Tuesday, November 10, 2009
" You shall know them by the love they have for one another"
The clinics continue to be the hub of activity in the communities we serve. Our committed staff, demonstrates Christ love to each patient that comes.
Before their day begins, they travel one hour over bumpy roads ,that only allows you to drive around 15 -20 miles per hour. If the roads were good they could make it to the clinics lin ess than 20 minutes. When they get to the clinic they sing songs, share from the bible and then close in prayer. The Pastor goes out to the waiting area ,shares the Gospel and then leads the patients in prayer and closes with a hymn.
This is a blessing to witness.
Today, I helped with injections, visited with some of the elderly and spent time holding babies. At the end of the day, I drove the truck home and dropped the staff off along the way.
Tomorrow, we will have a staff meeting to discuss some of the needs, ideas to serve the people better, pray and eat.
It is a privilge to serve along side of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Mwen te deside pou swiv Lesenye
Dear Family and Friends,
Phil. 2:1 says " Your life in Christ makes you strong, and His love comforts you.
It is scripture like this one that gets me through the difficult times when I am serving in Haiti. It gives me strength and empowers me to continue the work God has prepared.
The first week in Haiti I hosted a team of 10 . They were from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Utah. Six churches were represented in this team. For many, this was their first missions trip. Some were new believers and some not but all of them demonstrated a willingness to serve in what ever area they were needed. The beginning of the week, they helped a friend with her child sponsorship program; measuring, weighing, taking photos, playing with the children and do arts and crafts. The rest of the team visited the two medical clinics, familiarizing themselves with the staff members in the communities. Experiencing medicine for the first time in a third world country, and witnessing the hardship, they have a glimpse of people living in absolute poverty. It seems the continuous education piece is missing for medical personnel in the remote areas of Haiti. It makes me really appreciate our medical system back home, although not perfect. Our staff always takes the time to explain the programs we have, answer many questions and allow them to come in with the patient during their consultation. I wonder what they really think, when the blancs come and take pictures and ask the same questions over and over. I thank God for all of them and their patience with us.
Phil. 2:1 says " Your life in Christ makes you strong, and His love comforts you.
It is scripture like this one that gets me through the difficult times when I am serving in Haiti. It gives me strength and empowers me to continue the work God has prepared.
The first week in Haiti I hosted a team of 10 . They were from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Utah. Six churches were represented in this team. For many, this was their first missions trip. Some were new believers and some not but all of them demonstrated a willingness to serve in what ever area they were needed. The beginning of the week, they helped a friend with her child sponsorship program; measuring, weighing, taking photos, playing with the children and do arts and crafts. The rest of the team visited the two medical clinics, familiarizing themselves with the staff members in the communities. Experiencing medicine for the first time in a third world country, and witnessing the hardship, they have a glimpse of people living in absolute poverty. It seems the continuous education piece is missing for medical personnel in the remote areas of Haiti. It makes me really appreciate our medical system back home, although not perfect. Our staff always takes the time to explain the programs we have, answer many questions and allow them to come in with the patient during their consultation. I wonder what they really think, when the blancs come and take pictures and ask the same questions over and over. I thank God for all of them and their patience with us.
We had a chance to go to different areas with the team. It gives them a better picture of this country. Many of the people on the team said " my life has been changed". There is never a time that these words aren't spoken by team members that have come down over the
years. This is one of the reasons I enjoy bringing teams down, knowing God has brought them here and His plans are bigger than ours. We need to just trust and obey. The doctor that traveled with us has been on other mission trips. He was compassionate with the patients, and a wonderful teacher. He has given me suggestions for future medical teams and has given me a better picture of what doctors will need to serve effectively when they come down. God has revealed many things to me in these two weeks by using His people, circumstances and situations which are not always easy. I remember thinking before I became a Christian how boring it must be. I need to tell you my life does not have a dull moment and it is exciting working for God.The rest of the time here I will go to the clinics with the staff and continue studying Creole.
Every trip I learn more Creole and more of the culture.
Phil 2:3 says " Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself".
I thank God for each of you. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Words from the Son-Seekers___ October 26, 2009
A team orchestrated by God,
"Our DC 3, twin-engined airplane squiggled down the runway of the Ft. Pierce; Florida airport and droned as it lifted our Mission Team of 10 and a hefty load of mission cargo into the early morning darkness.
"Our DC 3, twin-engined airplane squiggled down the runway of the Ft. Pierce; Florida airport and droned as it lifted our Mission Team of 10 and a hefty load of mission cargo into the early morning darkness.
After a 4 a.m. wakeup, we were driven to the Mission Flight International base and introduced to our two missionary pilots and an operations manager, Joe, who led us in prayer-a first on an airplane for us!- after pointing out the exits, life jackets and life rafts. A special caution was made to not sit or sleep on the life rafts. Also on board was Miss Karen, our guide, who traveled with us to help during a fuel stop in Exuma, a small strip of land in the Bahamas, and aid us in the laborious task of clearing customs in Caphaitian. Suffice it to say, the chill of New England was a distant memory, as we all struggled with the acclimation to the heat and humidity of CAP.
We are grateful to be here and feel blessed. Our team represents 6 churches and one nurse is from Utah. The rest of the team from New England.
Day 3
We wish each of you could be here to share the many blessings that come from working in Haiti . It’s easy to tell you about the things that are difficult-the poverty, and the needs of all here, without adequate food, clean water and medical care. It’s much more difficult to express in words the joys that fill each day and to really convince you of the hope that most express by waving to us, when we travel the roads, and how many people immediately smile and wiggle their fingers in a wave, when we call out “bonjou” or “bonswa”, good morning or good afternoon. When we walk the streets or drive past in our truck (that has carried up to 12 --don’t ask how!).we pass young and old toiling with the chores of maintaining a marginal existence. Girls and women carry tall and burdensome loads on their heads, wash clothes by hand, and spend a considerable amount of time making meals, which are often cooked over charcoal fires. Men are busy with manual labor, doing a lot of craft work and moving things by wheelbarrow, large wooden carts, moped or bikes. Amongst the throngs, along the city’s roadside, are entrepreneurs making things out of metal and wood, repairing tires and making goods to sell. It seems as if all of life goes on outside, along the roadways, as most Haitian’s homes are hot inside and there is no electricity.
We “blanchs” (white people) are noticed everywhere we go and, in general, feel loved. When traveling after dark, there is the need to take more care and we are learning to be very respectful of the difference.
Our 4th day in CAP was doing much of the same type of work in the field. Returning to the Mission House to pack for the road, we ate a delicious meal of red beans and rice, with chicken, fresh avocados, mangos and salad, and then embarked in two vehicles for the country and our 4-day assignment in Terrier Rouge. Leaving the melee of noise and overcrowded streets of CAP, where 5-6 vehicles are always vying for the same road space at the same time, we breathed a sigh of relief to arrive in the country.
We were greeted warmly by Pastor Noel and his wife, Marie, and given room assignments in their lovely home. Marie served an evening meal of rice, red sauce, meatballs, avocado, papaya and cake muffins. The night came to an end with the voices of children who came to sing for us (an incredible blessing!) and our own voices lifted in song and praise.
Today, we are doing medical clinics , some of the team did crafts with a large group of children. They loved it and were very creative. Paula, Peter and I also helped feed 150 children in a small yard. We were very impressed at the patience of the children, as they waited for a long time for all the meals to be served before they prayed and then could eat. Paula felt it was like the Bible story of the disciples feeding the 5,000. It seemed, at first, as if there would not be enough to go around. But, amazingly, there was –and with a small amount of leftovers. The medical staff had a long and grueling day.
We have no electricity and no Internet connection at the moment".
We miss and love you,
The Team
Words from the Son-Seekers
A team orchestrated by God,
"Our DC 3, twin-engined airplane squiggled down the runway of the Ft. Pierce; Florida airport and droned as it lifted our Mission Team of 10 and a hefty load of mission cargo into the early morning darkness. After three months of planning, Paula and Sue were underway to Haiti!
We met with up our new team mates in Orlando yesterday, enjoyed a meal together late evening and began to script out the work for our 10-day stay in Caphaitian, at the tip this hemisphere’s poorest nation. After a 4 a.m. wakeup, we were driven to the Mission Flight International base and introduced to our two missionary pilots and an operations manager, Joe, who led us in prayer-a first on an airplane fur us!- after pointing out the exits, life jackets and life rafts. A special caution was made to not sit or sleep on the life rafts. Also on board was Miss Karen, our guide, who traveled with us to help during a fuel stop in Exuma, a small strip of land in the Bahamas, and aid us in the laborious task of clearing customs in Caphaitian. Suffice it to say, the chill of New England was a distant memory, as we all struggled with the acclimation to the heat and humidity of CAP.
It was truly joyful to arrive at the Mission House and find Rocky West and Peter Kapiloff were here to greet us, after flying in from Port-au-Prince. Many other friends came by to greet us and help with meeting needs as we begin work. Paula and I are now assigned tasks with a school and feeding program and the medical personnel go to the local hospital tomorrow and begin clinics on Thursday.
We are grateful to be here and feel blessed. We send our love to all, and a special thanks to those who helped support this mission.
Below is the Pilot’s Psalm, we thought you’d enjoy it as much as we did.
We wish each of you could be here to share the many blessings that come from working in Haiti . It’s easy to tell you about the things that are difficult-the poverty, and the needs of all here, without adequate food, clean water and medical care. It’s much more difficult to express in words the joys that fill each day and to really convince you of the hope that most express by waving to us, when we travel the roads, and how many people immediately smile and wiggle their fingers in a wave, when we call out “bonjou” or “bonswa”, good morning or good afternoon. When we walk the streets or drive past in our truck (that has carried up to 12 --don’t ask how!).we pass young and old toiling with the chores of maintaining a marginal existence. Girls and women carry tall and burdensome loads on their heads, wash clothes by hand, and spend a considerable amount of time making meals, which are often cooked over charcoal fires. Men are busy with manual labor, doing a lot of craft work and moving things by wheelbarrow, large wooden carts, moped or bikes. Amongst the throngs, along the city’s roadside, are entrepreneurs making things out of metal and wood, repairing tires and making goods to sell. It seems as if all of life goes on outside, along the roadways, as most Haitian’s homes are hot inside and there is no electricity.
We “blanchs” (white people) are noticed everywhere we go and, in general, feel loved. When traveling after dark, there is the need to take more care and we are learning to be very respectful of the difference.
Our 4th day in CAP was doing much of the same type of work in the field. Returning to the Mission House to pack for the road, we ate a delicious meal of red beans and rice, with chicken, fresh avocados, mangos and salad, and then embarked in two vehicles for the country and our 4-day assignment in Tierre Rouge. Leaving the melee of noise and overcrowded streets of CAP, where 5-6 vehicles are always vying for the same road space at the same time, we breathed a sigh of relief to arrive in the country.
We were greeted warmly by Pastor Noel and his wife, Marie, and given room assignments in their lovely home. Marie served an evening meal of rice, red sauce, meatballs, avocado, papaya and cake muffins. The night came to an end with the voices of children who came to sing for us (an incredible blessing!) and our own voices lifted in song and praise.
Today, we are doing medical clinics and Paula and I did crafts with a large group of children. They loved it and were very creative. Paula, Peter and I also helped feed 150 children in a small yard. We were very impressed at the patience of the children, as they waited for a long time for all the meals to be served before they prayed and then could eat. Paula felt it was like the Bible story of the disciples feeding the 5,000. It seemed, at first, as if there would not be enough to go around. But, amazingly, there was –and with a small amount of leftovers. The medical staff had a long and grueling day and had to perform emergency surgery on a young boy and treated many other illness and traumas.
We have no electricity and no Internet connection at the moment, but have made plans with a priest to use the Internet at the local Catholic Church at 5 pm. God is good!
We miss and love you,
The Team
"Our DC 3, twin-engined airplane squiggled down the runway of the Ft. Pierce; Florida airport and droned as it lifted our Mission Team of 10 and a hefty load of mission cargo into the early morning darkness. After three months of planning, Paula and Sue were underway to Haiti!
We met with up our new team mates in Orlando yesterday, enjoyed a meal together late evening and began to script out the work for our 10-day stay in Caphaitian, at the tip this hemisphere’s poorest nation. After a 4 a.m. wakeup, we were driven to the Mission Flight International base and introduced to our two missionary pilots and an operations manager, Joe, who led us in prayer-a first on an airplane fur us!- after pointing out the exits, life jackets and life rafts. A special caution was made to not sit or sleep on the life rafts. Also on board was Miss Karen, our guide, who traveled with us to help during a fuel stop in Exuma, a small strip of land in the Bahamas, and aid us in the laborious task of clearing customs in Caphaitian. Suffice it to say, the chill of New England was a distant memory, as we all struggled with the acclimation to the heat and humidity of CAP.
It was truly joyful to arrive at the Mission House and find Rocky West and Peter Kapiloff were here to greet us, after flying in from Port-au-Prince. Many other friends came by to greet us and help with meeting needs as we begin work. Paula and I are now assigned tasks with a school and feeding program and the medical personnel go to the local hospital tomorrow and begin clinics on Thursday.
We are grateful to be here and feel blessed. We send our love to all, and a special thanks to those who helped support this mission.
Below is the Pilot’s Psalm, we thought you’d enjoy it as much as we did.
We wish each of you could be here to share the many blessings that come from working in Haiti . It’s easy to tell you about the things that are difficult-the poverty, and the needs of all here, without adequate food, clean water and medical care. It’s much more difficult to express in words the joys that fill each day and to really convince you of the hope that most express by waving to us, when we travel the roads, and how many people immediately smile and wiggle their fingers in a wave, when we call out “bonjou” or “bonswa”, good morning or good afternoon. When we walk the streets or drive past in our truck (that has carried up to 12 --don’t ask how!).we pass young and old toiling with the chores of maintaining a marginal existence. Girls and women carry tall and burdensome loads on their heads, wash clothes by hand, and spend a considerable amount of time making meals, which are often cooked over charcoal fires. Men are busy with manual labor, doing a lot of craft work and moving things by wheelbarrow, large wooden carts, moped or bikes. Amongst the throngs, along the city’s roadside, are entrepreneurs making things out of metal and wood, repairing tires and making goods to sell. It seems as if all of life goes on outside, along the roadways, as most Haitian’s homes are hot inside and there is no electricity.
We “blanchs” (white people) are noticed everywhere we go and, in general, feel loved. When traveling after dark, there is the need to take more care and we are learning to be very respectful of the difference.
Our 4th day in CAP was doing much of the same type of work in the field. Returning to the Mission House to pack for the road, we ate a delicious meal of red beans and rice, with chicken, fresh avocados, mangos and salad, and then embarked in two vehicles for the country and our 4-day assignment in Tierre Rouge. Leaving the melee of noise and overcrowded streets of CAP, where 5-6 vehicles are always vying for the same road space at the same time, we breathed a sigh of relief to arrive in the country.
We were greeted warmly by Pastor Noel and his wife, Marie, and given room assignments in their lovely home. Marie served an evening meal of rice, red sauce, meatballs, avocado, papaya and cake muffins. The night came to an end with the voices of children who came to sing for us (an incredible blessing!) and our own voices lifted in song and praise.
Today, we are doing medical clinics and Paula and I did crafts with a large group of children. They loved it and were very creative. Paula, Peter and I also helped feed 150 children in a small yard. We were very impressed at the patience of the children, as they waited for a long time for all the meals to be served before they prayed and then could eat. Paula felt it was like the Bible story of the disciples feeding the 5,000. It seemed, at first, as if there would not be enough to go around. But, amazingly, there was –and with a small amount of leftovers. The medical staff had a long and grueling day and had to perform emergency surgery on a young boy and treated many other illness and traumas.
We have no electricity and no Internet connection at the moment, but have made plans with a priest to use the Internet at the local Catholic Church at 5 pm. God is good!
We miss and love you,
The Team
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
October/November teams experience
