December 27, 2012

It's quiet in the plane.

Well, kinda.

In reality, it's so noisy inside the DC-3 that one needs ear plugs.  So, it's quiet inside my head anyway; I have the purple foam ones in place!

As I look out the window, we're cruising just over the clouds and I can see what should be Bermuda to the right.  And then the beautiful expanse of ocean and sky, as far as the eye can see.

We're on our way home.

It wasn't as hard to leave as I had anticipated.  The good-byes occurred over the span of about a week; so, diluted, the leave taking wasn't as wretched as it could have been!

But, there's no mistaking it; we've left a bit of our hearts in Anse-a-Galets, with the people of Haiti - our amazing students, the ever-present children, the special Haitian friends who work on the compound, our neighbors who became like family; the other missionaries and families on the mission compound with whom we have shared life this past year.

And, then there were the members of teams from around the world who came for short term missions.

The familiar faces at church in town.  The Haitians who encouraged us with our creole and those who would laugh at us when we murdered it!  The ones who would wish us a good morning when we passed on the street and those who would ask about our family with each greeting.  The amazing women and children who were making it on their own, living under a tarp or less, and cooking over the charcoal fire on the ground just outside the tarpHome, getting their water from the community fountain at the corner.

The women who cooked and cleaned at the mission guesthouse and cleaned our home and would cook Haitian for us once a week.  The men whom Larry befriended who would sit on our back porch and work on the computers under Larry's watchful and instructive eye.  All the people who would show up at our door with computer, cell phone, printer and copier issues because surely the "blan" techie could help them!  (And the "blan" computer techie learned to pray over these machines, and began to understand when he actually could work the issues out, with help from son Wade!).

Our students who would work long days which often began before day with hauling water for their families, then come to sit in English class and computer class for another 1 1/2 - 3 hours.  Men and women who wanted to improve their skills, to improve the life of their families and, perhaps even make a difference in their country.

The ones who invited us to their daughter's wedding where WE were the honored guests.  The young single father who asked Marty if she would be his new baby daughter's godmoher.  The husband-wife team who responded to the poverty plight of so many of their countrymen by establishing a ministry to enable some of the poorest to send their children to school.

Those who embraced us and allowed us to be part of their lives in many ways.

It's been a great year!  An unexpected gift.

We are taking full hearts home to South Carolina.

Musings from a quiet mission compound!

We drove the neighbors and another friend to the air strip today and watched them fly off in the little MAF plane, the first leg of their respective trips home to England and California.  

The view across the sea to the mainland, from the airstrip

The goat had to be shooed off the "runway"!

It was rough saying good-bye!  :/

      .....and driving home!

When we returned to the compound, it was SO quiet!  We are the only ones on this side of the road, (with the exception of those Haitians working in the compound office and on the grounds), with other families out for the holidays.   A new missionary couple is living  across the street and another family is  still in town,  on the WISH side – but over here, it’s just us chickens ( along with the proper chickens and dogs! ).

After a quick walk across the road to deliver to our class secretary the last of the beginner English class tests and certificates which the students will pick up when their fees are paid, we both got started with the process of cleaning out, organizing and storing.

It was deja vu – we began organizing and re-filling the same crates we filled when we moved down; except this time, we won’t be taking them all home with us.  Many will stay behind, filled with teaching curricula, supplies, files, etc., etc. 

Ate with friends at the East Coast Cafe last night - a true little oasis right down the road.

(The entrepreneur who realized his dream with this immaculate and attractively landscaped cafe/bar, is the cement block king on the island.  The hospital alone has purchased fifty thousand blocks from him!)

We sat on tables outside under large umbrellas, enjoying the balmy December temperatures and the company.  

 Funny thinking about all the Christmas "hoorah" going on in other parts of the world.  There is a single banner erected by the East Coast Cafe above the street down by the square wishing people a “Bon Fete Noel” – that’s it!  We are gearing up mentally for the  shocking clamor which will most probably greet us when we arrive in Florida next Thursday!

Life has definitely slowed and mellowed; time to regroup, evaluate, sleep in, veg a bit, take naps and walks and pictures around the town, reflect, enjoy each other and this brief last chapter of The Great Haiti Adventure!

A Haitian wedding celebration on Saturday, last Sunday at our Haitian church and worshipping at missionary church with the other two other missionary families and other Christians on the island, Christmas day with friends .......

We will soon be moving on…..

Shakespeare in Haiti!

It was a long shot, but I felt like it was worth it!

A couple of my advanced students had voiced interest in learning a bit about William Shakespeare! We had done a great deal of writing in this English composition class, and lots of speaking and listening and reading.  BUT not a smidge of exploring English literature, so I was game.

Matt Smith who is the on-the-ground representative of OKIPE, the group sponsoring Madam Soliette's childen's home here in Anse-a-Galets, is an actor at heart.  In his former life, the Californian  was on the big screen and stage - that was before the Lord got hold of him and he found himself in places like Africa and Haiti, representing an amazing non-profit SHINE - but that's another story ...

This night, he was guest professor with students from my combined English Composition classes.

From the beginning of the evening, the adult students

                             were held / by Matt / in rapt / revere / and awe

and we all learned new things and even tried our hand at producing some verses in iambic pentameter!

After sharing the high points about this mysterious and fascinating poet and playwright, Matt treated us to an amazing soliloquy from Henry V, full of dramatic passion and inspiration - and the Haitians and Americans alike broke into applause as the final words died off.

And, then - the piece de resistance!  Romeo and Juliet!

After the disclaimer ( and warning!) that in Shakespeare's day, women were not allowed to act on stage, the project manager of the new Wesleyan hospital which is being built on our compound, arrived in a white sundress and wig ( those of you who know the movie "Brave" might have recognized the long, curly red wig that was donated by one of the missionary kids!!!).  What followed was a magnificent rendition of the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet!  Matt and a visiting English teacher and drama coach had worked together with Julian for three weeks - and the finished project was nothing short of amazing!!

The applause that followed Juliet's departure from the "balcony" (a folding chair) and Romeo's leaving the ''Capulet estate grounds" (the chapel room in the hospital!) was thunderous!

And, a great evening was had by all!   Matt worked hard to communicate in ways that ESL students could understand.

 The students made a great effort taking in the information and understanding new things about a renowned figure in English literature.  We all were treated to some fine theatre.

I was wondering if anyone was going to ask for autographs!

Instead, there was the request from a couple of the students to have another night like this when they can learn more about English literature!

It was well worth it!

The Lord's Day

More often than not, Sunday finds us in church - rather, a couple churches.

The Sunday morning program at The Wesleyan Church in Anse-a-Galets starts early, with Sunday School at 6:00 a.m.  The church service begins at 7:00.

Entering the church at the front door.

We generally arrive just before 8:00, slip into our usual seats at the rear of the large sanctuary and join in with our Wesleyan brothers and sisters in song, prayer and listen to testimonies. That consumes the better part of an hour, sometimes longer.  The Haitians are very passionate about worship, through prayer and singing with hands raised, and in agreeing with a speaker, especially after "Bondye beni w" - "God bless you."  Words and phrases are repeated when delivered by the worship leader - "Mesi Jezi!"  Scripture reading is proclaimed with everyone standing.

The sanctuary at the Wesleyan Church in Anse-a-Galets.

After announcements, more testimonies and musical specials by individuals from the congregation, the sermon begins around 9 or 9:15.  Larry and I are beginning to understand more and more spoken Haitian creole so the time at church is spent listening carefully to the sermon and not just worshipping silently or reading our Bibles.  It is a thrill when we understand the page number of a song or the scripture reference and can participate in the service.

And then, there is that compassionate Haitian worshipper who, when noticing that we are trying to locate a song or chorus in our copy of Chants d'Esperance, or flipping uncertainly through scripture, politely takes our book, finds the passage or hymn we are searching for, and smilingly returns it to us!  Mesi!

Commonplace things that occur with regularity in church on Sunday mornings are the attendance by animals!  Not to be blessed, but rather just to stroll down the aisle and in front of pews filled with people.  Often, a dog will raise up on his hind legs and place his fore legs in the lap of an unsuspecting parishioner, looking for a pat or a treat.   Other animals seen inside the church during service include cats and chickens!  No goats yet........

The sermon is usually over around 10:00.   Leaving the church service is GREETING time!  Vigorous handshakes, touching cheeks or giving a hug.  These are such loving and demonstrative folk!  Often, big Haitian smiles of recognition or welcome are met with pigeon creole ( "Crenglish") which produces a Haitian chuckle and a hug!  Always, a "Bondye beni w!".

We usually get back to our house in time to make a cup of coffee to take to the next worship event - Missionary Church in the guest house dining room.

This past Sunday, we had two different short-term mission teams with us- one from Pennsylvania and the other from Indiana.  Also attending were a father and his teen-age daughter from Canada, a husband and wife from California, workers from the children's village project, and the Haitian husband-American wife owners of a small children's home outside of Anse-a-Galets.  Worship songs were accompanied by a guitar and the meditation was given by a team member.  We had a full house!

Listening to the devotional given by a team members at Missionary Church.

The Lord was present at both the Haitian and the Missionary churches.

Sunday afternoons often find us accompanying teams to our favorite swimming hole - the beautiful, Caribbean blue sea.  There, we are refreshed and amazed by the reef, tropical fish and other sea creatures   ...

On the way to the reef for some swimming and snorkeling

.... and continue this day of rest with a heartfelt worship of our Creator God.

So there you have it - Sundays on the mission field.

Oh, and one more thing - after lunch with our visitors, we OFTEN head back to our house for the  "Wesleyan hour" - the much-anticipated Sunday afternoon nap!

Mission field or not - some things never change!  :)

Thanksgiving in Haiti

Thanksgiving in Haiti was remarkably normal

Much of the day was spent in the kitchen, preparing for the late afternoon celebration - savoring the thanksgiving day things – ( including the phone calls from kids and friends – greatly anticipated and totally savored!! ) – not only the food prep but also the heart prep – counting the innumerable things we are blessed with and thankful for.

The aromas were tantalizing and my heart was more and more full as the day went by!

Larrry and I had bought the bird when we were in Port earlier in the week; the cooks did the honors and their gravy was WONDERFUL!  I don’t believe they had to strain the lumps out, either!

The other missionaries were to bring sides.  BUT as the week went on, we realized that our guests were increasing,( we celebrated with Americans, Brits, Danes, Canadians and Haitians!) and we were going to have about 10 more people eating that turkey than planned!!  So, our neighbor baked a whole chicken and I made  2 pound meatloaf to add to the mix – and all was well!  Not much of anything was left!  Wassail, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce ( GIANT, one of the two American-esque grocery stores in Port, carried the needed seasonal items!) roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping, green beans, sliced carrots and militone and tomatoes, pipitas and piklese ( contributed by the Haitian guests), Madam Samy’s dinner rolls (glad we have some of them left – I had her make about 60!!) – then pies!  Pecan, pumpkin, apple – and cake!!  YUM!

Gathering in the gwo kay (guest house) dining room
for the feast.  The kids had made table decorations!

Madam Samy, Madam Felicione and Se Cristlin did the honors in the kitchen – and then asked to have their picture taken with the bird!  Can’t wait to give them a copy of it.

Faithful, long-time cooks for the mission.

After dinner and before dessert, the children entertained with a really good play – a TV interview of three of the original Pilgrim children – with a surprise ending!  Great job!

Our mission thespians!

While enjoying the meal, I must admit I was thinking of those just outside our gates who, I am sure,  had never seen so much food as we had laid out on our serving counter – or put into our stomach.  The sense of great thankfulness remained in my heart, but the full stomach felt too much like guilty gluttony.  We have so much and are so blessed.  

After living in Haiti, I hope I will never become flip about saying that.

The morning after, Greg Edmonds posted a great thought on Facebook which helps -

Today I can’t even begin to list all the things I am thankful for, but living in a country like Haiti helps me realize so many things that I’ve always taken for granted. I can still remember standing on a hillside just outside a school for children living in a badly impoverished town in Nicaragua in June 2009. Our mission team joined a local church that would feed these children two times per week. I passed out meals to children in two classrooms and watched many of them begin to eat with their dirty fingers the plate of rice, beans, and a slice of bread. I handed out my last plate and knew I was about to break down. I left the room and walked to the edge of the hill looking out over the city. I was weeping and the only words I could pray were, “God, why was I born in the USA and not in a place like this?” After thinking over that and repeating it several times the Lord simply impressed on my heart, “Greg, you were born in the USA so you can do exactly what you are doing now.” It is great to be blessed, but it is even better to BE a blessing. You never know when you may be an answer to someone’s prayer. What is God wanting to do through you?

Thanks, Greg – I needed that reminder from God through you!  It IS a blessing - and a privilege - to be a blessing!   

so.....What IS God wanting to do through you?

A Day to Remember!

It was very overcast as we took off - the kind of overcast that keeps sane folks tucked inside with a wary eye on the sky,  because those billowing angry clouds promise stormy weather - not only rain but gale force winds, lightning and thunder!  That was my thought as I climbed aboard the four-wheeler and we set off for the day's adventure.

Whatta ride!

Wilnor Jean-Louis, Chair of G.A.S.

The chairman of G.A.S. ( see September 7th post ) and his cousin were on the moto ahead of us.  Wilnor had made plans with the school administrator in Pointe des Lataniers, and he was expecting us.  What's a little rain when we were going to be able to meet our sponsored children and those of our friend Nancy, along with their mothers/families?

This was the best road we rode on.  Larry yelped with joy
when when our top speed reached 27 miles per hour!

Our destination was a area of about 4,000 people which is located on the northwest tip of La Gonave, a very poor community about 25 miles from Anse-a-Galets.  We bumped along  slowly and painfully (!)  for  three hours over Haitian non-roads,

Yes, you read right - it took three hours to travel 25 miles!

We had several opportunities to ford water deposited by the storm that swept just ahead of us.

I remember this LONG stretch very well!!!

passing through villages with names I had heard throughout our time of service here -   La Source, Gro Mangle, and  Toulegien.

Along the way, we saw the terrain and foliage change.  We were on the coast road most of the way so got a view of the beautiful sea to our right as we traveled.  The area I looked forward to seeing was where the vivid pink flamingos were gathered.  What I didn't expect was that there was hundreds of them - but only a blur in the distance when photographed!

We could not pass through villages unnoticed; the roar of our vehicles brought all ages to the path to check us out.

Local playground

And the children's screams of "BLAN", "BLAN"  (white stranger) announced our presence no matter where we went!

I was not sure I would be able to walk when at long last we reached the village of Lataniets and parked in the church/school yard.  We tested our gait in the semi-privacy of the group we traveled with - but I really did feel like I expect cowboys felt after a long day in the saddle.  And, I am just thankful no one was filming me as I wrestled with my leaden spaghetti-legs!

The Wesleyan Church of Litaniets

The school rooms were behind the church.

The principal greeted us, the customary greetings and inquiries were made and finally we were with the  children.

This little three-year old doll is one of our sponsored children!

This brother and sister are from a "vulnerable" family and will
be sponsored this school year by G.A.S. participants.

                                       

                                                   (Larry said my hair do was a "hair don't" after the ride!  Oh, well!)
                                                 This is Wexley - a very serious third grader who I fell in love with
                                                at first meeting when he shook my hand and said "Thank You!"
                                    when we were introduced.

We were able to visit the home of one of our sponsored children and to meet her parents.  The father is a fisherman but was not able to fish that day because of the gale-force winds off the sea.  We took a minute to look at the water while the little girl put on her Sunday best for the picture!

This doesn't do justice to the force of the wind!  But, that is the
fishing boat, beached this day - therefore, no food for
the family.

A precious family, so very appreciative of their daughter
being able to go to school through the G.A.S. program.

(We discovered that one of our supported children was in the hospital here in Anse-a-Galets, 

so we shall visit her here.)

After meeting the students, we accompanied Wilnor into the principal's office to complete paperwork and to get receipts for the money that had been donated to provide schooling for  the  sponsored children.

Business over, we just hung out with the students who were dismissed from school. 
Larry was naming parts of his head in English and the kids were yelling them in creole!
Language lesson -

As we walked around this very poor village, we marveled at the joyful
     happiness of children playing the universal handslap game....

... enjoyed seeing the artistry with the decorative use of the dime-a-dozen conch shells

... the beautiful setting for such poverty-stricken families

.... and began praying for these 

children who were on the streets.

It was a day to remember.  

A day of appreciation 

of the vision of  G.A.S. -

  that of improving the future of the children of Haiti 

by providing for schooling for those whose families can't afford it -

and of the natural beauty of the island of La Gonave 

and her people.

Today, as I write this blog, I am pondering more than ever,  

Jesus' words about caring for the "least of these".   

Matthew 5: 37-40   "Then those sheep are going to say, 

      'Master, what are you talking about?  When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink?  And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?'

   

  Then, the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth:  Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, 

that was me - you did it to me.'"

Back at it -

We arrived back on La Gonave late Monday morning, October 29, after a smooth trip in from Miami.  That night was our monthly "Talking Night"  with the advanced students.   We welcome English-speaking guests into the group to provide an environment rich in speaking and listening, question and answer time, sharing of information - all in English.  It is a greatly anticipated event by the Haitians and before long into the night, our guests are always impressed by the speaking ability, intelligence and wit of our students.

Students working on a project in a beginner class; the ladies are giggling; the men are feigning seriousness.

We decided to put our fatigue aside and keep the schedule.  We tackled the phone list and found delight in the students' voices when we told them we were back in town and the scheduled event was a "go"!  The guests - two who were visiting from the states and five who live on the Wesleyan compound - were all set.

And, like a well-spiced dish, the questions from the Haitians always include a kick or two!

I had anticipated questions about the national elections in the states.  One of the students keeps close tabs on American politics and he is keen on any insider, first-hand info!  I had to call a quietus on the inevitable,  "who will you vote for?", reiterating that voting is by secret ballot and preferences aren't always shared publicly.   When the query about how many electoral votes did our particular states have, I realized I needed to brush up on my government savvy!  Fortunately, one of the Americans quickly checked google for accurate answers!!!  We now know how many electoral votes Florida, Michigan, Indiana, California and South Carolina have.   Those states were represented by no-longer-ignorant registered voters at "Talking Night"!

Our British hospital project manager got the question about how government structure differed in England from America.  So, we all got a lesson in British government.  He also fielded a question about what kind of workers the Haitians employed to work on the hospital were, with a very positive response about solid work ethic and good attitude along with ability and teachability for the project.  That honest observation was well-received.

But the next question was the real kicker!  "I want to know more about Shakespeare!"  It was asked of the Londoner, but he deferred to our former actor from California who did a great job in answering him!  Again, we all learned something - either new or in review.

The hour+ flew and before we knew it, it was time to draw the evening to a close.  The famed bard said it well:  "Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow".  It was another memorable gathering and one enjoyed by all.  The atmosphere was vibrant in the room as the post-event hand shakes, comments and chatting happened easily among guests and students.  Impressions of Haitians were shifted from the media-enhanced to the personal experience for the non-Haitian participants.   These are men and women who dearly love their country, want to see change and progress, and want to be part of making it happen.  They see a command of the English language and an understanding of countries and governments outside their own as vehicles to enable them to participate in the change.  Great men and women!

Oh, yeah - another positive outcome of the October Talking Night - I now have a willing and able thespian to lead a poetry class!  Shakespeare, here we come!

Some of the advanced students - teachers, an aspiring translator and the former mayor capturing new vocabulary.

                     

The beginner classes are filled with eager and able students - here a school principal and a nurse.

High school teachers hard at work!

Free, at last!

Frances Pauline Lawrence Early Firth

1925 - 2012

Aunt Frances put on immortality late this afternoon.  

Her struggle is over.

Thank you, Lord, for her life and her love.

God's Perfect Timing

We wait. That seems so strange – waiting for a loved one to die. Aunt Frances continues to breathe and her heart continues to beat; she is here, but she is not with us ..

And God’s timing is perfect.

This waiting is not passive. It is a very active waiting.

Family members love on each other. Husband and brother and sisters and cousin talk and remember and laugh and cry, and embrace. Words of affection and caring are whispered in Aunt Frances’ ear. Funny memories spark laughing, wet eyes. Nearly empty tissue boxes sit around, waiting to be replaced with full ones. Church family provides for the needs of their own and the families gathered for the waiting. Next-steps plans and purchases are accomplished. Prayers are boldly murmured. Telephoned queries from near and far away are quietly answered, as the news of her last days gets around. Visits from local friends and relations are made.

Petitions are made earnestly to the Lord for Frances to “fly away”, as her generation and her mother’s might have breathed them.

Active, reflective, earnest – not passive.

Trusting and waiting… On God’s perfect timing for Aunt Frances. Her appointed time. When her frail, illness-ravaged body will be replaced by a healthy new one – her passive, non-responsive face replaced with a glowing, eyes-wide-open, joyful, worshipful one as she traipses down those streets of gold. In the presence of her Lord!

We can only imagine!

And we wait!

Aunt Frances

We have come to realize that no matter where on the mission field you live or what you are doing, life continues to happen at home.

Weddings, recitals, graduations, the things would cause you to celebrate and the things that would cause you to grieve with family, friends and loved ones - these things happen.  Whether you able to participate or not.

Larry's sweet Aunt Frances, his mom's only sister and the last member on his mom's side of his family in that generation, is just before leaving this world.  Words like ''hospice house", "imminent", "hour to hour", "morphine", "family gathering" pronounce it.  The emotion in the emails, the catch in the voice in the phone calls, the bittersweet reality underscore it.

This one, we couldn't experience vicariously.  The immediate family wanted Larry to speak at Aunt Frances' service.  An honor.   We have to go.  We will celebrate this life; we will mourn this loss - with her family.

Leaving tomorrow morning before dawn, for a sunrise trip across the sea to Port-au-Prince.  Then on to Atlanta where we hope to arrive, Lord willing,  around 7 pm.

Would you please pray for travel mercies, for Aunt Frances' husband and children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for Larry as he prepares his heart and his talk?

Thanks so much!

Frances Lawrence Early Firth - 87 years old, last July

Haitians Helping Haitians - I like that!

Larry and I have decided to support the good work of one of our advanced English students, Wilnor, who has been instrumental along with his wife, in forming a non-profit to enable needy children to attend school in the villages of Fontuna and Latanier on La Gonave.  

We thought it would be of interest to some of you!  

Wilnor's wife is in my beginner English class and is a nurse at World Vision.  She saw first hand how some children fell through the cracks when others were given opportunity for school by the large non-profits.  Wilnor and his wife joined another couple to form G.A.S. in the hopes that they could make a difference in the lives of some of these less fortunate children.  They themselves are sponsoring several children and the others on the board of G.A.S. are also sponsoring children.

G.A.S. - Groupe Action Scolaire, (Haiti)

Providing children with schooling for a better future

G.A.S is a charitable organization registered with the town of Anse-a-Galets.  It was founded on August 4, 2010, by two members of the Salvation Army church of La Gonave.

What is the main purpose of G.A.S.?

The main purpose of G.A.S. is to provide for needy children's education, particularly those in the far distant areas on the island of La Gonave.

What kind of children does G.A.S. involve?

G.A.S. involves children who are the right age to go to school but cannot because of the precarious economic situation of their parents.  G.A.S. also involves children whose parents are disabled, deceased or vulnerable.

How does G.A.S. operate?

To integrate children into the program, agents of G.A.S. go to Fontuna village and Latanier village and inquire of the school principals which children need financial support.  Children are selected for the program based on the need and the available funding.  Before classes reopen for the next term, the school fees are paid.

Who pays school fees?

Parents are responsible to pay the school fees for their children.  World Vision and Compassion, Int., provide for some of those families who otherwise could not pay.  There remain too many children without the opportunity to attend school because of no sponsorship.  Currently, several concerned Haitians are sponsoring children through G.A.S.

How can you become involved?

If you have the desire to help one or more of these children, it doesn't take much.  For example, the annual fees at the Wesleyan school in Fontuna village are $112.50 US per child for all grades.  And at the Wesleyan school in Latanier village, the fees are $50 US per child in first, second and third grades;  and, $75 US per child in fourth, fifth and sixth grades.  

Please contact G.A.S. at gashaitiedu@yahoo.fr ( or let Larry or me know of your interest ) for more information and to join in sponsoring a child.

And, pray for this group of concerned Haitians who are willing to get involved and do what they can to share what they have to help those less fortunate than they are.

Home Sweet (Haitian) Home

Often one of the nice things about going away is coming back!  That’s the way it has been at the Wesleyan mission on La Gonave.  We anticipated good reunions with our dear co-workers on the compound – but our expectations fell far short as to the welcome-back we would receive from our Haitian friends.

Madam Samy - a Haitian woman who works for the mission and also cooks and cleans for Larry and me once a week - spent three days preparing our home for our return.  Her cleaning included removing everything from the kitchen cabinets and wiping them out; washing the curtains in each room; taking books and articles from the tall bookshelves, then cleaning the shelves and wiping down the books.   Then, she washed clothes and linens that were left in the wake of our surprise and rapid departure, folded them and put them away!  And those things were just for starters!  When we walked in there was a wonderful fragrance of CLEAN! 

And…..fresh flowers in each room! 

Then, she came around today to welcome us back in person to the tune of huge hugs and kisses on each cheek!  Then came the question overflow – How was the trip?  How was the family?   How was Hannah?    How were the rest of the grandchildren?…..and on and on.  I was barely holding my own with the creole, she was shooting inquiries so fast and furiously!

Then, the sailboat captain, TiMet, who is notoriously aloof and very selective whom he talks to, tapped me on the shoulder as we came across yesterday, and asked how the trip home was, how the family was, and the grandchildren, and welcomed us back!  And, as we reached La Gonave, Joel, the young man who is a grounds keeper at the compound and who also goes to the market for us met us at the wharf and came up to me and gave me a great big hug and said welcome back – then asked about the family! 

It goes on and on!   The cooks in the guest house, cleaning ladies there, some of our students who Larry met on the street – all so very interested in our time away and how the family is!   It has been remarkable!

With Haitians, this seems to be the norm.  Our Haitian friends relate to all returning compound folks in this manner - not just us.

We should have anticipated it.   Taking the TME for each other and for us, for relationships - it's the Haitian way.  It's an everyday thing.

We fast-movin', get 'er done yesterday, high-tech Americans can learn some things about how we prioritize our time!

PS – the 20” of rain courtesy of tropical storm Isaac has greened up this island and it looked beautiful from the sea as we returned yesterday.  Fortunately, damage was minimal and the deep ravine through the middle of town is now filled in!  Thank you for your prayers during that time of concern. 

Heading back!

After six great weeks in the states, nomads as we were since renters were in our house in Clemson, we once again find ourselves in Ft. Pierce, Florida, preparing to return to Haiti day after tomorrow.  We do NOT have 16 crates to take in this time, but only 13 - and about half of those filled with 100 Bibles, 96 English dictionaries, and text books for the intermediate and advanced English students.  How grateful we are that our missions-minded church, ALIVE Wesleyan, covered the cost for the books and curricula we are taking back with us this time.

While on our summer break, we delighted in spending much time with our kids and grands, and dear friends.  We rested our heads in seven different homes, recovered from dengue fever, attended Sunday School and services in our home church, as well as worshipping with our children.  We feel like we touched base and spent time with the people we wanted and needed to - while even though we missed a couple because of summer travel schedules - did the things we had on our lists, and got some good rest in at our family lake house in Georgia.

Going into the country post-tropical storm Isaac, we aren't exactly sure what to expect in the way of the aftermath of the storm.  We know there has been much flooding on the mainland and on La Gonave, as well.  We know that the pipes carrying the water from the mountain streams to Anse-a-Galets, the town where we live on the island of La Gonave, were broken during the torrential rains and winds; they have been restored, according to the latest emails, and there is running water on the mission compound once again.  We know that there is a warning communicated by the UN and the US State Department of anticipated outbreaks of cholera in the country; however, we also know that the sanitation conditions on the compound where we live are very good.  Some of the missionary families had already returned from time at home and weathered the storm; others of us watched from afar.  But each of our hearts were with those housed in flimsy makeshift structures and our prayers were for their protection.

Thursday when we fly into  Port au Prince and Friday when we return to La Gonave, we will soon see the aftermath reality first hand.  And, once again, Haiti will become flesh and blood to us and not just news coverage on TV.  We will be rubbing elbows with real people who have real needs, especially the love of Christ through His people.  We will be interacting and teaching real adults who have a strong desire to improve their lot in life and even their country, and who will be ready and eager to learn.  We will be thrust into the everyday of the aftermath and life in Haiti - relying on and undergirded by the prayers of our faithful supporters.

We're sitting on "ready"!

Hannah's Visit

When we hugged, then waved good-bye to the Spears at the Port au Prince air port after a great week's visit, we were so thankful that they left a bit of the family with us!  Sixteen-year-old Hannah was to hang out with us for the six weeks til we returned to the states in July.

Hannah has set a high bar for the subsequent ten grands!  She was the first and the one we all learned on - her parents, in how to parent - and the grandparents, in how to grandparent!  She has grown into a lovely young lady, gifted in music and friends, happy, a celebrator of life, growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.  We were delighted and had anticipated her visit.

At the orphanage after some of the girls there braided Hannah's hair.

Except for the fact that she assumed the title of Boggle Queen with too little effort this summer, after straining for the goal for years, to no avail......

Anyway.

I asked Hannah why she wanted to spend a chunk of her summer vacation on a very poor island off the coast of the Haitian mainland.  She responded that when we began praying about and talking about spending this year on La Gonave, she had the thought that she should come for an extended stay, too.  Puzzled, she said that that thought had not originated from within her, so she had a couple of talks with God about it.  Realizing that this was His idea, not hers, she was committed to the plan.

Sticky notes with Haitian creole words labeling things around her house began to show up as school neared the year's end.  A opinion paper was written for school about the plan.  She began to pray about how the Lord might use her while she was on the compound.

We could have renamed her "Mary Poppins"!  Hannah soon was a favorite of the missionary children and determined to spend time with each of them, giving their moms and dads valuable TIME to accomplish tasks, etc., while knowing their children were in good hands and happy.

        

   


One of her favorite things was interacting with the children at Mme. Soliette's orphanage, showing them love and acceptance and her genuine interest.  Gifted on the violin, Hannah played several special numbers at missionary church services and had the unique opportunity to play at the funeral of one of the precious little girls from the orphanage.  Enjoying the teams that would come in, she readily was involved when she could be and was a natural hostess.  And, she was my faithful assistant in the June English classes.  I shall miss her when the fall term begins!

A good place for a phone call home

When I asked Hannah why she thought the Lord had had her come this summer, she said she still was working that out, not sure.  MamaG has an idea.  I think He was grabbing her willing heart, infusing it with things of Himself, giving her His love for His children and planting a seed for mission work that will always be part of her life.  What will that look like, how will it pan out?  I have no idea - but God does!

And, whether she is a pray-er, a give-er, or a go-er, I believe Hannah will be used of God.  Because she has a willing heart and that heart is                                                              
toward God.   

                                                  


Thanks, Han - it was a great visit!  We love you!