Life of a Blan in Haiti

Fancy meeting you here?!?

2012-01-31T19:24:00.000-05:00

Haiti has beenreferred to as the nation of NGO’s or non-government organizations. I’d heard that in the capital and areasheavily damaged by the earthquake that these hopefully well intended groupswere bumping into each other in their efforts to help. Even with my limited exposure to those areasI’ve had no trouble believing this to be true. Still, I didn’t think it would affect me or the people with whom we work.

Why? Let me set the scene for those of you whohaven’t visited. We live and work in a community ofapproximately 35,000 people spread over a several mile area. It’s rural, about 90 miles north of thecapital of Port au Prince. Just thisyear, our community is getting paved roads in town but we still must drive ondirt roads for a minimum of 19 miles to reach a paved highway. So, we’re a bit off the beaten track. Even with that, there are four NGO’s in thearea with different spheres of influence as well as some pockets ofunrecognized (by the government) missionaries and charities. Those of us who are long term residents ofthe area generally try to help each other when we can.

This past week, Ihad the fun role of visiting the homes of some of our sponsored students sothat their visiting sponsors could get to know them better. Five donors and I headed out throughout theweek meeting parents and allowing the kids to show us their bedrooms andhomes. Everyone said they really enjoyedthe experience (the families, too).

On the finalvisit, one couple was visiting a first grader they’ve assisted for two years. I had met the boy’s aunt earlier in the weekto ask their permission to visit. Wearrived and spent a fun time together, distributing gifts the sponsors brought,and meeting his extended family. I wasserving as an interpreter for a question and answer period when a pick-up truckrolled up. I was little surprised atthis as we were pretty far off the beaten track. A half dozen men and women hopped out andcame up the walk. The boy’s aunt who wewere visiting was bristling, and obviously not thrilled that they werethere. She got up and greeted them andstarted talking, eventually calling the boy we were visiting to go to the backof the house to take a picture with her.

Given theirinterest in the same child we were visiting, I became nosy/interested. I was curious what their mission was and whattheir interest was in the student. Allof them had photo ID’s and T-shirts listing their mission as UNICEF partners. As we visited back and forth, they explainedtheir mission was to make sure kids affected by the earthquake werere-connected with their families. Inodded my head and agreed this was quite noble. The boy’s aunt had already told me they’d been by before. I remarked that it was great this boy wasalready re-connected as he was living with his aunt. (His mom was killed in the quake and hisfather worked as a driver in a nearby town) They told me they come by periodically “just to make sure the boy isstill there.” We exchanged info. back andforth for a while and then they went on their way. After they drove away, the boy’s auntgrumbled to me that, “they come by every once in a while but never do anythingfor us.” I explained to her what theirgoals were, but she continued to shake her head. Frankly, I did wonder why once theyestablished he was with family why they’d come back, but I have more importantquestion to pursue. I chuckled as Iexplained to our visitors that our little community must really be growingbecause now even the NGO’s were bumping into each other.

A surpriseawaited me at home for lunch when I arrived. I knew we were entertaining some visitors including our cousin, Samuelwho is a supervisor of a large NGO in the capital. Over our meal I mentioned what had happenedand he elaborated on their goals as technically it was one of his teams. Again, a small world, but I did suggest tohim that he should instruct his teams to explain the importance of what theywere doing because the people in the community weren’t able to figure itout. Ah, the eternal question, if youdon’t realize you’re being helped, are you being helped at all?

Freely given by an unknown giver

2011-12-16T21:25:00.000-05:00

Being back in Haiti for almost a week has had it's desire effect on me. I no longer like to be in the U.S. for the holidays due to all the emphasis on buying and gifts. I blame myself as I can't seem to get away from the advertising and pulse of "buy, buy, buy" all the time.
People here in Haiti do exchange gifts sometimes. The gifts tend to be practical to meet the oppressive needs. We won't be able to do everything we'd like to do....for our staff and friends around us. Last year we were promised a donation and told to buy gifts for everyone and have a big party only to find out that the check never came. Sadly, that wasn't the first time that has happened in our history that we've been left holding the bill. So like many others worldwide we'll take it more simply and enjoy area church services, Christmas singing, and pumpkin soup (Haiti's traditional holiday meal).
We're praying for the needs around us, for the resources to pay our staff and even to be paid ourselves. I like the fact that this year, even more than donations, we have been seeking people to pray with us for the outreaches here. The business model says we should list our shortfalls and let potential donors know. I believe that if we let our Father know, He'll motivate those who are listening to Him to bring the resources we need.
With the harsh realities of unmet needs surrounding us back here in Haiti, it's been a joy to appreciate the little things. I'm grateful that I have electricity tonight to be able to catch up on mail and updates. I'm grateful to be able to be back in a small Haitian community that doesn't attract the big celebrities. This past week the traffic was so bad in the capital due to all the big names and their security teams that normal workers couldn't move freely. I'm just glad the biggest Name walks with me every day on the dusty roads of Haiti where only the two of us know what is being done.
One of the biggest privileges I get is to coordinate communication with our 250 or so sponsored students and their friends worldwide. This gives me the job of being Santa's elf this time of year. I was greeted very enthusiastically by a crowd of kids this week (see below) as they wondered whether they'd get something this time...

It's been fun to deliver what is probably the only gift a lot of the kids here will get. Our sponsored kids sometimes receive gifts from their friend in the U.S. who pays for their school expenses. They have usually never met the donor. And there is no way they can repay this gift that is freely offered to them. Wait, that's like an experience I had when I first realized and received the baby in a manger who was given by someone I really didn't know. He was a gift freely given to meet my needs by someone who cared that I didn't yet met.

Mike (pictured here) is pretty happy tonight. I'm glad to be able to share his joy with you. May we all be as grateful for the incredible gift given to us as are the children of Haiti.

Heading Home

2011-12-09T22:51:00.001-05:00

It's been a long few weeks of travel for our family. My daughters and I left in early October to stay in Little Rock. Our goal was to get some rest, get some dental work done, visit supporters, and visit some potential college homes for our oldest daughter. It's been a good time, even though I required more dental work than originally anticipated. My husband had the privilege of traveling to Uganda and Kenya on a mission trip for the first time. It was an energizing experience for him and he joined us in late November back in the U.S.
Now that his final speaking engagement is done, we head back to Haiti this coming week. We are all ready to go. Please be praying for our safety. Also for the Lord's provision for our staff and all the needs at home. One thing we were hoping for this season is more people to pray for the ministry in Haiti, please join us!

Trip to the South of Haiti

2011-09-24T20:21:00.000-05:00

Our family recently had the chance to travel to the southern peninsula of Haiti. My husband has been many times and now that our children are older, this was a good chance as he had a speaking engagement and we could tag along. I came away from the trip jealous of the south's beauty and roads.

These are some of my favorite flowers, that grow throughout Haiti

I was surprised at how many mountains there were even in this portion of Haiti. This shows driving along the southern peninsula towards Les Cayes. I was jealous of their roads!

Stunning beaches near Port Salut

The opening of the largest cave system in Haiti, in Port Piment. The system stretches 4 miles long and includes an underwater lake!

This was also my first chance to travel through Leogane, which was the epicenter for last year's earthquake. There were quite a few still living in tents, and some homes built for people in the mountain communities. I saw several schools and homes built as shown:

While I appreciate the work of whatever organization put these up, I was disturbed to hear that the little homes cost $2,500 but as you can see, are made of plywood and are heavily mildewed from the rain and humidity. Without paint or any type of treatment, I predict these homes will fall apart in less than two years. When I asked if the same amount of funds couldn't have built the more commonly used cement block homes, I was told yes. Not too surprising, but sad.

While the roads are good, rains frequently flood this national highway around Miroguane.

The southern political leaders had this bill board up expressing a common opinion, that the UN forces and Cholera are one and the same.

The highway descending down to Jacmel...city famed for arts and crafts, Mardi Gras festivities, among other things.

Jacmel, Haiti

Coast in Jacmel

I had to agree with other travelers, though that the most beautiful beaches I saw were in Port Salut, further out from the capital, but worth the drive. Just beautiful.

One who stopped to say thanks

2011-09-12T17:58:00.002-05:00

This afternoon as the sun was beginning to sink, I had some unexpected visitors. The young man I recognized as Edlin E. who had been a sponsored student for the past 13 years. He introduced the small, older woman beside him as his mother. Edlin's father had died about the same time he entered into our sponsorship program. His mother began by telling me she wanted to come by and thank me. I stopped her and told her, "Hey, I'm the contact person in our sponsorship program, not the one who gives funds, but I can send your greetings and thanks to the sponsor". She nodded her head and said she understood but still wanted to say thanks. Her son spoke up and said that ever since his father died, he had prayed for another way to go to school and God had provided. He has gone through our school and finished with the equivalent of an Associate's degree here in Haiti. He excitedly told me he'd been given a scholarship to attend a dental tech. training program in Port au Prince and planned to start next month.

It's thrilling to see answered prayers. I told Edlin's mom that it was encouraging to me as well, because some day I'd be in a place where I needed help and by seeing how God provided for them, it encouraged me to trust Him with my future needs as well. The same God who hears the prayers of an impoverished widow and son, hears all our requests today. I can rest by trusting in Him with my future, just as you can.

Some things are Universal . . .

2011-09-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

The first day of school, holding on to your parent's hand to get rid of the anxiety of trying something new. New uniform which is stiff and clean, shoes that are not yet broken in. It's interesting to see that there are some things which are the same for all of us: such as the desire to help our children advance. I've watched many parents and kids come in to register and then this week, actually to start classes. We had the preschool and elementary grades start first. Next week will be the secondary grades. One of the strange things here to me is that children don't always come on the first day. Here in Haiti, up in the hills anyway, children seem to come in stages. Often it's because their families have finally managed to scrape together the needed funds for supplies and tuition. All I know is that every day there are a few more students who've "made it in" and the classes are growing each day.

One thing we've been careful to do is to make sure the parents know how important they are to their child's success. We see it over and over each day. The children came come to the same school, same class and have the same teacher, but if their home life isn't stable and secure, they will have a very hard time making it. The school administration has already had parent meetings for each section. The parents whose children are on scholarships or sponsorships are also told how important their role is. We tell them no one can take over their responsibility to parent their child. Someone may be helping their family out financially, but it is up to them to love, support and impart how necessary education is here.

The other image I loved from the first day was the preschool class meeting under the gazebo and basically having a party! The three to five-year-olds were greeted with decorations, chairs set out for them, snacks, and a lot of games and activities. They were learning a new French song as I walked by and saw the teachers enthusiastically singing and dancing. I'm amazed at their energy level. I hope they can keep it up past this week (smile!)

School Registration

2011-08-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

He was sitting very straight in the chair before the registrar's desk. His white baseball cap was balanced on his head. Behind him stood a man in an identical white cap, watching proudly as his son was assigned to the next level, secondary school! To get to this point, the boy had to pass the national exam required for all 6th graders.
Seeing him before the registrar's desk was the first sign that I had that he had passed. I asked him, "Did you pass, Olandy?" He grinned shyly and nodded his head. His father nodded his head, too. I don't know all the 1,000 plus students enrolled in our school, but this young man, I did. He has been in our sponsorship program since preschool and I was thrilled to see him make this progress. Besides the generous donor who's sent in $30/month to help this student, the other reason was probably the presence of his father today and in his life. Just putting funds in a situation may or may not really help. If the families don't stay involved and feel responsible for their children and hold the kid's accountable, there is little chance the kids will be successful.
As I spent the morning getting the 6th grade results to give to their sponsors, I was pleased that most of them did pass this first major test. There was one surprise with a young girl who didn't pass. The elementary principal and her teacher were bemoaning the fact that they hadn't realized how her home life had deteriorated and she was probably hungry and lacking other basic things. Even though we provide one hot meal a day for the students, it's not enough to survive. We agreed we'd try to give her a little coupon to use at the school cantine to cover some breakfast/snacks, etc. I wrote and told her sponsor a bit about her situation, encouraging them to pray. Hopefully, with some extra attention, we can give her the support she needs to get ahead.
By sharing this, I'm giving you a view of the realities we're facing, some successes, and some set backs. I've learned to enjoy every success, and today it was seeing my friend registering for the 7th grade!

Foreign driver's license

2011-08-15T20:47:00.003-05:00

When I first moved to Haiti about 18 years ago, I went in to apply for a driver's license and was issued one that was valid for 6 months. Then the governments kept changing about that often so I just stopped applying.

This past year, I was stopped at a local check point because the new police were trying to crack down on children driving motorcycles (yes, really). I told them I didn't carry my US license b/c no one had asked me for it in 16 years. Trying to big big shots, they told me they could take me into the jail for that and I smiled and said okay. (if they had it would have a riot, literally). Ironically, I found out that at the same time they were bugging me, the resident foreigner in town, their boss was calling my husband asking for help in furnishing their police station. We had previously helped them out by providing bicycles and an outhouse. It would have been a funny exchange if they had arrested me on the same day. I almost wished the new guys had just to see them explalin they arrested their benefactor's wife on a traffic violation.

Mission Trips in Haiti

2011-08-12T19:29:00.000-05:00

There was a fund raising plea made after the usual offering. The pastor stood up and told the congregation that there had been 65 conversions in last week's outreach and the leadership wanted to take another group to a nearby area. The location? A neighborhood called Terre Rouge near a community of Pignon, Haiti. The mission team would be made up of 15 people, maybe more if they could raise the funds who had already been trained with how to share the Bible.
They would arrive at the designated locale, set up beds in tents, and be responsible for making their own meals. Due to the shortage of drinking water in the area, they would be carrying some water in and boiling other water to use between services and outreaches. The total amount of funds raised? $50 USD.
Was the outreach canceled due to lack of support?
No, the Haitian believers joyfully picked up their loads of supplies and walked the 5 miles under scorching sun. Why were they happy? Because they had seen God's provision for them to eat that week. I saw them walking home later in the week in two rows singing hymns. They were thrilled to report that 30 more people had made professions of faith. All of them would have gone back in a heart beat.

Taking Chances: Learning to Breathe in Haiti

2011-07-25T20:50:00.000-05:00

Taking Chances: Learning to Breathe in Haiti: "After every trip, I usually find myself overwhelmed by a number of things; the experience, the stark difference between how we live in Ameri..."

Prayer Requests from Haitian Women

2011-07-07T19:37:00.000-05:00

Last week we had our semi-annual women's conference. While the speakers taught through translators, one way the attendees related back was through prayer requests. I thought readers might enjoy hearing these requests and perhaps praying for them as well. My hope in sharing them with you is that you'll see how similar all of our lives really are:
Translated from Kreyol:
1. Please pray for my family's spiritual life. Pray for my son who doesn't want to live with me. Mrs. P.
2. Please pray I can have a baby. Mrs. K
3. I have had a headache for a long time, please pray for me.
4. Please be praying for my brother who has breathing problems.
5. I need to send my children to school, pray that they can pass.
6. Pray that my son will return to his place with me.
7. Pray that my children will pass all their exams
8. Pray for my friends who have a lot of persecution in their lives.
9. Please pray I can be faithful in my Christian life.
10. Pray for the many problems that I am experiencing.
11. Please pray that my friend, S. will become a Christian.
12. Pray for my friend who is paralyzed.
13. Pray for my child who is sick.
14. Please pray that I can have a house.
15. Please pray for my family.

These are samples of the prayer requests we received from the 250 plus women who came from all over northeastern Haiti.

Why I haven't written anything in a while

2011-07-05T21:03:00.001-05:00

I haven't been doing the best job of keeping people informed of activities and happenings here in Haiti. There have been various reasons for this, some of which are personal. Those of who live here continue to process everything that has happened here in Haiti in the past 18 months. Some time in the spring the realities of life hit me afresh. I saw and continue to see a lot of post traumatic stress issues among first responders and people who worked so hard in the initial days and months following the earthquake. In the face of incredible needs all around us, we've been working to maintain the education outreaches we have every day. All that to say, this hasn't been an easy period to work through except to walk and work day by day. Perhaps because of our own fatigue, it's been especially encouraging to have various groups come and volunteer alongside us.
What follows are some of my favorite images of outreaches from the past few months

In January, Terrie W. delivering items Haitian style

Playmates at the school express caring in June

Youth group from Memphis helps us unload donated supplies

These guys from Tennessee are strong!

New friends are building at my school!

Donated dresses from Minnesota!

Puppet performers from Texas in March!

Teaching all 500 of our elementary students about the armor of God.

These are just a few images of outreach activities in the past months. Coming up we have several children's camps and youth camps scheduled. The school year finished a few weeks ago with kindergarten graduation. Many proud parents celebrated this accomplishment showing me yet again that life goes on, slowly rebuilding and advancing day by day. My Haitian friends are masters at going on in the face of incredible odds.

Living in a time of Cholera

2011-02-08T12:32:00.001-05:00

As a western trained health care professional, names like typhoid and cholera send chills down my spine. I was in the states as the current epidemic was worsening. I wondered how we would find life and living when we returned home before Christmas. I needn't have worried tho' because as usual God's grace and the resilience of the Haitian people continue to astound me.
While cholera is terrifying simply in it's speed of destroying lives, it can be dealt with so easily. One of the first things most of us who live here did was spend quite a bit of time and resources educating people. I learned long ago that the cooks here were skilled at preparing safe food. They could take a piece of fresh meat from the market, "wash" it with lemons (acetic acid) and thoroughly cook it into a yummy, edible dish. Those that tend to get sick (often foreigners) , are those who fail to use these methods. Trust me, folks, our cooks know what they are doing!
But with cholera now endemic in our area, the main difference is needing to treat quickly. Normally, if someone gets sick in our neighborhood, they'll just stay home and groan for a few days suffering through fevers, etc. With Typhoid and malaria, this was okay. But cholera's severe dehydration can kill in hours. My nephew, a newly graduated physician in the Dominican Republic, has reported to me that there have been quite a few cases there, but very few deaths because of people seeking treatment quickly. The 4,,000 plus deaths we've had in Haiti are largely due to people not responding quickly enough. The terrible tragedy to me is that the treatment is available to most people in their own pantries. Oral re-hydration solutions can be made with sugar, salt, and clean drinking water. If someone would just start drinking as soon as they have symptoms, they would in all likelihood survive. In severe cases, only one dose of Doxycycline should be sufficient. If all this is true, why the panic? Because old reflexes die hard, at least in this old registered nurse.
So besides spreading the word about how easily this is treated, we are practicing prevention with visible measures as well. For example, all of our students have been taught the importance of hand washing. The little ones can chant rhymes and songs of the needs to wash hands.. On our school campus, we have well water (thanks to Rotary International) which our guards carry to the classrooms. The younger students are helped to wash their hands before eating, etc. so it's a constant reinforcement of how to stay healthy.

Overall, life has changed very little up here in the north central plateau. Occasionally I'll see a cot being carried by some men (our version of an ambulance) to the cholera treatment center in our community that is being run by Doctors Without Borders. But the good news for us is that most of these cases are coming from outlying areas and very few cases from within the community. We are so grateful that the education seems to have had an impact.
One reason I think all this is on my mind now is that I know some folks are considering coming to help out in Haiti this coming year, but this cholera stuff is just too scarey. Trust me, I can understand the trepidation, but this is our reality. I have learned long ago after raising my children here, that God has ALWAYS provided what we needed, often in very unexpected ways. Ten years ago I broke two bones in my right hand in a freak accident. After it was diagnosed via Xray at our local hospital, there just "happened" to be an American surgeon and Occupational Therapist specializing in hands visiting that week who could ensure my hand was set properly. I think it was just God's way to reassure me. Over and over, I've seen things like this, until I realized I really could trust God to provide what we needed when we needed it.
Anyway, I'm not going to mislead people and say there's no risk of anything here in Haiti. But I've learned that living in a time of Cholera is just the same as any other time, proceeding one day at a time, being cautious (rather than shaking hands, everyone now "hand bumps"), and trusting in God's provisions.

If it takes so little to help, why is it taking so long for some?

2011-02-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

I've long ago realized how relatively small my husband's ministry and my impact is in the tumult of need here in Haiti. But what I can't figure out is if we can do a lot with relatively little, why is it that many big NGO's are so slow to be able to accomplish much? Just this week in the Haitian newspapers I continue to see well known organizations just now hiring staff to start their projects or to do research to justify needs for a project. If I observe them too much, I get disgusted. But, I'm seeing again the high impact that is possible in individual lives with a narrow focus empowered by skilled, local leadership.
This week, I was asked to document a simple micro-credit project. The ministry had received several dozen large igloos (the kind North Americans use for tailback parties). Caleb thought up a plan where we could give the igloos to some folks in need, along with a loan of $300 HD (around $40 US). The idea being that they could use the start up costs to stock cold drinks and other items they could then resell. The group was asked to repay at $25 HD each month until they repaid the full amount in a year. Most of the recipients have already repaid their loans ahead of schedule so we could start with another group this month:

It's such a small thing really, but is able to provide these women and their families with some much needed income. This isn't the first time we've done projects like this, just the most recent.

Another example of small cost but high impact outreach: Last fall, we had several students on a waiting list who were needing help to attend our ministry school. Even the small amount that we must charge students in tuition was beyond the ability of their families. This week we have a team here from Pekin, IL (yes, they escaped the terrible Midwest blizzard). While working on refurbishing office space at the school facility, one of the gentlemen, Dustin, decided he'd really like to help a student here. We were able to introduce him to 7 year old Mike (see below):

Dustin asked to be able to meet Mike's parents as well so we asked them to come in this morning. I had the privilege of translating for them as he got to meet Mike's mother and hear their story which helped explain her still shell shocked facial expression. Mike and his family were in the capital last January and in the middle of the earthquake. When their home was destroyed as well as his mom's place of work, the mother decided to come back to her hometown where she had some family. I asked her if she had stayed at the camp facility last year and she told me she had considered it, but decided to leave places for those people who didn't have any support at all. I found her humility and willingness to make room for those in greater need really touching. As we parted today, I told her I hoped she saw that it wasn't the blan (foreigners) who were helping her, but that this provision came ultimately from God whom she could trust for the future. It isn't easy to go on when you've lost everything like Mike and his family, but when you see the Lord's hand through the help and generosity of others, it does give hope.

I want to encourage those who are in a position to give, to continue to do so. Please check with the organizations you are giving to, and ask them if the funds you are sending are reaching those in need and how they are helping now. It really doesn't take much to help.

What is REALLY going on....

2011-01-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

   This week has been full of breaking news from Haiti again as former presidents return, political futures are determined and some arrests are made. All in all, another week in Haiti. Eighteen years ago, the weekend I was getting married, the headlines were also about Haiti. Some things never change.
   Before the current headlines broke I had something else I was going to share with friends though, that is what is really going on among people who are living and working in Haiti. And what is really going on is life and outreaches. My husband still left on schedule for some speaking engagements, schools are still open, businesses are still open, and people are still going on. Despite the seeming drama that attracts all the media, the behind the scene,s opportunities are still here as well.
   Two Sundays ago I had the opportunity to hear a 73 year old woman named Lucy share with some Americans about her work with community women. She and other church women started the Dorcas ministry at Caleb's encouragement about 20 years ago. Over the years, the group has expanded to other communities. What is so special about this fellowship is that it includes women from almost every church in town and they work together meeting practical needs they see in the community. Lucy had the ladies share verses they had memorized with pride (most are illiterate); and list projects they had completed in the past year. They had replaced roofs on homes, found ways to clothe the poor, gone daily to pray with the sick at the local hospital, and prepared a local soup kitchen when they had the resources. Lucy told the Americans how she taught the ladies to find resources. "Every time they are making rice for their families, I tell them just to scrape off the top of the measuring cup, and save that portion, by the end of the week they can bring all their portions together, and we'll save it until we have enough to feed the needy in our area." Very humbling indeed to see how much these gals can do with their "leftovers". I translated for the visitors telling them that the women fed over 300 people the week before. When asked how much it would take to do the feeding more often, we were told they needed $150 USD. (let me know if you want to help, I'll get it to them)
   This past Sunday, a pastor was speaking in the church I was attending. He also was encouraging the people in their second hand clothing on how to help. He said, "I want to see all of us bring clothing that we are not using, and put it together, so we can help those around us in need." Hearing this, and seeing how these folks are working together and giving out of their poverty was very encouraging to me. Why? The way people give to others, reflects much of their spiritual health. Any group which is striving to help those in need, is living and growing.
My real point though today is this: don't get caught up in the latest highlights or headlines. What is REALLY going on is that life and work is continuing for us common folk. All the productive people I know are going on with planned outreaches, finding what they can to make things work, and not paying much attention to "the big stories". One of the things I love most about God, is that so much of what He does in people and through people is behind the scenes. Please know, that I can attest to the fact, that His servants are still hard at work here in Haiti.

Caleb's Thoughts on Haitian Earthquake Anniversary

2011-01-11T18:12:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the Haitian Earthquake. The government of Haiti has declared tomorrow a “Day of Mourning” and throughout the world Haitians will take a moment of silence to remember those 400,000 plus who died on that horrible day.

It was only this past Friday that across from the destroyed National Palace and next to the Plaza Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn) that they found and removed three more bodies from the rubble of a destroyed home. When I commented how sad that was, someone responded that there are more than 1,000 homes where you would find at least one if not ten bodies within. Sad realities but true!

Over the past twelve months it has been reported that billions of dollars have been spent in Haiti. Whether the total is accurate or not, it seems like only a Band-Aid has been applied on a huge wound. Over a million people are still living in inhumane conditions. Through the various tent cities, there are numerous reports of violence, rape and abuse of every kind that are taking place. Several thousands have died through the cholera outbreak, several dozen have died as a result of the election and everyone is asking what else that could possibly happen to our beloved country?

The outlook for Haiti may not look too bright these days but we cannot and will not lose heart. We will continue to reach out to those in need. To the less fortunate we will provide each and every one the hope that can only be found through our Savior.

Please, take some time to ray for the families that are still suffering and pray that God would continue to raise up servants that will really focus on the needs of those that are suffering. Thanks for helping us make a difference in the lives of so many in the past year.

In HIS grace, Caleb

Holiday Gift Distribution 2011

2011-01-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

Each year we have the privilege to distribute gift boxes that donors across the U.S. This year we had friends from Illinois, Florida and Minnesota send shoe boxes full of gifts. Our staff prepared chicken and rice dinners for everyone and we gave out boxes to kids in our neighborhood and town. Overall, it was a great time. Caleb was touched that the song they chose to sing as a part of grace was "Great is Thy Faithfulness".
Enjoy some smiles from Haiti:

A Perfect Stage

2010-12-31T16:33:00.000-05:00

I used to always look forward to New Year’s even before I moved to Haiti 18 years ago. For me it was a time of evaluation, setting of goals, adjusting course if need be. A reset button built into the calendar so to speak. Of course, like most living in the developed world, I had the luxury of having time to contemplate. Last New Year’s, my father in law, 80 year old Sidoine, was speaking and telling us we never know what is coming or who will be here next year. Less than two weeks later, the nation was literally rocked on its foundations by the earthquake and all the events that followed. In many ways it has been a hellish year, but also one of awe inspiring provisions that could have only come from God.

Much has been written about the past year in Haiti. Almost laughably, the future (politically speaking) has been put on hold for the holidays. As I write this, members of the OAS and powers that be are meeting to decide who and what will happen next. What tangled webs democracies/republics are nowadays, especially when billions of dollars are available to be spent. I’m glad I don’t travel in those realms, instead being a part of the more mundane. Strangely, it becomes clearer and clearer to me that it is the simplest interventions that make the most difference.

Yesterday I was visiting with a young woman who was home for the holidays from pharmacy school in Port au Prince. She and I had become friends 10 years ago or so working together in the children’s church outreach. She had been in the capital during the earthquake last year and returned to try to continue her studies. She has been rejected by her father but little by little, with the help of various people has managed to finish high school and is now attending professional school. What encouraged me the most about our visit was how she was telling me she had learned how important it was to share whatever she had. Whenever she has any extra change, she’ll buy some candy or bread and share it with neighborhood kids just to encourage them. She is a part of a generation of young Haitians who have embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ and is applying it in real ways in her life. Her generation will be the ones who inherit this nation. She reminds me of another young student from years ago. When he was in school struggling to get by, he would come home every day and put his change in a jar. By the end of the semester it would usually total between $30-$50 which he would return to Haiti to pay for school for some young person. Some of the recipients appreciated it; some didn’t thinking they should have received more. (People are alike world over). My point is we should be trying to give to those who’ll continue to pay it forward. Of course, we can’t know the inner motivations of people’s hearts, only God has that privilege (or horror). But as we have the opportunity, we can invest in faith that God will use it and improve life for others.

But I didn’t start writing today to encourage giving, etc. (believe it or not). I really wanted to write and dispel some of the images of Haiti that are out there right now. Of course, the media and world love drama and scenes of people dying of cholera and burning protests in the street. As we got ready to return to Haiti almost three weeks ago there was some question of when to come due to the airlines halting flights; it was really a matter of the airline staff couldn’t get to the airport. Anyway, long story short, we were on the first flight American had in following the election protests. Returning after a 6 week break, we were greeted by now familiar sites of refugee camps right by the airports and throughout the city. I was actually encouraged because despite reports of lack of progress, I saw students in school, more businesses open, and much more activity. Many folks were out in the streets cleaning up after the protests, after all life goes on even after tires are burned in your front yard. I may be jaded after all these years but it looked better than I expected. That being said, there is a palpable sense of post traumatic shock that pervades all of us who live here. The conditions will take decades to improve and it’s absurd to expect any different. That reality is settling in for us, and it is painful and exhausting to consider. I hope that those who continue to try and help will remember how we are all still grieving. The interest in Haiti will dissipate in the coming years, as it always does. I trust the Haitian people will arise and rebuild the nation as they desire and not just accept what others want to do for them.

But survival means continuing on despite where you find yourself. People are moving on; and whether the big NGO’s, UN, MINUSHTAH, or any other initials are ready or not, things will go on. The Haitian people are masters at survival and managing to live in what appears to be chaos to the world. Looking at the whole situation from a secular view point is pretty discouraging. It seems irreparable. But what a perfect stage for God to reveal Himself through the work of His people. Things will improve in Haiti, and it won’t be always be through the big things, it will be one person at a time that sees that if they share what they have, they can change the world.

My prayer: May you do just that, Father, in the New Year. May you expose the injustice; provide mercy to those in need. May those with the courage to trust You, be fulfilled. Amen.

Thankful for technology but still frustrated

2010-11-15T18:38:00.000-05:00

My family is in the US right now on a scheduled break getting annual medical and dental care. But being away from Haiti is harder than ever this year. As we were leaving, driving through the cholera epicenter two weeks ago, we knew it would get worse. Since arriving here, we've continued to coordinate getting supplies and info into Haiti. Just today, we sent IV fluids and other material from our headquarters in central Haiti to answer requests for supplies from a German NGO (non-gov't org.) in the capital city. It continues to amaze me that our small little ministry is able to help others (even those much better funded). It comes from vision on Caleb's part and the incredible network that does exist in Haiti if you know how/where to look.
We had already sent cholera prevention and treatment info. to our school office in Haiti, getting copies made and delivered today to all schools in our area. Though Caleb is speaking in Houston this week, he has been on the phone with our school nurse and administrative staff with instructions. When he returns to Little Rock this week, he plans to record instructions in Kreyol that we can send immediately via internet for broadcast on our radio station downlink in Pignon. The listening audience there is over 300,000 so hopefully the life saving information will have an effect. We feel great urgency as several cholera deaths have been confirmed in surrounding neighborhoods.
But I'm still frustrated. Saddened that people are so frightened. Angry that this is so preventable with correct knowleldge. I wonder how much more people can take. Just before I left Haiti in late October, I was meeting with students in our sponsorship program to have them all write thank you notes and updates to their stateside friends. One older student told me how his older brother had died in the earthquake and they'd never recovered his remains. He was so young to suffer such a loss, but was managing with the grace and stoicism common to the Haitian community. Now I wonder how he is doing, knowing children in his neighborhood have died this past weekend. How much more can he and the nation handle? Presidential elections are scheduled in a few weeks....does anyone there even care? I don't think I would.
I'm just hoping, praying, and working to help my friends and family there to survive.

the media is under reporting? that's a first . . .

2010-11-12T16:38:00.000-05:00

My husband's latest post:

Over the past few days, I have received calls from several friends worldwide wanting to know what’s going on with the cholera outbreak in Haiti. Here is the latest info I’ve received this afternoon:

It is extremely difficult to estimate the true scale of this epidemic now. This is a grossly uncontrolled, uncontained epidemic of cholera that has exceeded public health capacity to investigate and assess every site reported and every sample received.

People are afraid to help each other as they are afraid of it spreading

MSF: "ALL OF THE HOSPITALS IN PORT-AU-PRINCE ARE OVERFLOWING" (Doctors Without Borders)
Current official stats are more than 12,300 cases and nearly 800 fatalities.

In some areas of Haiti, we have confirmation that in-patient statistics are under-reported by as much as 400%. There is no question of under-reporting. If we assume the case counts are 1/4 the true community load, then we now have nearly 48,000 cases shedding pathogen into the environment. We believe the true statistic to be closer to more than 60-70,00.

We have confirmed cases at our local hospital in our community of Pignon, our base of operations. Here is what we have done thus far:

*We have sent cleaning supplies, gloves, and hand sanitizer to the communities of Verrettes, Petite Rivere, St. Mark, and Aquin.

*We have purchased through Missionary Flights International (www.missionaryflights.org) about $10,000 worth of supplies such as gloves, IV sets, hand sanitizer, antibiotics that is being distributed to different health centers.

*We have responded to the call for help from the mayor of the community of St. Michel de L’Attalaye and this morning a load of supplies is being delivered-Ringer’s Lactate IV’s, water purifier tablets, gloves & IV sets, and cleaning supplies.

*Tomorrow, we are distributing 350 solar powered radio sets so our radio station can give out correct public health info. to the most remote areas in our listening audience of over 350,000 on the central plateau.

*We have received MannaPak Potato based food from Feed My Starving Children (www.fmsc.org) these food items are documented to help people recover from acute diarrhea. As of this morning a truck load is being sent to Verrettes for distribution. Once that truck returns, we will be sending it out again with the same material to St. Michel.

*We have distributed literature to our congregation and contacts regarding prevention and care during the disease.

Please note, the interventions are being made based on the most up to date information I am getting from my networks on the ground of the needs they relate to me. These communities are the earliest and hardest hit at present.

What you can do:

1. First you can pray. People are very afraid. Some people in the remote areas are scared to go the hospital because they see the high death rate. It is an example of “for lack of knowledge my people perish.” (Hosea 4:6) Today we have begun a Radio Campaign to educate the communities that we reach about cholera prevention. (Estimated audience: over 350,000)

2. You can help by giving to Hosean International Ministries www.hosean.org to help with the outreach. Here is an example of how your giving would be spent via a pharmaceutical supplier who has agreed to sell us the needed supplies at a very good price. Therefore, it requires no shipping cost:

1 box of latex gloves (100pr)………………………………$7.50

1 box sterile gloves (50 pr.)…………………………………$17.00

1 box of Aqua tab (water purifier/100)…………………$3.50

1000cc of IV Ringer’s Lactate…………………………………$2.00

IV sets (20 G & 22G)………………………………………………. $1.30

We can get these items along with other meds only with a phone call and it will be delivered to whatever place we want it delivered in Haiti. Please pray for the Lord’s provision so that we can continue to reach out to many. Thanks for standing with us.

When Cholera hits your neighborhood . . .

2010-10-25T09:11:00.002-05:00

Once again, Haiti is in the international news with a Cholera outbreak in the Artibonite Region less than 20 miles from our headquarters in Pignon, Haiti. This morning after spending all afternoon Sunday going through remaining donated supplies, Caleb sent two pickup trucks loaded with cleaning supplies and gloves that we still had in stock. They are headed to Verettes and the community of Petit Rivere, two of the hardest hit communities to be distributed by the Rotary Clubs of the Artibonite.

Further, Caleb has made arrangements with Missionary Flights International to fly in supplies worth $15,000 to Port au Prince for distribution through the Rotary Clubs there. These supplies will include: more gloves, IV fluids, IV lines, oral rehydration solution, and cleaning supplies. This past Sunday, we made 1,000 copies of Dr. Kris Thede’s information on Cholera prevention in Kreyol for area residents. It was gratifying to see all the church members carefully reading and saving this life saving information.

Please be praying that solutions can be found quickly to stop the spread of it. We will continue to intervene as the Lord provides.

An answer to a question....are short term missions safe and helpful?

2010-10-20T15:30:00.000-05:00

I received a comment from someone who would like to come to Haiti to visit and help (not our organization). However, their parents had strong feelings against the planned trip b/c it was "dangerous" and they couldn't get much done in a week. The commenter wanted to know my opinion and/or ideas.
Overall, I do STILL believe that short term missions or volunteer trips are good both for Haiti and for the visitor. I would add that it is important to join a group that has a long term presence here as well as on the ground leadership and strong national leadership. If your trip is to assist an established organization with a history of effective partnerships with Haitians, then you'll make a great difference. Haiti is not a place where you can just hop off the plane and help the first person you meet on the street. Frankly, I don't know anyplace worldwide like that.
In terms of safety, there are dangers everywhere. When I first considered traveling here, I was scared off by tales of insecurity, etc. as well. A year later, the desire to come was SO strong, I simply could not ignore it and just trusted God to keep me safe as I served Him. He did. And He taught me the best, most fulfilling and exciting way to live is in the day to day trusting Him. Fear doesn't always disappear, but can be dealt with when you remember WHO is in charge.
People can make a HUGE difference in a week's time. Remember that volunteers are individuals serving in a long line of helpers over the long term. If they are working under the direction of groups that are planning to meet the long term needs of here, short term folks are very helpful. See our website for details....their energy, equipment, and support is invaluable to us.
We see volunteers impacted for the long term as well. So many of our visitors tell us they are "forever changed" in how they see the world, God, and themselves. We westerners forget how incredibly privileged we are. Personally, my first trip outside of America and Europe changed my life two decades ago. I was confronted with how most of the world lives and forced to ask myself many challenging questions. Not everyone will end up moving overseas, etc. but everyone should make lifestyle decisions based on the realities of the world. We can really only understand by experiencing first hand and meeting people in places like Haiti. So if anyone has the privilege to travel, they should at least once in their lives, preferably prior to age 30.
The final issue brought up in the comment was about parents' concern. I would advocate listening to them (not just because I'm a parent now myself). I believe God can guide us through our parents. If, after making sure they have all the facts, they are still strongly against you going, I'd suggest you wait until a later time. But do try to make sure they get good info. You can tell them to contact me if you want (smile) Hope that helps someone out there.

Rebuilding Schools and Graduation Images

2010-06-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

It continues to take longer than we hoped to get information out but this is due simply to the busyness of all the activities around us. First of all we wanted to go back and update you on some of the rebuilding projects going on near Port au Prince. As we stated previously, one of the greatest needs is to get schools up and running again. These images show the current conditions at Joyous Hearts Elementary School which was destroyed by the earthquake. (See below)

Teachers and students are making do the best they can in a nearby lean-to as you can see, but are looking forward to seeing walls built on these foundations which have been laid. Work has been ongoing on this project as well as others; we’ll try to get you more pictures soon!

In the capital as well as where we live, life is continuing on. The school year will finish at the end of this month and almost everyone is ready for a break from the rigors of school. We are scheduling a few outreaches for the children before break. This coming week of June 17th we are having a day camp at our school campus for all the elementary students. This is being led by a group of volunteers from Fellowship Bible Church of Memphis, TN. We’re hoping it’s a time of encouragement for all the students. This will be followed up by scheduled kid’s camps held later in July. Graduation is scheduled for July 25th for some classes; below you’ll see some of our kindergarten classes practicing for their activities. In some ways it seems strange to all of us for such scenes of life going on as normal in light of the great tragedy that just occurred here. But for those of us that are still alive, we must go on, celebrating the accomplishments and re-building and grieving at other times.

One exciting thing going on now in Haiti is the World Cup Soccer Tournament. This is always a much anticipated event here even though we don’t have a team that makes it. Still area fans watch eagerly their favorite teams as well as the players who are of Haitian origin playing on others. It’s hard to explain to North Americans just how excited everyone becomes. One thing we’ve done with the generous donation of a friend is purchase a satellite dish system so that all the refugee camp residents can enjoy the tournament. When the dish was delivered and set up this week, the students and kids were literally dancing with joy! It’s a simple thing really, but something to enjoy in the midst of the loss we’ve all experienced.

Once the school year really finishes by mid-July we’ll be helping to re-settle our refugee residents to their families in the South. Caleb has been working with various leaders of the groups to find out what people want to do, etc. The majority of the 250 camp residents at this point are students (elementary and up) who were sent by their families to enjoy the stability here and finish the school year. Now that their families have had time to stabilize, they are anticipating the return of their children. Rest assured that we are looking at all the situations and trying to help as much as possible to make the move as easy as possible. Some kids will be staying here with us in the newly refurbished guest house/foster home. We have four children already placed with a house mother who have been at the camp the last few months. It will be good though to get them settled in a more permanent home setting in town. We’ll let you know the final numbers and who stays at the end of July.

In the meantime the camp is being prepared once these folks depart, to returning to its use for the various camps already scheduled. The annual summer women’s camp will start June 26th and later we have two kid’s camps and one youth camp scheduled. It looks to be a busy time so we would appreciate your prayers as these outreaches continue. One other note, we’re anticipating getting a physical therapy/rehab clinic set up on the camp grounds for the rehabilitation of amputees and the wounded post—earthquake. So be looking for future updates for status reports. The outreaches are continuing!

May 23rd posting (better late than never)

2010-05-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a month since we posted an update and for that we apologize. This has been an extremely busy time in both our personal lives and in the various outreaches ongoing in Haiti. As planned, our family reunited in early May to take a trip together for Rotary International’s District Conference in Kingston, Jamaica. It was a busy time for Caleb as taught at training sessions but relaxing for the family. While there, Caleb showed me several images from outreaches in the past month which focused on strengthening the fragile economic state of those in our community. First, HIM has distributed several large boxes of seed for area farmers to use to plant in their gardens. In our rural section of the country, everyone has some level of garden which they use to provide for their family. As the rainy season starts in earnest here on the central plateau, we want the donors from “The Seed Program” to know their gifts were gratefully received. Please remember that most of these area farmers struggle to feed their families anyway, and now have taken in thousands of extended family members who have escaped the rubble of Port au Prince to our community. These seeds are providing hope for the future.

Another outreach has taken place with the help of fellow Rotarian Joanna Bartrony who works with Sow a Seed. Caleb saw that she had received a number of small igloos/coolers in the transport of relief supplies. He suggested that the excess igloos be used to give to local townspeople to help them create a cash income by selling cold drinks. While the idea is very simple, it has helped a lot of area women greatly increase their income. These merchants will be held accountable to return a small portion of their revenue back to HIM staff in a few months and then continue the project. Some of the recipients have proven to be very good salesman and are now creating competition for larger “restaurants”. Instead of drive-through, we know have “walk-through” cold drinks available in our community. Way to go, ladies!

      We finally arrived back in Haiti on the morning of May 11. As to be expected, it was fairly chaotic as the main International Airport building remains unusable. We were taken to clear immigration and customs in a warehouse set up to receive the many international flights bringing in travelers. I was grateful to see our faithful staff members waiting in the ministry car to receive our family. Haiti definitely remains a place where you need to know where you are going and hopefully that you are meeting specific trusted contacts with whom to work.
     A couple of things stuck out to me on the return trip “in”. As we finished a few errands near the airport businesses, we stopped by a gas station to pick up some sandwiches for the trip home and get fuel. As we waited for Caleb in the car, a young boy of probably 12 years started dusting the windows without being asked. Many youngsters make their “living” this way by picking up a few coins for passers-by. Anyone who lives in an impoverished overseas city knows this experience. When I got out of the car we started chatting. What was different post-earthquake was that he didn’t just ask me for a few coins, he wanted to go home with us! Looking at the blue tarped tent city across the street, I thought about what kind of desperation that must motivate this youngster to plead for a ride to “anywhere”. Our driver gave him some coins, and my daughters and I gave him a portion of our lunches that Caleb had just brought. As I shared with Caleb what the boy had said, he told me that even if we took him, he wouldn’t stay, which I believe is true. Still, this new level of cries for help was a striking difference to the previous 17 years I’ve lived in Haiti.
     We then turned to go up and over two mountain ranges toward our home in Pignon. It took us 3.5 hours to travel the 90 miles and it was good to get back. As Caleb went out to the progress of different projects, I had fun reuniting with friends and family after our trip of 5 weeks. It was especially fun to see the kids at the camp who are working hard to finish the school year and remain joyous in spite of all that has gone on in their lives. It was good to see that they remain healthy for the most part and also to see the progress that has been done on improving their living spaces around the camp.
     This week we have a group of volunteers from Rock Church of Indianapolis, IN who brought some master electricians and builders to re-wire the camp facilities. This will provide even better lighting for camp residents. Another team from ST. Mark’s Baptist Church of Little Rock, AR is here to build bunk beds and cabinets to fill up the new rooms recently completed. All of this work will be a blessing to all current and future campers. The camp refugees are enjoying having some new friends and co-workers here for the week. Another volunteer that is here for the whole summer is Pearlie Lubin of Dallas, TX at present. Pearlie is a Dallas Theological Seminary graduate student who is doing an internship with Caleb this summer. Pearlie is of Haitian origin so already speaks fluent Kreyol and has a great interest in ministering to the young women at the camp and in the community. She has already made some great friends this week and will be serving in a variety of teaching and leadership capacities as the summer goes on.
     Over the next month, several projects are moving forward, including refurbishing the Children’s Home run by Hosean Int’l. The guest house top level was finally vacated (smile) by the Caleb Lucien family. This allowed major roofing repairs to be started this week. A group from Grace Immanuel Bible Church of Jupiter, FL is arriving next week to continuing re-wiring and re-painting work to prepare the home for the permanent re-settlement of the orphans/foster kids we’re taking in post-earthquake.
     All in all, it’s been a busy two weeks and just promises to get busier as the summer and outreaches continue. Caleb flew to Orlando, FL this weekend to speak at a Haitian church revival service there and will return on Tuesday. In the next update, I’ll include images of one of the schools and homes he is going to get rebuilt in the next few weeks in Port au Prince. Don’t hesitate to write us for any questions.

Building desks and so much more . . .

2010-04-26T00:31:00.000-05:00

Despite the relative silence on our behalf, the work is going strong to help those in Haiti. Caleb returned to Haiti after a week of rest with a clean bill of health earlier this month. He’s been busy ever since overseeing various aspects of the outreaches.

Help arrived in the form of a team from Brentwood Church from Lynchburg, VA who helped us build a second story to our couple’s dorm. It is now almost completed and this will add 3600 sq. feet of building space for meeting needs. Following this, Pastor Todd Van Zee led some carpenters from the Evangelical Covenant Church of Moose Lake, MN to assist with building school desks. This key project will meet several needs: 1) providing sturdy desks for schools destroyed in the earthquake, and 2) provide training/employment to several refugee men currently staying at the camp. The men from Moose Lake trained 20 men in residence at the camp in the use of power tools and how to prepare the donated lumber to build these desks. We know firsthand that the design is good because we’ve been using Pastor Todd’s work for several years at our own school.

The team and trainees completed 100 desks for distribution at schools in and around Port au Prince; we’ve received lumber to build 1,000 more so it is going to be a busy few months as the work continues. Hosean has hired the 20 trainees to complete the 1,000 desks. It has been really neat to see the pictures of the men at the camp being able to work in re-building the country and give to those students in need. There is a lot of healing in this work!

Another outreach going on the past few weeks is an English as a Second Language Class being offered to camp residents who want to learn to speak English well. Taught by former missionary to Haiti, Betty Tiede, the class has been a practical help to the attendees. Along with the rest of her Canadian team, they have been working to encourage all with whom they come in contact.

As our family reunites in Miami this week to prepare to return to Haiti with Caleb, I’ll share with you here a message sent out by Caleb today concerning what his future priorities will be:

     We continue to be amazed each and every day at God's provision as we continue to face daily
challenges. I know that you have continued to receive our updates but I want as requested to send some of the goals that we have:
     First, we want to continue to take care of the 350 people we have at our campus. Most of them are school age students with very little parental supervision. We are looking at keeping them there until the end of the school year which will be the middle of July. This has been extremely busy and challenging. It was costing us $450.00/day to care for them right after the quake but now it is costing us $750.00/day to do so. The reason for the increase is because at the beginning we were receiving food and other supplies but now we have to buy everything. In addition, we have accepted 500 additional students in our school and had provided these students with books, shoes, uniforms, one hot meal a day and free tuition. This has cost our ministry about $225,000.00.
      Secondly, we need to focus on long term housing. Hosean International Ministries has received a land donation of 25 acres near the city of Leogane, the earthquake epicenter and 2nd most affected city nation-wide. We are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to develop a village with homes for 300 families. Habitat will take charge of the construction for homes. Our (HIM’s) role is to raise funds to build 2 churches, and 1 elementary school and a Mission House along with setting up electricity in the village. This will cost about $850,000.00. We are also in the process of purchasing a piece of property for $150,000.00 that will allow us to build a second village outside of Port au Prince.
     Thirdly, we will focus on orphan care. This has been part of our outreach since 1989. We have about 45 unaccompanied children under the age of 12 years old. We are working with our lawyer to see how to keep those kids permanently. Four of them are legally already under our care and we need to renovate our children's home to be able to accommodate them. The renovation and purchase of furniture will cost about $75,000.00.
     Fourthly we are going to expand our Micro credit programs to more refugees in our areas to empower them to take care of their families. Loans ranging from $250.00-400.00 are given to them interest free and they are to make payments monthly.
     Finally, we are looking for churches to send groups to help rebuild schools and churches in and around Port au Prince or just find some institutions to finance a school rebuilding. It costs $20,000.00 to build 8 classrooms and 1 office space.
     One of my College professors has told me that it does not cost anything to dream so if you are dreaming, dream big. We are trusting a Big God and I know He will get our beloved country out of the situation we are in.
In reality, we are still in the earliest stages of rebuilding, but we are excited to see so many willing to work together here in Haiti and also by many who tell us they want to help. Please do be praying for all of us here at Hosean International Ministries (HIM), especially for wisdom and faith as we seek to help over the long term. Also pray for helpers, any teams who would like to come in the coming year and help build up the villages mentioned above! Thank you for reading this long update and staying in touch!

Can you see the excitement as the first desk built totally by the workers was finished? We pray we see this excitement begin all over the country as restoration begins.

A break in the states

2010-04-11T00:15:00.001-05:00

Our family traveled to the U.S. just over a week ago. It was a hard trip in some ways and it was harder to leave Haiti for me personally than it ever has been in the past 17 years. We left our community of Pignon by Missionary Aviation Fellowship which was a blessing. Caleb has made over 70 trips back and forth to Port au Prince since the January 12th earthquake. He had just returned the day before from a road trip so we were glad to spare him the rough roads again.

Pictured here are my daughters and my foster son, Joe, who is currently doing an internship with MAF at the airport there in Port au Prince. It was good to check in with him as we left and to know he was doing well. Since we didn’t have a vehicle with us, Caleb had a driver from a transport service we usually use for teams meet us and drive us to the hotel we were staying in. We had hoped to have more time to explore Port au Prince for the kids and I as this was our first entrance there since the earthquake. However, since it was approaching evening we just had about thirty minutes.
Since I’ve been following all the imagery on the media as well, I didn’t expect to be too surprised. In many ways I wasn’t. I was encouraged to see signs of people going on just through small businesses and markets that had sprung up even in front of the destroyed buildings. People have begun to try to eke out a living again as they can. The next big step will be to get schools reopened. That will be an enormous boost to the mindset of families and students—they will feel like they are moving forward. Sadly, while 80% of the schools in Port au Prince were destroyed, I’m told barely 10% are now ready to re-open. Even as we traveled, we brought along a very large tarp to serve as a covering for classrooms as requested by one contact who desperately needed one.

As we drove through the city streets headed toward the downtown area where there is a secure hotel, I saw lots of signs of life, people sitting outside of their homes or taking evening walks. One thing that struck me was even the buildings which were standing, had tents and tarps on the streets in front of them. Residents throughout the city are still too afraid to sleep within their homes and choose the tents in front for a peaceful rest.

See the blue tarps creating sleeping quarters for families whose homes are still standing. It reminded me of how long term the emotional damage is. We see it every day at HIM’s school. Anytime the students hear loud noises, they will run out of the classrooms in a visceral reaction of fear that the walls are collapsing. It is that kind of tension that remains palpable throughout Haiti.

We proceeded on our drive downtown and passed by the destroyed National Palace (Haiti’s White House) and saw all the government buildings demolished. On the equivalent to the national mall (park ground before the palace), there is a tent city where several thousand currently live.

Some organizations have set up some port-a-potties . There remains no running water but organizations like Wyclef’s Yele Haiti is providing drinking water throughout the city. Most of the other major organizations are still in planning meetings. I was saddened to hear that since the earthquake, many Haitian leaders working for major NGO’s (you would recognize the names if I listed them) have been pushed aside from supervisory roles. It seems that since some have received $100’s of millions for Haiti, the foreign leaders need to manage it. What is sad about that is that since they are removing the leaders that speak the real language and networking of Haiti, the relief efforts in those situations will be stymied and slowed. It’s about what I expected though in the business of development work. We hand delivered a shipment of tents that had just arrived from Trinity Presbyterian in Columbia, MO to a pastor whose church was destroyed. He was so excited to be able to get them to his congregants that evening. This photo is of the tent city in front of the palace. Our hotel was right across the street. I am used to the intense poverty that exists in Haiti, but the widespread disaster was still hard for me to take. As we spent the night in a hotel full of relief workers, it was hard to enjoy the air conditioning and Wi-Fi and hot showers-even though I hadn’t had a hot shower in months. My heart just ached for those across the street with no solid plans for the future. Still, we had to leave to be able to come back.

We spent the week as a family in Little Rock, Arkansas in a condo graciously provided by Fellowship Bible Church for visiting missionaries. We’ve seen doctors and dentists thus far and shared with those who have asked to hear what conditions are like. Caleb got a clean bill of health and has already returned to Haiti. He met a team today which arrived from Indiana to come and help us build a second level for housing at the camp. They will get the roof up this week and then work on whatever other work Caleb designates. One project he’s undertaken is to build school desks for the destroyed schools throughout the country. Different teams coming in the next month will be working alongside our camp residents who want a job to build these and then we’ll ship them throughout the earthquake affected areas.

Plans are also proceeding to build a village of homes near Leogane (the epicenter) from donated property there. It is going to be an exciting few months as we see that come together. This past week a semi-trailer truck was donated and is currently being loaded with supplies in Florida and will be on a boat this week for Haiti. Finally, we have received a donation to build a rehab clinic in Pignon for all the amputees and injured. Caleb believes it will be operational by June 2010 and plans to put it at the camp facility so the injured can come and stay at the camp while being assisted. It looks like an exciting summer is in store for us.
The girls and I are still stateside until May 2nd, after which we’ll re-join Caleb. We had the opportunity to share an update with the Lonoke Presbyterian Church here in Arkansas and I captured the talk and have posted it on YouTube. For those who are interested in this 30 minute presentation in 3 parts, you can check out the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s47o8UK075k

Or check out our channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HoseanHaiti?feature=mhw5

Sorry this has been a longer update than normal. I also hope I haven’t offended anyone by my mention of the posturing going on in so much of the relief work in Haiti. Please do not be discouraged to help and give. I’m just encouraging everyone to really get to know those to whom you are donating and make sure they is working alongside leaders there in Haiti. We deeply appreciate your interest and desire to help. The needs remain intense and will be there for several years to come. However, we are committed to doing everything in our power to help all we can with what we can.

New diesel generator for camp!

2010-03-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

There was alot of excitement this week when a new diesel generator purchased by Fellowship Bible Church, Little Rock for use at the camp was delivered. We'd had a smaller 7.5 KW but it simply wasn't powerful enough to send electricity to all the areas of the camp. Now we will be able to put up more lights and make sure each family room has light. Camp residents will be able to more easily charge their cell phones and keep in touch with family and friends. All in all just another step at raising the standard of living for the refugees.
I saw an article posted this past week about how some of the larger refugee camps in Port au Prince were now boasting of movie theaters and beauty shops, etc. I smiled because we had already seen these advents in our camp, from pure ingenuity of our campers. One section near an outdoor shower has become a barber shop and river next door is the laundry. The camp staff distributes laundry soap to the families to take care of this need. Every Haitian woman I know usually launders their own families clothes by hand anyway.
Our movie theater started a few weeks ago when Soup Campbell of Memphis, TN brought down an amplifier system and donated several DVD's for the residents to watch. I really appreciated this because I'd been told several weeks ago by more experieinced aid workers in refugee camps that if we could get regular activities and something to look forward to, it really helps camp residents heal and survive. The kids pictured below were really excited to have a movie to look forward to tonight.

The students at the camp are all on spring break this week so this provides a good activity for them. Soon Caleb has another group of volunteers who are coming to help build some more housing for them as well. I told the kids yesterday I was going to miss them because my children and I are going to make a quick trip to the states. They were so sweet and asked me to bring them something. I think I'll work on some candy to bring back when I return in May.

New playground for refugee kids!

2010-03-26T18:42:00.006-05:00

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten weeks since the earthquake that changed so much for so many. Just like 9/11 changed the United States, the earthquake experience has affected all of us here. Activities continue, school is going on, as well as outreaches. This week Caleb was working with customs officials to clear the seventh container of relief supplies coming via boat through Cap Haitien. It’s been encouraging to see so much come in that we get to distribute to those in need. This week we had staffers and volunteers sorting through many boxes of donated clothing to narrow them down to sex and general size for ease of distribution. One volunteer mentioned to me that she was encouraged to see the clothing sent down was good quality, which I agree with. We should be giving the best we can to those in need.

This week we’ve had Cynthia Schlabach from Detroit, MI here to volunteer in a variety of capacities. Earlier in the week she helped me interview and encourage our youngest sponsored students write a thank you note. For the pre-schoolers this consists of a nicely done coloring page which will be sent to their sponsor with their grade report at the end of the year.

She’s also been helping out by putting all our handwritten reports of “internally displaced people” now currently living in our area. Some friends at World Food Program asked us to prepare these to help them plan on feeding needs in the coming months. But putting all of this handwritten French into an Excel report is not easy, but thanks Cindy for your help!

The other happenings this week have been a real answered prayer for me, personally. For several years, I’ve been hoping we could get some nice playground equipment for the school campus. All the preschool and elementary students have really needed something to do besides running in circles. By “coincidence”, Caleb met a group of volunteers (www.tiltaworld.org) who have a vision of building playgrounds in needy communities all over the world. They had already done two in Haiti as well as in the Ukraine, Kenya and other areas. They told Caleb they’d be willing to come if he could find the funding. With some of your generous help, we had them come this past week to get it up and it was completed in four days! Today was a day off of school in preparation of semester exams so we brought some of our guests from Port au Prince to explore the new playground facilities!

When I heard the shouts and cheers from all the kids from the camp as the bus rolled up, it brought tears to my eyes. They were so excited! It may seem like a small thing in the rebuilding of the country, but our hope is that these kids felt valued that someone would spend time building something just for them to enjoy!

Pictured here is just some of the Tilt a World crew who came! We’re now dreaming that we can eventually afford to fund another one at the camp itself in the months to come!

Thanks for praying! www.hosean.org

Post holes and Bible school

2010-03-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

Yes, we are still here! Caleb made it back from speaking engagements in Tallahassee, FL and Washington D.C. It was really encouraging for him to see so many people interested in the needs and status of outreaches here. As he returned, we welcomed a pre-earthquake scheduled team from Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX. Previously they’d planned to do a Bible School with our youngest students but now have “flexed” to also include an outreach in the afternoons for our camp residents.

Monday was the first day of this outreach and it was a lot of fun with puppets, games, Bible verse memorization and singing. The kids had a great time and really enjoyed the extra activities.

Also going on this week is the laying of the foundation for our new shower/bath facility for our camp residents. Once again (for the fourth voyage) Soup Campbell of Fellowship Bible Church- Memphis led a team of workers to help with this outreach. Several students from the University of Alabama gave up their week of spring break to come and volunteer and dig the foundations. What a great bunch of guys!! They became national champions in football and topped it off with volunteering for those in need in Haiti! Thanks for bringing the Crimson Tide to Haiti, Soup!

While all of this is going on, Caleb is working to get several containers of donated supplies released that have arrived. This past week we also received over 2,000lbs. of donated supplies via air carriers. As he moves around the country, each trip the vehicles are loaded up with donated tents and supplies that have come in. While the schedule and work is rough at times, we are just glad that we can be involved with bringing help to those in need. I just received this photo below of one of the many “tent cities” that are now filling up areas surrounding the capital. It is reported that right now there are 400 refugee cities around the country. I include it as a reminder to all of us of the needs that remain, and to keep us focused. Blessings! http://www.hosean.org/

Refugee Children's Drawings of Earthquake Experiences

2010-03-10T14:46:00.000-05:00

As Caleb travels in the states this week, the ministry goes on here in Pignon, Haiti. Some newly arrived children are settling in at the camp. A few of them missed the bus to come home after school but other than these few minor delays, the days are progressing. The folks at the camp who are sick are being seen by our local hospital staff and being followed up by our camp and church volunteer staff to make sure they get all the medicines they need. We are expecting another group of American volunteers who are arriving with Caleb on Friday. We will really miss the great group of trauma counselors who were here recently from FAVACA. They gave me some of the drawings that the children had produced as they shared what they had been through. It occurred to me that many might be interested in what the children had to share. So please find several images attached below.
(Warning: some of the images are graphic)

While the images are startling in their content, those of you who saw the images on the news know the children are just relating the reality of what they have experienced. The youngster who drew the image (below, left) told how he saw a man electrocuted from active power lines. The artist to the right explained these were images of cars and trucks piled up and thrown around like toys. What is amazing to me is that even after experiencing such trauma, the kids are responsive and are enjoying getting back into life, play and school. Please continue to pray and give as you feel you can. We’ll keep going on as well.

Blessings from Haiti,

Debbie Lucien www.hosean.org

PS-anyone who wants to see other drawings produced by the kids go to: (click below) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=211142&id=811494376&l=c13ab0b156

My husband's post . . .

2010-03-06T19:39:00.001-05:00

From my husband, Caleb
It has been six weeks since the first earthquake and I just can’t believe that the Lord would have used us to accomplish so much. So many needs have been met and so many needs still exist everywhere we look. To date:
 850 tents have been distributed
 200,000 lbs. of rice have been distributed
 More than 800 people have been evacuated out of Port au Prince
 500 new students have been admitted to our school
 From January 17th until February 28th, 200 meals have been served daily to the Pignon Hospital patients and their family members and to the staff.
 386 people are now staying at our camp facilities
 Through Rotary International, district 7020, more than 130 flights (cessnas, small jets) and DC-3’s have brought food and medical supplies estimated to value more than $8.2 million US dollars.
 Hospitals in Cap Haitien, Saint Marc, Port au Prince, Jacmel, Cayes, Port de Paix, Pignon and Saint Raphael have received medical supplies and medicine. As I was delivering some supplies to two health care centers and hospitals in Port au Prince recently, the medical directors both just looked at me and said, “We are good for supplies now for two months with what you brought. How did you know exactly what we needed?”

The answer was obvious to me, it is the Lord! I have received so many calls from people from all over the country to say thanks for the assistance that has been provided. We are so grateful that the Lord could use us to touch so many lives. So many of you have helped us continue to make a difference. You have been determined to help us touch as many lives as possible. I can’t wait for the day when we meet our Savior! I believe in that we will hear words similar to what songwriter Ray Boltz wrote: “Thank you for giving to the Lord! I am a life that was changed.”

Many now are asking the question: “What is the next step?” So what I want to do in this update is outline specifically what needs to happen in the next 2-6 months in our community and the rest of the country to maintain effective outreaches:

1. We need to maintain the physical, financial and spiritual stability at our school campus of College de la Grace. In addition to our 950 already existing students, we have accepted over 500 refugee students. By faith we are trusting the Lord to provide: $26,000 for books, $30,000 for two sets of uniforms, $5,000 more monthly for teacher’s salaries, 500 chairs at $45 each, $9,000 for a new playground, $12,000 to complete an additional computer lab, two chaplains added to our staff to help maintain counseling and spiritual life at the school and camp.

We need to continue to provide a hot meal every day for our students. We need to find 500 sponsors for our new students. To remain financially stable (i.e. pay our staff and meet needs) we need $30/month/student.

2. We need to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the refugees at the camp. Right now we are providing each and everyone staying at the camp with three meals a day. At this point people feel O.K. There continues to be needs for medical care and our hospital in Pignon has been super in providing free initial healthcare to people injured in the earthquake. But there will be increasing health related problems as so many people are living in such close proximity. We need to quickly build a temporary shelter to house about two hundred as rainy season is approaching. We also need to build beds, a new shower/toilet facility as soon as possible. We are recruiting teams from across the U.S. to help with these needs.

We are strategizing in terms of how to help the refugees help themselves. We are looking into developing a new micro-credit program targeting the skilled workers. Currently with us there are: metal workers, carpenters, electricians, etc. We are seeking how to best help them reestablish their lives and already seeing some successes.
3. Thirdly, we need to continue to provide shelters. There are over one million people without shelters and that represents 10% of the country’s population. While tents continue to be a huge need, we must be thinking about long term solutions. Hosean has been given 20 acres of land outside of Port au Prince that we are hoping to develop into a village with 150-200 family units. We will be bringing in a team of engineers that will do the planning, drawing, and everything necessary to build up to the highest codes to ensure we are well prepared for future disasters. We will put the proper infrastructure for sewage, water drainage, sanitation, and electricity. We will be calling upon many partners to accompany us in this great endeavor.
4. We will need to develop a long term solution for orphan care. As our family is getting ready to move into our new home, we will begin the renovation of the “Layton Stamper Children’s Home.” We already have four children from the destroyed areas in our care and have found a house mother for them. We are expecting 26 more that will be arriving and that will bring us to full capacity. We are praying for one or two groups of volunteers that would be willing to take on the renovation project to remodel the building, build new bunk beds, and re-do the wiring to make it a beautiful, safe and comfortable home.

In a meeting that I attended last week, someone said, “If we do not close the gap between emergency relief and recovery/rebuilding, we will have a lasting and even greater emergency.” It is not the time for lots of meetings, it is time for action. We can transform this nation and we need to do it now. Please contact me for any questions and please continue to pray for all of us!

Playing, more counseling and works of Art. . .

2010-03-04T22:26:00.002-05:00

Greetings from Haiti! It has been a busy week but we are going on one day at a time. Weather has been unseasonably cold here in the tropics and everyone is bundled up in hats and jackets for temperatures in the damp rain. Caleb has made two trips to the capital this week to distribute supplies and now again to make a return to the U.S. for some meetings and a speaking engagement at one of his alma mater’s , Washington Bible College.

These are the final days for the third team from Fellowship Bible Church-Memphis who’ve been busy playing and loving on the kids among other things. Pictures speak a thousand words:

Our second group of counselors from FAVACA has been a wonderful asset to our residents. Being able to speak with folks in their own language and continue the trauma counselors begun last week has been a help to get people to discuss what they’ve seen and experienced. One of the counselors today told me she was amazed at the art work the kids were producing, images of falling buildings, relief supply trucks with flat tires, even some of the death that they’ve observed. Hopefully, getting started relating all that has happened will promote the healing so needed. Please continue to pray for our residents.

School is going strong with 1,400 students in place. Overall the children continue to enjoy the structure of the school day. The only thing they tell me they like more are the videos the visitors are showing some nights. The biggest hit was “Nacho Libre”…go figure!

The last image I want to show you is of our friend, Roberto. You may remember him from a few updates ago, he has the little baby boy with deformed feet. He is a metal worker who Caleb decided to give the tools of his trade to get him restarted following the earthquake. He has been doing such a great job that he is already selling some of his products. We’re as excited as he is about this and are hoping this is the first success in many instances of micro-financing to get folks re-started in their fields. Let us know if you want to invest in people in need in this way!

Thanks for staying interested in what is going on!

Counselors and Volunteers

2010-02-26T20:12:00.000-05:00

Now that we are six weeks into the relief efforts, reality is setting in more and more for everyone. This week there are 386 people in residence at the camp. The numbers vary as some people come, stay for a few days and travel on, while others settle in for longer residence. Most of the children have settled into local schools, some without complete supplies as yet, but still the rhythm of life has started again for them. This week we’ve had two separate teams here who’ve worked flawlessly together to help meet the needs. The first group was sent by FAVACA (Florida Association for Volunteer Action) who responded to Caleb’s stated need for Creole speaking counselors. They sent down the first of several trained trauma counselors to begin working with the camp refugees regarding stress counseling and how to deal with all that has happened around them. This has been especially helpful to the children and teens who have seen unspeakable things and need help to deal with everything. They’ve been doing individual and group counseling sessions throughout the week. As they leave this coming week, they will be followed by a second group of Creole speaking counselors who can continue this beginning. How grateful we are to have these folks come and volunteer their time to spend and invest in the healing of our camp residents.

Also joining us this week is the second team from Fellowship Bible Church, Memphis, TN. Their fearless leaders, Soup Campbell (really!) and Sydney Payne are showing what a difference two retirees can make when they put their minds to it. They are leading this group to build shelters for the camp residents. They’ve also spent a lot of time cleaning up the camp and helping establish more structure. The team spent one day traveling overland to visit Port au Prince and see what all of us are facing and came away even more convinced to do all they can to help. Part of the team members are leaving tomorrow and a second group is coming to continue the work. We are grateful for all the ways they are reaching out to love on the folks here. Between helping the counselors in sessions and facilitating art therapy with the kids, to picking up trash and laying building foundations, playing some great soccer and basketball; their care is very evident to all. They’ve reminded us once again you don’t have to be specially trained to serve and love others! Thanks ya’ll!

Besides the starting of school, the day to day running of the camp is keeping our staff pretty busy. Imagine having 350 (on average) for each meal. I was told this was costing right at $400 daily for three meals a day. We are also going to continue food distribution to families in the area, especially those who have taken in the homeless. Caleb made two trips to Port au Prince this week to distribute more supplies and flew to Miami this weekend for some meetings. We all know this is going to be a long haul to help folks get resettled. Caleb is currently planning on several different outreaches to help folks get on their feet again. He is developing some exciting strategies and we should have them ready by early next week! While we are facing years of rebuilding homes and lives, it is encouraging to begin to see signs of healing. We appreciate your prayers!

Tents needed . . .and the level of destruction

2010-02-21T14:16:00.001-05:00

Things continue on in our location 90 miles north of the earthquake epicenter. As we expected, the population of refugees at Hosean’s camp facility has ballooned to over 350 settled in for long term residence. We have also settled some families at the apartments available at our school facility. Please be praying for these people as they adjust to life in the countryside and continue to grieve for all the losses they’ve experienced.

Tents continue to be a huge need throughout the country. All of the tents we had received have been distributed or set up. We’ve filled up the semi-finished structures we already had at the camp and have settled the most recent arrivals into tents as you can see. For the youngest, it is a fun thing to have a new home (see photo).

This morning Caleb spent some time with the main group leaders of the refugees discussing security and distribution issues. These folks need assistance with everything as they rebuild their lives. But as I watched the camp manager hand out laundry soap the other day and then the women head out to the river next door to do laundry, I thought the rhythms of life even in the small jobs are healing in themselves. Please be praying for Caleb and the leadership team as they seek the best ways to get people integrated into the community, all the children into schools, etc. The needs remain immense even in our relatively stable community. We have our third group of volunteers here this week from Fellowship Bible Church-Memphis, TN who are going to be helping with a variety of projects including putting up longer term shelters. As I look around our camp, I see so much need, but at least people have some mattresses, etc. It helped my perspective to read the following note from my good friend, Donna Adhemar, a Haitian-Canadian RN who’s been in Port au Prince the last week:

“The day before we left I had the chance to walk through one of the IDP (internally displaced people) camps that we had been to several time. Heart wrenching. We gave them what supplies we could. There were still so many without even tarps over them. Their 'homes' were about 2 by 3 meters. I visited one older lady's home. The floor was stony and I asked her where she slept. She pointed to a piece of cardboard - it was about 3 feet long and 1 foot wide. She said she puts that down at night to sleep on. So very many needs everywhere you turn. . .

The last night in Haiti it rained - no, it poured. I woke to the water getting into my tent, because I had left the flaps open for a breeze. My first thought, though, was not about how wet I was, but how much misery the people I had visited in that IDP camp were now going through. The next morning, I packed up and began the journey home. The next morning, they had to start cleaning up, but they had nowhere to go. I hope you will continue to pray with me that we don't forget these people in their misery that we will work and care and reach out a helping hand to lift them out of where they are and give them the chance to have hope and a future.

I received today another update from Rotary Past District Governor Dick McCombe who traveled to Port au Prince yesterday for high level meetings between Haitian government officials and members of the Haiti Task Force, including Caleb. Please understand this is a gentleman who has traveled extensively in and around Haiti prior to the earthquake. I found his descriptions and observations very telling as we try to understand what we are facing:

“After the distribution site we toured Port au Prince and Petion-Ville. I can only tell you that I felt my expectation of what I would see was based on my experience in Haiti and a very informed understanding of what the infrastructure was pre earthquake and how desperate the situation was pre earthquake. I must tell you that I was shocked beyond words at the destruction and magnitude of the disaster. While I expected to see thousands of crumbled buildings and the devastation I had no idea it could be so bad.
As we drove block after block, we saw either all or every couple of buildings imploded. It pained me to know that in most of them there could have been anywhere from 1 to 50 or 60 dead people still in the rubble never to be found, claimed or even buried. Besides the imploded buildings, fallen walls, cracked and broken structures, the entire infrastructure was also laying on the ground pushed to the side. Things like power lines, phone lines and water lines. This was amplified by the sewerage and water running down the streets carrying the garbage and loose possessions.

As a quick perspective I was told the following. 15% of the country is now homeless, additionally 10% are displaced. I was also told that they have estimated that if they take 1000 loads of rubble per day from the streets, it will take a full 2 years to remove all the destruction.”

I can only say that it is a good thing the Haitian people are used to struggles and suffering; because the work ahead for all of us is almost beyond comprehension. As a Christian, I take comfort in the fact that I serve a God who sees and knows what we are facing as well.

Dates for volunteers. . .

2010-02-18T21:06:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Haiti! Caleb and family returned back to Pignon from a long weekend in the Dominican Republic last night. It was nice to get away from the constant running and stress of decision making for a few days. The first night we all fell asleep at 8 PM and didn’t wake up until 8 AM. All in all, it was good to get away. As we anticipated though, there were a lot of demands awaiting us upon our return. Even while we were away, we heard the refugee population at the camp had more than doubled. There are now more than 350 residents living full time at the camp. Most arrived through contacts in Port au Prince. One thing we are seeing is that the later arrivals are sicker due to longer exposure to the unhealthy conditions where they were. I’m going out tomorrow (I’m an R.N. for those who don’t know) to see what assessments can be made and sending those who need further care to our local hospital.

There are two things we wanted to share with you; one was an image of the city streets on Friday as we left for our break. Friday had been designated as a day of national mourning and area pastors had chosen my brother-in-law’s church, Jerusalem Baptist to be the meeting place. Pastor Jephthe Lucien later told me there were over 5,000 in attendance. This was an encouragement to see people gathering to begin to express the tremendous grief we all feel. While walking is the usual mode of transportation in our area, I’d never seen this many out walking to church. Notice that several of the people were carrying their own chairs to make sure they could sit down. We are hoping and praying that this will be the beginning of a time of healing for the nation as a whole.

Finally, as promised, Caleb has developed a schedule of dates that are open for volunteers to come and help. See the list of suggested dates below:
March 22-March 30th
April 10th- 17th
April 19th-26th
April 27th- May 3rd
May 12th-19th
May 21st-28th
June 1st-8th
June 10th-20th
August 2nd-9th
And then the whole month of August is open

Projects that are needed range from building a new sanitary facility , finishing a computer lab at the school, renovation of the children's home( plumbing, electricity, painting, building bunk beds, & a playground in the yard), building new school desks, building a playground at the school, and finishing dorms at the camp. Other activities needed would be coordinating activities among the camp’s children (a game day, relay races, etc.) and things to encourage the adults, an English as a foreign language class is regularly requested, etc. Please be creative as you examine your team’s gifting and see how you can encourage those here. All of these projects will facilitate providing the best possible living conditions to the folks relocated from the earthquake. If a group in your community wants to come, please fill out the application forms on our website and have your leader contact our stateside office or shoot us an e-mail. (anna@hosean.org ). Once you get scheduled with our office and with Caleb’s approval of a project best suited to your group, we’ll send you the information you need to plan.

Finally, Caleb is planning long term projects with contacts in Port au Prince including the possibility of building a low cost housing facility near Port au Prince as well as rebuilding some churches and schools that were destroyed. As these opportunities firm up, we’ll let you know.

We are energized and ready to move forward in the coming weeks and months. Please continue to pray as we step out to help those around us.

Busy days and good news . . .

2010-02-11T18:38:00.000-05:00

Today was busy but a fun day. Started off by calling the medical director at the local hospital to ask when he could see a potential orthopedic patient. I’d discussed this case earlier with him, a 2 year old boy who had been in the earthquake in Port au Prince who was now staying at our camp. American doctors had evaluated him in Cap Haitien and sent him to our community hoping that he could get further care of malformed feet (club feet) he was born with. After spending the last few days at the camp, we were able to get him in for evaluation to find good news. He doesn’t need surgery! All little Kenson needs is to have orthopedic casts applied and re-applied weekly over the next few months.

Along with physical therapy for his weakened knees, the doctors think he should make a good recovery. This is the same situation I described earlier in the week. After spending a few days at the camp, the 25 year old single father, Roberto is no longer exhausted. He had previously been eking out a living as a metalworker making artistic designs in old metal drums. Of course, since the earthquake, his home was lost, as well as all material possessions including his trade tools. Roberto had been just wandering trying to find his son the care that he needed and in shock after the earthquake. After a quick evaluation and placement of the casts this morning, we arranged appointments for little Kenson three times a week for physical therapy and placement of new casts every Wednesday. Caleb is willing to give the father financial help to start his work here in the community. As Roberto doesn’t have any family elsewhere, he is excited to be able to start over in a place where his son can get the care he needs and he can also practice his trade. Caleb told him after six months we’ll evaluate and see what options exist. What I would encourage you to see from this is how up in the air all the refugees’ lives are right now. One other note, the local hospital (www.promiseforhaiti.org) is giving all of this care to Kenson for free. So if you’d like to help them as they care for those in need, please give. They are providing free care to all patients injured in the earthquake and need help offsetting these expenses. I would encourage you to help them.

Caleb is returning from yesterday’s trip to Port au Prince this evening. He spent the last day there distributing donated medical supplies to three clinics and two hospitals. Also, he purchased $15,000 worth of food supplies to be distributed through 10 different contacts within the city. He is working with people he already knew who are still in a position to distribute food securely. Next week, we are getting a large shipment to our community to distribute to families in need up here (especially those housing refugees). Pictured is Caleb with several solar powered portable sun ovens donated by members of Rotary International. They will be distributed in the next ten days throughout the city of Port au Prince to help folks to be able to cook. (a very practical help!)

Finally, one last image for today, we had a great friend fly in on a relief flight today, traveling eight hours round trip on a cargo plane to spend one hour on the ground to see us! Rich Leland, pastor of Summer Street Church of Nantucket, MA has been a friend and great help in recent years. After he arrived in our town at 12:45 P.M., we quickly visited our school campus across the street from the airport. As school is usually over by this time, we were barely able to catch the last busload of students leaving. However, it was a group he especially wanted to meet, the students now living at Camp de la Grace who are now attending our ministry school. While this is only a portion of the 300 kids the school has enrolled from Port au Prince, these are also the kids we’re providing with lodging and three meals every day. Rich told them he was honored to be able to meet them and that he and their church had been praying for all of them and their families. We want the folks staying with us to know that many people care for them and wanting to help. Please know how grateful we are for all of you as we seek to provide the best possible care to these folks as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Snapshots. . . .

2010-02-09T13:46:00.002-05:00

As we try to gear down from the critical relief efforts to more long term strategies, I think our lives right now are best illustrated by snapshot views of opportunities we have to help. Caleb continues to be amazed by the sheer volume of phone calls he gets daily requesting help. He wonders, “How did they get my number?” In reality though, he is glad to hear of ways to intercede.

A day or so ago, he remembered an acquaintance who lives in Port au Prince who had given about $6,000 worth of books to the ministry school last year. He hadn’t heard anything about her and asked a friend in the capital to stop by and check on her. Caleb found out that this 65 year old woman was living under a sheet in her courtyard, her house destroyed and without any food. He quickly made arrangements to get a tent sent to her and asked his friend to take her to a market so she could get some food. Hosean Int’l purchased a food supply for several weeks and got her back home and put up the tent. This woman was touched and remarked to our delivery person, “I can’t believe he would remember me.”

Yesterday morning after working through home school lessons with my daughters, I made my way down to the cybercafé to try and catch up on messages. After I gotten a generator going and sat down in the dusty room, someone came in and said there was someone asking for my husband. Caleb was out of town so I told him to come in and I’d take a message. A soft spoken, tired looking 25 year old man came in and handed me a piece of paper. On it was written a medical consult for a 2 year old boy who the man said was his son. Eventually the whole story came out. The man is a single father who had been living in Port au Prince. His son had been born with club feet and been fitted with a splint but he hadn’t been able to get any other medical care for him. Then, the earthquake came and demolished their home. He and the boy escaped, but the boy had something fall on his legs injuring them further. In the days following the quake, the father made his way to the northern state capital of Cap Haitien. He found initial care for his son with some American volunteer doctors who were caring for people in a school gymnasium. The volunteer doctors were friends of Caleb’s. He had found out there were orthopedic surgeons coming in and out of our local hospital and told them if there were patients needing follow up, to send them up and we’d see what we could do to help. Thus, the man appeared asking for Caleb. His son was already admitted to the hospital and finishing evaluation for repair of his injuries and club foot repair. Ultimately, I think the outlook for the boy will be good, as he will be able to get the medical attention he needs. The father is exhausted and doesn’t really know what to do. I knew he had his immediate needs met: shelter and food. Between our ministry and the hospital, all inpatients are receiving two meals a day. I sent him several changes of clothing as he vocalized that need and he came by this morning to tell me thanks.

I don’t know what is going to happen completely yet. I told him Caleb would be back in town today and we’d come together and discuss how we can help. If the father wants to stay, I think we can provide for him at the camp. If he does not for some reason, an option exists at a close friend’s orphanage in town which often takes in children with medical needs with the plan of reuniting them with their families. Please be praying for this situation that we can find the best way to help both the father and the boy.

One final story from yesterday, as dusk was approaching; I was hanging some washed clothes on the line. I saw a man walking up the hill with the help of a walker. Since it’s quite a walk to get up the stairs in this old guesthouse, I told him to wait and I’d come down to him. Again, a fatigued young man, this time with obvious injuries to his feet. One foot was wrapped in gauze in a new dressing. The other foot showed newly healed wounds from having three toes amputated. The story was similar. He and his family had survived the earthquake and come north to receive help. He initially got to Cap Haitien where he met the same doctors who referred them to our community. He’d already been to the community hospital and had his foot redressed. He had in hand the medications (antibiotics) prescribed. He told me his wife and four children were in Cap Haitien still and he’d come to receive medical care and any help he could find. He hadn’t eaten all day after traveling 8 hours on the back of a pickup truck to arrive in our community. I got him some of our leftover lunch (rice and vegetables with goat). He immediately perked up while I made some phone calls. Eventually I found a car that was not already being used and got him a ride to our camp. I made sure he was set for the night and told him once Caleb returned the next day we could figure what more could be offered to help him. I let him borrow my phone to call his family in the city and tell them he’d safely arrived. All in all, he was happily settled for the night. Tomorrow is a new day and we’ll see what it brings and what help we can offer.

I hope this wasn’t boring to anyone, but I just wanted to give you an idea of what all of us living and working in Haiti now are seeing on a daily basis. Friends who have worked in the tsunami disasters and the like, continue to tell us in the months to come we’ll have more and more people relocating and seeking help. Many people are still clinging to existence in the capital city, not yet understanding the long term rebuilding that will be necessary. I don’t blame them, I still can’t wrap my mind around it all either. We’ll just all keep doing everything we can one day at a time.

One final note, school did reopen yesterday, our new enrollment including refugee kids is: 1,200 students. There were some enthusiastic kids on the bus yesterday. Until we get uniforms for everyone, the administration told the kids to wear regular clothing, to help the displaced kids integrate more easily. The kids all think its great fun to wear street clothes. Our administrative staff has been wonderful working out all the details. Please continue to pray for all of us!

4 tons of supplies and medical evaluations

2010-02-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Haiti! The last few days continue in the rhythm of receiving supplies, securely storing them and categorizing them: medical supplies, tents and tarps, clothing and food. Today we received an entire DC-3 load (more than 4 tons) of supplies. The flight was funded by friends in Minnesota and flown by Missionary Flights International (http://www.missionaryflights.org/)

Once we get them categorized, they are delivered to various points throughout the country. The medical supplies are being distributed in consultation with the Haitian national designee for medical relief. The clothing and food are also being distributed rapidly primarily to Port au Prince.

The photo above, right is of an Assembly of God pastor whose church was destroyed, he is taking clothing and shoes back to the surviving members of his congregation. What is exciting to us is that these supplies are being rapidly distributed in the ongoing efforts.

One more important outreach right now is getting displaced children back in school. Every school in our community has been closed for the past month. Caleb led the way announcing tuition free education for these students. As of today, there are 386 new students enrolled. To provide for these students it is going to cost the following: ongoing costs: Increase in salary per month for new teachers $4000 USD each month, feeding at the school is going to cost $600/day for ALL 1,300 students. Onetime costs: books for 400 students $12,000, Uniforms for 400 students (2 sets/student) $24,000.
You can tell the needs are going to be extensive in the coming months. Please be praying for us and/or let us know if you’d like to help.

Here is a view of families arriving to register their children for school on Monday:

The other thing happening right now is that we are having all of our new camp residents evaluated by a medical team volunteering from Miami. Led by a Haitian-American physician, Dr. Dorvil, this team is checking all of our current 105 residents. Once evaluated, they are being referred as needed to our local hospital to establish follow up for chronic conditions. They are also starting all the residents on some donated vitamins to build up their defenses. We really appreciate their sensitive evaluation and the time spent listening and caring. They saw 33 patients today and will see all the rest before their departure on Tuesday.

The children staying at the camp are excited about starting school soon. Today I finally had the chance to bring them some coloring books and crayons sent in by donors. The simplest things can bring great smiles and joy.

Please continue praying for all of us. Pray that we can help all within our reach.

Posturing and don't tire of doing good . . . .

2010-02-02T15:08:00.000-05:00

Just like the other media, I’ve been writing less but for different reasons. Most of the news crews are rapidly departing Haiti as interest dwindles while those of us that live here are getting even busier. I suppose that is as it should be. The posturing of some people and organizations has started as everyone wants to appear to be making the best use of the donation dollar they’ve received. By and large, everyone has good intentions, but most foreigners don’t want to hear that they cannot make the most efficient use of resources, and few of them really work to create equal partnerships with nationals. I’ll repeat here what I tell everyone who asks me: Don’t tire of doing good (see 2 Thess. 3: 13), but invest as wisely as possible in organizations and people you know. Ultimately, one can remember that there is a God in charge who cares and sees; He will make it all work out in the end. At least, that is what gives me peace.

What is going on here? Developing the camp to receive more and more folks as well as building structure to help all the refugees around us. Caleb also continues to coordinate receiving supplies from donors worldwide and getting them all over Haiti. (Yes, that really is Caleb pictured below, he actually was standing still long enough to photograph-smile)

Today he was facilitating the visit of a former military hospital administrator/aid worker/physician who is working to help hospital administrators nationwide determine their greatest needs for the coming year. Caleb had accompanied him to the hospitals in the north (Cap Haitien, Milot) and was getting him to Port de Paix this afternoon. This fellow Rotarian from Grand Cayman is volunteering his time as well. It is encouraging to meet so many with varied skills offering of themselves.

Today we have a total of 105 people settled in for long term residence at Camp de la Grace. Most are in family units and continue to express their gratitude for finding a refuge. This past Sunday morning, Caleb went through all the boxes of clothing & shoes we had available so that all those who wanted to would feel comfortable attending church. Everyone got a ride into the town square to attend the denomination of their choice. Caleb feels it is very important to get them integrated into the community. Another way this will happen is with the reopening of schools.

This past Sunday morning was another emotional one for all of us. Caleb shared at his Dad’s church of what he had seen thus far on the trips into Port au Prince. Then he prayed for all of us as we move forward. A full one third of attendees that morning had been in Port au Prince during the earthquake. One announcement that was met with applause was Caleb’s sharing that school would open next Monday on Feb. 8th. This date has been set by the Haitian gov’t as well. In particular, he announced city wide that any student who was displaced by the earthquake destruction would be eligible for enrollment tuition free at our ministry school. Everyone who is advising us has confirmed that this is an important step forward to provide normalcy and healing. We’ve already taken the names of all the students staying at the camp and I just heard that as of today, there are two hundred and thirty refugee children signed up to start on Monday. Please be praying for all of us as we get this going. Francesca, pictured below in her mom’s lap, is excited to be able to go back to kindergarten. Today I found a group of young boys cutting each other’s hair to prepare for school- they were glad to have some upcoming activities.

We want you to know that we continue to anticipate more and more opportunities to help in the coming months and we are preparing a schedule for volunteers/groups to come and help. The list will be available by mid-February and we will need folks who are willing to serve, especially build school desks and expand classrooms to welcome these kids. Other projects such as building long term shelters and rebuilding some schools in Port au Prince are in the planning stages. Again, please do not grow tired of praying or providing help. We are doing everything in our power to make sure it’s getting to those in need.

Stories from the Camp . . .

2010-01-29T17:50:00.000-05:00

No-no or Nouslav was enjoying the late afternoon light in her neighborhood of Laplin in Port au Prince two weeks ago. She is a housewife and her husband works as a mechanic. She and her four teenage children were sitting in the front yard of their small, two story house when the world turned upside down. Their home was demolished before their eyes in the first 30 second quake. After No-no caught her breath she began walking down their neighborhood street in disbelief. Every 30 yards she covered there were dead bodies lying on the ground. After she returned to their home, now a spot on the street where her family was sleeping, all she could do was gather the children around her and thank God they were still alive. She says, “God allowed me to live, and now I’ve at least found a place to stay.” She arrived in our community on an early evacuation run, and is staying at Camp de la Grace. (Pictured here are No-no and her 16 year old son.)

Suzette makes a living as a cake-maker, specializing in wedding cakes. She looks younger than her 50 years. I teased her that she had less white hair than I do. Like so many others, in the initial moments after the earthquake, Suzette found her house uninhabitable. The first three days were the worst, she said because there was no food to be found. On the fourth day, a neighbor brought some food and shared with them. Even worse, her three teenage daughters were quickly becoming at risk for rape while so many were sleeping unprotected outside. Realizing the situation was deteriorating she took her four children ranging in age from 10-25 and left Port au Prince. Her husband stayed behind thinking he could still find some work. She had family in our community but they really didn’t have space for her, so she has moved out to Camp de la Grace as well. Suzette relates, “I had felt a lot of stress before arriving, headaches and my blood pressure was up.” She says the environment at the camp is much better and is helping her relax. I found her laughing at her children playing a relay race conducted by our volunteers. Smiling, Suzette says, “God has taken care of us. I know he’ll continue to care for us. She shared with me that now many people are embracing God and coming closer to God. “God has shown us who he is, God, the master of the earth.”

This is just two of the stories of families displaced in the current tragedy. They realize how fortunate they are to have found a way out to some security. They are grateful they are alive, and while still in shock, are appreciating the simple things for the present. As the days go on, we are planning on ways to encourage all those with us. Camp residents were excited to hear that I was considering launching an English class for them and also that school may reopen soon in our community. While it may be crowded, at least for the students that sense of normalcy can return. So day by day, we go on.

Meanwhile, things haven’t slowed down much for Caleb, but he is content that he sees progress being made. Yesterday he was in Port au Prince working away. One item of business was to stop by and pay for a charter flight at the smaller airport. As he entered the building, he spoke to a policeman he always greets. Caleb said, “Man, I’m glad to see you, that you’re alive!” (That is a common greeting in Haiti these days). To Caleb’s surprise, this middle aged man began to cry. As he stopped to talk to him, the officer told him that all he had left in the world was the uniform on his back. So he just keeps coming to work, because there’s nothing else left. Caleb encouraged him with some practical help but had to keep going. These are the daily needs all around us. Caleb received 150 phone calls/messages between 6-8 A.M. yesterday with people asking for help. Where do you start?

Today Caleb was working at arranging pick up and transport for a container of donated tents and relief supplies from the sea port of Cap Haitien 40 miles to our north. While he was doing that, I met Missionary Flights (www.missionaryflights.org) on their second day in a row flying relief supplies into our inland town. We received 1,200 lbs. of food items this afternoon for immediate distribution. Some may stay at the camp, but we’ll also be coordinating with needs of those throughout the country.

Please continue praying for safety, ease of getting supplies moving, and that supply lines would stay open. This is critically important. We appreciate all of you who take the time to read these updates!

Big tents and big smiles

2010-01-27T17:54:00.002-05:00

The last few days have been encouraging for us as we are beginning to see more of a rhythm develop to our days and more distinct structure put in place for long term outreach. Now that we’ve found dependable sources of food & fuel we can open up Hosean’s Camp de la Grace (Camp of Grace) to increasing numbers. To the left, you see our volunteers putting up family sized tents donated from Caribbean Rotary Clubs (District 7020). Before I left today there were 10 up and ready besides our cement block buildings which normally accommodate 500 in a camp setting. Our volunteers from Fellowship Bible Church-Memphis taught camp staff how to get the tents pitched to withstand winds and rain.

Caleb, along with several other national Rotary leaders, hosted a meeting with our district leadership team to strategize how best to extend relief efforts.

We currently have 45 long term residents at the camp facility. Others have come and gone as they traveled through to get to their destinations. Caleb expects 19 more long term residents this evening. Each day they are provided with three meals, electricity to recharge cell phones for a few hours, and there is a river next door for bathing. Caleb is already anticipating needs for outdoor showers, more outhouses, etc. Perhaps these will be projects for future teams volunteering.

I spent some time today talking with some of the refugees, asking them if they minded sharing their stories with all of you. One young man I recognized immediately as he was one of our former sponsored students and was valedictorian of his class when he graduated last year. Junior Vanel Bernard is now 23 and had started university studies in Port au Prince this fall with engineering major. He had rented a house with six other students and had enjoyed his first semester. When the earthquake hit, he was outside of his school which was heavily damaged. He made his way home around roadblocks all around from crumbled buildings. He returned to his rental home to find it as the only building standing on the block, but was too afraid to enter due to aftershocks. He states, “I was shocked at the gravity of the situation. People lost everything!” His best friend lived across the street from him, and Junior was told he had been in the house, now crumbled to the ground. He began to dig with his hands through the rubble to try and find him. Others joined in the search and they eventually found two bodies. Sadly, he never found his friend. Junior joined everyone else sleeping in the streets. After two days he found a local pastor, Levy, who had come to search for his nephew. He was able to get a ride back to his hometown (our community of Pignon) with him. Junior and two of his aunts and several cousins are now residents at Camp de la Grace.
The other young man I spoke with today is named Gulderne Dessalines. He was more reserved, and more withdrawn but eager to share with you what had happened to him. He is 24 years old and was getting ready to start this month to study Agriculture sciences/Agronomy at one of the Universities in Port au Prince. He lived near Junior and his home was demolished. He told me he had been in the process of taking a nap and had just finished bathing. When he felt the earthquake start, he quickly ran outside wearing only his boxers. “I didn’t even have a sheet to cover myself,” he shared with me. Over the next few days, he managed to find a pair of pants and a few bits of clothing. Neither of these two young men found anything to eat for several days. When I asked them what they thought were the greatest needs, they quickly told me, “People need a place to sleep, they need food, and we need to have school.” I asked Gulderne if he didn’t need some more clothes since he escaped with just his boxers, and he shyly smiled and said, “Yes, that would be good, too.”
Rhythms of life are re-forming. We are working to begin to put some semblance of order and hopefully healing for those around us. Caleb met with his teaching staff yesterday to begin to plan how we could re-open our ministry school. Normally we have 900 students attending classes until 1 P.M. With our current facilities and support now in for relief, we are hoping to re-open with afternoon classes as well, effectively doubling our student body. We want to offer all those students affected by the earthquake who have re-located to our area, the opportunity to have this small sense of normalcy. The teachers and staff here are ready to take on the challenge, hopefully within the next month.

Our volunteers here this week have been having some activities for the children now at the camp. As odd as it may seem, this has been a huge encouragement not only for the kids, but their caregivers and families as well. Simple use of left-over teaching supplies, have been used to bring some much needed smiles. The mothers here at the camp told me they were really grateful to have some activities to engage their children. Today they were making crowns and learning how they are all children of the King. Please continue to pray for those around us, pray that Hosean’s facilities can become a place of refuge and healing for those affected by the earthquake. I also spoke with two mothers who shared their experiences with me. (but that story will have to wait for tomorrow!-what a tease, right?)

Please encourage those around you that care is being provided, and very slowly but surely, healing has begun.

Some of Caleb's words and his father's comfort

2010-01-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

From Caleb:

     Dear Friends, I hope you understand! I have not had the time to read e-mails and answer them. All my friends knew that Debbie was a saint for marrying me. But let me tell you something-she is a super wonderful wife, friend, mom, & co-worker. She has sustained me these past days and helped things to happen. First of all, I am fine. To all my “mothers”, Yes, I am taking care of myself and I am drinking a lot of water and at least one meal a day. Second, I am grateful to all of you and am amazed at how wonderful you all are. You’ve sent so many encouraging notes. Debbie has ready many of them to me over the phone. Thanks to all of my former classmates who have contacted me.
     My Rotarian contacts, especially Past District Governor Dick & Carla McCombe have been wonderful as has all their team in Nassau, Bahamas. Thanks to all of the workers in Cap Haitien & Pignon airports who have worked so hard unloading relief plane cargo and getting them immediately on the trucks. Thanks to all the pilots who have volunteered their aircraft and time. Their servant hearts are beyond belief.
     We are standing in the gap-we are being your hands and feet. God is using us mightily to make a difference. We are having the opportunity to distribute medicine, food, shelters, clothing, food and water. We are helping many, many with cash assistance so they can reach their destination and get to a safe place. We are feeding people at the Camp facility and for the next two weeks providing a daily hot meal to all the in-patients at our local hospital. People are continuing to call day and night in desperation. Hospitals are calling for supplies, food and water. We are doing everything possible to answer the call.
     Please, please remember the crisis is not going to be over in one month or two or six- it is going to be going on for a long time. I tell those who want to come to the camp, come for a week, one month, six months or as long as the need exists, just come. We will be faith provide you with three meals a day.
     Needs: medicine, anesthesia, orthopedic supplies, antibiotics, pain killers, IV tubing. There are so many rib fractures, should fractures, head injuries. So you medical people please send the appropriate items if possible. We have been able to respond very quickly, Contact my friend, Dick McCombe regarding shipping supplies. If there is a way, he will find it. Or you can ship things if you are in the states via Missionary Flights International (www.missionaryflights.org) They are standing in the gap. For cash donations, contact our office or our stateside coordinator at anna@hosean.org . Please continue to pray for us for safety, our motto is to help others find what they need so that Jesus can be glorified. If you send the items, we’ll take and give it away, right away. For His sake, Caleb
From Debbie:

     My father in law, Sidoine Lucien, was just here in the cyber café visiting with me. He was stateside when the earthquake hit Haiti and was sharing with me some interesting things. Everyone who knows him considers him one of the godliest men they’ve ever met. He has been a pastor here in Haiti for over 50 years. Now at the age of 77, he remains vigorous and as active as a man half his age. He told me that last month in early December he spent one night with unusual dreams and had great difficulty going to sleep. He finally got up, drank some water and pulled out his Bible and prayed for a while. He asked God to tell him why he couldn’t sleep. He just shared with me that “God told me many things” but very specifically God gave him a promise that in times to come, God was going to protect all of his family from destruction. At the time, Sidoine had no real sense of what was going to happen, of course. But a few weeks later, when he was in Florida visiting some of his children, he immediately remembered upon news of the earthquake. Like most families with loved ones in Haiti, he spent several days with no news of us. He immediately thought of Caleb, who frequents the Hotel Montana which was reported early on as destroyed. Once he heard Caleb was okay, he waited for news on his others sons and daughter who live and work in Haiti. ALL OF THEM, all of his grandchildren, are without injury or structural loss. When Caleb first returned from the quake, he told me that families who only had one death would be praising God. I just looked at my father-in-law and said, “And look, God not only saved all your family, he’s using them to save countless others now.” We are both amazed at God’s goodness at the privilege of serving Him.
     Real quick, activities today include a rush trip to Port au Prince for Caleb to attend a meeting with UNICEF staffers to see what can be done for all the displaced children now in the capital. He plans to come back to Pignon tonight. He left most of the volunteers and our staff workers here to receive relief flights, and deliver meals to the hospital patients and staff today. Two of our guys from Memphis who have worked with kid’s outreaches in the past stayed at the camp to organize activities for the dozen or so children already there. Please continue to pray for safety, that supply lines would broadly open, and wisdom.

Great is Thy Faithfulness. . .a poem by a friend just here

2010-01-23T14:49:00.001-05:00

I was in a small town outside of Port au Prince during the recent earthquake. Though the ground was shaking, I felt the palpable faith of the Haitian people. I heard them wail in the streets as they grieved the deaths of family and friends. I watched them walk into town lonely, lost and hungry. I saw people who were starving share their food with strangers. Through it all I heard them praise God and depend on his personal presence in their lives. We sang the song Great is thy faithfulness (the lyrics appear in bold letters below) together on the morning that we were evacuated from the city. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live.
Connie Peterson, Ph.D., Nursing Faculty, Concordia College, Minnesota

Fanmi nan Kris (“Family in Christ”)

Great is Thy faithfulness

I see Your face in their trusting eyes and white tooth grins…
They are starving…..Jesus can you see them?
I hear Your joy in their lilting voices…
They are hurting….Jesus can you hear them?
I sense Your love in their gracious hearts and humble service…
They are dying….Jesus can you feel them?
I feel your hands in their work worn fingers and giving spirits…..
They are lonely….Jesus can you touch them?

Great is Thy faithfulness

I feel their faith in Your mercy and covenant…
Jesus they are thankful.
I feel their passion when they praise Your name…
Jesus they are faithful.
I feel their trust in their treasure in heaven…
Jesus they are waiting.

All that I needeth Thy hand hath provideth

Yeah though they walk through the valley of the shadow of death
they fear no evil, for Thou art with them.
Thy rod and Thy staff comfort them….
And they shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever
Great is thy faithfulness

Jesus loves them this I know.

Flexibility in action .....

2010-01-23T14:40:00.001-05:00

     What day is it? I had to really think hard about that a second ago. This will be just a quick note but I wanted to pass along how encouraged Caleb and I both felt to have some very selfless volunteers arrive yesterday, willing to do anything. At present, we have a group of four men who had previously provided post-Tsunami aid in Indonesia arrive from Memphis Fellowship Bible Church as well as some Haitian-American nurses arrive from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Also, two volunteers from King’s Ransom Foundation came to help. Caleb arrived with the last group around 10 P.M. from the Dominican border last night and left at 5 A.M. to go and hold a funeral service in Port au Prince for a close friend. He plans to return to our community later today. Tomorrow he is helping to host some international Rotarian leadership personnel to plan next stages and donations priorities.

     Yesterday after receiving several relief flights into our local airport, I came back to check e-mail once more before going home. A few days ago one contact had asked me if I could help house some volunteers en route to Port au Prince if necessary. I had responded, sure, just let us know. The message came through Friday at 4 P.M. or so that they were fine and they’d found a flight to Port au Prince. I packed up my laptop and was walking down the dust blowing streets when I received a call. “Debbie, do you know someone from such and such a mission”. Turns out they were dropped off at our grass strip airport after all! No problem, after finding our truck which was out delivering water, I picked up three really wonderful folks who didn’t quite know where they were. I got them settled at our camp facility for the night and they had already made arrangements to fly with Mission Aviation Fellowship (www.maf.org) to Port au Prince tomorrow. It was so comical to me that I’d just received a message saying they were taken care of. The reason I share that story with you is to illustrate again how fluid the situation is here and how important it is for volunteers who consider coming to: a)remain very flexible, b) make sure they have functioning contacts on the ground. Again, please be patient as all the organizations here in Haiti struggle to manage the needs and best utilize all the resources coming in.

     Three of our volunteers today were willing to go and spend the day at the airport with our staff to help receive potential (?) air drop flights. I’d heard there would be 4 flights coming throughout the day from either the Dominican Republic & the Bahamas. Since we didn’t know the times and phone service here is non-existent at times, this means these guys are staying there all day, busy unloading boxes some times, waiting for an hour or so at others. That is flexibility in action. I thank God they are willing to help fulfill that need. Our other volunteers currently are working at packing up rice for distribution.

These two gals pictured are nurses from Miami, FL. Please note, they are willing to do anything, because at present, the nurses at our local hospital have the situation under control. So they are pitching in as needed. As more and more people enter the provinces (country-side) looking for help, we are setting up food distribution plans. Of course, those coming to the camp will be fed. Those that have families/friends in the area would rather stay with them, which makes sense. Even though they are very crowded in small homes, it is comforting being with those you know. However, these families don’t have the means to feed 12 extra people daily. Rather than have people line up, we know from experience, it is best delivered house by house. So today we asked our volunteers to help by sacking up rice and sugar we’d already purchased and stored here in town. Once Caleb arrives back, we’ll start delivery to those in the community.

The cute 3 year old pictured is my nephew, Abdel Lucien, a pastor’s son who is observing the food bags prepared for distribution.

Please know we share everyone’s sense of “we wish we could do more” but if each of us does what we can, we can change the world around us. Thanks for your prayers, thanks for helping us do what we can.

Haiti's future, one theologian's thoughts

2010-01-23T12:48:00.000-05:00

From our good friend, Russ Ogden, Ph.D.: But what of the Haitian's future? Their national government is shattered. Refugees have no homes and no way of getting homes. They have no jobs and there are no paying jobs to be had. They have no change of clothing, no food, no water. They are totally dependent upon others to sustain them. There is no apparent way out of this condition and no end of it in sight. The number of Hatian survivors in Port au Prince is approximately the same as the number of Israeli Moses led out of Egypt. God sustained Israel forty years on manna from heaven and water from a rock. It is possible that God could sustain Haitians the same way, but I don't expect him to do this. I think He will let nature take its course, which means he will expect his people who have abundance to share that abundance with those who have only needs. His love and grace will be seen in Christian charity which has always accompanied the effective spreading of the gospel.

Guilt, among other things

2010-01-22T12:31:00.000-05:00

There's been so much going on and so much on all of our minds. This morning I spent an hour trying to reach via cell phone my husband to find out if 4 plane loads of supplies were going to land as previously planned. Finally heard that, no, they weren't coming but a flight bringing some medical volunteers were coming in at 1:30. Switched gears, relayed the messages I was given and went back home to have some coffee.
I sat at breakfast with my two houseguests. They are a husband and wife (dentist and RN) who shared their experiences and guilt in leaving Port au Prince. They shared with me the issue wasn't so much a lack of staffing but supplies. I tried to encourage them that we all have things we can do, just maybe not in Port right now. I'm a Kreyol speaking R.N. as well and have wondered whether I should run down there; but have felt I needed to stay put and do what ONLY I could do. Which at this point is to stay put, communicate for my husband and HIM staff and mother my daughters.
I want our friends around the world to know that they aren't the only ones feeling frustrated with the images they see on CNN. We're frustrated as well, but we're moving on. Maybe we're used to always having a certain level of frustration here, but we go on and do what is before us. My favorite author, Elisabeth Elliot, once wrote something like, even in the midst of tragedy and you don't know what to do, just do the next thing (the obvious). I'm comforted myself with that as I've continued hanging up clothes on the line and other mundane things. I know who is still in control. We can trust Him.

List of needed supplies & how to get them here....

2010-01-22T11:41:00.000-05:00

Sorry for not getting out an update yesterday. We were all too busy and/or too tired to compose much. Caleb arrived back from a trip to Port au Prince at 1:30 A.M. Thursday morning. The school bus carrying supplies also returned with some refugees earlier. We now have some houseguests who are sharing many stories of heartbreak as well as miraculous provisions.

After making some logistical decisions and sending out supplies, Caleb made sure our camp staff knew what to do to finish getting the camp ready. We have a dozen people there now with more coming daily. What is happening is more and more people are arriving in town. Those that have family and space would rather stay with their relatives for now. However, they lack the supplies to feed all these folks. We’re putting in place ways to distribute food we’ve purchased to families in need through local churches as well as our ministry office. Caleb just told me he expects 60 more people at the camp tonight for long term residence. While the numbers of people are small today, it’s wiser to open slowly so we can really provide the care people need.

Thursday afternoon, Caleb then drove to Cap Haitien, Haiti’s second largest city 40 miles to the north for meetings last night and then drove this morning to Ouanaminthe, Haiti’s northern border town to pick up several volunteers. We are beginning to allow some folks to come who have specific skill sets (medical) and experience working with refugees. Our friends arriving from Fellowship Bible Church Memphis previously provided aid to Tsunami victims in Indonesia so we’re asking them to help us with logistics at the camp. IF anyone feels they’d like to volunteer in future months, you may submit an application (available online at our website) to our stateside office. Please be aware we are cautiously only asking those we know we can utilize and please be patient. We will notify you if we can use you, thanks in advance for even considering serving, and please be patient with us as we prayerfully consider the needs here. Many well intentioned folks, rushing to help here, are finding themselves frustrated, so please bear with us as we work to best utilize you!

In terms of supplies needed at present, here is a list of medical supplies that are needed throughout the country:

Most important:

Beds & mattresses

Anti-tetanus serum (SAT)

Anesthesia

Gauze roll (non sterile)

Antibiotics: (oral or Inject)

Ceftriaxon

Ampicillin

Gentamycin

Analgesics

Anti-inflammatories

Injection water 10 ml

Oxygen tube (for operating room)

IV catheters 18, 20, 24

Ringer's Lactate IV solution

HIV tests

Plaster

Cotton rolls

Next Priority:

Lidocaine 2%

Regular Insulin

Insulin NPH

Syringes 2, 3, 5, 10 cc's

Marcaine spinal 0.5%

Ephedrine

Diazepam vials

Diclofenac

Tramadol

Ibuprofen

Adhesive

Isofurane

Betadine Dermique (gallon)

Hydrogen Peroxide (gallon)

Gloves medium (disposable)

Permanganate

Suture Chromic 0-; 1; 2-0; 3-0;

Suture Vicryl 0-; 1; 2-0; 3-0

Lubricant

Foley Cath's 16, 18, 20

Gloves sterile 7-8

Nifedipine sublingual

IV solutions: NaCL .9%

D5 W, DS 0.9, DS 0,225

Chlorox

Orthopedic supplies:

Kuntsher nails

Muller screws

philliip screws

Broches de steinman 5/32

splinters

Braces, immobilizers

Kinesic tape
Gathered donations may be sent to the following address, boxes (marked with contents on the outside). Hosean International Ministries, c/o 3170 Airman’s Drive, Unit 1076 HIM, Fort Pierce, FL 34946.

If you’d like to assist with shipping cost from Florida to Haiti, you may send donations for $1.75/lb. to our ministry office address or send online via www.hosean.org. Just FYI, all donations being sent for the next month online are being processed without fees courtesy of PayPal to help with the relief efforts. Also, because of the emergency, there are no customs fees being levied on relief supplies, so everything is coming in for the next 6 weeks very quickly.

Caleb is coordinating all medical equipment with Dr. Claude Surena, his fellow Rotarian, who is the national coordinator for medical relief. Your supplies will go to the greatest need to hospitals throughout the country.
In the coming weeks and months, we anticipate needing other practical supplies like light summer weight clothing for all ages. Haitian people tend to be smaller sizes. If you’d like to begin collecting clothes you may do that and we’ll let you know when we’re ready to receive more of those. Also, if anyone has contacts to package potable water, we have available a water filtration plant locally. The most efficient would be to find plastic bottles or bags (empty) designed for drinking water. We can fill them here and ship them south and to those around us.
We sense we are moving into the next phases of aid now. Please continue to pray for family and staff as we plan and implement outreaches.

Another day in the earthquake zone

2010-01-20T18:14:00.001-05:00

     My husband woke me up with, “Another 6.1 Earthquake in Port au Prince!” I groggily opened my eyes, as I’d slept through this one, but everyone else around us felt it. I was so exhausted yesterday it probably would have taken a 7.0 on the Richter scale to get my attention. I’ve heard of a few more homes collapsing, sadly yesterday it had been raining in Port au Prince so many people had returned indoors. You can imagine the terror as they woke up to shaking again.

     We were able to send our bus load with police escort before dawn and it arrived safely in Port au Prince. Caleb wants the Rotarians of the Bahamas who gathered all the supplies to know that ALL the medicines are now in Port and being used. Caleb made another trip to Port this afternoon to carry some other materials as well and make sure everything went well. After he departed I heard that Missionary Flights Int’l was landing in Pignon (our community) to pick up passengers. I hoped they might be bringing in some mail that Caleb was expecting. I was startled when they handed our manifests and realized there was over 800 lb.s of cargo for Hosean. I was amazed when I realized who the cargo was from, it was the team who had left us less than a week ago! Somehow, after returning to Fargo/Moorehead on Sunday night, they managed to organize 600 lb.s of medical supplies and two 5 KW generators, ship them or purchase them in FL and get them to MFI. They marked them “relief” they were immediately put on the plane and arrived here today! I was amazed! I was aware they were trying to organize and they had asked me what else we could use from Home Depot and I told them “heavy duty extension cords”. Behold, taped to the top of the generators were two 100 ft. massive extension cords. I was so humbled, encouraged and amazed to receive these much needed supplies so quickly that it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church!

     After unloading and taking them to our “secure undisclosed location” for storage until tomorrow’s shipment to Port au Prince, I headed home to pick up my 12 year old daughter whose been running fevers of 103 for the last 36 hours. They always treat me like a VIP at Hopital Bienfaisance (www.promiseforhaiti.org) so we managed to get seen, blood test and chest xrays done in two hours. The conclusion is that Lydia has a mild pneumonia (an infiltrate for all you medical people). Although her malaria test is negative, we are also treating her for that. I’m grateful for a standing hospital and the expertise always available here. They are of course taking in all the injuries arriving from Port au Prince. As I moved around the hospital with my daughter this afternoon, a little guy caught my eye. He had a large cast on his left leg but a huge grin on his face. I stopped and visited that he and his parents had been in the quake and arrived here a day or so ago. Hospital staff has stabilized them and is waiting for an orthopedic surgeon to arrive from the states tomorrow to help. The boy’s mother suffered a fractured upper arm and the boy his entire left leg. I asked him if he liked to color or draw, thinking I could find some coloring books at home for him. He grinned and I told him I’d be back. Alas, the coloring books were not available. I did manage to find in the supplies sent by the Bahamas Rotarians a rather big teddy bear. When I delivered it, I asked his father’s permission to share this image with you to encourage all who are sending donations and help. He grinned and said, “of course!” The best thing was I found out the little boy’s name was Caleb (like my husband’s)! How appropriate to have a new boyfriend with the same name.

Please rejoice with me for all the positive things we see happening, all the provisions and the way people are working together. And thank you for your prayers!

Packing, working. . . .

2010-01-19T16:20:00.002-05:00

Haiti Earthquake Relief Update

Whew, it’s getting harder to catch our breath here, but we wanted to give you a quick view of what is happening on the ground. My packing crew spent the morning going through a second truck load of supplies sent from Rotary International. We went through about 300 more boxes and inventoried linens, medications, shelter boxes, etc. Wow, the people of the Caribbean are very generous as all these supplies have come from the Bahamas thus far!

Then we set about packing up Hosean International’s school bus to take a load of supplies to Port au Prince (3 hours away). Coordinating with our distribution contacts, Caleb’s determined the greatest need right now was for sheets, towels, and medications and medical supplies. So we packed the bus to the ceiling with all those we had on hand.

As we headed for lunch, Caleb called and told me a flight of supplies was on its way to the airport. By the time I got to the airport a few minutes later, the airport staff already had the supplies unloaded and were visiting with the volunteer Rotarians who had flown in from the Bahamas. One reason it was so exciting to us, it was the first official international flight for our grass strip airport. We understand the US Forces are providing air control support now and are allowing flight to check in with radio contact. This allows flights to come in directly to us without stopping on the coast. Our location is 90 miles north of Port au Prince so we can be a staging ground of smaller planes and air drops. I want all the folks sending us supplies to know that the materials are safely stored awaiting transport and/or already on their way to those in need. The immediate supplies are all going to Port au Prince; later on we will need more supplies here as we accommodate refugees.

I believe our community has already doubled in size to 60,000 plus in the past week. Every house in my neighborhood now has between 12-25 people sleeping in them. We are setting up ways to work with local churches to distribute to the families in need and those accommodating so many.

Now I need to head to the cyber-café to send out some messages and download all the e-mail. If you are writing to us, please be patient. We will get back to you!

One other small note, yesterday as Caleb was leaving town yesterday to head to Cap Haitian to meet the incoming flights, he passed on of the electrical co-op’s staff who was sitting with his hands to his face in the street. He felt he needed to stop and did. Here he found 65-year-old Innocent who runs the co-op’s generator each night weeping. Caleb found that the gentleman had sent $75 USD with a friend to his children in Port au Prince so they could relocate back home. The person he had sent the funds with took the money and disappeared. Because of gifts sent in, Caleb was able on the spot, to give him the funds he needed to make arrangements for his children.

Thanks again for your prayers. We’re grateful to be able to be here to help.

Debbie for all

www.hosean.org

Malaria is a bummer

2009-10-05T10:02:00.000-05:00

Two days ago I began feeling kinda wierd. Couldn't really place it at first, just fatigue, etc. Then I began vomiting and other problems all night long. Woke up knowing with the experience of someone whose lived in Haiti almost 20 years that I had malaria. Despite what textbooks tell medical professionals, malaria is our household always starts with massive GI symptoms, followed by fevers only after you start taking the treatment. Wierd, huh? This is the only illness that I've ever had that I keep thinking I would rather be dead than feel like this. To me, that is the hallmark sign that it is malaria.
Thank God here in Haiti we have a relatively easily treatable form of the malady, 3 days of large doses of chlorequin will take care of it. I just took my second dose this morning and am beginning to feel like I'd like to continue to live. I might even feel like eating later today; that would be a novelty. This is probably not the most edifying note; just want everyone to know it's not all fun and games down here.

I think I'm part Haitian now

2009-10-02T14:46:00.000-05:00

I've lived here a long time. As most middle aged people can attest, time goes by more quickly than one can imagine. The only thing that seems to remind me that things are changing is the growth of my children and seeing how lifestyles themselves change. Alot of my friends from here are teasing me about how "Haitian" I am. I seriously doubt that. I think I've become some odd conglomerate of part Haitian/part American/ part world cultural person. I'm definitely not your typical missionary anymore though.
Most of my missionary friends go back to the states periodically to sustain support levels and talk about how hard life is here. In the twenty years I've known my husband, I've never once heard him ask for funding for anything. Seriously. He asks people to pray. When they've asked how specifically they can help, occasionally he'll tell others how specific gifts could help, etc. Well, I'm praying and rather than go to the the U.S., I'm glad we're staying here and praying.

Students begging for teachers to be paid

2009-02-06T19:54:00.002-05:00

A few days ago my husband was driving home from the Dominican Republic where he'd gone to stock up on supplies. On the way back, he was driving through the community of Limonade. He found a long line of trucks backed up behind a blockade. The road block? A demonstration by public school students who were asking for the government to pay their teachers so they'd come back to work. Here it is February, and the staff has not been paid since school started in October. The students planned a peaceful blockade, right by the police station until 1 P.M. when their classes would normally let out. Their purpose was to draw attention to the fact that while the gov't is dispensing funding for carnival festivities, many outlying suburban schools can't even open because of no pay to staff.

The protest was going calmly until the police decided it had gone on long enough. With the U.N. staffers instructing them, the police proceeded to try and break it up. Eventually this led to firing tear gas at the high school students to get them to go home. Only in Haiti, it seems, do we have police and a government that orders students to go home.

Of course, no one ever heard about this anywhere in the world.

Hurricane hits...

2008-09-06T11:49:00.007-05:00

I know, I know, so I haven't written anything in almost a year. But life stays kind of the same, you know?
Even the advent of a hurricane, which comes upon us a few times a year usually has no direct impact on us up here in the plateau. Get it, plateau, we are elevated above...Well, not this time. For anyone who was watching, Hurricane Hanna, which was supposed to sweep past us and smack the Bahamas, changed plans. Because of the weather forces, the hurricane turned around, dipped south and basically sat on top of northern Haiti for three days. It literally rained for over 30 hours solid here.
The cement roof leaked, meaning I mopped the floor more times than I had in the past year (a good thing!) Then the basement flooded, and then, during the storm, someone climbed some trees to our roof and stole half of our solar panels. I mean, really, was that necessary? In the process the dumb bunnies also cut the wire to my satellite internet connection so I was offline for a few days. I wish if someone was going to be a thief, they'd be smart enough to at least know what wires to cut.
Anyway, the good news is (there is always is) that we survived. The best thing about living in Haiti is the perspective it gives you. The needs around me don't allow any room for self-pity. As usual, we knew the news from the low lying areas would be bad. Due to no roads, little infrastructure, the news takes a looong time to get out. We began getting phone calls from Gonaives Tuesday at 2 A.M. Friends were stuck on their roofs in the elements, saying the water was up past 7 feet in depth and carrying cars, animal carcasses and human remains past them. Horrifying stories were heard. Just the last two days we've been receiving the pictures of what is going on less than 20 miles away from us.

This is from the community of Hinche, here in the central plateau, less than 19 miles from us.

Other images are equally as horrifying. I've tried to let people know to be praying, etc.

Not too surprisingly, when I watched the American media, almost no stories are being told now. On You Tube, the only video is from Al Jazeera. How ironic!
Again the nice thing is when you are already on the ground here, you can begin helping quickly. By contacting some supporting churches and resources through Rotary International, we've already found $18K to start relief work. Caleb left since yesterday to head to Port au Prince to get supplies. The only way into Gonaives (the hardest hit) is from the South. He called me this morning an hour out of that city, pictured below. He is dropping off basic supplies, drinking water, and foodstuffs today. He and the group with him, including Haiti's nat'l director for World Vision, (a long time friend), are dropping off supplies to contact there at Gonaives hospital, churches and Rotarian contacts. I told him today to be careful because Hurricane Ike is expected to pass our way tonight and early tomorrow.

Do be praying for them. This is Gonaives from the air, taken two days ago by Michael Broyles, an MAF pilot here in Haiti. The first few days people could call out asking for help, but it took several days for forces to mobilize. The government is still trying to get up and running. Below is an image of Gonaives rooftops where many of our friends are living these days. Many are believers. Please be praying. Please pray for wisdom and safety as Caleb and others get out and try to meet some needs.

The next few days and weeks will be challenging here in Haiti. Be praying that the Christians in this country will stand up and help their countrymen. Be praying that the church at large will help.
Hopefully, Al Jazeera won't be the only people remarking on the needs here.

Running on Empty

2007-12-21T18:52:00.000-05:00

People who are in the "giving" professions are supposed to always be ready with an answer, right? Of course, everyone knows that is unrealistic yet the expectation is still there. I think this is true for all the helping professions: ministers, teachers, nurses, doctors, etc.
Yet, when I was heading back to Haiti earlier this month I was running on an empty tank.
Have you ever been there?
I mean, I could hardly think of a postive encouraging thing to say to members of my own family, let alone people I might run into. This was the result of a month of travel and activity and stress leading to a mild depressive state or exhaustion. All that to say again, I was running on empty.
The morning I arose at 5 AM to meet our flight taking us home to Haiti, I remember praying: "God I have nothing to offer you." I hadn't felt that tired in a long time.
Still, I slugged through getting the bleary eyed kids up, dressed and in the car(s). Then hauling the seven pieces of luggage to grumpy airline personnel. Anyway, by the time we finally made it to the gate, I wasn't feeling any more energetic.
Still, as we boarded the flight there was a certain peace that only comes when you're doing what you're supposed to. I settled in our assigned row with my older daughter. She wanted to sit next to the window but I told her we'd have to wait and see if the person assigned there would switch with her. A few minutes later there appeared a youthful looking woman in jeans who didn't mind a bit if we switched seats.
As the flight lifted off, I told her again that I appreciated her kindness to my daughter. We began chatting about our children. Getting back into the Kreyol language was good, as there are nuances that just can't be expressed any other way. I found that her children were grown. She had immigrated to the states decades ago and then was summarily abandoned by her husband. She had spent the last few years working any possible job as she sent her youngest son to college. Further into the flight, she asked if I could help her fill out the Haitian immigration & customs card--she was illiterate. I found also that she was actually much older than she appeared-now approaching 60. Yet at this point in her life she wanted to go back to Haiti and run a small business to help those in her home village. Such a familiar story.
She asked some questions about me, as to how a middle aged white woman spoke Kreyol well? She said, "you know, I knew as soon as I saw you and heard how you spoke with me that you were a Christian." She was not surprised when she later met my husband and said, "he has the eyes of a pastor." I was startled towards the end of our flight when she broke down in tears and said, "not many people talk to me like this. I hope you will remember to pray for me. I'm not baptized yet, but I seek God." I assured her that I would. As we parted getting off the plane, I gave her a hug and told her, I would remember her.
I looked for her a few times after going through immigration and at the baggage claim, but there were two large international flights arriving and I never saw her again. I did keep my word and have prayed for her several times.
What later brought tears to my eyes was when I thought of how amazing God really is. Here I am, with absolutely no energy, no seeming resources of my own to offer yet HE can still use us to express grace and acceptance to those we meet. Only God can do that. It was an encouraging affirmation at this point that despite what I feel, what I little I may hope for, His purposes will still be worked out.

Market Days

2007-08-07T20:08:00.000-05:00

This is an image I took a few months ago. It looks strikingly like many paintings done here in Haiti of the market women. Most of the folks that go to the market are female. I was told once this was because long ago men would be conscripted into the Haitian army if they were wandering around towns so they would usually stay at home on the farms and send their women in to do the buying and selling.
While the conscription is no longer a reality, it remains a woman's job to buy and sell. These gals will walk miles at times to go to the various community markets to sell their wares. This lady is selling mostly spices, onions, garlic and some chicken flavor bouillon cubes, all staples to the Haitian cook. Makes me smell the food just looking at this...

Downpour doesn't spoil a thing!

2007-07-04T22:27:00.000-05:00

Today is, of course, a national holiday to Americans. As a tribute to our American guests, we invited some area folks over for a cook out of imported burgers, steak, etc. It was a lot of fun. The only challenge today was there was a huge amount of rain during the late afternoon. The nice thing was the kid's camp and fun still continued. Some of the kids even enjoyed the overflowing water! (see photo)

It's really about the simple things in life for all of us, isn't it? The camp ends tomorrow and the children will head home on the bus. Hopefully they will remember good times, laughter, and embrace the truths they've been taught.

Kid's camp

2007-07-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

Whew, I'm tired tonight. I just spent the whole day out at Camp de la Grace helping out with various things on the first day of the kid's camp. There are 345 kids in attendance, about a dozen counselors, and about two dozen volunteers present. Today the kid's were making a small craft (tongue depressor, with Bible verse, & decorations). It wasn't much by U.S. standards but for these kids, they really enjoyed it. Just being able to make something new and to take home and show their folks was impressive.

Afterwards, lots of games, teaching of stories, and food. I was talking with the cooks today and they said these kids are eating the same amount of food as the women's camp week which had over 400 adult women enrolled. After eating the kids were just running around with the sheer joy of being alive and having full bellies. When the afternoon grew cooler, there was a scavenger hunt for the kids. I'm not really sure who actually won, but I know they had fun. That was the point anyway, that they feel cared for and have a good time. I appreciate those out there who are praying, as our vehicle is up and running this week and things are going well.

What's going on?

2007-06-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

Not much, just the same old, same old. It's getting hotter in Haiti...current conditions, due to the clever craftsmanship of my abode are 85 degrees inside. Somehow, usually by 6 P.M. it's hotter inside my house than outside.
I've spent a lot of time praying the last few days for the desperate need of a reliable vehicle for the ministry's use. A used vehicle was donated last year to the ministry, which I really appreciate. However, it's not done well on the roads and with conditions here. In the past 10 months it's been in Haiti, it's broken down 3 times. I just have so little patience....I don't know how my Haitian friends do it. Anyway, I allowed myself to get frustrated with that. It's just I always wonder why the people trying to do such good things are always struggling with minimal resources? Yet I prayed about it, and left it with God as ultimately there isn't much I can do about it.
Still, I have to rejoice in what has been accomplished in the past year despite all the struggles. It's been good but tiring. All for now, really, I'll try to post more often.

Most Corrupt Country in the World!

2006-11-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

I check the google news for Haiti a few times a week just out of curiosity to see what the rest of the world is saying about us. Today I was interested to note that Haiti was listed by a watchdog group as the most corrupt country in the world. Hmmm. A few thought are that this is not news to me or my family. Everyone who spends any time in Haiti realizes this pretty quickly. In fact, it is more expensive and costly to be honest. Working with the changing government(s) over the past few years requires a delicate dance to say the least.
One good example was when my husband worked about 10 years ago to get our school licensed with the Haitian government. Documents were submitted, site visits held, multiple meetings, etc. that one would expect. I asked those responsible wasn't there something that could be done to speed up the process only to be told, "well, we could bribe them, but that is beneath us". Very often many development workers in this type of world get impatient and just pay it. This begins a steady decline and slippery slope descent into decreased effectiveness. Many believe though that it is just the price to be paid to work in a world with little accountability.
I'm really grateful for the workers I see that won't descend to this level though. Years ago, I was told that the most important thing we can ever do is just live here, and live in a way that reflects the values of our maker. While that may see obvious to believers/supporters in the states, let me tell you that the constant wear and tear of "corruption" is tough to stand against. Be praying for your friends/co-workers that live here, ok?
While the "most corrupt" label is a sad one, it only states to me the great need for our presence here. While we work to build up infrastructure, buildings, classrooms, train people, etc., THE most important aim we have is working towards the ultimate goal of getting people's heart changed. And I know who can do that, because He's done it in me.

The toilet has left the building

2006-03-21T19:28:00.000-05:00

You never know what the next day will bring. Recently (of course while we had house guests) the toilet upstairs refused to flush.

We have two bathrooms in our home, one in our living quarters and the other downstairs in the guest room. So we do have alternatives….and indeed are privileged because most folks around here are using outhouses. Anyway, the funny part of the story comes after we called an area plumber.

Knowing that a lot of workers don’t really have the necessary supplies, my husband asked the guy if he needed a snake or anything else to help with the project of unjamming the toilet.

He was like, no, we’ll work it out. Later we found out he just didn’t want to ask us to spend more money to purchase anything. (what a guy!)

I returned to my homeschooling duties and the next thing I knew I saw the gentlemen and his helper had heaved the entire toilet onto their shoulders and were taking it outside. (!)

Wow, talk about commitment. I knew better (years of experience) than to even question what exactly they were trying to accomplish.

My 8 year old daughter wandered in with the comment, “Mom, the toilet has left the building…”

My children then gathered around the hole in the floor in the bathroom and wondered what to do the rest of the day.

Eventually it did get returned, but man, if this doesn’t illustrate the willingness to do the impossible around here, I don’t know what does.

Talk about longsuffering.

You’ll be happy to know we did finally return the toilet back to it’s proper spot.

2006-01-07T16:59:00.000-05:00

Katie with her new doll...

DLucien

the first doll

2006-01-07T16:32:00.000-05:00

When we arrived we were greeted by many friends and family members and lots of boxes! We'd held our mail/cargo while in the states so nothing would get misplaced in our absence. Several boxes were gifts from sponsors to children and about 15 large boxes were filled with Christmas gifts to be given out to area children. We've held the annual Christmas holiday party for several years so neighborhood kids were getting excited. One little girl, Katie, who's been Ben's sister (see previous entry) came to me. She quietly whispered, "Do you think you can find a doll for me?" I told her I couldn't promise her anything but I'd look through the boxes and see what God had provided us to give. She willingly accepted that and agreed to check back with me later.
As we waded through the boxes (literally) I was surprised to find one with Katie's name on it. Then I remembered that Katie had just recently been assigned as a sponsored child through our school program. I happily called her to me the next day the showed her the box from her sponsor. It was loaded with 4 wrapped packages all for her! They held crayons, a coloring book and several outfits and new barrettes. And then....a huge box holding a cabbage patch doll just for her! Most Haitian kids are pretty shy about sharing their feelings, even when receiving neat gifts. This little girl was so excited she couldn't contain herself. She jumped up and kissed the doll's face through the box! It even had barrettes like her!
What really touched my heart was her brother's response...he said, "Ma Caleb, when Katie was getting ready for bed last night, she prayed, 'please God, help Debbie find a doll for me.'"
God's sovereignty is not to be second guessed. Katie told me this was the first doll she every had...I hope I can convey to her sponsor her joy and excitement!
This week I was reading a Time magazine story about the people of the year. I think the choices they made were good ones, I have respect for all those selected (Bono & Bill & Melinda Gates). However I am a champion for the underdog, the unknown heroes. The vast majority of donors which support our work here in Haiti are NOT known nor do they even want to be.
A reported was following Bill & Melinda Gates on a info-gathering trip in India last month. After their visit to an impoverished home, the reporter went back to the mother of the family and asked if she knew who it was who just came to visit her. She said something like, 'those nice people, no, not really.' She was told by the reporter that the gentleman was the richest man in the world...her response? 'oh, well, everyone is richer than me'. I had to laugh outloud at that, it is so what everyone here would say. My thoughts keep returning to her comment tho', because folks, you don't have to be as wealthy as the Gates' to make a difference.
Katie's answered prayer for a doll may not seem like a big deal, but her smile and renewed faith are priceless.

Eager Greeters

2006-01-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

Traveling to Haiti makes one feel quite popular. When I flew in a few weeks ago, there was a small crowd waiting patiently at our grass strip airport for us to arrive. One of the group was a little boy named Ben. Ben is about 9 years old and had a vested interest in us coming back. Earlier in the fall my husband had told me that the students who were having the most trouble in school all came from broken homes. He referred me to Ben as an example.
Ben lives in my neighborhood and in fact his mother works for me helping with laundry and ironing three days a week. He has a younger sister named Katey. Ben's father has not been in the picture for years and noone seems to know quite what happened to him. Ben is an active little guy and has been hanging out at our house more and more often over the past year. After being told that he was really struggling in school, I asked his mom if I could try to motivate him.
She agreed and I made a deal. I told Ben that if he could show me two semesters of passing grades when I came home from our fall trip, I would bring him a toy car. He agreed that was a fair deal so that explains why I was suddenly so popular at my arrival.
I had to laugh because literally the first face I saw running out to the plane was this little guy. He was pretty dissappointed when I told him that my bags had been lost. Anyway, I told him I needed to see his report card. Sovereignly, the report card and lost luggage arrived the same day later in the week. Sure enough....he had passed both grading periods thus far. I produced the promised battery operated 4X4 pickup truck, fresh from Wal-mart. It was pretty cool, it made all the expected noises and would drive off and the return to the operator. Ben's smile told me he thought it was the coolest thing since electricity in town.
Maybe that enthusiasm is what motivated his sister's expectations....

It took my head two weeks to get here...

2006-01-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

People frequently ask how long it takes to travel to Haiti. I tell them it's less than a 2 hour flight from Miami International to Port au Prince. So physically we got to Haiti on Dec. 27th by 10 AM. Our bags took another 4 days but that is another story altogether...
What I want to communicate here is how long it took me to get back to the mentality here, which is not necessarily a bad thing. When I first get back I'm always energized after good visits and food, etc. from the states. It takes me a few days to get "beaten down" again to the reality of life. It started when we realized the electricity/invertor system we have to store energy in our home was not working quite right. We have 8 car batteries that are charged by solar panels, wind turbine and generator power depending on what's available. It's been about 5 years since the batteries were changed so we're basically needing to replace all 8 to have a stable power supply to get basic work done. Will have to put that on a list of needs for our prayer warriors. But that was not the big thing.
After several days of fetes (parties) for various groups in the community (employees, neighborhood kids, etc.) we were beginning to slow down a bit. One night when the city power came on, I went on the roof to oversee pumping water from our storage cistern to our rooftop. I usually have to do that every 3 days or so. Water normally falls in our two cisterns during rainy season and if we're careful, we'll have water to last throughout the coming dry season (December-May). Well strangely the pump only got the water level up to 150 gallons (half full) so I walked down to the first floor to see if there was some problem. Got the keys, unlocked the cistern to look inside.....uh, oh, it's empty, pretty much dry. On closer inspection it appears that some tree roots have grown into our cistern in search of water and drained off all my stored water! UGH.
Let me explain what this means in practical terms, I know because I went through this before several years ago when it happened before. This means that every ounce of water we use to drink, wash or bathe with for the next 5 months will have to be hauled from a well. This is going to be a very long winter. The first time this happened I developed a new appreciation for Bible verses with references to cisterns, especially DRY cisterns.
Anyway, the realization that we didn't have any water was pretty discouraging. I remember when I told Caleb about 15 years ago that I thought I could live in Haiti as long as I got a shower every day. That hasn't changed (smile) Add this new need to the fact that our family promptly got sick as soon as we arrived back...kids with fevers of 103, etc. I was exhausted for the first three days we were back dealing with illnesses, etc.
BUT....my head is finally back home. I can happily tell you that all these frustrations (otherwise known as day to day life here) have been good for me. When I first arrive from North America, I'm still running at the pace demanded by life there...which is both good and bad. I have to slow down here, slowed down by the sheer difficulty of day to day things. Answering questions like, am I going to have water to bathe with today? Am I going to find all the supplies and power to print out the document the pastors wanted? Am I going to take the time to smile at and speak kindly to others asking me for help? Even when I can't help them?
Okay, ya'll I'm home now.

life in the states...."if God wants"

2005-10-26T01:45:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's hard to believe we've been in the states for just over three weeks.
I really respect all my friends who deal with the "busy-ness" of life...just the pace of it exhausts me, trying to keep up and fit in while we are here. Of course, Caleb is busy getting the word out of various projects. He's traveled to five states in the past weeks. I'm just grateful the kids and I have a place to roost while he runs around. I know many people in this lifestyle who live in a car the whole time they are visiting the states.
But it's the pace here that I struggle with, and the never ending distractions.
I really think it is exceptionally difficult to stay "tuned into" God with the lifestyle here.
I was chatting with two American wives and home school moms here in the South. I told them about even how we speak in Haiti is different, talking about day to day plans. One of the first phrases I learned here was: Si Dieu vle. "If God wants" ...I will do whatever. Every statement of intent or plans is prefaced with that phrase. It reflects the reality there, the knowledge that we can't really plan anything without God's provision and things working together to permit it.
But how quickly I revert to the cultural norm here, it never occurs to me to even consider what God wants for small decisions. I want to consider much more of what HE wants.

2005-09-20T14:46:00.000-04:00

Kindergarten students ready for class!

2005-09-20T14:32:00.000-04:00

Djo, Fenes & Jean Pierre, 3 residents of our foster home, pretty happy with new backpacks and munchies!

2005-09-20T14:20:00.000-04:00

Pignon Mountain in the background, home of grades K-3, 7-13...the kids are excited to be back!

2005-09-20T14:17:00.000-04:00

School started again at College de la Grace in Pignon...800 students this year!

Amoeba, & Roaches, & Mice, Oh, My!

2005-09-20T13:53:00.000-04:00

Whew, about once or twice a year, we end up coming down with some illness related to the lack of sanitary conditions in Haiti. And two weeks ago we got it! Apparently, someone we had asked to purchase ice for us in the city as a treat, succeded in spilling it on the ground and then bringing it to us anyway. Unfortunately, by the time I figured out that the ice was not clean, my whole household had come down with all the symptoms of amoeba!
Lest anyone doubt, these little buggies make you feel miserable for quite some time.
I was commisserating with a fellow American living down here and she cracked me up saying this is the only place she's ever been that when one gets sick, the cure is worse than the actual disease. Too true! We've both been ill at different times with some parasite from water or mosquitoes and the treatment of pills for a few days makes you feel worse than the disease.
How thankful I am for the treatment though and now we're all pretty much up to par again!
In all the years I have been around here, I have to say it's the tiniest pests you can't see that make you feel the worst!
All the above complaining aside though, I have to admit that God is so gracious to us! When I first moved to Haiti with an infant daughter ten years ago, I was very conscious of the variety of maladies that existed here. It surprised me then to calculate that compared to my friends in the states, my children are actually sick much less than theirs! We get sick about twice a year whereas my friends are always bemoaning how ill their children are (5-6 times) annually.
One stark difference though, is that so many of my neighbors here in Haiti do not have the resources to take their children quickly to the hospital. And after being ill last week, I still stand in awe of my Haitian brothers and sisters, who manage to go on every day, in the face of such challenges. Many of them feel worse than I did last week, and still get up to praise God on Sundays. Yesterday in church, there was an older woman who came up for prayer, barely able to walk. She told a story of how she'd been walking down the road and suddenly fell down, (stroke?) Someone found her and carried her to the local hospital and they managed to revive her. This poor woman could not sit straight up in a chair, but the first words out of her mouth were: "When you follow the Lord, you have what you need...."
Humbling to all that observed, especially me.

Nerve wracking times, yet moving forward

2005-08-24T13:32:00.000-04:00

Almost every week we have heard of someone we know being kidnapped, or molested in some way as they go about their work and lives. I spoke with my husband recently about whether he was being cautious or not in how he plans his schedule and specifically his travels in the capital.

If 'd been more spiritually minded, I would have appreciated his response more. He said, "Deb, the Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear?"

"Yes, I appreciate that," I commented, "but I'd like to know that you don't expect God to rescue you when you do something stupid, too." (not exactly the supportive wife talking).

"Don't worry," he soothed. "I'm being careful." This said as he strode out the door for a flight to the capital.

The truth is I'm glad the man I'm married to is quite fearless when it comes to serving the Lord and doing what he feels like he's called to do. He's just as courageous as the Caleb in the Bible who wasn't intimidated by the things he saw in the land as a scout with Joshua. It takes a real visionary to have the courage to continue on with reports of kidnappers, robbers, and terrorists world-wide.

While I try to shield my elementary aged daughters somewhat from the newscasts, they have heard about how children are kidnapped and been hurt or killed both here in Haiti and worldwide. What strikes me about this is the fact that it never occurred to me as a child that that was a real danger. Yet any parent now must train their children never to talk to strangers, avoid going near a car they don't know, and in our area, stay AWAY from police. It helps me, I suppose, to realize that women worldwide have the same core fears and concerns that I do; concern for their families and uncertainty for the future.

I have much to learn in this regard . . .and graciously, a God who has much to teach.

Back to School, Haitian-style

2005-08-24T13:21:00.000-04:00

For most of the world, the months of August & September means the end of vacation and getting ready for “back to school”. Here in Haiti, kids and families are also getting ready but it looks a little different. Rather than going home, for many families returning to school means going away. Many communities don’t have schools within walking distance so the kids are getting ready to go and live with friends and families in more developed regions.

The past decade has seen a lot of changes in Pignon, Haiti, where we live and work. Back in 1993, Caleb founded the very first secondary school in the community of 30,000 plus. For the first time, kids could live with their families and attend school beyond 6^th grade. At first, some parents didn’t think a school in our small town could compete with schools in the cities. The majority of students who did enroll were from families who could never have afforded to send their children before. It’s been thrilling to see students who are the first members of their families to ever finish 6^th, then 10^th grades, and then even finish high school.

However, similarities to stateside preparations do exist: buying material and sewing uniforms, finding notebooks, pens and textbooks. This past Sunday one announcement in church struck me with yet another huge difference. The pastor announced there was to be a day of prayer and fasting for the new school year. No one in the audience was surprised as this is an annual, expected event. Teachers, administrators and parents (& some students) arrive early in area churches to pray for God’s blessing and especially His provision for the coming year. Even enrolling for school is an act of faith for many families in our neighborhood. These parents do not know for certain where the tuition and supplies will come from. But those who are believers know Who their source is.

Please be praying with us for area schools, their teachers and administrators who step out in faith every year. Also, if you want to help a student, our sponsorship program needs more donors who are willing to give $25 monthly to pay tuition/meals, uniforms and supplies for a student.

One recent day at the airstrip

2005-08-06T18:14:00.001-04:00

Not too many weeks ago I was on my way to our local airport (a grass strip with cactus fencing) which receives perhaps 2-6 flights a day. With me were my two young daughters and an American visitor and a driver, all just out for the fun of picking up my husband who was scheduled to fly in on a chartered Missionary Aviation Flight. (their planes carry 5 passengers and are the size of a small suburban)
As I drove up to the entrance it became obvious that there was a larger crowd than normal. I soon saw what the attraction was: not one but two large white U.N. helicopters parked on the grass plus a large U.N. truck filled with Chilean troops. These guys rotate through our area every two weeks protecting us from....maurading goats? The irony on that matter is that if there is a security problem, we can't call them. We (community residents) have to call the capital and ask for them to send a Haitian police officer to come from 3 hours away. Obviously the response time is a bit sluggish. But anyway....
So the helicopters even weren't that unusual but what the crowds talking were. In rapid fire Haitian Creole the bystanders were leaning on their shovels and holding their donkey reins and saying, "Will you look at that?"
"What Jean?"
"There's a bunch of blan/ foreigners lying down on the grass at the airport"
"What's wrong with them?
"I think they're sick"
"Nah, they don't get sick"
"Well, they look like they are hurt!"
"Should we call someone at the hospital?"
"I dunno, Joe, there are all the soldiers just standing there, why don't they do something..."

By now I was pretty curious...so turned around and sure enough there under the helicopters were about 8 South American troops lying in various states of repose. Some appeared to be "sick" ...holding their heads, while some were lying in the sun getting a tan. Since the U.N. troops weren't getting too excited, I rapidly discerned that this was a military exercise going on to check response time. Hmmmm.
The only people getting excited though were the local residents behind me wondering what it was they should do. I wondered why the U.N. translators weren't explaining that this was all a game for safety, but figured they were too busy protecting the "gamers".

"Well, Joe, I think they are o.k., one of them is now reading a book."
"Do you think I should offer him a ride on my donkey?"
"Nah, they've got that big truck over there."
"Well, I hope they are alright"

I did too. (they were, & this exercise cost the UN several thousand $'s, and was given to ensure the Haitian people will have peace & prosperity I'm sure)
Just another day in the developing world . . .

where we are

2005-07-25T20:27:00.000-04:00

I posted this picture so you can see where we are from a satellite perspective.
The funny thing is, noone on the internet ever seems to recognize our small community.
But we're the blue star at the top of the country on the left....right by the mountain...
so now you know.

2005-07-25T20:23:00.000-04:00

This is where we are!

The teams have come and gone!

2005-07-16T14:27:00.000-04:00

Whew, the last team left Pignon this bright and clear morning. It definitely took some courage and faith for visitors who came this year and braved all the news and warning to come and work along-side us anyway.
The past two weeks have seen two hard working teams....one from High Springs, FL who worked to complete the foundation of a new classroom building. The one which left this A.M. was a new outreach of an English Language camp which worked with young people and adults in the community who wanted to polish their English language skills. It was a smaller outreach in term of numbers attending but very impactful nonetheless....working with some key leaders....the town judge, high school teachers, high school upper classmen, etc. All the attendees I've visited with thus far say they enjoyed it alot and felt more confident trying to talk to others in English. I only wish I spoke French as well as they do English.
I'm glad the main group of teams are finished for the summer as it does increase our stress level a certain amount. Now I just hope we can get back to the day to day challenges of work here.

2005-07-15T20:26:00.000-04:00

View from Mt. Pignon of our community....

Our city by the mountain

2005-07-15T19:59:00.000-04:00

This is a view of our community: Pignon, Haiti. It sits on the southern side of Mt. Pignon in the north central part of Haiti. It may not look like much but it is the home to nearly 30,000 in and around it.
There are so many troubling images coming out of Haiti these days...I thought I tried to let you see a more normal one. In our area, we are relatively protected from the conflicts that go on in the capital some 90 miles away. Even during the most uncertain days of the armed revolt in February 2004, when the conflicts spilled out to the country-side, we rarely heard anything unusual.
Still, things are NOT normal. United Nations troops rotate through here every few weeks on bright, white helicopters. The kids in town wave their kites at them and make toy helicopters from old tomato paste cans....

Singing children arrive back in town!

2005-06-23T13:33:00.000-04:00

Wow, I wish you guys could hear the singing of all the kids as they return to their homes today. One of the biggest thrills for them is riding home on the new donated school bus. They are all singing as they cruise back into town, "we've eaten well, we've played alot, Alleluia!"
The best news is that the leaders had alot of work to do last night as 200 children responded to the altar call. Be praying for these young people that their desire to follow God be strengthened.
Last night the American team handed out "glow sticks"...you can just imagine all these neon light sticks floating around in the dark as the children were waving them around. Wish I had pictures of that.
Thanks for your prayers....they've been answered in the responsive hearts of these kids!

2005-06-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

Simply coloring a picture is a treat for these children!

2005-06-23T12:43:00.000-04:00

Imagine helping 490 kids tye dye T-shirts! HE seems to like his!

2005-06-23T12:42:00.000-04:00

Kids in the morning chapel service led by both the visiting American team and area pastors. 200 kids came forward last night to express their desire to follow God's plan for their lives!

2005-06-19T20:27:00.000-04:00

Be praying for these guys as they hear the truth! They live in a rough world . . .and they need to know there is a God they can trust for the future!

2005-06-19T20:24:00.000-04:00

Campers excited for Haitian kid's retreat this week

400 kids and counting....!

2005-06-19T20:13:00.000-04:00

Today was the first official day of kid's camp. Most North Americans would never believe how thrilled these kids are to have this rather meager camp held for them! But it was with great excitement that 5 busloads of children descended to Camp de la Grace this afternoon. A team of volunteers from Ohio is here this week to assist by helping the Haitian camp counselors. The team's role is to teach a few Bible story sessions, lead some puppet shows, lead the craft projects which include tie-dye T-shirts, bracelets from beads and drawing & then just play and love on the kids the rest of the time! Does that sound like fun to you? We've got 400 kids lined up for them.
The only sad thing is there were so many kids who wanted to come but you can only take so many! My prayer the past few days is that we could raise the funds to have some more camps over the summer for the children. The main cost is the food! That many kids EAT alot in 4 days--yet strangely, the cooks tells us that this is their favorite group to serve because the children are so grateful.
Hope these pictures come through!

Alright, Alright....

2005-06-12T19:54:00.000-04:00

Alright, so I haven't published in awhile but who's had the time. I'm really looking for a way to publish the best photos, etc. of things going on in our work and life.
But I'm not convinced anyone sees this website, so people better start letting me know...okay?

2005-06-12T19:14:00.000-04:00

My good lookin' man....in his formal robes for graduation. He didn't get two master's degrees for nothing

2005-06-12T19:12:00.000-04:00

kindergarten graduates of College de la Grace, Pignon, Haiti

Traveling Conditions....

2005-01-18T21:40:00.000-05:00

I don't mean to whine or complain, but I wish everyone would remember how difficult it is to accomplish the simplest of tasks in the developing world.
We established e-mail contact with the rest of the world a few years ago and strangely that has made one of the biggest differences in both success and frustration. We may receive a message or news instantaneously . . .but it sure takes longer to implement things.
Currently to travel to the coastal city where most of our supplies come in takes 4 hours, this includes fording a river that ranges from inches to several feet in depth and crossing a mountain range. The distance...39 miles of muddy road! (yes, that's about 10 miles an hour)
The good news is this year that we have lots of activities scheduled in the coming weeks. . .including several teams working on both physical improvements and teaching opportunities. Get ready everyone, it's going to be an exciting few months!

2005-01-18T18:46:00.000-05:00

Beauty amidst muddy roads....

2005-01-18T18:44:00.000-05:00

Treaveling in Haiti has it's challenges. . .

2005-01-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

Waiting for Christmas rice & beans & gifts!

2005-01-08T14:11:00.000-05:00

Smile from Christmas party

Belated Christmas gift distribution . . .

2005-01-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

This week we received our mail a bit soggier than usual. To get supplies and Christmas gift donations which had come into the coastal city of Cap Haitien our driver slogged his way for 3 hours to the city, loaded as much as he could on the back of a borrowed pick up and headed home.
Unfortunately, the river was higher than usual, so many of the gifts, which were gift wrapped even got soaked! We spent much of the evening trying to salvage what we could of our mail, the gifts, and many of the boxes were repacked in some plastic storage containers we had.
At last however, we could start distributing the gifts we'd received for area residents though!
Today we went to a soup kitchen Hosean International funds once a month and runs through the local women's ministry. For $500 (HD) several hundred people are asked to attend for both breakfast and dinner. We loaded up the truck (our version of Santa's sleigh) and headed to the meeting place. Lunch was almost ready to be served. I asked Lucie, who was charge today how they selected those who attended and she said it was people that their membership knew of and were in contact with...they invited them to come and eat once a month. She mentioned several people walked 5 miles to come in for the meals. Today they would also receive some gifts of clothing and toiletries from two churches in Minnesota and Florida.
As I visited with some of the the attendees, it was obvious it was the elderly, infirmed and children who were there...they are always the sufferers in every place. Some of them I already knew, a few were mentally disturbed; similar to a soup kitchen environment anywhere in the world.
I wish the donors could have been there, just to see the smiles I coaxed from the kids.
The most encouraging thing to me though, was that this was a community run outreach, attendees identified area women. These women are experiencing the joy of ministry! We only wish we could provide them the resources to do this weekly rather than monthly.

New Years Festivities. . . 2005!

2005-01-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

The first time I was in Haiti for New Year's I was struck with how similar it was to Halloween, 4th of July, and a religious holiday all in one! The Independence day connection make sense as Haiti's celebration of Independence is on Jan. 1st. Thus the fireworks and sense of pride, etc. present in many communities. Everyone who is not half dead returns to their home town to see everyone they can. Those who are living in the states or working in the Dominican Republic return to see family.
My cook finally married the father of her child when he returned..the wedding took place at 5A.M.! Who would schedule that I asked? My husband told me it was because they didn't want it to have it turn into a big affair. Well, that's one way to keep attendance down I suppose. I sure didn't go-I'm not a morning person.
Now the Halloween connection comes from the tradition of seeking "etrenne"--that is probably not spelled correctly, apologies offered to my francophile friends. For several years running my husband would go to the bank to get the newest, (i.e. cleanest) bills he could find for this event. Then on New Year's day, a little parade of kids, teenagers and occasionally really hard up adult will make their way to our house to wish us "Happy New Years!" or Bonne Annee! In response, we are to give candy or some change if we have it. It makes for a new way of celebrating for me, the resident American.
So Happy New Year everyone.....!

2004-12-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

Pignon, Haiti...a mountain top view!

2004-12-22T12:50:00.000-05:00

Real Haitian Christmas Tree

Preparations for Christmas

2004-12-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

How does one celebrate in the developing world? Quite well, actually. My children really wanted a Christmas tree, so I sent a helper up the mountain to chop down a few branches. After that I let the kids and their friends loose on decorating it with fairly good effect. The most important part was the fun they had in decorating it...see the photo.

Actually most people here celebrate with FOOD and lots of church services. Several area churches are having concerts and contatas, very similar to the rest of the world. It's just a little more challenging with electricity issues, finding fuel, etc., etc. But we do appreciate it more.
Tomorrow night we're having a school staff party and all the professors are excited. I hope it is a time of encouragement for them with the mass quantities of food being provided.
So the bottom line, things are pretty much the same here, just more complicated in one sense and simpler in another. We don't have the distractions of gifts & malls & pressures of shopping. That is probably the best gift of all. Merry Christmas ya'll.

2004-12-19T15:04:00.000-05:00

Images from my world....Pignon, Haiti

Where does one start?

2004-12-19T14:46:00.000-05:00

How does one start with a thing like this? Sometime I'll get around to telling how I got to this place in my life . . .but I guess for now I'll just say I am enjoying where I'm at.
I'm someone who has the chance to live across many cultural lines and see the priviledge of being able to see what's important and what's not.
In the past week I flew from the richest country in the world (U.S.) to one of the poorest (Haiti). Talk about contrasts. Yet, it's good to be here.
Monday afternoon, my sister-in-law wanted to give me an early birthday present of a "spa" treatment. It was definitely an unusual experience for me but great fun. I was lying in a tub of perfumed bath water feeling like Bathsheeba under lights set to resemble stars. Afterwards, sauna and foot reflexology followed. I don't even know how I managed to walk out of there, I was so relaxed.
Yet, less than 24 hours later, I'm disembarking a 50 year old plane which just landed on a grass airstrip about 800 miles away. Surrounded by hundreds of dark children who haven't seen a bathtub in their lifetime let alone this month, I smiled remembering what fun the experience was, but still glad to be back "home" under the glaring sun and blowing dust.
Expect more contrasts like this from my story and my life. . .
and strangely, it's all true....