Spirit during and after this trip.
Until tomorrow,
your Team Haiti
Now onto the good stuff. From Ecclesiastes 3: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to tear down and a time to build...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."
A time to build: obviously that is why we're here, and tomorrow we will post photos of our progress on the new school. (A time to weep: the reason we cannot tonight is that the nightly power outage was longer than usual (in fact it continues as we type) and it is quite late. (And PB is sawing logs.))
A time to tear down (albeit impromptu) occurred at the end of the work day when PB, on his second voyage driving in the INSANE Port traffic--replete with gear-grinding, lurching, and antiperspirant failure--and while in the wrong gear, backed into a cinderblock wall. Fortunately damage was minimal to both wall (already crumbling) and truck (FOHO, we'll be making a generous donation designated 'new truck.') The rest of that story can only adequately be told in person, and with reenactment of the team's reaction. :)
We had so many times to laugh today! Couple examples....
At worksite....
Craig drops cinderblock (unwittingly) on Laura's toe.
Laura: Good thing these are steel toed boots.
Craig: Actually they're not, but it's OK--I didn't hit myself.
Pause....
Megan: Um, Craig--it was Laura's steel toe.
Craig: Ohhhh. Oops.
(a few hours later back at FOHO)
Craig drops drill battery pack on Megan's bare toe.
Megan: Ow
Craig: Good thing those are steel toed sandals!
(ba dum bum)
A time to dance was afforded at the school children's break time when PB, Dinecia and Megan taught the eager students a couple of silly camp songs in English, which they relished and learned remarkably well! Aaaaaaaaalligator was a favorite, but the teacher rang the 'back to work' bell before we could get through the whole thing. There was also lively arm wrestling, initiated by the same PB, with some of the school boys, which was wildly entertaining for them all. Dancing it did devolve into when two boys tried it without a table! (The teachers weren't crazy about that. oops).
A time to weep; a time to mourn. Pastor Leon's middle son, Jeanganzi, paid us a visit this afternoon. He came out early from his university classes to meet us. His mother and also older brother, Emoy, are both teachers at the school. In a conversation with one team member, Jeanganzi spoke about his personal heartbreak because of the earthquake. Previosuly in that conversation, he had been smiling and bright, but as the subject turned to that disaster, his entire countenance transformed into one of utter sorrow and brokenness. He said, "I cannot handle talking about it anymore now....what I feel, it is...indescribable."
As these sentiments were shared later at FOHO among our team, many broke down and wept. PB reminded us that Jesus also wept, and we share his sorrow for the loss of his beloved children, which, though unspeakably difficult at times, is at the same time an awesome privilege. We had a very meaningful time of reflection on God's love for each of his people and about grief. PB says grief is a loss, and loss can include loss of ideas, expectations, preconceptions, and hopes as well as physical loss like homes and loved ones. So we grieved a bit, in our own ways, over those things we have lost already on the trip, and for all that is, and who is, lost all around us in this country. Again, words fail. We sincerely regret that you cannot see with our eyes these experiences we so wish to convey to you to bless your spirits. But God can do that without our help. Are you available to receive his blessings tonight? We pray that you are, and that you, and we, will be drawn closer to His love and his generous Spirit during and after this trip.
Until tomorrow,
your Team Haiti
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