MARCH TRIP (March 10 – March 20)

Friday March 20, 2008

The bus has been packed and we are about to hit the road to the airport. Thanks are due to pastor Charles and his camp as they took great care of us. Also the team that has worked very hard here deserves recognition for that. Please pray for us as we travel; we look forward to seeing you soon. The team feels blessed to have had this opportunity to serve the Haitian people and we hope to have this opportunity again.

Thursday March 20, 2008

Today was a very relaxing day and was much appreciated by our group. We are mostly packed and ready to head out tomorrow morning; please pray for us as we travel to the airport and will be flying back to our family members. To view pictures from Thursday please click here.

Wednesday March 19, 2008

A myriad of things were going on today as we looked to complete our work in Haiti. The construction team completed the forms and poured concrete for the header on the second floor of the water tower. Another small group went out into the village to help a lady with the “house that George built” by adding some screens to her windows and repairing a door. Andre visited a dental clinic in Leogane and delivered them some supplies for their clinic. In the afternoon he was able to help one of the local teenage school girls with two teeth that were severely decayed and required extraction. Surprisingly the construction team had enough energy left for an impromptu water fight immediately after the pouring was done; apparently they really needed to cool off. They are now cleaning up the job sight and will look forward to tomorrow’s beach day. The construction crew has really worked hard these two weeks and this has really paid off with an amazing amount of visible progress; a special thanks to all of them for their hard work. Tonight we will do a group wrap up where we have a chance to discuss our experiences here with eachother. If you get a chance, ask one of the team members about their experience. Please pray for a safe day tomorrow and a safe trip home. To view photos from Wednesday please click here.

Tuesday March 18,2008

A refreshing breeze has been buffering the extreme heat today. The team has been busy taking apart the forms from the tool shed and reassembling them for the header on the second floor of the water tower. The forms should be finished by dinner time and we anticipate pouring the concrete tomorrow. Other team members have been occupied with site cleanup and putting away the materials that won’t be need any longer on this trip. A few team members went to Christa College to visit their sponsor children and deliver gifts; this was a highlight for most of them. After the concrete has been poured tomorrow, we will put away our tools and do some final inventory before we do our final wrap up. We ask that you keep us in your prayers. To view pictures from Tuesday click here.

Monday March 17, 2008

Awakening recharged after a weekend of rest, the team sat to share morning breakfast and a devotional by pastor Charles. His messages are usually quite inspiring as he has much to share about the Gospel. We then resumed working with the assembly of forms to allow concrete pouring for the header on the second floor of the tool shed. This afternoon will again be a cooperative effort with the Haitians as we participate in the “bucket brigade” with concrete being mixed on the ground level and bucket after bucket of concrete being passed up a chanin of people to be emptied into the forms. This is always very exhausting work, but is usually done with a lot of comraderie and smiles. A few members of our group focused their efforts on organizing the storage area for the tools and supplies to allow an accurate inventory to be taken. Your comments will be read per our usual routine; we appreciate your interaction and your prayers. To view pictures from Monday click here.

Sunday March 16, 2008

Happy birthday to Annemarie VanWely who was greeted at breakfast to a hearty rendition of happy birthday. This morning we worshipped with the local Haitian church; we sang songs in Creole and French and the sermon was done alternately in Creole and English. It was a blessing to be able to share in the message of the saving grace of Christ’s crucifixion. Following many handshakes, smiles and hugs we had a light lunch after which we ventured into the local rural village to see a house that was built by some members of our group a number of years ago. It was quite an experience for many of the first timers in our group as they saw the conditions that the average Haitian lives in on a day to day basis. Many children followed along with us which added a friendly atomosphere to the trip. Tomorrow we will resume our work on the compound; we will be reading your comments again the evening as they bring great enjoyment to the group. Once again, we ask that you continue to pray for us; to view pictures from Sunday click here.

Saturday March 15, 2008

Happy birthday to Jeff Klasen; one of our team members celebrated a birthday here today. The American team left early this morning and we now find ourselves in the midst of a lot more quite atmosphere; we will miss their fellowship and awesome contribution on the construction team. We went to the Baptist Mission and to a lookout point where we could see a bird’s eye view of Port-au-Prince. Many people bought paintings and other souvenirs; the sights and sounds are can be quite overwhelming in the markets. Tomorrow we look forward to worshipping with the Haitians and another day of rest; please continue to pray for us. To view pictures from Saturday click here.

Friday March 14, 2008

The trenching has finally been completed; this section was very difficult as there was alot of concrete to penetrate to get to the proper depth for the wire conduit and water pipes. The pipe has been layed up to the aquaduct that runs under the orphanage and most of it has been covered again. The forms from the storage shed columns that were poured yesterday have been disassembled and forms for the beams that will tie them together are mostly assembled with the appropriate rebar in place as well. A set of newborn twins that were brought into the medical clinic in January due to questionable health were seen today as their mother brought them by. Their health is much improved and they seem to be thriving with the help they received in January!! With how hard we have worked this week, tomorrow’s sightseeing trips are well-deserved and will be a welcome break for the group. Your messages and comments will be read again this evening and we all appreciate the input and intimacy we feel as they are read. Please continue to pray for us; to view pictures from Friday please click here.

Thursday March 13, 2008

We began trenching another section of the camp where wiring and water will be directed from the dorms to the orhpanage. This section is very long and has been very difficult to penetrate; many areas of dense rock have been encountered and only the strong will and determination of our team and the Haitians has allowed us to get trhough it. A segment of the American group has also been helping our construction crew and they are doing an awesome job. We have enjoyed their contribution and fellowship and will miss them when they depart on Saturday morning. The forms were removed from the water tower and were reassembled on the second floor of the storage shed. They columns here should be poured by the end of today or during tomorrow’s work. A section of stairs was also poured for the water tower so that there will be access to the second floor. Some gifts were distributed to the children here at the Cabaret school and they were very pleased to receive them. We will again be looking forward to reading your comments and feedback this evening and thank you for your continued interest and prayers. To view phots from Thursday click here.

Wednesday March 12, 2008

It was so hot that….. wow, today was a scorcher. We were constantly treading to the water cooler to stay hydrated; the team worked very hard despite the intense heat. The trench was completed between the water tower and the dorms and conduit was layed for electrical wiring to run from the generator and pipe was also layed to run from the water tower to the dorms. The trench has been filled in and trenching has begun to similarly supply the orphanage with water and power. Concrete was poured for the pillars on the second story of the water tower and a partial set of stair was also poured. There is an orthodontist from North Carolina working in the dental clinic and Dr Andre was called for the odd consultation and “can you get this out??”. Edna spent time organizing and cleaning the tool room and helping out by taking photos. Your comments are being read nightly and are truly appreciated; please continue to pray for us. To see pictures from Wednesday please click here.

Tuesday March 11, 2008

On this trip we are sharing accommodations with another group comprised of people from North Carolina, Florida, and Texas. They are doing medical and dental clinics and a few of them are helping with our construction team. It is a great opportunity to share and fellowship with eachother and we look to help the Haitian people. Following our morning devotional and some team mobilization, we were able to get to work in the compound here. Forms were constructed for the pillars on the second floor of the water tower as well as for the stairs to the first floor of the tower. A trench is being dug by a hardworking group that is mustering all the elbow grease they can spare; this trech is for water pipes and electrical wiring that will run from the water tower and generator to the dormitories and orphanage and eventually the medical and dental clinic. Tomorrow we will be pouring concrete and continue trenching. Please pray for us. To view photos from Tuesday click here.

Monday March 10, 2008

A group of 15 volunteers departed from Toronto early this morning to continue work on construction projects. We want the people back home to know that we have arrived safely and look forward to providing you with photos and updates and receiving your feedback and encouragement. Please keep us in your prayers…. details to follow tomorrow. So as promised, here are some more details with a few photos. Everything was going smoothly or perhaps too smoothly save for one missing bag which was found to be still in Miami. So here we are travelling along in the bus to the camp and we’re half way there when…. chug chug chug, the bus runs out of gas. Well being that it’s a diesel, it’s no simple matter to restart once it’s been driven dry. So, good old (young) Jack gets a change of shirt and it’s under the bus he goes…. a little delay until some fuel arrives…remove primary fuel filter and refill, remove secondary fuel filter and refill… and thanks to a brave soul who took little petrol mouthwash to provide a manual fuel injector and voila, two hours later we’re back in action. Stay tuned for more “breathtaking” action. For photos from Monday, click here.

JANUARY TRIP (Jan 21 – Feb 1)

Friday February 1, 2008

We are just loading the truck with our luggage and will be boarding the bus to the airport in mere minutes. Prasie God for the work that He allowed us to do, the relationships that were forged, and the safety He provided. Thanks to all who worked to make this trip such a success; many of you worked hard to procure donated supplies and/or provided monetary gifts. We also thank everyone for their prayers and verbal support throughout the trip. I’m sure you will here many stories upon our return. Please pray for safe travels as we are aware of the storm that is upon you at home. God bless.

Thursday January 31, 2008

Today was a very relaxing day for the group. After our regular morning message from Pastor Charles, we headed down the road to a small beach where we could swim in the pool or ocean and allow our well worked bodies and minds to rest. A few people even went snorkeling. We praise God for all of our gifts and look forward to continue using these gifts to further his Kingdom on earth. We are looking forward to returning home to our loved ones. Thanks for your support and prayers; your comments were read aloud last night again and brought many smiles and much laughter. Click here to view pictures from Thursday.

Wednesday January 30,2008

Well we wrapped things up today and met and even exceded some of our goals. The orphanage is completely wired and online. All the concrete was poured for the stairs that had been formed; all the bunkbeds were completed as well as the shelfing, vanities and desks for the children. We organized and put away all of the tools and left over construction supplies for the March construction team. The sponsorship group continued with their administration work and the medical team saw another large group of people today. We are very excited with the work that was completed and thank the Lord for the safety and fellowship he has granted. Tomorrow we will head to the beach for a day of relaxation to allow us to decompress before heading home. Please pray for safe travel for us and keep us and the Haitian people in your prayers. To view pictures from Wednesday click here.

Tuesday January 29, 2008

We have one more day to complete the goals that have been set and we seem to be right on target. Most of the conduit for the main floor wiring in the orphanage is has been placed and wires have been pulled. The construction team has nearly completed all of the orphanage bunkbeds and shelving. The second set of stairs for the orphanage were formed and the forms for the stairs for the second floor of the storage shed were begun. The medical team went to Faveau and were able to see many people from that community. Sponsorship continued with their administration work and Bill De Jong took a boat to La Gonave with pastor Ben to assess some construction details for his ministry there. Tomorrow we will finish forming the stairs and pour a whole lot of concrete. Thanks for your prayers and comments as they are much appreciated. To view pictures from Tuesday click here.

Monday January 28, 2008

Today was another busy day at the camp and alot was completed. The electricians completed the wiring for the second floor of the orphanage and the lights are now illuminating brightly. The construction team has completed the vanities and counters for the bathrooms and the bunkbeds are almost completed. The bulkhead for the water tower was poured with concrete and the stairways 2 and 3 for the orphanage should be poured tomorrow. Sponsorhip continued to interact with the children here at the camp and intend to visit the children at Faveau Wednesday. The medical was able to see another 90 people at the clinic today and all who came for care were seen. They even managed to page the dentist to help with people who had dental pain. The medical team will be travelling to Faveau tomorrow to see the children there. This evening your messages were read and were well received; your support means alot to us!! Please continue to pray for us. To view the pictures from Monday click here.

Saturday/Sunday January 26/27, 2008

Saturday was a day for siteseeing. We traveled to a Baptist mission in the mountains of Port-au-Prince where there was a restaurant and gift shop to compliment the roadside market. This mission also had a small zoo and gardens and the view of the surrounding mountains was spectacular. From there we ventured to the lookout where we could have a view over Port-au-Prince and the bay. We stopped at the Carribean market where we could buy some local food fare and then we were treated to a taste of home with some Domino’s pizza. It was an interesting afternoon as we traveled down some streets that were packed with market vendors. Sunday started with a leisurely breakfast and a wonderful church service. We were treated to some singing by a group of Haitian women and the sermon was delivered by an Orthodox Presbyterian missionary who is working on the Isle of Goave (a large island in the bay). After the service we met with the sponsor chidren from the school here in Cabaret and gave them their gift boxes. It was wonderful to see the smiles on their faces as they received these gifts. In the afternoon, a group ventured outside the camp to a house that was built by Mission to Haiti a few years ago. This allowed many to experience what rural life in Haiti can be like and gave many another perspective on the Haitian struggle. Another small group went to a site where one of our Haitian friends is endeavouring to build an orphanage on some land he owns. He has already had a well drilled and is excited to move forward with construction. Tomorrow we will get back to work to move towards completion of our goals for this trip. In the evening all of your comments will again be read. Your support is awesome and appreciated; please continue to pray for us. You will see that more photos have ben included and you can now leave your comments at that website!! For pictures of Friday click Here & For pictures of Saturday and Sunday click Here

Friday January 25, 2008

This evening after dinner, all of your emails were read to the group; there were many smiles and alot of laughter as they were read. Thanks for your support and communications! Today was a very busy day at the camp. The medical team saw a number of people from the community and referred a number of patients to the dental clinic. Both medical and dental worked almost until dinner time so that no one was turned away. The construction team are close to completing the bunkbeds for the first floor of the orphanage and asked for flood lights so they could finish them, but the local rentall was closed, so they were denied that request. The stairs for the orphanage were poured today with the help of many Haitians and every team recruit they could find. The electricians pulled eachother’s wires today (John Kiers’ personal comment). Sponsorship checked in with the children here in Cabaret and we will be visiting with these children and distributing their gifts on Sunday following the church service. Tomorrow is a day for siteseeing; we will be going up town to the market and visiting a few attractions. Thanks for your support and interest. To view photos from Thursday click here.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Today the sponsorhip team and medical group returned to Christa College to deliver gifts to the children from SPEDH and to administer medical and dental care to these children and others from the community. Again, the children were excited to receive your gifts and meet the people who sponsor them; this is quite an experience for many of the team and sponsored children. The medical team was able to assess and provide medication and care for 100 people!! Some people with dental pain were also provided with relief. The construction team should be completing the project of making bunkbeds in the next day or two. The electricians continue to create conduits for the wiring in the orphanage and are happy with their progress. Blessings and hello from all of us! Click here for pictures of Tuesday

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

We arrived in Haiti as the sun was setting due to some technical problems in Miami. Driving from the airport to the camp in a rainstorm was quite the experience for many of us and we praised God that we made it to the camp safely albeit slightly wet. Tuesday was a day of organizing, prioritizing and getting to work. The electricians ironed out some significant electrical issues with the main camp and set the groundwork for wiring in the orphanage. The construction crew got to work on building bunkbeds and framing work for pouring concrete steps leading to the second floor. Sponsorship organized your gift boxes and will begin distribution tomorrow at Krista College. The medical team organized the pharmacy and got their meds ready for tomorrow’s clinic at Krista College. The spirit in the team is high and everything is going great so far!! Click here for pictures of Monday