Haiti Trip #11 - March 28, 2012

Prayer Partners of the Day - Carla Barnard & Patrick Lesley

(Written somewhere over the midwest at 20000 feet!)

Last night, it poured down rain, and after the previous nights of being eaten alive by bugs, I kept feeling like things were crawling all over me! Silliness, really. The shower was cold & invigorating, and we were outside ready to go by 7:00am.

The ride to the airport was short, and would you believe there was NO line at the airport?! We were able to walk straight up and in. Only one of our men was caught up by the "red shirts," but thankfully, he was one team member that could handle anything. Three security checkpoints and patdowns later, we were enjoying our cafe au laits in the "VIP" lounge upstairs.

Kevin, Bob & Daryl left first, as they were flying to Fort Lauderdale. Even though we had only been together for a few short days, the projects were aplenty and the emotions were full. It made for a tearful goodbye, and the rest of us shortly thereafter boarded the plane for Miami. Having a short connection time, I hugged our group in customs and wished them well. This leader could not have been more proud of a group of "students."

And so ends another fun-filled, adventurous, trip to Haiti. Like I said yesterday or the day before, I don't know when I will be going back... Hopefully this fall? It's bittersweet, as Haiti is truly my second home and I have come to call so many "family." I will miss my brothers and sisters, and when God calls, I am ready to go back!

Many thanks to all of those who held us in prayer throughout the week. Your prayers gave us the strength and courage to handle all adversity with joy and thanksgiving. Peace be with you...until next time!

Haiti Trip #11 - March 27, 2012

Prayer Partners of the Day - Sean Devolites, Josh Hagstrom, & Cassie Miller


After the rat incident, it was hard to sleep, for we both feared we would wake up to a rat in our bed. The room was extraordinarily hot last night, too... But thankfully, there was a beautiful ocean to wake up to, and as with every morning, it was nice to sit by the water and have quiet time to start the day.

Ring around the roseys...

We all fall down!

Father Deravil joined us at breakfast and brought a gift for each team member to show his thanksgiving for the project. It was a beautiful token of appreciation. We visited the site for the team to pack up their tools and belongings. While waiting, many of the school children were hanging around, and many of them gathered around me. There was only one thing to do...and that was to play ring-around-the-roseys! After many minutes, I kept changing directions so as not to get so dizzy! :) The kids loved it, as did I, and we had a blast as we "all fall down!" Such great kids. They're appreciative for the little things, and smothered me with hugs and love before leaving. Priceless moments.

Great job, Kevin!

Before we could get all of the luggage tied on the Kia, we received a call from Blanket! Smoke was coming from the system! We packed up quickly, put on our Supermen capes and headed up the mountain. The team easily fixed the problem. After all, they were seasoned professionals now, working on a total of five projects throughout the week.

It was a HOT ride into town with much traffic. Port-Au-Prince attracts as many cars and pedestrians as possible and navigating town is nearly impossible. Thankfully, we have Ancy, the best driver in Haiti, to ensure our safety. Arriving at Walls International Guest House, I was exhausted from the week's activities. We unloaded, and Pastor Evens dropped by to wish us traveling mercies and express his heartfelt appreciation for making three trips to Blanket this week. Such a sweet man, he is, and what a great friend! We said our goodbyes to Ancy, as well, and it was a bittersweet time for me. This is the first time I have been to Haiti and I don't know when I'll be going back again. It was very hard to say goodbye to my dear brother.

With Bob and Moise

Feeling a bit sad and melancholy, I layed down for a few minutes simply to catch my breath and relax. Not thirty minutes had passed when my roomie came in to tell me there was someone at the gate asking for me. It was a young man named Moise Milord from Love&Hope for Haiti in Pignon. We had corresponded by email a few times, as he was looking for a team to survey his area for a potential solar/clean water system. Moise had traveled just to meet and talk for a bit. I was so honored and humbled by his presence and his love for the mission and community he leads. He is so well-spoken and clearly God has blessed him with a huge heart and an abundance of leadership. I will continue to pray we have a team called to survey and partner with his project.

What a great roomie - Lyla Jane!

Our team debriefed tonight, discussing highlights and successes of the week. As I look back over today, I cannot help but think this may have been one of the best days I have ever had in Haiti. Between the children this morning and Moise this evening, and the team of rookies turned professionals, my heart is overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving. God has certainly blessed our team and the work we have done. Not six days ago, I thought we were on the brink of disaster due to miscommunication, but now we sit having completed five projects with confidence and excitement. What an amazing journey it has been.

Tomorrow we get up bright & early to begin our travels home...

Haiti Trip #11 - March 26, 2012

Prayer Partners of the Day - Diana Grace, Emily Ronis & the Hogan Family

Shelby taking readings in Mirebalais.

My roomie, Lyla Jane, and I woke up with an incredible number of red bites all over us. It looks a bit like we have chicken pox! Though I've never had chicken pox...hmm....

Today, we split the team up a bit. Shelby, Ancy, Salien, Bob & I went off in one direction, while Mark, Valdes and the rest of the team stayed to finish the system in Montrouis. Our drive took us through market day in Cabaret, where the road goes down to one lane and the vendors cover the road with their fresh produce and goods. The drive then took us by the biggest tent city left in Haiti. Though I saw the tent city when it first popped up in 2010 days after the earthquake, it continues to amaze me there are so many people still living in "temporary" housing. There was much hope as we passed by many housing projects going up on both sides of the road. I believe this is the government's effort at moving the tenters into more permanent housing.

Salien & Ancy taking inventory.

The United Nations camp on the outskirts of Mirebalais was bustling with activity and heavy machinery. This is the same UN camp where cholera originated in Haiti last year. As we drove past, I said a little prayer in hopes cholera will not be as rampant this year. The Partners In Health new teaching hospital looks to be almost complete from the outside, and right across the road from the hospital is L'Ecole de Choix, the site of our January 2012 installation.

Shelby and Salien went to immediate work on installing the slo-blo switch, and I took a toothbrush to one of the filters and began flushing out some of the sand that had penetrated the holes. (Thanks, Jerry Goode!) It was a great reunion with our friends, Blondel, Papi, Michel Jerome, and Leonard. The principal was also on site, and we were able to sit down and talk a bit. A group from Intel was also on site, as they have provided all of the computers and technology for the campus. Yet another way to make connections on a small peninsula! By far, the most cheerful event of the day was going from classroom-to-classroom and seeing the children, who actually remembered my name AND the clean water song we had taught them in January! I was so proud of them!

With Shelby & the crew at Blanket

After our work at L'Ecole de Choix, we went across town to the Haiti Micah Project, where one of our other SUTS/LWW systems stands. The fellas changed out a gauge, completed the "snapshot" for Mark, and replaced a seal to fix a leak around the pump. It was here that we said goodbye to Salien, who went home to be with his pregnant wife! (She's due any day now!)

 Our trip "home" took us once again through Blanket, as we wanted to install a new fuse. We barely made it back to Montrouis by dark...only to find there was a rat loose in our room! Just another day in paradise!

With Salien, Ancy & Bob in front of the Haiti Micah Project in Mirebalais.

Haiti Trip #11 - March 25, 2012

Good morning, God!

Prayer Partners of the Day - Mom & Maple Springs UMC

Is there a better Sunday than waking up and walking outside to sit beside a beautiful ocean to have a bit of quiet and centering time? Nothing is better than greeting the morning with a "GOOD MORNING, GOD!" Not only this, we have an entire church praying for our team today in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Thank you, Maple Springs UMC.

Salien, the great

We attended worship just down the road at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. (This will be the site of our solar retrofit of an existing clean water system.) The highlight may have been the children's choir singing "Shine, Jesus, Shine," and they were so precious. Father Jean Jacques Deravil presided over the service and actually came into the congregation to deliver his hour-long sermon from memory. This was the first time I had seen a priest come out from the pulpit, as they are usually glued to it! The service was, of course, in Creole, but though we did not understand the words, the message was clear. Father Deravil invited me up to introduce the team, which I happily did, and afterwards, he said something a little unexpected... He promised the congregation that anyone even thinking of stealing the solar panels would have God to answer to! He called down the wrath on all those

Playing with fire

We returned to the compound to change clothes and have lunch. With a bit of "lull" time, it was the perfect opportunity to lay under the mango tree and listen to the waves.

Karl, the great

Work began right after lunch, and the team worked feverishly through the hot afternoon. Salien, our electrician extraordinaire, worked with two men (one in a tree!) to install the solar panels into the frame. Mark, our terrific teacher, had the team divided into pairs working on various projects. I took the opportunity to sit with a great kid named Karl... Karl was about 11 years old and spoke great English! I pulled out my Greek school book and taught him the Greek alphabet. Soon, we had him working on the project and translating instructions for the community.

They sent Ancy & I on an mission to find PVC fittings. We went into town, unsuccessfully looked for parts at a store, and then the manager took us walking down a dirt road to a person's house to see if he had some. Of course, standing out like a sore thumb, I quickly drew a crowd to accompany us on the walk!

By the time we returned, the team had changed out the board pump, hooked up the charge controller, mounted the disconnect box, and Mark had led a group 100 feet over at the well on installing the submersible pump. By 4:00pm, the team was sweating and practically finished with the project! I was impressed...especially as I happily sat under the tree with many of the women of the community. It was a beautiful time... Though we did not speak the same language, we were able to communicate perfectly. We sang a few songs, I showed them pictures of my family, and it felt like we had known each other for years. This is what I love about working in the mission field. We really are all children of God and one family.

The team finished up work, packed up and Madame Deravil had a feast awaiting us for dinner. We were all quite tired from such a long day's work, but immediately we perked up when two bats were caught in the dining hall and began diving at our heads! Ah, what a great ending to a fruitful day.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church complete with solar panels & clean water.

Haiti Trip #11 - March 24, 2012

New Panels at Blanket Baptist Church & School

Prayer Partners of the Day - Becky Field-Ross & Becky Memmelaar

With Pastor Evens

Every day in Haiti is better after a good night's sleep! Perhaps it's because UNC lived to play another day? Perhaps it is because it wasn't quite as cold and humid last night? Perhaps it was because my prayer partners lifted our team to God's care? Whatever the case, it was good to wake this morning and feel refreshed.

Mark is an exceptional teacher.

After breakfast (mango & pineapple...mmmm!), we took down our tents and began packing up our belongings. We took off to Blanket, and as we came over the ridge, the brand new solar panels were atop a new pole and shining brightly! You see...in February, we received terrible news. The solar panels in Blanket were stolen in the middle of the night. They were no longer able to produce clean water, as there is no electricity available in the community, and they did not own a generator large enough to operate the system. It was heartbreaking. Thanks so faithful members of Herndon UMC and a little gift from Green Energy Solutions, four new solar panels were bought for Blanket. Our team this week is here to hook up the panels to the system and get the system back up and running. It was a perfect teaching and training opportunity for our rookies, as the project ended up being much more technical than originally expected.

Sometimes you need a cuddle.

While Mark was hard at work teaching, I was, of course, playing with the kids and talking. My friends, Fedo and Maxon, stopped by to say hello, and dear Maxon sat and wrote a note to our friend Sally Block. An hour or so after the work continued, Pastor Evens Cherenfant arrived. He was given a car from a Baptist missionary group, and from the looks of it, he is still perfecting the art of driving! We enjoyed a nice reunion, as we've been friends now for years. He, Ancy, and I talked for the rest of the day, and before I left, Evens gave me a Bible written in Creole! It was the one thing I had been wishing for during my last trips, and I was so honored to receive it from him.

Ashley with one of her kids!

In other news, the goats came by for a visit! If you think back to January 2011, the group purchased four goats for the Blanket church, and they were sweetly named Ashley, Ancy, Leo and Sam! Now, there are NINE goats, as Ashley & Ancy have had two children and Leo & Sam have had three children. Ashley is once again pregnant... And the strangest thing... Ancy & Sam have gone missing! Perhaps they were ready to leave the "kids" to the gals! :)

Our time in Blanket was much longer than expected, and we finally packed up our tools and headed back to Arcahaie to gather our belongings by 3:00pm. Once we loaded our bags on the Kia, we took off further up the road to Montrouis. The Episcopal compound is literally right on the water, and for the last two years, this has been the site of our Operators Conference. We were all in awe of the beautiful still ocean.

Tonight we sat by the water and answered the question...what brought you hope today? It was started to bring on many feelings and questions among the group. As I said before, only two of us have ever been to Haiti before, and this was the first time seeing the country, the surroundings and the people up close. One can read about it, but until you see Haiti for your own eyes, one can never really understand it. Unlike many countries with pockets of poverty, Haiti is a country where one simply cannot get out of it. As I continue to tell the team, Haiti is hard, and you must allow yourself time to process... And one must not fall victim to being overwhelmed and thinking the work they are doing is in vain. If you can touch one life, if you can bring hope to just one person, if you can give love to one child, if you can give clean water to one community, then you have succeeded.

May God grant us strength to be the Light of Christ to all those we encounter and bring joy and love to our neighbors and family in Haiti.

(From L to R) Arachaie Operator, Valdes, Ancy, & me

Haiti Trip #11 - March 23, 2012

Prayer Partners of the Day - Dad & Darenda Lease

Making plans with Valdes & Ancy

Never thought I'd say this in Haiti... I was so cold last night! It was humid and clammy! The rain kept coming, and thankfully that kept the loud folks and animals inside and quiet. Last night, we decided to split the team today and work on two separate projects. The system in Arcahaie needed a bit of TLC, and we had a small maintenance project in Mirebalais. One instructor, Mark, stayed with the team in Arcahaie, and I set out with a few others for Mirebalais.

First, we had to go north to Montrouis to simply check in with Valdes and ensure things were getting started at the big project site. We arrived and a score of men were out digging a trench with pick-axes and shovels to prepare for laying the wire and conduit. The pole and solar panels were not up yet, however, and we scouted the area for the best, most secure site, finally deciding upon the roof of the water building. While there, Valdes gave us another project to work on in Mirebalais. Yes, that now makes FIVE projects for the six days in Haiti.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Back in the car, we headed for Mirebalais, a good two hours away. We were just about to enter Arcahaie and received a phone call there was a protest blocking the main road. We tried to continue onward, but the rioters had the road completely blocked and as a good team leader, we chose our safety over the projects. We headed back to St. Thomas Episcopal Church & School. The team there was working non-stop, and the remaining members joined in the work. I took the opportunity to sit down with Ancy in the church and tackle our "to-do" list of phone calls and emails to projects around the country.

The professor

Mark & I went into problem-solving mode. Because we could not get to Mirebalais to complete the two projects today, we completely changed our schedule around to fit our needs and projects. The team was thankfully agreeable and continued to work on the kinks in the Arcahaie system.

We had a visit from "Father Goose." He is a protege to Father Irnel Duveaux, and the Bishop has given him a church in Cazale. Goose asked us to visit his site and complete a survey. Happily, I agreed, as I never turn down the opportunity to go on an adventure in Haiti! This adventure turned into one of the roughest roads I have ever traveled in Haiti...and that is saying a lot! We went up a mountain, down a mountain, over a mountain, up a mountain, and finally into a valley. In all, it took about 90 minutes. The scenery was beautiful - lush with green plants and beautiful people. The survey went fantastically, and it would most certainly be an easy installation.

Father Goose, Bob, and me in Cazale

The boy looks just like
UNC's Harrison Barnes

Back in Arcahaie, I was finally able to sit down and have a long chat with Father Irnel. Part of my job as Living Waters For the World Haiti Network Moderator is to problem solve, unruffle feathers, and continually work through the covenant process and bridge the gap between partners in the US and partners in Haiti. This was one of those instances...and why they pay me the big bucks! Ha. Ha.

After dinner, it was time to debrief the day with the team. The question of the night was what brought us joy. Isn't that a question we should ask ourselves everyday? It brought me joy to not only see Valdes and the projects underway. It brought me joy to meet Father Goose and see his beautiful community in Cazale. And it brought me joy to hear from my Dad every few minutes with updates from the UNC-Ohio game! (Thankfully, UNC won in overtime!)

Haiti Trip #11 - March 22, 2012

Prayer Partners of the Day - Carl Jones & Woody Speer

Right before customs 

Yesterday, I awoke with a gut feeling that things were just not right. I had a dream our solar panels were not ready and the poles had yet to be mounted, which would have made for a disaster trip. With a team of rookies, and a plan to work on several projects, we needed the schedule to be flawless. Come to find out, my gut instinct was right, and there had been much miscommunication down the line. After eight hours of phone calls to Green Energy Solutions in Port-Au-Prince and pacing the floor, and screaming at the top of my lungs, an email arrived in my inbox with the words, "We have everything ready for pick up." In fact, you probably heard my sigh of relief from anywhere in the world!

Onto today. The alarm sounded at 3:30am. American Airlines has decided they can indeed fly me from Vegas to Haiti all in one day...as long as I can make the hour connection in Miami. Sure enough, we were late leaving Vegas and actually flew in a circle for awhile before heading east. As I walked out the gate in Miami, I heard, "Last call for passengers on Flight ### for Port Au Prince. All passengers should now be on board." I took off running, and thankfully was the last person allowed on the plane.

It's always good to see the Kia
waiting in the airport parking lot!

The team was safely aboard, too, and how lucky I was to share a row with the CEO of Digicel, the largest mobile telecommunications operator in the Caribbean. He was a fascinating fellow from England, and turns out we even went to the same University in Durham, England for a bit of time. What a great contact to make!

Upon landing in Port-Au-Prince, it was time to run the airport gauntlet with a group of rookies. Once we had most everyone grab their luggage, we sent folks outside to find Ancy. This left me and one other in the airport with the last cart...which, of course, was nabbed by the customs officials. After a long conversation, in which he wanted me to pay for the contents of the boxes, I convinced him the pump was needed for a clean water system to prevent cholera. (Previous teams have been forced to pay money to be able to take their belongings out of the airport.) I actually hugged the customs agent! He seemed to like that :)

Mine's the green one! :)

There was much traffic, as usual, but the ride to Arcahaie was thankfully uneventful! The tents I had left in February were already put up, which was incredibly nice...as a thunderstorm quickly rolled in and stayed the rest of the night. The rain brought little relief to the heat, but at least it was cooler outside than inside.

With a group of folks having never been to Haiti before, it allowed me the opportunity to see the cities, the faces and the surroundings through fresh eyes. Really looking forward to this week... Four projects, seven students, two instructors... Think we can do it all?

Haiti Prayer Partners, The Next Chapter

Wanted: Prayer Partners. 

When: March 22-28, 2012

Destination: Haiti... Where else?
Why: It's time to go to work!

What better way to celebrate World Water Day than to go to Haiti?! 

This is a BIG trip to Haiti! Though it is only seven days, the schedule for those seven days is jammed pack! Nine US team members, three Haitian teammates, four projects, seven days! Woo! Did I mention of those nine US team members, only two have been to Haiti before and only those same two have experience installing systems? 

Thus, the power of prayer and our amazing prayer partners will be our BIGGEST teammates! We're doubling up, and tripling up on some days, as we understand the need for prayer and strength. I cannot thank you enough for partnering with us on this trip, and if you would like to join us in prayer, we would love to add you!

Thursday, March 22 - Carl Jones & Woody Speer

Friday, March 23 - Dad & Darenda Lease

Saturday, March 24 - Becky Memmelaar & Becky Field-Ross

Sunday, March 25 - Mom, Maple Springs UMC

Monday, March 26 - Diana Grace & Emily Ronis & Hogan Family

Tuesday, March 27 - Josh Hagstrom & Sean Devolites & Cassie Miller

Wednesday, March 28 - Carla Barnard & Patrick Lesley 

Haiti Journal, March 3, 2012

This peacock... He LOVES me! :)

Prayer Partners of The Day - The Horstman Family & Arnie Armadillo


We went to bed so early last night, my roommate woke up in the middle of the night to make sure we hadn't overslept. Being the light sleeper I am, when she asked what time it was, I happily rolled over, looked at my phone and answered, "12:00am."

Our alarms went off too early, yet again, and we were on the bus into town around 6:00am. The line into the Port Au Prince airport was exceptionally long, but thankfully moved quickly. My friends were on a flight to Ft. Lauderdale, but I was scheduled for a flight to Miami. Unfortunately, they couldn't bump me to the earlier flight to Miami, and there I sat in the airport by myself. Not long after my friends left, though, our hotel-mates from Jumecourt arrived. We had a lovely time chatting and playing euchre, and I really do hope to work with them soon.

Wouldn't you know it, they bumped me to first class on the way home. I really am getting spoiled! These seats even had footrests and laid down flat! Carolina and Duke are playing in the final game of the season, and winner takes all. What a good day to be coming home! Hopefully the Miami airport will have a perfect sports bar near my gate!

Again friends, I thank you for being a part of this journey with me, for praying as we work, for encouraging us as we serve and for loving us when we're weary. The strength you give us each day is vital, and I thank God for you with every breath. Peace be with you...until the next journey...which isn't far away!

Haiti Journal, March 2, 2012

Relaxing on top of the roof in Croix Des Bouquets

Prayer Partners of the Day - Rollin & Linda Wycoff

Dale Caswell & a small garden in L'Acul

It's been very nice to sleep in the same bed for four nights after sleeping in so many different beds and rooms. After a long day of travel, we have made it to Jumecourt Inn in Croix Des Bouquets. This is where Global Orphan Project is headquartered in Haiti, and it puts us right by the airport for tomorrow's departure.

On the long drive in today, we stopped by L'Acul and visited friends of the group from California. (Goodness, it feels like it's been years since I've seen that group, when, in fact, they just left a few days ago!) Ingram & Dale Caswell are responsible for running CODEP (COmprehensive DEvelopment Project) of the Haiti Fund, Inc. They are doing amazing work - replanting forests, introducing fish breeding, water projects - in Haiti, all while putting Haitians to work, resulting in points gathering to go toward buying a house. Visit their website! We toured their project in L'Acul and began thinking of joint projects.

LOTS of fish in those water holes

The drive from there to Croix Des Bouquets took a lifetime. Thankfully, we broke up the drive by meeting Lorna, Hans & Kerry, Ancy's family, as they were coming home from Port-Au-Prince. You have never seen two little boys so excited to see their father. I, too, was elated to see my second family! (Note to self, buy video games to take with me to the boys!)

At Jumecourt, we met a group from Texas and Tennessee. Their projects focus mainly on Haiti and Costa Rica, my two personal favorite countries. What always amazes me about Haiti is the connections one can make on a single trip. It further presses the point upon me to continue making these connections, as the more the right hand knows what the left hand is doing, the more work can be accomplished.

Lorna, Kerry & Hans
stoked to see Ancy!

And so comes an end to another trip to Haiti. Between a fantastic two couples from Portola Valley, CA and an amazing two couples from Pennsylvania, this has been a wonderful, memorable survey trip. Above all, relationships have strengthened, optimism is seen on every corner, and the work we are doing is increasing daily. God has certainly blessed our teams and their missions. How lucky am I to be a small part of it?!

Haiti Journal, March 1, 2012

Pure bliss.

Prayer Partners of the Day - Stephanie Lada & Carla Barnard

You thought I was going to start off by talking about loud dogs, didn't you?? Well, you're right! Those dogs...did I mention they are loud? And they stay right below our window? Okay, that's all.

Pere Alphonse & Rick sealing the
covenant with a handshake.

It was an early morning with a good dose of eggs and coffee for breakfast. On the schedule today was a second visit to Torbeck to see Pere Alphonse. The team from PA sat down with him and two of the community leaders to discuss the covenant. By mid-morning, the covenant was signed and the planning began for another solar-powered clean water system installation.

What does one do to celebrate in Haiti? Go to the beach, of course! On our drive, we stopped by an old prison, that may have even been a fort at one time. Not long after we arrived, a crowd quickly formed around us. Did I mention I get anxious when that happens? Never like to call attention to myself or the group I'm traveling with... Thus, we climbed back in the Kia and headed on down to Jardin Sur Mer, the hotel we stayed at last October. Though I subtly gave many hints to stop back by Cherette in hopes I could see Richard, no one wanted to drive an hour back and forth down a dirt road. Understandable, but a little sad just the same. Thankfully, juice, beer, and a tasty lunch of shrimp cheered me up!

I love Ginny. 

The owner, Bob, picked up his granddaughter, Ginny, from school. Ginny is a precious little girl, about 10 years old, and she remembered me from last fall. As any kid is, she was obsessed with the videos and music on my phone. Thankfully, I had remembered to download new music videos for her to watch! Blake Shelton's Honey Bee makes them laugh everytime! Turns out, Ginny will be moving to Port Au Prince soon to attend a French school. While I am excited for her, I know her grandparents will miss her terribly, as will I when we return for visits.

A well-deserved rest after a two-week whirlwind.

On our drive back to Les Cayes, we again ran into Jocelin & Pierre going in the opposite direction. While I had hoped to spend more time with Joc, he will be in Les Cayes for the weekend, even when we return to Croix Des Bouquets, where he lives. Rochelin and his girlfriend came by again for dinner. It was so good to meet her and to know Rochelin has someone special looking out for him. Ancy dressed up and went out with friends in town from Cheridant tonight. That guy - he knows people everywhere.

And so ends another wonderful day in Haiti! The trip is coming to a close, as tomorrow we will begin our journey back toward the airport! Peace be with you, as we are forever grateful for your unending support and prayers.

Haiti Journal, February 29, 2012

Along the road to Camp Perrin

Prayer Partners of the Day - Diana Grace & Allison Fleig

House at MP3K

Happy Leap Day! Did I mention the loud dogs yesterday? The ones that bark all night long? The ones that howl and bark and bark and bark? Maybe I did. Same story, different day?

Sitting around a table for a good long chat

We were able to have a leisurely morning and left this morning at 9:30am for an adventure to Camp-Perrin. Living Waters For the World had given me contact information of a group from George Washington University working in Camp-Perrin, and their urgent request for a clean water system. We have had numerous chats, and I was really looking forward to visiting the site. First, however, we had to find gas. This was the second time on this trip we were running on empty. Usually Ancy & I both keep an eye on the gas needle, but had neglected to do so these weeks. Finally, we found a pump with diesel. Five dollars a gallon...woo!

The hike DOWN the mountain

The drive out to Camp-Perrin was beautiful. The land was lush with crops and green trees. It was as if we had entered the Dominican Republic, but were, of course, no where near there. Because none of us had been to Camp-Perrin before, a man on a motorcycle agreed to show us the way. We came to a turn in the road, where we awaited Chavannes, the director of MP3K.

Best shirt ever, "I do my own stunts!"

We loaded in his truck, knowing the Kia would not take us to the top, and rode up, up and up! Thankfully the river is dry this time of year, and we crossed the riverbed with ease. Once we arrived at the site, it was beautiful. After sitting to chat for a few minutes, we hiked down a mountain to see where the water pipe has been broken. This pipe brings water down from the mountains to the village. We hiked back up to the truck and rode up the road more to the water source. The team tested the water and gained a better idea of how the water flows to the site. We continued to chat back at the site, where Haitian coffee and fresh coconut awaited us. Meeting this group completely warmed my heart and renewed my cause to be in Haiti. What an extraordinary group of people Chavannes and his team are, and how lucky the team who takes on this site will be! (I'm hopeful they'll have me along!)

Fresh coconut!

As we left Camp-Perrin, I was still in search for a site for a group scheduled to come down in mid-March. Last week, the site they had poured money into and had already begun pre-set-up had decided against having a water system. The team, from various parts of the US, had plane tickets and supplies ready. Our last stop of the day was to Pere Colbert Estil's church in Les Cayes. Surely, they would be ready to go with a building already built...but they weren't. Though we stopped by many sites, there just was not one ready to go by next week. I finally made the phone call to my friend, Bill, and told him to cancel. It was the hardest phone call I have ever made, knowing there is so much need in Haiti, but no site was ready to go with a building built and security in place.

On the road back to Hosanna House, we passed my friends Jocelin and Pierre! It really is a small world in Haiti! After a fantastic meal of "chili mac & cheese," it was again time to call it an early night. Bon nuit, my friends, and peace be with you!

The PA group & the Camp-Perrin MP3K leaders

Carefully look at his hat! It's a UNC hat!