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.
Monday, May 19, 2014
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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