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.

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.

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.