well it's been almost a month since I've logged into blogger, almost forgot how. I am "home" in the US now and trying to fit back into life here....for awhile at least. it seems that life in the states goes on without slowing down, and trying to jump back on the moving merry go round is kind of hard. there is no routine really for me here yet. I have spent way too much money and eaten far too many meals "out on the town"...including Applebee's and Burger King. so I need to cut back...especially since work is not jumping out at me to obtain. have been in contact with a friend who has contacts with many audiologists and he knows of no summer vacation needs for work, so I need a plan B.....likely fast food or pizza delivery, IF I can get it.
I am working thru the process of deciding whether to return to Haiti next year. as I said, work has not been forthcoming, so again it becomes a matter of faith. as I wrestle with God on this, if I feel Haiti is where He wants me, Iwill go and not worry about the money. and if not, well,then I will find whatever work I can. I do have a chance to get some used audiology equipment very cheaply, $1000 for a used audiometer and tympanometer. that would help if I go back to be able to maybe do some work there to make some money. I know it will all work out.....sometimes I just wish I could peak at the end of the chapter to see how things work out! I hope and pray that Al and Bev, Gary and Caroline, Barb and the other missionaries home for summer are having good summers. And that those still there are surviving the heat! I see there has been no storm activity yet and I praise God for that! we'll see how summer goes along. I miss some things there. I do miss the kids and staff, they all became a part of my life. I don't miss so many other things, but I guess that is kind of the way it was being in Haiti and thinking of the US. it is good to see my son's and catch up on their lives, to see friends and see where their lives are going. I guess I just have to find a way to live in both places at the same time. or maybe 6 months here, 6 months there. life is good to have such problems.
Bondye benis ou.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
This is my last post from Haiti. We will be taking a short day trip today and leaving tomorrow morning, so this evening will be packing and such. I can't summarize 9 months of living a different life, nor can I summarize how much I have learned here. As I return to the States, I hope to be able to make what I have learned here part of my life at home. Thanks to everyone who helped thru support and prayers. There were times when prayer was likely the one thing that kept me going. I thank Gary and Caroline for the opportunity to be here, I thank Al/Bev/Barb and the rest of the missionary group here for friendship and mutual support. It's time to go home.
Bondye benis ou.
Bondye benis ou.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
yesterday we went to the Felmy's to celebrate Mike and Mirian's 50th anniversary...except that Mike was stuck in Florida, unable to fly his small plane to Haiti due to weather. so a good time was had by...most everyone. Got to see the spectacular view from the roof of the Felmy's clinic, overlooking a small valley and the coast. I have pic's but again I cannot post them.
today we took the team down to the orphanage to see the kids and the community. we were there till about 2, then returned and I went out again about 5 with Elizabeth to.....rent her a new apartment!! Yes, it is done, she has a 2 room place for her and her kids to stay in. It was a struggle to find a place she could afford but God provided and they have a place to stay for at least one year.
Hot and humid.....over and over. so I am getting used to it....just in time to leave. I will post tomorrow evening, I think, as a farewell. it has been a fabulous experience, my view of the world will never be the same, and I hope and pray that I can use that to serve God in the time He allows me to. If you ever get a chance to do something like this, you owe it to yourself to do it. You will be changed forever. I know God's grace abounds in poverty and deprivation. I truly hope to return, if and when He will's it. that's all for now.
Bondye benis ou.
today we took the team down to the orphanage to see the kids and the community. we were there till about 2, then returned and I went out again about 5 with Elizabeth to.....rent her a new apartment!! Yes, it is done, she has a 2 room place for her and her kids to stay in. It was a struggle to find a place she could afford but God provided and they have a place to stay for at least one year.
Hot and humid.....over and over. so I am getting used to it....just in time to leave. I will post tomorrow evening, I think, as a farewell. it has been a fabulous experience, my view of the world will never be the same, and I hope and pray that I can use that to serve God in the time He allows me to. If you ever get a chance to do something like this, you owe it to yourself to do it. You will be changed forever. I know God's grace abounds in poverty and deprivation. I truly hope to return, if and when He will's it. that's all for now.
Bondye benis ou.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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