Our last words on our trip: we arrived home in Yarmouth around 3:30 PM Wednesday. We had a wonderful trip to Port Au Prince. We left the compound at 6:00 AM with Karen, Luckner, Gail and Trueman in the HATS truck with a policeman and a mechanic in the back. Timote (driver)and Dickie were in the cab of the Tap Tap "Jesus of Nazareth" and Pastor Jim and I in the back with a policeman and the money collector who usually works the Tap Tap. Pastor Jim and I were told we could only drive so far in the back of the Tap Tap and then they would take us inside when they thought it was too dangerous to stay outside. Well, they either decided it was safe enough or they forgot about us (haha) but we stayed there the whole trip and even through Port Au Prince! I had never been in the city before and was thrilled that we were going there. We drove through quite a busy section...maybe there isn't a less busy section...and enjoyed all I saw. Then we went to the Immigration Office and waited there (in an air conditioned room) for about an hour while Karen got some papers signed. There we were 5 blancs sitting in a row of chairs enjoying the cool air while others came and went. Patrick the Policeman stayed with us! Then it was off to the airport and say our goodbyes and thank everyone who got us there safely. As usual there was bedlam there ( not as bad as when you arrive) and we managed to get through the line up almost unscathed. We had a 2 1/2 hour wait there and then headed for home. Montreal was cold and snowy and I never enjoyed the cold so much. I stood in the cold air and breathed deeply and the next morning when we left the hotel for the airport it was snowing and I again stood in the snow and held my face into it and enjoyed it so much. I was only wearing summer clothes and it felt wonderful!
We had an uneventful trip to Halifax and Donnie was there to meet us with our truck and winter clothes and we headed to pick up Tagish ( at Shondi's)and then for home. Thank you to all who supported us and prayed for us, we appreciate you all.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Last Word
To all you who know me you know I have to have the last word! This is no exception! It is 11:30 PM and we had a big family time tonight and the five of us were seated in a row and each of the family members: 14 kids, Mommy Cecile, Karen and Luckner all wrote us cards and expressed their appreciation for all we had done and told us how much they loved us. It was an emotional time for everyone and a few tears shed.
P. Jim and Cabano, Ricardo, Fritz and Luckner are at Luckners house and they are going to sleep on the roof...if they ever stop calling us for things they lost or misplaced. I lost my clipons and Dickie just had to go to the school (Karen would not let him go without security) and there they were on the cement ledge where I put them this morning.
Mommy Cecile and the bigger kids are out cleaning the truck for travel tomorrow. There will not be much sleep tonight. We have to have our time on the roof yet and the clock is set for 4:15AM.
We will feel the cold tomorrow and I can hardly wait!
Sandra
P. Jim and Cabano, Ricardo, Fritz and Luckner are at Luckners house and they are going to sleep on the roof...if they ever stop calling us for things they lost or misplaced. I lost my clipons and Dickie just had to go to the school (Karen would not let him go without security) and there they were on the cement ledge where I put them this morning.
Mommy Cecile and the bigger kids are out cleaning the truck for travel tomorrow. There will not be much sleep tonight. We have to have our time on the roof yet and the clock is set for 4:15AM.
We will feel the cold tomorrow and I can hardly wait!
Sandra
Our Last Day
Hi Folks….
This will be our last blog from Haiti… Tomorrow morning at 5a.m. we will be on the road to Port –au- Prince. It has been a hard evening, because we know we will not be seeing these dear people again before we leave and for security reasons we have not been able to say goodbye. We have tried to act a normal as possible all day, which has been difficult. We started off this morning with a wonderful worship time together and when we sang “Bind us together Lord” It was hard to keep the tears from flowing. After a good breakfast of Haitian style porridge, we went over to the School. The report cards were being handed out. What a daunting thing that was. Luckner gave them a long pep talk on the importance of not only their marks but their attitudes as well. All the parents came with the children, and each teacher got up in turn from the youngest grade to the highest. The cards were given out one by one with comments from the teacher or the principal (Luckner) The last place student’s name was called first and so on up to the two highest in the class. The top two of each class received a gift for their work There were some very upset parents and some very sad children. Another HOT HOT day with the thermometer unable to tell us exactly how hot it was because it could not register above 50 Celsius. Pastor Jim is camping out on the roof under the stars tonight with three of the teenagers over at Luckner’s home. We are all sad at the thought of leaving our new friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank you all for praying for us and hope that you will pray especially hard for us in the morning as we travel.. May God continue to bless you all.Gail for all.
This will be our last blog from Haiti… Tomorrow morning at 5a.m. we will be on the road to Port –au- Prince. It has been a hard evening, because we know we will not be seeing these dear people again before we leave and for security reasons we have not been able to say goodbye. We have tried to act a normal as possible all day, which has been difficult. We started off this morning with a wonderful worship time together and when we sang “Bind us together Lord” It was hard to keep the tears from flowing. After a good breakfast of Haitian style porridge, we went over to the School. The report cards were being handed out. What a daunting thing that was. Luckner gave them a long pep talk on the importance of not only their marks but their attitudes as well. All the parents came with the children, and each teacher got up in turn from the youngest grade to the highest. The cards were given out one by one with comments from the teacher or the principal (Luckner) The last place student’s name was called first and so on up to the two highest in the class. The top two of each class received a gift for their work There were some very upset parents and some very sad children. Another HOT HOT day with the thermometer unable to tell us exactly how hot it was because it could not register above 50 Celsius. Pastor Jim is camping out on the roof under the stars tonight with three of the teenagers over at Luckner’s home. We are all sad at the thought of leaving our new friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank you all for praying for us and hope that you will pray especially hard for us in the morning as we travel.. May God continue to bless you all.Gail for all.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Lord's Day in Haiti.
Wow! Only one more full day, and we will begin our journey out of the beautiful country of Haiti! It has been a full trip. Full of vision, blessing, God’s Wonder, renewed memories, children laughing, strengthening relationships, God’s Voice, leader’s compassion, shared experiences, and so so much more! God is good! The day began with breakfast around the table (of course!) and we all rushed off to church next door at the school. The school children, some of the school staff and a handful of the community gather each Sunday to worship the risen Savior. What a beautiful service it was. Plenty of music, specials in song, testimonies and one of the best sermons I’ve heard in a long time. (and yes, I preached!:P) Best of all, was the fact that God’s Presence was felt in a big way. Those attending arrived early, on time and late. Yes, all three. (Some things are the same as they are in Canada!) After church, the H.A.T.S. family came back to the house for lunch before a family outing. All twenty two loaded into a small pick-up truck (eleven inside, eleven outside)! The Mounties would have had a “hay day” with us! Not to worry though, we were still safety minded! With all the arms and legs interlocked, no one could have fallen out if they tried! What a country! After we arrived at the river, the children weren’t long getting into the river for a swim! I was tempted, but swimming in my underclothes would not be fitting for a Senior Pastor from Canada. Besides, in public, all eyes are on the blanc! (…white boy from Canada) Fun was had by all, and yes, this is definitely a family! I was able to take a walk with Karen’s assistant director, Luckner, during our family outing. Wow! A great man of God with vision, compassion, and a huge heart for what is happening here in the ministry of H.A.T.S.! A lawyer, business man, and person who could be making money in other places, yet, feels his best investment is in the lives of these kids. With fifteen in the ophanage and close to two hundred students in the school, he is making an eternal difference. We discussed the need for more consistent support and better ways of casting the vision of H.A.T.S. to the people of North America. With Karen’s permission, we have invited him to join Karen on one of her trips back to Canada, so he can help her raise more support for this growing ministry. God is MORE than able! Okay, I’m bordering on being too lengthy. Suffice to say, it has been a full day. We returned safely back to the compound and the rest of the day has been filled with rest and interaction with the children. (And yes, they are beautiful!) If it weren’t that I am missing my beautiful family and our church family, I would just stay here. Blessings and Peace to all of you!
P. Jim
P. Jim
Our last Saturday
This will be short…it is to hot to write! It is 7:30 and I had hoped it would be cooler. We had a fairly quiet day, it was to hot to go outside or do anything. We had a bunch of kids arrive this morning for clothes and shoes and after that we went to the Verettes Market. Kids and teenagers are the same the world over….they see something they like and will try anything to make it fit no matter what. One little girl would have chopped off all her toes to make her shoes fit. Vladimy tried everything to get on a pair of runners he liked. This is the third writing of this blog. Sandra lost hers and I am on my second attempt. This has been the hottest day so far and the most humid. At noon the temperature was beyond what we could record. We started work on our last jobs once we got the generator on this afternoon. Trueman and Pastor Jim finished the clothesline and I put up the rest of the shelves in the children’s home. We then put the sewer lines back together. Sandra and Gail were busy at their jobs and looking after Alex. They hired a man yesterday to dig a hole and fill it with the sludge from the septic tank, not a pleasant job. Everyone except Trueman went to the market today in Verettes. Sandra went on the Moto with Luckner and got her nose sunburned. I wanted to see the parking lot full of horses, mules, donkeys and more than one ass. Everyone should experience a Haitian market, it is not something you could describe that anyone would believe. There was a huge pig laying where we parked the truck. The owner wanted me to pay for taking a picture of the pig. I have my picture and my money. It is sad that this wonderful trip is nearly over but we will be back. No one comes to Haiti only once.
Dickie
Dickie
Friday, March 14, 2008
Another day
Good evening everyone. We have all had a very busy day, building shelves, painting, doing computer work, building and redesigning the divider in the school room, cleaning out a storage room and many other sundry jobs. We made sandwiches and took them over to the teachers who are busy doing up the report cards which the children will pick up on Monday. We also took them some yummy brownies which Sandra made last night and some pop. It is another very hot day here started out in the low 40's and worked it's way up in the 50's. Our thermometer only goes to 50 so we have no idea how hot it really was. For all of you who are wondering how Pastor Jim is doing.... He worked all day doing a variety of carpentry projects, so Diane if he ever tells you he can't do it, don't let him get away with it... He can. Yesterday Sandra and I had some excitement. We are both a little leery of spiders especially when they are 3 inches across. Well Dickie had one run over his hand and up the wall. We saw him up near the ceiling and were getting pretty brave walking closer to it. Then Dickie took something to move the spider who travelled at a terrific speed to the centre of the ceiling then dropped to the floor. You should have heard the screaming as Sandra and I ran out the shop. Sandra always cleans out the shop in the evening because we use the same room for group devotions in the morning. I must admit here that she was braver than I and swept out the room. We still don't know where he went. While peering in the door watching Sandra Dickie snuck up behind me and touched my neck, I nearly collided with the ceiling. It is hard to believe we have only 3 more full days here. The time has gone so fast. We have all been truly blessed by these wonderful people. Keep writing to us, we love to read you comments
Gail for us all
Gail for us all
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A Note of Truth From the Pastor (Beloved type)
Well, another day has almost finished. I left early this morning (at the invitation of our very own missionary, Karen Huxter) with Dickie and Luckner. We were most of the day in Saint Marc as our truck broke down once we got there. We had to go in and get supplies so I could finish my project. While they were trying to get a handle on the truck situation, it gave Dickie, Karen and I a great chance to visit. (it helped that we were in an air conditioned cafe!!) Then almost mysteriously, Dickie left us and I very much enjoyed hearing Karen's story of how she was called here many years ago and how God has led her every step of the way. It was inspiring! We did catch up with Dickie only to find out he had been a few blocks away keeping watch over our truck in temperatures that rose over one hundred and twenty degrees. By the time we found him, the truck was running and he was wet from head to toe waiting patiently for the rest of the crew to arrive! (A bit of a mix up!) In any event we were able to get the rest of the supplies (minus a few that I needed for my project) and head back to the missions compound. On our way, we were able to stop and see Luckner's home (Karen's assistant director), where four of the children live. What a place to behold. God is good to provide such wonderful environments for our children. We got back late afternoon just in time to get to work on our various projects. I finished mine (with some very capable help from Fritz) and we now have a screened in porch to enjoy the cool air of the evening for the remainder of the time we are here. (yes, the team owes it all to me!:P) I think Dickie still has a ways to go to finish his project. I think the heat is slowing him down:(. In all seriousness, we are enjoying our time here and trying to join in the ministry where God allows. As with any trip like this, we are growing, being stretched, and God is widening our eyes to peoples who love Jesus just like us and share in His Kingdom as our brothers and sisters. Won't heaven be grand!! Please pray for our continued safety and good health until we return home. Thank you for your prayers and interest in those we support financially along with our love and prayers. It is making a difference! God bless you all!!
Temperatures today were 50 +...pray for us!
Temperatures today were 50 +...pray for us!
Have a Good Day in Jesus
That is how we start each new day after devotions so our wish is the same for you all, have a good day in Jesus!
It was my turn to blog last night and we had no power and then EDH came on but I couldnot get in the mood, too close to bedtime and computer and all was off.
Karen, Dickie, Pastor Jim are just pulling out of the yard (Dickie driving) enroute to pick up Luckner and then off to St. Marc to pick up supplies and go to the bank.
Gail and I are going to do some paper work for Karen and then are going down to the kids home to play and give gifts.
Yesterday:
Pastor Jim got his first job yesterday morning at 7:10 AM and even with a helper (Fritz) it still isn't finished and he is off to St. Marc. What do you think of that kind of help?
Trueman (a man of patience) worked on the visitor computer and finally this morning with Janet's help he has it all done. Thank you Trueman and Janet.
Gail and Karen worked on school lists and many odd jobs.
Dickie built 3 shelves for the kids home and put doors on the kitchen cabinet that held dishes and cutlery.
I did some correspondence for Karen and not much else.
We all loved on Alex all day , as usual, and he loved the attention.
Karen was off in 25 different directions as usual and had to go to the hospital and P Jim, Gail and I went with her. She called Odner (security) to come and accompany us. I am going to let Gail describe that part of our day....... My first experience with a Haitian Hospital... We went in the Hats truck and Cecile and Sabine went by tap tap as Sabine has a very sore leg. After much testing no answer to that problem. Karen has demanded more tests be done. I was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and cleanliness apparent in all area's that we visited. Karen did the business she needed to do and then took us on a tour. There were many people waiting for their appointments with the Doctor. When they arrive at the hospital they have to check in get their personal medical charts and pay for their visit ahead of time. Then they sit and wait for the doctor. If they have to be admitted, the hospital staff do no personal care for the patient. The family must wash and clean, change their bedding and clothing, bathe them and feed them for the entire time they are there. And we complain about our hospitals. Sandra says there is an amazing difference this visit compared to her last one in 2006.
Sandra and Gail
It was my turn to blog last night and we had no power and then EDH came on but I couldnot get in the mood, too close to bedtime and computer and all was off.
Karen, Dickie, Pastor Jim are just pulling out of the yard (Dickie driving) enroute to pick up Luckner and then off to St. Marc to pick up supplies and go to the bank.
Gail and I are going to do some paper work for Karen and then are going down to the kids home to play and give gifts.
Yesterday:
Pastor Jim got his first job yesterday morning at 7:10 AM and even with a helper (Fritz) it still isn't finished and he is off to St. Marc. What do you think of that kind of help?
Trueman (a man of patience) worked on the visitor computer and finally this morning with Janet's help he has it all done. Thank you Trueman and Janet.
Gail and Karen worked on school lists and many odd jobs.
Dickie built 3 shelves for the kids home and put doors on the kitchen cabinet that held dishes and cutlery.
I did some correspondence for Karen and not much else.
We all loved on Alex all day , as usual, and he loved the attention.
Karen was off in 25 different directions as usual and had to go to the hospital and P Jim, Gail and I went with her. She called Odner (security) to come and accompany us. I am going to let Gail describe that part of our day....... My first experience with a Haitian Hospital... We went in the Hats truck and Cecile and Sabine went by tap tap as Sabine has a very sore leg. After much testing no answer to that problem. Karen has demanded more tests be done. I was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and cleanliness apparent in all area's that we visited. Karen did the business she needed to do and then took us on a tour. There were many people waiting for their appointments with the Doctor. When they arrive at the hospital they have to check in get their personal medical charts and pay for their visit ahead of time. Then they sit and wait for the doctor. If they have to be admitted, the hospital staff do no personal care for the patient. The family must wash and clean, change their bedding and clothing, bathe them and feed them for the entire time they are there. And we complain about our hospitals. Sandra says there is an amazing difference this visit compared to her last one in 2006.
Sandra and Gail
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Pastor Has Arrived Safely!!!
Yes, it's true, I'm here after several failed attempts these past seven years!!! This year when I had no definite plans to come, God opened the door!! Flying in this afternoon reminded me of my trip 13 years ago and why I love this country so much! As with my first trip, the Haitian people are the kind that you fall in love with. The trip from the airport took about two and a half hours, but I enjoyed every minute seeing and smelling the sights and sounds driving thru the villages on the way to the orphanage. It was good to visit with Karen along the way and sense her love and excitement for the work here! God is good. If you don't have a passion for missions, one just needs to take a trip to a place like this. After arriving to the H.A.T.S. orphanage, it only took seconds to realize that this is a home. I found the MacDonalds and Browetts in very good shape with smiles on their faces when we drove in.....must have thought I brought them something!! The children are beautiful and it was good to get a hug from each as I got out of the truck. We had supper (delicious chicken soup) and visited around the table. Alex is now three, healthy, and very welcoming. His smile lights up the room! It's going to be a great week and praise God that He is alive and well all around the world! Thanks to Sandra for letting me post on the blog today!!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Good evening everyone.....
Whew!!!.... Is it hot here tonight. I hope someone put a few snowballs in Pastor Jim's luggage for us. Dickie really got into it today.... He was up to his knees in yukky effluence, as he worked on the sewer problem... Sandra and Ti Mili gave the new kitchen shelves a second coat of paint and I helped Karen in the office. Trueman worked on the second computer and tore out the bathroom mirrors in the childrens home which have to be replaced. Sandra had an exciting 15 or so minutes. The children hit the soccer ball and it went over the wall. She took Vladimy with her to speak in Creole if needed. She didn't realize how far she had to go along the road to get to the next gate. At first the gatekeeper did not want to let her in, but when Vladimy explained he let them through. As she went toward the ball which was quite a way into the property, two men came toward her with a rather beligerent swagger. She said she felt a moment of real fear and realized Vladimy was feeling it too. She took his hand and they both bravely continued toward the ball. It turned out the owner of the property spoke excellent English, as well as French and Creole. He showed Sandra around his rice mill and began asking a lot of questions like when she was leaving etc. When he wanted to know exactly when, Sandra realized this needed some evasive answers. Vladimy ran to get the ball and Sandra was left alone with this rather intimidating man. Finally they were able to get away without having devulged too much information. Karen said it was a good thing, because there is a very good possibility that if he had known the exact time he would most probably have had some hoodlums in the Bandit's Garden waiting for us. Never a dull moment here in Haiti. I suppose if we could read the thoughts running through some of the Haitian's minds, we would wish we couldn't. But there are enough beautiful people here to make it all worth every bit of the possible dangers. Alex had a great day, he and I spent some time down at the children's house, where he stayed for lunch and I came back here to eat. Then he spent the afternoon outside under the care of Sabine. They watched the other children playing soccer. Oh the look of desire in Alex' face... How he would love to be out there with them.
Tonight we are hoping to put all the food items back on the shelves and get them out of the living room. Then tomorrow Dickie will put the new doors on, and Martha will have her kitchen back. Karen leaves tomorrow morning at 5a.m. to pick up Pastor Jim at Port au Prince.
We are beginning to wonder if anyone is out there reading our blog as we have not been getting many comments (only one) for several days now. We'd love to hear from you folk back home !!!
That's it for tonight folks..... Sandra and Dickie will write tomorrow....
God Bless you all.
Trueman and Gail
Whew!!!.... Is it hot here tonight. I hope someone put a few snowballs in Pastor Jim's luggage for us. Dickie really got into it today.... He was up to his knees in yukky effluence, as he worked on the sewer problem... Sandra and Ti Mili gave the new kitchen shelves a second coat of paint and I helped Karen in the office. Trueman worked on the second computer and tore out the bathroom mirrors in the childrens home which have to be replaced. Sandra had an exciting 15 or so minutes. The children hit the soccer ball and it went over the wall. She took Vladimy with her to speak in Creole if needed. She didn't realize how far she had to go along the road to get to the next gate. At first the gatekeeper did not want to let her in, but when Vladimy explained he let them through. As she went toward the ball which was quite a way into the property, two men came toward her with a rather beligerent swagger. She said she felt a moment of real fear and realized Vladimy was feeling it too. She took his hand and they both bravely continued toward the ball. It turned out the owner of the property spoke excellent English, as well as French and Creole. He showed Sandra around his rice mill and began asking a lot of questions like when she was leaving etc. When he wanted to know exactly when, Sandra realized this needed some evasive answers. Vladimy ran to get the ball and Sandra was left alone with this rather intimidating man. Finally they were able to get away without having devulged too much information. Karen said it was a good thing, because there is a very good possibility that if he had known the exact time he would most probably have had some hoodlums in the Bandit's Garden waiting for us. Never a dull moment here in Haiti. I suppose if we could read the thoughts running through some of the Haitian's minds, we would wish we couldn't. But there are enough beautiful people here to make it all worth every bit of the possible dangers. Alex had a great day, he and I spent some time down at the children's house, where he stayed for lunch and I came back here to eat. Then he spent the afternoon outside under the care of Sabine. They watched the other children playing soccer. Oh the look of desire in Alex' face... How he would love to be out there with them.
Tonight we are hoping to put all the food items back on the shelves and get them out of the living room. Then tomorrow Dickie will put the new doors on, and Martha will have her kitchen back. Karen leaves tomorrow morning at 5a.m. to pick up Pastor Jim at Port au Prince.
We are beginning to wonder if anyone is out there reading our blog as we have not been getting many comments (only one) for several days now. We'd love to hear from you folk back home !!!
That's it for tonight folks..... Sandra and Dickie will write tomorrow....
God Bless you all.
Trueman and Gail
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Sunday...No day of rest here!
Greetings all,
It is almost time to shut down our power so I will send off a quick note. Our day started with Karens yummy porridge, then clean up (dead rat with ants having breakfast)the classroom at the school to get ready for church, wait until we heard singing and then go to church (better than a bell anytime). We had a good service with us understanding very little...actually we knew most of the songs they even sang some in English. Trueman graced us with a song as did several kids and mommy Cecile. After church all HATS related people came back here and we had bread and pop and then watched a Gaither video and then gave clothes and gifts to all who were here. They were quite pleased and the 3 little ones were excited to try all theirs on and they looked great and wanted everyone to see them.
Remember my title...well we were put to work after everyone left. Gail and I painted, Trueman worked on computer, Dickie worked on putting wood to stuff holes over doors (sounds professional) and Karen had about 12 visitors from the US who were here in Borel at Project Help who came through and she showed them around here and the school.
I want you to know that when we were painting I was up on the ladder working very hard and I looked and Gail was lying down on the job, what kind of help is that? I sure wish I could get the picture up to show you...you would believe me then!
After supper we went through all the boxes of stuff off her shelves and decided what was what and what went where and now we are about to shut down the power for tonight.
I can tell you one thing and that is God has a big job to do on me if I am to come here for 3 or 4 months like I would like to.
If there is anyone out there who cares anything about us they will send down a few snowballs with Pastor Jim. We would sure appreciate them! We will wait to see how many he arrives with.
Good night
It is almost time to shut down our power so I will send off a quick note. Our day started with Karens yummy porridge, then clean up (dead rat with ants having breakfast)the classroom at the school to get ready for church, wait until we heard singing and then go to church (better than a bell anytime). We had a good service with us understanding very little...actually we knew most of the songs they even sang some in English. Trueman graced us with a song as did several kids and mommy Cecile. After church all HATS related people came back here and we had bread and pop and then watched a Gaither video and then gave clothes and gifts to all who were here. They were quite pleased and the 3 little ones were excited to try all theirs on and they looked great and wanted everyone to see them.
Remember my title...well we were put to work after everyone left. Gail and I painted, Trueman worked on computer, Dickie worked on putting wood to stuff holes over doors (sounds professional) and Karen had about 12 visitors from the US who were here in Borel at Project Help who came through and she showed them around here and the school.
I want you to know that when we were painting I was up on the ladder working very hard and I looked and Gail was lying down on the job, what kind of help is that? I sure wish I could get the picture up to show you...you would believe me then!
After supper we went through all the boxes of stuff off her shelves and decided what was what and what went where and now we are about to shut down the power for tonight.
I can tell you one thing and that is God has a big job to do on me if I am to come here for 3 or 4 months like I would like to.
If there is anyone out there who cares anything about us they will send down a few snowballs with Pastor Jim. We would sure appreciate them! We will wait to see how many he arrives with.
Good night
A Travel Day
Good morning folks, well I guess its afternoon again. We wrote a long blog last evening and couldn’t send it, and then we lost it… So after a very busy morning we are getting back to you to fill you in on yesterday’s news. It was a very stressful day in Haiti. Trueman, Karen, Luckner, Cecile and I took a trip into St. Marc . We all rode in the Hats truck with Karen driving and Luckner riding shotgun with his motorcycle. We traveled with great speed through a deserted area known as “The Bandits garden” because of the number of robberies that take place there. Keeping our eyes open for possible trouble. When suddenly we saw a roadblock ahead. Whew…. as we got closer we realized it was just the police. But oops #1 We did not have a license plate on the truck, we carried all the paperwork with us, but as things go very slowly in Haiti…. the actual plates were still in process. oops # 2 Karen did not have her driver’s license, as again it was in process this time to change her name to Huxter. Luckner immediately put on his Lawyer persona and argued a good case for us, although at first it looked like he was going to have to put his motorcycle in the back because they did not want Karen to drive…. PTL he got through to them and we were on our way. We went to many different stores to pick up a few items. We needed 24 hinges; we picked up 9 in one store and the rest in another. Karen and I went into the bank and Luckner went on to a store. When we came out we were to join him, however Karen couldn’t find the store and Luckner phoned us a little worried. He told us to stay put and He came and got us… Finally on the road home just into the Bandits garden when we saw masses of vehicles on the road ahead. We came upon a horrific accident involving two loaded tap taps. Bodies lay in the road and many injured stood around. Karen and Luckner were overwhelmed by the tragedy. They both wept for their people. We drove back to the center of the accident scene and moved as much as we could into the cab. They loaded 3 injured people into the back and we headed for the hospital. We heard later that 5 people had died. When we arrived home Karen was emotionally exhausted and fell asleep in my arms. As I sat there with my precious bundle snuggled beside me, I felt that they were not really my arms, but in fact Jesus himself was there. It was a very precious 15 minutes as the Lord ministered to us both.
We can only hope that those who died were in the Lord’s grace and that the family will find God’s precious peace in the midst of their terrible loss. Later in the evening we sorted all the clothes we had brought into piles for each of the children, Luckner and his family and Cecile. The plan is to give them out tomorrow.
I will sign off now and leave Sunday for Sandra and Dickie… Please be praying for these who have lost loved ones…
Love in Christ
Gail & Trueman
We can only hope that those who died were in the Lord’s grace and that the family will find God’s precious peace in the midst of their terrible loss. Later in the evening we sorted all the clothes we had brought into piles for each of the children, Luckner and his family and Cecile. The plan is to give them out tomorrow.
I will sign off now and leave Sunday for Sandra and Dickie… Please be praying for these who have lost loved ones…
Love in Christ
Gail & Trueman
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Me DG
Good Saturday Morning to you. It is 9:30 AM as I start this and I feel like it should be 9:30 PM. We went to bed last night at 11:15 PM and I listened to a church service somewhere near and it went from then until 4:15 AM The preacher was a boomer...I just wish I knew what he was saying, it sounded like it would have been great. The singing was great and a part I wasn't sure of was when the preacher would say something and then everyone else would repeat it with great gusto too. They did this for ever so long, after a while I thought I would count the number of times they said it and I got to 35 so it would have been about 50 times I am sure. The donkeys, guinea hens, roosters, dogs, cows and all other life joined in the service from where ever they were and it was quite a night. I didn't close my eyes until after 4:15 and then I was so hot it was a fitfull short sleep and by 5:45 AM I was on the roof watching life unfold for another day.
We had fun last night after a delicious supper of rice and beans. Gail and I donned painting clothes and painted the wood preserver on the new shelves and then showered and came back down to visit with Cecile for a while. Then we made some "round and round chocolate balls" and
ate them and started a game of Frustration and it is aptly named....just ask Trueman. Dickie thought he would play a joke on Karen and in the process scared the daylights out of me as well. Then Karen wanted him to do it to Cecile but she was a bit aware that something was happening
because she had heard Karen scream...so she was looking to see if Dickie was in the house before she would go to the door. She knows we are all crazy and was on guard!
Karen, Luckner, Cecile, Gail and Trueman have left for Saint Marc to get supplies for the kitchen
project, to market for food supplies and propane too. Dickie is working in the kitchen and Alex is
watching him so he can learn what to do...he is very smart and tries to do what ever he sees. He
can pick up the hammer with his feet and turn it around and hammer the floor with it.
Karen gave me her keys and said I was in charge...what a laugh! I walked around proudly with
my chest stuck out and said "Me DG" (Director General) pronounced Day Jay. The kids have to
come if any problem arises and I have my trusty Creole dictionary in hand. Vladimy has given
me several good lessons but I soon forget what I learned. He spent a lot of time laughing at me
and saying "No" a lot before he would say "Bon". We did have a lot of fun. I have made several
big blunders with what I have said or thought they were saying to me and everyone laughs now
before I even get anything out. They are all a lot of fun and enjoy me trying to learn and they
look in the dictionary with me and show me what I should see. Jacques is especially patient with
me, Madame St. Hardier has laughed so hard at Karen explaining to her what I thought she had
told me and so did as compared to what she was trying to tell me to do. I thought for sure I knew what "anpil" meant and it was the opposite.
Yesterday I decided I would close Karen's door and let her get some work done and I was to be
DG again. I had only done that when Jacques came to the door and wanted something and I
hadn't a clue and he tried to tell me and then said "DG" and I said "Me DG" and he laughed
really hard and shook his head and said :"No, DG". My new role didn't last very long.
We have been trying to be a help to Karen and help her get somewhat caught up but we have a
lot to do yet. She did relax yesterday though and we had some fun and we hope to get a few
more days of less work out of her and a few more laughs in. She goes 90 miles per hour from
6:00 AM (if that late) until about 7:00 PM before she even slows down to about 60 MPH
Well that is enough for this morning. Must go take Alex and go down and see how the kids are
doing at the childrens home.
Oh, before I go I should tell you a bit about our episode with the computer. Trueman went in to
set up the new tower we brought down to the monitor in the spare room (Pastor Jim's bedroom)
and he was going great guns until he ran into a snag. The cord from the monitor had a male end
and the tower had a male end and so we looked and looked everywhere for a female end but
couldn't find one so we started emailing to see what we could do and get Pastor Jim to bring to
us. After about 6 emails to Janet at the church office and her many many phone calls to Cassa
and Microage she kept telling us it should be there and finally after about 4 times of her telling us this and Joel saying we were looking a the wrong thing we finally found it and we had a good laugh at our mistake. I am sorry for all that work Janet but we do thank you for your desire to help us and finally make us see the light ...no see the plug!
Well, this time I am going. I hear Dickie making a big noise in the kitchen and Alex laughing.
Love to you all
Sandra
We had fun last night after a delicious supper of rice and beans. Gail and I donned painting clothes and painted the wood preserver on the new shelves and then showered and came back down to visit with Cecile for a while. Then we made some "round and round chocolate balls" and
ate them and started a game of Frustration and it is aptly named....just ask Trueman. Dickie thought he would play a joke on Karen and in the process scared the daylights out of me as well. Then Karen wanted him to do it to Cecile but she was a bit aware that something was happening
because she had heard Karen scream...so she was looking to see if Dickie was in the house before she would go to the door. She knows we are all crazy and was on guard!
Karen, Luckner, Cecile, Gail and Trueman have left for Saint Marc to get supplies for the kitchen
project, to market for food supplies and propane too. Dickie is working in the kitchen and Alex is
watching him so he can learn what to do...he is very smart and tries to do what ever he sees. He
can pick up the hammer with his feet and turn it around and hammer the floor with it.
Karen gave me her keys and said I was in charge...what a laugh! I walked around proudly with
my chest stuck out and said "Me DG" (Director General) pronounced Day Jay. The kids have to
come if any problem arises and I have my trusty Creole dictionary in hand. Vladimy has given
me several good lessons but I soon forget what I learned. He spent a lot of time laughing at me
and saying "No" a lot before he would say "Bon". We did have a lot of fun. I have made several
big blunders with what I have said or thought they were saying to me and everyone laughs now
before I even get anything out. They are all a lot of fun and enjoy me trying to learn and they
look in the dictionary with me and show me what I should see. Jacques is especially patient with
me, Madame St. Hardier has laughed so hard at Karen explaining to her what I thought she had
told me and so did as compared to what she was trying to tell me to do. I thought for sure I knew what "anpil" meant and it was the opposite.
Yesterday I decided I would close Karen's door and let her get some work done and I was to be
DG again. I had only done that when Jacques came to the door and wanted something and I
hadn't a clue and he tried to tell me and then said "DG" and I said "Me DG" and he laughed
really hard and shook his head and said :"No, DG". My new role didn't last very long.
We have been trying to be a help to Karen and help her get somewhat caught up but we have a
lot to do yet. She did relax yesterday though and we had some fun and we hope to get a few
more days of less work out of her and a few more laughs in. She goes 90 miles per hour from
6:00 AM (if that late) until about 7:00 PM before she even slows down to about 60 MPH
Well that is enough for this morning. Must go take Alex and go down and see how the kids are
doing at the childrens home.
Oh, before I go I should tell you a bit about our episode with the computer. Trueman went in to
set up the new tower we brought down to the monitor in the spare room (Pastor Jim's bedroom)
and he was going great guns until he ran into a snag. The cord from the monitor had a male end
and the tower had a male end and so we looked and looked everywhere for a female end but
couldn't find one so we started emailing to see what we could do and get Pastor Jim to bring to
us. After about 6 emails to Janet at the church office and her many many phone calls to Cassa
and Microage she kept telling us it should be there and finally after about 4 times of her telling us this and Joel saying we were looking a the wrong thing we finally found it and we had a good laugh at our mistake. I am sorry for all that work Janet but we do thank you for your desire to help us and finally make us see the light ...no see the plug!
Well, this time I am going. I hear Dickie making a big noise in the kitchen and Alex laughing.
Love to you all
Sandra
Friday, March 7, 2008
Friday Morning
Good Morning,
This will be short. I just wrote a long one and it would not post and I lost it all.
Our day started with a walk around the canal and across the bridge to see the people waiting for work and people starting their work day. Then we opened the school gate and inspected the tiolet as we saw the door was open. Next we went to devotions at the school at 7:30 and stayed until school started at 8:00 AM. They are writing exams this week and until Wednesday next week and then will be off on March Break. We are diappointed we will not get to see or help with the feeding program as they will not be fed as they go home whenever they finish their exam. You will be pleased to hear that that was cinnamon sticks in the pot Anna!
We had pancakes for breakfast this AM, really good pancakes with syrup. Yesterday for lunch we had rice, goat, veggie and spices and sas pwa (bean sauce) and for supper last night we had leftovers from Wednesday of spaghetti and soup. Marta cooked a great porridge the first morning we were here. It could have been dessert. I will have to get that recipe.
Last night we cleaned off the shelves in the kitchen....removing all the food and kitchen paraphernalia to boxes and living room floor. Alex is delighted because he is able to pick up all the stuff with his feet when he is in the walker. A big new playground for him. He is better with his feet than most people are with their hands. Yesterday when Dickie was putting in the air conditioner he was using a hammer and Alex got it when he laid it down and got it right side up and then started hammering the floor. He is able to do anything with his feet when in his walker. A wonderful sight to behold! We have been working with him to walk by himself. He can get up by himself from a sitting position and take a few steps and is very proud of himself, as he should be. He can sit up by himself from a lying position too.
The men told Marta (the cook) this morning when she came and saw the mess in the kitchen that it would be 2 weeks before it was finsihed...she smiled and then laughed as she knew they were pulling her leg.
Karen and Luckner went to Saint Marc on school business yesterday and while there bought 4 mattresses for Fedna, JJ, Mirlande and Moyez. Thank you to those who gave us money for a need!
The men put in an air conditioner in the living room window yesterday. It was donated by Karen's cousin, Gray, from Newfoundland. What a gift! We were not very far away from it last night.
It was 40.6 degrees yesterday afternoon and by bedtime it was cool. We were on the roof and Gail said she was chilly...what a pleasant feeling. It was 28.6 when I got dressed this AM so watch out later today,
I can't remember half the stuff I wrote earlier but this will have to do for today.
I noticed Gail with condoms for her toes.....what do you suppose she was expecting?
Have a great day, we are!
Sandra for the crew
This will be short. I just wrote a long one and it would not post and I lost it all.
Our day started with a walk around the canal and across the bridge to see the people waiting for work and people starting their work day. Then we opened the school gate and inspected the tiolet as we saw the door was open. Next we went to devotions at the school at 7:30 and stayed until school started at 8:00 AM. They are writing exams this week and until Wednesday next week and then will be off on March Break. We are diappointed we will not get to see or help with the feeding program as they will not be fed as they go home whenever they finish their exam. You will be pleased to hear that that was cinnamon sticks in the pot Anna!
We had pancakes for breakfast this AM, really good pancakes with syrup. Yesterday for lunch we had rice, goat, veggie and spices and sas pwa (bean sauce) and for supper last night we had leftovers from Wednesday of spaghetti and soup. Marta cooked a great porridge the first morning we were here. It could have been dessert. I will have to get that recipe.
Last night we cleaned off the shelves in the kitchen....removing all the food and kitchen paraphernalia to boxes and living room floor. Alex is delighted because he is able to pick up all the stuff with his feet when he is in the walker. A big new playground for him. He is better with his feet than most people are with their hands. Yesterday when Dickie was putting in the air conditioner he was using a hammer and Alex got it when he laid it down and got it right side up and then started hammering the floor. He is able to do anything with his feet when in his walker. A wonderful sight to behold! We have been working with him to walk by himself. He can get up by himself from a sitting position and take a few steps and is very proud of himself, as he should be. He can sit up by himself from a lying position too.
The men told Marta (the cook) this morning when she came and saw the mess in the kitchen that it would be 2 weeks before it was finsihed...she smiled and then laughed as she knew they were pulling her leg.
Karen and Luckner went to Saint Marc on school business yesterday and while there bought 4 mattresses for Fedna, JJ, Mirlande and Moyez. Thank you to those who gave us money for a need!
The men put in an air conditioner in the living room window yesterday. It was donated by Karen's cousin, Gray, from Newfoundland. What a gift! We were not very far away from it last night.
It was 40.6 degrees yesterday afternoon and by bedtime it was cool. We were on the roof and Gail said she was chilly...what a pleasant feeling. It was 28.6 when I got dressed this AM so watch out later today,
I can't remember half the stuff I wrote earlier but this will have to do for today.
I noticed Gail with condoms for her toes.....what do you suppose she was expecting?
Have a great day, we are!
Sandra for the crew
Thursday, March 6, 2008
from Gail & Trueman
Good morning all....
We didn't get back to you last night.... I (gail) fell asleep and they didn't have the heart to wake me up. We start early in the morning with devotions... Yesterday we went to the school and shared in their devotions. This morning we were with the staff. We sure had some lively music. Even I was dancing around waving my arms and clapping. Can you imagine that... Trueman and Dickie have been hard at work on computers and installing the new airconditioner, re-installing shelves with cement screws instead of the nails which were in the walls. They didn't hold. Dickie warned all Karen's helpers what he would do to them if they put another nail in the wall. Last evening we had a birthday Party for Maladetta. She just turned 16, a lovely girl. They placed her in the center of the room and each person in turn praised her, or gave her a blessing. And also a hug or a kiss. Everyone around here loves to be hugged and kissed. Then she was given her gifts. We all had some cake which Sandra made, and some pop. You should have seen little Alex when everyone arrived, he was just bouncing around and running around in his walker and screaming for joy. His face was glowing. What a precious little fellow he is. He and I play a lot of soccer. We had a heavy rainfall last night but this morning it is beautiful and (HOT!!!) with the fresh rain it is more humid. You would love to be here right now. Karen, Trueman and Dickie are out on the porch and three little ones J.J. Mirlande and Moyes are singing for them. Their voices are so beautiful and their faces just light up. Oh I hear what they are singing in English "He is master of the Wind" and now "Holy, Holy, Holy" Mirlande just gave me a spelling lesson, on how to spell her name.... Oops must go. Dickie needs to turn off the power..... Sandra and Dickie will write later...
We didn't get back to you last night.... I (gail) fell asleep and they didn't have the heart to wake me up. We start early in the morning with devotions... Yesterday we went to the school and shared in their devotions. This morning we were with the staff. We sure had some lively music. Even I was dancing around waving my arms and clapping. Can you imagine that... Trueman and Dickie have been hard at work on computers and installing the new airconditioner, re-installing shelves with cement screws instead of the nails which were in the walls. They didn't hold. Dickie warned all Karen's helpers what he would do to them if they put another nail in the wall. Last evening we had a birthday Party for Maladetta. She just turned 16, a lovely girl. They placed her in the center of the room and each person in turn praised her, or gave her a blessing. And also a hug or a kiss. Everyone around here loves to be hugged and kissed. Then she was given her gifts. We all had some cake which Sandra made, and some pop. You should have seen little Alex when everyone arrived, he was just bouncing around and running around in his walker and screaming for joy. His face was glowing. What a precious little fellow he is. He and I play a lot of soccer. We had a heavy rainfall last night but this morning it is beautiful and (HOT!!!) with the fresh rain it is more humid. You would love to be here right now. Karen, Trueman and Dickie are out on the porch and three little ones J.J. Mirlande and Moyes are singing for them. Their voices are so beautiful and their faces just light up. Oh I hear what they are singing in English "He is master of the Wind" and now "Holy, Holy, Holy" Mirlande just gave me a spelling lesson, on how to spell her name.... Oops must go. Dickie needs to turn off the power..... Sandra and Dickie will write later...
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
We are here
Well, believe it or not but we are finally here! We had long wait at Halifax but finally got out and in to Montreal in time to get a good nights sleep at theTravelodge. Had a great flight down and a wonderful trip in to Deschappelles. We had 2 trucks and 5 men and 2 women to greet us and load and pack all our luggage in with the stuff they had bought earlier. Karen was inside the airport and waiting for us. We headed out with all our 12 bags and box and had about 15 Haitians trying to help us but we already had 5 men of our own plus Dickie and Trueman...we made quite a good procession across the street to the trucks!
Cecile was there to meet us too, that was a pleasant surprise! She and I and Timothy drove in the truck (Tap Tap) with Daniel and Patrick (Police) and Baniga in the back with most of our luggage. Dickie, Gail and Trueman drove in the Hats truck with Karen and Luckner and the rest of our luggage and many boxes of stuff they bought in Port Au Prince while waiting for us. We made a great sight driving like maniacs (as everyone else on the road drove that way). Only God could have gotten us here safely and that He did with us all relaxed and enjoying the trip!
The kids were all waiting to greet us as we came through the gates and we got lots of hugs and kisses and warm loving greetings!
Trueman set up a new printer in Karen's office tonight and we are now running off test papers for the school for tomorrow. Trueman and Gail have gone to bed and I am typing this and watching and feeding papers to the copier.
I will get Gail or Trueman to write their thoughts tomorrow!
Cecile was there to meet us too, that was a pleasant surprise! She and I and Timothy drove in the truck (Tap Tap) with Daniel and Patrick (Police) and Baniga in the back with most of our luggage. Dickie, Gail and Trueman drove in the Hats truck with Karen and Luckner and the rest of our luggage and many boxes of stuff they bought in Port Au Prince while waiting for us. We made a great sight driving like maniacs (as everyone else on the road drove that way). Only God could have gotten us here safely and that He did with us all relaxed and enjoying the trip!
The kids were all waiting to greet us as we came through the gates and we got lots of hugs and kisses and warm loving greetings!
Trueman set up a new printer in Karen's office tonight and we are now running off test papers for the school for tomorrow. Trueman and Gail have gone to bed and I am typing this and watching and feeding papers to the copier.
I will get Gail or Trueman to write their thoughts tomorrow!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
We are on our way tomorrow
It is time to head out again. We are on our way tomorrow morning and will go to Montreal and stay overnight and then head to Port Au Prince Tuesday morning. We will let you know when we have arrived safely and then hope to give some updates to let you know what we are doing there.
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