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.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
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.
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