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)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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
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