Feb 9 & 10

The past two days have been very busy!  Our teams have really blended well and we have had a great time working together.

On Thursday, one crew went with Mark into Port au Prince for supplies.  The hygiene and medical teams went out again to educate and perform physicals on students at the Mission Possible schools.  The rest of the group stayed at the compound and worked on various maintenance projects.

Today we had two groups go to Dupin – a roofing crew and the hygiene crew.  Some of the ladies stayed on the compound for the morning and did a sewing class with about 20 Haitian women.   The rest of the group went to the Mission Possible Christian Academy (MPCA) and painted two classrooms, which had new roofs put on earlier in the week.

We all had an amazing week, but we are ready to return home to our families and friends.

See you all soon!!

Feb 8

Today was another day of wonderfully hard, hot work! One group stayed at the Mission Possible compound working on various maintenance projects, including painting and welding.

A second group of guys spent the morning and early afternoon preparing a pump for the new well at the Chardene School.  After they had everything assembled, they made the trek to the school to install it (praying it would fit down the narrow hole about 30 feet deep).

The ladies teaching the hygiene class went to St. Marc School today.  Girls 12 years old through 11^th grade were given hygiene kits after attending the class.  They were VERY excited and thankful for the information and supplies.

The medical crew was at the Degeance School in the morning and St. Marc School in the afternoon.

Another crew worked at the Mission Possible Christian Academy to tear roofs off two classrooms and begin the replacement process.  It’s very HOT for those guys on the roof!!

The ladies who teach sewing made a second trip to Dupin today.  It’s a long, difficult, hot hike up and a very treacherous, steep hike back down.  While they were there, they spent time with 32 of the local women teaching sewing.

Feb 6 & 7

We are all finding Haiti to be a beautiful and intriguing country in spite of the occasional appearance of Ben, our “pet” rat (thankfully, his friend is no longer). Monday began another busy week.  The medical team and sewing team traveled to Dupin for the day. On our hike back, Andrea and Liane were able to do a home visit with the young mother who delivered her baby last week. Both mother and baby are doing well. The hygiene teaching team had a successful day at Chardenne thanks to a three generation team of Grandma Becky, Mom Amanda, and daughter Lexi. The painting team also worked at Chardenne and completed painting all the classrooms. Deb and Sabine continued to work with the community agent at Chardenne. The construction crew continued to work hard replacing the roof and pouring cement for the playground at MPCA.  Kaitlin spent much of her time with the girls from the school.  They loved her strawberry blond hair and crowded around her to make braids.

After our busy Monday, Tuesday began with the word flexibility. The US is not the only country with a new president as Haiti has a new one, too. It was his inauguration today so we found out at breakfast that all schools were closed for the day, causing a quick change in the day’s previously planned agenda. Most of the team spent the morning touring Degeance—the current school building, the surrounding town, and the new school location. Liane, Jessica, Jean, Brenda, Brooklyn, Deb, and Donna stayed at the Mission Center to continue a sewing class with the women from Lanzac. The afternoon was spent in various work projects around the Mission Center and at MPCA. We are enjoying ending are evenings with a moving time of group devotions led by Lynn.

An update on Kenson: Prayers are being answered as his burns continue to heal with no signs of infection and his pain nearly resolved. Keep praying!

We are having Internet difficulties, We will post pictures when we can, as well as more updates.

Feb 5

Come into His presence with thanksgiving in your heart and give Him praise! That’s what we did today.  We attended church at 3 different locations.  Lanzac, St. Marc Mission Possible Church, and St. Marc Assembly of God Church.

Pastor Lynn preached at St. Marc Assembly of God Church and others who attended there were Liane, Deb, Sabine, Jeff, Heather, Bob, and Ross. This church was celebrating their 22^nd anniversary and had many special events today. The music was beautiful.  Our group also provided music in singing “How Great Thou Art” acapella. Although our languages are different, we definitely felt the Spirit of God in our service. We were invited to eat lunch at the Pastor’s house, which was such an honor. The entire congregation had lunch today because of their celebration.

At St. Marc Mission Possible Church, Pastor Rick preached on Ezekiel 37 about dry bones and if those bones can live. The service was wonderful with lively praise and worship, prayer and even a family dedication! Kaitlyn, Jessica, Brooklyn, Donna, and Jim performed a silent skit showing how sin can stick to our lives, and Jesus is the only way to break that bondage. Lunch was back at the Mission Possible compound where we had rice and beans, cabbage salad, pickled onions, steak and green peppers, and pasta salad prepared by the Haitian chef, Manita.

The rest of afternoon was spend on the compound getting to know each other and having leisure time before our work week begins tomorrow. Wish us luck and keep praying for us!

Special Prayer Request – Please pray for Kenson, a young teen boy from Degeance who suffered 2^nd degree burns on his back and right arm last Monday. He is getting daily dressing changes by the Mission Possible medical team. He is continuing to improve, but this will be a long recovery process.  He and his family would appreciate your prayers.

Jan 31

January 31, 2017

What a wonderful day we had today with teams going in different directions.

The OB Team (Tammy, Denise, Amy, Jen, Sabine, and Stacey), Deb, Jeff Perry, Bill, and Sharon to the long journey to LaHatte. The ride up to LaHatte in itself is an adventure, as it goes through a dry river bed. It’s better than any amusement ride you will ever have! There were 8 ladies who attended the OB sessions. Deb and Sharon worked with the community agents in the AM. After lunch, the community agents sat in on the OB sessions. Jeff and Bill assessed what needs to be done at LaHatte in terms of maintenance of various structures. We had a great time interacting with the community people after our work was done while waiting for a driver to get us back to the Mission Center.  When the driver arrived, the ride back was just as exciting as getting there!

Today we had 26 ladies come to learn to crochet. They made a point to tell us to than all the ladies who helped make the t-shirt yarn they used to crochet with. They were grateful for all your efforts. They began a shopping bag today. It is so difficult to teach beginners to crochet when you do not speak the same language. Thank God above for the interpreters!!!! Continue to keep us in your prayers!

Shari went to Lanzac and spent the day there with the Health Agent. She was very impressed with how organized and motivated she was. She took it upon herself to stand at the gate where the children enter everyday to see if they had any health needs as they came to school.

Jean, Alicia, Heather, Judy,  Mary, Trish, and Shari scraped and painted at the Mission Center.

Tim and Mark went to Port Au Prince to a couple of “hardware” stores. Traffic was atrocious. Smells were interesting. 

John, Bob, Jon, Maureen, Trevor and Julie we were able to get all of the fence posts cut and installed. Construction for most of the footings for all of the playground equipment were completed as well. Tomorrow we’ll begin the concrete pour of the foundation which will support the fence that will surround the playground.

Shout Outs:

Hello, Jefferson Primary!!!! I miss you all so much! I have so much to tell you about when I return home. Just know I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to visit Haiti. See you next week.

To Sharon, (my favorite sister), All is going well.  Miss you!  Love, Heather

To all my family and friends – I miss you al and your prayers are working! I am having a great time and meeting so many wonderful people. God’s love shines in Haiti!  - Stacey

To my church family and Robert – Thank you for your prayers and continued support. Love you all! Shari

To Bill and family – Having a great time! Seeing so much and learning. Hope all is well at home. Love, Judy

Dear Grandbabies, Nana and Papa love you and miss you. Diller boys, thank you for the notes!

Hello to all of my brothers and their families. Hello Amber. Having a great time helping to build a school roof. Church was wonderful and the people are great. Love you all! Sharon.

Love to Carissa, Kelsey, Michael, and Jackie! Love, Tim

Jan 30

January 30, 2017

It was a very busy day today, with teams going many directions. Liane took a group to Dupin for crocheting class. 17 Haitian ladies came to the class today. When they return on Wed. they are expecting 30 to attend. The ladies really seemed to enjoy the class. They were taught to cut strips of T-Shirts and make yarn out of them. The project they are making is a purse. They learned a few basics today and were sent home with a crochet hook and ball of T-Shirt yarn to practice. Deb and Julie worked with the Community Agent in Dupin. They are doing such a great job!

Jeff Perry stayed at the mission compound to work on various plumbing issues. He worked on toilets, showers, sinks, storage tanks and so on. There is a lot of work to do on just general maintenance on plumbing. We are thankful he is here to share his expertise.

The OB group went to Degeance and did their seminars. 24 pregnant women came to the seminar for education on labor, delivery, and post delivery care. They walked very far and uphill in the heat to see us! WE have learned so much about these women. They are strong women and they have a faith in God that is truly amazing! One woman that we met today had experienced 2 stillborn deliveries and told us that she prayed for the Lord to give her a healthy delivery at home. Jen and Tammy prayed over her today. Please pray with us for a healthy baby and mommy. She is due this month!

Jean and Sharon stayed at the mission center to scape walls in preparation for painting the new pharmacy room.  Jean joined up with Jan to repair screens to protect against mosquitos. Then they got creative in closing up a possible rat entry hole in Rachel Inn.  Great team work.

Construction was begun on the playground at MPCA.  Plans were made for where the swings, monkey bars and teeter-totters will be placed, and the framework was laid for the footer that will hold
the posts for the fence.

 

Shout Outs:

We are doing some wonderful work here in Haiti. We are being blessed by blessing others. - Trevor

Hi Jackie and All our kids and grandkids. Doing great here in Haiti! Meeting new friends and reconnecting with past friends. Building a play-ground that will be well used. Love, Bob Luttf-ring

Tim says, Jackie! STOP! Remember, don't paint the brick! Love, Tim

Greetings from Haiti. Today was spent at Dupin Mission Possible School. Just a reminder of how blessed we are and don't realize it. Love, Julie

Oh the God Adventures! Love you and miss U my love, Kaits, Elizabeth, E, Aubs, & Addie. UR my I Love U. P.S. I'm hooked, Love Jen

To Mountain View Church in Marietta, Georgia  - Thanks for all your prayers and support for your mission team here in Haiti. Keep praying for God's will and purpose to be done through us here in Haiti. We love you. God Bless! Pastor Bill

To my wonderful family- Wish you all could see this amazing place. God has made some beautiful scenery and people. Mama and I are well - Love, Alicia

To my family and friends - I'm doing really well and enjoying so much being with the Community Agents this week. Thank you for your prayers and support. God is blessing us. The team here this week is amazing - many new friendships are being made. Love to all of you! Deb

Jan 29

January 29    " I was glad when they said unto me,  let us go into the house of the Lord". Ps.  122              Since we are blessed to have 3 different pastors this week,  our team worshipped in 3 different churches,  each one had one of our pastors giving the sermon.  Pastor Tim Smith shared at St.  Marc,  Pastor Lynn at MPCA and  Pastor Bill Burch at Dupin.  Following the service in Dupin,  the medical team and some helpful team members, finished the second day of the OB seminar and enjoyed a delicious Haitian meal made by church women.

The OB seminars were attended by 35 area pregnant women.  In fact,  one women took her homework very seriously and promptly delivered her baby after leaving the seminar on Saturday afternoon!  This women graciously invited us to her community to meet her beautiful new daughter!

When the women completed the 16-hour OB clinic, they were presented with a graduation certificate and an OB kit filled with hygiene pads,  homemade diapers in 2 different sizes, cloth diapers,  home birth kits,  vitamins,  tylenol, and baby blankets.  All the women were excited to get their OB packs and were very appreciative of their gifts.

Pastor Tim, Sharon, Deb, Jeff P., Julie, Adam, Jean, John, and Trish all attended St. Marc Church this AM. It was a wonderful service and we felt the Spirit of the Lord in the worship. Pastor Tim, Sharon, Jeff, Trish and Deb sang Victory in Jesus - Deb played the keyboard to accompany. It was wonderful to unite in worship with some of the friends that we have met in the past.