Clean Team, Dirty Team

To recap last night when we signed off with us going to nightly devotions.  As usual, Liz lead an inspirational devotional with many thought-provoking questions including, "Why Haiti?  Why now?"  This provided many of the veterans (Paul, Greer, Jim, Sarah) and our new-comers (Marilyn and Tish) an opportunity to share their perspectives.  Following devotionals, most people passed out from exhaustion, while Poker-Face Yvette took the rest of us to the cleaners in a rousing game of "On My Honor."  Some of us think Mark made it up on the spot.  (high probability)

This morning started with 6:00 a.m. stretching lead by Tish and joined by Tom "Stretch" DeMik, Paul, Greer, and Marilyn.  Fueled by an awesome breakfast by Bert, we made our sandwiches for lunch (they even had grapefruit jelly)!  We stole the title of today's blog from Roberta who remarked as we left for the Health Clinic, "there goes the clean team; we look forward to seeing the dirty team when you return."  And she was right!

As we got closer to the Village of Hope on National Route 1, the Health Clinic became visible in the distance.  As we drove up to the Health Clinic, exclamations of shock and awe were heard from all.  After a tour of the Health Clinic, lead by Bert, we quickly formed teams to perform the following tasks: sanding, cleaning, painting, taping, mopping, vacuuming, scraping, and singing (who let the dogs out? Jim, Tish, and Mark!).  While the building was cool, the work was hard, and needless to say, it was a good thing we bounced our way home in an open-air truck.  The quote of the day from Paul after inquiring if we were staying hydrated was, "It's better to have to pee, than not."  Go figure!  While we got a lot accomplished, there is still more to do.  The target opening day is early April.  We are so excited that we are contributing to the completion of the  Health Center so it can open as scheduled.  More of the same is scheduled for tomorrow.

While some of you are enjoying pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, we enjoyed a fantastic meal of Haitian beef stew, potat (Haitian potato), acra (taro root ground up with spices and then fried) and salad.  Some of those on the trip are outside their culinary comfort zone but are enjoying it nonetheless.

We are off to another devotional, this time lead by Sarah (no pressure) followed by a vigorous game of spoons!  Tish has warned us that there is no mercy when she's involved in this game.

Good night!

Arrival: Mission Lazarus Project

We arrived at Greer's at 3:30 a.m. full of enthusiasm for the mission (well, maybe we were only half full)!  All the logistics for departure and flights were all on time.  There were no lost servants or luggage.  Upon arrival, we were greeted with 90 degree temperatures and surprisingly, the Haiti grime did not hit us as hard as in past years.  Processing through immigration also was a pleasant surprise in that we were not tortured by the process.  Those of us that have been to Haiti in the past enjoyed the ride back to Hope House, riding in the open air truck.  Once at Hope House, room assignments were passed out and those of us with enough energy unpacked 16 suitcases of supplies which were warmly received by the hosts of Hope House.  The afternoon was then spent reviewing the work projects for the week and nap-taking.  Dinner was excellent - a pasta dish with garlic, capers, and black olives.  One change from years past is now we do the dishes after dinner.  Tom DeMik was the washer as he regaled us with stories of working at a sorority during his college years.  And yes, he had some colorful and interesting recollections.  Then Liz walked in...  Presently, we are getting ready for our devotionals and most likely, a follow-up beer and everyone to bed.  We are looking forward to tomorrow, where we will be cleaning and painting the new health facility.  We anticipate accomplishing a lot of work because it's Carnivale (Mardi Gras) in Haiti from Monday through Wednesday and the kids are out of school.  Much more to come tomorrow!

Packed and Ready to Go!

Our group met this afternoon to pack the luggage that hold the donations we take with us.  Members of St. John's, friends of the travelers, and the Brownie and Daisy troops at my school really came through for us!  We have 16 suitcases filled to the brim, but carefully packed as not to exceed our 50 lb. limit!  Here are some pictures of the packing!

We are off bright and early tomorrow morning!  Thank you for everyone's support.  We'll let you know when we arrive!

Less Than a Week!

Next week at this time, 11 members from St. John's will be slumbering away after a hard days work in Haiti.  This year's servant team leaves next Monday, February 20 with 9 members returning on Sunday the 26th and two other members staying an extra day.  The team consists of Sarah Finger (yours truly), Jim Lofgren, Paul Swicord, Tom and Liz DeMik, Christine Payne, Mark Guilfoil, Greer Putnam (fearless leader), Yvette Moy, and newcomers Tish Nordvall and Marilyn Newstrom.

Below are prayers for each day that we ask you to include in your daily prayer routine.

Monday, Day 1

Psalm 50:1

The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

Heavenly Father, we pray for safe early morning departure and safe arrival of St. John’s Servant Team to Hope House. Open all hearts and minds to the needs of others, that with eagerness, energy and joy your love may be lavished on the children and people of Haiti. Bless and keep hosts Bert and Roberta Anderson.

Tuesday, Day 2

2 Kings 2: 1-2

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.”

Carnival Tuesday in Haiti marks the beginning of one the holiest times of the year. It leads to a time of repentance and abstinence. A time when millions of Christians all over the world are engulfed in prayer, reflection, forgiveness and rebirth. It commences the celebration of the miracle of the life of Christ.  O Lord, we pray particularly for Sarah and Jim to be attentive to the whisper in the whirlwind.

Wednesday, Day 3

2 Corinthians 4: 3-6

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

On this Ash Wednesday, pray that Christ’s light would shine out in the darkness. Help all to see the physical and economic needs among sisters and brothers. Real love is expressed in deed as well as in word. Help us to encourage the oppressed, plead the case of the widow and defend the cause of the fatherless.  May the work of Tom and Liz’s hands in worship and mercy give God the glory.

Thursday, Day 4

Mark 9:2-4

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.  His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Praise God for mountain top experiences. May we tend and keep the garden of God with Gospel seeds. By the Spirit may we enhance the earth’s beauty, usefulness and fruitfulness despite sickness, hunger, natural disaster and hostile environment. May we give until the need is gone.  Thanksgiving for Mark, Tish and Paul.

Friday, Day 5

Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Jesus, help us to practice hospitality to strangers. May God bless the prayers of his people and assist us to model Christ in humble service. Pray for blessings on Christine and Marilyn.  

Saturday, Day 6
Psalm 5: 12
Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

The ministry of mercy is a costly one. Jesus, you asked the rich young ruler to give up all his riches to follow you. Our willingness to carry this out is a critical sign of our submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.  Pray for protection on Yvette and Greer.

Sunday, Day 7

Psalm 67:1-2

God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us,  Selah.   That your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
 

It is always hard to bid farewell. May God bless and keep you until we meet again. Pray for safe travels and good health for all.

Home Sweet Home

Once again, I find myself writing the blog post about our trip home by myself.  While in Haiti, Jim and I work together to update the blog.  I do the typing and he dictates what I type although I add my own thoughts here and there.

Our day began with a group photo before we headed off to the airport.  To make sure everyone had room, a few of us rode with Bert in his truck while the rest rode with Odney in the regular truck.  Traffic wasn't too bad and we arrived at the airport in plenty of time.  As you will soon find out, that wouldn't matter!  After going through security check point 1, checking in, going through customs, security checkpoint 2, doing some last minute shopping, and security checkpoint 3 (there are more security checkpoints to leave Haiti then to enter!), we ended up waiting and waiting and waiting.  Our flight was to leave at 10:55 and we finally left around 1:22.  As a result, we were sure we would miss our connecting flight in Miami.  The Houston crew, would miss theirs for sure.  So, we took our turn standing in line to get our flights from Miami to Houston/Washington DC re-booked to later ones.

The flight to Miami was uneventful although there was one tired flight attendant who didn't really seem to care where anyone sat as long as they did so quickly!  I also had to show the woman next to me how to turn off her cell phone!

Once we landed in Miami, the race was on.  We landed at 3:00 and with our original 4:30 flight (instead of the re-booked 7:10 flight) in mind, many of us took off.  I felt like we were in an episode of the Amazing Race!  Those of us who didn't have checked bags (all but Greer, Liz, Tom, Terri, and Christian) and the Houston Crew, raced through Immigrations and Customs and back through security to the gate of the 4:30 flight. Some good rum was sacrificed for getting on this flight as we didn't have time to get it in the checked luggage.  We all were able to rebook (again) our flights back to the original flight with only minutes to spare before boarding.  The rest of the group had to go through Immigrations and Customs, pick up their checked bags, recheck their bags, and go through security.  Unfortunately, that was too much to do to get on our original flight.  Thank you to the VA crew who did have the checked bags as those bags not only held their items but items for the rest of us as well!

Those of us on the 4:30 flight made it back to NoVA with no more delays although those on the later flight were delayed again for about 30 minutes (if I remember correctly).

While I write this, my pictures are uploading to Shutterfly and thoughts of my "normal life" return.  Most of us returned to work today although, I for one, was not as "there" as I usually am.  Many people want to know about the trip and what we did.  For me, it's not always easy to talk about right away.  I need a few days to adjust and process everything.  I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Thank you again for your continued prayers and support of our mission team as well as the Lazarus Project.

Continuation...Last Full Day

After breakfast we loaded up the truck and headed to Little Children of Jesus.  This facility cares for 90+ mentally and physically handicapped children and/or adults.  It's an amazing facility lead by a truly gifted and caring lady named Gladys Nolouse.  She has a staff of approximately 70 people who provide care twenty-four/seven.  In Haiti, mentally or physically challenged children or adults are often left behind.  So for our team, it's very encouraging and heartfelt to see these people cared for in such a loving manner.  As Pastor Bollinger said, "While their bodies may be broken, there is an alive and joyful spirit in all of them."  We felt we were all blessed by that today.  The biggest hit is Paul, who for the last three years, has made balloons of all sizes and shapes to share with the children. 

We returned to Hope House to finish the remaining jobs.  Joel's room has received one full coat of paint in both the bedroom and bathroom and all ceilings and walls have been repaired or installed.  We also completed two prototype benches to prove out the designs.  All is good.  We then cut wood for ten additional benches to be completed by future teams.  We like to think we set them up for success.  Others of the team found space in the storage depot for the chairs that will be used in the waiting area at the future clinic. 

To conclude the afternoon we ventured off to the metal workers village.  For the group this is interesting because of all the artistic work, as well as a real opportunity to walk and be about Haitians in a typical Haitian neighborhood.  It's safe to say that this mission group put a substantial amount of dollars into the Haitian economy.  The next trick was then to figure out how all those fine pieces of art were going to be packed in either suitcases or boxes within the weight and size restrictions.  After a lot of jiggering, cutting, and pasting, the mission was accomplished.  There should be no additional fees for excessive weight or size restrictions. 

For dinner we had a traditional chicken creole dish and mangoes for dessert.  Our devotional this evening was extremely reflective and emotional as people shared how this mission trip has impacted them and described the new relationships that were established and existing ones that were strengthened.  We all hope to share our experiences with our church community, friends, and others to stir interest in all the good things that are happening in Haiti. 

We as a mission team have appreciated those that have been following us on the blog.  We have enjoyed sharing our adventures and our serious moments, as well as our lighter ones.  Hopefully you all have enjoyed our communications.  We look forward to catching up with everyone upon our return. 

From Mark

Jim entertains us all with singing Christmas carols in Haiti.  Mark enjoys hearing "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" every morning.  We all appreciate that Jim smokes his Cuban cigars outside the room, however, his clothes add a distinct contribution to our room fragrance.