so Gary and Caroline took the visitors from the IAM program to the Bible class graduation today. around 12 or so, I went upstairs and saw the temp as 89 inside the office area they have upstairs. Knowing this to be a completely false reading, I put it into the sunlight on the porch. Within 7 minutes it has risen 15 degrees to 104, at which time I quit. Now, there may be technical reasons why the reading in the sun is inaccurate, but I prefer to not hear them or believe them, even if they are valid and reasonable and even TRUE. The sun has been absolutly brutal the last few days. Rose showed up for the trip to Montrois and was sweating and complaining about the heat at 5:30 in the morning!
very interesting post from Tara Livesay about the Missionaries of Charity in Port, an organization started by Mother Teresa years ago. They care for sick children, getting them back to health and reuniting them with their families. The place is overcrowded and understaffed, but the kids get fed and they are alive. Many families, when faced with a very sick baby, just quit feeding it, thinking the food should go to healthier, stronger kids who may make it, thereby giving a death sentence to the sick baby. Managing resources is a part of poverty, and feeding a baby who likely won't live has a poor cost/return ratio. Cold, but true. That decision is made every day in Haiti and many other 3rd world countries like Haiti and poorer. I was reading about Sudan today, the average family lives on about $100 a year. that's about 36 cents a day to feed...everyone. I see the kids in the school here and I realize that many of them are actually well off for Haiti. They have clothes, food and can go to school. Some aren't so lucky and attend school on scholarships....another way to say Gary and Caroline let them attend for free. And the days go by, one after another. I realize that sanity is a real gift at times. It is too easy to just want to go bonkers on yourself. I know God will lead me to where He wants me in the future. It may be here, it may be somewhere else, it may be home. Wherever it is, I hope I never look at people again like I did before. That would be shameful. did I say it was hot here?
Bondye benis ou.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
today was graduation day for school, or more correctly, for Kesmy St. Louis. The closing ceremonies for school were wonderful for the kids, they really enjoyed the music and all. Myberson gave a very good speech, praising Kesmy for his work, and challenging someone in the next group to be a leader for the school. I gave out report cards for my class, and had the chance to talk about Kesmy a bit. He has overcome everything and graduated high school, and is headed to college in the states if all plans hold true. He is a truly amazing young man.
It was very difficult at times to be there, as many of the workers asked me if I was returning next year, and I had to answer truthfully that I do not know at this time. The kids became more like my own today, not that they would ever replace my son's, but I felt very close to them and I tried to encourage them to continue in their schooling. There are some very bright kids at El Shaddai, and I pray they will get opportunities to achieve. Even one of the young men who has been somewhat of a problem this year, came out and said he has gotten saved while in school, he has given his heart to Jesus. For those who read who are not Christian, I know things like this can be very difficult to read. I was like that at one time. Now, however, it makes everything worthwhile to hear that. It was a good day today......even if it is 185 degrees with humidity to match. It is tre cho now in Haiti, and everyone is complaining about the heat, even the Haitians. I hope and pray it is a good summer for Haiti, they need it desperately.
It is downhill from here now, odd's and ends, and packing for home. It has been an amazing year, truly amazing for me. The only thing that would have made it better is if my son's would have been here with me, but they are not on board with sweating in Haiti....yet!
Bondye benis ou.
It was very difficult at times to be there, as many of the workers asked me if I was returning next year, and I had to answer truthfully that I do not know at this time. The kids became more like my own today, not that they would ever replace my son's, but I felt very close to them and I tried to encourage them to continue in their schooling. There are some very bright kids at El Shaddai, and I pray they will get opportunities to achieve. Even one of the young men who has been somewhat of a problem this year, came out and said he has gotten saved while in school, he has given his heart to Jesus. For those who read who are not Christian, I know things like this can be very difficult to read. I was like that at one time. Now, however, it makes everything worthwhile to hear that. It was a good day today......even if it is 185 degrees with humidity to match. It is tre cho now in Haiti, and everyone is complaining about the heat, even the Haitians. I hope and pray it is a good summer for Haiti, they need it desperately.
It is downhill from here now, odd's and ends, and packing for home. It has been an amazing year, truly amazing for me. The only thing that would have made it better is if my son's would have been here with me, but they are not on board with sweating in Haiti....yet!
Bondye benis ou.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 28,2009
Catching up on the last few days. Monday we did what was basically the last day of school, kids worked and got done the tests they could as they had no time to start new books. Tuesday was beach day...and I have the sunburn to prove it. I did use sunblock on my head and neck but my back is pretty torched. It was well worth it though. it was a decent beach, kind of rocky but that is pretty standard here. There are some sandy beaches but they cost a lot more to rent. we had the whole place to ourselves for a minimal amount, brought the cooks and our own food, and just played in the water, and the kids played some soccer. I have pictures that I will try to post, but again, Blogger has chosen me to make the upload example for someone. "don't be like him or your stuff won't upload". I chose to be the "pick up the little kids and throw them into the water" guy, and after awhile my arms were very tired as even the bigger kids....like Madame Homme.....wanted me to throw them into the water. it was much fun, the food was good, what more is there?
It was interesting to see the cooks work there. they were in a small room, using charcoal to cook with and it was very hot, but they complained not and Rose asked all of us if the food was good afterwards. She just wants to make sure she did a good job, cooking is what she does for us and she enjoys knowing she did well at it. There were some families that lived there managing the place, and they ate also, Rose made sure of it. Things you just won't see in the states.
Wednesday was technically the last day of classes, but we got little done, just a few tests for a few kids, and mostly practice for the closing ceremony. I'll be honest; I don't enjoy ceremonies. But they have one for the kids and they seem to enjoy it I guess, so I'll endeavor to persevere. It will be at 10 am, earlier than they usually do it, but the rainy season has started a bit early and afternoon rain is pretty usual the last 2 weeks or so, so it is this or get everyone wet.
Today we will be getting report cards together for the kids, starting the close down process at school, getting the big tarp up for the ceremony for shade for the kids, and some household stuff. Gary went to Port yesterday and picked up two visitors, Sharon and Brittany, who are here for the Bible class graduation Saturday, which I will not attend, again ceremonies don't do it for me. Sunday is missionary meeting, and then it is packing and watching the clock tick until Wednesday morning for the flight home. The house needs closed up and all, so there will be things to do, but it won't be too bad. time flies here. .....pic's wont load
Bondye benis ou
It was interesting to see the cooks work there. they were in a small room, using charcoal to cook with and it was very hot, but they complained not and Rose asked all of us if the food was good afterwards. She just wants to make sure she did a good job, cooking is what she does for us and she enjoys knowing she did well at it. There were some families that lived there managing the place, and they ate also, Rose made sure of it. Things you just won't see in the states.
Wednesday was technically the last day of classes, but we got little done, just a few tests for a few kids, and mostly practice for the closing ceremony. I'll be honest; I don't enjoy ceremonies. But they have one for the kids and they seem to enjoy it I guess, so I'll endeavor to persevere. It will be at 10 am, earlier than they usually do it, but the rainy season has started a bit early and afternoon rain is pretty usual the last 2 weeks or so, so it is this or get everyone wet.
Today we will be getting report cards together for the kids, starting the close down process at school, getting the big tarp up for the ceremony for shade for the kids, and some household stuff. Gary went to Port yesterday and picked up two visitors, Sharon and Brittany, who are here for the Bible class graduation Saturday, which I will not attend, again ceremonies don't do it for me. Sunday is missionary meeting, and then it is packing and watching the clock tick until Wednesday morning for the flight home. The house needs closed up and all, so there will be things to do, but it won't be too bad. time flies here. .....pic's wont load
Bondye benis ou
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday May 26, 2009
well, it's 5:30 and I've been up now for about 45 min, and I am covered with sweat. it is beach day for the kids at school, so we've been up getting a few things together for the trip and I feel like I need a shower already. a few issues came up and they will be dealt with on the way to Mountrois. Gary has taken Rose and Elna, the cooks, and a bunch of stuff there early to start the noon meal which will be.....wait for it......RICE AND BEANS!!!!! we can cook it ourselves and it saves a bunch of money. to purchase a plate at the beach place for all 70 or so people would be hyper costly, so we cook ourselves. the place is rented out for the school for the day, so it will be nice to have no "others" there to interfere. the kids can run and play soccer, venture into the water as they feel the courage (and that is an issue here; Haitians do not like the ocean generally) and throw sand....or rocks...as they see fit. should be fun for all (unless the aim on the rock throwing is good).
tomorrow Gary goes to Port to pick up a couple of visitors who are coming in for the graduation of the Bible school class. they have been running the school for 3 years now and the first graduates are finished, so the place they get their material from, IAM ministries, is sending someone to attend the graduation. that will be Saturday morning. Friday we will have the school closing ceremony and Kesmy's graduation, head of a class of one! Sunday will be missionary meeting, then it's get the school and house closed up as much as possible to leave on Wednesday for home. Gary and Caroline will leave next Monday, the 8th. Or, we hope they will. Sunday the 7th is another election since no one won the last time (you have to have one candidate get 50% and no one did) in the Senate elections. we have heard there is already trouble brewing for the election by those not happy with the election process, so G/C are hoping it does not spill over into demonstrations, or manifestations, as they are called here.
speaking of manifestations, the roads here are filled with mud and water now..... to fill in the blanks on that sentence, people manifest whenevere they get fed up and feel no one cares or listens to them....which is most of the time. Well, in one area of the roads here, there is a very bad spot of road that is washed out with large holes. Large rocks have been placed into the puddles of water to "manifest" the dissatisfaction with the roads, so everyone has to drive thru a small area of road, which is the worst part of the road. However as the water starts to recede you can see the burned remains of tires under the puddles....which is a previous manifestation....which is what causes much of the damage in the roads to begin with.....and causes the rains to wash away the damaged asphalt......which then begets the rock manifestation....which will cause some repairs to be done......until that is destroyed by the next manifestation. Got it?
actually there have been guys around town with transits taking sightings for stuff, who knows what, and we hope it is because of Preval's visit last week. elections are coming up so politicians do what they do....make a show to get votes. hopefully some improvements will come, but that is believed when seen and finished.
well, again I risk my computer by typing, I think I will short it out with my sweat, so that's it for today. Home is calling. :)
Bondye benis ou.
tomorrow Gary goes to Port to pick up a couple of visitors who are coming in for the graduation of the Bible school class. they have been running the school for 3 years now and the first graduates are finished, so the place they get their material from, IAM ministries, is sending someone to attend the graduation. that will be Saturday morning. Friday we will have the school closing ceremony and Kesmy's graduation, head of a class of one! Sunday will be missionary meeting, then it's get the school and house closed up as much as possible to leave on Wednesday for home. Gary and Caroline will leave next Monday, the 8th. Or, we hope they will. Sunday the 7th is another election since no one won the last time (you have to have one candidate get 50% and no one did) in the Senate elections. we have heard there is already trouble brewing for the election by those not happy with the election process, so G/C are hoping it does not spill over into demonstrations, or manifestations, as they are called here.
speaking of manifestations, the roads here are filled with mud and water now..... to fill in the blanks on that sentence, people manifest whenevere they get fed up and feel no one cares or listens to them....which is most of the time. Well, in one area of the roads here, there is a very bad spot of road that is washed out with large holes. Large rocks have been placed into the puddles of water to "manifest" the dissatisfaction with the roads, so everyone has to drive thru a small area of road, which is the worst part of the road. However as the water starts to recede you can see the burned remains of tires under the puddles....which is a previous manifestation....which is what causes much of the damage in the roads to begin with.....and causes the rains to wash away the damaged asphalt......which then begets the rock manifestation....which will cause some repairs to be done......until that is destroyed by the next manifestation. Got it?
actually there have been guys around town with transits taking sightings for stuff, who knows what, and we hope it is because of Preval's visit last week. elections are coming up so politicians do what they do....make a show to get votes. hopefully some improvements will come, but that is believed when seen and finished.
well, again I risk my computer by typing, I think I will short it out with my sweat, so that's it for today. Home is calling. :)
Bondye benis ou.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
the rains have slowed, today actually looks pretty sunny which is a good thing. I forget if I blogged about this but Preval was in our neighborhood looking at the flood damage. and the prevailing opinion was "that's nice", but no one really expects anything to happen, as is usual.
school is about finished. Friday we had final chapel service which was really an instruction period for the final ceremony next Friday. after the talking, we played some music and I began to think about the kids there. I don't know if I will see them again after this year, and it was tough. I have tried to put myself in a place where I don't expect much. I don't expect God to go along with my agenda, because I realize "my" agenda so often does not coincide with His...as was demonstrated with my being here this year! so if God provides the direction to return and the means, I will. If He does not and I never return, I am ok with that...at least I think I am, or I will be eventually. This summer will be an adventure just like coming here....going to a strange country with leaders who are idiots and a culture that has so many problems you can't count them. At least this time I will know the language!
as I have gotten to know the people here, not just the mission, I have begun to enter a little comfort zone. I take the kids home in the bus and if there is a problem, I know it will work out. I know enough Creole to let folks know that I don't know enough Creole. But I can struggle through most of the time. People have gotten to know that there is another blan in the neighborhood and it doesn't bother...most of them. I feel like I have grown as a teacher, which I am still not, but I understand the principles of the classroom now much better than I did when I was a student! I sort of understand some of the assumptions that the locals go by in how they deal with missionaries, and they are confusing and contradictory and....starting to make a little sense to me.
I guess, as I have blogged much about this, I have learned more about myself than anyone else. living in a 3rd world country, whatever that is, isn't the end of the world, just maybe the end of some of my presumptions, expectation and biases. It has become very real to me that not having constant internet, power, water, mobility, freedom, entertainment, etc., does not mean the end of the world. I guess I am comfortable enough in this life, and see many actual benefits of the simpler life, that I am relinquishing my need to have the world conform to me and gaining an little bit of ability of conforming to it. You see, it isn't mine. and that has become very real to me.
Kesmy will graduate next Friday, and move on with his life in the US, if all plans work out. He will be living in Michigan and his life will take a huge turn...however it goes. I don't assume that living in the US is any better now than anywhere else. The "comforts" are there but so much else is not. I pray that Kesmy will not be taken in by the "stuff" and stay true, as so many of us have struggled with. Next week there is school on Monday, beach day on Tuesday, Wednesday class (more rehearsal for final), Thursday off and Friday morning the ceremony. The Wednesday after that I come home. I know it is now feasible for everyone, but if you get a chance to see a place like Haiti, or spend more than a little time doing it, do it because whatever sacrifice you may make for it is worth it. I will never view the world the same way again. I can't because I know there are people "out there" who are a lot like me...sorry for them. And they are my brothers and sisters who have needs and can teach me things. I guess I finally get that part down deep, like I never did before.
Bondye benis ou.
no, pictures still won't load.
school is about finished. Friday we had final chapel service which was really an instruction period for the final ceremony next Friday. after the talking, we played some music and I began to think about the kids there. I don't know if I will see them again after this year, and it was tough. I have tried to put myself in a place where I don't expect much. I don't expect God to go along with my agenda, because I realize "my" agenda so often does not coincide with His...as was demonstrated with my being here this year! so if God provides the direction to return and the means, I will. If He does not and I never return, I am ok with that...at least I think I am, or I will be eventually. This summer will be an adventure just like coming here....going to a strange country with leaders who are idiots and a culture that has so many problems you can't count them. At least this time I will know the language!
as I have gotten to know the people here, not just the mission, I have begun to enter a little comfort zone. I take the kids home in the bus and if there is a problem, I know it will work out. I know enough Creole to let folks know that I don't know enough Creole. But I can struggle through most of the time. People have gotten to know that there is another blan in the neighborhood and it doesn't bother...most of them. I feel like I have grown as a teacher, which I am still not, but I understand the principles of the classroom now much better than I did when I was a student! I sort of understand some of the assumptions that the locals go by in how they deal with missionaries, and they are confusing and contradictory and....starting to make a little sense to me.
I guess, as I have blogged much about this, I have learned more about myself than anyone else. living in a 3rd world country, whatever that is, isn't the end of the world, just maybe the end of some of my presumptions, expectation and biases. It has become very real to me that not having constant internet, power, water, mobility, freedom, entertainment, etc., does not mean the end of the world. I guess I am comfortable enough in this life, and see many actual benefits of the simpler life, that I am relinquishing my need to have the world conform to me and gaining an little bit of ability of conforming to it. You see, it isn't mine. and that has become very real to me.
Kesmy will graduate next Friday, and move on with his life in the US, if all plans work out. He will be living in Michigan and his life will take a huge turn...however it goes. I don't assume that living in the US is any better now than anywhere else. The "comforts" are there but so much else is not. I pray that Kesmy will not be taken in by the "stuff" and stay true, as so many of us have struggled with. Next week there is school on Monday, beach day on Tuesday, Wednesday class (more rehearsal for final), Thursday off and Friday morning the ceremony. The Wednesday after that I come home. I know it is now feasible for everyone, but if you get a chance to see a place like Haiti, or spend more than a little time doing it, do it because whatever sacrifice you may make for it is worth it. I will never view the world the same way again. I can't because I know there are people "out there" who are a lot like me...sorry for them. And they are my brothers and sisters who have needs and can teach me things. I guess I finally get that part down deep, like I never did before.
Bondye benis ou.
no, pictures still won't load.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Well, things have calmed down here, it is constantly cloudy but the rain's have held off the last 24 hours or so and the forecast is for some sun the rest of the week...or it was as of yesterday afternoon.
the news is not as bad as it appeared but also potentially worse. that is the problem with "information" here.....you never really know how much is true or not. Take, for instance, Antonio, who told us his house was "destroyed" and he had no place to live with his family, including his wife and 3 kids of whom one is Ronid. WELL, it turns out that the walls are all intact, some water came down the hill and got in the house and some things got wet, and the roof leaks. Given some previous things occuring in the last few weeks, we have figured that Antonio was working the Walkers to give him money for his "disaster" which was actually pretty much all made up. On the other hand, several of the people reported that an 11 year old boy was swept away by flood waters farther down the hill where it had gathered more and had more force. Again, what do you believe? I pray it isn't true, but if it is, we all pray for the family.
yesterday a bulldozer came up the street and proceeded to move TONS of loose gravel deposited by the water up and down the road. The upshot is that the road in front of the house is filled with large rocks and mud.....exactly what we were hoping for! (NOT) and since the road was graded some, vehicles from the side roads are all parking there....so it is literally impossible to get the truck into the drive way here.
have I mentioned recently it is hot? the humidity today reached.....well, let's see. it rained yesterday so that must have been 100%. it rained later but only half as much as usual so that was 50%, and it was humid this morning but no rain so that was probably about 25%.......yeah, 175% humidity, that is pretty much what it feels like. I am sitting here with sweat dripping off my hands while I type.
I refuse to try to post pictures again. Blogger has won, I will never again post pictures. if you want pic's send $39.95 to Dans Pic's in St. Marc Haiti and be prepared to wait a long time. :)
very good news today. Stalley returned to school. she has quite a few scars and open scrapes and cuts but was in a good mood and seemed ok. One of the other little girls, Esperanza, came to me later after talking to Stalley and told me "you know Mr. Dan, I love Stalley." welcome back, Stalley!
ok, I have to go get towels and dry off the keyboard or I may short circuit the computer, so I may start posting at 3am.......or not.
Bondye benis ou.
the news is not as bad as it appeared but also potentially worse. that is the problem with "information" here.....you never really know how much is true or not. Take, for instance, Antonio, who told us his house was "destroyed" and he had no place to live with his family, including his wife and 3 kids of whom one is Ronid. WELL, it turns out that the walls are all intact, some water came down the hill and got in the house and some things got wet, and the roof leaks. Given some previous things occuring in the last few weeks, we have figured that Antonio was working the Walkers to give him money for his "disaster" which was actually pretty much all made up. On the other hand, several of the people reported that an 11 year old boy was swept away by flood waters farther down the hill where it had gathered more and had more force. Again, what do you believe? I pray it isn't true, but if it is, we all pray for the family.
yesterday a bulldozer came up the street and proceeded to move TONS of loose gravel deposited by the water up and down the road. The upshot is that the road in front of the house is filled with large rocks and mud.....exactly what we were hoping for! (NOT) and since the road was graded some, vehicles from the side roads are all parking there....so it is literally impossible to get the truck into the drive way here.
have I mentioned recently it is hot? the humidity today reached.....well, let's see. it rained yesterday so that must have been 100%. it rained later but only half as much as usual so that was 50%, and it was humid this morning but no rain so that was probably about 25%.......yeah, 175% humidity, that is pretty much what it feels like. I am sitting here with sweat dripping off my hands while I type.
I refuse to try to post pictures again. Blogger has won, I will never again post pictures. if you want pic's send $39.95 to Dans Pic's in St. Marc Haiti and be prepared to wait a long time. :)
very good news today. Stalley returned to school. she has quite a few scars and open scrapes and cuts but was in a good mood and seemed ok. One of the other little girls, Esperanza, came to me later after talking to Stalley and told me "you know Mr. Dan, I love Stalley." welcome back, Stalley!
ok, I have to go get towels and dry off the keyboard or I may short circuit the computer, so I may start posting at 3am.......or not.
Bondye benis ou.
Monday, May 18, 2009
update. Monday
Antonio came by: their home is gone. Antonio is Ronid's step dad. They slept last night in the church. The phones have started working, people are calling in, saying their homes were damaged, etc. Marco called; he, Rose and Faona slept outside last night. It will be a long day.
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