Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Olivet Baptist Nov 2011
This year a 12 member Olivet Baptist Church
Mission Team traveled to Pignon, Haiti November 10-17, 2011.
We had 6 first time to Haiti people and it was a great
experience for all.
Our primary work project was building 40 school
desks and delivering them to a school at the poor
rural village of Santiak. It was a great thrill to
watch the school kids interact and help with the
final assembly of the desks. They loved the power
drill--that was a new experience for them.
Our other work project was finishing the tile
floor on the rooms below the hospital dorm. With
much hard work from our guys and the help of
Haitian labor we finished the entire area
including the stairway to the dorm.
Last--but not least--we did several teaching,
reading, singing and activity projects at the
library. It would be wonderful if each mission
team visiting Pignon would plan some library
sessions throughout the week. As you know most
of the kids do not have their own textbooks at
school and the library is a whole new concept
for them. However, as they get acquainted with
the library resources, it is our prayer this might
be a learning tool that will have a positive impact
on their lives and the lives of the next generation.
The week in Pignon and surrounding areas
was a great experience for our first time to
Haiti friends and an equally great experience
for those who had been there many times. We are
so glad God allowed us to spend this time with
His people in Haiti. Our conclusion--as a result
of this trip some area of our life will be changed
forever.
http://www.viewsofafarmboy.com/
Mission Team traveled to Pignon, Haiti November 10-17, 2011.
We had 6 first time to Haiti people and it was a great
experience for all.
Our primary work project was building 40 school
desks and delivering them to a school at the poor
rural village of Santiak. It was a great thrill to
watch the school kids interact and help with the
final assembly of the desks. They loved the power
drill--that was a new experience for them.
Our other work project was finishing the tile
floor on the rooms below the hospital dorm. With
much hard work from our guys and the help of
Haitian labor we finished the entire area
including the stairway to the dorm.
Last--but not least--we did several teaching,
reading, singing and activity projects at the
library. It would be wonderful if each mission
team visiting Pignon would plan some library
sessions throughout the week. As you know most
of the kids do not have their own textbooks at
school and the library is a whole new concept
for them. However, as they get acquainted with
the library resources, it is our prayer this might
be a learning tool that will have a positive impact
on their lives and the lives of the next generation.
The week in Pignon and surrounding areas
was a great experience for our first time to
Haiti friends and an equally great experience
for those who had been there many times. We are
so glad God allowed us to spend this time with
His people in Haiti. Our conclusion--as a result
of this trip some area of our life will be changed
forever.
http://www.viewsofafarmboy.com/
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Cholera Continues
Nov 22, 2011 CTC( Cholera Treatment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Our lives continue as we prepare for the
holiday season. Please keep the people of Haiti
in your thoughts and prayers. They continue to fight
daily for their lives.
Cholera is still causing problems for many as of Nov 22
the numbers are as follows
Total patients Received :4,738 patients
Total hospitalised today: 10 patients
Total discharged: 4,694 patients
Total deceased : 34 patients
Thanks,
Our lives continue as we prepare for the
holiday season. Please keep the people of Haiti
in your thoughts and prayers. They continue to fight
daily for their lives.
Cholera is still causing problems for many as of Nov 22
the numbers are as follows
Total patients Received :4,738 patients
Total hospitalised today: 10 patients
Total discharged: 4,694 patients
Total deceased : 34 patients
Thanks,
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Reverend Janice Brown-Corbett led at team to Pignon.
This is an account of their trip that was submitted in her words.
On October 7-14, a mission team left for Haiti, to do ministry
in the northern mountains fo Pignon, Haiti. The fifteen member
team of the "Hearts 4 Haiti Missions Ministry", were from
Washington, DC, Virginia and North Carolina.
While in Pignon, the team sponsored a two day conference
for women and children. For the two days there were 350
women and 700 children in attendance. Activities for the week
included preaching, teaching Bible Study, praise dancing, English
and French singing, and recreation for the children. Each day at
the convening of the conference, all attendees were fed a hot, h
ealthy meal. The team also ministered at Hoptial de Bienfaisance,
gave out Creole Bibles, clothes, and shoes, and served each patient
a hot meal. Among the volunteers was a medical doctor and two
registered nurses who worked daily in the hospital. We provided
100 toothbrushes and toothpaste to the Dentist in Pignon. We also
had the opportunity to minister to a prison inmate and served him a
hot meal and a Bible.
Each morning at 6:00 a.m., the team walked through the streets
of Pignon, evangelizing to the people, gave out Bibles and tracks
printed in Creole. Four nights of revival were held in different
churches, where members of the team were the guest preachers.
School supplies were given out to schools and 250 flip flops to an
orphanage. It was truly a mission trip that ministered to the needs
of the people, physically, emotionally and spiritually. "Inasmuch as
you did it to one of the least of these My brethren,you did it to Me."
Matthew 25:40
M
This is an account of their trip that was submitted in her words.
On October 7-14, a mission team left for Haiti, to do ministry
in the northern mountains fo Pignon, Haiti. The fifteen member
team of the "Hearts 4 Haiti Missions Ministry", were from
Washington, DC, Virginia and North Carolina.
While in Pignon, the team sponsored a two day conference
for women and children. For the two days there were 350
women and 700 children in attendance. Activities for the week
included preaching, teaching Bible Study, praise dancing, English
and French singing, and recreation for the children. Each day at
the convening of the conference, all attendees were fed a hot, h
ealthy meal. The team also ministered at Hoptial de Bienfaisance,
gave out Creole Bibles, clothes, and shoes, and served each patient
a hot meal. Among the volunteers was a medical doctor and two
registered nurses who worked daily in the hospital. We provided
100 toothbrushes and toothpaste to the Dentist in Pignon. We also
had the opportunity to minister to a prison inmate and served him a
hot meal and a Bible.
Each morning at 6:00 a.m., the team walked through the streets
of Pignon, evangelizing to the people, gave out Bibles and tracks
printed in Creole. Four nights of revival were held in different
churches, where members of the team were the guest preachers.
School supplies were given out to schools and 250 flip flops to an
orphanage. It was truly a mission trip that ministered to the needs
of the people, physically, emotionally and spiritually. "Inasmuch as
you did it to one of the least of these My brethren,you did it to Me."
Matthew 25:40
M
LARRY MADOLE
Promise For Haiti, Inc. is so fortunate to have Larry Madole serve as
a diligent volunteer! Larry has been volunteering his time and services
for over 15 years. He is the owner of Madole Construction Company
in Johnston, IA. Using his knowledge from the construction business,
Larry is able to provide guidance and service to the many projects in Pignon, Haiti.
His first time to travel to Haiti was in 1985 when he went with
"Witness Crusade". In later years, a friend named Steve Ross told Larry
about Promise For Haiti. Larry said, "The Lord touched my heart the first time
I was there. I liked what I heard the hospital was doing and I liked what Promise
For Haiti was doing." Two years after going to Pignon, the Board asked Larry to
help them choose the projects they wanted to do, supervise and check on the work.
Larry says that he loves working with the teams. He checks on their skill level and the
urgent needs in Pignon whether it is with the hospital, schools, projects with other
different churches in town, or with the farm to make it beneficial to the town.
Some of the current projects that Larry is working with are:
a septic system for the hospital and developing a laundry facility in a building
with machines so the workers do not have to wash outside.
a new school building (Sauvenette) which is close to being completed.
many maintenance repairs that include electrical, plumbing, and painting.
a renovation of an old dorm that would include a pharmacy and clinic area to
determine if a person needs to go to the hospital for further evaluation.
When asked what Larry's projections are for future development and projects
in Pignon, this was his reply. "I would like for them to learn to capture and use
rain water for agricultural needs, washing clothes, and for other things but not f
or drinking water. We need to get off of generators and hook up to the electricity in
town. This would keep us from using diesel fuel which will then lower the
costs. I would like to train someone at the hospital to help run the physical
plant and be able to tell what needs to be done."
Larry is traveling to Pignon this month along with a group of volunteers
who work for Meals From the Heartland. They will deliver meals to help with
the hospital feeding program and investigate adding on 2 more days to the
school meals feeding program as well. Larry says, "This organization packages
and delivers over 4 million meals a year. Many churches, schools and
organizations help with this throughout the year. They help with different
disasters in the U.S., Africa, refugee camps, and many places in need."
In closing, Larry says that he would recommend to anyone to get involved
with Promise For Haiti and help the hospital to be self sufficient. "We have
a few things planned down the road. It still needs a lot of things and changes
but I feel that God wants the work to go on. I would like for the hospital to stay i
n operation for a very long time!"
Click here: Meals From The Heartland to find out about more information.
a diligent volunteer! Larry has been volunteering his time and services
for over 15 years. He is the owner of Madole Construction Company
in Johnston, IA. Using his knowledge from the construction business,
Larry is able to provide guidance and service to the many projects in Pignon, Haiti.
His first time to travel to Haiti was in 1985 when he went with
"Witness Crusade". In later years, a friend named Steve Ross told Larry
about Promise For Haiti. Larry said, "The Lord touched my heart the first time
I was there. I liked what I heard the hospital was doing and I liked what Promise
For Haiti was doing." Two years after going to Pignon, the Board asked Larry to
help them choose the projects they wanted to do, supervise and check on the work.
Larry says that he loves working with the teams. He checks on their skill level and the
urgent needs in Pignon whether it is with the hospital, schools, projects with other
different churches in town, or with the farm to make it beneficial to the town.
Some of the current projects that Larry is working with are:
a septic system for the hospital and developing a laundry facility in a building
with machines so the workers do not have to wash outside.
a new school building (Sauvenette) which is close to being completed.
many maintenance repairs that include electrical, plumbing, and painting.
a renovation of an old dorm that would include a pharmacy and clinic area to
determine if a person needs to go to the hospital for further evaluation.
When asked what Larry's projections are for future development and projects
in Pignon, this was his reply. "I would like for them to learn to capture and use
rain water for agricultural needs, washing clothes, and for other things but not f
or drinking water. We need to get off of generators and hook up to the electricity in
town. This would keep us from using diesel fuel which will then lower the
costs. I would like to train someone at the hospital to help run the physical
plant and be able to tell what needs to be done."
Larry is traveling to Pignon this month along with a group of volunteers
who work for Meals From the Heartland. They will deliver meals to help with
the hospital feeding program and investigate adding on 2 more days to the
school meals feeding program as well. Larry says, "This organization packages
and delivers over 4 million meals a year. Many churches, schools and
organizations help with this throughout the year. They help with different
disasters in the U.S., Africa, refugee camps, and many places in need."
In closing, Larry says that he would recommend to anyone to get involved
with Promise For Haiti and help the hospital to be self sufficient. "We have
a few things planned down the road. It still needs a lot of things and changes
but I feel that God wants the work to go on. I would like for the hospital to stay i
n operation for a very long time!"
Click here: Meals From The Heartland to find out about more information.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Trinity Reform Church Travels to PIgnon
Trinity Reform Church Travels to PIgnon .
Submitted by Grant Willits~
A total of ten people traveled to Pignon. The trip was organized
by Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. Of the ten
people that went, 9 were affiliated with Northwestern College,
a small private college in Orange City. The ten people traveling
were Grant Willits, Jeff Barker, Daniel Barker, Allison Dunkelberger,
MacKenzie Small, Kara Nonnemacher, Michael Simmelink, Andrea
Andersen, Mark Mineart, and Samantha Kleinsasser.
This is the third time Trinity has sent groups to Haiti.
Our church supports two different mininstries--
United Christians International (UCI) and Many Hands for Haiti.
Our overarching goals for our trips to to develop ongoing
relationships with the Haitian people while supporting
our ministries any way we are able.
We flew commercial from Omaha, Nebraska into Orlando, Florida.
We then received shuttle service from Acadiana to Fort Pierce,
where we stayed at a Sleep Inn and flew with MFI the next morning.
The travel went absolutely splendid. The people at MFI and Acadiana
were superb in their customer service and relation. The way back
was a little more of an adventure, as Tropical Storm Emily prevented
MFI from flying into Haiti! We ended up staying two extra days,
which really became an immense blessing as our group felt like we
got to work totally on God's time schedule. MFI and Acadiana were
again very supportive through trying to return us to Iowa.
We stayed in the Minnesota House while we were in Pignon.
The lodging was superb, almost too nice! It felt like we were
on vacation at times. The service staff were exceptional, too.
Larry Modale came down to help oversee our projects. Our
group really came to love and appreciate Larry. Larry is a
phenomenal man and I am grateful for having known him a
nd worked with him while in Haiti together. Your provision
of towels and bedding was especially appreciated.
Our group was scheduled to stay in Pignon from Monday,
August 1st-Thursday, August 4th. FORTUNATELY, Tropical
Storm Emily kept us in Pignon a couple of extra days.
What a blessings to have the extra days, particularly since
we were down there with Larry! Larry was great in keeping
our group in tune with God and our mission while we were there.
He also helped calm our nerves, as he has been stranded in Haiti
"many times." While we were in Pignon, we completed some
painting in the hospital, made a bookshelf for the hospital, visited
the Campbell’s orphanage, played the locals in a game of basketball,
sang in the hospital, distributed Bibles along with some other
basic toiletries, prayed for patients, toured the various hospital
entities (farm, school, and well), and were able distribute some
food to a family in need. We felt blessed to remain in Haiti for
a couple extra days, as we felt God had more for us to see,
experience, and do. During those extra days a member of our
team responded to a call to go down to Haiti for an extended
period of time next summer; we helped get a sick and dying boy
to the hospital; we distributed Bibles written in French to patients
in the hospital; we go to hear challenging words from Larry; and
we got to hand over a box of Kids Against Hunger food to a hungry
family. As previously stated, this was our church’s third trip to Pignon
and we are excited to return next summer!
--
--
Submitted by Grant Willits~
A total of ten people traveled to Pignon. The trip was organized
by Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. Of the ten
people that went, 9 were affiliated with Northwestern College,
a small private college in Orange City. The ten people traveling
were Grant Willits, Jeff Barker, Daniel Barker, Allison Dunkelberger,
MacKenzie Small, Kara Nonnemacher, Michael Simmelink, Andrea
Andersen, Mark Mineart, and Samantha Kleinsasser.
This is the third time Trinity has sent groups to Haiti.
Our church supports two different mininstries--
United Christians International (UCI) and Many Hands for Haiti.
Our overarching goals for our trips to to develop ongoing
relationships with the Haitian people while supporting
our ministries any way we are able.
We flew commercial from Omaha, Nebraska into Orlando, Florida.
We then received shuttle service from Acadiana to Fort Pierce,
where we stayed at a Sleep Inn and flew with MFI the next morning.
The travel went absolutely splendid. The people at MFI and Acadiana
were superb in their customer service and relation. The way back
was a little more of an adventure, as Tropical Storm Emily prevented
MFI from flying into Haiti! We ended up staying two extra days,
which really became an immense blessing as our group felt like we
got to work totally on God's time schedule. MFI and Acadiana were
again very supportive through trying to return us to Iowa.
We stayed in the Minnesota House while we were in Pignon.
The lodging was superb, almost too nice! It felt like we were
on vacation at times. The service staff were exceptional, too.
Larry Modale came down to help oversee our projects. Our
group really came to love and appreciate Larry. Larry is a
phenomenal man and I am grateful for having known him a
nd worked with him while in Haiti together. Your provision
of towels and bedding was especially appreciated.
Our group was scheduled to stay in Pignon from Monday,
August 1st-Thursday, August 4th. FORTUNATELY, Tropical
Storm Emily kept us in Pignon a couple of extra days.
What a blessings to have the extra days, particularly since
we were down there with Larry! Larry was great in keeping
our group in tune with God and our mission while we were there.
He also helped calm our nerves, as he has been stranded in Haiti
"many times." While we were in Pignon, we completed some
painting in the hospital, made a bookshelf for the hospital, visited
the Campbell’s orphanage, played the locals in a game of basketball,
sang in the hospital, distributed Bibles along with some other
basic toiletries, prayed for patients, toured the various hospital
entities (farm, school, and well), and were able distribute some
food to a family in need. We felt blessed to remain in Haiti for
a couple extra days, as we felt God had more for us to see,
experience, and do. During those extra days a member of our
team responded to a call to go down to Haiti for an extended
period of time next summer; we helped get a sick and dying boy
to the hospital; we distributed Bibles written in French to patients
in the hospital; we go to hear challenging words from Larry; and
we got to hand over a box of Kids Against Hunger food to a hungry
family. As previously stated, this was our church’s third trip to Pignon
and we are excited to return next summer!
--
--
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Pignon Cholera update
Dear All,
Up today August 17, 2011 CTC
( Cholera Treatment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,490patients
Total hospitalised today: 7 patients
Total discharged: 4,453patients
Total deceased : 30 patients
Up today August 17, 2011 CTC
( Cholera Treatment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,490patients
Total hospitalised today: 7 patients
Total discharged: 4,453patients
Total deceased : 30 patients
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Nikkel's spend 2 years in Pignon
Missionaries Return Home from Pignon! Thanks for your Help!
Jarred and Stacy Nikkel along with their two children have lived
and served in Pignon for 2 years. They were sponsored by the
Many Hands for Haiti group from Pella, Iowa and Community Coalition
for Haiti of Vienna, Virginia. We are very thankful for their service.
They have been a great asset to the program and we appreciate their
dedication and contributions!
Partners meeting information
Discussions from the June Summit Meeting
The Promise for Haiti Partner's meeting met on
June 25-26 in Bloomington, MN. There were 18
people in attendance. Many thoughts and reports were
presented along with prayers to drive the missions
forward into the future. Below is a brief overview
of the reports:
Hospital de Bienfaisance-Dr. Guy reported that
when the hospital started it was only 7%
self- sustaining and it is now 44% self-sustaining.
The growth and performance of this hospital is
outstanding and continues to grow. 36,831 patients
were seen in the year 2010.There are 259 employees
who work at the hospital. The patient visits include dental
patients,surgeries, lab tests,baby deliveries, HIV testing
and treatment, cholera patients and many other services tha
t are performed at the hospital. During this first half of
the year Hospital Operating expenses have increased due
to cholera, the economy, and inflation. Therefore, funding
from donations and many other resources are so vital to
the life of this hospital.
Cholera-Sanitation,water, and waste disposal
are contributing factors to the cholera epidemic.
Heavy rains cause tremendous problems with
spreading the illness. The Ministry of Health is
currently working on this problem. The average
patient load is from 5-18 people per week.
Biomedics Program-Houston Haiti Recover
Initiative is developing a program in Pignon
to help upgrade the medical care with medical
teams and biomedical repair and training. Through
the help of Rotarians they will teach, train, and repair equipment.
Maternity House-The goal is to build, train, equip,
and hire employees. This building, which is not totally
completed, is separate from the hospital and will be used
to help maternity patients. Due to the Cholera crisis, this
building is used as an overflow area for the cholera patients.
This program needs more funding to staff and supply
equipment needed to operate this area.
Farm Program-At present, the Mango Project has
it own manager. There is one worker on the farm and
one who has been sent to school. The direction for
this program is for it to become self sustaining in
growing, packaging, marketing and exporting this delicious fruit.
Haitian Advanced Scholarship Program-Two new students
(one nursing and one medical student) will be joining
the program this Fall. This program provides education
and training to students. When they graduate, they will
give two years of service to the hospital for each yea
r of graduate school training that they received.
Dental Clinic-Dr. Jim Birong has developed an
impressive Dental Insurance program. With his
direction, this clinic has provided dental care for
many. A new dentist, Dr. Wesley Joseph who is
the first dentist from Pignon, is now working at
the clinic. He will start doing bridge work soon.
New equipment will be coming to help with this
and other procedures. All children who attend t
he CBP schools receive free dental checkups.
Septic System-Larry Madole and Herb Sikkink
are directing the Septic system Project. Digging
trenches and installing pipes will help with this
system but this is only a "band-aid" approach.
his sanitation project is a huge task and is rapidly
becoming one that we cannot keep maintaining.
We need to completely replace this aging system.
This system is a vital component to our hospital.
Urgent help is needed!!
Wash House Project-Future plans are to
build a house on an existing slab and install
2 washing machines, a hot water heater if
needed, public restrooms, and showers.
This is essential with the cholera epidemic.
Haitian Education Literary Program-The HELP
program oversees the operation of 9 schools.
In 2010-11 school year there were 1,052
cholarship recipients through the financial
help of sponsors. Currently there are 566
sponsors. They are currently receiving
money for the 2011-12 school year. To
date 2.069 students have been sponsored.
One can see how many lives in Pignon
have been touched through by the dedication
and hard work of many volunteers, staff workers,
board members, and prayers.These reports just
touch the surface about the wonderful programs
and projects that are performed through Promise
For Haiti, Inc. All of this would not be possible without
you and the giving spirit of others. Our intentions are
to continue to grow and prosper in the years to come!!
The Promise for Haiti Partner's meeting met on
June 25-26 in Bloomington, MN. There were 18
people in attendance. Many thoughts and reports were
presented along with prayers to drive the missions
forward into the future. Below is a brief overview
of the reports:
Hospital de Bienfaisance-Dr. Guy reported that
when the hospital started it was only 7%
self- sustaining and it is now 44% self-sustaining.
The growth and performance of this hospital is
outstanding and continues to grow. 36,831 patients
were seen in the year 2010.There are 259 employees
who work at the hospital. The patient visits include dental
patients,surgeries, lab tests,baby deliveries, HIV testing
and treatment, cholera patients and many other services tha
t are performed at the hospital. During this first half of
the year Hospital Operating expenses have increased due
to cholera, the economy, and inflation. Therefore, funding
from donations and many other resources are so vital to
the life of this hospital.
Cholera-Sanitation,water, and waste disposal
are contributing factors to the cholera epidemic.
Heavy rains cause tremendous problems with
spreading the illness. The Ministry of Health is
currently working on this problem. The average
patient load is from 5-18 people per week.
Biomedics Program-Houston Haiti Recover
Initiative is developing a program in Pignon
to help upgrade the medical care with medical
teams and biomedical repair and training. Through
the help of Rotarians they will teach, train, and repair equipment.
Maternity House-The goal is to build, train, equip,
and hire employees. This building, which is not totally
completed, is separate from the hospital and will be used
to help maternity patients. Due to the Cholera crisis, this
building is used as an overflow area for the cholera patients.
This program needs more funding to staff and supply
equipment needed to operate this area.
Farm Program-At present, the Mango Project has
it own manager. There is one worker on the farm and
one who has been sent to school. The direction for
this program is for it to become self sustaining in
growing, packaging, marketing and exporting this delicious fruit.
Haitian Advanced Scholarship Program-Two new students
(one nursing and one medical student) will be joining
the program this Fall. This program provides education
and training to students. When they graduate, they will
give two years of service to the hospital for each yea
r of graduate school training that they received.
Dental Clinic-Dr. Jim Birong has developed an
impressive Dental Insurance program. With his
direction, this clinic has provided dental care for
many. A new dentist, Dr. Wesley Joseph who is
the first dentist from Pignon, is now working at
the clinic. He will start doing bridge work soon.
New equipment will be coming to help with this
and other procedures. All children who attend t
he CBP schools receive free dental checkups.
Septic System-Larry Madole and Herb Sikkink
are directing the Septic system Project. Digging
trenches and installing pipes will help with this
system but this is only a "band-aid" approach.
his sanitation project is a huge task and is rapidly
becoming one that we cannot keep maintaining.
We need to completely replace this aging system.
This system is a vital component to our hospital.
Urgent help is needed!!
Wash House Project-Future plans are to
build a house on an existing slab and install
2 washing machines, a hot water heater if
needed, public restrooms, and showers.
This is essential with the cholera epidemic.
Haitian Education Literary Program-The HELP
program oversees the operation of 9 schools.
In 2010-11 school year there were 1,052
cholarship recipients through the financial
help of sponsors. Currently there are 566
sponsors. They are currently receiving
money for the 2011-12 school year. To
date 2.069 students have been sponsored.
One can see how many lives in Pignon
have been touched through by the dedication
and hard work of many volunteers, staff workers,
board members, and prayers.These reports just
touch the surface about the wonderful programs
and projects that are performed through Promise
For Haiti, Inc. All of this would not be possible without
you and the giving spirit of others. Our intentions are
to continue to grow and prosper in the years to come!!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Pignon Cholera update
The cholera epidemic continues to be a major
problem. Please continue to keep
Pignon and the people of Haiti in your
Thoughts and prayers
Dear All,
Up today July 21 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center)
at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,329 patients
Total hospitalised today: 48 patients
Total discharged: 4,253 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
problem. Please continue to keep
Pignon and the people of Haiti in your
Thoughts and prayers
Dear All,
Up today July 21 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center)
at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,329 patients
Total hospitalised today: 48 patients
Total discharged: 4,253 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Hope Touching Haiti Touching Hope June 16-23, 2011
The goal of this time in Haiti for team members from Hope
Church in Spencer Iowa and several team members
from nearby communities centered around sharing the
LOVE of Jesus Christ and making connections with
old and new Haitian friends.
The team consisted of 15 members, 11 were new to Haiti.
This was a family oriented group with a combination
of Grandson, Father, Grandmother, a mother /son pair,
an uncle/niece pair, and a grandmother/grandson pair.
The team was also unique starting with 2 high
schoolstudents and going through the ranks all the way
to 2 great grandmas.
We traveled from NW Iowa to fly out of Omaha, NE
to end up in Ft Pierce,FL overnight then flew
MFI the following day into Pignon. Many connections
had to be made but all went as scheduled
so we were happy travelers. Even the flooding
of the Missouri River around Omaha was
managed well.Upon arrival to Pignon, because of an
electrical problem, our reservation in the
Minnesota Dorm was switched to the newly
remodeled Hospital Dorm. Given the street paving
project that is ongoing, we were pleased to be able
to utilize the Hospital Dorm. With 2-3 people
in a room, there was one roomempty that was dubbed
“the warehouse” that helped organize the many
supplies that were brought along to help us
connect with the people of Pignon. There were a few
occasions when the water supply was limited
or non-existent but not for long. he main water
supply that was necessary was the bottled drinking water
that was replenished each day.
Our work project was the scraping,
scrubbing and painting of patientrooms and the nursery
on the main floor of the hospital. We had
brought along some rollers, brushes, etc.
The paint supply and other needed items were available
so we were able to complete the project. We even added the job
of painting the 2nd floor conference room.
It looks NICE! Vacation Bible School was
our other main focus. We were able to arrange3 places
that would provide the location and children for us to do 3 separate
sessions of VBS for a total of about 150 kids. Sharing the
Word of God to these Haitian children was a gift from God. God’s Word
was shared by using a flannel board to tell bible stories, followed
by a bible memory verse. The use of “The Mission Ball”
soccer ball withthe message of salvations printed on the ball IN
CREOLE was a wonderfulway to connect with the kids.
Another tool that was used was the ‘Evangecube” which is
basically the Gospel message in pictures. One of our team
members brought 2 guitars along to leave behind. We
utilized one to help lead songs in Creole,
“Praise Him, Praise Him”and “God is So Good”.
We did crafts: cross necklaces and kites.
Our recreation was flying the kites that had
been made. They actually did fly and what a sight it was!
And no VBS is complete without snacks:
Haitian cookies from the market and ‘
Sweety’ drink mix.
Another event was a soccer game that Wilkin
helped arrange.Our main focus was to share the message of
Salvation through Jesus Christ with the Mission Ball
soccer balls we had along.
Eventhough it was a hot afternoon
here were 6 of our team members that
participated in the game divided between the
teams. A key moment was when the
goats decided, in the middle of the game,
that it was time to cross over to the opposite
side of the field.
Several team members took “Creole
Language 101” during our stay in Pignon,
taught by a local brother/sister duo.
We hope to continue the learning the next time.
The week went by quickly and without incident.
Edmond and Obed were our hospital representatives.
Ezeckias was our MH4H representative
and Wilkin was our man with
connections to pastors for setting
up VBS times. We give them
all favorable marks! Thanks for the
opportunity to connect with the
Haitian people through sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The goal of this time in Haiti for team members from Hope
Church in Spencer Iowa and several team members
from nearby communities centered around sharing the
LOVE of Jesus Christ and making connections with
old and new Haitian friends.
The team consisted of 15 members, 11 were new to Haiti.
This was a family oriented group with a combination
of Grandson, Father, Grandmother, a mother /son pair,
an uncle/niece pair, and a grandmother/grandson pair.
The team was also unique starting with 2 high
schoolstudents and going through the ranks all the way
to 2 great grandmas.
We traveled from NW Iowa to fly out of Omaha, NE
to end up in Ft Pierce,FL overnight then flew
MFI the following day into Pignon. Many connections
had to be made but all went as scheduled
so we were happy travelers. Even the flooding
of the Missouri River around Omaha was
managed well.Upon arrival to Pignon, because of an
electrical problem, our reservation in the
Minnesota Dorm was switched to the newly
remodeled Hospital Dorm. Given the street paving
project that is ongoing, we were pleased to be able
to utilize the Hospital Dorm. With 2-3 people
in a room, there was one roomempty that was dubbed
“the warehouse” that helped organize the many
supplies that were brought along to help us
connect with the people of Pignon. There were a few
occasions when the water supply was limited
or non-existent but not for long. he main water
supply that was necessary was the bottled drinking water
that was replenished each day.
Our work project was the scraping,
scrubbing and painting of patientrooms and the nursery
on the main floor of the hospital. We had
brought along some rollers, brushes, etc.
The paint supply and other needed items were available
so we were able to complete the project. We even added the job
of painting the 2nd floor conference room.
It looks NICE! Vacation Bible School was
our other main focus. We were able to arrange3 places
that would provide the location and children for us to do 3 separate
sessions of VBS for a total of about 150 kids. Sharing the
Word of God to these Haitian children was a gift from God. God’s Word
was shared by using a flannel board to tell bible stories, followed
by a bible memory verse. The use of “The Mission Ball”
soccer ball withthe message of salvations printed on the ball IN
CREOLE was a wonderfulway to connect with the kids.
Another tool that was used was the ‘Evangecube” which is
basically the Gospel message in pictures. One of our team
members brought 2 guitars along to leave behind. We
utilized one to help lead songs in Creole,
“Praise Him, Praise Him”and “God is So Good”.
We did crafts: cross necklaces and kites.
Our recreation was flying the kites that had
been made. They actually did fly and what a sight it was!
And no VBS is complete without snacks:
Haitian cookies from the market and ‘
Sweety’ drink mix.
Another event was a soccer game that Wilkin
helped arrange.Our main focus was to share the message of
Salvation through Jesus Christ with the Mission Ball
soccer balls we had along.
Eventhough it was a hot afternoon
here were 6 of our team members that
participated in the game divided between the
teams. A key moment was when the
goats decided, in the middle of the game,
that it was time to cross over to the opposite
side of the field.
Several team members took “Creole
Language 101” during our stay in Pignon,
taught by a local brother/sister duo.
We hope to continue the learning the next time.
The week went by quickly and without incident.
Edmond and Obed were our hospital representatives.
Ezeckias was our MH4H representative
and Wilkin was our man with
connections to pastors for setting
up VBS times. We give them
all favorable marks! Thanks for the
opportunity to connect with the
Haitian people through sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Cholera fight continues in PIgnon
Cholera continues to be a big health concern in Haiti and in Pignon.
It is not an issue you will hear about on the news or find information about
it unless you do some searching on the internet. But it still is a big
concern in Haiti. As of today July 14, 2010 there are the statistics at
CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,234 patients
Total hospitalised today: 48 patients
Total discharged: 4,158 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
It is not an issue you will hear about on the news or find information about
it unless you do some searching on the internet. But it still is a big
concern in Haiti. As of today July 14, 2010 there are the statistics at
CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,234 patients
Total hospitalised today: 48 patients
Total discharged: 4,158 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
Monday, July 11, 2011
Cholera fight continues in PIgnon
Dear All,
Up today July 11 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,187 patients
Total hospitalised today: 46 patients
Total discharged: 4,113 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
The Cholera is going up every day at the hospital.
Best Regard,
Up today July 11 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,187 patients
Total hospitalised today: 46 patients
Total discharged: 4,113 patients
Total deceased : 28 patients
The Cholera is going up every day at the hospital.
Best Regard,
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
HHRI Medical Trip
A Trip Report from Houston Haiti Relief Initiative Team!
A volunteer stated,
"Miraculously, all of the 1000 lbs. of supplies arrived with us and our
truck and driver to Pignon were waiting for us. Most of us did not
know each other before this trip and handled the challenges
thrown our way without stressing out. Richard, our team leader, could not have
dreamed up a better team building exercise!"
Dr. Richard Caplan gave this report about their trip and future plans:
HHRI is a 501(c) 3 formed after the 2010 earthquake to help
coordinate local assets towardtoward Haitian relief. It has long term
goals to find a specific Haitian center to support and develop
for upgrading the medical care for the Haitian population.
It has focused initially on two areas, medical teams and biomedical
repair and training. The latter is spearheaded by a group of Rotarians.
The medical teams are organized by physicians and
non physicians with a large cumulative
experience in Haiti and in mission work.
The latest mission had a surgical emphasis and
brought a 15 member team to
Hopital de Bienfaisance in Pignon in the northern
Central Plateau, 4/30-5/7/2011.
The team included physicians, nurses, nurse
anesthetist, physical therapist,biomedical technician, radiation
technician and administrative support. About
40 cases were performed. General surgery,
orthopedics and ophthalmology
were the represented surgical disciplines.
Two of the members were associated with
Jewish Health International based in Atlanta, an organization
with which I traveled last to Haiti in November.
Two were from Ohio and I knew them from
work done in the field hospital
that served the Port au Prince population
for 6 months after the quake. The pharmacist has spent 15 months
in Haiti since the quake. The radiation
technologist was from Dallas. The rest were from
the Texas Medical Center and represented St Luke's,
MD Anderson and The Methodist Hospital.
Major accomplishments included:
Successful funding went to offset supply and
medication costs, lodging and part of the
volunteers travel expenses. Multiple organizations
helped with grants, supplies and medications
including Americares, Medical Bridges, Memorial
Hermann, the Methodist Hospital,and the Methodist
church, Caring Friends, the Freedman fund and the
Merfish Fund. Multiple individuals generously
half of all funds raised. We brought about 1000 lbs of
supplies and medications. All surplus not used supplies
as well as a lot of personal goods were left for use at the hospital.
The vast majority of this hospital's care is on a charity basis.
All patients were treated for free and came from Pignon
and a draw of a population of about 140,000
Approximately 40 cases were preformed.
Especially in the OR and clinics, we worked
with local physicians and health care workers in
a collaborative fashion.The team was all volunteers.
The patients are cared for by local staff after we leave,
followup though is inherently spotty.
The therapist modeled physical therapy concepts
and, with local talent, supervised fabrication on site of
equipment for inpatient rehabilitation.
Ophthalmology treated over 200 patients and is assessing
a screening program for glaucoma using multiple
teams from multiple institutions.
The Biomedical technician assessed repair
versus replacement recommendations for hospital
equipment, repaired of the hospital's
only EKG machine to a functional status, and
with our radiation technology repaired of the hospitals
x-ray machine targeting system.
CPR and ophthalmic drop administration
classes were taught. OR supplies were organized
Pharmacy instruction by the pharmD modeled
modern and more efficient medication administration
options and brought compounding techniques that helped
several patients An assessment of the birthing agent
training program served as a possible prelude to a Baylor
maternal fetal medicine physician's formal evaluation for
opportunities to reduce maternal and fetal mortality.
Efforts are being made by the staff anesthesiologist to facilitate
the care two pediatric burn victims, hospitalized in Pignon,
to go to Boston Shriner's Hospital for care
Multiple assessment by specialty are forthcoming.
There was also great 'downtime' in the Minnesota
dorm care with lively discussions
on varied topics by many on the team.
Dr. Guy Theodore was present at multiple dinners
and discussions and provided his lifelong experience
with Pignon as a child and as its health
and education promoter for the last 25 years.
Team members ate communally and enjoyed
daily reviews of the highlights and opportunities e
ach day of our week. The tropical sunsets,
occasional rainbows, and pleasant weather and star
gazing with Google sky were an
unexpected and value added. Likely, Pignon has
seldom seen such a diverse group
of talented health care practitioners.
Additional missions are planned in 2011. A Port au Prince
mission to Bernard Mev is planned in the late summer.
All team members are aware of those who have supported the
mission. Many have done so themselves and all worked
collaboratively to exceed by far my initial vision for this trip.
Local relationships have been started and are
ongoing. Formal presentations are available by request and the website and
Facebook pages of the HHRI will tell a visual story of the trip.
Thanks to the supporters and especially to the brave volunteers who
gave of the time with big hearts to help the poorest neighbors we have.
Richard Caplan, MD, FACS
Team leader.
A volunteer stated,
"Miraculously, all of the 1000 lbs. of supplies arrived with us and our
truck and driver to Pignon were waiting for us. Most of us did not
know each other before this trip and handled the challenges
thrown our way without stressing out. Richard, our team leader, could not have
dreamed up a better team building exercise!"
Dr. Richard Caplan gave this report about their trip and future plans:
HHRI is a 501(c) 3 formed after the 2010 earthquake to help
coordinate local assets towardtoward Haitian relief. It has long term
goals to find a specific Haitian center to support and develop
for upgrading the medical care for the Haitian population.
It has focused initially on two areas, medical teams and biomedical
repair and training. The latter is spearheaded by a group of Rotarians.
The medical teams are organized by physicians and
non physicians with a large cumulative
experience in Haiti and in mission work.
The latest mission had a surgical emphasis and
brought a 15 member team to
Hopital de Bienfaisance in Pignon in the northern
Central Plateau, 4/30-5/7/2011.
The team included physicians, nurses, nurse
anesthetist, physical therapist,biomedical technician, radiation
technician and administrative support. About
40 cases were performed. General surgery,
orthopedics and ophthalmology
were the represented surgical disciplines.
Two of the members were associated with
Jewish Health International based in Atlanta, an organization
with which I traveled last to Haiti in November.
Two were from Ohio and I knew them from
work done in the field hospital
that served the Port au Prince population
for 6 months after the quake. The pharmacist has spent 15 months
in Haiti since the quake. The radiation
technologist was from Dallas. The rest were from
the Texas Medical Center and represented St Luke's,
MD Anderson and The Methodist Hospital.
Major accomplishments included:
Successful funding went to offset supply and
medication costs, lodging and part of the
volunteers travel expenses. Multiple organizations
helped with grants, supplies and medications
including Americares, Medical Bridges, Memorial
Hermann, the Methodist Hospital,and the Methodist
church, Caring Friends, the Freedman fund and the
Merfish Fund. Multiple individuals generously
half of all funds raised. We brought about 1000 lbs of
supplies and medications. All surplus not used supplies
as well as a lot of personal goods were left for use at the hospital.
The vast majority of this hospital's care is on a charity basis.
All patients were treated for free and came from Pignon
and a draw of a population of about 140,000
Approximately 40 cases were preformed.
Especially in the OR and clinics, we worked
with local physicians and health care workers in
a collaborative fashion.The team was all volunteers.
The patients are cared for by local staff after we leave,
followup though is inherently spotty.
The therapist modeled physical therapy concepts
and, with local talent, supervised fabrication on site of
equipment for inpatient rehabilitation.
Ophthalmology treated over 200 patients and is assessing
a screening program for glaucoma using multiple
teams from multiple institutions.
The Biomedical technician assessed repair
versus replacement recommendations for hospital
equipment, repaired of the hospital's
only EKG machine to a functional status, and
with our radiation technology repaired of the hospitals
x-ray machine targeting system.
CPR and ophthalmic drop administration
classes were taught. OR supplies were organized
Pharmacy instruction by the pharmD modeled
modern and more efficient medication administration
options and brought compounding techniques that helped
several patients An assessment of the birthing agent
training program served as a possible prelude to a Baylor
maternal fetal medicine physician's formal evaluation for
opportunities to reduce maternal and fetal mortality.
Efforts are being made by the staff anesthesiologist to facilitate
the care two pediatric burn victims, hospitalized in Pignon,
to go to Boston Shriner's Hospital for care
Multiple assessment by specialty are forthcoming.
There was also great 'downtime' in the Minnesota
dorm care with lively discussions
on varied topics by many on the team.
Dr. Guy Theodore was present at multiple dinners
and discussions and provided his lifelong experience
with Pignon as a child and as its health
and education promoter for the last 25 years.
Team members ate communally and enjoyed
daily reviews of the highlights and opportunities e
ach day of our week. The tropical sunsets,
occasional rainbows, and pleasant weather and star
gazing with Google sky were an
unexpected and value added. Likely, Pignon has
seldom seen such a diverse group
of talented health care practitioners.
Additional missions are planned in 2011. A Port au Prince
mission to Bernard Mev is planned in the late summer.
All team members are aware of those who have supported the
mission. Many have done so themselves and all worked
collaboratively to exceed by far my initial vision for this trip.
Local relationships have been started and are
ongoing. Formal presentations are available by request and the website and
Facebook pages of the HHRI will tell a visual story of the trip.
Thanks to the supporters and especially to the brave volunteers who
gave of the time with big hearts to help the poorest neighbors we have.
Richard Caplan, MD, FACS
Team leader.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Cholera in Pignon Haiti continues
Many of you know of the huge Cholera epidemic in Haiti.
But the news media has moved to other
stories and hasn't mentioned that the fight continues on in Haiti.
I have been getting updates from the Hospital in Pignon
weekly and I would like to share some of those updates with you to
make you aware that the battle continues and to ask
you for your continued prayers for the
people of Pignon and of Haiti.
Dear All,
Up today march 31,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center)
at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received : 2523 patients
Total hospitalised today: 15 patients
Total discharged: 2485 patients
Total deceased : 23 patients
Dear All,
Up today May 23 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :3,548 patients
Total hospitalised today: 12 patients
Total discharged: 3,512 patients
Total deceased : 24 patients
Dear All,
Up today June 14 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :3,992 patients
Total hospitalised today: 18 patients
Total discharged: 3,949 patients
Total deceased : 25 patients
Dear All,
Up today June 20 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center)
at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,019 patients
Total hospitalised today: 17 patients
Total discharged: 3,977 patients
Total deceased : 25 patients
But the news media has moved to other
stories and hasn't mentioned that the fight continues on in Haiti.
I have been getting updates from the Hospital in Pignon
weekly and I would like to share some of those updates with you to
make you aware that the battle continues and to ask
you for your continued prayers for the
people of Pignon and of Haiti.
Dear All,
Up today march 31,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center)
at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received : 2523 patients
Total hospitalised today: 15 patients
Total discharged: 2485 patients
Total deceased : 23 patients
Dear All,
Up today May 23 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :3,548 patients
Total hospitalised today: 12 patients
Total discharged: 3,512 patients
Total deceased : 24 patients
Dear All,
Up today June 14 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center) at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :3,992 patients
Total hospitalised today: 18 patients
Total discharged: 3,949 patients
Total deceased : 25 patients
Dear All,
Up today June 20 ,2011 CTC( Cholera Traitment Center)
at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon:
Total patients Received :4,019 patients
Total hospitalised today: 17 patients
Total discharged: 3,977 patients
Total deceased : 25 patients
May 14-21 Trip
Submitted by Dr Jim Birong
The Carrollton Haitian Team was formed in 1997 after
I went to Haiti to join my son who was going to Pignon
with a group of students from Franciscan University.
I flew with the team to Miami where I met Paul Severson
and we flew in on MFI. Being a dentist, I spent a week
in the dental clinic working with Dr. Petite. I was working
long hours fixing teeth when Dr. Guy took me aside
and said, "You can't fix them all. Your goal needs to be
to teach my people modern dentistry.
You need to come to Pignon and do what you do
in Ohio."
So I went back to Carrollton, Ohio and asked
my lab technician, Don Montgomery to go to Haiti so we could
do crowns and bridges andeverything we do in Carrollton.
Don and I and many others have been
going to Pignon for fifteen years now. This year there were
six of us: Don and Mary Montgomery, Leroy VanHorne,
Jim and John Weyand and myself.
Our main objectives were to first check on the
mango project(a project to grow mango trees for
eventual shipment of fresh mangoes to the United States
and to slice and dry mangoes which we package for
sale in churches). A highlight of this trip was that our
mango manager, Odiel Saintilus. Greg Miller (one
of our team members who could not go this
time due to a medical problem) who designed our
mango dryer felt that Odiel was a huge asset..
his knowledge of all varieties of mangoes, his
meticulous cleanliness and hygiene, his honesty and
integrity and his discipline of keeping
the preparation building incredibly clean. His dedication
to the farm and our project made it seem like he had no
life outside his work. But then last year we heard he had
a girlfriend and this summer at age 32 he is getting married and seems so happy.
Secondly, we went to do some crown and
bridge and teach Dr. Wesley Joseph how to do bridges.
Dr. Joseph is the first dentist from Pignon. Dr. Joseph
was born and raised in Pignon and now has
come back to work in the clinic. I have found
his work to be excellent.
Dr. Petite from Cap Haitian was the first dentist
in Pignon and is now looking forward to retirement.
Our third objective was to install two new
x-ray units, some equipment
to develop x-rays and to set up a new
chair and light. We set up a regular dental
X-ray and a panelipse x-ray which takes a picture of the
whole jaw. Dr. Joseph said
he was only aware of two other panelipse x-rays in Haiti.
Fourth, the Weyand brothers went to LeJeune to
set up a dental clinic for Dr. Acene. One problem in Haiti is
that they graduate twenty-five dentists a year
but half of those end up in the States. I hope to encourage
more to stay byoffering to set up dental clinics in Haiti.
We stayed in the Minnesota Dorm which was
very pleasant. We enjoy sitting
on the roof contemplating the mysteries of the universe
in the evening, and praying
in the morning as the sun rises over Mt. Pignon.
The stars from the roof of the Minnesota
dorm are exceptional but since electricity arrived you
have to wait til the power shuts
down at 11:00 and all the lights go out to view them!
We usually fly through Miami to Port-au-Prince
and then up to Pignon on MAF. We used to do this in
one day but MAF now refuses to fly later
than noon so we are unable to get there from
Pittsburgh before noon, so we have to
stay overnight in Miami and take the early flight to PAP.
Coming back we usually get home
in one day---PAP to Miami and on to Pittsburgh.
Sometimes we go through JFK in New York.
This year we were going through JFK and our
flight out of Port-au-Prince was delayed
three hours so we had to stay overnight in Long Island.
The Carrollton Haitian Team was formed in 1997 after
I went to Haiti to join my son who was going to Pignon
with a group of students from Franciscan University.
I flew with the team to Miami where I met Paul Severson
and we flew in on MFI. Being a dentist, I spent a week
in the dental clinic working with Dr. Petite. I was working
long hours fixing teeth when Dr. Guy took me aside
and said, "You can't fix them all. Your goal needs to be
to teach my people modern dentistry.
You need to come to Pignon and do what you do
in Ohio."
So I went back to Carrollton, Ohio and asked
my lab technician, Don Montgomery to go to Haiti so we could
do crowns and bridges andeverything we do in Carrollton.
Don and I and many others have been
going to Pignon for fifteen years now. This year there were
six of us: Don and Mary Montgomery, Leroy VanHorne,
Jim and John Weyand and myself.
Our main objectives were to first check on the
mango project(a project to grow mango trees for
eventual shipment of fresh mangoes to the United States
and to slice and dry mangoes which we package for
sale in churches). A highlight of this trip was that our
mango manager, Odiel Saintilus. Greg Miller (one
of our team members who could not go this
time due to a medical problem) who designed our
mango dryer felt that Odiel was a huge asset..
his knowledge of all varieties of mangoes, his
meticulous cleanliness and hygiene, his honesty and
integrity and his discipline of keeping
the preparation building incredibly clean. His dedication
to the farm and our project made it seem like he had no
life outside his work. But then last year we heard he had
a girlfriend and this summer at age 32 he is getting married and seems so happy.
Secondly, we went to do some crown and
bridge and teach Dr. Wesley Joseph how to do bridges.
Dr. Joseph is the first dentist from Pignon. Dr. Joseph
was born and raised in Pignon and now has
come back to work in the clinic. I have found
his work to be excellent.
Dr. Petite from Cap Haitian was the first dentist
in Pignon and is now looking forward to retirement.
Our third objective was to install two new
x-ray units, some equipment
to develop x-rays and to set up a new
chair and light. We set up a regular dental
X-ray and a panelipse x-ray which takes a picture of the
whole jaw. Dr. Joseph said
he was only aware of two other panelipse x-rays in Haiti.
Fourth, the Weyand brothers went to LeJeune to
set up a dental clinic for Dr. Acene. One problem in Haiti is
that they graduate twenty-five dentists a year
but half of those end up in the States. I hope to encourage
more to stay byoffering to set up dental clinics in Haiti.
We stayed in the Minnesota Dorm which was
very pleasant. We enjoy sitting
on the roof contemplating the mysteries of the universe
in the evening, and praying
in the morning as the sun rises over Mt. Pignon.
The stars from the roof of the Minnesota
dorm are exceptional but since electricity arrived you
have to wait til the power shuts
down at 11:00 and all the lights go out to view them!
We usually fly through Miami to Port-au-Prince
and then up to Pignon on MAF. We used to do this in
one day but MAF now refuses to fly later
than noon so we are unable to get there from
Pittsburgh before noon, so we have to
stay overnight in Miami and take the early flight to PAP.
Coming back we usually get home
in one day---PAP to Miami and on to Pittsburgh.
Sometimes we go through JFK in New York.
This year we were going through JFK and our
flight out of Port-au-Prince was delayed
three hours so we had to stay overnight in Long Island.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Naturally Wallace Consulting Participates in Pro Bono Hospital Project in Haiti
STILLWATER, Minn. – Naturally Wallace Consulting (NWC) is part of the team donating services to provide an improved wastewater treatment system at the Hospital Bienfaisance De Pignon in Pignon, Haiti. The pro bono project features a constructed wetland treatment system designed by NWC and utilizing local labor and materials. Marc Henkel, NWC associate, is going to Haiti to help build the system along with Herb Sikkink of Hinckley, Minn.
Due to a limited access to a reliable power supply, it was desirable to install the low operation and maintenance constructed wetland system on land adjacent to the hospital. Hospital wastewater will be collected and directed to a septic tank and effluent from the tank will flow by gravity to a constructed wetland and then to a seepage field. Construction of the project will be initiated in spring 2011.
The project is being directed by Promise for Haiti, a nationwide charity, and is critical in keeping the hospital fully functioning. According to Promise for Haiti, the project could not have been completed without the generous donation of engineering services by NWC and the onsite plumbing services provided by Herb Sikkink.
Naturally Wallace Consulting (NWC), based in Stillwater, Minn., is the premier treatment wetlands consulting firm in the world. NWC, formerly North American Wetlands Engineering, works with the environment to treat unique and complex wastewater streams using constructed wetlands and patented Forced-bed AerationTM technology. Having taken hundreds of the most advanced treatment wetland systems on the planet from concept through construction and operations, NWC pushes the boundaries of environmental engineering to design long-term ecological solutions for the most difficult wastewater treatment challenges. For more information visit www.naturallywallace.com or email contact@naturallywallace.com.
Due to a limited access to a reliable power supply, it was desirable to install the low operation and maintenance constructed wetland system on land adjacent to the hospital. Hospital wastewater will be collected and directed to a septic tank and effluent from the tank will flow by gravity to a constructed wetland and then to a seepage field. Construction of the project will be initiated in spring 2011.
The project is being directed by Promise for Haiti, a nationwide charity, and is critical in keeping the hospital fully functioning. According to Promise for Haiti, the project could not have been completed without the generous donation of engineering services by NWC and the onsite plumbing services provided by Herb Sikkink.
Naturally Wallace Consulting (NWC), based in Stillwater, Minn., is the premier treatment wetlands consulting firm in the world. NWC, formerly North American Wetlands Engineering, works with the environment to treat unique and complex wastewater streams using constructed wetlands and patented Forced-bed AerationTM technology. Having taken hundreds of the most advanced treatment wetland systems on the planet from concept through construction and operations, NWC pushes the boundaries of environmental engineering to design long-term ecological solutions for the most difficult wastewater treatment challenges. For more information visit www.naturallywallace.com or email contact@naturallywallace.com.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sunnybrook Team Feb 2011
Submitted by Dean Van Roekel
Promise for Haiti Survey
1. Please give a narrative description of your trip include in it how many members accompanied you on this trip; what was the purpose/ goals of your trip? What was accomplished, what may need to be done.
This years Sunnybrook Haiti Mission team consisted of 15 people. Eight were first timers which is always exciting. This was our 11th year of our partnership with PFH. Sunnybrook is dedicated to offering Sunnybrook members a short term mission experience in a third world country. Not only to experience another culture but for most it is a life changing experience. It also helps expand our support base for Haiti Missions. Our trip is part work and part experiential. We laid tile in the Drs. and nurse's dorms, distributed rice/beans to the "poorest of the poor" in the Pignon area. We support the elementary school at Guimby and spent a day with the kids and family members we have come to know over the years. We worship at a Haitian church on Sunday and have a meal with them after the service. We hadn't been for two years because of the earth quake so we spent time catching up with our Haitian families and friends. Our trip was very successful with few bumps along the way. Spent time with Jared and Stacey Nikkel and got to know them a little better. We had a member of our team that can compete with Jared with his famous peacock call! Pignon is changing rapidly with the paving project. It will be exciting to see how much development will follow. Spent some time with Dr. Guy and the hospital administration and enjoyed the meal Dr. Guy serves up at his house. We have scheduled our next trip for January next year and hope to expand our teams to two weeks.
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 used Continental to get to Florida and MFI to Pignon and back. Didn't have any problems with travel. We always try to take a southern route to FL. to eliminate weather problems. Restricts our options but very little trouble with weather over the years. MFI is always a treat and we appreciate their committment to Haiti as well.
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 MN dorm. We prefer that to the other accomodations we've tried in Pignon. A little more peace and quiet available inside the compound. We did not have any hot water so showers were cold and short. Asked Jared if he could fix the problem but didn't get the job done. We would really like that to be addressed before next year's trip. Typical gastro problems but only part of the team.
4.Is there information you would like passed on to the next team that is scheduled.
Continue on with the dorm projects so we can get that completed before we start any other new projects. I think that is top priority to retain staff. Hopefully after things settle down at the hospital we will get back to some of our other projects.
5.Did you have any problems issues, occurrences that need to be addressed by the hospital or the Board?
No....we have gotten to know the staff over the years and we are able to work out team issues as they arrise. The administration is always willing to help us in addition to doing their regular jobs. Jared and Zeke attended to our work and travel needs.
6. Anything else you would like to share about your trip?
Be patient...patient...patient...flexible...flexible...flexible and you will have a better experience. Allow time to adjust to Haiti time. Take time to get to know the people and culture. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. God has a plan and purpose for our work in Haiti. You may not see immediate change but over the years it has been significant! I thank God that he has allowed me to be a part of this mission.
Promise for Haiti Survey
1. Please give a narrative description of your trip include in it how many members accompanied you on this trip; what was the purpose/ goals of your trip? What was accomplished, what may need to be done.
This years Sunnybrook Haiti Mission team consisted of 15 people. Eight were first timers which is always exciting. This was our 11th year of our partnership with PFH. Sunnybrook is dedicated to offering Sunnybrook members a short term mission experience in a third world country. Not only to experience another culture but for most it is a life changing experience. It also helps expand our support base for Haiti Missions. Our trip is part work and part experiential. We laid tile in the Drs. and nurse's dorms, distributed rice/beans to the "poorest of the poor" in the Pignon area. We support the elementary school at Guimby and spent a day with the kids and family members we have come to know over the years. We worship at a Haitian church on Sunday and have a meal with them after the service. We hadn't been for two years because of the earth quake so we spent time catching up with our Haitian families and friends. Our trip was very successful with few bumps along the way. Spent time with Jared and Stacey Nikkel and got to know them a little better. We had a member of our team that can compete with Jared with his famous peacock call! Pignon is changing rapidly with the paving project. It will be exciting to see how much development will follow. Spent some time with Dr. Guy and the hospital administration and enjoyed the meal Dr. Guy serves up at his house. We have scheduled our next trip for January next year and hope to expand our teams to two weeks.
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 used Continental to get to Florida and MFI to Pignon and back. Didn't have any problems with travel. We always try to take a southern route to FL. to eliminate weather problems. Restricts our options but very little trouble with weather over the years. MFI is always a treat and we appreciate their committment to Haiti as well.
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 MN dorm. We prefer that to the other accomodations we've tried in Pignon. A little more peace and quiet available inside the compound. We did not have any hot water so showers were cold and short. Asked Jared if he could fix the problem but didn't get the job done. We would really like that to be addressed before next year's trip. Typical gastro problems but only part of the team.
4.Is there information you would like passed on to the next team that is scheduled.
Continue on with the dorm projects so we can get that completed before we start any other new projects. I think that is top priority to retain staff. Hopefully after things settle down at the hospital we will get back to some of our other projects.
5.Did you have any problems issues, occurrences that need to be addressed by the hospital or the Board?
No....we have gotten to know the staff over the years and we are able to work out team issues as they arrise. The administration is always willing to help us in addition to doing their regular jobs. Jared and Zeke attended to our work and travel needs.
6. Anything else you would like to share about your trip?
Be patient...patient...patient...flexible...flexible...flexible and you will have a better experience. Allow time to adjust to Haiti time. Take time to get to know the people and culture. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. God has a plan and purpose for our work in Haiti. You may not see immediate change but over the years it has been significant! I thank God that he has allowed me to be a part of this mission.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
TEAM: Hope/ E-Free churches from Spencer, IA and Meriden, IA
Trip report submitted by Christi Gabhart.
MFI provided our transportation to and from Pignon. We are always in good hands there. All of our boxes and luggage arrived in tact. No problems what so ever. We always appreciate the services of Acadiana Shuttle. Very timely and considerate.
Our team was made up of 15 people; nine of those were experiencing Haiti for the first time. Hope Church from Spencer, IA has had a team with Promise for Haiti for several years in a row. We teamed up with 6 new people from the Meriden E-free Church in Meriden, IA. The combination was dynamic! Everyone embraced the country of Haiti and the work that was planned and all reached out to the people with the love of Jesus Christ. One returning team member did dental work in the dental clinic which he says is the best clinic of any in which he has worked in a mission setting. Three gals on our team have a nursing background. They were able to spend time on a couple of occasions observing and helping out at the hospital. Several of the team members have skills in carpentry so some work projects were a big part of the week. Some cabinets were built for the kitchen in the doctors’ dorm and ceramic tile was laid in the doctors’ dorm as well. The materials ran short to complete the doors for the cabinets and time ran short for the completion of the tiling in the kitchen and common room as well as much of the grouting. The materials to complete the cabinet project were purchased prior to our arrival, BUT some of what was designated for these cabinets had been used by others for a different project. We would like to have seen a bit more effort made to organize the project of tiling in the doctors’ dorm. We were planning to do this project; it would have been helpful for the doctors’ belongings and other furniture to have been moved out so that we could get right to work. But, of course, that is an American trait, so we adjusted knowing that God’s plan is supreme. The three bedrooms, bathroom and common room were tiled and hopefully have been grouted since our departure so the doctors could return to their residence. The remainder of the tiling will hopefully be finished with the next team coming in and the cabinet doors will be completed as well.
The ladies on the team had done some preparation for hosting a Women’s Conference at the church down the street where Pastor Francios serves. We had been in communication with Pastor Francios as well as Jared and Stacey Nikkel to help anticipate how everything would happen. This is the 2nd annual “Fanm Espwa nan Ayiti” conference, translated- Women of Hope in Haiti. The gals met with Pastor Francios the day we arrived to be sure that all arrangements were consistent with plans that had been made.
The day we arrived, we also met with Gyrlene and Obed to share together how things would happen throughout our time in Pignon. We were anticipating a long awaited trip to Guimby School to bring gifts for the students that we have been unable to deliver for over a year because of the January 2010 earthquake. We also indicated the desire to bring rice and beans to some of the poorest of the poor families within the city of Pignon. The rice and beans had been purchased with money given from our home congregations. A list was to be compiled by the hospital for us to identify the families with the greatest need.
Our accommodations were wonderful in the Minnesota House. The cooks did a fine job of providing well prepared meals; we had bottled water and most team members enjoyed our supply of COKE! We had a few short-lived stomach issues but nothing serious. It is always hard to pinpoint the cause especially when it hits random people at random times. No one was down for more than a day and then it was just dealing with a tender stomach. The team members in one room, the double room upstairs adjacent to the balcony, had to deal with ants. The double room on the main floor next to the bathroom had a bug biting condition. We just kept using the bug stuff we had along.
We wanted to do some food deliveries on Saturday and Sunday but were not able to do so because we did not have the “Poorest of the Poor” list or the help of a hospital employee. That set us back a bit on the time needed to get through the list. Because of a combination of circumstances, we ran short of time to get through the list that had been compiled. We have some definite concerns with this activity and will hopefully be able to address the concerns and see improvement for our future efforts.
The women’s conference, held Monday, February 7th from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, was a huge highlight for the women. We had sent money to Jared to purchase 250 bibles in Cap Haitien prior to our arrival and had ‘bookplates’ along to stick inside that read, “Nou bay ou Bib sa akoz de RENMEN JEZI gen pou NOU” which means, “This Bible given to you with the love of Jesus Christ”. During the day of the conference, we gifted a bible to each woman. We presented the bibles to them by saying, “Sa se Powel Senye a pou ou.”, (This is the Word of the Lord for you). The ladies on our team shared scripture and bible stories about Jesus’ love with the aid of a felt board and pieces. We praised Jesus together with songs and scripture memory. A lunch was prepared and served to all 200 women in attendance. One hundred were Christian women and one hundred were their friends or neighbors seeking to know more about the Love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Other items that were shared as gifts were sewing kits, ‘Witness Symbol’ bracelets, and small mirrors in blue vinyl cases imprinted with the words, “Reflete Lamou Jezi Kri” (Be a reflection of Jesus’ Love”). Each of the items had meaning throughout the day of teaching and sharing Christ. The day-long conference concluded with Pastor Francios inviting any woman present to received Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Six ladies made that commitment while many prayed and sang praises to our Savior.
We made the trip to Guimby School on Tuesday; it seemed in record time! The roads were ‘good’ on the shortcut through the river and up the mountain. The countryside is so beautiful it seems like a dream. Each class greeted us with beautiful songs. This visit also allowed the team to see the Hope Church sponsored lunch program in action. We were able to share a small gift with the cooks that faithfully prepare the food that is served. A wonderful experience for ALL!
There also was time for a visit to Bill and Jennifer Campbell’s orphanage on the edge of town. A couple gals on our team were able to assist Jennifer with a feeding clinic one morning. There are many positive things happening there. Our Worship experience on Sunday was with JeanJean and Kristie Mompremier. A wonderful service as always and as always, there are many wonderful things happening at UCI.
Gyrlene took three team members on a tour of the CTC, Cholera Treatment Center. At the time, there were 16 Cholera patients being treated. 12 of those were from the Bohoc area. There were plans to do some investigating and education in the Bohoc area for the purpose of prevention of future cases of Cholera. It seems as though Doctors Without Borders has done a fine job with the CTC.
A delicious evening buffet served at Dr. Guy’s house, two early mornings spent climbing Mt. Pignon, shopping at the ‘mall’, a trip to the Saturday market, trips to the Cyber Café, time shared with friends singing songs in the evening at the hospital, evening bible study and star gazing made for a wonderful GOD-filled week. An estimate of at least 15 shooting stars over the course of the week brings this verse from Psalm 8 to mind. “I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, Your handmade sky-jewelry, moon and stars mounted in their settings.” The Message Psalm 8:3.
Overall the time spent in Pignon was just as we had hoped. The city, the hospital, and the people seem to be thriving. God is faithful. Each person on the team was blessed, we trust that each of us served in a way that brought glory to His name.
Thanks to Lorrie Berg, Sue Ishee, the Hospital staff, Dr Guy, Pastor Francios, Jared and Stacey Nikkel, Ezequias and others who were part of the whole effort of our team serving in Haiti.
Trip report submitted by Christi Gabhart.
MFI provided our transportation to and from Pignon. We are always in good hands there. All of our boxes and luggage arrived in tact. No problems what so ever. We always appreciate the services of Acadiana Shuttle. Very timely and considerate.
Our team was made up of 15 people; nine of those were experiencing Haiti for the first time. Hope Church from Spencer, IA has had a team with Promise for Haiti for several years in a row. We teamed up with 6 new people from the Meriden E-free Church in Meriden, IA. The combination was dynamic! Everyone embraced the country of Haiti and the work that was planned and all reached out to the people with the love of Jesus Christ. One returning team member did dental work in the dental clinic which he says is the best clinic of any in which he has worked in a mission setting. Three gals on our team have a nursing background. They were able to spend time on a couple of occasions observing and helping out at the hospital. Several of the team members have skills in carpentry so some work projects were a big part of the week. Some cabinets were built for the kitchen in the doctors’ dorm and ceramic tile was laid in the doctors’ dorm as well. The materials ran short to complete the doors for the cabinets and time ran short for the completion of the tiling in the kitchen and common room as well as much of the grouting. The materials to complete the cabinet project were purchased prior to our arrival, BUT some of what was designated for these cabinets had been used by others for a different project. We would like to have seen a bit more effort made to organize the project of tiling in the doctors’ dorm. We were planning to do this project; it would have been helpful for the doctors’ belongings and other furniture to have been moved out so that we could get right to work. But, of course, that is an American trait, so we adjusted knowing that God’s plan is supreme. The three bedrooms, bathroom and common room were tiled and hopefully have been grouted since our departure so the doctors could return to their residence. The remainder of the tiling will hopefully be finished with the next team coming in and the cabinet doors will be completed as well.
The ladies on the team had done some preparation for hosting a Women’s Conference at the church down the street where Pastor Francios serves. We had been in communication with Pastor Francios as well as Jared and Stacey Nikkel to help anticipate how everything would happen. This is the 2nd annual “Fanm Espwa nan Ayiti” conference, translated- Women of Hope in Haiti. The gals met with Pastor Francios the day we arrived to be sure that all arrangements were consistent with plans that had been made.
The day we arrived, we also met with Gyrlene and Obed to share together how things would happen throughout our time in Pignon. We were anticipating a long awaited trip to Guimby School to bring gifts for the students that we have been unable to deliver for over a year because of the January 2010 earthquake. We also indicated the desire to bring rice and beans to some of the poorest of the poor families within the city of Pignon. The rice and beans had been purchased with money given from our home congregations. A list was to be compiled by the hospital for us to identify the families with the greatest need.
Our accommodations were wonderful in the Minnesota House. The cooks did a fine job of providing well prepared meals; we had bottled water and most team members enjoyed our supply of COKE! We had a few short-lived stomach issues but nothing serious. It is always hard to pinpoint the cause especially when it hits random people at random times. No one was down for more than a day and then it was just dealing with a tender stomach. The team members in one room, the double room upstairs adjacent to the balcony, had to deal with ants. The double room on the main floor next to the bathroom had a bug biting condition. We just kept using the bug stuff we had along.
We wanted to do some food deliveries on Saturday and Sunday but were not able to do so because we did not have the “Poorest of the Poor” list or the help of a hospital employee. That set us back a bit on the time needed to get through the list. Because of a combination of circumstances, we ran short of time to get through the list that had been compiled. We have some definite concerns with this activity and will hopefully be able to address the concerns and see improvement for our future efforts.
The women’s conference, held Monday, February 7th from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, was a huge highlight for the women. We had sent money to Jared to purchase 250 bibles in Cap Haitien prior to our arrival and had ‘bookplates’ along to stick inside that read, “Nou bay ou Bib sa akoz de RENMEN JEZI gen pou NOU” which means, “This Bible given to you with the love of Jesus Christ”. During the day of the conference, we gifted a bible to each woman. We presented the bibles to them by saying, “Sa se Powel Senye a pou ou.”, (This is the Word of the Lord for you). The ladies on our team shared scripture and bible stories about Jesus’ love with the aid of a felt board and pieces. We praised Jesus together with songs and scripture memory. A lunch was prepared and served to all 200 women in attendance. One hundred were Christian women and one hundred were their friends or neighbors seeking to know more about the Love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Other items that were shared as gifts were sewing kits, ‘Witness Symbol’ bracelets, and small mirrors in blue vinyl cases imprinted with the words, “Reflete Lamou Jezi Kri” (Be a reflection of Jesus’ Love”). Each of the items had meaning throughout the day of teaching and sharing Christ. The day-long conference concluded with Pastor Francios inviting any woman present to received Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Six ladies made that commitment while many prayed and sang praises to our Savior.
We made the trip to Guimby School on Tuesday; it seemed in record time! The roads were ‘good’ on the shortcut through the river and up the mountain. The countryside is so beautiful it seems like a dream. Each class greeted us with beautiful songs. This visit also allowed the team to see the Hope Church sponsored lunch program in action. We were able to share a small gift with the cooks that faithfully prepare the food that is served. A wonderful experience for ALL!
There also was time for a visit to Bill and Jennifer Campbell’s orphanage on the edge of town. A couple gals on our team were able to assist Jennifer with a feeding clinic one morning. There are many positive things happening there. Our Worship experience on Sunday was with JeanJean and Kristie Mompremier. A wonderful service as always and as always, there are many wonderful things happening at UCI.
Gyrlene took three team members on a tour of the CTC, Cholera Treatment Center. At the time, there were 16 Cholera patients being treated. 12 of those were from the Bohoc area. There were plans to do some investigating and education in the Bohoc area for the purpose of prevention of future cases of Cholera. It seems as though Doctors Without Borders has done a fine job with the CTC.
A delicious evening buffet served at Dr. Guy’s house, two early mornings spent climbing Mt. Pignon, shopping at the ‘mall’, a trip to the Saturday market, trips to the Cyber Café, time shared with friends singing songs in the evening at the hospital, evening bible study and star gazing made for a wonderful GOD-filled week. An estimate of at least 15 shooting stars over the course of the week brings this verse from Psalm 8 to mind. “I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, Your handmade sky-jewelry, moon and stars mounted in their settings.” The Message Psalm 8:3.
Overall the time spent in Pignon was just as we had hoped. The city, the hospital, and the people seem to be thriving. God is faithful. Each person on the team was blessed, we trust that each of us served in a way that brought glory to His name.
Thanks to Lorrie Berg, Sue Ishee, the Hospital staff, Dr Guy, Pastor Francios, Jared and Stacey Nikkel, Ezequias and others who were part of the whole effort of our team serving in Haiti.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
January 2011 Haiti Trip Presentation
Marlene, Shubert, and I along with 9 other God-sent people from the Monmouth and Pitman Churches of Christ in S. Jersey returned from Haiti last Saturday. The trip was a GREAT success!! Thank you all for your prayers and support for the work of this trip!
So many of you donated sewing materials, toothbrushes and toothpaste, glasses, and other necessities and monetary funds which were used to touch many lives and get THEA's education programs off to a really strong start!
We were witness to the evidence of your prayers and support! It was amazing how much we were able to accomplish in just 8 days!! For the sake of time, I'll just list the highlights now.
1. The main focus of our trip was to begin 3 education programs especially for the secondary students in the community for them to have skills which would enable them to support their families and communities upon their graduation. The 30 secondary students were divided into 3 areas according to their interests: sewing training, gardening training, and medical education.
2. The Sewing Program is now off and running! Lynne, an avid sewer from the Pitman Church, partnered with a local tailor; and they worked together to teach the students basic sewing skills and how to use the sewing machines. The students were so proud of what they made this week and were eager to continue the classes. So the local tailor and Lynne worked together to design an 18 month curriculum for this on-going class. This tailor has now become THEA's Sewing Program Coordinator- signing our contract to make it official- and has been continuing to teach the sewing classes after we left for 3 days a week.
3. THEA’s Gardening Training Program also got off to a great start: I partnered with our Agriculture Training Coordinator (ATC) to teach the students how to prepare the land, make and use a compost and organic fertilizer noting the nutritional benefits of their use; and emphasizing the overall purpose for the program, that is, to care for the nutritional needs of the community. We further partnered with a local agronomist who is enthusiastic about providing further training to our Agriculture Training Coordinator, sharing his resources, and helping to teach the on-going classes. This partnership with the agronomist is an exciting new development for THEA!
4. The 4 nurses on the team were responsible for the students who want to continue their education and become health professionals. The students learned about blood pressure, nutrition, and community health issues such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid. They were creative in their teaching, using skits and story-telling. Primary and secondary students at a local school were also taught about personal and community health including oral hygiene. And toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap were given to each student.
5. The sewing and agriculture programs easily lent themselves to be certificate programs. However, we needed something more concrete and ongoing for the students on the medical track. Then the large local hospital where we stayed invited us to partner with them to begin a volunteer program at the hospital for our students. We were so excited! But then the administrator, knowing that THEA is focused on providing education opportunities, suggested that we make it more of an on-the-job training program and that we could put a student in each of the nursing, laboratory, x-ray, and dental departments!! Amazing!
6. Of course as a therapist, when I asked about rehabilitation indicating we wish some of our students would be able to study physical therapy, they said that the hospital had just received funds for building a rehabilitation center, complete with a prosthetic clinic, further indicating that if we returned this time next year, it should be operational! Can you believe it? There was one opened door right after another!
7. While the majority of the group worked in the community, 3 of our nurses worked several days at the hospital conducting training sessions for the nurses and medical students in CPR, IV meds, and understanding and treating sexually transmitted diseases.
8. Also, with us for much of the week was one of the Haitian students who worked with our group after the earthquake. He is the son of a minister and we are sponsoring him to complete secondary school then go on to medical school. He served as a translator for our nurses as they worked in the hospital as well as for a group of visiting urologists from the States. Having him around was a blessing to our group and was a great opportunity for him to learn so much about medical practice!
9. Shubert, along with all of his administrative responsibilities, was able to address several mental health concerns within the community. And I was also able to meet with several people with rehabilitation needs.
10. Last but not least, we wanted to tell you about the program for the younger children. Most of these younger children are the ones you’ve been hearing about and are the ones we are supporting to go to school. Diana and her three children, Sarah, Claire, and Lucas and their friend Callan did an amazing job teaching, playing with, and just loving up on the kids! They prepared great Bible stories, crafts, skits, and songs for the kids for the entire week! The kids had a great time and learned so much from them!
11. Other great news... Meals were able to be provided for all of the children and their families as well as our teachers and translators for the week and beyond. The accommodations and meals where we stayed in the hospital dorms were more than sufficient; None of us got sick and each of us had God-given energy and strength for the work of each day. We were blessed through our work and also through our nightly "processing meetings" and devotionals when we worshipped and prayed together each night. Also, Shubert preached the sermon at church on Sunday and 7 people were baptized in the river that afternoon! It was such a faith-building time for everyone! In all of these new beginnings, we see God at work in Haiti. And through your prayers and donations, you are part of God’s work there. And we thank you!
Marlene, Shubert, and I along with 9 other God-sent people from the Monmouth and Pitman Churches of Christ in S. Jersey returned from Haiti last Saturday. The trip was a GREAT success!! Thank you all for your prayers and support for the work of this trip!
So many of you donated sewing materials, toothbrushes and toothpaste, glasses, and other necessities and monetary funds which were used to touch many lives and get THEA's education programs off to a really strong start!
We were witness to the evidence of your prayers and support! It was amazing how much we were able to accomplish in just 8 days!! For the sake of time, I'll just list the highlights now.
1. The main focus of our trip was to begin 3 education programs especially for the secondary students in the community for them to have skills which would enable them to support their families and communities upon their graduation. The 30 secondary students were divided into 3 areas according to their interests: sewing training, gardening training, and medical education.
2. The Sewing Program is now off and running! Lynne, an avid sewer from the Pitman Church, partnered with a local tailor; and they worked together to teach the students basic sewing skills and how to use the sewing machines. The students were so proud of what they made this week and were eager to continue the classes. So the local tailor and Lynne worked together to design an 18 month curriculum for this on-going class. This tailor has now become THEA's Sewing Program Coordinator- signing our contract to make it official- and has been continuing to teach the sewing classes after we left for 3 days a week.
3. THEA’s Gardening Training Program also got off to a great start: I partnered with our Agriculture Training Coordinator (ATC) to teach the students how to prepare the land, make and use a compost and organic fertilizer noting the nutritional benefits of their use; and emphasizing the overall purpose for the program, that is, to care for the nutritional needs of the community. We further partnered with a local agronomist who is enthusiastic about providing further training to our Agriculture Training Coordinator, sharing his resources, and helping to teach the on-going classes. This partnership with the agronomist is an exciting new development for THEA!
4. The 4 nurses on the team were responsible for the students who want to continue their education and become health professionals. The students learned about blood pressure, nutrition, and community health issues such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid. They were creative in their teaching, using skits and story-telling. Primary and secondary students at a local school were also taught about personal and community health including oral hygiene. And toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap were given to each student.
5. The sewing and agriculture programs easily lent themselves to be certificate programs. However, we needed something more concrete and ongoing for the students on the medical track. Then the large local hospital where we stayed invited us to partner with them to begin a volunteer program at the hospital for our students. We were so excited! But then the administrator, knowing that THEA is focused on providing education opportunities, suggested that we make it more of an on-the-job training program and that we could put a student in each of the nursing, laboratory, x-ray, and dental departments!! Amazing!
6. Of course as a therapist, when I asked about rehabilitation indicating we wish some of our students would be able to study physical therapy, they said that the hospital had just received funds for building a rehabilitation center, complete with a prosthetic clinic, further indicating that if we returned this time next year, it should be operational! Can you believe it? There was one opened door right after another!
7. While the majority of the group worked in the community, 3 of our nurses worked several days at the hospital conducting training sessions for the nurses and medical students in CPR, IV meds, and understanding and treating sexually transmitted diseases.
8. Also, with us for much of the week was one of the Haitian students who worked with our group after the earthquake. He is the son of a minister and we are sponsoring him to complete secondary school then go on to medical school. He served as a translator for our nurses as they worked in the hospital as well as for a group of visiting urologists from the States. Having him around was a blessing to our group and was a great opportunity for him to learn so much about medical practice!
9. Shubert, along with all of his administrative responsibilities, was able to address several mental health concerns within the community. And I was also able to meet with several people with rehabilitation needs.
10. Last but not least, we wanted to tell you about the program for the younger children. Most of these younger children are the ones you’ve been hearing about and are the ones we are supporting to go to school. Diana and her three children, Sarah, Claire, and Lucas and their friend Callan did an amazing job teaching, playing with, and just loving up on the kids! They prepared great Bible stories, crafts, skits, and songs for the kids for the entire week! The kids had a great time and learned so much from them!
11. Other great news... Meals were able to be provided for all of the children and their families as well as our teachers and translators for the week and beyond. The accommodations and meals where we stayed in the hospital dorms were more than sufficient; None of us got sick and each of us had God-given energy and strength for the work of each day. We were blessed through our work and also through our nightly "processing meetings" and devotionals when we worshipped and prayed together each night. Also, Shubert preached the sermon at church on Sunday and 7 people were baptized in the river that afternoon! It was such a faith-building time for everyone! In all of these new beginnings, we see God at work in Haiti. And through your prayers and donations, you are part of God’s work there. And we thank you!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Fargo Moorhead Medical team
Promise for Haiti Survey
Please give a narrative description of your trip include in it how many members accompanied you on this trip; what was the purpose/ goals of your trip? What was accomplished, what may need to be done. We had 16 team members: 4 surgeons, 4 CRNAs, 4 nurses, 1 pre-med student, 1 medical supply specialist, and 2 non-medical members. We did 35 surgeries, organized 23 pallets supplies, and organized storage areas in the PACU. We also had 3 fourth year Haitian medical students, who scrubbed in with the surgeons, getting one-on-one instruction.
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 from PAP to Pignon by large van, and Caleb Lucien’s personal truck. The only problem was that the hospital had not arranged for a large enough vehicle and had not clearly communicated what had been arranged; we were fortunate that Caleb had extra space in the vehicles he had brought to retrieve his team. The response from administration was inadequate, and I arranged with Caleb to share vehicles with him returning to PAP. The roads have improved except that between Pignon and Hinche, which is supposed to be paved starting in March. MAF is trying to get a 10 seater plane, but right now there are no large charter planes available between PAP and Pignon. The drive takes 4 1/2 to 5 hours, door to door (with one 20 min stop).
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? MN dorm. Hot water was absent (Evenel was informed, but I did not check with Jared – and should have). Water pressure was variable but OK. We conserved as much as possible. The food was excellent and plentiful, and had no one with any GI symptoms this trip. We had only 1/3 the food/snacks sent ahead, but had enough. A large water dispenser was available with drinkable water and we brought our own Nalgenes.
4. Is there information you would like passed on to the next team that is scheduled. We carried all of our meds with us, and explored getting them through TSA security the hard way, but I now have contact information at Miami International for TSA, and they just ask that we contact them in advance, advising them what we’re carrying and why, with flight information. We also tried the NGO franchise shipping process, and our boxes did not arrive intact. Some were broken open, and a few were missing (4 of those with personal food).
5. Did you have any problems issues, occurrences that need to be addressed by the hospital or the Board? We’ve had conversations with the hospital about clarifying the shipping process and have further clarifications. We may also combine shipments with HIM, sharing a shipping container with them, which would be brought to Pignon intact.
6. Anything else you would like to share about your trip? Pignon is getting paved, and there are more motorized vehicles than we’ve ever seen. Doctors Without Borders is running the cholera treatment center, training local personnel, and utilizing the maternity house to isolate patients. The hospital has fewer staff, those remaining worked very hard with us all week. We took care of a gunshot victim who lost part of his leg in a demonstration in Cap Haitien in November; he had an AKA done and debridement and will go out to Caleb’s rehab center at the camp when he’s ready. We also connected with old patients and friends all week long.
Please give a narrative description of your trip include in it how many members accompanied you on this trip; what was the purpose/ goals of your trip? What was accomplished, what may need to be done. We had 16 team members: 4 surgeons, 4 CRNAs, 4 nurses, 1 pre-med student, 1 medical supply specialist, and 2 non-medical members. We did 35 surgeries, organized 23 pallets supplies, and organized storage areas in the PACU. We also had 3 fourth year Haitian medical students, who scrubbed in with the surgeons, getting one-on-one instruction.
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 from PAP to Pignon by large van, and Caleb Lucien’s personal truck. The only problem was that the hospital had not arranged for a large enough vehicle and had not clearly communicated what had been arranged; we were fortunate that Caleb had extra space in the vehicles he had brought to retrieve his team. The response from administration was inadequate, and I arranged with Caleb to share vehicles with him returning to PAP. The roads have improved except that between Pignon and Hinche, which is supposed to be paved starting in March. MAF is trying to get a 10 seater plane, but right now there are no large charter planes available between PAP and Pignon. The drive takes 4 1/2 to 5 hours, door to door (with one 20 min stop).
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? MN dorm. Hot water was absent (Evenel was informed, but I did not check with Jared – and should have). Water pressure was variable but OK. We conserved as much as possible. The food was excellent and plentiful, and had no one with any GI symptoms this trip. We had only 1/3 the food/snacks sent ahead, but had enough. A large water dispenser was available with drinkable water and we brought our own Nalgenes.
4. Is there information you would like passed on to the next team that is scheduled. We carried all of our meds with us, and explored getting them through TSA security the hard way, but I now have contact information at Miami International for TSA, and they just ask that we contact them in advance, advising them what we’re carrying and why, with flight information. We also tried the NGO franchise shipping process, and our boxes did not arrive intact. Some were broken open, and a few were missing (4 of those with personal food).
5. Did you have any problems issues, occurrences that need to be addressed by the hospital or the Board? We’ve had conversations with the hospital about clarifying the shipping process and have further clarifications. We may also combine shipments with HIM, sharing a shipping container with them, which would be brought to Pignon intact.
6. Anything else you would like to share about your trip? Pignon is getting paved, and there are more motorized vehicles than we’ve ever seen. Doctors Without Borders is running the cholera treatment center, training local personnel, and utilizing the maternity house to isolate patients. The hospital has fewer staff, those remaining worked very hard with us all week. We took care of a gunshot victim who lost part of his leg in a demonstration in Cap Haitien in November; he had an AKA done and debridement and will go out to Caleb’s rehab center at the camp when he’s ready. We also connected with old patients and friends all week long.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Third Church Pella & HELP DEC 2011
Team Report: Mission Haiti Third Church Pella, Iowa & HELP (Haitian Education and Literacy Program)
Submited Bev Brand
On Dec. 1, (Wed) 2010 two groups left Iowa for our one week
mission to Pignon,Haiti. Because space was limited on
MFI, one group of 7 went via Fort Lauderdale/Ft. Pierce
on MFIand the other group of 7 traveled to Miami/
PAP and on to PGN via MAF.
Both groups managed to land at the Pignon
airstrip on Thursday afternoon within minutes
of each other even though both groups
had delays at various airports!
We greeted old friends at the airport
and were soon whisked away by hospital
vehicles and by Jared Nikkel
to our accommodations in the Minnesota
House. After settling in, touching base
with the Nikkel family and Jordyn,
their live in tutor, Jared took
us on a brief walkingtour of the
area and brought us to the hospital
for a meeting with Evenel to plan our week.
The most noticeable difference entering Pignon
was the new paved road as we crossed over
the bridge and the many houses that
are being torn back to make way for more
road construction. We watched them lay
the first brick underlay at the “city park”.
It had attracted many onlookers.
Actually,the street to be paved
looked like a “war zone” with the
fronts of all the houses on both
sides of the street being torn off and
people sitting inside on broken
stairways, mattresses exposed and
general disarray. We asked if the
government was doing anything to
help repair the houses and the people
said “no”. They seemed to be upset at
the devastation but excited about
the new streets. What we did witness
were motorcycles and trucks driving
very fast on the new streets totally
ignoring the intersections–
I’m hoping this doesn’t mean more
injuries and even casualties
because of lack of traffic signs
and traffic control. Hopefully safety
considerations will also come with progress.
Friday was spent painting and cleaning the doctors
and nurse’s quarters in three locations.
By the end of the week there was
fresh paint, bathrooms were
cleaned and repaired, new screens
and tile in place in two locations.
The old operating room also
received a fresh coat of paint.
Monday through Wednesday mornings were spent at
Morningside, Salt & Light and Bouqueronne Schools
updating information for students on scholarship
and taking updated photos to put on their records.
We also processed new applications and took photos.
Edmond Joseph accompanied us and was tremendously
helpful. He also located 60+ students in
the village that needed photo updates.
We checked on and updated files for
over 600 students. One of the families in
our group also did an afternoon
Bible Story time at the library with
about 20 children. They later organized
some games for the growing group of kids
at the soccer field next door. Wilkin helped with
the translation and craft activity.
Our last day in Pignon, some prayed
through the hospital and grounds,
visited the cholera clinic, helped
with the feeding program at the hospital,
some climbed the mountain and
prayed over Pignon, others said goodbye
to new friends and families,
a few went to help at the orphanage
and the restfinished up last minute
details at the doctor’s and nurse’s
quarters. Jared and Stacey Nikkel
were very helpful in having all
supplies and materials ready and
also showed us around the market, the river,
sang with us at the hospital two evenings
and joined us for “devotional time and
crazy games” at night.
We enjoyed a “royal feast” with the hospital
staff and Nikkels on the eve of our
departure. All in all – the food
was excellent and very plentiful, the accommodations
were great, everyone was extremely helpful
and we only had a minor bout or two with
the usual diarrhea!
Everything went very smoothly until our day
of departure when we were informed
the airports at both Cap and PAP were closed
due to riots over the election results.
MFI was not able to get
in until the following day (Friday)
but did have room for 8 to leave.
So half our group headed home, the
other 7 stayed and on Saturday another
MFI plane was to come at 11:30am.
One MFI plane broke down in CAP so we
had to wait for a second plane.
Do you know how many times you can walk
around the grass airstrip in 5 hours or
how many hands of UNO you can play
under the tree at the airport!!!!
At 4:00 we boarded the plane for Cap,
made it to Cap, went through
immigration and reboarded.
As the engine revved up the pilot noticed
something wrong and shut down the plane.
After a 45 minute wait under the wing
the pilots announced we were not going
to be able to get out of Cap that night.
So the pilots made arrangements for us to
stay at a mission compound in Cap
and we all loaded a cargo truck,
hanging over the sides and headed out
for our 6 mile trip through Cap to
the compound. To say the least,
it was very interesting. Picture 23
“blancs” on the back of a truck in the rain!
People everywhere! After 7 of us were
transferred into a big van in the middle
of Cap the rest headed on to one compound
and the 7 from our group to another compound.
We stayed the night in two missionary houses,
they fed us and took us back to the airport
at 7:00am the next morning. (Sunday)
The pilots were trying to fix the
plane and wanted us there early in case
they announced the results
of the run-off election and there were
more riots. So we spent until 11:30am
at the Capatian airport waiting for the
plane to be fixed. It finally was and
we loaded and took off for Provo
(Turks and Caicos)where we refueled.
Got back on the plane, engine revved up at the
end of the runway and the same thing happened.
The pilots announced it was the same
problem and we could not fly. So we were
unloaded, went through immigration and
were taken by shuttle to a restaurant to
spend the afternoon while we waited for
another MFI plane to unload cargo in PAP,
then Pignon, refuel in Cap and pick
us up. By that time is was almost 5:00pm –
but the second plane did arrive,
they transferred the seats into the cargo
plane, reloaded our luggage and we were off.
We had to make one more refueling stop
in Exuma and then on to West Palm Beach
arriving at 10:30pm. It was 29 degrees when
we arrived but we were all thankful
to be back in the good ole USA!
We are so thankful for the efforts of MFI
to get us all back as American
Airlines cancelled all flights out
of PAP for another week. A three day
delay didn’t seem so bad. Our travel
insurance did not cover the extra
cost as they said political unrest
was not covered – so be careful not
to fly around election time in Haiti!
We continue to praise God for the opportunity
to serve in Haiti and are looking forward
to our next trip – God is good and He is faithful!!!!
Submited Bev Brand
On Dec. 1, (Wed) 2010 two groups left Iowa for our one week
mission to Pignon,Haiti. Because space was limited on
MFI, one group of 7 went via Fort Lauderdale/Ft. Pierce
on MFIand the other group of 7 traveled to Miami/
PAP and on to PGN via MAF.
Both groups managed to land at the Pignon
airstrip on Thursday afternoon within minutes
of each other even though both groups
had delays at various airports!
We greeted old friends at the airport
and were soon whisked away by hospital
vehicles and by Jared Nikkel
to our accommodations in the Minnesota
House. After settling in, touching base
with the Nikkel family and Jordyn,
their live in tutor, Jared took
us on a brief walkingtour of the
area and brought us to the hospital
for a meeting with Evenel to plan our week.
The most noticeable difference entering Pignon
was the new paved road as we crossed over
the bridge and the many houses that
are being torn back to make way for more
road construction. We watched them lay
the first brick underlay at the “city park”.
It had attracted many onlookers.
Actually,the street to be paved
looked like a “war zone” with the
fronts of all the houses on both
sides of the street being torn off and
people sitting inside on broken
stairways, mattresses exposed and
general disarray. We asked if the
government was doing anything to
help repair the houses and the people
said “no”. They seemed to be upset at
the devastation but excited about
the new streets. What we did witness
were motorcycles and trucks driving
very fast on the new streets totally
ignoring the intersections–
I’m hoping this doesn’t mean more
injuries and even casualties
because of lack of traffic signs
and traffic control. Hopefully safety
considerations will also come with progress.
Friday was spent painting and cleaning the doctors
and nurse’s quarters in three locations.
By the end of the week there was
fresh paint, bathrooms were
cleaned and repaired, new screens
and tile in place in two locations.
The old operating room also
received a fresh coat of paint.
Monday through Wednesday mornings were spent at
Morningside, Salt & Light and Bouqueronne Schools
updating information for students on scholarship
and taking updated photos to put on their records.
We also processed new applications and took photos.
Edmond Joseph accompanied us and was tremendously
helpful. He also located 60+ students in
the village that needed photo updates.
We checked on and updated files for
over 600 students. One of the families in
our group also did an afternoon
Bible Story time at the library with
about 20 children. They later organized
some games for the growing group of kids
at the soccer field next door. Wilkin helped with
the translation and craft activity.
Our last day in Pignon, some prayed
through the hospital and grounds,
visited the cholera clinic, helped
with the feeding program at the hospital,
some climbed the mountain and
prayed over Pignon, others said goodbye
to new friends and families,
a few went to help at the orphanage
and the restfinished up last minute
details at the doctor’s and nurse’s
quarters. Jared and Stacey Nikkel
were very helpful in having all
supplies and materials ready and
also showed us around the market, the river,
sang with us at the hospital two evenings
and joined us for “devotional time and
crazy games” at night.
We enjoyed a “royal feast” with the hospital
staff and Nikkels on the eve of our
departure. All in all – the food
was excellent and very plentiful, the accommodations
were great, everyone was extremely helpful
and we only had a minor bout or two with
the usual diarrhea!
Everything went very smoothly until our day
of departure when we were informed
the airports at both Cap and PAP were closed
due to riots over the election results.
MFI was not able to get
in until the following day (Friday)
but did have room for 8 to leave.
So half our group headed home, the
other 7 stayed and on Saturday another
MFI plane was to come at 11:30am.
One MFI plane broke down in CAP so we
had to wait for a second plane.
Do you know how many times you can walk
around the grass airstrip in 5 hours or
how many hands of UNO you can play
under the tree at the airport!!!!
At 4:00 we boarded the plane for Cap,
made it to Cap, went through
immigration and reboarded.
As the engine revved up the pilot noticed
something wrong and shut down the plane.
After a 45 minute wait under the wing
the pilots announced we were not going
to be able to get out of Cap that night.
So the pilots made arrangements for us to
stay at a mission compound in Cap
and we all loaded a cargo truck,
hanging over the sides and headed out
for our 6 mile trip through Cap to
the compound. To say the least,
it was very interesting. Picture 23
“blancs” on the back of a truck in the rain!
People everywhere! After 7 of us were
transferred into a big van in the middle
of Cap the rest headed on to one compound
and the 7 from our group to another compound.
We stayed the night in two missionary houses,
they fed us and took us back to the airport
at 7:00am the next morning. (Sunday)
The pilots were trying to fix the
plane and wanted us there early in case
they announced the results
of the run-off election and there were
more riots. So we spent until 11:30am
at the Capatian airport waiting for the
plane to be fixed. It finally was and
we loaded and took off for Provo
(Turks and Caicos)where we refueled.
Got back on the plane, engine revved up at the
end of the runway and the same thing happened.
The pilots announced it was the same
problem and we could not fly. So we were
unloaded, went through immigration and
were taken by shuttle to a restaurant to
spend the afternoon while we waited for
another MFI plane to unload cargo in PAP,
then Pignon, refuel in Cap and pick
us up. By that time is was almost 5:00pm –
but the second plane did arrive,
they transferred the seats into the cargo
plane, reloaded our luggage and we were off.
We had to make one more refueling stop
in Exuma and then on to West Palm Beach
arriving at 10:30pm. It was 29 degrees when
we arrived but we were all thankful
to be back in the good ole USA!
We are so thankful for the efforts of MFI
to get us all back as American
Airlines cancelled all flights out
of PAP for another week. A three day
delay didn’t seem so bad. Our travel
insurance did not cover the extra
cost as they said political unrest
was not covered – so be careful not
to fly around election time in Haiti!
We continue to praise God for the opportunity
to serve in Haiti and are looking forward
to our next trip – God is good and He is faithful!!!!
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