Haiti Day #4 - January 14, 2011

Thanks of the Day: Goats

Ancy

Four of our team members left for Montrouis today to lead the first annual Operators Conference. I chose to stay behind with my team in Blanket, as we had a second day of hygiene education class and training for our own operators. Plus, Pastor Evens left me in charge of the village, a task I was not quite ready or able to complete.

Ashley

Today began with a side trip into Cabaret to purchase cups, followed by a trip into Titanyen to buy goats! Yes, the kind with four hooves that go "baaaaa". Leonie had come from Houston with money specifically to buy goats for the church in Blanket and the Jela School in Limbe. She was on a mission. I stayed with the water building personnel, as Sam, Jay, Sally, Leonie & Sheri all piled into the car to find the goats.

Sure enough, a couple of hours went by, and the car came back with four beautiful goats in the back. Two males - Ancy & Sam; two females - Leo & Ashley. Yes, I had a goat named for me! A beautiful blond-haired, stubborn, hungry goat! These four goats will provide milk and will produce baby goats in hopes of selling them and providing money for the church. Ah, goats.

Leo

Sam

I might add that I have developed a fondness for these goats! When I return in March, they will be among the first things I am hopeful to see! They were good goats...loud and stubborn, but good!

Today was also filled with clean water. We produced 500+ gallons of clean water, enough to almost fill the tank! It was a beautiful moment, but we forced ourselves to wait for Pastor Evens to return to distribute the water to the village.

Tim lifting Melissa to see the clean water.

Back in Arcahaie this evening, we enjoyed a time of celebration and friendship. We gathered for devotions on the porch, where we engaged in honest and open conversation. We toasted many Prestige beers and debated the phrase "best friend" over and over. (I will never live this one down...)

The evening culminated in a lengthy game of cards. I am so very thankful for this group of people that I can call a family. It is amazing that a group coming from many different walks of life can come together and form bonds so quickly. This is a testament to God and His ability to work in any situation. Books should be written about this trip; it has certainly been "textbook."

The first batch of clean water for Blanket, Haiti.