Wednesday, October 14,2009

rain last night, very welcomed.  started around 8:30 or so,  continued for some time, cooled things off quite a bit, kept the dust down today.   It is amazing how the smallest things seem so much bigger when the distractions of western civ aren't there.   we all oohed and aahed at the wind and rain and just stayed in the breeze of it and enjoyed.  

another day at school, things going pretty well.  I have pictures to load, hopefully it will.

this is Ann Rose the school cook,  that woman can do things with rice!   In the background is Elna, another school worker. 

and these two are Rutney and Ashterline.  amazing how when the camera comes out, the girls show up!

so things are going pretty well, just hoping the weather will cool off some.  it sure seems cold in the  St. Louis area now.  don't know how you will all deal with the snow in a few months.  (sorry, but when it's 105, you get a little mean!)   everyone have a good day, hope to have a video soon. 

Bondye benis ou      Dan

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Well, the first two days of school have and gone.  We had a missionary meeting Sunday at Chris and Leslie Rollings place, they have built a place next to the other house that was originally on the property.   very nice place with open windows, shade tree's and such.  Shade tree's are highly prized in Haiti this week, with temp's set to reach and stay at about 105 or higher till at least next Wednesday.   By afternoon, neither the students or teachers can focus well or get much done.  I will testify to that.  I am drinking water as much as I can, but as I was returning from the trip to drop kids off from school, I got that cotton  mouth feeling. Last night I got up around 4 am, and after getting back to bed, felt like I was laying down in a pool of water just from my own sweat.   Ah, the missionary life is truly an adventure!  

Things are getting settled in for every one here, though changes keep coming up.  Just being flexible enough to "roll with the punches" seems to be the most useful attribute anyone can have here.  Kids refusing to obey, parents not helping with the process, people disappearing with money given to build chairs for the smaller kids, life just rolls on.   But it really isn't that bad, the heat just magnifies everything.   It is pretty much the topic of conversation most of each day, but we are trying to just get thru it, as it WILL cool down sometime.  It has to.   Right?            hope everyone is well,  bundle up in the midwest!

Bondye benis ou

Dan

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Sun Oct 11
High 100°     Low 78°

Mon Oct 12
High 102°  Low 76°

Tue Oct 13
High 104°  Low 77°

Wed Oct 14
High 105°  Low 77°

Thu Oct 15
High 104°  Low 77°

Fri Oct 16
High 106°  Low 77°

Sat Oct 17
High 104° Low79°

Sun Oct 18
High 105  Low 79°



This is the weather forecast for next week for St. Marc, Haiti.   Each day also includes about a 30-60% chance of showers so the humidity will be fairly high.    Even in Haiti, the people are saying it is as hot as they can remember it being.   I feel like I have lost about 5 pounds of sweat today, so I am trying to drink water as much as possible.   Tomorrow we will go out and get some more fans just to move the air around some,  At least we have, and can use, electricity fairly regularly.   I am afraid I will short out my computer because of the sweat on my hands!   Suddenly the cold, rainly weather of the St.Louis area doesn't sound quite so bad.   I will try and get some pic's, maybe some video tomorrow to post.   If anyone has any cooler weather prayers, now would be a good time to use them!      We will get thru it, you just don't do as much for as long and avoid the mid day heat as much as possible. 

Everyone bundle up at home!  

Bondye benis ou

Dan

Saturday, Oct 10, 2009

I'm here.   easy trip, flight was less than half full, few Haitians, mostly missionaries!    two large groups with the same t shirt's and all.   Got thru the airport in about 10 minutes....unbelievably easy.   Gary was right there, we went and got some stuff he needed and the ride back was wonderful up to about 5 miles from St. Marc, so overall it was not bad at all.    It is REALLY HOT, sweated all night, soaked this morning at 7:30.  I am already drinking stuff for dehydration, I really don't want to go there again.  

Haiti is still Haiti.   Barb called this morning and said a baby that a family in MacDonald had given her about 2 days ago to care for died in her sleep last night.   The baby was 9 months old and weighed almost 9 pounds.   She never had a chance.   Barb is going to the family to talk to them and let them know.  In such a sad way, it feels like the same place I left.   Not that it would change in a few months, or because of my perspective of it, but it does kind of slap you in the face some.    So, there is another unnamed family to pray for.  Tomorrow is missionary meeting so I will catch up with everyone.  take care everyone.

Bondye benis ou

Dan

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Ok, Blogger is really starting to....upset me.  so I am experimenting with a new site.  for awhile, check out the blog at daninhaiti@wordpress.com.   we'll see if that site is any better.  

Dan

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

shipped out 6 boxes of stuff today, one more to go tomorrow.  getting things arranged for the trip.  had a great meeting this morning with Mike, my old friend (yes, we are getting OLD Mike).   we talked about life and where God has put us and where we are going; it is amazing how we influence each other in our walks by just being transparent before each other.  He has exciting things going on in his life and with his kids; problems and issues like we all have too.  I am getting more excited about......I feel odd saying this, but it feels like "going home".    God will work it out, I am sure.  I already miss my family, friends and especially my son's Luke and Aaron.   I have not gotten to spend nearly enough time with them this summer.  I hope some time as I get arranged they can come and visit in Haiti.   had a friend talk of a mission trip in the spring to Haiti, maybe we can arrange that.   It seems that it is all falling into place; Wayne has gotten me set up electronicaly, computorially (expanding the language base!), and movie wise.  He and Melissa spent gadzooks amount of money for food for the mission; we are all grateful for that.   it seems the door is there, now to walk thru it.    reminds me of the Stephen Curtis Chapman song of the Great Adventure, and of the song Dive.    haven't tested the water yet, but I am sure it is ok.   I am looking forward to rice and beans, sweating and power outages.  What more can you ask of in life?    :)    

Bondye benis ou

Dan

Monday, October 5m 2009

time flies by, decisions get made and life continues.  went shopping yesterday with Wayne and Melissa, and have oodles of stuff to send to Haiti.  Carolyn, don't get mad, but we have some junk food.  I promise I'll eat it all as soon as possible!    (sharing of course with those willing to partake in the removal of the junk food).  I am packing likely too many things, but I know enough now to be willing to leave what I bring this time.  at least a lot of it.  weather here is horrible....temps around 40's at night, 60's in day, it feels like Siberia.  the sun helps some, but Haiti is sounding better,, I can't wait to glisten.  :)      Church yesterday was great, good message on unity in the body, got to see many friends and say goodbye, and received many commitments to give childrens vitamins next week.   that is very encouraging, as the difference it can make in a malnourished kid is amazing. 

so I hope Haiti is ready for me.  I haven't changed much over the summer (with the notable exception of a few pounds)  I assume Haiti hasn't changed much either.  I am looking forward to the new road though.  Less bouncing is good for these old bones.  have to go tape and ship boxes now, dont' worry Gary, I'll be there before they arrive so I'll pay the shipping.  see everyone soon.    I am already missing my family, but the weather these crazy blans have here is driving me back.  :)

Bondye benis ou

Dan