The trip home was largely uneventful thankfully. The line at the departure terminal in Port-au-Prince was shorter than I have ever seen it; there was no initial x-ray and metal detector screening; we walked right in and were 4th in the queue for the ticketing agent. There was the typical long walk from de-planing to the immigration area in Miami, and the exit through customs was the most congested I've seen (there were 4 lines stretching the width of the baggage claim area waiting to clear customs). Once we were airborne from Miami the flight home was as expected.
It was wonderful to renew the friendships with the folks in Haiti. The trip was beneficial, productive and rewarding. The warm shower at home felt very good. Thanks for all your encouragement, prayers and support.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wrap Up and Head Home
The work was completed yesterday, and the day concluded with a celebratory trip to Edner's Cafe just up the street from the mission station. The extended party didn't end until about 10 hence no blog post yesterday.
On Wednesday the remaining batten strips were attached, and a couple custom fabricated pieces of plywood and 2x4s were used to block openings at the corners of the ceiling and walls.
After lunch we were able to visit the Okipe Children's Village; the construction of the Okipe Children's Village is a cooperative effort to provide housing and living space for about 70 children in the care of Madame Solliette, who is currently caring for these children in an unsafe 3-story building without adequate space. The move in date for these children is March 31. We also visited another orphanage in the area (New Beginnings) recently begun by a young man who works for WISH and his wife. On the way back to the mission station we drove through the saline, and area near the water that is home for many who cannot afford to live elsewhere.
Several months ago one of the business men in town opened a cafe not far from the mission station on the former site of the block factory he owns. Several of us went there for a snack after dinner.
The Wesleyana ride across the channel this morning was quite pleasant. The sun is shining brightly, and the temperature is higher and the sun more direct than we experienced on the island the last few days.
Tomorrow we are scheduled to depart Port-au-Prince at 10:25 am and arrive Philadelphia at 5:50 pm. We've had a productive and rewarding trip; it will be good to be home.
On Wednesday the remaining batten strips were attached, and a couple custom fabricated pieces of plywood and 2x4s were used to block openings at the corners of the ceiling and walls.
After lunch we were able to visit the Okipe Children's Village; the construction of the Okipe Children's Village is a cooperative effort to provide housing and living space for about 70 children in the care of Madame Solliette, who is currently caring for these children in an unsafe 3-story building without adequate space. The move in date for these children is March 31. We also visited another orphanage in the area (New Beginnings) recently begun by a young man who works for WISH and his wife. On the way back to the mission station we drove through the saline, and area near the water that is home for many who cannot afford to live elsewhere.
Several months ago one of the business men in town opened a cafe not far from the mission station on the former site of the block factory he owns. Several of us went there for a snack after dinner.
The Wesleyana ride across the channel this morning was quite pleasant. The sun is shining brightly, and the temperature is higher and the sun more direct than we experienced on the island the last few days.
Tomorrow we are scheduled to depart Port-au-Prince at 10:25 am and arrive Philadelphia at 5:50 pm. We've had a productive and rewarding trip; it will be good to be home.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Down to One
One more work day; we're making good progress. All the ceiling sheets are up; most of the long batten strips are attached. Still a few more short battens to attach and some trim work. Hopefully, we'll take some time tomorrow to visit the new children's village just out of town.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Back to Work
Three more work days; time to get back to work. Sheets of the ceiling boards go up today --- about 80% of the ceiling is covered. Batten strips were put over the joints and in between to secure the ceiling boards to the joists. A few more photos were posted on FaceBook.
The weather has been unusually mild. A little overcast most of the day; a slight breeze at times. A couple evenings there was a nice breeze through the guest house. With a full guest house and many fans the inverter is being taxed. The generators are shut down from 9 pm to 6 am in order to manage expenses. The last two nights the battery bank were depleted about 3:30 - 4:00 am; thankfully, the cooler temps and breeze sustained some level of comfort.
Two more days on the island.
The weather has been unusually mild. A little overcast most of the day; a slight breeze at times. A couple evenings there was a nice breeze through the guest house. With a full guest house and many fans the inverter is being taxed. The generators are shut down from 9 pm to 6 am in order to manage expenses. The last two nights the battery bank were depleted about 3:30 - 4:00 am; thankfully, the cooler temps and breeze sustained some level of comfort.
Two more days on the island.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Fontina Visit
We were able to attend the morning worship service at Fontina today. It seems that the road is more bumpy that it was last fall. There were about 70 or so adults and teens in the main service and another 30 or so children in their service. As one might expect, the energy level was high. Several folks made a point of greeting me. Work has progressed on the church building, but they are not yet meeting there. The worship service was in the room we used for our dining hall. Windows and doors are all set in the new building. The concrete sections covering the posts are done. The exterior wall has been "plastered", but it is a textured surface not a smooth one, and I'm not sure if that is the final surface or if another layer will be applied. The floor is poured, and a concrete and block raised platform area has been added. Remaining work is to put a smooth finish surface on the platform and floor and to put steps at the two side doors. Some photos have been posted on FaceBook.
After lunch back at the mission station, we took a walk through the market in town; I'm very thankful for supermarkets back home.
A few more hours of relaxation then its back to work tomorrow.
After lunch back at the mission station, we took a walk through the market in town; I'm very thankful for supermarkets back home.
A few more hours of relaxation then its back to work tomorrow.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Work Day Two
'Twas another good day of work although at first glance one might wonder what work we did. Blocks had to be cut and fit between the ceiling joists to provide a point for attaching the ceiling material. Forty such blocks were put in place. Working overhead while standing on bouncing scaffolding planks makes for very tired and sore legs (Brian's not mine). We are thankful for a day of rest tomorrow.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Work Day One
Lazying around and chatting with friends is done (for a while); it's time to get to work. Finishing a room in the new guest house is a multi-step process. After the block walls are laid and the concrete floor is poured, wood studs run from the top of the wall to the sloped roof line. Cross members are set; plywood is attached and a metal roof is installed. The exposed studs on the sides is covered with plywood, and a masonite-like material is used to cover the ceiling. Our task is to cover the sides and ceiling of one (or more) rooms.
By the end of work today we had the sides of one room covered. On to the ceiling tomorrow.
I've posted 3 photos in a FaceBook album (Haiti_13March). If you can't view them, feel free to friend me on FaceBook.
By the end of work today we had the sides of one room covered. On to the ceiling tomorrow.
I've posted 3 photos in a FaceBook album (Haiti_13March). If you can't view them, feel free to friend me on FaceBook.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
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.
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.
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