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! 

Haiti Journal, February 28, 2012

Cute Kids EVERYWHERE!

Prayer Partners of the Day - Susan Rose & Kendall Cox

There once was a story of dogs. Who barked very loudly. And even though there was a fan blowing and iPods playing, they could still be heard. Yes, they barked and barked and barked and barked... One would think their lungs would grow tired, but alas, they did not. Okay, enough complaining for one day!

We were up and at 'em early this morning! Off to Torbeck we went to meet with Pere Alphonse. His site has been visited in the last year by many groups, but none have signed a covenant to put a system at his site. The group from Bower Hill Community Church in Mount Lebanon, PA came in with an open mind and ready to go. Pere Alphonse had several community leaders awaiting the group and together they sat around a table and discussed options. The group was enthusiastic and welcomed the conversation, and Pere Alphonse sat back to observe.

Following the meeting time, we enjoyed a big meal with the leaders, and a few of us went down the road to the school. The kids were so cute, kindergarten through sixth grade, and I was impressed they actually had outdoor latrines set up AND the kids were using them! Progress everywhere.

Once we arrived back at the Hosanna House, the group had much to discuss and decide. This gave me a perfect opportunity to excuse myself and take a nap! (Perhaps I'm coming down with something?!) When I awakened, two young men from up north had come to meet with the group from PA. They told of a great program they are working on near Gonaives. The men had to leave in order to get back on the road, but it was a good connection to make nonetheless.

Teaching the wonders of the Solar Pathfinder!

I opted to follow the group outside the main gate for a walk around the block... This is much outside my comfort zone, as I prefer to stay in the boundaries of the compound. Ancy did come with us, which made me feel slightly better. On the walk around the block, we ran into two Haitians who now live in Boston. They were just home visiting family. As we continued to round the block, the walk led us to the main road! My anxiety level went through the roof, as the sun was setting and we were four Americans walking on the main road. I have never been so happy to return "home" to the gates of the Hosanna House. My friend, Rochelin Forzene, drove us as we walked in. He had dinner with us, and it was great to catch up.

It is another early night to bed, as this trip is wearing on me more by the day. Two weeks in Haiti... Let's keep the trips to just one week at a time from this point forward! Deal? (Someone hold me to it!)

Haiti Journal, February 27, 2012

Richard, the boy I couldn't wait to see...

Prayer Partners of the Day - Sean Devolites & Carrie Delisio

Last night I went to bed EARLY! So early, in fact, that when Brother Olizard came knocking on my door at 8:30pm to bring me juice, I was already asleep. The night resulted in 10 blissful hours of sleep, and now my body is rejuvenated and ready to go...and what an awesome day it was! The ice cold shower had me skipping to breakfast, were Jean Charles and I chatted away.

Taking readings with Darenda & Ancy

The team from Pennsylvania arrived around 11:00am, which allowed me plenty of time to catch up on reading and email. It was so good to see Ancy and a new group of folks. With the exception of one, each were "Haiti Rookies!"

The drive to Les Cayes was uneventful, and with much daylight before us, we made two unscheduled stops along the way. The first was down the road to Cherette. This was the site of an installation last October, and I was eagerly awaiting a hug from my favorite group of kids at the orphanage. Unfortunately, most of the kids were away in Aquin, and I was so very disappointed to not see my little Richard. He really stole my heart last year, and I couldn't wait to get my arms around him! Fortunately, even though we arrived unannounced, we found the water and solar system in perfect working order. The operator had quite the cell phone charging station underway, and within minutes the Pastor had heard we were there and he drove up. We took many readings from the system and had a nice long chat with the leaders. It was during this visit I truly realized the importance of our work in Haiti... The Pastor told us six months ago, many of his children in the orphanage were very sick with diarrhea, dysentery, and other water-bourne illnesses. Since the clean water system installation, each of the children has been drinking clean water and not one has been sick. Wow. Just wow.

La Hatte, Global Orphan Project

The second stop was to La Hatte, the site of the second installation from last October. (These were two Global Orphan Project sites.) On the road in, the Pastor passed us on his motorcycle. He was very happy to see us and sped along to alert those at the site. Though the pressure from the filters was a little off on the water system, the solar system put out exceptional readings and most everything was in order. Again, the cleanliness of the building and the operation as a whole gave me much hope and optimism that our systems were operating well and being used properly.

Hosanna House, Les Cayes

Because of a communication gaffe with the Hosanna House, we were on our own for dinner. Ancy put in a call to Frantzou, one of our friends in Les Cayes, who put in an order at a local restaurant in town - La Cayenne. Shrimp and conch was on the menu, as was Prestige! After making our way through the maze in downtown Les Cayes, we arrived at Hosanna House, ready to put our feet up for the evening. What a great day, with a full schedule on the horizon!

Indeed, we attract a crowd wherever we go!

Haiti Journal, February 26, 2012

Taken last year with my sister, Sonie, and Brother Daniel

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

Oh. Yes. It felt so good to sleep in today. We worshipped last night, and truly today was a sabbath. The internet was slow, which only enabled me to complete a slight amount of school work. Thus, there was nothing left to do other than rest, visit with Sonie and the Brothers. Sonie and I ventured down to the newly created LWW Warehouse. Chuck and Bob did a marvelous job of organizing and inventorying.

Rumor has it, the Prime Minister abruptly resigned on Friday. Hmm... I wonder what fun that will bring? Probably a good thing we'll be far away in Les Cayes next week.

Many thanks and praises to God for a trip free of illness and a week full of joy!

Haiti Journal, February 25, 2012

LWW/SUTS 2nd Annual Operators Conference

Prayer Partners of the Day - Tim & Teresa Myrick

My body is growing weary, and today I woke up so tired. Thankfully, the ocean is only feet from my room, and I was able to look out on the water for about an hour. Jocelin was beside me, but we were both in meditative states and simply enjoyed sitting by each other. Pastor Evens broke my trance by coming to say goodbye. He was leaving to officiate a wedding in Leogane, the same wedding Ancy was hopeful to return in time for!

The conference continued this morning, and Father Leonard Quartorze led opening worship for the group. My favorite part came when Bertone and I illustrated the Whirly-Pak procedure. He is such a good teacher, and Jocelin, of course, did a phenomenal job of translating for me.

With Surpris, Bertone & Jocelin

As the conference came to an end, my tiredness set in, which my husband would tell you leads way to "crankiness." I packed up my belongings, and left with Surpris, Ancy, Salien, and Jocelin. The remainder of the group stayed behind in Montrouis to survey and prepare for their departure from Port Au Prince.

That there is a Tap-Tap

Because traffic was so bad in PAP, we dropped Jocelin on the outskirts of town and he took a tap-tap back to Jumecourt. I was so sad to leave him in the middle of the street. Next we dropped Surpris at Visa Lodge in PAP, as we was flying out early the next morning. From there, it took us much time to get to Salien's house, and I was exhausted from the traveling. With Ancy confidently at the wheel, nap time ensued. After we dropped off Salien, Ancy and I seemed to reenergize. Giggling fits followed, as we remembered our friends in Virginia ("too much, too much!") and remembered his late uncle's favorite saying, "Oh Boy!"

Soon we arrived at the Little Brothers of St. Therese monastery in Palmiste-A-Vin. Again, it is so good to be home, and I could not wait to collapse in my room. Brothers Olizard, Daniel, Duyon, and Jean Charles were awaiting me, and soon after, Sonie and Daniel pulled up. Sonie and I went running through the hallway to see each other, just like a movie set! What great family to come home to!

Though it was Saturday, a priest was visiting and we had mass with him in the chapel right by my room. It was beautiful and a perfect ending to a very long day. Peace, my friends.

Haiti Journal, February 24, 2012

Sunset after a Spirit-filled day in Haiti.

With my friend and fellow servant, Surpris Cherazard

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

Last night, I realized I have slept in six beds on six consecutive nights! Wow! No wonder I slept so good last night.

Today was the day I have been looking forward to all week. The Living Waters For The World Operators Conference begins today. Partners from all across Haiti will be coming for a two-day continuing education training event, and in my mind, it will be a fantastic family reunion! Wil, Chris, Surpris & I spent the morning finalizing plans and greeting early arrivers.

Chris introduced Bertone & Valdes,
LWW In-Country Technicians

My dear friend, Jocelin Calixte, was amongst the first to arrive. He is the Orphan Care Director at Global Orphan Project in Haiti. His father has recently passed away, and I simply could not wait to see him and hug him. He served as a translator for the two-day event, as his English is as good as mine, and of course, his Creole is perfect!

By noon, we had members from Cherette, La Hatte, Jela/Limbe, Blanket, Arcahaie, Gros-Morne, Les Cayes. Bertone and Valdes, our two LWW in-country technicians, were excited and ready to go.

Chris McRae, the director of Solar Under The Sun, and Wil Howie, the director of Living Waters For The World, kicked off with warm greetings. As I stood to speak, I realized just how many of the participants I had shared a meal, worshiped with, and served alongside. My heart flooded with joy, and even a few tears came to my eyes. How lucky I am that God picked me to serve in this capacity, and what a great amount of joy and love it has given me to call these wonderful Haitians family.

My roomies, Anita & Robyn

Pastor Evens Cherenfant, from Blanket, led the group in a beautiful time of worship, and the afternoon's discussions revolved around successes and community building. Problems led way to solutions, and discussion was aplenty.

Jocelin and I led a hygiene education piece. Over the past year, we have realized how our hygiene education class is taught at the time of the water system installation at each site, but rarely do the trained teachers continue teaching the principles of using clean water to the community. With a captive audience of the operators who hand deliver the 5-gallon bottles of water, we took them through a few exercises to stress the importance of using clean water, the effect germs have on our lives, and emphasizing hand-washing to the adults and the children. The country of Haiti, as a whole, seems on board with this practice, as there are now billboards throughout Haiti to stress using clean water ALL the time. This gives me GREAT hope for the future of Haiti.

Truly the Spirit filled the room, and indeed the first day was a success.

Haiti Journal, February 23, 2012

The new Partners In Health hospital in Mirebalais, Haiti

Prayer Partners of the Day - Marcia Manz & Sarah Anderson

Our team has worked much too efficiently the first few days, and now we are left with a free day! Since the California team has never been to Haiti, Ancy and I decided to take them to Mirebalais. It was a long trip over, much longer than I remembered. Perhaps it's simply because we've been in the Kia every single day for long road trips. Yes, that must be it.

Our first stop in Mirebalais was the new Partners In Health hospital. This is a massive construction effort, and it is absolutely beautiful. It will be a training hospital, and among its specialities will be women's care and mental health. One can only imagine the mental health of many of the individuals displaced by the earthquake into tent camps for over two years. This will be an issue to be dealt with for many years to come.

Unfortunately, our next stop was to check in on L'Ecole De Choix, the site for our installation in January 2012, and because of Carnival week, it was closed. I was very sad not to see the teachers and students, but will look forward to this in March when we return. We also stopped by the other LWW/SUTS site in Mirebalais, which was also closed. It seems the whole town has shut down for the celebratory week.

This is why I love Haiti. What a great reunion of friends.

We returned to Arcahaie, with sore bums, and awaited the arrival of Wil, Chris and Surpris. They were meeting us here to carpool to Montrouis. In fact, when I spoke to Surpris earlier in the day to confirm the plans, I began speaking to him in Creole, and he thought I was a Haitian! Guess my accent is getting better! Brother Jean Charles from the monastery in Palmiste A Vin accompanied the fellas, and it was so good to see him.

After Wil and Chris met with Father Irnel to discuss new issues, we sat down for a debriefing on the week thus far and had a bit of a snack. We went over the water surveys completed, and the problem solving that had taken place at the various sites. We almost let time slip up on us and quickly packed up to get on the road to Montrouis so as not to arrive after dark.

Thinking of today, with all of the traveling we have done this week, it is nice to sit on the porch, watch the sun set over the ocean, and enjoy a Prestige. God is so good to have brought us here, and though the work is neverending and at times draining, it is certainly a joy to know we are serving alongside great people and great partners. I realized just a bit ago this is my 10th trip to Haiti. What started off as a one-time adventure has now become my family, my home, and my passion. Praise be to God, and I can only hope that though this is my tenth trip, it is still just the first of many to come.

Prayer partners, Marcia & Sarah - I love you both. Your prayers today were felt immensely!

Haiti Journal, February 22, 2012

Signs like these are all over Haiti now.
ALWAYS DRINK TREATED WATER! 

Prayer Partners of the Day - The Hogan Family

Happy Birthday, Ancy! We sang to him maybe 20 times today! Though he's away from his family, I hope he has had a good day with us, his second family. He certainly is the best brother in the world.

Talks with Pere Max Accime 

This morning, waking up in Gonaives, I almost forgot where I was! The roosters were crowing and the dogs were barking, but I simply could not make out my surroundings. I suppose that is the drawback of traveling so much. Silver lining today - the shower was not nearly as cold here as it is at the monastery in Palmiste A Vin!

After a light breakfast of bananas and peanut butter, we were off to Gros Morne. This is about one hour north of Gonaives on an unpaved road. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous, almost making me believe we had left Haiti. Father Leonard Quartorze awaited us at his school and church. The grounds were beautiful and the water building was in top notch shape. Presbytery of the Pines had sponsored this system in 2008, and Father Quartorze and his operators have produced 180,000 gallons of clean water, not to mention the double amount of raw water they give out for purposes other than drinking/cooking/etc. Father 14, as he is affectionately known, showed us around his site and the team from California agreed to upgrade his site later this year to solar power.

Covenant Talks with Pere Leonard Quartorze

His wife, Fifi, fixed us a nice lunch, and while we waited for Ancy to patch up the bad tire, we had a lovely conversation about the possibilities for the area.

The drive back to Arcahaie was long and bumpy. After almost four hours in the Kia, we were ready to jump out, have a Prestige and sleep. My tent from January 2011 was awaiting me outside. I was thankful for this, as the inside of the house was boiling hot with no breeze. The downside is there are a group of dogs behind my tent who really like the sound of their own barks.

And thus ends another wonderful day of traveling and relationship-building in Haiti.

On the road from Gonaives to Gros-Morne.
I loved this picture. 

Haiti Journal, February 21, 2012

A normal scene in Haiti.

Prayer Partners of the Day - Chuck Arnold & Bob McCoy

When the alarm goes off at 3:45am, one has two choices: happily welcome the day or throw the alarm clock across the room. I chose the first! Thankfully, Surpris and I shared a row of seats on the airplane, and we slept the entire flight. However, he jolted me awake, as he clapped his hands and said, "ASH! Welcome home!!" We had landed in Haiti.

Rosary in the Kia

Being the first flight into Port Au Prince that morning, the baggage claim men weren't even completely awake. Thus, we were in and out of customs within seconds. Ronald greeted us happily and took us straight to the smiling faces and welcoming arms of Ancy Fils-Aime, Olizard Pranius, and Wil Howie! (Yes, Wil had made it in the day before, as he was flying from Miami!) It was a beautiful reunion of friends, and from there, we went our separate ways. I went north with Ancy and the team from California, and Wil, Chris, & Surpris took off south with Olizard.

Chuck & Bob, my dear prayer partners today, you will be happy to know the rosary is still displayed happily on the rearview mirror in the Kia! The Catholics are being represented :)

Surprisingly, there was NO traffic in Port Au Prince. It was as if we were in a dream world! In fact, it was Fat Tuesday, and Carnival was raging down in Les Cayes, next week's destination! (Shew! That was good planning!)

Chatting with Father Irnel

Our first stop was to see Father Irnel Duveaux in Arcahaie, as we had intended to spend the previous night with him. He was happy to see us, and Madame Duveaux fixed us a nice brunch. Father Irnel was hosting a conference in the church, and it was full of members of parishes across Haiti.

Next we were back on the road, continuing north to Gonaives. This was new territory for me, as I have never been northward of Montrouis, with the exception of flying in to Cap Haitien. Another first was our flat tire. Just minutes out of Montrouis, the Kia started shaking. Most everyone piled out, and Ancy changed our tire. Again, thankfully, the traffic was low.

Ancy changing the tire.

Father Max Accime awaited us in Gonaives. He has long had a LWW system, but was hopeful for a solar upgrade. The team from California surveyed, tested, and such, and we sat down with him to discuss the possibilities. Following, we went to his house, where we stayed the evening. Silver lining...he had wireless internet to allow me to keep up with the UNC basketball game! It's the little things in Haiti!

Of note, my favorite part of the day was sitting under the "mango" tree with Ancy and catching up on life. He's such a good brother, and tomorrow is his birthday!