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.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
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.
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!
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!
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