Friday, October 4, 2013

A Job Well Done

A team of 6 persons from 4 churches in Penn-Jersey spent 2 weeks (Sept. 5-20) in Haiti serving on the island of La Gonave.  Prior to our leaving home there were 2 projects of possible focus for our work --- repairs to the Wesleyan school at the church in Anse-a-Galets, and work on the new La Gonave Ministry Center to prepare it for the rapidly approaching dedication of the new hospital. Once again it was evident that God had assembled the right number of folks with the right complement of skills and had prepared our minds and hearts for this time of ministry. (I’m not sure the bodies were properly prepared for the tasks, but they remained mostly functional throughout our stay.)

Upon our arrival it quickly became obvious that our focus needed to be on getting the new Ministry Center ready for the celebration that would take place one week after our return home.  For the last 2 ½ years work teams from North America and the UK joined with local laborers to erect a ministry center that would accommodate 44 overnight guests, provide food service for them and provide meeting space. (By comparison the old guest house could accommodate 18 overnight guests.)

Remaining work included: spackling, caulking and painting (multiple coats) half of the sleeping rooms, hallway, outer corridor, an office and a public restroom; ceiling panels and battens in two public restrooms; missing battens in other rooms; screens to be made and installed on 24 windows; a doorway to be framed; several doors to be hung or trimmed to fit; towel bars and tissue holders to be installed; bathroom and entry door locksets to be installed; security locks to be installed on the 12 exterior gates.

We used: 50 gallons of paint, 5 gallons of primer, 2 buckets of lightweight spackling, 1 bucket of drywall joint compound, 96 tubes of caulk, 250 board feet of lumber, 7 sheets of 4x8 Masonite, 4 pounds of nails, 2 ½ rolls of insect screen, and 50 gallons of gas for the generator.  We are thankful for the churches and individuals that supported us for this trip by contributing $7500 for materials and supplies in additions to funding our travel and living expenses.  Their support enabled us to also provide funds for the purchase of 2 paint sprayers, 2 doors, 5 locksets, 3 grinding wheels, welding rods/wire, 10 ft. PVC for downspouts, 5 bags of cement plus sand for the laundromat area, 50 bags of cement plus sand for the 2690 sq. ft. of ceramic tile for 5 bedrooms, office, public bathrooms, hallway and outer corridor; and we covered the labor costs for the local tradesmen that were hired for the laundromat and ceramic tile work.  Funds were also provided for the purchase of guest house furnishings: 4 toilets for public restrooms, 2 sinks for public restrooms, 10 beds, 10 mattresses, 10 pillows, 10 fans, and 5 mirrors.

Although we did not have the opportunity to work at the Wesleyan school, we did purchase 2 buckets of white reflective roof coating and paid for local laborers to apply it.

In the second week of our trip we were joined by a team from central Pennsylvania led by Justin Charles of Lenape Solar.  Justin has spearheaded the effort to provide a solar system for the hospital and mission station that will eliminate the dependency on diesel fueled generators for electricity.  During their week and a half stay they installed all the mountings for the solar panels on the hospital roof, the inverters, the batteries, and the control systems.  Had the solar panels themselves not been held up in customs, the entire hospital / mission station complex (including the new Ministry Center) would have been running completely on solar power by the time they returned home.  Unfortunately, customs processing delayed the solar panels release for another week.  However, according to posts on FaceBook received today, the panels were released by customs on Wednesday and transported to La Gonave yesterday and today.  Justin had instructed the missionaries on solar panel installation so within a day or so the sun will be providing all the electricity for the La Gonave Wesleyan Hospital / Ministry Center complex!

The hospital dedication took place on September 28.  It was attended by more than 200 dignitaries and guests.  The new La Gonave Ministry Center provided overnight accommodation for 44 guests and served meals to 70 persons in the dining hall.

Words cannot adequately capture the significant beneficial impact that will be realized by the people of La Gonave because of the ministries that have been enhanced and enabled by these new buildings.  It was a blessing beyond description to have been part of this adventure.  To God be the glory!


Friday, September 20, 2013

Arrived at Home

Up at 6:15 am; on the road at 6:35 am; in the air from Port-au-Prince at 10:35 am; on the ground in Philadelphia at 5:25 pm; in the house at 6:40 pm.  The trip was relatively uneventful.  The arrivals area in the Port-au-Prince airport has been substantially renovated; it looks more like a typical airport - great sign of progress.

It was an extremely productive and beneficial trip; I'll try (again) to post a recap in a few days.

Thanks for all your interest, support, and prayers.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Headed Home

First my apologies for not getting a post out last night.  Yesterday my fuel tank hit empty; thankfully it was just for the one day, and I was the only one affected so the work continued.

Yesterday was a long work day, but the results were well worth it.  Our goal was to make all the rooms on the north side of the guest house functional.  All the windows have screens on them.  All the rooms, bathrooms and hallways have been caulked and painted;  towel bars and toilet paper holders have been hung.   All the doors have been trimmed to size and hung, and locksets have been installed.  All the mounting brackets for the exterior gate locks have been welded to the gates. The local tradesmen will most likely have all the tile laid by the time we get home.

About 8:30 this morning we left the Wesleyan dock on La Gonave for the journey back across the St. Marc channel.  While not quite as calm as the trip over, this trip was among the smoothest we've had.  It's good to slow down, take a nap, do some snorkeling, catch some rays (there are plenty to be had), and repack for the trip home.

A few more photos have been posted.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

One More Work Day

We have only one more work day before we begin our trek homeward.  Today was another very productive day. More screens made and installed; of course more painting; progress on the security locks for the exterior gates.  It has been a very good trip.

Monday, September 16, 2013

A Good Day at Work

I've been told by a team member who ought to know that the caulking is all done; that's good because we also have used up all the caulk available.  Painting continues - will it ever end? Quite a few frames were made for window screens.

The tile workers are making good progress, and the solar installation team arrived today and went straight to work.

Check out the pictures on FaceBook.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Worship, Rest, and Relaxation

This morning we joined the resident missionaries for an English language worship service followed by the noon meal and a time of visiting. This afternoon a few of the folks went swimming (this time with the snorkling gear).  Others watched portions of the Chargers vs. Eagles football game -- how's that for primitive life in Haiti!

Tomorrow it's back to work full speed ahead.  We have 3 work days left; there is still plenty to keep us busy.  Pray with us for a strong finish.


Saturday, September 14, 2013

Time to Recharge

It has been an intense, full and focused week.  But even the hardiest of bodies need to be recharged once in a while.

This morning after breakfast we headed up the mountain to Fontina, the site of our work last September; the trip wasn't any quicker than it was last year.  Some parts of the road had sections of concrete tire tracks poured so the ride there was quite smooth (as long as the truck stayed on the concrete pads - it did).  However, other portions of the road had been eroded by water flow and were in worse shape than last year.  Nevertheless, we had a good visit.  Many of the folks recognized us and were happy to see us.  The church building is still not being used for services.  Compassion has funded the construction of a new school building adjacent to the church.  That work is complete and ready for use in the school year to begin in October.  Folks were clearing the rubble from the demolition of one of the old buildings that had been used for school.

This afternoon we rested; for a couple hours the entire team had taken a nap.  It was needed.

Floor tile for the guest house was delivered yesterday, and today the tile bos and his helpers were busy with the installation.  Also, delivery of the components for the hospital solar system began arriving at the mission station.



Friday, September 13, 2013

More Work

Work continues with full engagnement.  More than half of our time is behind us.  The progress is noticable.  We have expended all the excess energy that we might have brought with us, but each morning we're ready to go at it again.  We are however thankful for the weekend.  Check out the photos on FaceBook.


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Market Day

We worked just for a few hours this morning --- more painting and more door installations.  Just before noon we walked through town to the market --- nothing like Acme or Super Fresh.  All kinds of wares spread out on  tables or laid on cloths on the ground.  We chose not to buy here.  Some of us went to the sandbar for snorkling, but without masks and breathing tubes it's difficult to see under water.  So they settled for  some treadding water and sun bathing.  Some took a stroll through the saline - the flat land next to the water where folks who have no other place to live make whatever shelter they can.  Even in these circumstances folks greet us with a smile, and the little children come near to get a closer look at us blancs.


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Work Day Four

Progress continues.  It's  more of the same --- caulking, painting, mounting doors.  The temperature is not cooling down (we didn't expect it to).

We had a very good visit with Dan Irvine as he shared some of the work that remains to be done and the various opportunities for ministry teams.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Work Day Three

Another good day of work is over.  Ceiling panels in restrooms complete. One room with a second coat of paint. Much caulking applied.

One of the pictures I posted today shows a room with two coats of paint applied.  This is the same room that Brian and I worked on last March.  The photos from the March trip show this room without ceiling panels and with the ceiling panels and battens.  Now we have a picture of this room with two coats of paint applied.

To borrow a quote from Smokey and the Bandit: "We've a long way to go and a short time to get there."  However, our objective is much more noble than theirs.

As always, we are being fed very well.  We are grateful that none of us have had any health issues.  Continued prayers are appreciated for our wisdom, health and strength.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Work Day Two

'Twas another good day of work.  The ceiling panels and battens in one of the two public restrooms was completed; caulking continues; spray painting of one of the rooms was begun.

After the heavy rain storm Saturday evening, the weather has been a little more tolerable with an occasional breeze.  It helps that most of our work is under cover and some of it is in rooms that have very good air flow.

Photos on FaceBook show the folks "plying their trades."

Sunday, September 8, 2013

A Day Off

The recent schedule will certainly not be repeated; after only one day of work we get to take a day off.

Two volunteer chefs and a local stash of cooked lobster combined to provide lobster omelets and hash browns for breakfast along with cinnamon buns the cooks had prepared yesterday.

We participated in the English language morning worship service held on the mission station for the resident missionaries and shared the noon meal together.  The rest of the day was unstructured time for visiting, sight seeing, resting, checking email, ... .

Tomorrow it's back to work; it should be an interesting week.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

The Work Has Begun

In order to beat the heat, we have decided to start work at 6:00 am, and get in an hour so before breakfast.  So as the sun was just breaking the horizon we headed to the new guest house.  Several of the team began patching gaps between concrete and wood and caulking the hundreds of seams between ceiling panels and the batten strips that cover the joints.  A couple others put up batten strips in rooms that prior teams had not completed and began installing ceiling panels in other rooms.  Another team member began templating the fixtures for attaching locks to the exterior gates of the guest house.  By 3:30 pm we declared that day one of working was over.  We look forward to relaxing tomorrow then jumping into a full week of work on Monday.

I've added a few more pictures to my FaceBook album.

Friday, September 6, 2013

On the Island

We had a very pleasant (hot and calm) voyage across the channel to La Gonave; the water was as calm as I've ever experienced.  After lunch Greg took us on a tour of the guest house and identified the remaining tasks.  There is plenty of work to keep us busy.  After dinner Julian gave us a guided tour of the hospital; words are inadequate to describe the outstanding work that he has directed.

I hope to occasionally post a few photos on my FaceBook page.

Tomorrow we start to work.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

We're Here

Up at 3:30 am; at the airport by 4:30 am; in the air by 6:30 am; on the ground in Port-au-Prince before noon; pretty much as advertised.  In Miami we were joined by a lady going to La Gonave to teach ESL (English as a Second Language).  The Port-au-Prince arrivals area had been substantially renovated earlier this year.  We made it through immigration, baggage claim and customs without any difficulties.  Judain was waiting for us in the Canter.  We made a stop at DeliMart so Nancy could get some groceries before heading to the island.  For many of us it was the first experience in a supermarket in Port-au-Prince.  The inventory was quite large, but I would not want to buy the fish or meat on display.  We arrived at the Ortlip Ministry Center about 2:40 pm where we were greeted by Dan & Joy Irvine; it was great to see them again and to bask in the drenching sweat caused by 95 degree temperatures.

Tomorrow we head to La Gonave and have the opportunity to see first hand the progress on the hospital and new guest house (now know as the La Gonave Ministry Center).  We've heard that good progress is being made, but there is still much to be done before the September 28 dedication ceremonies.

We are all looking forward to a couple weeks of productive investment in our ministry in Haiti.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

In the Skys Again

Tomorrow morning six of us from the Penn-Jersey District of The Wesleyan Church should be headed to Haiti for two weeks of ministry in the form of manual labor.  We expect to spend our time at the mission station on the island of La Gonave, which is currently a beehive of activity.

A brand new hospital has been under construction for the last 18 months, and the dedication celebration is scheduled for September 28. At the same time, a new La Gonave Ministry Center is being constructed to provide better living accommodations for teams that come to share their skills and for local church leaders to meet for training.  There is a strong desire to have the Ministry Center completed for the hospital dedication.

We may also have the opportunity to do some repair and refurbishing of school facilities at the Wesleyan Church in town.

As in the past, I plan to periodically update this blog providing the Internet is accessible and I'm reasonably coherent.  Your prayers for wisdom, strength and safety are always welcome.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Home Sweet Home

The trip home was largely uneventful thankfully.  The line at the departure terminal in Port-au-Prince was shorter than I have ever seen it; there was no initial x-ray and metal detector screening; we walked right in and were 4th in the queue for the ticketing agent.  There was the typical long walk from de-planing to the immigration area in Miami, and the exit through customs was the most congested I've seen (there were 4 lines stretching the width of the baggage claim area waiting to clear customs).  Once we were airborne from Miami the flight home was as expected.

It was wonderful to renew the friendships with the folks in Haiti.  The trip was beneficial, productive and rewarding.  The warm shower at home felt very good.  Thanks for all your encouragement, prayers and support.



Thursday, March 7, 2013

Wrap Up and Head Home

The work was completed yesterday, and the day concluded with a celebratory trip to Edner's Cafe just up the street from the mission station.  The extended party didn't end until about 10 hence no blog post yesterday.

On Wednesday the remaining batten strips were attached, and a couple custom fabricated pieces of plywood and 2x4s were used to block openings at the corners of the ceiling and walls.

After lunch we were able to visit the Okipe Children's Village; the construction of the Okipe Children's Village is a cooperative effort to provide housing and living space for about 70 children in the care of Madame Solliette, who is currently caring for these children in an unsafe 3-story building without adequate space.  The move in date for these children is March 31.  We also visited another orphanage in the area (New Beginnings) recently begun by a young man who works for WISH and his wife.  On the way back to the mission station we drove through the saline, and area near the water that is home for many who cannot afford to live elsewhere.

Several months ago one of the business men in town opened a cafe not far from the mission station on the former site of the block factory he owns.  Several of us went there for a snack after dinner.

The Wesleyana ride across the channel this morning was quite pleasant.  The sun is shining brightly, and the temperature is higher and the sun more direct than we experienced on the island the last few days.

Tomorrow we are scheduled to depart Port-au-Prince at 10:25 am and arrive Philadelphia at 5:50 pm.  We've had a productive and rewarding trip; it will be good to be home.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Down to One

One more work day; we're making good progress.  All the ceiling sheets are up; most of the long batten strips are attached.  Still a few more short battens to attach and some trim work.  Hopefully, we'll take some time tomorrow to visit the new children's village just out of town.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Back to Work

Three more work days; time to get back to work.  Sheets of the ceiling boards go up today --- about 80% of the ceiling is covered.  Batten strips were put over the joints and in between to secure the ceiling boards to the joists.  A few more photos were posted on FaceBook.

The weather has been unusually mild. A little overcast most of the day; a slight breeze at times.  A couple evenings there was a nice breeze through the guest house.  With a full guest house and many fans the inverter is being taxed.  The generators are shut down from 9 pm to 6 am in order to manage expenses.  The last two nights the battery bank were depleted about 3:30 - 4:00 am; thankfully, the cooler temps and breeze sustained some level of comfort.

Two more days on the island.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Fontina Visit

We were able to attend the morning worship service at Fontina today.  It seems that the road is more bumpy that it was last fall.  There were about 70 or so adults and teens in the main service and another 30 or so children in their service.  As one might expect, the energy level was high.  Several folks made a point of greeting me.  Work has progressed on the church building, but they are not yet meeting there.  The worship service was in the room we used for our dining hall.  Windows and doors are all set in the new building.  The concrete sections covering the posts are done.  The exterior wall has been "plastered", but it is a textured surface not a smooth one, and I'm not sure if that is the final surface or if another layer will be applied.  The floor is poured, and a concrete and block raised platform area has been added.  Remaining work is to put a smooth finish surface on the platform and floor and to put steps at the two side doors.  Some photos have been posted on FaceBook.

After lunch back at the mission station, we took a walk through the market in town; I'm very thankful for supermarkets back home.

A few more hours of relaxation then its back to work tomorrow.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Work Day Two


'Twas another good day of work although at first glance one might wonder what work we did.  Blocks had to be cut and fit between the ceiling joists to provide a point for attaching the ceiling material.  Forty such blocks were put in place.  Working overhead while standing on bouncing scaffolding planks makes for very tired and sore legs (Brian's not mine).  We are thankful for a day of rest tomorrow.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Work Day One

Lazying around and chatting with friends is done (for a while); it's time to get to work.  Finishing a room in the new guest house is a multi-step process.  After the block walls are laid and the concrete floor is poured, wood studs run from the top of the wall to the sloped roof line.  Cross members are set; plywood is attached and a metal roof is installed.  The exposed studs on the sides is covered with plywood, and a masonite-like material is used to cover the ceiling.  Our task is to cover the sides and ceiling of one (or more) rooms.

By the end of work today we had the sides of one room covered.  On  to the ceiling tomorrow.

I've posted 3 photos in a FaceBook album (Haiti_13March).  If you can't view them, feel free to friend me on FaceBook.


Thursday, February 28, 2013

On the Island

The trip across the channel was "fun".  The Breezy Sea has been back in operation, and it was the selected mode of transportation.  A large load of lumber (1x4s for the hospital and 2x12s to be ripped for the new guest house) filled the cargo area.  Most of us ended up sitting on the lumber using life vests to soften the seat; a couple folks rode on the roof.  The winds have been strong recently, and in the middle of the channel we were in 3' swells.  The boat rolled gently side to side (and a few time not so gently).  The load and waves combined to stretch the crossing to 1:50 instead of the 1:20-1:30.

It was great to greet the folks here again; they are still happy to see us return.  Progress on both the new hospital and the new guest house is continuing.  The dedication of the hospital is scheduled for September 28 so there is a clarity to the focus of that work.  In addition there are meetings among the medical and administrative personnel with respect to operational practices and procedures that need to be in place when the hospital opens.

Our task this week is to put up the ceiling in a room of the new guest house.  Tomorrow we start in earnest.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

In the Country

We have arrived.  Travel was largely as scheduled, in fact we arrived in Port-au-Prince a few minutes early.  There are encouraging signs of recovery.  The new arrivals facility is operational in the repaired terminal building.  There is a 12-station immigration area, and the baggage claim area has the baggage carousel that we all know and love.  One is still mobbed by eager porters, but that is just part of the economy.  Greg was sharing that in several places road paving is being done, and a very nice children's playground has been set up  in one area of town.

We arrived at the Ortlip Ministry Center mid-afternoon and enjoy the opportunity to rest and visit.  The plan is to cross the channel to La Gonave tomorrow.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Headed South Once More

The alert among you already know that I never did get back to posting any reflections from our September 2012 trip. Quickly upon returning we get immersed in the various responsibilities of life, and the months slip by.  It is exciting to report that the work did not cease upon our departure.  Local laborers completed pouring the walls and applied a finishing plaster-like coat to the walls.  The iron doors and windows were also set in place.  Our District was able to provide funds to enable this work and to cover the cost of pouring a concrete floor.

It's time for another trip.  Tomorrow morning two of us from the Chichester United Weselyan Church are scheduled to leave for Haiti.  This is the first trip to Haiti for Brian, and both of us are eager to engage with our friends there.  Most likely we will be continuing work on the new guest house at our mission station on La Gonave.

As in the past, I plan to periodically update this blog providing the Internet is accessible and I'm reasonably coherent.  Your prayers for wisdom, strength and safety are always welcome.