Submitted by Robert Vaughn
Olivet Baptist Church--combined with Michigan Team.
November 03-11-2010
We thought it was a very good trip. We also did odd-jobs such as
installing shower heads, etc. In addition to our physical work projects,
we had several very good literacy, reading and learning projects at the
library with emphasis on Bible stories. We would love to have
other mission teams do reading-learning lessons at the library.
They may contact us for details
Special thanks to you Jared--you do such a great job.
God bless you all.
Bob
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Olivet Baptist work
Varnished Cabinets and installed laminate top
Repaired Radiation Door
Installed vanity in doctors quarters
Cleaned and Painted
New Screens in doctor and nurses quarters
Built new Cabinet for Batteries
Repaired Radiation Door
Installed vanity in doctors quarters
Cleaned and Painted
New Screens in doctor and nurses quarters
Built new Cabinet for Batteries
Olivet Baptist work on Library
Pulling weeds on Library grounds
Landscaping the Library grounds
Painted the Library Gate and hired a Guard for Library Gate
Landscaping the Library grounds
Painted the Library Gate and hired a Guard for Library Gate
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Up to today Sunday Oct 24 ,
There is no referred case of cholera at the
Hospital in Pignon. We have prepared a building
to receive in quarantine any eventual referral
and this building is not on the Hospital compound ,
to avoid any possible contamination of other patients.
We are equipping ourselves with adequate IV Fluid to
overcome dehydration of potential affected patients.
We continue to praise the Lord while we continue
to exercise extensive and aggressive education of all our
personnel and patients for their preparedness to deal
with this cholera crisis in case it shows up in our
catchment area .
God Bless
Dr Guy
There is no referred case of cholera at the
Hospital in Pignon. We have prepared a building
to receive in quarantine any eventual referral
and this building is not on the Hospital compound ,
to avoid any possible contamination of other patients.
We are equipping ourselves with adequate IV Fluid to
overcome dehydration of potential affected patients.
We continue to praise the Lord while we continue
to exercise extensive and aggressive education of all our
personnel and patients for their preparedness to deal
with this cholera crisis in case it shows up in our
catchment area .
God Bless
Dr Guy
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Update from Dr Guy
Cholera spreads to Northern Haiti : 3 new cases of cholera
in 2 towns in the North , Limbe & Plaisance.
Again , precaution or prevention against cholera.
1 ) Repeated soaping and Hands washing.
2 )Have plenty of IV Fluids available for patients to be admitted to the Hospital
3) Antibiotics : Tetracycline , Bactrim ,Chloramphenicol etc
4) Boiling water to be used or drunk .
5) Washing vegetables and food with chlorinated water before usage.
6) Education of the population in our catchment area and
Hospital patients & personnel. Instruction is given to buy
enough quantity of IV Fluid & medicines to respond to this
medical crisis situation.
All CBP Dorms & Hotel cooks as guard personnel have already received training as how to behave toward this particular situation.
Just to keep everyone aware.
Dr Guy
in 2 towns in the North , Limbe & Plaisance.
Again , precaution or prevention against cholera.
1 ) Repeated soaping and Hands washing.
2 )Have plenty of IV Fluids available for patients to be admitted to the Hospital
3) Antibiotics : Tetracycline , Bactrim ,Chloramphenicol etc
4) Boiling water to be used or drunk .
5) Washing vegetables and food with chlorinated water before usage.
6) Education of the population in our catchment area and
Hospital patients & personnel. Instruction is given to buy
enough quantity of IV Fluid & medicines to respond to this
medical crisis situation.
All CBP Dorms & Hotel cooks as guard personnel have already received training as how to behave toward this particular situation.
Just to keep everyone aware.
Dr Guy
Friday, October 22, 2010
Cholera outbreak Letter from Dr Guy
Please Keep The people of Haiti in your prayers
the following is a letter from Dr Guy in regards
to the Cholera outbreak
There is an outbreak of Cholera in Haiti ,
mainly localized in the Artibonite are , around St Marc ,
Grande Saline and even cases are noticed around Mirebalais.
They are cases already around Mirebalais hospitalized at Cange.
Until proven otherwise , it seems that the water from
Artibonite River starting in Dominican Republic ,
passing via Mirebalais , Cange , St Marc
could be the source of the infection with cholera.
We are already taking strong educational and preventive
measures through our personal at the Hospital in Pignon and thru
our scattered health agents in our catchment area.
We know that the main measures of prevention starts
with good hygiene , frequent washings of the hands ,
avoiding fish coming from Artibonite river
, cleaning vegetables with chlorinated water .
Have plenty of intravenous fluid available and Tetracycline
as first antibiotics. Rotarian Gary Marcellin of Verrettes
and Mario Bellevue from Mirebalais
, keep us informed , please.
We keep in close touch.
Dr Guy
the following is a letter from Dr Guy in regards
to the Cholera outbreak
There is an outbreak of Cholera in Haiti ,
mainly localized in the Artibonite are , around St Marc ,
Grande Saline and even cases are noticed around Mirebalais.
They are cases already around Mirebalais hospitalized at Cange.
Until proven otherwise , it seems that the water from
Artibonite River starting in Dominican Republic ,
passing via Mirebalais , Cange , St Marc
could be the source of the infection with cholera.
We are already taking strong educational and preventive
measures through our personal at the Hospital in Pignon and thru
our scattered health agents in our catchment area.
We know that the main measures of prevention starts
with good hygiene , frequent washings of the hands ,
avoiding fish coming from Artibonite river
, cleaning vegetables with chlorinated water .
Have plenty of intravenous fluid available and Tetracycline
as first antibiotics. Rotarian Gary Marcellin of Verrettes
and Mario Bellevue from Mirebalais
, keep us informed , please.
We keep in close touch.
Dr Guy
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Trinity Reform Church/Orange City Iowa
Submitted By Denny Brand~
I had the great pleasure to lead two team from
Trinity Reformed Church from Orange City, IA
to Pignon. I was in Haiti from July 22 - August 5.
One group of 7 was in Haiti from July 22 - 29 and
another group of 10 was there from July 29 - August 5
Because this group was from Orange City and that happens
to be the same city that Kristy from UCI is from, the groups split
their time between the two missions. Much was accomplished
in both missions.
While in Pignon, both teams worked very hard on the
doctor's quarters above the vaccination clinic and before
we left, most of the rooms had at least one coat of
paint on them. Bruce Schutt from the first group
was very handy and he spent most of his time fixing things
in the hospital - the lock on the downstairs operation room,
hanging fans in the delivery room and nurses quarters
as well as in the doctor's quarters, and fixing and putting in many
flourescent bulbs. There were two guys from the 2nd
group who were comfortable with tiling and they spent their
time tiling at the OPC.
We traveled to Pignon on MFI. The trips came off
without a hitch. Usually we fly into West Palm or
Fort Lauderdale, but because the flight
to Orlando was much less expensive, we flew
there this time. Arcadia again picked us up and really
it was only about 15 minutes more to go
there. The extra time was well worth the money
that we saved.
We stayed in the MN dorm while in Pignon and
as usual, everything was great. The sleeping quarters
were good, the food was good, and you cannot
beat the balcony for great evening discussions
and for just looking at the stars.
It is always an honor for me to lead a trip to Pignon
and watch the different people as they
process what they are seeing, many of them for
the first time. The trips to Haiti are always so
blessed because you get away from all the hustle
and bustle that we experience back in the states
- there is so much time to be together and really
discuss and try to figure out what you do with what you
are experiencing. We always go to the hospital a couple of
times when we are there and sing for the patients. This
is a highlight for many because they get to see first hand
the faith that many of the patients have as they join in with
us as we give praise to the heavenly Father. After we sing,
if they are comfortable, we break up and go to the different
people and pray with them. We always ask if that is ok with
them and never push ourselves on them. We rarely get turned
down by anybody and it is always a blessed time. Even though
we don't speak the same language, we are all speaking
to the same God and there is a universal language that we all understand.
We are thankful that everybody stayed healthy. We are thankful to the
hospital staff and all those that made us feel very welcome and
appreciated. We also want to thank the Krob family for really making our
stay all that it could be - the handling of the jobs - providing the
transportation, and the sharing of their four boys. It was a great trip.
Blessings,
Denny Brand
I had the great pleasure to lead two team from
Trinity Reformed Church from Orange City, IA
to Pignon. I was in Haiti from July 22 - August 5.
One group of 7 was in Haiti from July 22 - 29 and
another group of 10 was there from July 29 - August 5
Because this group was from Orange City and that happens
to be the same city that Kristy from UCI is from, the groups split
their time between the two missions. Much was accomplished
in both missions.
While in Pignon, both teams worked very hard on the
doctor's quarters above the vaccination clinic and before
we left, most of the rooms had at least one coat of
paint on them. Bruce Schutt from the first group
was very handy and he spent most of his time fixing things
in the hospital - the lock on the downstairs operation room,
hanging fans in the delivery room and nurses quarters
as well as in the doctor's quarters, and fixing and putting in many
flourescent bulbs. There were two guys from the 2nd
group who were comfortable with tiling and they spent their
time tiling at the OPC.
We traveled to Pignon on MFI. The trips came off
without a hitch. Usually we fly into West Palm or
Fort Lauderdale, but because the flight
to Orlando was much less expensive, we flew
there this time. Arcadia again picked us up and really
it was only about 15 minutes more to go
there. The extra time was well worth the money
that we saved.
We stayed in the MN dorm while in Pignon and
as usual, everything was great. The sleeping quarters
were good, the food was good, and you cannot
beat the balcony for great evening discussions
and for just looking at the stars.
It is always an honor for me to lead a trip to Pignon
and watch the different people as they
process what they are seeing, many of them for
the first time. The trips to Haiti are always so
blessed because you get away from all the hustle
and bustle that we experience back in the states
- there is so much time to be together and really
discuss and try to figure out what you do with what you
are experiencing. We always go to the hospital a couple of
times when we are there and sing for the patients. This
is a highlight for many because they get to see first hand
the faith that many of the patients have as they join in with
us as we give praise to the heavenly Father. After we sing,
if they are comfortable, we break up and go to the different
people and pray with them. We always ask if that is ok with
them and never push ourselves on them. We rarely get turned
down by anybody and it is always a blessed time. Even though
we don't speak the same language, we are all speaking
to the same God and there is a universal language that we all understand.
We are thankful that everybody stayed healthy. We are thankful to the
hospital staff and all those that made us feel very welcome and
appreciated. We also want to thank the Krob family for really making our
stay all that it could be - the handling of the jobs - providing the
transportation, and the sharing of their four boys. It was a great trip.
Blessings,
Denny Brand
Friday, September 10, 2010
Prayer
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships - so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people - so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war - so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world - so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen.
(Franciscan Benediction
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships - so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people - so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war - so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world - so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen.
(Franciscan Benediction
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Aug 26-Sept 2
Summitted by Rev Bubba Smith
Our recent trip to Pignon went without a hitch, which for my team
is a rare thing. For the first time I led a team
of 15 consisting of 3 ministers, two college students,
a high school senior, a retired math teacher, a nurse, a
wholesale plant nursery owner, two Air Force folks
(one of whom was along to write up an article for the
US Air Force Reserve Magazine, "Citizen Airman",
publication in about 3 months) a mail carrier, two
other retied folks and a hospital social worker.
We accomplished much in terms of hospital repair and
maintenance. We built and repaired door and window screens,
took in 8 new mattresses for the children's nursery,
worked on a number of plumbing projects, painted and painted
and painted the doctors dorm/area, built
several bathroom cabinets, cleaned and disinfected the
cribs in the nursery, replaced all the ceramic water
filters that were located throughout the
hospital and doctor's dorm areas. If my calculation
is correct our team put in around 600 hours of combined volunteer work.
I encourage future teams to take with them filters
and replace them as needed. These filters are the
Doulton DS-1000 Sterasyl Ceramic Filter Candles and
the Doulton UltraCarb Ceramic Filter Candles,
part number W9123053. I have long encouraged this
to ensure safe drinking water for the hospital staff at the
hospital and in the residences. These
are reliable and affordable. The filter component
has already been installed and all future teams need
to do is to replace the "candle" items.
Please I urge other teams to do this, as I am only down
there once a year.
Kudos to Jared ! ! ! ! Jared is an answer to prayer.
Can't say enough about his help and his patience with
our projects. I agree with Dr. Guy, that all projects
need to be coordinated through Jared and through Larry
Madole. Jared is our boots on the ground and our
eyes on the target when it comes to the accurate assessment
of what projects are the most urgent.
Kudos to the other hospital staff. They were, as always, extremely
accommodating and hospitable.
One of the highlights was a fish fry! Yep, you heard it
correctly. Prior to our trip with MDI, I made arrangements
for them to purchase for us two
cases of frozen catfish, French fries, and hushpuppy mix.
I knew this would please Dr. Guy, which it did.
Early one morning seven of us took a trip to
Dondon to visit a Methodist Church/School.
I had been in touch with the leader of this
church and had heard about their need for a water well.
We were able to do an assessment of the project,
obtain a bid from Haiti Outreach, and are now in the process
of securing funds for the well.
Having made a prior trip to Haiti in May to work in
the earthquake relief efforts, I chose to bring my
team through Port au Prince on our way back
home. This side trip allowed them to experience
the devastation and livingconditions first hand.
We flew into PAP on MAF, were met at the airport by
the staff of the Methodist Guest House, and spent
the night there at the Methodist Guest House.
They then took us to the airport the next morning
for our departure.
Bubba Smith
Our recent trip to Pignon went without a hitch, which for my team
is a rare thing. For the first time I led a team
of 15 consisting of 3 ministers, two college students,
a high school senior, a retired math teacher, a nurse, a
wholesale plant nursery owner, two Air Force folks
(one of whom was along to write up an article for the
US Air Force Reserve Magazine, "Citizen Airman",
publication in about 3 months) a mail carrier, two
other retied folks and a hospital social worker.
We accomplished much in terms of hospital repair and
maintenance. We built and repaired door and window screens,
took in 8 new mattresses for the children's nursery,
worked on a number of plumbing projects, painted and painted
and painted the doctors dorm/area, built
several bathroom cabinets, cleaned and disinfected the
cribs in the nursery, replaced all the ceramic water
filters that were located throughout the
hospital and doctor's dorm areas. If my calculation
is correct our team put in around 600 hours of combined volunteer work.
I encourage future teams to take with them filters
and replace them as needed. These filters are the
Doulton DS-1000 Sterasyl Ceramic Filter Candles and
the Doulton UltraCarb Ceramic Filter Candles,
part number W9123053. I have long encouraged this
to ensure safe drinking water for the hospital staff at the
hospital and in the residences. These
are reliable and affordable. The filter component
has already been installed and all future teams need
to do is to replace the "candle" items.
Please I urge other teams to do this, as I am only down
there once a year.
Kudos to Jared ! ! ! ! Jared is an answer to prayer.
Can't say enough about his help and his patience with
our projects. I agree with Dr. Guy, that all projects
need to be coordinated through Jared and through Larry
Madole. Jared is our boots on the ground and our
eyes on the target when it comes to the accurate assessment
of what projects are the most urgent.
Kudos to the other hospital staff. They were, as always, extremely
accommodating and hospitable.
One of the highlights was a fish fry! Yep, you heard it
correctly. Prior to our trip with MDI, I made arrangements
for them to purchase for us two
cases of frozen catfish, French fries, and hushpuppy mix.
I knew this would please Dr. Guy, which it did.
Early one morning seven of us took a trip to
Dondon to visit a Methodist Church/School.
I had been in touch with the leader of this
church and had heard about their need for a water well.
We were able to do an assessment of the project,
obtain a bid from Haiti Outreach, and are now in the process
of securing funds for the well.
Having made a prior trip to Haiti in May to work in
the earthquake relief efforts, I chose to bring my
team through Port au Prince on our way back
home. This side trip allowed them to experience
the devastation and livingconditions first hand.
We flew into PAP on MAF, were met at the airport by
the staff of the Methodist Guest House, and spent
the night there at the Methodist Guest House.
They then took us to the airport the next morning
for our departure.
Bubba Smith
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Hope
“Hope and despair are not opposites. They are cut from the very same cloth, made from the very same material, shaped from the very same circumstances. Most of all, every life finds itself forced to choose one from the other, one day at a time, one circumstance after another. The only difference between the two is that despair shapes an attitude of mind; hope creates a quality of soul. Despair colors the way we look at things, makes us suspicious of the future, makes us negative about the present. Hope, on the other hand, takes life on its own terms, knows that whatever happens God lives in it, and expects that, whatever its twists and turns, it will ultimately yield its good to those who live it well. When tragedy strikes, when trouble comes, when life disappoints us, we stand at the crossroads between hope and despair, torn and hurting. Despair cements us in the present; hope sends us dancing around dark corners trusting in a tomorrow we cannot see. Despair says that there is no place to go but here. Hope says that God is waiting for us someplace else. Begin again.”
(unknown author)
“Hope and despair are not opposites. They are cut from the very same cloth, made from the very same material, shaped from the very same circumstances. Most of all, every life finds itself forced to choose one from the other, one day at a time, one circumstance after another. The only difference between the two is that despair shapes an attitude of mind; hope creates a quality of soul. Despair colors the way we look at things, makes us suspicious of the future, makes us negative about the present. Hope, on the other hand, takes life on its own terms, knows that whatever happens God lives in it, and expects that, whatever its twists and turns, it will ultimately yield its good to those who live it well. When tragedy strikes, when trouble comes, when life disappoints us, we stand at the crossroads between hope and despair, torn and hurting. Despair cements us in the present; hope sends us dancing around dark corners trusting in a tomorrow we cannot see. Despair says that there is no place to go but here. Hope says that God is waiting for us someplace else. Begin again.”
(unknown author)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Veinna Presbyterian Haiti Trip
VIENNA PRESBYTERIAN HAITI SMP 2010 TRIP REPORT
July 14 to July 23, 2010
Team Members: From Vienna Presbyterian: Miriam Awad, Hannah Franks, Melissa Franks, Hannah Gardner, Elizabeth Guaf, Kat Irvin, Matthew Kim, Sandra Klimavicz, Meredith Roberts, Sophia Sellars, Knox singleton, Camden Thacker, Marlene, Thacker, Grace Tuttle, Peter Vander Nat, and Wanda Vander Nat From neighboring churches: Jimmy Corish and Stephen Shade
Wednesday, July 14: 18 eager, excited SMP participants met at Reagan National Airport at 6:00 p.m. for our 8:00 p.m. departure time, all wearing our distinctive SMP tee-shirts making for easy identification!! Only one minor glitch: one of our members had a somewhat different name on his passport vs. his ticket. This took a little “discussion" at the ticket counter: we ran into the same problem trying to get the same passenger out of Port au Prince on our return flight. Sooo—make sure all participants submit the exact name on their passport to the person making travel arrangements to avoid difficulties at check-in times. Our flight to Miami was uneventful and we arrived at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites around 11:30 p.m. The Hyatt Shuttle, which accommodates 11 people and their baggage, graciously transported all 18 of us (and our luggage) to the hotel in one trip. (NOTE: We did NOT have to reclaim our 6 group pieces of checked luggage—these were shipped directly to Port au Prince, a huge time and hassle savings.) A lovely breakfast for 4 was in each refrigerator at the Hyatt since we would not have time to participate in the breakfast buffet in the morning.
Thursday, July 15: Up at 4:00 a.m. The hotel provided 2 shuttles for us this time (the one businessman who shuttled to the airport with us was quite relieved to see shuttle number 2 arrive!!) No problems in Port au Prince. (One of our team members did make a correction on her immigration form—and had to stand in a separate line to complete a new one—we lost about ½ hour time there.) Nader was waiting for us, got all of us through the gauntlet at the airport and safely ensconced in the city airport, ready for the MAF flight. The MAF flights went well for all (we flew in 4 plane trips). Many of our team flew on a small plane for the first time: we had no panic attacks and all seemed to truly enjoy the beauty and serenity of these flights. Of course, the MAF pilots are so loving, reassuring and of great humor—all of which greatly helps to relieve the passengers!! Upon arriving at the Pignon airstrip, dear Larry Madole was there to greet us—along with necessary help and transportation. We also met Eric: Eric was a mainstay for Team Haiti, from Day 1, on!!! We constantly called upon him for all our basic needs ( water, negotiations with the cooks, transportation to and from our work sites, etc. ) In all things, he responded swiftly, with grace , patience and a cheerful attitude. What a blessing to have Eric as a faithful partner in our work in Pignon!! We were transported the Hospital Dormitory, which was our home for the next several days. The first crew to arrive unpacked the boxes we had sent ahead (via MFI). Our team sent (and has donated to the dorm) Linens (10 twin sheet sets, 10 pillows, 18 towels) and Dishes (18 plastic dinner plates, several platters, 20 plastic cups and glasses). We also brought and donated Tools for our use (and behind for use of future work crews) including 2 tile cutters, 4 trowels, 3 large Wisk brooms, 3 push brooms, many paint rollers and extension poles and general paint supplies ). These tools will be kept at the Iowa House. In addition, we packed many Bible School supplies (the excess school supplies were donated to Sonje Ayiti --discussed later in this report) the extra Bible stories, work sheets etc. were stored at the Iowa house upon our departure. Our boxes also contained multiple jars of peanut butter and jelly to use with our feeding program for the Bible School program. (All leftovers were donated to Pastor Francois’s orphanage.) And last, but not least, the sports equipment: extras were donated to the local Christian schools upon our departure. Once the entire team arrived, we participated in some team building activities. We were divided into 4 crews, came up with a crew name, poster and cheer—a great bonding activity! We worked in ‘crews’ from that point, on the rest of our time in Haiti.
After dinner in the dormitory, we met in the hospital training room. We were welcomed by Guillan, the administrator on duty. (NOTE: we did notice that the dormitory really has no separate meeting space—the only meeting space is the dining room. The hospital graciously granted us use of the training room each night to enable us to hold our team meetings and group devotions here.) Before devotions, we discussed some team assignments. Regarding Bible School, each crew was assigned a Bible Story (i.e. Creation, the Flood, the Birth of Jesus and the Death and Resurrection of Jesus) and provided the crafts prepared for each story. Meredith Roberts, our Sports Ministry leader, explained what equipment we had and the “plan” for each day’s work with the children of Haiti.
We had our first devotions: each evening Knox ably planned and led us in worship. We began each devotion with singing: thanks to Grace Tuttle for making a written transcription of all words and to Sandra Klimavicz and Hannah Grander for the guitar accompaniment. Knox then asked pertinent questions to each day, asking us to see God’s hand in all we were experiencing, then closing in prayer.
Friday, July 16: From this day, on, we were privileged to have a Morning Walk with Larry Madole. Larry took whoever was “up and ready” at 6:15 a.m. for a tour of the various parts and missions in Pignon. He did a wonderful job of explaining the missionary presence in Pignon and the challenges that still remain. We all grew to love Larry’s gentle sense of humor and saw his friendship of and his loving and respectful attitude toward the people of Pignon. Thank you, Larry!
After breakfast, Larry Madole gently and skillfully taught all of us about tiling and grouting as the Vienna Pres SMP team began its work on the floors of the Out Patient Clinic!! (He also showed us how to paint—without bathing the floors in excess drippings!!)
After a late lunch, we were then ready to begin our first Bible School---Sports Camp experience at Savonnette !! (Guillan had called ahead to alert the school principal of our arrival. Wanda was a little concerned that we would not have enough children attend our program---but, not to worry!!) Team Bible School had carefully planned (thanks especially to Marlene Thacker, Melissa Franks and Grace Tuttle for assisting in the planning): Meredith Roberts would begin with LAPS AND STRETCHES (in hopes to attract enough children to the program). After some time with sports activities—again to attract enough children., our plan was to then introduce a Bible Story, do a craft, have more sports and end with a nutritious lunch (prepared ahead of time.) As we rounded the corner to the school yard, we saw a “throng” of children in the school year: Meredith wisely “scrapped’ the laps and stretches” program.!! And then, THE RAIN came!!! Quick—regroup. After a hasty team consult with all 18 of us huddled in one school room, we asked the principal to separate the kids into 4 groups, by age. Each of our crews was then instructed, on the spot, to tell their “assigned” Bible story and complete the crafts. Meanwhile the lunch team was working madly behind the scenes to get the food prepared and distributed. We estimate at least 240 children that first day. After the story, craft, and lunch, the rain had stopped and the sports recommenced ! By the way. . . the kiddoes ranged in age from about 18 months to 18 years!! Sadly, the older ones often “bowled” over the younger ones. We also had a problem with our soccer balls literally “running off” in the rams of some of the older young people present. Crowed control was a problem! We soon closed the day. After a consult with the Elders of the community, we all agreed that upon our return the next day, the Bible school program would be only for children 10 years old and younger.
Our devotions that evening focused on God’s Plan rather than our plans: we were humbled! We also discussed the strong feelings some of our young people had about losing some of the sports equipment to “theft” and the fact that we were going to “exclude “many of the older students who were "good kids”.
Saturday, July 17: After the Morning Walk with Larry and breakfast, we went “To Market”; many of our young people wanted to take money to “buy” something: all came home with NO money spent. (Wanda did buy some bars of soap since we were having a real soap shortage in the women’s dorm bathroom!!) As always, the market is such a wonderful snapshot of life in Pignon—and a study in contrast to our US way of being able to buy “whatever” in beautiful packaging!! Then, more tiling, grouting and painting of the Out Patient Clinic. And, then our return to Savonnette. Crowd control—better—but we did feel sad to see that the school yard gates had to be closed to keep many teens out of the area. (By the way, by the end of the afternoon, we again had more than 200 “children’, many of teen had worked their way back onto the property.) We were able to again tell more Bible stories, complete crafts, provide a nutritious lunch and engage the children in fun sports activities. We saw that the children don’t really understand some basic “game’ concepts we take for granted, such as holding holds to form a circle or “team’ activities other than soccer.
We ended the day with dinner and a 2-hour period of devotions.
Sunday, July 18: NO Walk with Larry, but we did breakfast. We divided into 3 groups, hoping to attend 3 different worship services. Unfortunately the group intending to attend Pastor Davolus’s church were disappointed to learn that the service began at 8:00 a.m. and not 9:00 a.m. as planned: so, this group went with group 2 to Pastor Francois’s church. Knox was asked to say a few words about our mission and our group was warmly welcomed by Pastor Francois and his congregation. Group 3 want to the church of Pastor Gregoire. The roof and cement block walls as up; there are wooden benches but little else has been completed in the sanctuary. This is a tiny congregation, with maybe 20 congregants attending by the time the worship service concluded. A small choir of 4 people sang to us: Our group replied by singing Amazing Grace. Following the service, Pastor Gregoire, his wife and son spoke with our group, letting us know what additional needs they see for their church and mission.
After lunch, we proceeded to see MANY of the missions and services in Pignon. First, we saw the Campbell Orphanage: we were greeted warmly and our young people so enjoyed interacting with and playing with the darling children. The Campbells continue to be so forward thinking and discussed their hopes for a future vocational school for their young people as they “age out” of the orphanage system. Their testimony continues to be so inspiring to all who meet them. We then went to the “FARM”: Evenell was there to meet us. We were privilege to witness 9 Goats being given to a deserving community family. We also visited the Mango Factory and saw the beautiful fruit in its various stages of drying: needless to say, our team bought many packages of the mangoes before leaving for the U.S. Oh, and did I mention, we were in Haiti during the RAINY SEASON!! Our next stop was to the Pastor Francois orphanage. Again, OUR plans were to see the orphanage, tell the kids a Bible Story and present to them BEAUTIFUL, HANDMADE DOLLS made by the women of Vienna Presbyterian Church. But, as we arrived on the property the RAIN came, drenching many of us before we made it into Pastor Francois’s living room. We were able to give each girl a beautiful doll; each boy received a darling Beanie Baby (donated by several of team members—who gave up their entire childhood collection of Beanie Babies). Each child also received a felt Teddy Bear that said "Jesus Loves You" on it. The children of the orphanage sang “God Is So Good to Me”: needless to say, our team ‘melted into tears’ to see these precious children, who have so little, singing with such heartfelt sincerely about the love of our lord!
After dinner, we were privileged to hear from two devout Christian men. First, Larry Madole told us of his journey to Christianity, leaving behind a life of indifference to Christ and an intense love of money(he only knew “Jesus Christ” as a swear word), to instead, become His faithful servant. Thank you, Larry, for being so open to each of us not only with your story but with your Christian character which speaks so eloquently each day of your love for Christ. After Larry’s testimony, Rubinste, “our” agronomist, told us about Voo-Doo’s influence in Haiti, particularly in the Bouquerrone area, the area we would be working in the morning. We appreciated his insight!
Monday, July 19: Walk with Larry, breakfast and we’re off to Bouquerrone via the TRUCK!!! The truck ride was definitely the most exciting transportation experience we had. Although the road to Bouquerrone has definitely ‘improved’ over the past 2 years, remember—it was the RAINY SEASON. We went through many very MUDDY patches—it was exciting to see if we’d really make it through each bog—but those skilled Haitian drivers got us through EACH time!! And OUR plans—again, changed by God’s Plan! We had planned to paint all morning, hold Bible School early afternoon and then end the day with another painting stint. However, upon “rounding the corner’ to Bouquerrone, what did we see but 200-plus children, all dressed in their school uniforms, sitting on the wooden benches which they had carried outside in preparation for our painting the interior of their school. Could we send them home?!?! NO! Soooo—we punted. Our team put on the ‘play’ of the Creation. Our VPC-SMP young people did a fantastic job of becoming the Sun, Moon animals, etc. I believe the children of Bouquerron truly enjoyed the story (which was translated by Wilken Acillien directly from the English narrator). These kiddoes were so well-behaved.!!(The principal was on the property the whole time and helped us a great deal.) After the story, each crew presented the children, again divided by age, with a craft designed to go along with the story. Then lunch and sports ministry.. At noon we were ready for our lunch and then on to painting the classrooms. Larry Madole again did a fantastic job of explaining how to divide the labor, how to paint the walls (as opposed to ourselves) and how to appropriately clean up afterward. As he said: “Remember, we’re not painting for ourselves, but for God.” This helped us all focus on why we needed to do the best job we could! (The kiddoes went home and came back in the afternoon in their “street’ clothes—a little spontaneous “soccer playing” occurred during our painting session!!) We made great progress the first day and estimated that we’d be able to finish the entire paint job on day 2.
Upon arriving home, sweaty, smelling like gasoline (from the clean-up), it was time to shower. (Oh, yeah—a comment. The “boys—who numbered 6 amongst us—had 2 showers and 2 stools. The “girls”—who numbered 12 also had 2 stools and 2 showers---sooooo, cleanup for the gals took quite some time!!) That evening, as part of our devotions, we were treated to a “concert’ by the “Young Men of Pignon Choir”. We were so impressed by the skill and beauty of their singing—and the story of how they came to be together as a choir.
Tuesday, July 20: Walk with Larry, breakfast and back to Bouquerrron. Again, we were greeted by about 140 children, in uniforms, waiting on the school grounds. Today we did the play of the Great Flood. We had some stellar performances: Peter was Noah (his bathrobe really helped set the stage) and Mr. Elephant (Knox) got a loud round of spontaneous applause from the appreciative audience. We had great fun—and I think communicated God’s love to those who obey him. After crafts, sports and kid’s lunch, our team got back to painting and were able to FINISH all the interior painting of the Bouquerrone School. The School is FINSIHED!! Larry Madole firmly ushered us to the truck with due haste—he saw those black storm clouds gathering. Our driver ‘pushed” hard all the way home—what a wild, exciting ride!! We JUST made it in the door when the ‘heavens’ opened” and we had a huge downpour with very strong winds. Oh my, had we been caught on the road, we would have been stuck for HOURS!!! Again, another example of God keeping us in safety (in fact, none of us were really injured during our entire stay in Pignon—except for a scratch from a cactus and a nasty bug bite).
Wednesday, July 21, 2010: Our last full day in Pignon!! Began with Walk with Larry, breakfast and back to tiling and painting the Out Patient Clinic. Larry inspired us to complete as much as possible as a service to the people of Haiti and to our God. We were told to "quit” by 3:00 p.m. But did all of our crew listen” NO!! Peter, Stephen and Elizabeth had to be dragged out of the OPC at 4:30 p.m.—but they had finished their room. Great work, everyone. (Don’t worry, we left quite a bit of floor space for the next group to finish!!) We had a surprise guest during lunch: Gabrielle Vincent , director of Sonje Ayiti, had come to Pignon to collect some supplies we had carried into Pignon for her. She gave a touching account of her life’s story (beginning with the death of her mother while rafting from Haiti to Florida, resulting in Gabrielle and her little brother, as a 3 and 5 year old, surviving alone on the streets of Haiti.) Gabrielle has a steadfast love in God and was able to eventfully join her father in the U.S., where she completed a college education. She now feels it is her calling to live in Haiti to help her people Sonje Ayiti attempts to establish economic and cultural development in the Cap Haitian area via a microloan program. Goods donated by the U.S. (i.e., shoes, clothes, personal care products, etc.) are provided to the persons applying for these loans. Thank you for your testimony, Gabrielle. (FYI: Her husband, Vincent, has worked with CCH in the Jacmel area and was a guest during the VPC Mission Market Place in March of this year.) For more info about Sonje Ayiti, see http://www.sonjeayiti.com/staff.html.
Our plan WAS to again return to Pastor Francois: he had agreed to have us meet with about 50 children—neighborhood children with whom he works regularly. We had extra dolls and beanie babies—and hoped to give these as a gift. AND, we had a Bible story to tell!! However, did I mention that it is the RAINY season: Pastor Francois was “stuck in the mud’ on his journey back to Pignon. We went to his compound—in the rain—and left the toys and extra food . He later communicated to us that he would distribute these gifts to the children at the next Sunday service (of course, we would be gone by then, sadly). (Again, speaking of rain: the dorm dining room windows in the Hospital Dormitory are NOT water proof. We had a VERY LARGE puddle on the floor---2 of our team members fell—without injury, thankfully. And, another team members fell in a pool of water on the front balcony. Those tiles are extremely slippery when wet!!)
We were treated to a Haitian Banquet, compliments of the hospital staff, on our last evening. The food was scrumptious!! After dinner we did some preliminary packing and sorting; we organized “piles” of donations. All extra toiletries to Pastor Francois, extra “medications’ to the Campbells, extra batteries and work gloves to the Iowa House, extra shoes and clothing to the people of Bouquerrone, and those disgusting “paint” clothes—to the rag bag at the Iowa house. (We came to appreciate how valuable rags are in the work in Haiti!!)
Knox again led us in devotions: we reflected on our time in Haiti---and where each of us had seen and witnessed the presence of God. So many of us expressed what a privilege it was to be allowed to come to Haiti and a very strong desire to STAY in Haiti—a few tears were shed! Many team members stayed up till the wee hours of the morning—savoring those last hours in Haiti.
Thursday, July 22: We left Pignon, again in 4 MAF flights: all were quiet, contemplating the beauty and wonder of Haiti as we flew over the country side. Our flights from Port au Prince to Miami and from Miami to Washington DC were, thankfully, uneventful and on time.
Friday, July 23; We all arrived safely at Ronald Reagan Airport at 12:30 a.m. and were reunited with our loved ones. After lots of hugs each of us departed for home.
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6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 8: We hope for a Haiti SMP 2010 reunion: at the Underground at Vienna Presbyterian Church. All those who love Haiti are invited to attend, hear our stories and see our photos.
Praise God for the opportunity to serve the people of Haiti and for returning Team Haiti safely to Virginia!
Joyfully submitted: Wanda Vander Nat
July 14 to July 23, 2010
Team Members: From Vienna Presbyterian: Miriam Awad, Hannah Franks, Melissa Franks, Hannah Gardner, Elizabeth Guaf, Kat Irvin, Matthew Kim, Sandra Klimavicz, Meredith Roberts, Sophia Sellars, Knox singleton, Camden Thacker, Marlene, Thacker, Grace Tuttle, Peter Vander Nat, and Wanda Vander Nat From neighboring churches: Jimmy Corish and Stephen Shade
Wednesday, July 14: 18 eager, excited SMP participants met at Reagan National Airport at 6:00 p.m. for our 8:00 p.m. departure time, all wearing our distinctive SMP tee-shirts making for easy identification!! Only one minor glitch: one of our members had a somewhat different name on his passport vs. his ticket. This took a little “discussion" at the ticket counter: we ran into the same problem trying to get the same passenger out of Port au Prince on our return flight. Sooo—make sure all participants submit the exact name on their passport to the person making travel arrangements to avoid difficulties at check-in times. Our flight to Miami was uneventful and we arrived at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites around 11:30 p.m. The Hyatt Shuttle, which accommodates 11 people and their baggage, graciously transported all 18 of us (and our luggage) to the hotel in one trip. (NOTE: We did NOT have to reclaim our 6 group pieces of checked luggage—these were shipped directly to Port au Prince, a huge time and hassle savings.) A lovely breakfast for 4 was in each refrigerator at the Hyatt since we would not have time to participate in the breakfast buffet in the morning.
Thursday, July 15: Up at 4:00 a.m. The hotel provided 2 shuttles for us this time (the one businessman who shuttled to the airport with us was quite relieved to see shuttle number 2 arrive!!) No problems in Port au Prince. (One of our team members did make a correction on her immigration form—and had to stand in a separate line to complete a new one—we lost about ½ hour time there.) Nader was waiting for us, got all of us through the gauntlet at the airport and safely ensconced in the city airport, ready for the MAF flight. The MAF flights went well for all (we flew in 4 plane trips). Many of our team flew on a small plane for the first time: we had no panic attacks and all seemed to truly enjoy the beauty and serenity of these flights. Of course, the MAF pilots are so loving, reassuring and of great humor—all of which greatly helps to relieve the passengers!! Upon arriving at the Pignon airstrip, dear Larry Madole was there to greet us—along with necessary help and transportation. We also met Eric: Eric was a mainstay for Team Haiti, from Day 1, on!!! We constantly called upon him for all our basic needs ( water, negotiations with the cooks, transportation to and from our work sites, etc. ) In all things, he responded swiftly, with grace , patience and a cheerful attitude. What a blessing to have Eric as a faithful partner in our work in Pignon!! We were transported the Hospital Dormitory, which was our home for the next several days. The first crew to arrive unpacked the boxes we had sent ahead (via MFI). Our team sent (and has donated to the dorm) Linens (10 twin sheet sets, 10 pillows, 18 towels) and Dishes (18 plastic dinner plates, several platters, 20 plastic cups and glasses). We also brought and donated Tools for our use (and behind for use of future work crews) including 2 tile cutters, 4 trowels, 3 large Wisk brooms, 3 push brooms, many paint rollers and extension poles and general paint supplies ). These tools will be kept at the Iowa House. In addition, we packed many Bible School supplies (the excess school supplies were donated to Sonje Ayiti --discussed later in this report) the extra Bible stories, work sheets etc. were stored at the Iowa house upon our departure. Our boxes also contained multiple jars of peanut butter and jelly to use with our feeding program for the Bible School program. (All leftovers were donated to Pastor Francois’s orphanage.) And last, but not least, the sports equipment: extras were donated to the local Christian schools upon our departure. Once the entire team arrived, we participated in some team building activities. We were divided into 4 crews, came up with a crew name, poster and cheer—a great bonding activity! We worked in ‘crews’ from that point, on the rest of our time in Haiti.
After dinner in the dormitory, we met in the hospital training room. We were welcomed by Guillan, the administrator on duty. (NOTE: we did notice that the dormitory really has no separate meeting space—the only meeting space is the dining room. The hospital graciously granted us use of the training room each night to enable us to hold our team meetings and group devotions here.) Before devotions, we discussed some team assignments. Regarding Bible School, each crew was assigned a Bible Story (i.e. Creation, the Flood, the Birth of Jesus and the Death and Resurrection of Jesus) and provided the crafts prepared for each story. Meredith Roberts, our Sports Ministry leader, explained what equipment we had and the “plan” for each day’s work with the children of Haiti.
We had our first devotions: each evening Knox ably planned and led us in worship. We began each devotion with singing: thanks to Grace Tuttle for making a written transcription of all words and to Sandra Klimavicz and Hannah Grander for the guitar accompaniment. Knox then asked pertinent questions to each day, asking us to see God’s hand in all we were experiencing, then closing in prayer.
Friday, July 16: From this day, on, we were privileged to have a Morning Walk with Larry Madole. Larry took whoever was “up and ready” at 6:15 a.m. for a tour of the various parts and missions in Pignon. He did a wonderful job of explaining the missionary presence in Pignon and the challenges that still remain. We all grew to love Larry’s gentle sense of humor and saw his friendship of and his loving and respectful attitude toward the people of Pignon. Thank you, Larry!
After breakfast, Larry Madole gently and skillfully taught all of us about tiling and grouting as the Vienna Pres SMP team began its work on the floors of the Out Patient Clinic!! (He also showed us how to paint—without bathing the floors in excess drippings!!)
After a late lunch, we were then ready to begin our first Bible School---Sports Camp experience at Savonnette !! (Guillan had called ahead to alert the school principal of our arrival. Wanda was a little concerned that we would not have enough children attend our program---but, not to worry!!) Team Bible School had carefully planned (thanks especially to Marlene Thacker, Melissa Franks and Grace Tuttle for assisting in the planning): Meredith Roberts would begin with LAPS AND STRETCHES (in hopes to attract enough children to the program). After some time with sports activities—again to attract enough children., our plan was to then introduce a Bible Story, do a craft, have more sports and end with a nutritious lunch (prepared ahead of time.) As we rounded the corner to the school yard, we saw a “throng” of children in the school year: Meredith wisely “scrapped’ the laps and stretches” program.!! And then, THE RAIN came!!! Quick—regroup. After a hasty team consult with all 18 of us huddled in one school room, we asked the principal to separate the kids into 4 groups, by age. Each of our crews was then instructed, on the spot, to tell their “assigned” Bible story and complete the crafts. Meanwhile the lunch team was working madly behind the scenes to get the food prepared and distributed. We estimate at least 240 children that first day. After the story, craft, and lunch, the rain had stopped and the sports recommenced ! By the way. . . the kiddoes ranged in age from about 18 months to 18 years!! Sadly, the older ones often “bowled” over the younger ones. We also had a problem with our soccer balls literally “running off” in the rams of some of the older young people present. Crowed control was a problem! We soon closed the day. After a consult with the Elders of the community, we all agreed that upon our return the next day, the Bible school program would be only for children 10 years old and younger.
Our devotions that evening focused on God’s Plan rather than our plans: we were humbled! We also discussed the strong feelings some of our young people had about losing some of the sports equipment to “theft” and the fact that we were going to “exclude “many of the older students who were "good kids”.
Saturday, July 17: After the Morning Walk with Larry and breakfast, we went “To Market”; many of our young people wanted to take money to “buy” something: all came home with NO money spent. (Wanda did buy some bars of soap since we were having a real soap shortage in the women’s dorm bathroom!!) As always, the market is such a wonderful snapshot of life in Pignon—and a study in contrast to our US way of being able to buy “whatever” in beautiful packaging!! Then, more tiling, grouting and painting of the Out Patient Clinic. And, then our return to Savonnette. Crowd control—better—but we did feel sad to see that the school yard gates had to be closed to keep many teens out of the area. (By the way, by the end of the afternoon, we again had more than 200 “children’, many of teen had worked their way back onto the property.) We were able to again tell more Bible stories, complete crafts, provide a nutritious lunch and engage the children in fun sports activities. We saw that the children don’t really understand some basic “game’ concepts we take for granted, such as holding holds to form a circle or “team’ activities other than soccer.
We ended the day with dinner and a 2-hour period of devotions.
Sunday, July 18: NO Walk with Larry, but we did breakfast. We divided into 3 groups, hoping to attend 3 different worship services. Unfortunately the group intending to attend Pastor Davolus’s church were disappointed to learn that the service began at 8:00 a.m. and not 9:00 a.m. as planned: so, this group went with group 2 to Pastor Francois’s church. Knox was asked to say a few words about our mission and our group was warmly welcomed by Pastor Francois and his congregation. Group 3 want to the church of Pastor Gregoire. The roof and cement block walls as up; there are wooden benches but little else has been completed in the sanctuary. This is a tiny congregation, with maybe 20 congregants attending by the time the worship service concluded. A small choir of 4 people sang to us: Our group replied by singing Amazing Grace. Following the service, Pastor Gregoire, his wife and son spoke with our group, letting us know what additional needs they see for their church and mission.
After lunch, we proceeded to see MANY of the missions and services in Pignon. First, we saw the Campbell Orphanage: we were greeted warmly and our young people so enjoyed interacting with and playing with the darling children. The Campbells continue to be so forward thinking and discussed their hopes for a future vocational school for their young people as they “age out” of the orphanage system. Their testimony continues to be so inspiring to all who meet them. We then went to the “FARM”: Evenell was there to meet us. We were privilege to witness 9 Goats being given to a deserving community family. We also visited the Mango Factory and saw the beautiful fruit in its various stages of drying: needless to say, our team bought many packages of the mangoes before leaving for the U.S. Oh, and did I mention, we were in Haiti during the RAINY SEASON!! Our next stop was to the Pastor Francois orphanage. Again, OUR plans were to see the orphanage, tell the kids a Bible Story and present to them BEAUTIFUL, HANDMADE DOLLS made by the women of Vienna Presbyterian Church. But, as we arrived on the property the RAIN came, drenching many of us before we made it into Pastor Francois’s living room. We were able to give each girl a beautiful doll; each boy received a darling Beanie Baby (donated by several of team members—who gave up their entire childhood collection of Beanie Babies). Each child also received a felt Teddy Bear that said "Jesus Loves You" on it. The children of the orphanage sang “God Is So Good to Me”: needless to say, our team ‘melted into tears’ to see these precious children, who have so little, singing with such heartfelt sincerely about the love of our lord!
After dinner, we were privileged to hear from two devout Christian men. First, Larry Madole told us of his journey to Christianity, leaving behind a life of indifference to Christ and an intense love of money(he only knew “Jesus Christ” as a swear word), to instead, become His faithful servant. Thank you, Larry, for being so open to each of us not only with your story but with your Christian character which speaks so eloquently each day of your love for Christ. After Larry’s testimony, Rubinste, “our” agronomist, told us about Voo-Doo’s influence in Haiti, particularly in the Bouquerrone area, the area we would be working in the morning. We appreciated his insight!
Monday, July 19: Walk with Larry, breakfast and we’re off to Bouquerrone via the TRUCK!!! The truck ride was definitely the most exciting transportation experience we had. Although the road to Bouquerrone has definitely ‘improved’ over the past 2 years, remember—it was the RAINY SEASON. We went through many very MUDDY patches—it was exciting to see if we’d really make it through each bog—but those skilled Haitian drivers got us through EACH time!! And OUR plans—again, changed by God’s Plan! We had planned to paint all morning, hold Bible School early afternoon and then end the day with another painting stint. However, upon “rounding the corner’ to Bouquerrone, what did we see but 200-plus children, all dressed in their school uniforms, sitting on the wooden benches which they had carried outside in preparation for our painting the interior of their school. Could we send them home?!?! NO! Soooo—we punted. Our team put on the ‘play’ of the Creation. Our VPC-SMP young people did a fantastic job of becoming the Sun, Moon animals, etc. I believe the children of Bouquerron truly enjoyed the story (which was translated by Wilken Acillien directly from the English narrator). These kiddoes were so well-behaved.!!(The principal was on the property the whole time and helped us a great deal.) After the story, each crew presented the children, again divided by age, with a craft designed to go along with the story. Then lunch and sports ministry.. At noon we were ready for our lunch and then on to painting the classrooms. Larry Madole again did a fantastic job of explaining how to divide the labor, how to paint the walls (as opposed to ourselves) and how to appropriately clean up afterward. As he said: “Remember, we’re not painting for ourselves, but for God.” This helped us all focus on why we needed to do the best job we could! (The kiddoes went home and came back in the afternoon in their “street’ clothes—a little spontaneous “soccer playing” occurred during our painting session!!) We made great progress the first day and estimated that we’d be able to finish the entire paint job on day 2.
Upon arriving home, sweaty, smelling like gasoline (from the clean-up), it was time to shower. (Oh, yeah—a comment. The “boys—who numbered 6 amongst us—had 2 showers and 2 stools. The “girls”—who numbered 12 also had 2 stools and 2 showers---sooooo, cleanup for the gals took quite some time!!) That evening, as part of our devotions, we were treated to a “concert’ by the “Young Men of Pignon Choir”. We were so impressed by the skill and beauty of their singing—and the story of how they came to be together as a choir.
Tuesday, July 20: Walk with Larry, breakfast and back to Bouquerrron. Again, we were greeted by about 140 children, in uniforms, waiting on the school grounds. Today we did the play of the Great Flood. We had some stellar performances: Peter was Noah (his bathrobe really helped set the stage) and Mr. Elephant (Knox) got a loud round of spontaneous applause from the appreciative audience. We had great fun—and I think communicated God’s love to those who obey him. After crafts, sports and kid’s lunch, our team got back to painting and were able to FINISH all the interior painting of the Bouquerrone School. The School is FINSIHED!! Larry Madole firmly ushered us to the truck with due haste—he saw those black storm clouds gathering. Our driver ‘pushed” hard all the way home—what a wild, exciting ride!! We JUST made it in the door when the ‘heavens’ opened” and we had a huge downpour with very strong winds. Oh my, had we been caught on the road, we would have been stuck for HOURS!!! Again, another example of God keeping us in safety (in fact, none of us were really injured during our entire stay in Pignon—except for a scratch from a cactus and a nasty bug bite).
Wednesday, July 21, 2010: Our last full day in Pignon!! Began with Walk with Larry, breakfast and back to tiling and painting the Out Patient Clinic. Larry inspired us to complete as much as possible as a service to the people of Haiti and to our God. We were told to "quit” by 3:00 p.m. But did all of our crew listen” NO!! Peter, Stephen and Elizabeth had to be dragged out of the OPC at 4:30 p.m.—but they had finished their room. Great work, everyone. (Don’t worry, we left quite a bit of floor space for the next group to finish!!) We had a surprise guest during lunch: Gabrielle Vincent , director of Sonje Ayiti, had come to Pignon to collect some supplies we had carried into Pignon for her. She gave a touching account of her life’s story (beginning with the death of her mother while rafting from Haiti to Florida, resulting in Gabrielle and her little brother, as a 3 and 5 year old, surviving alone on the streets of Haiti.) Gabrielle has a steadfast love in God and was able to eventfully join her father in the U.S., where she completed a college education. She now feels it is her calling to live in Haiti to help her people Sonje Ayiti attempts to establish economic and cultural development in the Cap Haitian area via a microloan program. Goods donated by the U.S. (i.e., shoes, clothes, personal care products, etc.) are provided to the persons applying for these loans. Thank you for your testimony, Gabrielle. (FYI: Her husband, Vincent, has worked with CCH in the Jacmel area and was a guest during the VPC Mission Market Place in March of this year.) For more info about Sonje Ayiti, see http://www.sonjeayiti.com/staff.html.
Our plan WAS to again return to Pastor Francois: he had agreed to have us meet with about 50 children—neighborhood children with whom he works regularly. We had extra dolls and beanie babies—and hoped to give these as a gift. AND, we had a Bible story to tell!! However, did I mention that it is the RAINY season: Pastor Francois was “stuck in the mud’ on his journey back to Pignon. We went to his compound—in the rain—and left the toys and extra food . He later communicated to us that he would distribute these gifts to the children at the next Sunday service (of course, we would be gone by then, sadly). (Again, speaking of rain: the dorm dining room windows in the Hospital Dormitory are NOT water proof. We had a VERY LARGE puddle on the floor---2 of our team members fell—without injury, thankfully. And, another team members fell in a pool of water on the front balcony. Those tiles are extremely slippery when wet!!)
We were treated to a Haitian Banquet, compliments of the hospital staff, on our last evening. The food was scrumptious!! After dinner we did some preliminary packing and sorting; we organized “piles” of donations. All extra toiletries to Pastor Francois, extra “medications’ to the Campbells, extra batteries and work gloves to the Iowa House, extra shoes and clothing to the people of Bouquerrone, and those disgusting “paint” clothes—to the rag bag at the Iowa house. (We came to appreciate how valuable rags are in the work in Haiti!!)
Knox again led us in devotions: we reflected on our time in Haiti---and where each of us had seen and witnessed the presence of God. So many of us expressed what a privilege it was to be allowed to come to Haiti and a very strong desire to STAY in Haiti—a few tears were shed! Many team members stayed up till the wee hours of the morning—savoring those last hours in Haiti.
Thursday, July 22: We left Pignon, again in 4 MAF flights: all were quiet, contemplating the beauty and wonder of Haiti as we flew over the country side. Our flights from Port au Prince to Miami and from Miami to Washington DC were, thankfully, uneventful and on time.
Friday, July 23; We all arrived safely at Ronald Reagan Airport at 12:30 a.m. and were reunited with our loved ones. After lots of hugs each of us departed for home.
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6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 8: We hope for a Haiti SMP 2010 reunion: at the Underground at Vienna Presbyterian Church. All those who love Haiti are invited to attend, hear our stories and see our photos.
Praise God for the opportunity to serve the people of Haiti and for returning Team Haiti safely to Virginia!
Joyfully submitted: Wanda Vander Nat
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Third Church Pella Youth Group
Submitted By Craig Zuithoff
This was our first student ministry trip to Haiti. There were 12 of us on the trip; myself and an female adult leader, 5 guys, and 5 girls. The students were all either entering their senior year of high school or had just graduated. Our purposes were to support the Nikkels who are from our church, help the people of Pignon, and gain some understanding of the need in Pignon and missions in general.
We flew DSM to CHI to MIA, stayed in hotel, MIA to Port Au Prince, MAF to Pignon. Same route on return leg. Also we used Nadar’s shuttle to and from the Port Au Prince airport to MAF. We did not have any problems. Bev Brand had prepared us well for what we could expect in Port Au Prince.
While there we painted Three Bears School, built screens at the hospitals feeding program shelter and at the Olivet Library, painted in the hospital dorms, built a rock path at the library, helped at the orphanage, and visited the Salt and Light school where we saw the well that our group was able to provide the funds for this past year.
We stayed in the MN house. It was great.
I think that students can do really well on this trip set up. I was glad that our high school students were upper classmen. We are already planning to go back over spring break with a new group of students. We love being a part of what God is doing in Pignon.
Thank you so much for allowing us to serve in Haiti!
This was our first student ministry trip to Haiti. There were 12 of us on the trip; myself and an female adult leader, 5 guys, and 5 girls. The students were all either entering their senior year of high school or had just graduated. Our purposes were to support the Nikkels who are from our church, help the people of Pignon, and gain some understanding of the need in Pignon and missions in general.
We flew DSM to CHI to MIA, stayed in hotel, MIA to Port Au Prince, MAF to Pignon. Same route on return leg. Also we used Nadar’s shuttle to and from the Port Au Prince airport to MAF. We did not have any problems. Bev Brand had prepared us well for what we could expect in Port Au Prince.
While there we painted Three Bears School, built screens at the hospitals feeding program shelter and at the Olivet Library, painted in the hospital dorms, built a rock path at the library, helped at the orphanage, and visited the Salt and Light school where we saw the well that our group was able to provide the funds for this past year.
We stayed in the MN house. It was great.
I think that students can do really well on this trip set up. I was glad that our high school students were upper classmen. We are already planning to go back over spring break with a new group of students. We love being a part of what God is doing in Pignon.
Thank you so much for allowing us to serve in Haiti!
Friday, July 23, 2010
CCH TEAM -July 8-15
Haiti mission - Thursday 7/8
We took a cargo plane to Pignon. A beautiful view of Haiti and the ocean as we apraoched the Island. The team visited the hospital ( L'Hopital De Bien Faisance) and met some the staff and patients. The team walked around the villge of Pignon. The people were receptive to us and the children talked with us and walked with us. The Haitian people are beautiful and loving. They are happy just to be living and thankful for what they have. They live in poverty, but are rich in spirit. The Haitain people have touched our hearts with their loving ways. The children held our hands and a couple of hugs. They talked to us in creole and french, and a few spoke english.
Friday - 7/9
We went Bouqueronne and painted the outside of the school and did vbs with the children. We played soccor, frisbee and jump rope with the children. The bible verse was translated to the children in creole and the chilren repeated the verse out loud. They were very attentive. Matt and Jacob did a skit of the story of Jesus healing the blind man as the story was being told to the children in creole. We gave the children crayons and paper to draw anything they liked. They drew pictures of their houses, chickens, pigs, dogs, cars, flowers, hearts, church and the cross. They were excited to show us their pictures. We also served them lunch. In the evening we showed the Jesus film in creole outside the church on a makeshift screen made out of a sheet and a tarp. The film captured their attention and they clapped when Jesus was resurrected. They understood the message.
Saturday - 7/10
The team drove to Bahon in the back of pickup trucks. When we arrived the people were seated under a thatched roof style canopy. There were chairs and table with flowers on it for us to sit around. They spoke about the blessings that have received from God through CCH. A Haitian lady led the people as they sang a hymn in creole to us. Their kindness and graciousness brought us to tears. They served us lime, passionfruit, and coconut. We walked around the vegatable gardens there. Then the team rode to the top of Matannwa on horses to get to a church. It was a very steep, rocky climb, but the Haitians did great job leading us up the mountain. The whole town was waiting inside for us. The pastor and some of the people welcomed us and spoke about their needs and were thankful for all that they have received. Scott spoke the verse John 10:14-18. Jesus states " I am the good shepherd. I know the sheep know me. Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep not of this pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life, only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and take it up again. This command I received from the Father." This verse speaks to the heart, we should reach out and share the love and hope of Jesus Christ to all people. Keith thanked the people and asked God to bless them for ther hard work. We showed the Jesus film in Bahon inside the church.
Sunday - 7/11
Half the team attended Pastor Gregoire's church and the other half attended Pastor Francois' church. They welcomed us warmly. At Pastor Francois' church the choir sang beautifully. Dr. Runion gave the sermon as Pastor Francois translated in creole. The sermon was about the story of Nicodemus. The people responded by saying amen during the sermon. Their intensity and passion for Jesus Christ was evident throughout the church. After the church service we talked to the people and the pastor. We showed the Jesus film at Pastor Gregoire's church in the evening. Again the people clapped when Jesus was resurrected.
Sunday Evening - July 11
The hospital administration had a special dinner prepared for the team, hospital staff, and other missionaries. It was like Thanksgiving Haitian style.
The team met for devotional time and we shared thoughts about our experiences. The team has been having daily devotionals.
Monday - July 12
After breakfast, the team returned to the school in Pignon, and put the second coat of paint on the exterior walls of the school. Then, we played soccor, football, jump rope and parachute games with the children. They loved the games and ran underneath the parachute and began singing songs. The team served the kids lunch. The Bible lesson was given next. The verse Romans 8:28 was translated by Wilkens (One of our Haitian guides who teaches the children at the school) in Creole to the children. They recited the verse back very well. The story of Jesus feeding the 5000 people at the city of Bethsaida with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish was told by Ellen and translated by Wilkens in Creole to the children. And a skit was done by Matt, Jacob and Walter as the story was told. We helped the children make a fish puppet out of paper bags. They were given coloring sheets with eyes and a mouth for the fish. We helped them cut and paste the eyes and mouth they colored on the bags. Then a rubber band was placed around each bag to secure the puppets around the hands of the children. Robin asked the kids to sing again and began to dance with them. Before long the whole group was clapping and dancing. Scott worked on a community farming project with the Haitians on Friday and Monday. He showed them how to plant seeds and recycle their crops. He taught them about a drip irrigation system from a well through a pipe and a hose.Scott designed a gravity based system that proved to be even more efficient. Using a 5 gallon buckets and with an adapter and a hose with holes in it run down through the crop. He taught them efficient farming techniques through soil conservation, erosion control and water quality, crop rotation and scheduling. These techniques create additional food and income sources. A community working together and helping each other in a Christlike manner shows God's power at work. When the team returned to the dorm, Donna and Ellen assisted with a Haitian woman in labor at the hospital. They worked very diligently with the Haitian woman, but she remained in labor all night. After dinner, We showed the Jesus film in Pignon outside the school. The Haitians watched intensely as the story of Jesus unfolded. Once again they clapped when Jesus was resurrected. After the film, Robin played with the children outside the dorm and gave them glow in the dark bracelets.
Tuesday - July 13
In the morning, the team painted some of the walls and tiled the floors in the lower level of the dorm. Ellen and Donna returned to the hospital to check on their patient. They assisted with the delivery of a baby boy. Karen, Mike, Dr. Runion, Robin, and Matt flew to Jacmel and visited the hospital, a refugee camp, and an orphanage. the hospital is in very poor condition as half of it was destroyed by the earthquake. 4000 people live in tents in the refugee camp in an area the size of a football field. The orphanage is small with about 25 kids. They drove through Port o Prince and saw the tent city and devastation from the earthquake. They spent the night at The Isaiah 41 mission house.
After lunch, the team members that remained in Pignon returned to the school. We played soccor, football, jump rope and parachute games with the children. We served them lunch. The verse Romans 13:10 was told to the children in Creole by Wilkens. Donna told the story of the " Good Samaritan" and wilkens translated by Wilkens in Creole. Keith, Jacob, Eric, Scott, Ellen and Debbie did a skit as the story was told. After dinner, the team walked through the village and visited the home of a boy that came to Bible school. He was very proud of his home and his family welcomed us. In the house next door, neighbors gathered together for Bible study. A man was reading Bible verses out loud as the people listened. As we walked into this small, almost dark home they geeted us warmly. They began singing " It is well with my soul" in Creole. We prayed with them. In the midst of the darkness, God's light came shining through. We returned to the hospital and gave stuffed animals to the children there.
Wednesday - July 14
After breakfast, The team went to Campbell's Orphanage. Bill and Jennifer Campbell run the orphanage and a small clinic there. They treat babies and small children for malnutrition and illnesses. They provide milk and food for the kids and the parents. Donna and ellen assisted Jennifer treating the babies. The rest of the team handed out blankets and food. Keith helped Bill work on a small building there. The rest of the team returned from Jacmel and joined us at Cambpell's. Matt help a boy learning to play piano there. Jacob played with the children outside. The team returned to the dorm and finished painting and tiling the lower level. Dr. Runion, Robin and Matt met with several Haitian ministers for pastoral training. Dr. Runion spoke and encouraged them in their work. They discussed future plans to continue training. In the evening there was a concert at Pastor Francois' church.Pastor Francois gave the opening prayer. The choir sang a Creole hymn, " If you want to break the sin, trust in Jesus". Matt played as the choir sang "God is Good", "It is well with my soul", " Lord I lift your name on high", "How great thou art" and "Trading my sorrows". The choir and the entire congretation sang the chorus to "Trading my sorrows" in english. Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord Amen! The congregation sang with one voice. The ladie's and the men's praise teams each sang Creole worship songs in perfect harmony. Matt and Ebans (Our Haitian Guide) sang a duet of " Shout to the Lord'' in english. Ebans Also sang some of the song in creole. The intensity and passion for Christ filled the church. After the Concert, we talked the people and hugged the children. A little girl fell asleep in Robin's lap.
Thursday - July 15
In the morning, we packed up. The team took one last walk through the village and shopped in the street market near the hospital. While were waiting outside the hospital,
a patient was wheeled out of the hospital. A severely burned man was left on a hospital bed in the walkway. His whole body wrapped in bandages and an IV attached to his arm. A pickup truck came to take him Cap Hatien. No doctor or nurse came out to assist this man. Keith and Ellen put their air mattresses in the bed of the truck. 2 team members grabbed sheets from the dorm so Donna and Ellen could wrap the man. Keith, Ebans, and Donna moved him onto the truck. Donna and Ellen tried extremely hard to put the IV back in the man's arm. Robin held the IV bag as Donna and Ellen Continued to try to find a vein for the IV. There was about 50 people standing around. Matt led the people in prayer. All eyes were on Donna and Ellen as they assisted the man. They could not find a good vein in the man's arm for the IV because God had a diffrent plan. the man was transported to Cap Haitian. Donna, Ellen and Keith made an impact in the lives of the 50 people watching as they showed compassion and cared for this man. They were God's instruments and an example of his love and power as they assisted the man.
Shortly after, the team hugged the children and our Haitian guides ( all of them angels!) and loaded up the truck and headed to the airport. This team and many more will return to Haiti to continue God's work here.
We took a cargo plane to Pignon. A beautiful view of Haiti and the ocean as we apraoched the Island. The team visited the hospital ( L'Hopital De Bien Faisance) and met some the staff and patients. The team walked around the villge of Pignon. The people were receptive to us and the children talked with us and walked with us. The Haitian people are beautiful and loving. They are happy just to be living and thankful for what they have. They live in poverty, but are rich in spirit. The Haitain people have touched our hearts with their loving ways. The children held our hands and a couple of hugs. They talked to us in creole and french, and a few spoke english.
Friday - 7/9
We went Bouqueronne and painted the outside of the school and did vbs with the children. We played soccor, frisbee and jump rope with the children. The bible verse was translated to the children in creole and the chilren repeated the verse out loud. They were very attentive. Matt and Jacob did a skit of the story of Jesus healing the blind man as the story was being told to the children in creole. We gave the children crayons and paper to draw anything they liked. They drew pictures of their houses, chickens, pigs, dogs, cars, flowers, hearts, church and the cross. They were excited to show us their pictures. We also served them lunch. In the evening we showed the Jesus film in creole outside the church on a makeshift screen made out of a sheet and a tarp. The film captured their attention and they clapped when Jesus was resurrected. They understood the message.
Saturday - 7/10
The team drove to Bahon in the back of pickup trucks. When we arrived the people were seated under a thatched roof style canopy. There were chairs and table with flowers on it for us to sit around. They spoke about the blessings that have received from God through CCH. A Haitian lady led the people as they sang a hymn in creole to us. Their kindness and graciousness brought us to tears. They served us lime, passionfruit, and coconut. We walked around the vegatable gardens there. Then the team rode to the top of Matannwa on horses to get to a church. It was a very steep, rocky climb, but the Haitians did great job leading us up the mountain. The whole town was waiting inside for us. The pastor and some of the people welcomed us and spoke about their needs and were thankful for all that they have received. Scott spoke the verse John 10:14-18. Jesus states " I am the good shepherd. I know the sheep know me. Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep not of this pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life, only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and take it up again. This command I received from the Father." This verse speaks to the heart, we should reach out and share the love and hope of Jesus Christ to all people. Keith thanked the people and asked God to bless them for ther hard work. We showed the Jesus film in Bahon inside the church.
Sunday - 7/11
Half the team attended Pastor Gregoire's church and the other half attended Pastor Francois' church. They welcomed us warmly. At Pastor Francois' church the choir sang beautifully. Dr. Runion gave the sermon as Pastor Francois translated in creole. The sermon was about the story of Nicodemus. The people responded by saying amen during the sermon. Their intensity and passion for Jesus Christ was evident throughout the church. After the church service we talked to the people and the pastor. We showed the Jesus film at Pastor Gregoire's church in the evening. Again the people clapped when Jesus was resurrected.
Sunday Evening - July 11
The hospital administration had a special dinner prepared for the team, hospital staff, and other missionaries. It was like Thanksgiving Haitian style.
The team met for devotional time and we shared thoughts about our experiences. The team has been having daily devotionals.
Monday - July 12
After breakfast, the team returned to the school in Pignon, and put the second coat of paint on the exterior walls of the school. Then, we played soccor, football, jump rope and parachute games with the children. They loved the games and ran underneath the parachute and began singing songs. The team served the kids lunch. The Bible lesson was given next. The verse Romans 8:28 was translated by Wilkens (One of our Haitian guides who teaches the children at the school) in Creole to the children. They recited the verse back very well. The story of Jesus feeding the 5000 people at the city of Bethsaida with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish was told by Ellen and translated by Wilkens in Creole to the children. And a skit was done by Matt, Jacob and Walter as the story was told. We helped the children make a fish puppet out of paper bags. They were given coloring sheets with eyes and a mouth for the fish. We helped them cut and paste the eyes and mouth they colored on the bags. Then a rubber band was placed around each bag to secure the puppets around the hands of the children. Robin asked the kids to sing again and began to dance with them. Before long the whole group was clapping and dancing. Scott worked on a community farming project with the Haitians on Friday and Monday. He showed them how to plant seeds and recycle their crops. He taught them about a drip irrigation system from a well through a pipe and a hose.Scott designed a gravity based system that proved to be even more efficient. Using a 5 gallon buckets and with an adapter and a hose with holes in it run down through the crop. He taught them efficient farming techniques through soil conservation, erosion control and water quality, crop rotation and scheduling. These techniques create additional food and income sources. A community working together and helping each other in a Christlike manner shows God's power at work. When the team returned to the dorm, Donna and Ellen assisted with a Haitian woman in labor at the hospital. They worked very diligently with the Haitian woman, but she remained in labor all night. After dinner, We showed the Jesus film in Pignon outside the school. The Haitians watched intensely as the story of Jesus unfolded. Once again they clapped when Jesus was resurrected. After the film, Robin played with the children outside the dorm and gave them glow in the dark bracelets.
Tuesday - July 13
In the morning, the team painted some of the walls and tiled the floors in the lower level of the dorm. Ellen and Donna returned to the hospital to check on their patient. They assisted with the delivery of a baby boy. Karen, Mike, Dr. Runion, Robin, and Matt flew to Jacmel and visited the hospital, a refugee camp, and an orphanage. the hospital is in very poor condition as half of it was destroyed by the earthquake. 4000 people live in tents in the refugee camp in an area the size of a football field. The orphanage is small with about 25 kids. They drove through Port o Prince and saw the tent city and devastation from the earthquake. They spent the night at The Isaiah 41 mission house.
After lunch, the team members that remained in Pignon returned to the school. We played soccor, football, jump rope and parachute games with the children. We served them lunch. The verse Romans 13:10 was told to the children in Creole by Wilkens. Donna told the story of the " Good Samaritan" and wilkens translated by Wilkens in Creole. Keith, Jacob, Eric, Scott, Ellen and Debbie did a skit as the story was told. After dinner, the team walked through the village and visited the home of a boy that came to Bible school. He was very proud of his home and his family welcomed us. In the house next door, neighbors gathered together for Bible study. A man was reading Bible verses out loud as the people listened. As we walked into this small, almost dark home they geeted us warmly. They began singing " It is well with my soul" in Creole. We prayed with them. In the midst of the darkness, God's light came shining through. We returned to the hospital and gave stuffed animals to the children there.
Wednesday - July 14
After breakfast, The team went to Campbell's Orphanage. Bill and Jennifer Campbell run the orphanage and a small clinic there. They treat babies and small children for malnutrition and illnesses. They provide milk and food for the kids and the parents. Donna and ellen assisted Jennifer treating the babies. The rest of the team handed out blankets and food. Keith helped Bill work on a small building there. The rest of the team returned from Jacmel and joined us at Cambpell's. Matt help a boy learning to play piano there. Jacob played with the children outside. The team returned to the dorm and finished painting and tiling the lower level. Dr. Runion, Robin and Matt met with several Haitian ministers for pastoral training. Dr. Runion spoke and encouraged them in their work. They discussed future plans to continue training. In the evening there was a concert at Pastor Francois' church.Pastor Francois gave the opening prayer. The choir sang a Creole hymn, " If you want to break the sin, trust in Jesus". Matt played as the choir sang "God is Good", "It is well with my soul", " Lord I lift your name on high", "How great thou art" and "Trading my sorrows". The choir and the entire congretation sang the chorus to "Trading my sorrows" in english. Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord Amen! The congregation sang with one voice. The ladie's and the men's praise teams each sang Creole worship songs in perfect harmony. Matt and Ebans (Our Haitian Guide) sang a duet of " Shout to the Lord'' in english. Ebans Also sang some of the song in creole. The intensity and passion for Christ filled the church. After the Concert, we talked the people and hugged the children. A little girl fell asleep in Robin's lap.
Thursday - July 15
In the morning, we packed up. The team took one last walk through the village and shopped in the street market near the hospital. While were waiting outside the hospital,
a patient was wheeled out of the hospital. A severely burned man was left on a hospital bed in the walkway. His whole body wrapped in bandages and an IV attached to his arm. A pickup truck came to take him Cap Hatien. No doctor or nurse came out to assist this man. Keith and Ellen put their air mattresses in the bed of the truck. 2 team members grabbed sheets from the dorm so Donna and Ellen could wrap the man. Keith, Ebans, and Donna moved him onto the truck. Donna and Ellen tried extremely hard to put the IV back in the man's arm. Robin held the IV bag as Donna and Ellen Continued to try to find a vein for the IV. There was about 50 people standing around. Matt led the people in prayer. All eyes were on Donna and Ellen as they assisted the man. They could not find a good vein in the man's arm for the IV because God had a diffrent plan. the man was transported to Cap Haitian. Donna, Ellen and Keith made an impact in the lives of the 50 people watching as they showed compassion and cared for this man. They were God's instruments and an example of his love and power as they assisted the man.
Shortly after, the team hugged the children and our Haitian guides ( all of them angels!) and loaded up the truck and headed to the airport. This team and many more will return to Haiti to continue God's work here.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Hope Church Trip report
Promise for Haiti June 2010 trip report
Summitted Christi Spencer
Our team for the week of June 24-July 1, 2010 was made up of 11 people from Hope Church in Spencer, IA and 3 people from Sunnybrook Church in Sioux City, IA. Most of this group had originally been scheduled to come into Pignon the end of January, 2010. Those arrangements had to be postponed so we had been eagerly waiting for the time for the June trip to finally come. The purpose of the trip is a combination of work projects, follow up with ministries that are supported by our churches, and representing our communities that have given money for the purpose of sharing food with people in Pignon and the surrounding area. Another focus for the ladies of our team was to hold our ‘1st annual’ Women’s conference where stories of women in the Bible were shared. “Fanm Espwa Nan Ayiti” is the name of the conference, “Women of Hope in Haiti”.
Our travel arrangements involved flying from Minneapolis, MN to Orlando, FL then shuttle to Ft Pierce. The next morning we were on the MFI plane, going through Port au Prince to be cleared into the country, then on to Pignon. All flights were smooth and ON TIME!
We spent the week in the MN House which is wonderful! We were very comfortable with accommodations for 14 people. We did have very low water pressure in the showers throughout the week and, in general, cold water. The shower on the main floor produced a trickle out one hole of the shower head! We had a couple people ‘shower’ and wash their hair in the down pouring rain, God gave us water pressure! Sue Ishee had advised us to be sure not to let anyone but team members into the compound to insure security of our belongings, etc. We didn’t have any issues at all.
Our work projects involved a bathroom remodel in the Doctor’s Dorm and some painting in the new Out Patient Clinic and an OB room at the Hospital. Those projects were completed with the use of the “Little Giant” ladder that was a gift to be left for future teams to use. The 2 churches represented in our group both support Guimby school. Sunnybrook’s support is with the scholarship program and Hope’s support is with the school lunch feeding program. We were all very disappointed when the roads were too SLOPPY to make our way in and around and up and through on the road up to Guimby. We tried our best but had to make the wise but tough decision to head back to Pignon. Feb, 2011 we hope will prove to be a better time for a trip to Guimby.
Distributing rice and beans provides the opportunity to share the Gospel with many families and individuals. We used “Witness Symbols” to share the message: “Jezi te vini, Jezi te mouri, Jezi te resisite, Jezi te monte nan syel la, e Jezi va tounen anko”, which means: “He came, He died, He arose, He ascended, and He’s coming back….FOR YOU!” This was also used as the theme for the Women’s conference. We had bible stories, a bandana craft and several gifts to share. We had ‘sewing kits’, scripture cards, “Witness’ bands that could all be taken home in a bag that had a screen printed “Fanm Espwa Nan Ayiti” logo. The morning conference was concluded with a meal which our group provided. The meal was served in colorful bowls accompanied by ‘sporks’ in many colors, which also could be taken home. We had worked with Stacey Nikkel of Many Hands for Haiti on pre-planning the conference with Pastor Francios of the Baptist Church down the street from Dr Guy’s compound. We were all very encouraged and excited with the results of the effort put forth. Pastor Francios says he is praying for 200-250 women for the next conference to be held in February, 2011. Our God is a BIG God!!
Our Sunday morning worship was with JeanJean and Kristie Mompremier of United Christians International. We were invited for lunch at their house after church. One afternoon, we visited one of their 7 Nutrition Centers, Lapila.
Since Jared and Stacey Nikkel with Many Hands for Haiti started their furlough mid June, we had the opportunity to work with Eric Krob and family who live in Lisbon, IA. Eric, his wife, Stacy, and four sons, TJ, Thatcher, Truman, and Teague committed to 9 weeks in Pignon while the Nikkels are in the states. Eric, along with Ezequias and Wilkin from Pignon, were SO helpful to our team to help us accomplish the tasks we had planned. Because of all of their help and organization, we didn’t have to leave anything incomplete, except our trip to Guimby but that was simply not possible because of the road conditions. THANK YOU, Ezequias, Wilkin, Eric and family.
As we were getting close to home on our last travel day, I observed something that was encouraging. It seemed that all of our team members were in good spirits through to the END! I think that was a sign of a GOOD TRIP! Bonswa until next time. (submitted by Christi Gabhart, Spencer, IA)
Summitted Christi Spencer
Our team for the week of June 24-July 1, 2010 was made up of 11 people from Hope Church in Spencer, IA and 3 people from Sunnybrook Church in Sioux City, IA. Most of this group had originally been scheduled to come into Pignon the end of January, 2010. Those arrangements had to be postponed so we had been eagerly waiting for the time for the June trip to finally come. The purpose of the trip is a combination of work projects, follow up with ministries that are supported by our churches, and representing our communities that have given money for the purpose of sharing food with people in Pignon and the surrounding area. Another focus for the ladies of our team was to hold our ‘1st annual’ Women’s conference where stories of women in the Bible were shared. “Fanm Espwa Nan Ayiti” is the name of the conference, “Women of Hope in Haiti”.
Our travel arrangements involved flying from Minneapolis, MN to Orlando, FL then shuttle to Ft Pierce. The next morning we were on the MFI plane, going through Port au Prince to be cleared into the country, then on to Pignon. All flights were smooth and ON TIME!
We spent the week in the MN House which is wonderful! We were very comfortable with accommodations for 14 people. We did have very low water pressure in the showers throughout the week and, in general, cold water. The shower on the main floor produced a trickle out one hole of the shower head! We had a couple people ‘shower’ and wash their hair in the down pouring rain, God gave us water pressure! Sue Ishee had advised us to be sure not to let anyone but team members into the compound to insure security of our belongings, etc. We didn’t have any issues at all.
Our work projects involved a bathroom remodel in the Doctor’s Dorm and some painting in the new Out Patient Clinic and an OB room at the Hospital. Those projects were completed with the use of the “Little Giant” ladder that was a gift to be left for future teams to use. The 2 churches represented in our group both support Guimby school. Sunnybrook’s support is with the scholarship program and Hope’s support is with the school lunch feeding program. We were all very disappointed when the roads were too SLOPPY to make our way in and around and up and through on the road up to Guimby. We tried our best but had to make the wise but tough decision to head back to Pignon. Feb, 2011 we hope will prove to be a better time for a trip to Guimby.
Distributing rice and beans provides the opportunity to share the Gospel with many families and individuals. We used “Witness Symbols” to share the message: “Jezi te vini, Jezi te mouri, Jezi te resisite, Jezi te monte nan syel la, e Jezi va tounen anko”, which means: “He came, He died, He arose, He ascended, and He’s coming back….FOR YOU!” This was also used as the theme for the Women’s conference. We had bible stories, a bandana craft and several gifts to share. We had ‘sewing kits’, scripture cards, “Witness’ bands that could all be taken home in a bag that had a screen printed “Fanm Espwa Nan Ayiti” logo. The morning conference was concluded with a meal which our group provided. The meal was served in colorful bowls accompanied by ‘sporks’ in many colors, which also could be taken home. We had worked with Stacey Nikkel of Many Hands for Haiti on pre-planning the conference with Pastor Francios of the Baptist Church down the street from Dr Guy’s compound. We were all very encouraged and excited with the results of the effort put forth. Pastor Francios says he is praying for 200-250 women for the next conference to be held in February, 2011. Our God is a BIG God!!
Our Sunday morning worship was with JeanJean and Kristie Mompremier of United Christians International. We were invited for lunch at their house after church. One afternoon, we visited one of their 7 Nutrition Centers, Lapila.
Since Jared and Stacey Nikkel with Many Hands for Haiti started their furlough mid June, we had the opportunity to work with Eric Krob and family who live in Lisbon, IA. Eric, his wife, Stacy, and four sons, TJ, Thatcher, Truman, and Teague committed to 9 weeks in Pignon while the Nikkels are in the states. Eric, along with Ezequias and Wilkin from Pignon, were SO helpful to our team to help us accomplish the tasks we had planned. Because of all of their help and organization, we didn’t have to leave anything incomplete, except our trip to Guimby but that was simply not possible because of the road conditions. THANK YOU, Ezequias, Wilkin, Eric and family.
As we were getting close to home on our last travel day, I observed something that was encouraging. It seemed that all of our team members were in good spirits through to the END! I think that was a sign of a GOOD TRIP! Bonswa until next time. (submitted by Christi Gabhart, Spencer, IA)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Medical Team June 17-23
submitted by
Kimbra.Weesner
Promise for Haiti Survey
1. The group consisted of 13 individuals with a variety of medical backgrounds: general surgeon, family physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, student nurses, army medics, and couple of non-medical support people. The purpose of our trip was to be the hands and feet of Jesus and extend His love through medical care to the Hatian people in the Pignon area who are unable to afford medical care. We conducted four general medical clinics in three different Pignon areas. Day one we went to Santioch and saw 196 people. Day two we went to Camp De La Grace and saw 135 people, we returned there on day four and saw 83 more people. Day three we went to the Rocky Mountain School near the Pignon airport and saw 187. We did triage the patients we saw as there were many more who wanted and needed to be seen.
2. We flew from Indianapolis, Indiana to Port-au-Prince arriving at 3:15pm. We were met at the airport by staff from the Matthew 25 House, where we spent the night. The next morning they transported us to the airport where the group flew in two MAF planes to Pignon. We were met at the airport by designated hospital staff who transported us and our medical supplies to the hospital compound.
3. We were housed in the Hospital dorm. The living arrangements were better than we had anticipated. The rooms and building were clean and safe. Our only problem was that we frequently did not have enough bottled water and had to ask several times for more water, in fact we actually went out and bought more water for the team.
4. Is there information you would like passed on to the next team that is scheduled.
Please seek hospital assistance in arranging interpreters. We hired interpreters through local connections. I would recommend that all supplies be kept where ever the group is staying and not in the hospital.
5. We had an incredible trip and appreciate all of the help that we received from the hospital and the Promise For Haiti team. We look forward to returning to the Pignon area in the future.
Kimbra.Weesner
Promise for Haiti Survey
1. The group consisted of 13 individuals with a variety of medical backgrounds: general surgeon, family physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, student nurses, army medics, and couple of non-medical support people. The purpose of our trip was to be the hands and feet of Jesus and extend His love through medical care to the Hatian people in the Pignon area who are unable to afford medical care. We conducted four general medical clinics in three different Pignon areas. Day one we went to Santioch and saw 196 people. Day two we went to Camp De La Grace and saw 135 people, we returned there on day four and saw 83 more people. Day three we went to the Rocky Mountain School near the Pignon airport and saw 187. We did triage the patients we saw as there were many more who wanted and needed to be seen.
2. We flew from Indianapolis, Indiana to Port-au-Prince arriving at 3:15pm. We were met at the airport by staff from the Matthew 25 House, where we spent the night. The next morning they transported us to the airport where the group flew in two MAF planes to Pignon. We were met at the airport by designated hospital staff who transported us and our medical supplies to the hospital compound.
3. We were housed in the Hospital dorm. The living arrangements were better than we had anticipated. The rooms and building were clean and safe. Our only problem was that we frequently did not have enough bottled water and had to ask several times for more water, in fact we actually went out and bought more water for the team.
4. Is there information you would like passed on to the next team that is scheduled.
Please seek hospital assistance in arranging interpreters. We hired interpreters through local connections. I would recommend that all supplies be kept where ever the group is staying and not in the hospital.
5. We had an incredible trip and appreciate all of the help that we received from the hospital and the Promise For Haiti team. We look forward to returning to the Pignon area in the future.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Friends of Haiti,
We will be holding a Promise for Haiti summit meeting in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday July 17, 2010. This meeting is to share information about activities and projects in Pignon. We encourage an exchange of ideas and thoughts. Details of time and location are:
Cambria Suites
2870 Metro Drive
Bloomington, MN 55425
Telephone 952-854-0300
Saturday July 17, 2010 9:00 AM
We will be holding a Promise for Haiti summit meeting in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday July 17, 2010. This meeting is to share information about activities and projects in Pignon. We encourage an exchange of ideas and thoughts. Details of time and location are:
Cambria Suites
2870 Metro Drive
Bloomington, MN 55425
Telephone 952-854-0300
Saturday July 17, 2010 9:00 AM
Monday, April 12, 2010
Award
Hospital Bienfaisance of Pignon has been recognized
for providing excellent community health care by
the World Health Organization and the Ministry of
Health of Haiti. Dr. Gerard Lois was
chosen to receive the award. Pictures to be
posted on the blog at a later dated
for providing excellent community health care by
the World Health Organization and the Ministry of
Health of Haiti. Dr. Gerard Lois was
chosen to receive the award. Pictures to be
posted on the blog at a later dated
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Larry Madole March 2010 Trip
~ summitted by Larry Madole~
The most recent work trip to Pignon was a group comprised of people from Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri.
We left our varioue areas on March l7th and arrived the same day
in Ft. Lauderdale airport. We took the shuttle to Ft. Pierce and stayed overnight . The next morning we boarded the MFI plane and headed for Haiti arriving in Pignon at about noon.
We ate lunch and started making arrangements for the projects
that we were going to do while we were there.
These projects included working in the dorm at
the hospital, putting plumbing in the pregnancy
center and putting the roof on the
school at Three Bears.
We got settled in the Iowa House and began to work that
afternoon. We had l6 people on this trip,
three of them were new people from
Iowa and Colorado. We showed them around the hospital
compound and other places in town so they would be
familiar with their surroundings. At the close of
the day we were already well ahead of schedule for
the projects we were going to do.
The next day everybody went about working on the
various projects, putting together trusses for the
school, working on the plumbing at the pregnancy
center and working in the dorm at the hospital.
On Saturday as many of you know this is market
day in Pignon, many of the team members went to the market.
Sue Den Ouden and myself, Larry Madole, attended
a day of the board meeting.
On Sunday we went to church at Bohoc and toured the farm.
Monday morning the sun came up with clear skies and it was
a very hot day. We put up the trusses at Three Bears School
and started to put the tin on the roof.
On Monday Sue Den Ouden and Katie Den Ouden
set up an eye clinic to check people's eyes
for glaucoma and for glasses. The next few days
were filled with working on the projects,
repairing the water system at Guimby and many other
wonderful days and evenings working and sharing together.
We were able to complete all of the projects and were able
to accomplish even a few more.
I would like to thank the team members, who gave of their
time and their talents for the Lord's work in Pignon.
The team members were Larry Madole, Sue Den Ouden,
Katie Den Ouden, Craig Hardy, John Hocker, Larry Farrell,
Gene Tasler, Doug Grunder, Megan Grunder,
Dan Hall, Dick Woods, Judy Woods, Andy Gael,
Eric Larson, Herb Sikkink and Robert Sikkink.
It was a wonderful experince for the whole team.
Larry~~
The most recent work trip to Pignon was a group comprised of people from Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri.
We left our varioue areas on March l7th and arrived the same day
in Ft. Lauderdale airport. We took the shuttle to Ft. Pierce and stayed overnight . The next morning we boarded the MFI plane and headed for Haiti arriving in Pignon at about noon.
We ate lunch and started making arrangements for the projects
that we were going to do while we were there.
These projects included working in the dorm at
the hospital, putting plumbing in the pregnancy
center and putting the roof on the
school at Three Bears.
We got settled in the Iowa House and began to work that
afternoon. We had l6 people on this trip,
three of them were new people from
Iowa and Colorado. We showed them around the hospital
compound and other places in town so they would be
familiar with their surroundings. At the close of
the day we were already well ahead of schedule for
the projects we were going to do.
The next day everybody went about working on the
various projects, putting together trusses for the
school, working on the plumbing at the pregnancy
center and working in the dorm at the hospital.
On Saturday as many of you know this is market
day in Pignon, many of the team members went to the market.
Sue Den Ouden and myself, Larry Madole, attended
a day of the board meeting.
On Sunday we went to church at Bohoc and toured the farm.
Monday morning the sun came up with clear skies and it was
a very hot day. We put up the trusses at Three Bears School
and started to put the tin on the roof.
On Monday Sue Den Ouden and Katie Den Ouden
set up an eye clinic to check people's eyes
for glaucoma and for glasses. The next few days
were filled with working on the projects,
repairing the water system at Guimby and many other
wonderful days and evenings working and sharing together.
We were able to complete all of the projects and were able
to accomplish even a few more.
I would like to thank the team members, who gave of their
time and their talents for the Lord's work in Pignon.
The team members were Larry Madole, Sue Den Ouden,
Katie Den Ouden, Craig Hardy, John Hocker, Larry Farrell,
Gene Tasler, Doug Grunder, Megan Grunder,
Dan Hall, Dick Woods, Judy Woods, Andy Gael,
Eric Larson, Herb Sikkink and Robert Sikkink.
It was a wonderful experince for the whole team.
Larry~~
Friday, April 2, 2010
Happy Easter Everyone
May we find strength and hope in the knowledge that God loves us so much he gave us his son,who died on the cross for us.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Meeting in Pignon March 20-21 2010
Summery of the Partners meeting by Lorrie~
( these are not the minutes but a summery of what was discussed)
A Partners meeting was held March 20-21 in Pignon Haiti. In attendance were members of the CBP Board, Promise for Haiti Board, and representation from many of the Promise for Haiti Partners a total about 25 people were present.
Many hours were spent on information gathering, sharing of ideas, dreams, visions, planning and collaborating as well as a tour of a school, the doctors quarters, hospital, hospital dorm and the out patient clinic were taken.
Topics discussed included
HPB post earth quake report
Field Directors report
HPB executive director's report
Medical Directors report
PFH President's report
PFH Treasure's report
PFH executive directors report
The need for a hospital audit.
Larry Madole gave a report in it he discussed that no new projects will start until present projects are completed. These projects that need completion include completion of the out patient clinic, completion of existing school projects, the maternity house, repair and maintenance of the first floor of the hospital as well as a new latrine and repair on the doctors quarters. Also discussed was the need for washers/dryer, water fountain and drainage system.
Reports were given by the following partners
Project Haiti- Dr Severson
Iowa Collation Denny Brand
Mission Vision- Sue DenOuden
Fargo Medical Mission- Siri Fiebiger
Dental Clinic- Jim Birong
Jared Nikkels from Many Hands in Haiti also gave a report.
Jared started a feeding program after the earth quake to help feed and support patient and family members who had come to the hospital after the earth quake. They also built a kitchen to assist the volunteers who cook and distribute the meals.
Dr Paul Severson in his report gave his vision of where the hospital should proceed from here and what we can do to help rebuild Haiti.
Long term strategic planning was also done this included:
The need for expanding the medical staff and support staff.
Discussion in regards to a short term ( 2-4 months) volunteer to work with the hospital in specific areas such as nursing, administration, accounting, inventory. These individuals need to submit a resume, a written agreement needs to be signed by both parties, and periodic review with the volunteers need to be done.
( these are not the minutes but a summery of what was discussed)
A Partners meeting was held March 20-21 in Pignon Haiti. In attendance were members of the CBP Board, Promise for Haiti Board, and representation from many of the Promise for Haiti Partners a total about 25 people were present.
Many hours were spent on information gathering, sharing of ideas, dreams, visions, planning and collaborating as well as a tour of a school, the doctors quarters, hospital, hospital dorm and the out patient clinic were taken.
Topics discussed included
HPB post earth quake report
Field Directors report
HPB executive director's report
Medical Directors report
PFH President's report
PFH Treasure's report
PFH executive directors report
The need for a hospital audit.
Larry Madole gave a report in it he discussed that no new projects will start until present projects are completed. These projects that need completion include completion of the out patient clinic, completion of existing school projects, the maternity house, repair and maintenance of the first floor of the hospital as well as a new latrine and repair on the doctors quarters. Also discussed was the need for washers/dryer, water fountain and drainage system.
Reports were given by the following partners
Project Haiti- Dr Severson
Iowa Collation Denny Brand
Mission Vision- Sue DenOuden
Fargo Medical Mission- Siri Fiebiger
Dental Clinic- Jim Birong
Jared Nikkels from Many Hands in Haiti also gave a report.
Jared started a feeding program after the earth quake to help feed and support patient and family members who had come to the hospital after the earth quake. They also built a kitchen to assist the volunteers who cook and distribute the meals.
Dr Paul Severson in his report gave his vision of where the hospital should proceed from here and what we can do to help rebuild Haiti.
Long term strategic planning was also done this included:
The need for expanding the medical staff and support staff.
Discussion in regards to a short term ( 2-4 months) volunteer to work with the hospital in specific areas such as nursing, administration, accounting, inventory. These individuals need to submit a resume, a written agreement needs to be signed by both parties, and periodic review with the volunteers need to be done.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Meeting in Pignon March 20-21 2010
A meeting was held March 20-21 with the CBP Board, Promise for Haiti Board and The Partners of Promise for Haiti. I will be placing a summery of that meeting on here in the near future but until then here are a few pictures from that meeting
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Vision Mission Feb
Summitted Sue Den Oude
Survey From Vision Mission's Trip to Pignon Feb 4-11, 2010
Please give a narrative description of your trip include in it how many members accompanied you on this trip;
16
We made it back on Friday late afternoon, tired, but joyful for the work of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
We give all praise and thanks to God for the following:
Safe travel.
For quick set up by the team and the ability to see 18 patients and do one surgical case on the afternoon we arrived...Amazing!
For the opportunities to pray with, cry with and comfort refugees and injured patients from Port au Prince.
For being able to see and screen 1333 patients in 5 days...only through God's help!
For dispensing 993 pairs of eye glasses (many were for patients from Port au Prince who had lost their eye glasses in the earthquake).
For the surgeons and surgery staff completing 65 surgical procedures and for their willingness to work on Sunday.
"Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" Jesus said before healing the man with the lame hand on the Sabbath.
For all the work completed by the work team on the new hospital dorm.
It is almost ready for teams!
We ask for continued prayers for the following:
For the injured and displaced refugees.
For those who have broken bones and crushed spirits.
For those who are blind and cannot be helped,
For those who can be helped, but had to be turned away because our time ran out.
2. How did you travel to Pignon? Were there any problems with your flight and or arrangement? Do you have any suggestions to make this an easier process?
We traveled via MFI. No problems, except with customs. Customs sent an agent with each plane: one plane had passengers and the other had cargo. They then tried to charge us for both agents and for cargo. I refused to pay. We knew that PAP was not charging customs and we felt that we should not pay customs for all our supplies that were going to be donated. We ended up paying for the agents only ($189.00 each agent), but they were not very happy.
3. What were your lodging arrangements while in Pignon? MN dorm? Iowa dorm? Other?? Any suggestions? Recommendations? Did you have any problems? Do you have any hints or notes you want to pass on to other teams?
We stayed in the Iowa house and had a lovely stay. The only concern I have is that there were only a few towels in both the Iowa house and the MN house. I don't know where they go, but they have a tendency to diaapear.
Did you have any problems issues, occurrences that need to be addressed by the hospital or the Board?
Any help with customs would be great. I think the problem is going to escalate. We are going to contact our senators and congressmen. Anyone know how to contact the UN?
Survey From Vision Mission's Trip to Pignon Feb 4-11, 2010
Please give a narrative description of your trip include in it how many members accompanied you on this trip;
16
We made it back on Friday late afternoon, tired, but joyful for the work of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
We give all praise and thanks to God for the following:
Safe travel.
For quick set up by the team and the ability to see 18 patients and do one surgical case on the afternoon we arrived...Amazing!
For the opportunities to pray with, cry with and comfort refugees and injured patients from Port au Prince.
For being able to see and screen 1333 patients in 5 days...only through God's help!
For dispensing 993 pairs of eye glasses (many were for patients from Port au Prince who had lost their eye glasses in the earthquake).
For the surgeons and surgery staff completing 65 surgical procedures and for their willingness to work on Sunday.
"Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" Jesus said before healing the man with the lame hand on the Sabbath.
For all the work completed by the work team on the new hospital dorm.
It is almost ready for teams!
We ask for continued prayers for the following:
For the injured and displaced refugees.
For those who have broken bones and crushed spirits.
For those who are blind and cannot be helped,
For those who can be helped, but had to be turned away because our time ran out.
2. How did you travel to Pignon? Were there any problems with your flight and or arrangement? Do you have any suggestions to make this an easier process?
We traveled via MFI. No problems, except with customs. Customs sent an agent with each plane: one plane had passengers and the other had cargo. They then tried to charge us for both agents and for cargo. I refused to pay. We knew that PAP was not charging customs and we felt that we should not pay customs for all our supplies that were going to be donated. We ended up paying for the agents only ($189.00 each agent), but they were not very happy.
3. What were your lodging arrangements while in Pignon? MN dorm? Iowa dorm? Other?? Any suggestions? Recommendations? Did you have any problems? Do you have any hints or notes you want to pass on to other teams?
We stayed in the Iowa house and had a lovely stay. The only concern I have is that there were only a few towels in both the Iowa house and the MN house. I don't know where they go, but they have a tendency to diaapear.
Did you have any problems issues, occurrences that need to be addressed by the hospital or the Board?
Any help with customs would be great. I think the problem is going to escalate. We are going to contact our senators and congressmen. Anyone know how to contact the UN?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
update by Lorrie
I have had numerous e-mails and phone calls from people wanting more information about what is going on in Pignon and a great concern for everyone there. All information I have received has been posted here on the blog. I did get a short note from Jared of Friday saying
"At this time we are not planning on any more medical teams. Dr. Fogarty and the rest of his team will leave on Tuesday Feb 9. We won't have any American medical personnel here after Tues. I spoke with Dr. Fogarty and his plan is to leave but to able to have a team ready to come back on about 4 days notice if needed. Right now they have run out of cases.
Please Keep Praying for the People in Haiti
If you feel in your heart a desire to do more
please donate to
Promise for Haiti
4402 Howell Place Nashville
TN 27205 and note on it Earth Quake Relief
God Bless you
Lorrie ~~
"At this time we are not planning on any more medical teams. Dr. Fogarty and the rest of his team will leave on Tuesday Feb 9. We won't have any American medical personnel here after Tues. I spoke with Dr. Fogarty and his plan is to leave but to able to have a team ready to come back on about 4 days notice if needed. Right now they have run out of cases.
Please Keep Praying for the People in Haiti
If you feel in your heart a desire to do more
please donate to
Promise for Haiti
4402 Howell Place Nashville
TN 27205 and note on it Earth Quake Relief
God Bless you
Lorrie ~~
Friday, January 29, 2010
Summit from Jared Nikkels
Here is a quick update on what I know at this time.
Greg Bennett's CCH team left yesterday after cleaning up many of our tough ortho cases and handling and releasing many patients. They were able perform surgery on most earthquake cases that needed it and started in on cases that were here prior to the earthquake. The team came with about 3500 pounds of medical supplies.
Project Haiti's team arrived by truck after a long trip last Saturday. They came with 15 people. Six of the team members came to help organize supplies and have left. We have Dr. Fogarty and his team that continue to operate. Their team brought approximately 11000 pounds of supplies.
We also have two orthopedic surgeons from the Rotary Club staying here and working with the doctors from Project Haiti.
The hope is to rotate teams with a couple days of overlap so they can have continuity of care.
We have been feeding all patients since the earthquake with money received from PFH and now we have started preparing two hundred meals each day for all patients and their families. We have also been able to feed much of the staff here at the hospital. We prepared a varied menu including meat each day and will continue to work on tweaking the nutrition to support proper healing. Caleb Lucien has also been supplementing our program and is bringing an afternoon meal for patients and families. We have also started giving purified water twice a day to patients and families in the hospital.
The Rotary Club and Caleb Lucien were able to get us a cast saw on Wednesday and that was a tremendous help. Lorrie Beauchamp Berg has also shipped a cast saw and that will be a great back up especially with all the casting going on right now.
We received the autoclave via Coast Guard Helicopter and it is working now allowing us to sterilize more and larger instruments.
We are still looking to accept patient’s especially surgical patients. I spoke with Will White from MAF this morning and he was going to try to fly some surgical patients up here today. Jim Scheller's employer, Arkel Int'l is willing to pay for some of those flights. MAF has been a tremendous blessing.
We are currently working on organizing supplies and are working on a centralized inventory system. Stacey and hospital staff has been working to keep up with the influx of supplies.
I apologize for the lack of communication. Our Internet has failed and the Internet at the hospital is off and on. We will keep working together and try to keep everyone updated when possible. Thanks to everyone for the concern and all the hard work. Please forward this to anyone I missed. God Bless
Here is a quick update on what I know at this time.
Greg Bennett's CCH team left yesterday after cleaning up many of our tough ortho cases and handling and releasing many patients. They were able perform surgery on most earthquake cases that needed it and started in on cases that were here prior to the earthquake. The team came with about 3500 pounds of medical supplies.
Project Haiti's team arrived by truck after a long trip last Saturday. They came with 15 people. Six of the team members came to help organize supplies and have left. We have Dr. Fogarty and his team that continue to operate. Their team brought approximately 11000 pounds of supplies.
We also have two orthopedic surgeons from the Rotary Club staying here and working with the doctors from Project Haiti.
The hope is to rotate teams with a couple days of overlap so they can have continuity of care.
We have been feeding all patients since the earthquake with money received from PFH and now we have started preparing two hundred meals each day for all patients and their families. We have also been able to feed much of the staff here at the hospital. We prepared a varied menu including meat each day and will continue to work on tweaking the nutrition to support proper healing. Caleb Lucien has also been supplementing our program and is bringing an afternoon meal for patients and families. We have also started giving purified water twice a day to patients and families in the hospital.
The Rotary Club and Caleb Lucien were able to get us a cast saw on Wednesday and that was a tremendous help. Lorrie Beauchamp Berg has also shipped a cast saw and that will be a great back up especially with all the casting going on right now.
We received the autoclave via Coast Guard Helicopter and it is working now allowing us to sterilize more and larger instruments.
We are still looking to accept patient’s especially surgical patients. I spoke with Will White from MAF this morning and he was going to try to fly some surgical patients up here today. Jim Scheller's employer, Arkel Int'l is willing to pay for some of those flights. MAF has been a tremendous blessing.
We are currently working on organizing supplies and are working on a centralized inventory system. Stacey and hospital staff has been working to keep up with the influx of supplies.
I apologize for the lack of communication. Our Internet has failed and the Internet at the hospital is off and on. We will keep working together and try to keep everyone updated when possible. Thanks to everyone for the concern and all the hard work. Please forward this to anyone I missed. God Bless
Message from Dr Batsch
Dear all,
on behalf of thousand victims of the tragedy of the Earth quake received in Pignon for whom most of you were and are still available to help, and on behalf of the administrative staff ,I say thank you for this surgical week passed at Hopital Bienfaisance de Pignon as a trauma center.
For this week the challenge was great and it will be the same for more weeks to come.Many surgeries have been performed,many hopeless people got hope,many starving victims and some members of their families got something to eat, and finally many homeless found an area to sleep in Hopital Bienfaisance de Pignon.Those actions were possible because of your quick response to the needy people here.
In testimony of our gratitude,we send you some pictures of the activities inside the hospital during this week.
Find in attachment the pictures...
Looking forward to welcoming you again
Gratefully ...
on behalf of thousand victims of the tragedy of the Earth quake received in Pignon for whom most of you were and are still available to help, and on behalf of the administrative staff ,I say thank you for this surgical week passed at Hopital Bienfaisance de Pignon as a trauma center.
For this week the challenge was great and it will be the same for more weeks to come.Many surgeries have been performed,many hopeless people got hope,many starving victims and some members of their families got something to eat, and finally many homeless found an area to sleep in Hopital Bienfaisance de Pignon.Those actions were possible because of your quick response to the needy people here.
In testimony of our gratitude,we send you some pictures of the activities inside the hospital during this week.
Find in attachment the pictures...
Looking forward to welcoming you again
Gratefully ...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dr Batsch update
Dear All,
Three days ago, in Hopital Bienfaisance de Pignon, we started operating as a trauma center taking care of victims of the earth quake,doing surgery (6 cases a day) for broken legs, broken arms, chest trauma with hemo pneumo thorax etc. I'm pleased to send you some pictures for your information and promised to keep you informed on a regular basis as we continue to receive and to take care of the victims.
We already received more thand 100 victims from whom 57 were admitted and 18 surgeries performed.
Followin are some pictures of the activities.
Thanks for your help and for your inestimable support.
Gratefully,
Dr. Batsch
Three days ago, in Hopital Bienfaisance de Pignon, we started operating as a trauma center taking care of victims of the earth quake,doing surgery (6 cases a day) for broken legs, broken arms, chest trauma with hemo pneumo thorax etc. I'm pleased to send you some pictures for your information and promised to keep you informed on a regular basis as we continue to receive and to take care of the victims.
We already received more thand 100 victims from whom 57 were admitted and 18 surgeries performed.
Followin are some pictures of the activities.
Thanks for your help and for your inestimable support.
Gratefully,
Dr. Batsch
Monday, January 25, 2010
Dr Batch interview Jan 14-2010
I am having difficulty uploading the video to this web site.
you can go here to see the interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xevLbbOamY
you can go here to see the interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xevLbbOamY
Up Date 1-25-10
Dear All,
Saturday 23, 2010, we continue to perform big surgery cases - Eight Cases has been done.
Patients with open fractures:
Amputation (3 Cases)
Debridement (2 Cases)
Internal Fracture Open Reduction ROFI (2 Cases)
Large Debridement (1 Case)
As we mentionned in our previous E-Mail,
we received on Saturday January 23, 2010 four
(4) patients from Port-au-Prince
Sunday 24, 2010 we performed four
(4) Cases - Patients with open fractures
Amputation (1 Case)
Internal Fracture Open Reduction - ROFI (3 Cases)
Project Haiti arrived this morning,
leaded by Patty Nelson and Dr. David Forgaty the Plastic Surgeon.
We will keep you informed
Gyrlene
Saturday 23, 2010, we continue to perform big surgery cases - Eight Cases has been done.
Patients with open fractures:
Amputation (3 Cases)
Debridement (2 Cases)
Internal Fracture Open Reduction ROFI (2 Cases)
Large Debridement (1 Case)
As we mentionned in our previous E-Mail,
we received on Saturday January 23, 2010 four
(4) patients from Port-au-Prince
Sunday 24, 2010 we performed four
(4) Cases - Patients with open fractures
Amputation (1 Case)
Internal Fracture Open Reduction - ROFI (3 Cases)
Project Haiti arrived this morning,
leaded by Patty Nelson and Dr. David Forgaty the Plastic Surgeon.
We will keep you informed
Gyrlene
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Autoclave & Dermatome Found
Thank you to everyone who has assisted us in trying to find an
autoclave and dermatome for the hospital. One of the physicians
who was traveling to PIgnon when we started the
the search had a dermatome with him
and we have located an autoclave. It
is going to be shipped to
Port Au Prince on Monday.
Prayers are working~~~
So Please Dont stop~~
autoclave and dermatome for the hospital. One of the physicians
who was traveling to PIgnon when we started the
the search had a dermatome with him
and we have located an autoclave. It
is going to be shipped to
Port Au Prince on Monday.
Prayers are working~~~
So Please Dont stop~~
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Hospital update
Dear All,
We just want to keep everyone updated
Yesterday we received a Group / Ortho, Anesthesia, Nurse. This group is connected to Greg Benett.
They work all night until 7:30 AM . Big Surgeries have done
After evaluating 18 patients who need surgeries, they performed surgery
1) Hip Desarticulation (2 Cases)
2) Fingers Desarticulations (2 Cases)
3) Large Debridement for gangrene (2 Cases)
Greg BENETT arrive this morning in Pignon with the rest of the team. Work is being continued.
We will keep you informed.
PS: LATEST NEWS
MAF Airplanes are airlifting Port-au-Prince patients to Pignon Hospital.
We are waiting soon for Helicopter to airlifting patients from Jacmel which is overwhelmed.
Gyrlene
We just want to keep everyone updated
Yesterday we received a Group / Ortho, Anesthesia, Nurse. This group is connected to Greg Benett.
They work all night until 7:30 AM . Big Surgeries have done
After evaluating 18 patients who need surgeries, they performed surgery
1) Hip Desarticulation (2 Cases)
2) Fingers Desarticulations (2 Cases)
3) Large Debridement for gangrene (2 Cases)
Greg BENETT arrive this morning in Pignon with the rest of the team. Work is being continued.
We will keep you informed.
PS: LATEST NEWS
MAF Airplanes are airlifting Port-au-Prince patients to Pignon Hospital.
We are waiting soon for Helicopter to airlifting patients from Jacmel which is overwhelmed.
Gyrlene
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Needing each other
In these pictures the people supporting the workers with their singing and cheering are as needed and as important as the ones pushing and pulling the large air-conditioner
With God all things are possible. We need each other and no part is greater than the other.
Update
To all,
those pictures are a specimen of patients (cases) victims who went back home that we are receiving,admitting,caring and hospitalizing at Hopital Bienfaisance de Pignon after the disaster created by the Earth Quake on January 12,2010.We hope to receive more day after day and once a good reference system is established.
JEAN - JUMEAU Batsch,MD
Family Practice/Obstetrique - Gynecologie
those pictures are a specimen of patients (cases) victims who went back home that we are receiving,admitting,caring and hospitalizing at Hopital Bienfaisance de Pignon after the disaster created by the Earth Quake on January 12,2010.We hope to receive more day after day and once a good reference system is established.
JEAN - JUMEAU Batsch,MD
Family Practice/Obstetrique - Gynecologie
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