Haiti Trip, Tuesday, March 19

Prayer Partner of the Day: Meredith Gerhardt

Today started just as any other normal day in Haiti. An adventure up the mountain to the water source, an adventure down the mountain for a follow up on a water system, an adventure back up the mountain so as not to be late for the dedication in Cazale. We spent a wonderful time in the Kia talking through life and the next stages to come.

Upon arrival back in Cazale , it was time for the water system dedication. As we walked up to the church, angelic voices from the choir soothed the crowd as we waited eagerly to begin. Father Goursse prepared a beautiful service, telling why the water system was built, what the community will gain from it, how the registration process will work for bottles, and the hygiene class each community member will be expected to attend. Father Goursse may just the best OP in Haiti! As I gathered my thoughts on what to say, I remembered the words of Father Irnel at our very first Operators Conference -- and thus, after giving the history of LWW, and how we work in Haiti, I welcomed the members of Cazale to the LWW/SUTS family! Only God could create such a joy-filled family.

Pastor Evens from Blanket showed up at the dedication. How wonderful it was to see two of our best leaders in Haiti come together as partners because of Living Waters For The World. Goursse introduced Evens, and allowed him to speak to the crowd. What a blessing to have to the two most vital partners of Herndon UMC together and sharing in the future vision of clean water for all of God's children.

That evening, after the crowd had gone home, after we shut down the water building, after we packed up and began saying goodbyes, Father Goursse came out to the courtyard with the three kitchen staff ladies. As if he had not already been the best host in Haiti, he sat the group down in a circle and said that since this was his first big hosting week, he wanted to do evaluations. How did we feel the week went? What improvements could he make for other teams? What was really good? What was really bad? Seriously?... We have never had anyone ask this of a group. It was indeed a constructive time of much encouragement.

No one wanted to say goodnight. We struggled to go to our tents and bedrooms. I've 92% convinced Lorri to stay on with me for a few more days! :) Dutch and I did our last devotion together, and off to sleep we went. Oh, what a good trip this has been.