October Haiti Trip, Day 4

Prayer Partner of the Day - Diana Grace


Today started with a bang...literally! It had poured rain throughout the night and the roads were very slick. The hill from the hotel to the main road is very steep, and one of the cars slid into the Kia. Grace and love were abundant, as the driver felt terrible. The group re-grouped, and packed into the Kia, and off we went to work site one. Of note, before we took the road, we stopped to get gas...not at a gas station, but simply on the side of the road, where the sellers came out with many gas cans and funnels and filled us up! Only in Haiti...

At the end of the road

The drive to Cherette was over a river and up a mountain. The river was rapid but not too high for the Kia. Cherette is sponsored by Global Orphan Project, and on the grounds are a school, church and living space for the orphans. The site was literally at the end of the road, sitting picturesquely by the river, surrounded by mountains and two waterfalls in the distance. Jocelin from Global Orphan Project was our assigned interpreter. He is a wonderful man, full of energy and love. Though he is only 28 years old, he is "papa" to hundreds of orphans across Haiti. His faith in God, his leadership, and his smile are awe-inspiring, and I am so thankful to be working with him this week. I already know we'll be life-long friends.

Carla, Jocelin and I taught a class of 15, maybe 20, teachers from the school. They were attentive and wonderful. We talked creation, health, why we use clean water, germs...all of the basics. Though the children have a row of latrines, literally everyone drops their drawers on the lawn. That can't be good... They freely drink the dirty water and know no difference. This education class with activities for the teachers to use with the children is vital. They must get this message across.

There are so many beautiful, friendly, loving children. So many. In fact, I believe 121 orphans live here. Pastor Nerva Janvier is the picture of a Christian leader, and the principle, too, commands respect. They are lucky to have these two men. By the time we left Cherette today, we had the first day's education class completed and the water board and solar system was looking spectacular. What an amazing day of work!

Also of note today, I was able to sit down with many of the team members for conversations. Not knowing anyone personally before the trip, I was a little anxious, but by the end of today, we were gelling. Doug Roszel and I particularly hit it off. I had met his son, Loren, during Solar School in September, and what a great family of men they are. I am eager to work with him more during additional installations and our upcoming Solar School Instructions. During our devotion time, led by the wonderful roomie Amy, the Haitians (Valdes, Salien, Jocelin, Frantzou and Lucson) spoke of the earthquake. Jocelin especially spoke of praising God, despite his personal loss, and knowing his purpose was even more important with all those around him gone. If I could have an ounce of his faith, I would be such a better servant.

PS - Diana, you are an amazing prayer partner! I am so thankful for you!