Haiti Trip, June 2012 - Day 8

Prayer Partners of the Day - Carrie Delisio & Lorri Ronis


Last night, in our small room in the dungeon of Walls Guest House, someone got up every few minutes. Whether it was Helen repacking in her mind, Bill going to the bathroom, or me shining the flashlight for those walking back and forth, it was a hilariously, sleepless night! When the alarms went off at 5:00am, we were already awake and ready to get the day started. Thank goodness, we also heard from the five others and they were on their way without incident.

They arrived!

Upon arrival at the Port-Au-Prince airport, there was no one in line. There was no one inside, and I walked right through the first of the three security checkpoints and up to the counter without stopping. Honestly, it was a bit eery! We were through the three checkpoints and pat downs and immigration before the coffee shop was open in the upstairs lounge. When we finally saw our five fellas coming through the final of the three checkpoints, we jumped for joy! I have never been so excited to see five people in my life. It was so good to be reunited with the entire team before we parted ways.

With everyone safe and sound, it was time to close this chapter of Haiti and prepare to go home. It has been a good trip. The emotions have been numerous - joy, thanksgiving, humility, happiness, a wee bit of fear, anxiety, and relief. God has blessed us with a group which assimilated almost immediately, a partnership that formed quickly, and with natural leadership and fellowship. It was an honor to serve with this team.

Though I say it much too often, how lucky am I? How lucky I am to serve with amazing leaders and servants? How lucky am I to be given numerous opportunities from our Lord and Savior? How lucky am I to have prayer partners and family members who support and encourage the work we do? How lucky am I?

Thank you for joining me on this journey! Without you, it wouldn't be nearly as fun!

Haiti Trip, June 2012 - Day 7

Prayer Partners of the Day - Kendall Cox & Jon Reece

Last night... Though the rain was coming down in sheets and providing perfect sleeping conditions and cool air, my body simply would not relax and fall asleep. Must have been that wonderful Sunday afternoon nap coming back to haunt me! The boys loaded up the truck, and after breakfast, we were on the road by 8:30am.

Jardin Sur Mer...our refuge for the day. 

We were moving a good clip for an hour when we thought it would be nice to take the group on a diversion to Jardin Sur Mer. This is a beautiful area on a hill overlooking the ocean. There also happens to be a hotel with nice toilets (always a plus!), which is where the team in October 2011 stayed.

The waitstaff and owner, Bob, greeted us warmly, and I was sad to learn little Ginny was still in school in Port-Au-Prince. She's such a sweet girl! After a bathroom break and a cool glass of limeade, we were ready to get back on the road...

That's when the call came.... Just up the road in Miragoave, the community had come out to protest the lack of electricity in the town. Rock throwing, tires burning, and the usual parading through the streets were among the list of demonstrations. Word came later the special police from Port-Au-Prince had arrived. Then by 2:00pm, the shooting had begun.

At least we were stuck at a beautiful site? :)

By 3:00pm, we received word the blockages had cleared, and we would be able to pass. We loaded up the truck and went on our way!

Fifteen minutes later, as we climbed the first mountain, the truck overheated and came to a stop...on the side of the road...on the curve of the mountain. To make a long story short, the clutch was out, the radiator ran hot, etc etc etc... We were still at least four hours outside of Port Au Prince. Contingency plans started to come together, and by the grace of God, an episcopal priest, Father Ajax, pulled over. After long discussions, four of us loaded up with Pere Ajax, and the other five stayed with Ancy, the Kia, and a ride to take them back to Jardin Sur Mer.

There were lots of goats! 

It was incredibly tough to leave half the team, especially in the pouring rain on the side of the road. Though they're safe and sound at a nice hotel, I still wish we were all together on this last night. However , divine intervention once again appeared. Checking into the guest house in Port Au Prince, we discovered a flight had been canceled and a team stayed an extra night at the guest house! There was only one room left, so four of us are bunking in one room... Nothing like becoming family in six days or less.

While I love a good adventure, can we please pray the travel tomorrow will be less eventful?! And let's pray the rest of the team left in Les Cayes will make it safely tomorrow!

Much love from Haiti!

Every trip needs a good Ancy/Ashley picture!

Haiti Trip, June 2012 - Day 6

Are there adequate words to describe this?

Prayer Partners of the Day - Mom, Maple Springs UMC, & Bill Reed

With Pere Colbert Estil

Today was a day I hope to remember the rest of my life.

When one of the fellas came in to wake me at 5:45, I was tempted to turn over and sleep in... However, since I was asked to give the message this morning, I drug myself out of bed! Pere Colbert and I met in the back of the church at 6:45. His seminary student dressed me in a robe and fastened a rope around my waist... It was quite fancy! And warm! We processed in with the choir and the cross...your typical 2-hour Episcopalian service!

When it came time to deliver the Word, only a few butterflies were in my stomach. Surpris translated for me, and the Spirit surrounded us. My heart was overwhelmed with peace and happiness. Pere Colbert allowed me to serve communion with him, which was such an honor. We almost ran out of wafers with so many parishioners coming forward!

Pere Colbert Estil dedicating the solar-water system.

The Sunday was also a special Sunday, honoring the women of the church. It was a female-only choir and how fortuitous to have a female preacher! It was also "Children of the King" Sunday. The children sang a special song, and then one-by-one they came forward to be anointed with oil. Pere Colbert asked me to be a part of this ceremony, and this was a most special, meaningful moment of my life, something there are almost no words to describe. The faces of each of the small children were precious, as I put the sign of the cross on their foreheads with oil. Having no idea what I was supposed to say to each child in Creole, it seemed appropriate to say, "You are a child of God, and God loves you very much."

Children of the King Sunday

Following church, we processed across the street with the congregation behind us to dedicate the new solar-powered water system. The community was so excited, and the team honored the individuals who had attended the hygiene classes and learned to operate the system. While it was short and sweet, the beauty and the magnificence of God surrounded the crowd. When I say there are few words to adequately describe the feeling of joy and peace engulfing my heart, no words have ever been truer.

The rest of the day was relaxing, as we marveled at our work, tweaked a few leaks and scratches, and met with the building architect and the priest to tie up loose ends. Dare I say, many of us took a treasured Sunday afternoon nap?!

Tomorrow we head to Port-Au-Prince, and as with any project, when the work is complete, I am ready to go home! The hospitality from our hosts has been abundant, and the fellowship amongst the team has been delightful and encouraging. What a rewarding week this has been... Though I say it often, how lucky am I?

A couple of great pictures with great men!

Haiti Trip, June 2012 - Day 5

The most beautiful site in the world! Newest Solar-Water Building in Les Cayes, Haiti.

Prayer Partners of the Day - Rollin & Linda Wycoff & Darenda Lease

Today, I woke up feeling the need to rewrite the sermon for tomorrow. So...at 6:30, I was at the table writing! Perhaps God will like this one better!

Hygiene education classes
underway in Les Cayes.

It's hard to do your work with one hand tied behind your back...but when that hand is being held by a four year old little girl who just wants to be near you and receive a little love, it's more than okay!

That's how today went! It was an early morning after such a hot, stifling night. The shower was actually warm, not the usual cold wake up call! Hank from Oklahoma joined Ancy, Frantzou and me on the daily adventure. On the way, we saw several stops with tons of people lined up outside. Each person had a yellow card in their hand. Turns out, they were lined up for mosquito net distribution! Good for the Haitian government.

On the schedule today were visits to three Global Orphan Projects, all of which have solar-powered clean water systems. We simply were stopping by to do follow up surveys and ensure the equipment was running properly.

Big House Solar-Water Building

Our first stop was at "Big House." This is a brand new installation, and immediately upon arrival, a little girl came up and barely let go of my hand the rest of the time. The pastor and operator were grateful to see us, and we were happy to see a system running flawlessly. After a wonderful chat with the pastor, we were back on our way. Of course, no adventure is complete without a random stop in town to buy a coke or visit with the fellows on the street, and this day was no different.

Next, we visited La Hatte, the site of an October installation. We saw the pastor on the way out, and I've always enjoyed visiting with Pastor Clotaire. Also a standard on an adventure is a hunt for a bathroom! Thankfully, along the dirt road, we stopped into another orphanage and they had a pristine toilet.

Cherette continues well.

Cherette was the final stop of the day. This is, by far, one of my favorite orphanages. The operator of the system, Robinson, always greets us so warmly, and he takes so much pride in his work and responsibility. Though the pastor and my favorite boy, Richard, were not there, it was still a fruitful stop.

By the time we returned to downtown Les Cayes, the team had completely finished the solar powered water system! Wow! A new record - set up in TWO DAYS! This team is unbelievable, and though most everyone is from a separate corner of the country, they have gelled wonderfully!

After a lengthy discussion with our LWW/SUTS In-country team, we were joined for dinner by a local surgeon, who is also in the Les Cayes Rotary Club. He took us to his house down the road for drinks and ice cream. I will simply say it was like entering a different world. The house was beautifully and impeccably decorated, and the wine was straight from France...

The joy of the evening came with a pouring rain and cooler air, and sitting in that rain to cool down and wash the stench off! It's a late night with an early morning approaching...!

The Tale of Three Trees...

Haiti Trip, June 2012 - Day 4

Can you imagine going down to the watering hole to get your household's supply of water for the day?

Prayer Partners of the Day - Diana Grace & Carla Barnard

What a great day! The song, "This is the day...That the Lord has made!" was written about today.

Sleep didn't come easy last night. It was so, so hot, despite my breezy suite. I woke up on my own at 5:30am, but one thing I have found very surprising is how quiet it is even though we're in the middle of downtown. It's nowhere near as loud at night as Arcahaie or the like.

Ancy and I went on one of our patented adventures today. Bill, one of the team members from Oklahoma, joined us.

Torbeck is ready for its water system!

We first rode over to Torbeck to complete measurements and find answers for the team in Pittsburgh, who will be installing a solar-powered clean water system there in November. It was already hot, hot, hot in the sun, but we had a blast with the measuring tape and making our drawings. We were so happy to see the building already in place, and it is beautiful. Since Pere Alphonse was not there, we only stayed for a short while.

Off to a new place....Chavaneau! This was another site survey for the Pittsburgh team with This is a project with Hearts United With Haiti. The directions to the site were priceless... Go across the river, turn right at the building with lumber in front of it, turn left, cross two creeks and take another left! This was all on an unpaved, bumpy road....for 44 minutes.

Ancy, Duckenson, and Bill

Once we arrived, we were greeted warmly. There is a school and church on site with plans to build a new site across the street on a beautiful peace of land. We again took measurements and met with the community leaders. This is always my favorite part of the job... Meeting the great community members, hearing their stories, and learning of their passions. Arris Duckenson, the principal of the school, could not have been much older than me. If Haiti cultivates great leaders like him, the future will be much brighter...

After Chavaneau, it was important to send Ancy to the mechanic to see about the radiator. Did I also mention the a/c stopped working in the Kia? :) Ancy dropped us off at the Hosanna House, where I stayed last February with the team from Pittsburgh. The upstairs porch has a great view and the perfect breeze to keep "cool." It also offers wireless Internet, hence the facebook & blog updates on Friday afternoon. We ended up there for several hours, which gave us plenty of time to debrief the morning, write up reports, and even begin sermon preparation! Truly a treat!

This team is unbelievable!

Once arriving back at our installation site, we were shocked and pleased to see the water board completely up and the solar system completely wired! The fellas worked tremendously hard, and this is the first time the system has been almost finished in ONE DAY! Wow.

Our friend from Chavaneau, Duckenson, rode a motorcycle all the way from the mountain to see a system firsthand. He was so interested, asked so many questions, and took tons of pictures. He is even coming back tomorrow to attend the hygiene education class! I was amazed!

Also, awaiting our arrival, was Pierre from Pignon. He has been interested in a water & solar system for months, and he came from close to 8 hours away to see our installation in progress. Like Duckenson, he was a sponge for information, and he, too, will return tomorrow for the health class. These young men taught me so much - from their dedication and devotion to their communities to their passion for their ministries.

What an amazing day. Truly a day the lord made especially for us. This team, representing six states across the USA, has come together in record time to form friendships and serve alongside our Haitian family to bring clean water & solar power to downtown Les Cayes, Haiti. How lucky am I to simply be a part of it all?

Taking time for reflection!

Haiti Trip, June 2012 - Day 3

The beautiful site as we arrived in Les Cayes

Prayer Partners of the Day - Bob McCoy & Chuck Arnold

Loading up!

Something I never thought I'd say in Haiti.... It was SO COLD in my room last night!! They had an air conditioning unit in my room, and I could not figure out how to turn it off! Thus, I shivered all night!

Ancy came at 6:30am and we took Hans to school! Afterward, we napped at the airport to wait for Bill & Hank, our two last team members. It was so good to see them, and back to the hotel we went to gather our team. Finally we are complete!

Once out of Port Au Prince, we stopped by the Diquini Hospital to say hello to Surpris' family, and made a beeline for Leogane. Once at Roody Joseph's site, we stopped off to check on the pump, etc there. While Roody was not there, we had a great time chewing the fat with his father, Pastor Abraham. Another friend, Gary Joseph, stopped by to retrieve the computer I was sent with.

Back on the road, we had our first oops! The Kia began to overheat. Thankfully, we found a nice shaded spot to pull over and cool it off, and there was also a creek running by with water to fill the radiator! Thirty minutes later we were back on the road.

Smoke coming from the Kia

The boys were hungry, so another stop was made in Miragoane. Thankfully, they have nice bathrooms there! The Ireland/Spain game was on, too!

Back on the road...again...we ran into an oops! The Kia was overheating again. Thankfully, we again found a shaded spot with a watering hole near by! (Can you see the pattern here??!)

We finally made it to Les Cayes before dark, and Pere Colbert Estil greeted us warmly! The building looked superb, Valdes had the solar panels up on the pole already and the board mounted. We unpacked and the fellas' excitement grew by the second to finally be at the site!

With Charline & Rochelin

We're staying on the second floor at the rectory, and would you believe I have my own suite?! We are all essentially in one room...I just have a nook with two windows.

My friend, Rochelin, and his fiancé Charline, came by for dessert, and it was so good to see them. Did I mention how HOT it is here? Serves me right for complaining about being so cold last night...!!

After a nice devotion time tonight, I bid you good night, and peace be with you all!

Haiti Trip, June 2012 - Day 2

Prayer Partners of the Day - Carl Jones & Louise Horst

What is the one thing you never want to hear on a red-eye flight? The pilot came over the intercom to tell us we arrived 45 minutes early!! Since I wasn't meeting the team for our flight until 2:50, I took a shuttle to a nearby hotel and grabbed a several hour nap and a shower!

Congratulations, Jocelin!

Back at the airport, the team united...well almost all of us. Two team members were stuck in Dallas, one team member accidentally took an earlier flight, and Surpris was already in Haiti! Thus, five of us got on the plane and went to Haiti! (The missing team member was awaiting us in baggage claim at the Haiti airport!)

While in Miami, I received the greatest surprise! My friend, Jocelin, from Global Orphan Project, had been in the USA and was on our flight to Port Au Prince! It was so good to reunite with my dear friend and to find out he had proposed marriage to his girlfriend while in Kansas City!

Upon arriving in Port Au Prince, though the airport was hectic, we slipped thru customs with ease, and dear Ronal escorted us to Ancy and the Kia!

It's amazing the things you find in Haiti!

Two hours of driving thru Port Au Prince later, we arrived at the hotel in Carrefour. Surpris greeted us with big hugs and cheer, and it felt so good to be "home!" (Since we did not arrive till almost dark, it was better to stay in PAP than try to drive to Les Cayes. Plus, our missing two team members will arrive tomorrow morning on the first flight in!)

Pastor Evens from Blanket came by for a visit and to have dinner with us. I am always overwhelmed by the generosity and excitement my Haitian family gives me and our teams! To come from so far, just to say hello, continues to warm my heart and fill me with joy!

It's an early morning tomorrow, as Ancy & I will drive back to the airport. Peace be with you, friends!

Haiti Trip, June 2012 - Day 1

Prayer Partners of the Day - Dad & Candace Lansberry

Today has been a long day of waiting around for a flight! It's red-eye time now. Have I mentioned how much I dislike red-eye flights?!

More to come....!

Prayer Partners for Haiti

After going to Haiti each of the first three months this year, it has felt a little odd to have several months away! However, the time has come to go back "home" and visit my family!

This trip will be to Les Cayes, Haiti to install a solar-powered clean water system at St. Savior Episcopal Church and School under the care of Pere Colbert Estil. I met Pere Colbert just briefly earlier this year while in Cayes. He is a good man who has waited patiently and eagerly for a system at his site. The team traveling from the US is a diverse group, all trained by Solar Under The Sun and Living Waters for the World and all coming from different parts of the country with few of us ever meeting previously in person. The group is led by Fondren Presbyterian Church under the fantastic leadership of Bill Mendenhall, who I have known for years but have yet to have the opportunity to serve alongside.

The trip will start with a bang, as the airline gave me a "schedule change" and I am now on the redeye to Miami tomorrow night. Nothing like being tired for the first day in Haiti! As always, the most important thing I pack for these trips is my prayer partners! If you would like to partner with me, let me know, as I will be praying for you, too!

Tuesday, June 12 - Candace Lansberry
Wednesday, June 13 - Carl Jones & Louise Horst
Thursday, June 14 - Bob McCoy & Chuck Arnold
Friday, June 15 - Diana Grace & Carla Barnard
Saturday, June 16 - Rollin & Linda Wycoff & Darenda Lease
Sunday, June 17 - Mom & Maple Springs UMC & Bill Reed
Monday, June 18 - Kendall Cox & Jon Reece
Tuesday, June 19 - Carrie Delisio & Lorri Ronis

The SUTS Video

Solar Under the Sun Promo

 Greatest video ever?? Perhaps so. God is good.

Don't forget to visit the Solar Under The Sun website, too!