Day 7

Today was our last full day on the island, so we planned a day off for both teams (Conquest & TCR).  We went on a 2 1/2 hour school bus ride to the other side of the island to a private beach, and we enjoyed a well deserved rest. 

On our first post, we said nerves of steel were needed to drive in Haiti.  Well, we found out first hand today that nerves of steel are also needed to sit behind the driver.  Everyone drives so close to each other that I (Stephan) caught myself leaning towards the inside of the bus several times to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic.  We also found out that traffic signs and traffic lights do exist in Haiti, but that Haitians just don't respect them.  Video footage of their chaotic driving habits will be posted when we return back home.

We weaved through traffic (and cattle...) to finally make it to the beach. The view was breathtaking and the water was refreshing. Although we were fed very well all week, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to have some lobster tail for lunch. We were hungry and the price was right. 

We had a great week and got a lot done, but we are all tired and are looking forward to going home tomorrow.

THE HAITI TEAM

Days 5 & 6

The past two days were designated to finish little projects around the hospital: kitchen sink and cabinets, wiring for flood lights, organizing and sorting supplies and tools, a little more painting, installing a refrigerator and other odds and ends. 

 

We work hard, get a lot done, and really feel like we are making a difference.   But what I like best about these trips are the long lasting friendships we make. We have met new people in Haiti,  really great people I hope we can keep in touch with. 

As members of a team, we get to know each other on a deeper level and  hold that special connection with one another. Obviously our accommodations are modest but  comfortable. Six of us are sharing a bedroom and one bathroom so as you can imagine, courtesy is the key. 

Some of our team members had to leave today to return to Raleigh. It is sad that the team had to be broken up, but we are praying for safe travels for them.

The rest of us are enjoying some well deserved entertainment tonight. 

THE HAITI TEAM

Day 4

Well, we finally made it to the boys' home today. We were set on getting most of the painting done before they got back from school, but weren't we surprised to find out that they were out of school today... Oh, Joy! 

We are men. We are task driven. We don't like interruption while we work (and all the wives say, Amen!), and we found ourselves in the middle of what could possibly become a messy situation: 20 excited boys (4 to 16 years old), 4 guys with their "game face" on, and 10 gallons of paint. You get the picture. 

We started off by asking the boys to stay away from the supplies and let us task-oriented men do God's work  Well, that only lasted for about 20 minutes.  As soon as the 4 of us were settled, supplies started to come out of our case, and I was asked to pour paint in different containers from all kinds of little people. I tried to stop the kids from helping, but that's when the Spirit kicked in: It's not about the building, it's about the kids. 

 So the kids painted. They ALL painted. They painted the walls...for the most part. They just followed our lead; one of us would start working in a room by ourselves and 5 minutes later there would be 8 more kids in the same room. It was a little crowded to say the least. 

One thing we found out today is that these boys love to work and to help. They took ownership of their place and painted non-stop for several hours.  We got it all done quickly giving us a chance to just hang out with the boys some more...after they washed off. 

We ended our day like we usually do: on the roof worshiping and crying out to God. 

THE HAITI TEAM

Day 3

Today was supposed to be our first work day at the boys' home. We were really looking forward to painting the interior and maybe playing a little soccer with the boys after school. Unfortunately, we had to stay in the safety of the compound today because there were riots nearby and some streets/neighborhoods were literally shut down. Although we did not witness any of it, the situation must have been quite serious because the U.N. helicopter flew around a few times today. 

We stayed at the hospital and did work here instead. We built a frame to install a kitchen sink that has been in storage for years. We installed flood lights on 2 opposite corners of the hospital building.  While looking through the hospital for supplies, Rob found a new church jacket. 

All the men worked very hard in the scorching heat today, and we got a lot done. Just before dinner we went in the tent village to play ball with the kids, and we all had a blast. Although we were overwhelmed by the amount of kids that wanted our attention, it was pale in comparison to the joy and satisfaction we received when we did give them the attention they so desperately long for. 

Please continue to lift us up in your prayers. Although we have a task list that we would love to accomplish, I want us to be mindful of God's appointed opportunities. 

THE HAITI TEAM