Although the flight out of Port-au-Prince was delayed about an hour due to slow processing at the ticket counter, our connection was not affected because we had a 3-hour layover scheduled in Miami. Otherwise the return trip was without incident and I was home about 9 pm.
Hopefully within the next week or so there will be a report of the trip distributed in the Penn-Jersey District Missions newsletter. If you haven't yet signed up for it, please do so at (http://eepurl.com/19miX).
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
The Last Leg
The trip across the channel was very nice. It's good to have some time to slow down and enjoy the water and the breeze. However, needs are always present. A couple hours were spent rewiring a bathroom light in the Ti Kay (little house) at the Ortlip Center.
It was quite a trip: trusses built and set at Croix Hillaire, cabinets taken down in the old hospital and moved to the new hospital. Wiring errors corrected in a newly built apartment on the La Gonave mission station.
Rewiring a light fixture at the Ortlip Center.
Tomorrow we head home. Thanks for all you prayers and support.
It was quite a trip: trusses built and set at Croix Hillaire, cabinets taken down in the old hospital and moved to the new hospital. Wiring errors corrected in a newly built apartment on the La Gonave mission station.
Rewiring a light fixture at the Ortlip Center.
Tomorrow we head home. Thanks for all you prayers and support.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Last Day on the Island
The day began with removal of the doors from the large work table so it would be easier to move. After hanging around for a while waiting for the truck to arrive, we went looking for other assignments.
The rest of the morning and most of the afternoon were spent troubleshooting the wiring in one of the relatively new apartments. Several of the duplex outlets were wired with reverse polarity; another outlet had loose connections that disabled the other daisy chained outlets. A completely dead ceiling light led to the discovery that two adjacent light switches were mis-wired. One switch was wired with the hot lead from two different cables; the other switch was wired with the switched lamp feed from those same two cables.
A late afternoon visit to the hospital revealed that the cabinets and piece parts had been moved to the new hospital. Unfortunately, we will not be around to witness the move of the large table.
The rest of the morning and most of the afternoon were spent troubleshooting the wiring in one of the relatively new apartments. Several of the duplex outlets were wired with reverse polarity; another outlet had loose connections that disabled the other daisy chained outlets. A completely dead ceiling light led to the discovery that two adjacent light switches were mis-wired. One switch was wired with the hot lead from two different cables; the other switch was wired with the switched lamp feed from those same two cables.
A late afternoon visit to the hospital revealed that the cabinets and piece parts had been moved to the new hospital. Unfortunately, we will not be around to witness the move of the large table.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
More Disassembly
We found another collection of cabinets destined for the new hospital. These could not be taken down as a unit so they were disassembled piece by piece. Because of this work it is now possible to move a large, heavy work table (34.5" x 94"). Hopefully we'll have some husky manpower tomorrow.
Monday, October 13, 2014
A Day in the Operating Room
Most of the day was spent in the main operating room of the old hospital dismounting a couple wall cabinet for reuse in the new hospital. Surprisingly we were able to get them down without too much damage; they will need new backs and new hanging strips but otherwise are in reasonable good shape.
Unfortunately, the prognosis is not so good for another wall of floor to ceiling cabinets that were build in place. They run wall to wall so have no sides. After the doors come off, the rest must be disassembled piece by piece. Some other team will have that opportunity.
We can now claim experience in medical equipment maintenance and repair. At the request of some visiting nurses we adjusted the foot pad heights on a wheelchair so they would not interfere with the swivel wheels.
Unfortunately, the prognosis is not so good for another wall of floor to ceiling cabinets that were build in place. They run wall to wall so have no sides. After the doors come off, the rest must be disassembled piece by piece. Some other team will have that opportunity.
We can now claim experience in medical equipment maintenance and repair. At the request of some visiting nurses we adjusted the foot pad heights on a wheelchair so they would not interfere with the swivel wheels.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
A Weekend Break
Yesterday was an early start at 6:00 am in order to get to the airport for the passenger transfer by 8:15. The group that had been on La Gonave headed home, and we headed to the Ortlip Ministry Center to get on the boat to La Gonave. We arrived at Ortlip a little after 9 am, but the boat didn't arrive until 12:30. We finally departed for La Gonave about 3:00 after additional fuel was purchased for the trip (It's good to have enough fuel).
It was good to see the folks on La Gonave again and even better that they seemed happy to see me as well.
Today was a welcome day of rest; we had a very good service with the missionaries this morning. This afternoon we briefly surveyed some of the potential projects for the next few days. No doubt we will be busy.
Unfortunately, one of our group returning yesterday took seriously ill and had to be hospitalized in Miami. The initial diagnosis was pneumonia. More tests are being done; she is being well care for. Prayers are appreciated for her and the familiy.
It was good to see the folks on La Gonave again and even better that they seemed happy to see me as well.
Today was a welcome day of rest; we had a very good service with the missionaries this morning. This afternoon we briefly surveyed some of the potential projects for the next few days. No doubt we will be busy.
Unfortunately, one of our group returning yesterday took seriously ill and had to be hospitalized in Miami. The initial diagnosis was pneumonia. More tests are being done; she is being well care for. Prayers are appreciated for her and the familiy.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Phase One Last Day
Purlins finished; braces set; end of story. Well, not quite. We ran out of money before the steel could be bought for the roof so Wilson and his crew will install the steel when funds allow (need about $2200). Pastor Duverssaint, his wife, and several church leaders held a reception for us. They were very generous with their thanks and positive comments about us and our work. The gave us signed copies of the New Testament in three languages (German, French, English). Our work at Croix Hilaire is done so tomorrow we'll head to Port then on to the Ortlip Center.
Due to unexpected injuries at home, one of our team will be returning to the States tomorrow with the team that had been on La Gonave this past week. Two of us will continue to the Ortlip Center to find out what might in store for us for the next few days.
A few reflections on this part of the trip. As rebuild/reconstruction trips go, this one has been the most rewarding for us largely due to the Pastoral leadership and engagement of the local congregation. Not only did the Pastor warmly welcome us, he also worked with us daily. His wife prepared delicious Haitian meals each day for lunch. Many of the local congregation labored along side us, and we had a great time learning to communicate in spite of language differences.
Due to unexpected injuries at home, one of our team will be returning to the States tomorrow with the team that had been on La Gonave this past week. Two of us will continue to the Ortlip Center to find out what might in store for us for the next few days.
A few reflections on this part of the trip. As rebuild/reconstruction trips go, this one has been the most rewarding for us largely due to the Pastoral leadership and engagement of the local congregation. Not only did the Pastor warmly welcome us, he also worked with us daily. His wife prepared delicious Haitian meals each day for lunch. Many of the local congregation labored along side us, and we had a great time learning to communicate in spite of language differences.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
A Haiti Adventure
This is Haiti; one never knows what lies ahead. Progress has come with uncharacteristic ease so far. Just after we passed through Grand Goave on the way back to the guest house this afternoon, Judain pulled the truck to the side of the road; Wilson got out and announced that the truck had a flat tire. It took only 50 minutes to get the truck jacked up and the tire changed.
It was another very good day at the church. The remaining 10 trusses were set, and about half of the purlins were put in place.
It was another very good day at the church. The remaining 10 trusses were set, and about half of the purlins were put in place.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Moving Right Along
Writing posts reminds me a little of writing monthly progress reports when I was still gainfully employed. The length of the report was inversely proportional to the amount accomplished. When the accomplishments were many, the report merely listed them, and that was it. When little was accomplished, the report would expound on the ideas identified, the test performed, the analysis of failures, and plans for the next month.
Posts for this trip have been brief because much has been accomplished. So, at the end of this work day - all positioning blocks for the trusses on the headers were placed; and 11 of 21 trusses were set in place.
Those alert among you will recall that we built 22 trusses. Unfortunately, when we were raising the third truss, our coordination lapsed and two gussets snapped. Without realizing it, we had made adequate preparations.
Posts for this trip have been brief because much has been accomplished. So, at the end of this work day - all positioning blocks for the trusses on the headers were placed; and 11 of 21 trusses were set in place.
Those alert among you will recall that we built 22 trusses. Unfortunately, when we were raising the third truss, our coordination lapsed and two gussets snapped. Without realizing it, we had made adequate preparations.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
A Slightly Slower Pace
The pace was a bit slower today with a couple unplanned breaks thanks to a shortage of screws. However, the inventory was replenished and the day ended with significant progress. All 22 trusses are completely assembled, and the rough cut 2x6 header boards are in place. Less than 3 days of work to layout, cut and assemble twenty-two 36' trusses. Tomorrow is truss raising day.
The Pastor's wife has been providing top-notch Haitian cuisine each work day for lunch.
The Pastor's wife has been providing top-notch Haitian cuisine each work day for lunch.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Two More Good Days
Yesterday was a welcome day of worship and rest. We attended the morning service at a children's home not far from the guest house. After the service, we toured the facilities and visited with the children. The rest of the day was allocated to resting and relaxing.
Today was another very good day of work. The first 11 trusses were completely assembled. All of the gussets are now cut. A purchase of lumber was made for the remaining trusses, the 2x6 rough cut header, and enough 2x4s for 6 runs of purlins. All the pieces needed for the remaining 11 trusses have been cut.
Today was another very good day of work. The first 11 trusses were completely assembled. All of the gussets are now cut. A purchase of lumber was made for the remaining trusses, the 2x6 rough cut header, and enough 2x4s for 6 runs of purlins. All the pieces needed for the remaining 11 trusses have been cut.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
A Good Day of Work
The first day of work is in the books, and we're feeling quite satisfied with the progress in spite of the heat; even Wilson was hot. The 1 hour 20 minute ride from the guest house to the work site included 2 stops for water and ice. Although the ride was long, the accommodations at the guest house awaiting us at the end of the long, hot work day makes the ride worthwhile.
We were warmly greeted by the Pastor and several others who were awaiting our arrival. After unloading the lumber and surveying the work area, we laid out the boards for the truss design. Those boards were then used as patterns for cutting the pieces for subsequent trusses. The Pastor's wife prepared lunch for us, and several other folks helped with handling the material.
By the end of the work day one truss was completely assembled and a second needed only gussets applied to the second side. About half of the needed gussets for the entire job were cut.
Tomorrow we rest and anticipate a very productive coming week.
We were warmly greeted by the Pastor and several others who were awaiting our arrival. After unloading the lumber and surveying the work area, we laid out the boards for the truss design. Those boards were then used as patterns for cutting the pieces for subsequent trusses. The Pastor's wife prepared lunch for us, and several other folks helped with handling the material.
By the end of the work day one truss was completely assembled and a second needed only gussets applied to the second side. About half of the needed gussets for the entire job were cut.
Tomorrow we rest and anticipate a very productive coming week.
Friday, October 3, 2014
To the Work
Today was the parting of the ways. Five left the Ortlip Center this morning bound for La Gonave on the Breezy Sea. None of the five are planning Internet connectivity so we're not likely to have regular updates.
Three of us headed to the guest house where we'll be staying in Leogane. The route took us first to the airport to claim the forgotten bag then to rendezvous with a taxi driver who would take the suitcase to Ortlip so it could get to its owner on the next channel crossing. The next stop was at MSC to purchase the lumber we needed for half of the trusses; the particular store we chose did not carry lumber. Hungry stomachs took us to a pizza and burger place. Another rendezvous delivered parcels to Carl & Maya. Finally at the MSC in Tabarre we loaded the Canter and headed through Port-au-Prince to Leogane.
We arrived at the Family Health Ministries guesthouse just in time for dinner. It was very good to finally be able to stand up and walk around.
Tomorrow we're off to Croix Hilaire to unload the lumber and get to work.
Three of us headed to the guest house where we'll be staying in Leogane. The route took us first to the airport to claim the forgotten bag then to rendezvous with a taxi driver who would take the suitcase to Ortlip so it could get to its owner on the next channel crossing. The next stop was at MSC to purchase the lumber we needed for half of the trusses; the particular store we chose did not carry lumber. Hungry stomachs took us to a pizza and burger place. Another rendezvous delivered parcels to Carl & Maya. Finally at the MSC in Tabarre we loaded the Canter and headed through Port-au-Prince to Leogane.
We arrived at the Family Health Ministries guesthouse just in time for dinner. It was very good to finally be able to stand up and walk around.
Tomorrow we're off to Croix Hilaire to unload the lumber and get to work.
Arrived Safely
We're here; actually we arrived yesterday afternoon. On time flights; one bag may have been left at Port-au-Prince airport. We're checking on it. We all spent the night at the Ortlip Center. It was good to meet Dunstin & Nancy Stephens and renew friendships with Dan, Judain and Wilson.
Today we go our separate ways. Five head across the channel to La Gonave for the week. Three head to the southern part of the country to build some trusses for the church at Croix Hilaire.
Hopefully there will be Internet access throughout the week.
Today we go our separate ways. Five head across the channel to La Gonave for the week. Three head to the southern part of the country to build some trusses for the church at Croix Hilaire.
Hopefully there will be Internet access throughout the week.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Destination Haiti Again
On Thursday eight folks from four churches are scheduled to depart from Newark International Airport enroute to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, by way of Miami. Five folks are planning to spend a week working at the mission station on La Gonave with Janice Cotrone at the hospital and nursing school. Three others are planning to spend two weeks helping to put a roof on the church at Croix Hilaire just west of Petit Goave in the southern part of the country.
As time, energy, and Internet access permit, updates may be posted on this blog and/or the "Penn-Jersey District Missions" FaceBook page. If you are on FaceBook, I encourage you to join the "Penn-Jersey District Missions" group. Hopefully, photos will be posted in an album on the FaceBook page as well. You might also be interested in a recently launched newsletter that highlights the missions ministry of the Penn-Jersey District. Visit "http://eepurl.com/19miX" to sign up for the newsletter.
We are thankful for the financial support that has enabled this trip, and we ask that you continue your prayers on our behalf for health, safety, strength and wisdom. It is our desire that both missionaries and Haitian nationals will be encouraged by our service among them.
As time, energy, and Internet access permit, updates may be posted on this blog and/or the "Penn-Jersey District Missions" FaceBook page. If you are on FaceBook, I encourage you to join the "Penn-Jersey District Missions" group. Hopefully, photos will be posted in an album on the FaceBook page as well. You might also be interested in a recently launched newsletter that highlights the missions ministry of the Penn-Jersey District. Visit "http://eepurl.com/19miX" to sign up for the newsletter.
We are thankful for the financial support that has enabled this trip, and we ask that you continue your prayers on our behalf for health, safety, strength and wisdom. It is our desire that both missionaries and Haitian nationals will be encouraged by our service among them.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Wrapping it Up
OK, so it hasn't been a daily update. However, that should not be interpreted as a lack of engagement.
Friday did indeed begin with discussion of requirements for the trusses for the roof of the toilet that will be built for use by those waiting to see medical personnel. Initial parts were cut. Refinements were made with assistance from a computer based solution for the three sides of a triangle. Truss fabrication was put on hold by a request to remove a window in a wall near the hospital entrance. The window will be replaced with a door which will lead to the aforementioned toilet. For a completely different project some old door frames were ripped to use as concrete forms.
On Saturday the initial priority was assessment of Sureform counter tops that were to be joined for use in the operating rooms. Several of the cuts were not straight, and closer inspection indicated that appropriate tools were not on hand. Three of the A/C units in the operating rooms were run for 4 hours to verify the capability of the solar system; there were no problem encountered. With the last work day coming to an end it was back to the trusses. Gussets were cut and the first of three trusses was completed. Documentation (sketches and notes) on the truss components and assembly was prepared.
Sunday began with the morning worship service at the Anse-a-Galets Wesleyan Church (where we were introduced and asked to extend greetings). Shortly after the service concluded we headed to the dock where the outboard motors were being mounted on the Wesleyana. The ride across the channel was nice -- just enough bounce and spray to remind one that we were on the sea, but not enough to be uncomfortable. There was nothing more on the agenda but rest and repacking for the trip home on Monday.
We left the Ortlip Center this morning about 6:20am for a 9:40 am flight to Miami. After navigating immigration, baggage claim, and customs, we had enough time for a nutritious burger and fries from Wendy's topped off with a large serving of Haagen-Das. What better way to wrap up a week of ministry in Haiti. The flight to Philadelphia was on time and our checked baggage arrived with us; the rush hour traffic was better than anticipated. Thanks for your interest and prayers. Please continue remembering the missionaries on site who live these adventures 24/7; each visit increases my appreciation of and thankfulness for their service. Photos will follow --- soon I hope.
Friday did indeed begin with discussion of requirements for the trusses for the roof of the toilet that will be built for use by those waiting to see medical personnel. Initial parts were cut. Refinements were made with assistance from a computer based solution for the three sides of a triangle. Truss fabrication was put on hold by a request to remove a window in a wall near the hospital entrance. The window will be replaced with a door which will lead to the aforementioned toilet. For a completely different project some old door frames were ripped to use as concrete forms.
On Saturday the initial priority was assessment of Sureform counter tops that were to be joined for use in the operating rooms. Several of the cuts were not straight, and closer inspection indicated that appropriate tools were not on hand. Three of the A/C units in the operating rooms were run for 4 hours to verify the capability of the solar system; there were no problem encountered. With the last work day coming to an end it was back to the trusses. Gussets were cut and the first of three trusses was completed. Documentation (sketches and notes) on the truss components and assembly was prepared.
Sunday began with the morning worship service at the Anse-a-Galets Wesleyan Church (where we were introduced and asked to extend greetings). Shortly after the service concluded we headed to the dock where the outboard motors were being mounted on the Wesleyana. The ride across the channel was nice -- just enough bounce and spray to remind one that we were on the sea, but not enough to be uncomfortable. There was nothing more on the agenda but rest and repacking for the trip home on Monday.
We left the Ortlip Center this morning about 6:20am for a 9:40 am flight to Miami. After navigating immigration, baggage claim, and customs, we had enough time for a nutritious burger and fries from Wendy's topped off with a large serving of Haagen-Das. What better way to wrap up a week of ministry in Haiti. The flight to Philadelphia was on time and our checked baggage arrived with us; the rush hour traffic was better than anticipated. Thanks for your interest and prayers. Please continue remembering the missionaries on site who live these adventures 24/7; each visit increases my appreciation of and thankfulness for their service. Photos will follow --- soon I hope.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Tour, Fly and Build
My apologies for the belated update. The last three days have been busy and full (all good), and my laptop decided to not receive IP address data from the routers so my access to the Internet has been sporadic.
Tuesday was in fact the 10-hour grand tour. We stopped to take photos at Mais Gate, Cite Soleil, Quitus Chabain, Croix Hilaire, Papette, Leogone, and Place L'or. We also stopped at the Petit Goave compound; it looked much the same as in 2010. I was told that teams have stayed there several time during the last few months. At Croix Hilaire we were able to take several photos of the current state of construction and document the floor plan. Back at the guest house I was able to visit with the woman who is spearheading the development of an accredited 4-year nursing program at the new hospital on La Gonave. It was exciting to learn about the plan and to explore possible opportunities for visitors from North America.
Wednesday began with an early morning flight on MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) from Port-au-Prince to La Gonave. After settling into our room in the new La Gonave Ministry Center we toured the new hospital (where there are many details to be addressed before it's ready for patients), the old guest house (the interior of which has been gutted, except for the apartments at either end, in preparation for becoming the central supply for the hospital), and the old hospital (still serving the medical needs of the people of La Gonave). We also had opportunities to reconnect with the missionaries and other friends.
On Thursday Dan had a two-fold assignment for us. The first was to layout the location of the walls for the re-located information station at the hospital and drill holes for and set vertical rebar in preparation for laying the block walls. The second was to insulate and cover a wall opening that had been planned for a window. Again at meal times we were able to visit with other volunteers.
Sorry that I've not been able to select and process some photos yet; don't give up hope.
The word from the after dinner discussion is that on Friday we will be building three trusses for the roof of the toilet that is being constructed for use by the folks waiting to be seen at the hospital. That should be fun.
Tuesday was in fact the 10-hour grand tour. We stopped to take photos at Mais Gate, Cite Soleil, Quitus Chabain, Croix Hilaire, Papette, Leogone, and Place L'or. We also stopped at the Petit Goave compound; it looked much the same as in 2010. I was told that teams have stayed there several time during the last few months. At Croix Hilaire we were able to take several photos of the current state of construction and document the floor plan. Back at the guest house I was able to visit with the woman who is spearheading the development of an accredited 4-year nursing program at the new hospital on La Gonave. It was exciting to learn about the plan and to explore possible opportunities for visitors from North America.
Wednesday began with an early morning flight on MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) from Port-au-Prince to La Gonave. After settling into our room in the new La Gonave Ministry Center we toured the new hospital (where there are many details to be addressed before it's ready for patients), the old guest house (the interior of which has been gutted, except for the apartments at either end, in preparation for becoming the central supply for the hospital), and the old hospital (still serving the medical needs of the people of La Gonave). We also had opportunities to reconnect with the missionaries and other friends.
On Thursday Dan had a two-fold assignment for us. The first was to layout the location of the walls for the re-located information station at the hospital and drill holes for and set vertical rebar in preparation for laying the block walls. The second was to insulate and cover a wall opening that had been planned for a window. Again at meal times we were able to visit with other volunteers.
Sorry that I've not been able to select and process some photos yet; don't give up hope.
The word from the after dinner discussion is that on Friday we will be building three trusses for the roof of the toilet that is being constructed for use by the folks waiting to be seen at the hospital. That should be fun.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
In Port-au-Prince
Except for the insanely early start Monday was a good day. The flights were on time; and although the line at immigration was very long, it was in a single queue and served reasonably well served by 4 agents. All the baggage arrived and was "escorted" to the waiting vehicle by our favorite porters. Dan and Joy met us, and we shared lunch and a shopping trip before heading to the guest house.
Tuesday is shaping up to be a very interesting day. We are staying tonight at the Gilles' guest house in Port-au-Prince (where a team stayed in the spring of 2011). Tuesday while Dan is participating in a training session for some Haitian missionaries preparing to go to Burkina Faso in Africa, Joy will be returning to the Ortlip Center and on to La Gonave with the supplies purchased in Port. Meanwhile Wilson will be driving Pastor Luke and I on a tour of several of the churches that have been rebuilt including stops at Place L'or and Petit Goave (where we worked and stayed in 2010) and on to Croix Hilaire (which is a possible focus for the October trip).
The current plan is for Dan, Luke and I to take an MAF flight to La Gonave on Wednesday morning. That would be nice!
Tuesday is shaping up to be a very interesting day. We are staying tonight at the Gilles' guest house in Port-au-Prince (where a team stayed in the spring of 2011). Tuesday while Dan is participating in a training session for some Haitian missionaries preparing to go to Burkina Faso in Africa, Joy will be returning to the Ortlip Center and on to La Gonave with the supplies purchased in Port. Meanwhile Wilson will be driving Pastor Luke and I on a tour of several of the churches that have been rebuilt including stops at Place L'or and Petit Goave (where we worked and stayed in 2010) and on to Croix Hilaire (which is a possible focus for the October trip).
The current plan is for Dan, Luke and I to take an MAF flight to La Gonave on Wednesday morning. That would be nice!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
To Haiti Again
On Monday two of us are headed to Haiti to work with missionary Dan Irvine for a week. I'd love to provide an overview of our work plan, but this is Haiti, and plans change from day to day. We know we will be busy, and we know that we will be meeting real needs. For now that is sufficient. Stay tuned.
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.
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.
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