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!

Haiti Journal, February 20, 2012

Prayer Partner of the Day: Carl & Marilyn Jones

The trip to Haiti actually began last night, as I took a late flight to Dallas and spent the night. This morning came much too early, but meeting my dear partner, Chris McRae, at the airport immediately brightened the day. 

Despite the travel chaos, the team is still smiling!

We arrived in Fort Lauderdale, and as soon as we unloaded the plane, there was our Haitian enthusiast, Surpris Cherazard. Surpris is another dear friend, who I originally met while living in Houston. We formed an amazing relationship while serve alongside one another in the Bellaire Southwest Houston Rotary Club, and since he is a native Haitian, he makes the perfect traveling partner for our water/solar installation trips. 

A team of four was supposed to meet us in Fort Lauderdale. They even flew in the night before to ensure they would not miss the flight; however, they did not receive the departure time change update, and just barely made it onto the flight! In retrospect, their tardiness did not effect our flight plan, as we sat on the plane for an hour, and then were taken back to the gate where we were told there was a "brake problem." This worried Chris & me especially, as this was the same plane we had taken from Dallas to Ft. Lauderdale! 

The delay allowed us time for lunch, and then we received word the plane would board in one hour. We were happy, and made calls to Ancy and Olizard, who were awaiting us in Port Au Prince. .... The hour came and went, and the crew came off the plane...with their bags in hand. Sure enough, we would not be flying to Haiti today. They canceled our flight, and thus began the rebooking process and trying to find a hotel for the night. There was only mild chaos (understatement of the year...), and our team, being the travel professions of the masses, organized at the front of the line. Within the hour, we were gathering our bags from baggage claim and waiting for a shuttle to the approved hotel, where the airline had made us reservations. Sure enough, the shuttle pulls up, and by this time a crowd had formed. The driver loaded our bags...one-by-one...and we sat aboard the shuttle. Minutes later, he comes on the shuttle to announce we will not be staying at his hotel, due to the owner rejecting American Airlines vouchers and reservations. Thus, he unloaded all of our luggage, and back to the AA line we went...

You can imagine the chaos was not nearly over...

Part of our group took up camp at the ticket counter, while the rest of us sat with the luggage. Back outside we went to await a new hotel shuttle... This driver only took one hour. Thankfully, I had chocolate along, and within minutes, I was the most popular person on the street! Finally, we made it to the Cambria Suites. (If you're ever looking for a swanky, new hotel in Fort Lauderdale, I highly recommend it!)

And thus ends night number one of what was supposed to be Haiti Trip #10! Perhaps tomorrow will bring a Caribbean vacation? 

See... We did make it to Haiti the next day! :)

God's Little Light Bulb

Today is preparation day! Though my bag stays packed with Haiti supplies, there is still laundry to do and last minute things to pick up. In my reading this morning, I came across a beautiful poem which seems to pave the way for the upcoming two weeks. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Lord's Light Within




Lord we reflect with thankful hearts


On the wonder of your birth


The love you expressed when you left


Your glory to come to earth



For your life was like a beacon, Lord


Shining brightly in the night


Filling the world with the radiance of


The Father’s glorious light



And we, too, long to have inside


Your light for others to see


The beautiful reflection of your grace


And the wonder of your majesty



For as your life indwells our hearts


We can shine wherever we are


And arise to take hold of each new day


With your light ablaze in our hearts



So rekindle the flame within us Lord


So it will not flicker nor dim


Ignite us with the light of your love


So you will shine brightly within



© By M.S. Lowndes, 2007

Best Day in Ministry

My former youth pastor asked me to write about my “best day in youth ministry” as part of a series of posts on his blog. Of course I jumped at the chance. After all, it’s easy to write about the best days, right? …

Until I sat down at a computer, however, I had no idea how hard of a task it would be! Just one day? My best day? How can I possibly narrow it down? I have served three amazing churches – Pine Hill Friends Meeting (NC), ChristChurch Presbyterian (TX), and Herndon UMC (VA) – and at each church, God blessed me more and more.

Thus, in the spirit of a Carl Jones blog, here is a tribute to my top ten days in youth ministry, in no particular order!

10.  HUMC Louisiana Mission Trip, June 2010

“Out of Chaos, Hope.” Flying from DC to New Orleans with a group of 30+ teenagers. Sleeping in “pods” designed by the Canadian army to hold heat IN. Working with a bunch of Presbyterians on disaster relief. Performing the “Box of Sin” skit for the first time. Taking a group of teenagers to Bourbon Street. Eating beignets at Café du Monde. These are the weeks youth pastors dream about. Making memories and solidifying relationships…all while loving God and serving others.

9. Any given Monday morning at 6:30am in 2003 & 2004…

The Pine Hill kids would meet me before school in the Fellowship Hall, where I would have a homemade breakfast cooking! While we were eating, we’d write prayer requests for the week on our designated page in the Youth Group Prayer Journal. One kiddo would then take the journal home and pray over us the whole week. These mornings were priceless, and I will cherish them forever. The youth group that prays together stays together!

CCP Mission Trip, Newport, TN

8. Thursday Night of CCP Mission Trips, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008

Our group loved working with Youthworks! Every Thursday night, to end the week of serving the community, we would gather for a final worship service and footwashing. The Youthworks staff would wash the adult leaders’ feet, and the adult leaders would then wash the feet of the youth and pray over them specifically. Kiah Townsend & Todd Horst, male chaperones extraordinaire, and I did this for four consecutive summers. God worked miracles on those nights. Tears, vulnerability, closeness, love and forgiveness… He taught us so much on those nights.

HUMC "Bible Study" Meeting

7. HUMC Monday Bible Studies, 2009 & 2010

If any of my HUMC youth read this, they will immediately laugh. Rarely did the Bible get studied during these Monday afternoon session. However, for a year and a half, this was the afternoon I looked forward to every week. Sitting around the table. Playing Phase 10. Talking relationship problems. Writing letters to Moises, our Compassion-sponsored child. Sneaking out for smoothies. As Carl would say, youth ministry is all about relationships, relationships, relationships, and this was our bonding time.

6. Campfire Sunday, Pine Hill Friends Meeting, 2004

Because two of my best friends were serving as youth pastors, we often had our groups gather for various events – lock-ins, trips to Carowinds & DisneyWorld, and an occasional PIG tournament. This Sunday, we invited the groups up to Ararat, NC. The bonfire was built, a band joined us to lead outdoor worship, hot dogs were roasted & s’mores were made… God was present, and I didn’t stop smiling for days.

1st CCP Beach Retreat

5. CCP Dr. Seuss Beach Retreat, June 2007

The Sneetches. The Lorax. Yertle the Turtle. Horton Hears a Who. Who better than Dr. Seuss to turn teenagers back into children and talk about the tough issues?! Combine this with a beautiful beach house, The Seabiscuit, an Iron Chef competition with mushrooms as the theme ingredient, strategic tanning and a sandcastle building contest the likes of which you have never seen… It was a week to never forget…and one we recreated each summer and winter thereafter.

4. Goin’ Bananas For Jesus, HUMC College Mission Trip, May 2010

Words cannot adequately describe this amazing week in Costa Rica. Sure there were challenges – lost passport, key team member arriving late due to said lost passport, running out of gas on the side of a dark mountain, and more monkeys than people. But our nightly devotions were based on the Fruit of the Spirit, and God worked overtime to create a loving atmosphere and friendships that turned into family.

CCP Youth in Matamoros, Mexico

3. Mission Trip to Mexico with ChristChurch Presbyterian, June 2006

I had been going to Matamoros, Mexico for years with North Carolina Yearly Meeting. Living and serving in Houston, TX, I could not wait to take the CCP Youth to meet Pastor Jorge Reyes and lead VBS. The kids, used to assisting with VBS at their home church, planned the entire event themselves – Bible stories, songs, games, crafts. As a youth pastor, I have never been so proud of a group.

2. Interns

Is there anything better in ministry than interns? When you Google “best interns,” you will find the pictures and bios of Claire Sparks (CCP, 2007 & 2008) and Sean Devolites (HUMC, 2010). They embodied servant leadership, their hearts were full of love for the youth they empowered, and on a daily basis, they made my life easier. They were youth who turned into interns who turned into colleagues who turned into friends. Again, how lucky am I?

 Interns Claire (left) and Sean (right).

1. Phone Calls, Text Messages, Office Chats and Skype Sessions

Though I’m not in youth ministry professionally anymore, not a day goes by that I do not hear from several students. So many have grown up, graduated high school and college, and many of them I consider amongst my closest friends. I cannot tell you how much that warms my heart. God knew exactly where to place me. He fostered the relationships, and allows us to continue to grow together and grow toward Him. It really is the best JOB in the world filled with too many “best days” to count!

Calling All Prayer Partners!

Say what? It's time to go to Haiti again? That's right!

This is a trip I have been looking forward to for quite some time. Though it is another "marathon" trip (which I have promised not to do again), it will most likely fly by. By the grace of God, my health has returned, and He has filled me with the energy and joy to serve once again.

Upon arriving in Port-Au-Prince on February 20, we will promptly travel to Arcahaie, just north of PAP, to spend the night. The next day, I'll travel with the team from California all the way up north to Gonaives to survey sites in Gonaives and Gros-Morne. A couple of days later, it will be back to Montrouis to get ready for the 2nd Annual LWW/SUTS Operators Conference. How exciting it will be to host ALL of our Living Waters and Solar Under The Sun partners for a two-day continuing education event. Yes, all 50+ of our Haitian partners will be in one place at one time. It will be the biggest family reunion you've ever witnessed!!

This team will depart on February 27, and another team from Pennsylvania will fly in and we'll be off to Les Cayes. If you remember, Les Cayes was the destination my October Haiti adventure, and I cannot wait to reunite with the children in Cherette and La Hatte!

Of the things I look forward to on trips to Haiti, my prayer partners are the most significant. They are my connection to home, the strength when I am tired, and the affirmation to continue an attitude of gratitude. 

February 20 - Carl Jones

February 21 - Chuck Arnold & Bob McCoy

February 22 - Hogan Family

February 23 - Marcia Manz & Sarah Anderson

February 24 - Becky Memmelaar & Becky Field-Ross

February 25 - Tim & Teresa Myrick

February 26 - Dad, Mom & Maple Springs UMC

February 27 - Sean Devolites & Carrie Delisio

February 28 - Susan Rose & Kendall Cox

February 29 - Diana Grace & Allison Fleig

March 1 - Stephanie Lada & Carla Barnard

March 2 - Linda & Rollin Wycoff

March 3 - Jay Horstman, Arnie & family

Thank you, friends! Every day I thank God for having you in my life!