Just a quick note for now. The flights were relatively on time. It's
good to be home. Perhaps in a few days I'll have the time to reflect
on our 2 weeks. Thanks for all your interest and prayers.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
One Last Day
Three of us finished up some final work: an outside shower installed,
another shelf hung, a chair repaired.
Two of us headed to Port-au-Prince to capture a floor plan and
column placement from the church at Carrefour Feuilles, the largest
Wesleyan church in Haiti. The plan was to get to the church early,
quickly complete the measurements and get back to Croix Luly by
early afternoon thus having plenty of time to relax and pack.
If you were reading this carefully and remembered that we're in Haiti,
you would expect more to the story. Here it is.
Instead of leaving at 7 am, we left a little after 9 am and made a
couple unplanned stops. We arrived at the church about 10:50 am
and discovered that a worship service had begun and would continue
until noon. So we sat in the rear of the church and enjoyed listening
to a sermon in Creole. The worship services in Haiti are certainly
energetic with significant congregational participation. Once the
service had concluded and the congregation had exited, we got to
work. The idea was to locate the position of every column on the
floor plan so an architect could use this data to design a permanent
roof structure. There were about 40 columns. After about 2 hours,
the columns were positioned, and we headed home.
We were on the opposite side of Port-au-Prince from where the
road to Croix Luly lies, and we wanted to get some pictures of
Judain's house so by the time we finally arrived back at Croix Luly it
was after 5 pm. Just enough time to eat, rearrange and pack the
suitcases, and write and post this blog entry.
We're scheduled to leave the house here about 5:30 am for the hour
or so trip to the airport. Scheduled departure from Port-au-Prince is
8:45 am, and arrival in Philadelphia is 5:35 pm. It has been an
exceedingly productive trip; Dan & Joy Irvine are very pleased with
what we've been able to accomplish. It will be good to be home.
another shelf hung, a chair repaired.
Two of us headed to Port-au-Prince to capture a floor plan and
column placement from the church at Carrefour Feuilles, the largest
Wesleyan church in Haiti. The plan was to get to the church early,
quickly complete the measurements and get back to Croix Luly by
early afternoon thus having plenty of time to relax and pack.
If you were reading this carefully and remembered that we're in Haiti,
you would expect more to the story. Here it is.
Instead of leaving at 7 am, we left a little after 9 am and made a
couple unplanned stops. We arrived at the church about 10:50 am
and discovered that a worship service had begun and would continue
until noon. So we sat in the rear of the church and enjoyed listening
to a sermon in Creole. The worship services in Haiti are certainly
energetic with significant congregational participation. Once the
service had concluded and the congregation had exited, we got to
work. The idea was to locate the position of every column on the
floor plan so an architect could use this data to design a permanent
roof structure. There were about 40 columns. After about 2 hours,
the columns were positioned, and we headed home.
We were on the opposite side of Port-au-Prince from where the
road to Croix Luly lies, and we wanted to get some pictures of
Judain's house so by the time we finally arrived back at Croix Luly it
was after 5 pm. Just enough time to eat, rearrange and pack the
suitcases, and write and post this blog entry.
We're scheduled to leave the house here about 5:30 am for the hour
or so trip to the airport. Scheduled departure from Port-au-Prince is
8:45 am, and arrival in Philadelphia is 5:35 pm. It has been an
exceedingly productive trip; Dan & Joy Irvine are very pleased with
what we've been able to accomplish. It will be good to be home.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Winding Down
We decided to take it easy today. Well --- almost. The pace was a little slower than the past few days. We did make a small 3-shelf bookcase for the watchman. There were more frequent breaks for water and resting.
There was an opportunity to drive up the coast to the next small towns, but we decided to just stay here.
The list for tomorrow has an initial priority. A little more plumbing and electrical work. Another shelf to be mounted. Some measurements to be made at one of the rebuilding sites.
There was an opportunity to drive up the coast to the next small towns, but we decided to just stay here.
The list for tomorrow has an initial priority. A little more plumbing and electrical work. Another shelf to be mounted. Some measurements to be made at one of the rebuilding sites.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sites to See
Sunday
At 7:20 am we headed for Port-au-Prince; an hour later we arrived
at the Wesleyan church in the Cite Soleil section of the city. Another
team had been working this week pouring the reinforced concrete
walls between the posts. Both teams joined the local congregation
for their morning worship service.
Following that service, three of us joined Dan and Judain for a trip to
Babaco. Babaco is a rural village toward the Dominican border
from Port-au-Prince; it is the site where the Penn-Jersey team from
Pine Grove built a pole barn church in the summer of 2010. The
church there is wanting to put up a 4-room school. While we were
there, the people of the church insisted on serving us rice & beans,
and chicken.
Dan identified a need for designing wood trusses so some time was
spent scouring the web for free software. In fact, that web surfing is a
primary reason for the absence of a post yesterday.
Monday
One of the truss design demo programs has some potential; it's not
clear how feasible this approach will be.
Water was seen dripping from the kitchen ceiling last evening.
Investigation today revealed a leaking joint in the water supply to the
sink in our bathroom. Unfortunately, most of the plumbing is inside
concrete walls. Fortunately, one of our guys was able to find and
repair the leak.
A third door was framed on the auxiliary building; two doors were
hung. More painting was done, a key box was mounted; and
another lockset was installed.
At 7:20 am we headed for Port-au-Prince; an hour later we arrived
at the Wesleyan church in the Cite Soleil section of the city. Another
team had been working this week pouring the reinforced concrete
walls between the posts. Both teams joined the local congregation
for their morning worship service.
Following that service, three of us joined Dan and Judain for a trip to
Babaco. Babaco is a rural village toward the Dominican border
from Port-au-Prince; it is the site where the Penn-Jersey team from
Pine Grove built a pole barn church in the summer of 2010. The
church there is wanting to put up a 4-room school. While we were
there, the people of the church insisted on serving us rice & beans,
and chicken.
Dan identified a need for designing wood trusses so some time was
spent scouring the web for free software. In fact, that web surfing is a
primary reason for the absence of a post yesterday.
Monday
One of the truss design demo programs has some potential; it's not
clear how feasible this approach will be.
Water was seen dripping from the kitchen ceiling last evening.
Investigation today revealed a leaking joint in the water supply to the
sink in our bathroom. Unfortunately, most of the plumbing is inside
concrete walls. Fortunately, one of our guys was able to find and
repair the leak.
A third door was framed on the auxiliary building; two doors were
hung. More painting was done, a key box was mounted; and
another lockset was installed.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
One More in the Books
Another work day is history. A doorway framed; more posts
painted; more batteries tested. 1x2 strips were ripped from a 2x6 to
make sides for screen frames. Two frames were assembled,
covered with screen and installed. A ground rod was cut from a
piece of rebar, sunk in the ground and connected to the generator. It
will be good to have a day off tomorrow.
painted; more batteries tested. 1x2 strips were ripped from a 2x6 to
make sides for screen frames. Two frames were assembled,
covered with screen and installed. A ground rod was cut from a
piece of rebar, sunk in the ground and connected to the generator. It
will be good to have a day off tomorrow.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Another Good Day of Work
Progress continued on the several projects that are underway. The
stairway posts have been set in place. The decorative wrought iron
panels between the posts have been attached. A top rail was set in
place.
A new pump was installed in the large cistern in the second building
on the property. The other day plumbing was installed to allow the
cistern in the main building to be filled from the cistern in the second
building.
Additional wiring was cleaned up; the cook's bedroom now has a
functional duplex outlet so a floor fan would keep the temperature
tolerable as long as electricity is available. Dead bolts were added to
the new doors. The cache of batteries for the power tools was
inventoried and recharged.
stairway posts have been set in place. The decorative wrought iron
panels between the posts have been attached. A top rail was set in
place.
A new pump was installed in the large cistern in the second building
on the property. The other day plumbing was installed to allow the
cistern in the main building to be filled from the cistern in the second
building.
Additional wiring was cleaned up; the cook's bedroom now has a
functional duplex outlet so a floor fan would keep the temperature
tolerable as long as electricity is available. Dead bolts were added to
the new doors. The cache of batteries for the power tools was
inventoried and recharged.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
One Down, One To Go
Wow! We've reached the half-way point in our ministry here. It was
another productive day in spite of the hot, humid working condition.
Good progress has been made on the stairway posts and painting of
the cooks bedroom. Another window screen was made. New door
knobs have been installed on a couple bedrooms.
As is typical for our trips to Haiti, we have been well fed. Electricity
has been rationed. Haiti power is extremely sparce. We typically
run the generator during the day for the power tools. It is then run in
the evening until about 10:00 pm. It's always refreshing to visit with
Dan & Joy for a while following dinner.
another productive day in spite of the hot, humid working condition.
Good progress has been made on the stairway posts and painting of
the cooks bedroom. Another window screen was made. New door
knobs have been installed on a couple bedrooms.
As is typical for our trips to Haiti, we have been well fed. Electricity
has been rationed. Haiti power is extremely sparce. We typically
run the generator during the day for the power tools. It is then run in
the evening until about 10:00 pm. It's always refreshing to visit with
Dan & Joy for a while following dinner.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A Visit to the Island
Monday evening we learned of an opportunity to visit the island of La
Gonave. Several of my trips have been to the island, but three of our
current team had never seen our mission station and hospital in Anse-a-
Galets.
So Tuesday morning we boarded the "Breezy Sea" for the 1 1/2 hour ride
across the Saint Marc channel. The plan was to spend a few hours
visiting then return to the mainland. We toured the hospital, the mission
station, and the new guest house. We also rode to the outskirts of town
where property has been purchased for an orphanage. A block wall has
been erected around the entire property for security. However, as so
often happens to plans in Haiti, our plans were changed. Our return
transportation to the mainland (the Breezy Sea) was still at the wharf at
Croix Luly (on the mainland) because the folks shopping for materials
were delayed by city traffic. By the time they finally returned, it was too
late to return. So not only did we have the opportunity to visit La
Gonave, we also had the opportunity to spend the night there.
Wednesday morning (today) at the appointed time we arrived at the dock
to board the Breezy Sea. The boat was there, but there was no sign of
the crew. A phone call revealed that the crew was looking in town for a
place to by some diesel fuel for the boat. About an hour later they
showed up with three 5-gallon cans of fuel. It was poured into the fuel
tank using a funnel made from a inverted gallon jug with the bottom cut
out. We were soon under way, and no sooner had we cleared the inlet
and headed for the open sea than the wind and waves picked up. Most
of the trip was through 3 to 6 foot swells with a few largers ones just to
keep it interesting.
This afternoon we were back to work. Stairway posts and railing,
painting, screens, plumbing to allow pumping water between the two
cisterns. We even took time to cool off in the water before supper.
Gonave. Several of my trips have been to the island, but three of our
current team had never seen our mission station and hospital in Anse-a-
Galets.
So Tuesday morning we boarded the "Breezy Sea" for the 1 1/2 hour ride
across the Saint Marc channel. The plan was to spend a few hours
visiting then return to the mainland. We toured the hospital, the mission
station, and the new guest house. We also rode to the outskirts of town
where property has been purchased for an orphanage. A block wall has
been erected around the entire property for security. However, as so
often happens to plans in Haiti, our plans were changed. Our return
transportation to the mainland (the Breezy Sea) was still at the wharf at
Croix Luly (on the mainland) because the folks shopping for materials
were delayed by city traffic. By the time they finally returned, it was too
late to return. So not only did we have the opportunity to visit La
Gonave, we also had the opportunity to spend the night there.
Wednesday morning (today) at the appointed time we arrived at the dock
to board the Breezy Sea. The boat was there, but there was no sign of
the crew. A phone call revealed that the crew was looking in town for a
place to by some diesel fuel for the boat. About an hour later they
showed up with three 5-gallon cans of fuel. It was poured into the fuel
tank using a funnel made from a inverted gallon jug with the bottom cut
out. We were soon under way, and no sooner had we cleared the inlet
and headed for the open sea than the wind and waves picked up. Most
of the trip was through 3 to 6 foot swells with a few largers ones just to
keep it interesting.
This afternoon we were back to work. Stairway posts and railing,
painting, screens, plumbing to allow pumping water between the two
cisterns. We even took time to cool off in the water before supper.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Work Continues
Sunday was a pleasant change of pace. Our team joined Dan, Joy and
Heidi (a short term missionary who is working with Joy) for a worship
service. A restful afternoon was followed by a refreshing dip in the
channel. The water near the shore is crystal clear (quite different from
Petit Goave); one can clearly see through 4 feet of water.
Monday has been another busy day. Work continued on the stairway
posts; each one needed to be custom fit to the existing holes in the stair
treads. Another coat of paint was carefully applied to the white-washed
walls. A scaffold was disassembled for its lumber. Electrical wiring for
the generator and in the circuit breaker panels was upgraded. The
washing machine was installed and connected. Tomorrow is another day.
Heidi (a short term missionary who is working with Joy) for a worship
service. A restful afternoon was followed by a refreshing dip in the
channel. The water near the shore is crystal clear (quite different from
Petit Goave); one can clearly see through 4 feet of water.
Monday has been another busy day. Work continued on the stairway
posts; each one needed to be custom fit to the existing holes in the stair
treads. Another coat of paint was carefully applied to the white-washed
walls. A scaffold was disassembled for its lumber. Electrical wiring for
the generator and in the circuit breaker panels was upgraded. The
washing machine was installed and connected. Tomorrow is another day.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
On Site and At Work
Sunday
For the last three days we have been without internet. Here is an update for the last few days.
Thursday
The travel to Haiti was relatively on-time and uneventful. We did sit on the plane in Miami for an extra 20 minutes or so while they tried to locate the last passenger or find and remove his luggage from the plane. In Port-au-Prince the immigration line moved without undue delay and baggage claim was successful in the end. The customs agent asked if we had any medicine (we had some insulin), and directed me to another officer who inquired further. When he learned that it was for our hospital and was not expired, he sent us on our way.
Dan had ordered hamburgers and french fries for us so we ate en-route to EKO-Depot, a local building supply store. After a few purchases there and more purchases at another building supply we headed north to Croix Luly, our home for the next two weeks.
Our "project" for this visit was helping with the refurbishing of the two buildings on this newly acquired property. It is situated just two properties from our existing wharf. It is a good size waterfront property with two houses. The houses have been uninhabited for many years so much maintenance and updating is needed. The vision for this property is very exciting: The site is ideal for a training center for local Pastors. The site will provide a cost effective opportunity for the missionaries on-site to "get away" for a few days. The site is a convenient staging location for ministry teams traveling to La Gonave. It also provides a residence for a missionary couple.
Friday
A variety of tasks were begun today. Shelves were built and installed in a storage building. Wiring for the pump that fills the water cistern on the roof was upgraded. A "functioning" shower head was installed. Metal bars on several of the windows were wire brushed and painted. One of four stairway posts was cut and set. One of the guys was also able to reposition and re-tension the hydraulic pump and belt for the rudder control on the Breezy Sea.
Saturday
Worked continued on the stairway posts. Installation of plumbing for the clothes washer began. The rooms in the auxiliary building are being reorganized. One of the rooms is being used for tool storage. Another one of the rooms in an auxiliary building was "converted" into a bedroom for Lousani the Haitian lady who is doing the cooking for us. That meant repairing the door so it closed and had a lock, putting screen on the three windows, and trying to paint the walls --- trying because the previous white-wash would flake off as the roller of latex paint was applied.
For the last three days we have been without internet. Here is an update for the last few days.
Thursday
The travel to Haiti was relatively on-time and uneventful. We did sit on the plane in Miami for an extra 20 minutes or so while they tried to locate the last passenger or find and remove his luggage from the plane. In Port-au-Prince the immigration line moved without undue delay and baggage claim was successful in the end. The customs agent asked if we had any medicine (we had some insulin), and directed me to another officer who inquired further. When he learned that it was for our hospital and was not expired, he sent us on our way.
Dan had ordered hamburgers and french fries for us so we ate en-route to EKO-Depot, a local building supply store. After a few purchases there and more purchases at another building supply we headed north to Croix Luly, our home for the next two weeks.
Our "project" for this visit was helping with the refurbishing of the two buildings on this newly acquired property. It is situated just two properties from our existing wharf. It is a good size waterfront property with two houses. The houses have been uninhabited for many years so much maintenance and updating is needed. The vision for this property is very exciting: The site is ideal for a training center for local Pastors. The site will provide a cost effective opportunity for the missionaries on-site to "get away" for a few days. The site is a convenient staging location for ministry teams traveling to La Gonave. It also provides a residence for a missionary couple.
Friday
A variety of tasks were begun today. Shelves were built and installed in a storage building. Wiring for the pump that fills the water cistern on the roof was upgraded. A "functioning" shower head was installed. Metal bars on several of the windows were wire brushed and painted. One of four stairway posts was cut and set. One of the guys was also able to reposition and re-tension the hydraulic pump and belt for the rudder control on the Breezy Sea.
Saturday
Worked continued on the stairway posts. Installation of plumbing for the clothes washer began. The rooms in the auxiliary building are being reorganized. One of the rooms is being used for tool storage. Another one of the rooms in an auxiliary building was "converted" into a bedroom for Lousani the Haitian lady who is doing the cooking for us. That meant repairing the door so it closed and had a lock, putting screen on the three windows, and trying to paint the walls --- trying because the previous white-wash would flake off as the roller of latex paint was applied.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Next Challenge
During our time in Haiti last May we learned of a budding opportunity for home refurbishing. A newly acquired property with significant potential for ministry impact had been uninhabited for years and needs substantial attention to plumbing, electrical and carpentry upgrades. Tomorrow morning five guys from across the Penn-Jersey District head to Haiti to undertake this task.
As before, I hope to update this blog on a daily basis; but as before, there is no guarantee of internet access, adequate time or sufficient coherence. So stay tuned and don't despair if updates don't arrive when you expect them.
As before, I hope to update this blog on a daily basis; but as before, there is no guarantee of internet access, adequate time or sufficient coherence. So stay tuned and don't despair if updates don't arrive when you expect them.
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