The day began at 4:15 am. We left Croix Luly (Dan & Joy Irvine's near the wharf on the mainland) at 5:35 am; by 5:45 pm the team and all their luggage were waiting to be picked up at the Philadelphia airport.
It was a great trip; much was accomplished; we are tired and fulfilled. Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Perhaps sometime in the next week I'll find time to post some reflections on the trip.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Homeward Bound - Phase Two
The journey in the Wesleyana across the channel was quite smooth and pleasant. We are enjoying the opportunity to relax, sleep, visit, and play in the water.
Our schedule for tomorrow will begin about 5: 30 am with an hour ride to the airport. We are scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia at 5:40 pm. It will be good to be home.
Our schedule for tomorrow will begin about 5: 30 am with an hour ride to the airport. We are scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia at 5:40 pm. It will be good to be home.
At Fontina - Part 2
Sunday:
After a visit to the OKIPE Children's Village, we headed back up the mountain to Fontina. It took an hour and fifteen minutes to travel the 4.5 miles.
Monday:
It was a long day of setting forms, pouring concrete, moving forms, pouring concrete. After 9 hours of work we had the 2 long sides and one end completed with 8' of concrete.
Tuesday:
Continued work on the second lift; by 2:30 pm the second lift was complete. The third lift extends about 2' to the header boards at the base of the roof trusses. Another 9-hour day resulted in the completion of one side.
Wednesday:
The morning was devoted to completing the third lift above the main entrance. Our work had come to a close. Over the next few days the Haitian mason and several local laborers will be able to complete the third lift. Several windows and doors were already on site, and a Haitian welder will set them in place and attach them to the rebar.
In addition to the concrete work, a few of the team members refurbished a swing set and sliding board.
It has been a tiring but rewarding experience. The Pastor and director of the school were very grateful for our work. The local folks have been most welcoming. We have been blessed beyond description.
After a visit to the OKIPE Children's Village, we headed back up the mountain to Fontina. It took an hour and fifteen minutes to travel the 4.5 miles.
Monday:
It was a long day of setting forms, pouring concrete, moving forms, pouring concrete. After 9 hours of work we had the 2 long sides and one end completed with 8' of concrete.
Tuesday:
Continued work on the second lift; by 2:30 pm the second lift was complete. The third lift extends about 2' to the header boards at the base of the roof trusses. Another 9-hour day resulted in the completion of one side.
Wednesday:
The morning was devoted to completing the third lift above the main entrance. Our work had come to a close. Over the next few days the Haitian mason and several local laborers will be able to complete the third lift. Several windows and doors were already on site, and a Haitian welder will set them in place and attach them to the rebar.
In addition to the concrete work, a few of the team members refurbished a swing set and sliding board.
It has been a tiring but rewarding experience. The Pastor and director of the school were very grateful for our work. The local folks have been most welcoming. We have been blessed beyond description.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Homeward Bound - Phase One
We are back at the mission station in Anse-a-Galets. The bumpy ride down the mountain never felt so good -- NOT.
We had a productive second week. Two concrete "lifts" of 4' each were completed. About half of the last 2' lift was also completed. The pastor expressed his gratitude and that of the congregation for our labors.
A few more photos have been posted to my Facebook page. Within the next few days I hope to provide more information about our second week at Fontina.
Tomorrow we're scheduled to ride the Wesleyana across the channel then head to the airport on Friday.
We had a productive second week. Two concrete "lifts" of 4' each were completed. About half of the last 2' lift was also completed. The pastor expressed his gratitude and that of the congregation for our labors.
A few more photos have been posted to my Facebook page. Within the next few days I hope to provide more information about our second week at Fontina.
Tomorrow we're scheduled to ride the Wesleyana across the channel then head to the airport on Friday.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
More Pictures Posted
Some pictures from our work at Fontina have been posted to my Facebook page. If you cannot view them, send me a friend request.
Today has been a nice day of needed rest and relaxation. Local artisans brought their wares to the mission station for us to shop. Some went snorkling again.
Just a reminder. Tomorrow we head for Fontina which means no Internet. We plan to be back at the mission station Wednesday evening.
Today has been a nice day of needed rest and relaxation. Local artisans brought their wares to the mission station for us to shop. Some went snorkling again.
Just a reminder. Tomorrow we head for Fontina which means no Internet. We plan to be back at the mission station Wednesday evening.
At Fontina - Part 1
Here's an summary of our week at Fontina.
Monday:
Although all travel in Haiti is "interesting", the trip from Anse-a-Galets to Fontina is in a class by itself. After a stop to fill jugs with drinking water (from a reverse osmosis facility in town) we took an hour and a half ride in two pickup trucks (with worn out suspensions) up the mountain never reaching a speed of 10 MPH, and most times traveling at less than 3 MPH. The "road" is rocky, bumpy, narrow, steep, rutted, uneven, unlevel, ..... Suffice it to say we were glad to have arrived.
The rest of the day was allocated to "settling in" to our accommodation for the next several days. The folks of Fontina had prepared (were in the process of preparing) rooms for sleeping, eating and showering. Air mattresses and mosquito nets were set up. Four guys hung hammocks, and another pitched a tent in the church building.
Prior to our arrival work had been done to level the ground at the church building and pour a footer. We were to later discover as we began to pour concrete, that the footer had not been made as level and smooth as we had expected.
Shortly after supper we were ready for bed.
Tuesday:
Several horizontal runs of rebar and the verticals with them had been installed by folks prior to our arrival. Unfortunately, the last two horizontal rows had to be removed because they were not at the proper spacing. The rebar is run on approximately 15" - 18" spacing and the intersections of horizontal and vertical are tie wrapped to keep them in place. By end of day the rebar for the fist pour (lift) of concrete was ready, and much of that needed for the second lift was ready as well.
Although doors and windows will be iron (for security), wooden frames are used to define the locations during the pouring of concrete. One door frame was built and set in place. The Haitian crew leaders set the 4' x 8' plywood panels on either side of the posts as the forms for pouring concrete, and the panels were braced with 2x4s (or whatever was available) to prevent bulging. The building has 6"x6" posts set on 8' centers so each lift results in a 4' high section of the wall.
Fortunately, we were able to have an ATV with us, and it was put to good use as we need additional fuel for the generator.
Wednesday:
Pouring of concrete began. Two local laborers were hired to mix concrete (by hand). Another two general laborers were hired to help out. Aggregate and sand were mixed in a flat area on the ground using shovels. Cement was poured over the mix and all worked together. Then water was added and mixing continued. A bucket brigade consisting of many of the team members and several local folks who had gathered to watch the progress was used to transport the concrete to the needed location where the Haitian mason dumped it into the form and tapped down. After 3 or 4 hours of curing in the hot sun, the concrete was set enough that the panels could be move to another section. By end of day one end and one side had been poured.
The other 3 door frames were completed, and the building of window frames got underway. Work on setting rebar on up the the walls continued.
Thursday:
Setting plywood panels and pouring of concrete continued. By end of day the first lift was completed all around the building.
The building of window frames continued until all 2x6 material was used. We learned later that there are more windows in this building than in others, and the lumber supplied was based on prior construction.
Junction boxes for outlets and switches will be installed around the building at the 4' level. About half of the junction boxes have been set and conduit run up to the header plates in preparation for the second lift of concrete. Although there is no city power in Fontina, they do have a generator that is run at times.
One of our team members could come for only one week; he left Fontina today to begin his trip to Port-au-Prince for his flight Saturday.
Tonight we had goat complements of Pastor Gesley, pastor of the congregation here in Fontina. Madame Sammie, one of the cooks at the guest house, has come to Fontina with us. As Pastor Dan Irvine told me as we were planning this trip, she can cook as well over charcoal as she can on a propane stove - and she can! The food we have here is the same as what we're served at the mission station.
Friday:
Another window frame was built from lumber that was delivered yesterday. The only available lumber was 2"x8" so it will have to ripped to 6". Some of the rebar near the top had to be threaded through the braces so more holes had to be drilled.
The primary focus for this morning was the pouring the second lift in the back and left side panels that have windows. This turned out to be a challenge because it seemed to take longer that it should to get plywood panels moved and concrete mixed. However we persevered, and by 1:45 pm it was done.
Throughout the week many of the folks from the community would gather to watch this groups of "blancs" work on their church. The Pastor expressed to me the gratefulness of him and the congregation for our work on their church. Several of the local folks, teens and adults, would join the bucket brigade and join in the call of "bucket, bucket" while waiting for the buckets to make their way along the line. Even the Pastor and the Director of the school joined in.
Our tools were stored for the weekend, and we made the 1 1/2 hour trip down the mountain in 2 trucks and an ATV. It will be very good to relax for a couple days.
Still working on some photos to upload; stay tuned.
Monday:
Although all travel in Haiti is "interesting", the trip from Anse-a-Galets to Fontina is in a class by itself. After a stop to fill jugs with drinking water (from a reverse osmosis facility in town) we took an hour and a half ride in two pickup trucks (with worn out suspensions) up the mountain never reaching a speed of 10 MPH, and most times traveling at less than 3 MPH. The "road" is rocky, bumpy, narrow, steep, rutted, uneven, unlevel, ..... Suffice it to say we were glad to have arrived.
The rest of the day was allocated to "settling in" to our accommodation for the next several days. The folks of Fontina had prepared (were in the process of preparing) rooms for sleeping, eating and showering. Air mattresses and mosquito nets were set up. Four guys hung hammocks, and another pitched a tent in the church building.
Prior to our arrival work had been done to level the ground at the church building and pour a footer. We were to later discover as we began to pour concrete, that the footer had not been made as level and smooth as we had expected.
Shortly after supper we were ready for bed.
Tuesday:
Several horizontal runs of rebar and the verticals with them had been installed by folks prior to our arrival. Unfortunately, the last two horizontal rows had to be removed because they were not at the proper spacing. The rebar is run on approximately 15" - 18" spacing and the intersections of horizontal and vertical are tie wrapped to keep them in place. By end of day the rebar for the fist pour (lift) of concrete was ready, and much of that needed for the second lift was ready as well.
Although doors and windows will be iron (for security), wooden frames are used to define the locations during the pouring of concrete. One door frame was built and set in place. The Haitian crew leaders set the 4' x 8' plywood panels on either side of the posts as the forms for pouring concrete, and the panels were braced with 2x4s (or whatever was available) to prevent bulging. The building has 6"x6" posts set on 8' centers so each lift results in a 4' high section of the wall.
Fortunately, we were able to have an ATV with us, and it was put to good use as we need additional fuel for the generator.
Wednesday:
Pouring of concrete began. Two local laborers were hired to mix concrete (by hand). Another two general laborers were hired to help out. Aggregate and sand were mixed in a flat area on the ground using shovels. Cement was poured over the mix and all worked together. Then water was added and mixing continued. A bucket brigade consisting of many of the team members and several local folks who had gathered to watch the progress was used to transport the concrete to the needed location where the Haitian mason dumped it into the form and tapped down. After 3 or 4 hours of curing in the hot sun, the concrete was set enough that the panels could be move to another section. By end of day one end and one side had been poured.
The other 3 door frames were completed, and the building of window frames got underway. Work on setting rebar on up the the walls continued.
Thursday:
Setting plywood panels and pouring of concrete continued. By end of day the first lift was completed all around the building.
The building of window frames continued until all 2x6 material was used. We learned later that there are more windows in this building than in others, and the lumber supplied was based on prior construction.
Junction boxes for outlets and switches will be installed around the building at the 4' level. About half of the junction boxes have been set and conduit run up to the header plates in preparation for the second lift of concrete. Although there is no city power in Fontina, they do have a generator that is run at times.
One of our team members could come for only one week; he left Fontina today to begin his trip to Port-au-Prince for his flight Saturday.
Tonight we had goat complements of Pastor Gesley, pastor of the congregation here in Fontina. Madame Sammie, one of the cooks at the guest house, has come to Fontina with us. As Pastor Dan Irvine told me as we were planning this trip, she can cook as well over charcoal as she can on a propane stove - and she can! The food we have here is the same as what we're served at the mission station.
Friday:
Another window frame was built from lumber that was delivered yesterday. The only available lumber was 2"x8" so it will have to ripped to 6". Some of the rebar near the top had to be threaded through the braces so more holes had to be drilled.
The primary focus for this morning was the pouring the second lift in the back and left side panels that have windows. This turned out to be a challenge because it seemed to take longer that it should to get plywood panels moved and concrete mixed. However we persevered, and by 1:45 pm it was done.
Throughout the week many of the folks from the community would gather to watch this groups of "blancs" work on their church. The Pastor expressed to me the gratefulness of him and the congregation for our work on their church. Several of the local folks, teens and adults, would join the bucket brigade and join in the call of "bucket, bucket" while waiting for the buckets to make their way along the line. Even the Pastor and the Director of the school joined in.
Our tools were stored for the weekend, and we made the 1 1/2 hour trip down the mountain in 2 trucks and an ATV. It will be very good to relax for a couple days.
Still working on some photos to upload; stay tuned.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Back to Town
We are back at the mission station in Anse-a-Galets for the weekend. We're thankful for a chance to slow down and rest up. We'll most likely head back up to Fontina Sunday afternoon.
As you should have deduced from the absence of postings, there is no Internet connectivity from Fontina. For all intents and purposes neither is there Digicel phone service. A relatively new communications carrier, Natcom, does provide service; and although one of you team members has Natcom service, we only used it for pressing needs.
In the next day or so, I'll try to post a summary of our week of work, and I'll try to get a few more pictures posted on my Facebook page.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Up the Mountain
Today was a good day of reflection, relaxation and rest. Some of us spent an hour or so in the morning worship at the local Haitian Wesleyan Church. We also attended a "missionary service" (in English) with the missionaries on the mission station. After lunch some of us went snorkeling at a sandbar just off shore from the dock. Final preparations have been made for our trip to Fontina tomorrow morning.
This afternoon some pictures have been posted in an album on my Facebook page.
It is not clear how accessible phone service and Internet connectivity will be. We plan to be back at the mission station on Friday evening. So --- don't be concerned if there are no further entries for a few days.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
To the Island
One never knows quite what to expect when in Haiti. This morning we walked next door to the wharf where we were to board the Wesleyana (a sailboat from decades ago with two outboard motors) for the 12-mile journey across the Saint Marc channel to La Gonave. At the wharf we watched as an ATV was loaded onto the sailboat. While some held the ropes to keep the boat against the dock, one drove the ATV 'til it's front wheels were on the boat then four guys jockeyed the ATV until it was sitting in the hull. Our luggage was loaded around it; the cargo was covered with a tarp; and we finally boarded ourselves. The water was the calmest I've experienced, and the crossing took only 90 minutes.
In a meeting with the station manager we refined the logistics for supplying water (potable and cooking), food, and other accommodation factors. Meal times included conversations with various missionary families on the mission station. It was very encouraging to see the progress on the new hospital and new guesthouse.
Tomorrow will be a day of worship, rest and final preparation for our work in Fontina. Monday we head up the mountain.
In a meeting with the station manager we refined the logistics for supplying water (potable and cooking), food, and other accommodation factors. Meal times included conversations with various missionary families on the mission station. It was very encouraging to see the progress on the new hospital and new guesthouse.
Tomorrow will be a day of worship, rest and final preparation for our work in Fontina. Monday we head up the mountain.
Friday, August 31, 2012
In the Country
We have arrived in Haiti! The trip was relatively on time and uneventful - unless you consider a 20-minute delay for a couple of us on I-95 a non-event. The welcoming temperature was hovering around 90. Dan, Judain and the Canter were waiting for us, and the ride to Ortlip Ministry Center at Croix Luly was an "interesting" experience for the first timers. Following dinner tonight we hope to have a dialog with Dan to learn more of his vision for the ministry and his desires for our time here.
Tomorrow we expect to cross the channel to Anse-a-Galets. Hopefully additional dialog with Greg Edmonds will crystallize our plans.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Recovery Continues
Although there are times one wonders if recovery from the 2010 earthquake in Haiti will ever be complete, we keep addressing one project at a time. On Friday morning a team leaves for Haiti to continue the rebuilding of churches damaged by the earthquake. The focus of this trip is Fontina, a village in the mountains above our mission station in Anse-a-Galets on the island of La Gonave. In the summer of 2010 a team erected one of the pole-barn structures to replace the church that was destroyed. The second phase is to pour reinforced concrete walls; that is our task. Although Fontina is just a few miles from the mission station, the terrain (and what passes for a road) is very hostile to vehicluar traffic; and travel time is 2 hours one-way. In order to maximize our work time, the team is planning to stay on site for several days at a time. The only electricity will be supplied by a generator that runs during working hours. Water for cooking and hygiene comes from a well nearby. Drinking water must be brought from the village below.
The eleven team members come from six churches across the Penn-Jersey District. For five of them this is their first trip to Haiti.
As in the past, I plan to periodically update this blog as long as the Internet is accessible and I'm reasonably coherent.
Your prayers for wisdom, strength and safety are always welcome.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Addendum
This trip was extra special for the nurse on our team. Read her blog at "http://trying2makeadifference.blogspot.com/".
Monday, March 26, 2012
It's in the Books
Haiti March 2012 is now history. Saturday, March 24: up at 5:20 am; breakfast at 6:00 am; on the road by 6:45 am. Travel to Port-au-Prince airport was uneventful; the flight to Miami was on-time. The hike from arrival gate to immigration seems to be longer each time I make it. The 10-hour layover in Miami afforded plenty of time to eat and preview some of the pictures we took. The flight to Philadelphia was on-time, and all our bags arrived with us. By 2:00 am Sunday we were home. Twenty hours en route make for tired travelers, but the opportunities to significantly impact the lives of Haitians and to encourage those missionaries who have left homes and families are blessings that cannot be adequately measured or described.
How can one quantify the joy and relief of a woman whose roof will not drip water from dozens of holes when the rains come? How can a mother express her thankfulness that the face of her son once again looks normal now that the growing tumor has been removed? How does a father describe his relief that medical treatment can be provided for his young son battling malaria? The construction of a new, larger guest house provides accommodations for the many teams that come bringing hope and healing to the people of La Gonave.
Yes, the needs are still many and solutions still come slowly, but lives are being changed, one person at a time. It seems that each trip re-emphasizes the challenge expressed by Edward Everett Hale: “I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”
Soon planning will begin for a trip in September with a current focus of continuing the rebuilding of churches damaged in the earthquake.
How can one quantify the joy and relief of a woman whose roof will not drip water from dozens of holes when the rains come? How can a mother express her thankfulness that the face of her son once again looks normal now that the growing tumor has been removed? How does a father describe his relief that medical treatment can be provided for his young son battling malaria? The construction of a new, larger guest house provides accommodations for the many teams that come bringing hope and healing to the people of La Gonave.
Yes, the needs are still many and solutions still come slowly, but lives are being changed, one person at a time. It seems that each trip re-emphasizes the challenge expressed by Edward Everett Hale: “I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”
Soon planning will begin for a trip in September with a current focus of continuing the rebuilding of churches damaged in the earthquake.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Back to the Mainland
With one last morning for work, we were able to install another screen; and still have time to have one last look at the progress on the new guest house and hospital.
The ride across the channal was exceptionally smooth. The sun was bright; the wind was strong. We were under both motor and sail so the crossing took only about 1.5 hours.
Some of us took a quick dip in the water prior to supper. We had a great time of visiting with Dan & Joy in the evening.
Although we're scheduled on a 9:30 am flight out of Port-au-Prince, we have a 10-hour layover in Miami so we're not scheduled in to Philadelphia until 1:05 am Sunday. Hopefully, we'll make it to church, but the eyelids might be a bit droopy.
The ride across the channal was exceptionally smooth. The sun was bright; the wind was strong. We were under both motor and sail so the crossing took only about 1.5 hours.
Some of us took a quick dip in the water prior to supper. We had a great time of visiting with Dan & Joy in the evening.
Although we're scheduled on a 9:30 am flight out of Port-au-Prince, we have a 10-hour layover in Miami so we're not scheduled in to Philadelphia until 1:05 am Sunday. Hopefully, we'll make it to church, but the eyelids might be a bit droopy.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
That's a Wrap
Visits and prayer with hospital patients; another screen for the guest house; two more windows with security bars; call it a week.
Greg took us on a tour through the town, out to the MAF airstrip, up to the Okipe Children's Village, and across the saline.
Tomorrow we head back across the channel for a night at the Ortlip Ministry Center before our flights home on Saturday.
This has been a very rewarding experience, and the first-timers will have many memories to share. Thanks for your interest and prayers.
Greg took us on a tour through the town, out to the MAF airstrip, up to the Okipe Children's Village, and across the saline.
Tomorrow we head back across the channel for a night at the Ortlip Ministry Center before our flights home on Saturday.
This has been a very rewarding experience, and the first-timers will have many memories to share. Thanks for your interest and prayers.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Roof is Done
It was a good day! We were able to complete the roof replacement for the hospital administrator. They obviously are extremely happy to have a leak free roof.
The moisture barrier was completed around the vertical portions of the center section.
There are several opportunities for tomorrow. Of course, there is always something to do on the new guest house construction. We also have a couple opportunities for more personalized visits with hospital patients and a visit to the Saline.
The moisture barrier was completed around the vertical portions of the center section.
There are several opportunities for tomorrow. Of course, there is always something to do on the new guest house construction. We also have a couple opportunities for more personalized visits with hospital patients and a visit to the Saline.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Working in the Heat
I'm tired. We spent the day working on replacing the roof on the hospital administrator's house. By lunch time we had removed the old tin from 1/4 of the house; we had fastened the new purlins in place adjacent to the old ones; and fastened a couple sheet of new tin. In the afternoon we finished the new tin, and began work on the next section. By 6:00 pm we had 1/2 of the roof completed. Hopefully we'll be able to finish the roof tomorrow.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Work on the Island
It's been a great day!
Our nurse has connected with a surgeon who comes frequently. Today was especially rewarding. There is a young boy who has a very large tumor on the right side of his face; it continues to grow. The doctor was concerned about the operating procedure, but was advised and encouraged by a colleague in the states to do the operation. This afternoon they did the operation. Although there were some tense moments, the operation was completed; and the boy is recovering.
The rest of us began working on the new guest house. Screens and safety bars need to be installed in the vents of the rooms, and a moisture barrier needs to be installed on the vertical portions of the center section. About 10:00 I joined one of the missionaries for a trip up the mountain to Fontina. Since we would be traveling on 4-wheelers, I was given an oral driver's exam by the missionary; it went like this: HIM: Have you ever driven an ATV? ME: no; HIM: Have you ever ridden a motor cycle? ME: no; HIM: Have you ever driven a car? ME: yes; HIM: That's good enough; let's go. We spent an hour on two ATV traveling about 2 miles. I had the opportunity to walk around the property where a pole barn church was erected by a Penn-Jersey team in the summer of 2010. There is also a Compassion school on the property. The trip down the mountain took only 45 minutes. Several places along the route provided beautiful views of the town and the water.
The afternoon was spent on the guest house. Mid-afternoon Greg, the station manager, and I visited the home of the hospital administrator. This house has a deteriorating tin roof, and needs repair or replacement. Later in the afternoon several of us went to the "hardware" store to buy the needed 1x4s and tin and take them to the house. Tomorrow we plan to start the roof replacement.
Our nurse has connected with a surgeon who comes frequently. Today was especially rewarding. There is a young boy who has a very large tumor on the right side of his face; it continues to grow. The doctor was concerned about the operating procedure, but was advised and encouraged by a colleague in the states to do the operation. This afternoon they did the operation. Although there were some tense moments, the operation was completed; and the boy is recovering.
The rest of us began working on the new guest house. Screens and safety bars need to be installed in the vents of the rooms, and a moisture barrier needs to be installed on the vertical portions of the center section. About 10:00 I joined one of the missionaries for a trip up the mountain to Fontina. Since we would be traveling on 4-wheelers, I was given an oral driver's exam by the missionary; it went like this: HIM: Have you ever driven an ATV? ME: no; HIM: Have you ever ridden a motor cycle? ME: no; HIM: Have you ever driven a car? ME: yes; HIM: That's good enough; let's go. We spent an hour on two ATV traveling about 2 miles. I had the opportunity to walk around the property where a pole barn church was erected by a Penn-Jersey team in the summer of 2010. There is also a Compassion school on the property. The trip down the mountain took only 45 minutes. Several places along the route provided beautiful views of the town and the water.
The afternoon was spent on the guest house. Mid-afternoon Greg, the station manager, and I visited the home of the hospital administrator. This house has a deteriorating tin roof, and needs repair or replacement. Later in the afternoon several of us went to the "hardware" store to buy the needed 1x4s and tin and take them to the house. Tomorrow we plan to start the roof replacement.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Worship and Rest
We joined the last 2 hours of the morning worship service at the Anse-a-Galet Wesleyan Church. Although we understood very little of what was said, we did recognize the tune of a couple songs. The service was certainly energetic and loud. We also joined the missionaries for a service in English.
After lunch some of our group went swimming and snorkeling. A couple of us were taken on a tour of the water line that WISH installed to bring water to the town. It's amazing that the system works as well as it does.
A large medical team arrive today from Scotland. Tonight there will be 6 of us in the new guest house room; six persons and 1 bathroom --- it should be interesting.
Tomorrow it's to work in earnest. Most likely we'll be working on the new guest house at least for a couple days.
After lunch some of our group went swimming and snorkeling. A couple of us were taken on a tour of the water line that WISH installed to bring water to the town. It's amazing that the system works as well as it does.
A large medical team arrive today from Scotland. Tonight there will be 6 of us in the new guest house room; six persons and 1 bathroom --- it should be interesting.
Tomorrow it's to work in earnest. Most likely we'll be working on the new guest house at least for a couple days.
Back to the Island
I started this about 8:30 pm Saturday, but ran out of time, energy and electricity.
The Wesleyana boat ride to La Gonave was one of the smoothest rides I've had. The cooks had lunch ready for us; it was good to see the folks again and to catch up on all that's happened.
Progress on the new guest house and the new hospital is beauty to behold. Seeing first hand on site is so much better than seeing the pictures that Greg and Justin have posted. I'll have to take many pictures to try to capture all the progress.
The three guys on this trip are staying in a room in the new guest house. The plumbing is functional; electricity is supplied from the WISH generator from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm just like the rest of the station. In our room we have batteries and an inverter that will power two fans through the night.
The Wesleyana boat ride to La Gonave was one of the smoothest rides I've had. The cooks had lunch ready for us; it was good to see the folks again and to catch up on all that's happened.
Progress on the new guest house and the new hospital is beauty to behold. Seeing first hand on site is so much better than seeing the pictures that Greg and Justin have posted. I'll have to take many pictures to try to capture all the progress.
The three guys on this trip are staying in a room in the new guest house. The plumbing is functional; electricity is supplied from the WISH generator from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm just like the rest of the station. In our room we have batteries and an inverter that will power two fans through the night.
Friday, March 16, 2012
A Good Days' Work
Travel for the day unfolded largely as planned. Flights were on time; all bags arrived with us; our porter and taxi driver were waiting for us. We arrived at the Ortlip Ministry Center in Croix Luly about 2 in the afternoon. Joy and Ser Lousani had lunch waiting for us.
The one project on the list for Croix Luly was the installation of a water pump for the washing machine. On a previous trip we hooked up a washing machine, but the water supply was via faucet and hose; it required manual attention to fill the machine for both wash and rinse. A couple guys on that trip thought a pressure controlled pump could be connected to provide unattended operation. A pump was obtained; a mounting fixture was fabricated; and fittings were assembled. The pump was brought with us, and this afternoon we completed the installation. An initial run this evening was as expected. Perhaps Joy will test it thoroughly tomorrow.
Some of the team cooled off in the water. Some just rested. After dinner we visited with Dan and Joy and learned more about their ministry here.
Tomorrow about noon we're scheduled to head to La Gonave for the rest of our time here. It will be very exciting to see first hand all the progress on the new guest house and the new hospital.
The one project on the list for Croix Luly was the installation of a water pump for the washing machine. On a previous trip we hooked up a washing machine, but the water supply was via faucet and hose; it required manual attention to fill the machine for both wash and rinse. A couple guys on that trip thought a pressure controlled pump could be connected to provide unattended operation. A pump was obtained; a mounting fixture was fabricated; and fittings were assembled. The pump was brought with us, and this afternoon we completed the installation. An initial run this evening was as expected. Perhaps Joy will test it thoroughly tomorrow.
Some of the team cooled off in the water. Some just rested. After dinner we visited with Dan and Joy and learned more about their ministry here.
Tomorrow about noon we're scheduled to head to La Gonave for the rest of our time here. It will be very exciting to see first hand all the progress on the new guest house and the new hospital.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Journey Begins - Again
In a little over 9 hours five of us are scheduled to head to Haiti by way of Miami. Four of us from Chi United Wesleyan and another from Stroudsburg Wesleyan are planning to spend a week at our mission station on the island of La Gonave, Haiti. Most likely we will be helping with repair and maintenance of homes (missionaries or Haitians) or construction of the new guest house.
As before, I hope to update this blog periodically. Stay tuned.
As before, I hope to update this blog periodically. Stay tuned.
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