(Our internet is very slow right now. This was written last night).
God is good. There must be amazing things to be done here in our lives and lives of the people around us b/c out of the starting gate our flight was delayed and we were told we’d miss our connecting flight. A long story short, we got rerouted and were transported by vans 4 hours to from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale.
The adventure continued from Port-au-Prince. What one member calls “a 10 hour ride in a paint shaker,” our very skilled Haiti Rally Car Team drove us, in what we know as big yellow, through towns and crossed rivers (9+), up and down ravines scattered with boulders (seriously boulders). There’s plenty more bus stories to share we when get home but the bus itself and drivers were amazing. Some of us took a small plane (which the rest of us will probably do next time) but we’re glad (not our spleens and kidneys) we had the experience. Oh by the way, there was one of the transporters and 60+ chickens that rode on top the whole time. Crazy. We all arrived safe, pitched our tents and we’re out for the night.
The morning started off with a trip through town, an orientation and an opportunity to understand the true meaning of why we are here. The stories Jody shared of her growing up and the amazing ways God has moved in the country brought tears to our eyes. There is a lot of bondage, a lot of fear by the people but oh how God is moving in the lives of all those involved and being served by this ministry.
One of the groups began welding bunk beds, some began painting, furniture and sewing machines were moved, others played games and invited children to the movies and began building relationships in the community. The Boat builders were a little surprised by the lumber. We actually hauled logs out of a field and loaded them on the truck. Logs! It wasn’t what we expected but it provided us the opportunity to witness a true Haitian boat builder use his skills with an axe to make straighter, smoother cuts than we could with most electric tools.
God has plans we can’t even imagine. We pray that he opens our hearts and minds to what he has in store for us and the people we come in contact with this week. Ik how van jow. Everyone one else says hi to their wives, kids, family and friends. We love you.
From the Black Mountain Group
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Another amazing day in Haiti with the people who never cease to keep us going with their persistence to complete a job and almost always with a smile. The chickens made it over the 9 hour ride from PAP to the Mole. They are beautiful.
We are in the process of building chicken coups thanks to Momma GiGi and Marvin and Barbara. The braces for the sides are cut and the wire will be here tomorrow. Marvin spent considerable time preparing the garden for beans, corn and okra. It will take a few days to complete the weeding and preparation of the soil. At the end of the day we went swimming in the Caribbean with our clothes on! It is so turquoise and marine blue and the sand is white and smooth. The children need love. Pray for them and don’t worry about us!
From the Cincinnati Group
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This is Mendy typing…..so this is my perspective…..I am wording, grace please!
Men got right to it showing the Haitians how to work much of the equipment they have. I got some great pictures of Kevin and the saw. Cliff was showing them how to re wire something. Allen was showing some details about the welding. All in all this is what the men did today:
Built some lasting relationships with other Haitian men
Started on the bunk beds…..which we will finish 3 beds all 3 tier high (24 total)
Showed Henry how to cut, measure, and lay out the steel with welding materials…
After getting an I.V. for Kim and letting her rest for the day (more on that later), Gayla, Sarah, Mendy, and McKyla organized all the supplies and blew up volleyballs after breakfast. Then in the afternoon McKayla stayed back and played with the local kids….she used the ipod to dance to Bieber’s “baby baby baby” song. These Haitain kids really know how to shake it and they actually knew that Bieber song.
Mendy, Gayla, and Sarah swepted and cleaned trash out of one of the future orphan houses then put one coat of paint on the interior.
The highlight of Cliff’s day was seeing the Haitian men jump in and express and eagerness to help and learn.
The highlight of Allen’s day was making friends with the men that are helping to assemble the beds. Allen was making jokes with them as he shaved their machete.
The highlight of Kevin’s day is getting the table saw fixed that fell of the truck (that took 10 hours to get here). It was slightly dented. He also enjoyed spending time with the local men
The highlight of Mendy’s day was walking home with the missions interpreters, Darlin and Christana and learning about their children and schooling.
The highlight of Gayla’s day was completing the first coat of paint….she is a slave driver.
The highlight of Sarah’s day was finishing the top of the room that she painted….she literally painted the full room from top of the windows to the ceiling. Pretty sure her arms are gonna hurt tomorrow.
Kim and Mckayla absolutely loved spending time with the children at the mission house. Kim is on the mend….she was vomiting yesterday, but I think she will be back on her feet tomorrow.
Love to my family: Dennis, Jacob, Garrett, and Treyton….and cookie our dog! Mendy
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We just finished showing a movie downtown at the time square! We had popcorn and twizzlers to pass out! The kids were SO EXCITED!!
Please leave a comment and we’ll read it at dinner each night.
