.....and then I joined others, and got really sick...sorry for delay. Friday was our day to shop and visit the local beach. By this time, we are a weary looking group, having weathered a few mishaps and emotional lows. On the way to the beach, Jimi (our driver) hit the van brakes HARD. We all held our breaths. Then there was a dull thud. Our hearts cracked. There was a little girl, maybe 8 or so, lying on the side of the street. Jimi and Junior (our guide) jumped out. Pastor immediately called for a prayer. Miraculously, she was up standing in a few minutes. She was crying, but using arms and legs: a good sign. You have to understand, in haiti there are people walking everywhere. The spaces between vehicles and others things: people, buildings, other vehicles, is measured in millimeters instead of feet. At all times, chaos reigns. Jimi couldn't swerve: one way would be to hit many more people, another way would hit motorcycles, which also crowd the dirt paths that serve as road.
There was an enormous crowd gathering. Lots and lots of loud conversation which we could not understand. We felt, for perhaps the first time there, intruders into their community. For if it wasn't for our little excursion, maybe she wouldn't have been hit. Here we have been trying so hard, to work for these people, to help in just some little way, and then this. Was God trying to tell us to slow down? focus differently? And this little girl, what did the Lord have in mind for her? For some reason, on friday, our paths crossed. It changed everything.
This trip pushed us, emotionally and physically, perhaps more than we've been before. I've read that to grow, one must be uncomfortable. This trip was packed with opportunities for growth. We found strength in one another, and looked to each other for comfort and guidance. However, we come home with more questions than answers. Will we go back to Jacmel? Did we make a difference? Did we accomplish what we were 'supposed' to? To reconcile these questions, and so many others will take time, and together we will sort it out.
Our plane touched down in Chicago at 7p.m. on saturday, and we arrived home a short drive later. Hot showers, warm beds, hugs from family awaited. It is hard to express how much these things are valued (not necessarily in that order; however after a week of cold dribbling showers....ha) and how loved the families the Lord has given us, mean. Only when you leave the safety of this structure, can you fully appreciate what it means. Thanks also for reading. Will I pick this up in a year's time? Stay tuned....and answers will come in time.
Oh, and the little girl? As of the last report: she was in the hospital, with a headache, but nothing broken. A miracle for sure. Our prayers for her will continue.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
January 12, 2012
The two year anniversary of the earthquake...
Haitian children are out of school, there are various observance services, and even a parade. We worked early, finishing the temporary shelter at the family tent site, while others carried large stones for the foundation of the church offices going up. I forgot to mention: Pastor Strom received money from donations during last year, which he gave Pastor Kessa, and is being used right before our eyes in the work on the church office foundation. I think this donation surprised Pastor Kessa, and answered the immediate need. A definite God moment...
I don't know what is was, but the night before the quake anniversary, a thick acrid smoke filled the town. We, of course, lay breathing it in all night. We got up feeling like our throats burned, and that we might return with an emphysema condition...just kidding. Kristin: Pastor said that he was going to apologize to you for what you've been though! Hopefully this stuff won't turn into anything of real substance, but we sound like a sickly crew, hacking and coughing. The children came again yesterday, in droves. We sang, moved rocks, and played. Peggy entertained hoards of children who delighted in teasing and playing word games. Clarence helped our old friend (the man with no shoes) chop out a tree in the line of the foundation. Clarence used an ax, then the man would use a machete. Back and forth, they got that tree out of the way. After the end of the workday and dinner, some of us went to Barb and Dick Hammond at the Friends of the Children of Haiti clinic, which was where we stayed last year on our trip to Jacmel. Their clinic now runs 6 medical missions a year for the people here, the next one is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. Barb and Dick also run a sponsorship program for school children. Please visit their website: google the Friends of the Children of Haiti, you can read their story, see the clinic facility, and learn about their school sponsorship program. Barb told us of a particular need coming - a family out east who has sponsored 20 children is now coming to haiti themselves and working in a school. They will, in a year, begin to direct their resources to the school, and 20 of the sponsored children will need new funding. The resultant gaps in education that result when this happens can be devastating to the child. Please read about the program, and consider how you might help. $25 per month isn't too much of a burden. All costs go to the child and their family. As we sat with Dick and Barb last night, we were struck by how lovely their hearts are, and how much of a difference they have made. A story: when they were building the clinic, there was a boy who was coming around the worksite and acting as a gopher of sorts. One day Dick asked him why he was not in school. He replied that he didn't have any money. Dick told him "Well, as of today, you go to school!" That boy was their first sponsored child. He sat in the kitchen of the clinic just last week with Dick and Barb, now a senior in Engineering at a University in Port
au Prince, due to graduate the coming year. An amazing story, of how just one couple can, and has changed the world with their persistence and vision. They remain in our hearts and prayers every day.
The beauties, as I call them (the four young girls with us) are an inspiring sight to behold with the children at the worksites. They play tirelessly, as little brown hands seek theirs at every opportunity. They have made significant progress on their Creole, and they draw interested gazes from the young men. (No worries Judy, Maman Jan and DeeDee are on task!)ha. We are once again drawn to these people, their desperate situation, lovely souls and hearts. Tempered by the foul smoky air, the experience reminds how much abundance we have in our lives. Often taken for granted! We get to leave tomorrow. They stay here and make do in the very best way they can. We miss you all, and can't wait to see the snow in Illinois. Gotta go, the first roosters are calling. Love to you all -
Haitian children are out of school, there are various observance services, and even a parade. We worked early, finishing the temporary shelter at the family tent site, while others carried large stones for the foundation of the church offices going up. I forgot to mention: Pastor Strom received money from donations during last year, which he gave Pastor Kessa, and is being used right before our eyes in the work on the church office foundation. I think this donation surprised Pastor Kessa, and answered the immediate need. A definite God moment...
I don't know what is was, but the night before the quake anniversary, a thick acrid smoke filled the town. We, of course, lay breathing it in all night. We got up feeling like our throats burned, and that we might return with an emphysema condition...just kidding. Kristin: Pastor said that he was going to apologize to you for what you've been though! Hopefully this stuff won't turn into anything of real substance, but we sound like a sickly crew, hacking and coughing. The children came again yesterday, in droves. We sang, moved rocks, and played. Peggy entertained hoards of children who delighted in teasing and playing word games. Clarence helped our old friend (the man with no shoes) chop out a tree in the line of the foundation. Clarence used an ax, then the man would use a machete. Back and forth, they got that tree out of the way. After the end of the workday and dinner, some of us went to Barb and Dick Hammond at the Friends of the Children of Haiti clinic, which was where we stayed last year on our trip to Jacmel. Their clinic now runs 6 medical missions a year for the people here, the next one is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. Barb and Dick also run a sponsorship program for school children. Please visit their website: google the Friends of the Children of Haiti, you can read their story, see the clinic facility, and learn about their school sponsorship program. Barb told us of a particular need coming - a family out east who has sponsored 20 children is now coming to haiti themselves and working in a school. They will, in a year, begin to direct their resources to the school, and 20 of the sponsored children will need new funding. The resultant gaps in education that result when this happens can be devastating to the child. Please read about the program, and consider how you might help. $25 per month isn't too much of a burden. All costs go to the child and their family. As we sat with Dick and Barb last night, we were struck by how lovely their hearts are, and how much of a difference they have made. A story: when they were building the clinic, there was a boy who was coming around the worksite and acting as a gopher of sorts. One day Dick asked him why he was not in school. He replied that he didn't have any money. Dick told him "Well, as of today, you go to school!" That boy was their first sponsored child. He sat in the kitchen of the clinic just last week with Dick and Barb, now a senior in Engineering at a University in Port
au Prince, due to graduate the coming year. An amazing story, of how just one couple can, and has changed the world with their persistence and vision. They remain in our hearts and prayers every day.
The beauties, as I call them (the four young girls with us) are an inspiring sight to behold with the children at the worksites. They play tirelessly, as little brown hands seek theirs at every opportunity. They have made significant progress on their Creole, and they draw interested gazes from the young men. (No worries Judy, Maman Jan and DeeDee are on task!)ha. We are once again drawn to these people, their desperate situation, lovely souls and hearts. Tempered by the foul smoky air, the experience reminds how much abundance we have in our lives. Often taken for granted! We get to leave tomorrow. They stay here and make do in the very best way they can. We miss you all, and can't wait to see the snow in Illinois. Gotta go, the first roosters are calling. Love to you all -
Thursday, January 12, 2012
January 11, 2012
...a better day...
We went to the worksite early, at the same place we worked last year. Some of the guys continued assembling/ constructing benches for the satellite church, some of us assisted the haitian painter who was painting the lines of the basketball court we carefully chalked out yesterday. Yes, for you Illini fans: the lines are blue and it is orange inside the free throw line.Soon however, a few of us peeled off to go with Pastor Edde to build a prefab home. We rode in the back of his truck through downtown Jacmel - what a ride!! We walked through fields near the church, winding through narrow paths and between block buildings to a tent-site where there were pieces of a wood shed ready to be assembled. However, no floor in sight, and no blocks to put the shed on. As with so many things here, resources are scarce, and mobilization efforts (our new favorite words) seem short sighted at best, and nonexistent at worst. The family is currently living in a desert storm tent covered by a plastic tarp that says US AID on it. There is a mamma and 6 or 7 children.
We shared two of the babydolls that Helen sent with the family (this was a protected environment and so no riot would develop) the children played with those dolls, sang and talked to them. It was endearing.
It takes quite a while to figure issues with the existing language barriers, but we soon found that the floor wasn't here because it was too heavy to carry over. However, it appeared that it was up to get it over there. I think I spotted a "God moment" here, as when we went back over the fields that many more haitian young men were spotted and asked to help, and they did. Around 15 of us or so carried that floor across those fields, through the bushes and barbed wire to the site. It was the un-doable unfolding right before my eyes. This building is 8 by 12, with a door and a window, much like the sheds we use to store our lawn mowers. We got the 4 walls up and will return on Thursday to finish the roof. The remainder of the crew stayed at the first site and landscaped rocks around the satellite church site and played with the tent city kids, who now have begun to follow us around in little herds. There is no sign of any animosity from the aid distribution event yesterday, which eased my mind a bit.
Let me talk a bit about the group experience. We are bonding as a group as the days go on Debriefing after a long work day has become the norm now, necessarily as this country is one that produces many emotions, and it is important to know where to "put" them (as the house rules say). Being here produces more questions than answers in my mind. There are layers of situations I see that my mind can not reconcile. But I know that culture changes take a long time. And leadership is in want in many of the situations, most of all in the political leadership. Anyway, we are holding on together, as one group, and we (like last year) once again are supporting each other. Differing viewpoints alternately sooth and guide one another. Like a human body, each part does it's job, making the entire body fruitful in purpose. I think we are ready for our last full workday on Thursday: it's back to the New Guesthouse to prepare for the dedication this weekend!
We went to the worksite early, at the same place we worked last year. Some of the guys continued assembling/ constructing benches for the satellite church, some of us assisted the haitian painter who was painting the lines of the basketball court we carefully chalked out yesterday. Yes, for you Illini fans: the lines are blue and it is orange inside the free throw line.Soon however, a few of us peeled off to go with Pastor Edde to build a prefab home. We rode in the back of his truck through downtown Jacmel - what a ride!! We walked through fields near the church, winding through narrow paths and between block buildings to a tent-site where there were pieces of a wood shed ready to be assembled. However, no floor in sight, and no blocks to put the shed on. As with so many things here, resources are scarce, and mobilization efforts (our new favorite words) seem short sighted at best, and nonexistent at worst. The family is currently living in a desert storm tent covered by a plastic tarp that says US AID on it. There is a mamma and 6 or 7 children.
We shared two of the babydolls that Helen sent with the family (this was a protected environment and so no riot would develop) the children played with those dolls, sang and talked to them. It was endearing.
It takes quite a while to figure issues with the existing language barriers, but we soon found that the floor wasn't here because it was too heavy to carry over. However, it appeared that it was up to get it over there. I think I spotted a "God moment" here, as when we went back over the fields that many more haitian young men were spotted and asked to help, and they did. Around 15 of us or so carried that floor across those fields, through the bushes and barbed wire to the site. It was the un-doable unfolding right before my eyes. This building is 8 by 12, with a door and a window, much like the sheds we use to store our lawn mowers. We got the 4 walls up and will return on Thursday to finish the roof. The remainder of the crew stayed at the first site and landscaped rocks around the satellite church site and played with the tent city kids, who now have begun to follow us around in little herds. There is no sign of any animosity from the aid distribution event yesterday, which eased my mind a bit.
Let me talk a bit about the group experience. We are bonding as a group as the days go on Debriefing after a long work day has become the norm now, necessarily as this country is one that produces many emotions, and it is important to know where to "put" them (as the house rules say). Being here produces more questions than answers in my mind. There are layers of situations I see that my mind can not reconcile. But I know that culture changes take a long time. And leadership is in want in many of the situations, most of all in the political leadership. Anyway, we are holding on together, as one group, and we (like last year) once again are supporting each other. Differing viewpoints alternately sooth and guide one another. Like a human body, each part does it's job, making the entire body fruitful in purpose. I think we are ready for our last full workday on Thursday: it's back to the New Guesthouse to prepare for the dedication this weekend!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
January 10,2012
Today was a day of contradiction: we saw and felt great joy in reuniting with those that we bonded with on our last trip one year ago: and we experienced great frustration and pain while attempting to distribute aid to local children.
We caught up with more children that we know from before, and were warmly embraced and even invited to their home! Peter, the student that I sponsor, was one that invited us to meet his mother. She is home recuperating following an accident that broke her femur. When we arrived at the temporary shelter house in the former tent city, I was surprised to see her sitting on a bed with a rod and screws in her thigh! She was very gracious and seemed happy to see the group. We also visited the home of Stephenson and Melisa, two of the other kids we know. Melisa asked us to pray before we left. We stood in a circle, American and Haitians, holding hands and repeated the Lord's Prayer in our own languages. Different words, same pattern: different colored hands, created the same in form and function. More than one of us ended the "Amen" with tears in our eyes. Here we were standing in a plywood dwelling, consisting of 3 rooms that housed all of this family's worldly possessions, and it could still fit 12 people in a prayer circle! Melisa cried too, and smiled shyly. It was very important to her for us to pray before we left. She told me that she "loves Jesus" and I assured her that we will pray for her and her family even when we are back at home.
In the afternoon we thought that we had a great idea of putting on a puppet show, having a brief bible lesson, then handing out craft crosses and a snack of crackers and juice... It was a good idea...we spread the word, and the children showed up in droves....all ages, all sizes. Some came with parents. Even the preteen and teens showed up. Amid the chaos, we performed the show and lesson. However when the time came to extend the crosses, and snacks, the nature of the experience shifted to a shoving competition. It is hard to understand why the people could not stand in line to walk through an aid station of sorts.... this was a good lesson for us. While we can visit and do some good (there were over a hundred children who did receive a nutritious snack today). We also learned that there are many many things about this culture that we do not, and will not understand. At dinner Pastor Strom talked about Jesus speaking to the crowds of people. That he felt what we felt today. That he reached out and let the people touch him, and he healed who he could. He had to withdraw or be crushed. He and his disciples used a boat. We did not have a boat today, only our hands and smiles, to comfort and assure that we are reaching out in the best way we can for these people. That we care. Perhaps that, for now, is all we can do.
Tonight I am weary. But I am choosing to be thankful. That we were here, to guide them, calm them, and smile assurances that we care. I hope someday they fully understand that we did the best we could. I also hope that someday we realize that they did too. And thankfully, God loves and forgives us both.
Lastly, one footnote: I have come to believe that the many roosters on this island are blind, because they crow all night long....and tonight is a quite beautiful full moon...it's gonna be a long one. And I can also be thankful for that, because in between the rooster crows, I know 15 people who need every minute of rest to recharge and go out and do even better tomorrow.
We caught up with more children that we know from before, and were warmly embraced and even invited to their home! Peter, the student that I sponsor, was one that invited us to meet his mother. She is home recuperating following an accident that broke her femur. When we arrived at the temporary shelter house in the former tent city, I was surprised to see her sitting on a bed with a rod and screws in her thigh! She was very gracious and seemed happy to see the group. We also visited the home of Stephenson and Melisa, two of the other kids we know. Melisa asked us to pray before we left. We stood in a circle, American and Haitians, holding hands and repeated the Lord's Prayer in our own languages. Different words, same pattern: different colored hands, created the same in form and function. More than one of us ended the "Amen" with tears in our eyes. Here we were standing in a plywood dwelling, consisting of 3 rooms that housed all of this family's worldly possessions, and it could still fit 12 people in a prayer circle! Melisa cried too, and smiled shyly. It was very important to her for us to pray before we left. She told me that she "loves Jesus" and I assured her that we will pray for her and her family even when we are back at home.
In the afternoon we thought that we had a great idea of putting on a puppet show, having a brief bible lesson, then handing out craft crosses and a snack of crackers and juice... It was a good idea...we spread the word, and the children showed up in droves....all ages, all sizes. Some came with parents. Even the preteen and teens showed up. Amid the chaos, we performed the show and lesson. However when the time came to extend the crosses, and snacks, the nature of the experience shifted to a shoving competition. It is hard to understand why the people could not stand in line to walk through an aid station of sorts.... this was a good lesson for us. While we can visit and do some good (there were over a hundred children who did receive a nutritious snack today). We also learned that there are many many things about this culture that we do not, and will not understand. At dinner Pastor Strom talked about Jesus speaking to the crowds of people. That he felt what we felt today. That he reached out and let the people touch him, and he healed who he could. He had to withdraw or be crushed. He and his disciples used a boat. We did not have a boat today, only our hands and smiles, to comfort and assure that we are reaching out in the best way we can for these people. That we care. Perhaps that, for now, is all we can do.
Tonight I am weary. But I am choosing to be thankful. That we were here, to guide them, calm them, and smile assurances that we care. I hope someday they fully understand that we did the best we could. I also hope that someday we realize that they did too. And thankfully, God loves and forgives us both.
Lastly, one footnote: I have come to believe that the many roosters on this island are blind, because they crow all night long....and tonight is a quite beautiful full moon...it's gonna be a long one. And I can also be thankful for that, because in between the rooster crows, I know 15 people who need every minute of rest to recharge and go out and do even better tomorrow.
Monday, January 9, 2012
January 9, 2012
Monday was our first workday in Jacmel. We worked at the new guesthouse at the church of Marky Kessa. The building is close to being finished. We worked on the grounds today: shoveling dirt, spreading rock, and leveling the ground. 15 workers can get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time! We were surprised to see many faces from our trip last year, workers from our previous team were here again, shoveling with us shoulder to shoulder. Our first day was much more productive than last year: we were perhaps better equipped to communicate in an abbreviated way, as well as more knowledgeable about the culture. That's one thing that is so important. Last year we were so very shocked by the state of things, that we were blinded a bit. The team workers from each country were unsure of each other, and very wary, which is not conducive to standing together and sounding out the meaning of words. This time around we sense a comaraderie in each other, we trust what we feel in their smile is perhaps the best way to express it. One worry didn't come to fruition: we were visited by many children today. They are so beautiful, loving, open, and eager to befriend! Many of them worked so hard with us today. Carrying buckets of dirt, many in bare feet... one was 3 years old! He had to keep his hands in the air just to keep the gloves we gave him on his hands!
The young college girls took many of the kids to play soccer today. LWML donated many soccer balls (from State Farm) for us to bring - the games went on and on. One little boy fell asleep after the game in Erin's arms. It was such an endearing picture! He felt safe enough to crawl up in her arms and give in to sleep, what a trusting and sweet thing.
Sydney Kessa is the wife of Pastor Marky Kessa. Sydney has been our coordinator for this trip. I must tell you about her grace and gentleness - she is simply stunning: in word and action and faith. What a blessing to us!
Our trip thus far has been eye opening and satisfying. We are however, far far from home. Sometimes it takes a journey such as this to open our eyes to the blessings and abundance we have in our lives everyday. In the frustrations of the day, the job, the demands of life, we forget how great we have it. I'm thankful for so much: family (especially the Williams boys), friends, and advisors...all sizes and kinds. Do me a favor tonight: say a prayer for us. We will do the same for you.
The young college girls took many of the kids to play soccer today. LWML donated many soccer balls (from State Farm) for us to bring - the games went on and on. One little boy fell asleep after the game in Erin's arms. It was such an endearing picture! He felt safe enough to crawl up in her arms and give in to sleep, what a trusting and sweet thing.
Sydney Kessa is the wife of Pastor Marky Kessa. Sydney has been our coordinator for this trip. I must tell you about her grace and gentleness - she is simply stunning: in word and action and faith. What a blessing to us!
Our trip thus far has been eye opening and satisfying. We are however, far far from home. Sometimes it takes a journey such as this to open our eyes to the blessings and abundance we have in our lives everyday. In the frustrations of the day, the job, the demands of life, we forget how great we have it. I'm thankful for so much: family (especially the Williams boys), friends, and advisors...all sizes and kinds. Do me a favor tonight: say a prayer for us. We will do the same for you.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Jacmel Jan 8, 2012
Bonswa (good evening) from Haiti!
We spent a lovely Sunday here, beginning with a church service at 8 this morning. In a brand new building, complete with benches, concrete floor, and a decorated altar. Jacmel has done much construction in the year since we have been here. Nealy 600 people at the service this morning! The beauty of the people in their singing and praise once again stunned each of us. Pastor Marky Kessa is a charismatic presence for these people, and even listening to him in Creole is an inspiring experience. At one point, Mark Boudreau leaned over to me and whispered, "I could sit here all day". In some unexplainable way, the mood of this place and it's people welcomes you right through the heart. I couldn't help but agree with him. In fact, a dove flew right through the sanctuary during the service...
After the church service we walked back to the guest house that the congregation and Lutheran Church Charities is building - it is fantastic! They hope to dedicate it on January 14th, so we barely missed getting to stay there. Maybe next year... We then went to see the worksite where we built homes on our visit last year. They have 16 homes on the site completed, and 19 apartments. We walked through the very walls that we built...(and they were still standing - ha). It felt both humbling and satisfying that we have been a part of the recovery for these people. They continue to welcome us with open arms at every turn.
At church, one of the boys that worked with us last year, 15 yr old Antonio came up to Megan and immediately they recognized each other - hugs all around. He remembered us! Again, it felt so good to be remembered as a part of his life. These people all meant so much to us, and we really never knew IF they would remember us or if we would be just another worker team from the United States to them. It is affirming that lasting memories remained. Also at the building site, Jean Baptiste Stephenson, the student that the Roegge family sponsors appeared out of nowhere! You should have been the beaming faces of Chris and Megan as they hugged him as their long-lost brother/son. He also met Erin for the first time. A truly heartwarming reunion!
Food at the Isaiah 61 house has been good (although the Williams 'boys' would surely starve...) most meals include rice and beans as a staple. We spent the afternoon free here at the house, then back to the church and the youth service at 4. What an entertaining couple of hours! The youth of the church put on a variety show of sorts, singing, dancing, and skits. You'll see pictures of several Lutherans you may know up front dancing on the TLC website (will try to post here later). After the service we went down the street in Jacmel to a restaurant for dinner. We had fried chicken, rice/beans, veggies, and fried plaintains. (see Mark, you would've liked ONE thing on the menu...) There was a sort of New Year Party in the street going on, but we moved on after dinner and walked a mile of so home to the Isaiah House. We did get some immersion to the local scene doing this, turns out this trip is feeling nothing like the last one. Good for them to be unique experiences, which makes them difficult to compare. After dinner we gathered in the common area and ended up playing a charades type of game called "Celebrity". Suffice it to say that Pastor Strom made me cry on this trip.... I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Need to sign off for tonight. Thanks for prayers everyone. We are safe, sound, and ready to get to work in Jacmel.
We spent a lovely Sunday here, beginning with a church service at 8 this morning. In a brand new building, complete with benches, concrete floor, and a decorated altar. Jacmel has done much construction in the year since we have been here. Nealy 600 people at the service this morning! The beauty of the people in their singing and praise once again stunned each of us. Pastor Marky Kessa is a charismatic presence for these people, and even listening to him in Creole is an inspiring experience. At one point, Mark Boudreau leaned over to me and whispered, "I could sit here all day". In some unexplainable way, the mood of this place and it's people welcomes you right through the heart. I couldn't help but agree with him. In fact, a dove flew right through the sanctuary during the service...
After the church service we walked back to the guest house that the congregation and Lutheran Church Charities is building - it is fantastic! They hope to dedicate it on January 14th, so we barely missed getting to stay there. Maybe next year... We then went to see the worksite where we built homes on our visit last year. They have 16 homes on the site completed, and 19 apartments. We walked through the very walls that we built...(and they were still standing - ha). It felt both humbling and satisfying that we have been a part of the recovery for these people. They continue to welcome us with open arms at every turn.
At church, one of the boys that worked with us last year, 15 yr old Antonio came up to Megan and immediately they recognized each other - hugs all around. He remembered us! Again, it felt so good to be remembered as a part of his life. These people all meant so much to us, and we really never knew IF they would remember us or if we would be just another worker team from the United States to them. It is affirming that lasting memories remained. Also at the building site, Jean Baptiste Stephenson, the student that the Roegge family sponsors appeared out of nowhere! You should have been the beaming faces of Chris and Megan as they hugged him as their long-lost brother/son. He also met Erin for the first time. A truly heartwarming reunion!
Food at the Isaiah 61 house has been good (although the Williams 'boys' would surely starve...) most meals include rice and beans as a staple. We spent the afternoon free here at the house, then back to the church and the youth service at 4. What an entertaining couple of hours! The youth of the church put on a variety show of sorts, singing, dancing, and skits. You'll see pictures of several Lutherans you may know up front dancing on the TLC website (will try to post here later). After the service we went down the street in Jacmel to a restaurant for dinner. We had fried chicken, rice/beans, veggies, and fried plaintains. (see Mark, you would've liked ONE thing on the menu...) There was a sort of New Year Party in the street going on, but we moved on after dinner and walked a mile of so home to the Isaiah House. We did get some immersion to the local scene doing this, turns out this trip is feeling nothing like the last one. Good for them to be unique experiences, which makes them difficult to compare. After dinner we gathered in the common area and ended up playing a charades type of game called "Celebrity". Suffice it to say that Pastor Strom made me cry on this trip.... I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Need to sign off for tonight. Thanks for prayers everyone. We are safe, sound, and ready to get to work in Jacmel.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
January 7, 2012
We have arrived in Jacmel! The day began at 4:50 with a shuttle ride to O'Hare, followed with flights to Ft Lauderdale then Port au Prince. We arrived to the complete chaos and shouting of the cabbies jockeying to assist with bags and transportation. Shouting is just a way of getting your point across in Haiti, the culture is very different from the US. We were pleasantly surprised by the developments over the past year in reconstruction efforts. Don't get me wrong, there are still many tent cities/shanty towns, but they have made significant progress with reconstruction of roads and bridges. There are new businesses built and familiar names were on their fronts: Caterpillar, DHL, Nissan are just a few. Perhaps the new government just being elected when we were here last is making progress. We loaded into 2 vans and screamed through the mountains. 36 miles in 3 hrs.... I wonder if you can see this road on google earth maps.... if so, you will see magnificent hairpin turns. The great news is: we're here. The bad news is: we've gotta get back over those mountains...:-)
To see the official blog of the trip (from Megan Roegge) visit bonjouhaiti.blogspot.com. To see posted pictures all through the trip (airport ones already up) visit the facebook page of Trinity Lutheran Church in Urbana!
We received a wonderful welcome from the staff of the Isaiah 61 house in Jacmel. Google it and you'll see pictures of where we are staying. One of the guys has killed a large cockroach already, and there has been a gecko visit to another one of the rooms. They are the first, I'm sure, of the many wildlife sightings we will have. Bon huit (good night)
To see the official blog of the trip (from Megan Roegge) visit bonjouhaiti.blogspot.com. To see posted pictures all through the trip (airport ones already up) visit the facebook page of Trinity Lutheran Church in Urbana!
We received a wonderful welcome from the staff of the Isaiah 61 house in Jacmel. Google it and you'll see pictures of where we are staying. One of the guys has killed a large cockroach already, and there has been a gecko visit to another one of the rooms. They are the first, I'm sure, of the many wildlife sightings we will have. Bon huit (good night)
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