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Thanks.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
On approach. . .
Our team is on the last leg of it's return home. We were up at 6 am, bags ready to go by 7 am, off to Jeremie's gravel airfield by 7:45 am, wheels up on a 19-passenger twin-turbo prop by 9 am, in Port au Prince by 10 am, wheels up to Miami by 2:30 pm, and wheels up to Detroit a little after 8 pm. Our flight from Port au Prince carried a number of mission teams, and there was a lot of clapping in the cabin on landing in Miami.
A bite to eat in TGI Friday's elicited a similar response from our team once we had made our way through immigration and had time to kill before boarding the plane to Detroit. I looked for goat and spam delicacies on the menu but had to settle for something, well, comfortably familiar!
We had a wonderful wrap-up dinner with our host, Reverend Chrisnel, last night. . .after throwing a small party for the Haitian wall crew late yesterday afternoon. . .which was preceded by a heartfelt thank you from the clinic and orphanage crews. We have so many pictures to sort through and create an album to be shared with the congregation and other followers of our blog. Over 1400 visits to our blog have taken place, and we were daily encouraged by the mounting tally.
We did a lot this week, keeping the Reverend and his team hopping. While I'm sure he appreciated seeing our puddle-jumper take off from Jeremie this morning, he wouldn't have it any other way. . .heck, he's visiting one of his furtherest-flung churches tomorrow. . .one way, it's a 2 1/2 hour drive followed by a 1 1/2 hour walk!
While it has been some years since FUMC was on the ground in Haiti, our work, our spirit, our helping hands, were welcomed as old and true friends. We will be welcomed back with open arms and loving hearts, and by a people that for the most part want help helping themselves. . .and the team that is presently catching up on some lost zzzzs at the moment, to a person, wants to be part of this good and uplifting sequel. Thanks and blessings to you all. John, Nancy, Jeff, Mixie, Deanna, Duane, Scott, Jill, Peter, Brian, Kerry, Jerry.
A bite to eat in TGI Friday's elicited a similar response from our team once we had made our way through immigration and had time to kill before boarding the plane to Detroit. I looked for goat and spam delicacies on the menu but had to settle for something, well, comfortably familiar!
We had a wonderful wrap-up dinner with our host, Reverend Chrisnel, last night. . .after throwing a small party for the Haitian wall crew late yesterday afternoon. . .which was preceded by a heartfelt thank you from the clinic and orphanage crews. We have so many pictures to sort through and create an album to be shared with the congregation and other followers of our blog. Over 1400 visits to our blog have taken place, and we were daily encouraged by the mounting tally.
We did a lot this week, keeping the Reverend and his team hopping. While I'm sure he appreciated seeing our puddle-jumper take off from Jeremie this morning, he wouldn't have it any other way. . .heck, he's visiting one of his furtherest-flung churches tomorrow. . .one way, it's a 2 1/2 hour drive followed by a 1 1/2 hour walk!
While it has been some years since FUMC was on the ground in Haiti, our work, our spirit, our helping hands, were welcomed as old and true friends. We will be welcomed back with open arms and loving hearts, and by a people that for the most part want help helping themselves. . .and the team that is presently catching up on some lost zzzzs at the moment, to a person, wants to be part of this good and uplifting sequel. Thanks and blessings to you all. John, Nancy, Jeff, Mixie, Deanna, Duane, Scott, Jill, Peter, Brian, Kerry, Jerry.
How to Climb a Coconut Tree
It all started with a coconut break. During one of the hottest and dustiest days on the construction of the wall, the construction guys took a break. One of the guys disappeared into the jungle and came out with 3 to 4 coconuts. With a couple of whacks of the machete, he carved up the coconuts, put holes in them for drinking, and shared them with us.
So how do you climb a coconut tree? Later that day, I tried the brute force method. I selected a small, easy tree away from the crowd to minimize potential for humiliation. Walked around it. Stared at it. Walked around it some more. I bucked up my courage, grabbed the tree, and started scooting up the tree. After about 7 feet up, a bunch of people started hoopin' and hollerin'. The Haitian group had gathered during my distraction with the tree to lend their support and encouragement, but also to be entertained. With the 'road rash' developing on my arms, that was enough of a spectacle for one day.
I shared this story with John and he described the straps he saw someone use to climb a coconut tree. Ah.
The next day, I fashioned some straps and headed for the nearest tree. After scooting up 20 feet, I convinced myself that this is the way to climb a coconut tree. The straps made it easier but it was no picnic. It still took me 20 minutes to catch my breath after inching my way down.
Like other things in Haiti, it isn't as easy as it looks, but you can do a lot with a little teamwork and encouragement. Thanks for all the support and encouragement.
jerry
So how do you climb a coconut tree? Later that day, I tried the brute force method. I selected a small, easy tree away from the crowd to minimize potential for humiliation. Walked around it. Stared at it. Walked around it some more. I bucked up my courage, grabbed the tree, and started scooting up the tree. After about 7 feet up, a bunch of people started hoopin' and hollerin'. The Haitian group had gathered during my distraction with the tree to lend their support and encouragement, but also to be entertained. With the 'road rash' developing on my arms, that was enough of a spectacle for one day.
I shared this story with John and he described the straps he saw someone use to climb a coconut tree. Ah.
The next day, I fashioned some straps and headed for the nearest tree. After scooting up 20 feet, I convinced myself that this is the way to climb a coconut tree. The straps made it easier but it was no picnic. It still took me 20 minutes to catch my breath after inching my way down.
Like other things in Haiti, it isn't as easy as it looks, but you can do a lot with a little teamwork and encouragement. Thanks for all the support and encouragement.
jerry
Friday, January 13, 2012
Kerry's Friday Post
As we pack our bags and get ready to return back to our normal lives there is an overall sadness we all have leaving Jeremie, Haiti.
It is sad to leave the beautiful Haitians. Also, it will sad not being around the great people that came on this trip on a daily basis. However, very happy about the great friendships we've developed.
One main point I wanted to make tonight was how moved and inspired I am by wittnessing, on several occasions, their overwhelming love and dedication to our glorious Lord, Jesus Christ. It is contagious and I pray that some day I will be as devoted to the Lord as them. And I also pray that all who read this will want their faith strengthened also. We need more American's to be like the Haitian's. :)
I am going to try to upload some pictures from our party yesterday at the orphanage. The kids were super excited and happy.
God bless,
Kerry
It is sad to leave the beautiful Haitians. Also, it will sad not being around the great people that came on this trip on a daily basis. However, very happy about the great friendships we've developed.
One main point I wanted to make tonight was how moved and inspired I am by wittnessing, on several occasions, their overwhelming love and dedication to our glorious Lord, Jesus Christ. It is contagious and I pray that some day I will be as devoted to the Lord as them. And I also pray that all who read this will want their faith strengthened also. We need more American's to be like the Haitian's. :)
I am going to try to upload some pictures from our party yesterday at the orphanage. The kids were super excited and happy.
God bless,
Kerry
Weary?
Friday morning of the last day...
Roosters up first at 4:25 am--quite noisy. Yesterday was what I would label as a weary day. Temps well into the 80's making work on the wall more challenging. Bricks seemed a little heavier, the road a little rustler, and the distance a little longer. Work is progressing. Hopefully the right side of the wall will be completed today. If so, a celebration party "on the wall" will take place end of day with Haitian laborers side by side with FUMC team.
Yesterday was a national holiday of grief, marking the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake. Hard not to think about it has affected these people. They need prayers.
We remain focused in our projects. Dr. Scott has more than enough patients-----went over the radio waves that an American physician is in the clinic and the sick form a steady stream leading to Gebeau clinic.
A "ribbon cutting" of sorts is scheduled at the high school, unveiling of all the computers. Some of the team will go to market today to help purchase necessities noted at the orphanage. Will need driver and translator...should be interesting as these "shops" hardly compare to the meager of souks.
We also have the desire to visit the elderly home which is supported by the church. It was in horrible condition in August, yet Reverend Chrisnel has taken an interest in it's improvement so we hope to see some positive change. Nancy
Roosters up first at 4:25 am--quite noisy. Yesterday was what I would label as a weary day. Temps well into the 80's making work on the wall more challenging. Bricks seemed a little heavier, the road a little rustler, and the distance a little longer. Work is progressing. Hopefully the right side of the wall will be completed today. If so, a celebration party "on the wall" will take place end of day with Haitian laborers side by side with FUMC team.
Yesterday was a national holiday of grief, marking the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake. Hard not to think about it has affected these people. They need prayers.
We remain focused in our projects. Dr. Scott has more than enough patients-----went over the radio waves that an American physician is in the clinic and the sick form a steady stream leading to Gebeau clinic.
A "ribbon cutting" of sorts is scheduled at the high school, unveiling of all the computers. Some of the team will go to market today to help purchase necessities noted at the orphanage. Will need driver and translator...should be interesting as these "shops" hardly compare to the meager of souks.
We also have the desire to visit the elderly home which is supported by the church. It was in horrible condition in August, yet Reverend Chrisnel has taken an interest in it's improvement so we hope to see some positive change. Nancy
Haiti by the numbers
35,000 pounds of cinder blocks "schlepped" (carried/lifted/moved/moved again). . . .17 tons, with the FUMC crew handling about half of that
38 kids in the Gebeau orphanage all taking turns "helping" to paint their digs, enjoying a rare party and sing-along lead by Scott, and all wanting to be adopted by Mixie!
12 intrepid FUMC members for whom no day was too full, and no imperative was left to later relief teams
2 Detroit-area hospitals (Beaumont, St. Joe's) who contributed laptops for John Wesley College, Gebeau Clinic, the orphanage, and the Jeremie Methodist Church office (our host this week).
1 Detroit-area hospital (St. John's) who contributed over 100 gallons of medicines for the Gebeau Clinic. . .who began dispensing vitamins the minute they were unpacked.
1500 Christmas cards purchased by FUMC members, in part making all of the smiles possible.
1 giving and supportive FUMC Missions leadership team, who made this FUMC Haiti Relief trip the success it was because of their commitment to success
Too many smiles, handshakes, hugs and. .yes, tears. .to count after working alongside the Haitian people to make things better. . .
. . .and 1 shared spirit of service that will keep a big place in all of our hearts for the people of Haiti who need and deserve our support for years to come. JOHN
Infinite
38 kids in the Gebeau orphanage all taking turns "helping" to paint their digs, enjoying a rare party and sing-along lead by Scott, and all wanting to be adopted by Mixie!
12 intrepid FUMC members for whom no day was too full, and no imperative was left to later relief teams
2 Detroit-area hospitals (Beaumont, St. Joe's) who contributed laptops for John Wesley College, Gebeau Clinic, the orphanage, and the Jeremie Methodist Church office (our host this week).
1 Detroit-area hospital (St. John's) who contributed over 100 gallons of medicines for the Gebeau Clinic. . .who began dispensing vitamins the minute they were unpacked.
1500 Christmas cards purchased by FUMC members, in part making all of the smiles possible.
1 giving and supportive FUMC Missions leadership team, who made this FUMC Haiti Relief trip the success it was because of their commitment to success
Too many smiles, handshakes, hugs and. .yes, tears. .to count after working alongside the Haitian people to make things better. . .
. . .and 1 shared spirit of service that will keep a big place in all of our hearts for the people of Haiti who need and deserve our support for years to come. JOHN
Infinite
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Smiles
Not much success in changing my biorhythms to Haitian time---still awake at 4:30 am and quietly up and about by 5:00, albeit in the darkness this morning as the power and backup systems have minds of their own---but this is Haiti!
I love the wee morning hours, but unlike at home where I usually plow into emails, bill paying or breakfast for John, here I find myself with time to listen to the sounds that fill the early morning air and reflect on all I have done and hope to do. I am soaking in the crowing of the roosters (who have no sense of time as they begin their chorus at 2am), the yelping dogs, church bells from the Catholic Church and chanting-type evangelism from a nearby revival.
Knowing that my time here is short, I wonder whether I am really making a difference in this impoverished country. I haven't written much about the deplorable conditions here, but they are worse than one can really imagine. Most striking is the sheer breadth of the poor conditions. It is vast! I know I cannot make huge changes, but at the same time I know I can change the lives of a few. I hope that my shared love and kindness will help build hope and courage to not despair.
Dear God help me to help them in any small way I can in my remaining days. Thank you to all of you at home who have made it possible for this team to be here on the ground. We are grateful for your open and generous hearts and gifts. Please know that even the smallest gift is received with joy---a single rubber band to a child, 1/2 a granola bar to a Haitian worker, the remnants of cutoff jeans to the seamstress and best of all smiles, smiles, smiles!
Nancy
I love the wee morning hours, but unlike at home where I usually plow into emails, bill paying or breakfast for John, here I find myself with time to listen to the sounds that fill the early morning air and reflect on all I have done and hope to do. I am soaking in the crowing of the roosters (who have no sense of time as they begin their chorus at 2am), the yelping dogs, church bells from the Catholic Church and chanting-type evangelism from a nearby revival.
Knowing that my time here is short, I wonder whether I am really making a difference in this impoverished country. I haven't written much about the deplorable conditions here, but they are worse than one can really imagine. Most striking is the sheer breadth of the poor conditions. It is vast! I know I cannot make huge changes, but at the same time I know I can change the lives of a few. I hope that my shared love and kindness will help build hope and courage to not despair.
Dear God help me to help them in any small way I can in my remaining days. Thank you to all of you at home who have made it possible for this team to be here on the ground. We are grateful for your open and generous hearts and gifts. Please know that even the smallest gift is received with joy---a single rubber band to a child, 1/2 a granola bar to a Haitian worker, the remnants of cutoff jeans to the seamstress and best of all smiles, smiles, smiles!
Nancy
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