Haiti Trip, Friday, March 29

Prayer Partner of the Day: Everludis Lopez

Though I thought I would wake up and find myself in the Dominican Republic, alas the tent stayed put and the wind did not carry us away! Everyone was quick to pack up this morning and leave Pere Max's house, and we were anxious and excited to get to Philadelphia for the dedication. The kids were excited again as we pulled up, and no matter how many times we had watched Justin Beiber's "Baby" video, we sat down and watched another five times. Remember little Adley, the current love of my life? Little Adley, it turns out, is not an orphan at Village De Vie. He lives in the surrounding community with his mother, father, and several brothers and sisters. He walked us through the community, down to the main road, and through an alley way to show us his house. His oldest brother met us there, and since we had not idea what each other was saying, we asked the brother to come back with us for Ronald to translate. I couldn't tell if the brother thought we were trying to kidnap Adley or just plain crazy for following a six-year-old around, but he took Adley back to his house after a short conversation!

The dedication was beautiful. Pastor Pudens and Tom signed the convenants, gave perfect speeches, and the children sang "Sevi Ak Dlo Sa-a" with gusto! Tom and Pastor Pudens cut the ribbon at the water building, and they were officially opened for business! A crowd formed outside the water building for the first tastes of clean water, and sure enough, people were already bringing their bottles to fill. With any luck, this system will take off.

We stopped by Pastor Pudens' church on the way out of town, and three pastors from Missouri were leading an evangelism/church planting workshop for all of the pastors and leaders in Gonaives. It was an impressive turn out, and it amazes me how so many great people are doing so many great things in Haiti. Each person has their own niche and gift to share.

The ride to Port Au Prince was not as bad as I had thought it would be. We hit a few "Rah Rah's" on the way, as it is Good Friday, and many came out to march and play. The team pampered me, and did not make me take a shift in the back of the truck. Several of the team have been hit with the "Haitian Happiness" bug, and with any luck, we'll be home before anyone else falls victim. We arrived in Port Au Prince at a guest house none of us had stayed at previously. Walls Guest House, my usual stop, is undergoing construction, and they recommended this. Ancy and Lucson stopped by, and it was nice to drop off tools and supplies until the next time, and to visit with my brother for awhile. They left as soon as it got dark, as the Rah Rah's were kicking back into high gear!

We were impressed with our host, Jude, and all was well until the first two went in for showers and discovered no water. There was no water for the rest of the night, as the electricity had gone out and the pump was clearly not working. So...wireless internet from a generator, but no water for a shower. Kind of sums up Haiti in a nutshell. However, not sleeping in a tent tonight makes me very happy! This long, extended trip is coming to an end, and while I am so pleased with the teams, and have loved every single bit of time together, I am ready to be back in the USA!