Another Day of Service

Today started out much like yesterday - slow - as one of our translators, who is usually punctual, was not here on time. There was much concern given the threat of protests, the gas shortage, and general safety. Thankfully, Jennifer arrived after we had just left the compound and we were able to scoop her up. She had been unable to find a tap-tap (cab) and took a moto instead. We had another "haha" moment when we arrived for VBS and discovered we had forgotten the 125 peanut butter sandwiches. This same team, two days before, forgot the arts and crafts. What we lacked in planning, we made up for with an awesome VBS. There were 65 kids and several adults that attended. The translators got everyone's attention as usual and built up excitement. We followed up with our skit and the kids re-enacted it with help from the interpreters. Then there were crafts and sports. Since we forgot the sandwiches, Bensound was sent out to get what he could find as we could not leave without giving them something. We ended up handing out crackers with the juice and then their goody bags.

We returned to the Village of Hope and had lunch. We enjoyed rice and beans today with fish sauce and pikliz (pickled, spicy veggies). Some of us stuck with the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Everybody then broke up into their teams - outside painting team, the inside painting team, and the hook hanging team. The external painting team used a vibrant, Caribbean blue which can be seen from a distance. The inside painting team finished the interior walls of the upstairs, this time with less help and less mess! The hook team was unable to finish today but the teachers in the rooms where they did finish were thrilled with the hooks and the organization they provide.  We had to leave early due to rumors that protests had begun near our route home and we wanted to be safe in the compound. Fortunately, we made it back with no troubles, just a lot of traffic.

A peaceful protest has been planned for tomorrow so we will be staying in the compound. We will stay busy with bagging meds, plumbing projects, and whatever else Rob and Trish can find for us to do. We will most likely not have internet tomorrow since the government controls it. Remember, no news from us is good news. Please include the country of Haiti and its people in your prayers.

  

Solid Day of Service

This was a terrific day of service, sharing Bible studies at Village of Hope School with 3rd and 4th graders, as well as numerous projects to include building the coat hook racks, painting the health center, as well as painting the security houses.

However, the day started out a little dicey. Our 8:00 departure turned out to be 8:30 which was surprisingly good considering a set of keys which was the only set, was locked in a room and needed to be retrieved.  After that bit of anxiety and excitement, the van needed the battery jumped. Needless to say, the group in the van had quite a silent ride to the Village of Hope. By the time the group arrived at VOH, all was good with the world.

We lead VBS with the 3rd graders - doing our Joseph skit (this time the Oscar goes to Timothy) and then crafts. The best costume designer award goes to NILAH PUTNAM! She sewed stoles for everyone in our skit, including the slave traders; made crowns for the Pharoah and Joseph, and a prison window. All were a big hit with the kids who re-enacted the skit. The St. John's servant team is getting pretty good at this skit! LOL!

Then we had lunch with the kids. This time it was cornmeal and beans which really was a big first for us. It was still enjoyed by most! Following lunch, we did VBS with 4th grade following the same format. Then most of us who sponsor a child were able to meet with them. A few students were absent so we'll hopefully see them tomorrow.

Then we broke into teams. Scott, Sarah, and Jim were asked to lead teams and find members. There was some poaching of team members and rules had to be made but it all turned out well. Scott's team consisted of Tim, Ken, Richard, and Greer (plus Michelene, the student he used to sponsor at VOH) and they worked on the coat hook project. Sarah's team gained members and was Alli, Audrey, Lisa, Will, Tara, little Paul, plus the translators Valery, Bensond, and Evans. This team painted the front of the health center and the interior walls of the lower level. Jim's team was Cassie, Mary, Jamie, and big Paul. Jim would like you to know that Alli joined Jim's team and was much happier with them. Just sayin...

Our time at the school ended with a basketball game between Will, Tim, and Lisa against Evans (who prefers to be called Kobe Bryant), John Robert, and Bensond. It was very entertaining for everyone. There were lots of great stories today, far too many to record here. As we started, we had a terrific day sharing the joy of our Christian faith.

Flexibility

First, sorry for the late post. No internet then an intense game of Spoons got in the way!

Today we drove about 20 minutes off the main road for our first VBS. We learned we have to be very flexible in Haiti. They didn't seem to know we were coming so kids from the local school were rounded up. We had planned for 125 kids but ended up with close to 160. We danced and sang songs lead by our interpreters, Evans and Pierre. Then we did our skit to tell the story of Joseph and His Multicolored Coat. Rob won Oscar for Best Supporting Actor playing the part of a slave trader. Who knew?  The kids then enjoyed re-enacting the story. They were an energetic ad well-behaved group. Some of us even got to snuggle a sweet baby whose mom was there. Unfortunately, we forgot our crafts but it was okay because we wouldn't have had enough materials or time to complete them. We then passed out the peanut butter sandwiches - a half to each instead of a whole - and a cup of Kool-Aid. No goody bags for this group, as we didn't have enough for everyone.

Following VBS, we drove back to the school where we enjoyed a delicious meal of rice and beans with a fish sauce. As usual, frisbees were used in place of plates! Then there were three tasks - bagging food for the malnutrition clinic, painting the guard house, and prepping for putting up coat hooks for the kids. There was a slight glitch with the rice... When we were almost done, we found out we were supposed to be putting half as much as we had been in each bag. We jumped into action and quickly rectified the situation. Three sweet kids whose mom was at the clinic being seen by the doctor entertained and helped us.  The guard shack was painted quickly with just a little paint getting on the painters. The last project group got the wood cut and painted in preparation for completion tomorrow - all while dodging soccer balls!

After watching the kids play soccer and basketball, we've determined that Haitian kids are much tougher than American kids! One kid, playing soccer, did a baseball-like slide into a concrete wall, knocking blocks off of it, and just got up, brushed himself off and kept playing!  Will enjoyed connecting with several Haitian boys through playing basketball with them. Let's just say, they don't seem to care much about fouls.  They were very dramatic, however, when they fell down, much like FIFA soccer players!

We returned to Hope House, had a great dinner of Haitian chicken and rice, did devotions, and spent time socializing. An energetic game of Spoons was played to end the night. Paul S. again proved he's cut out for other pursuits. 

Tomorrow we will do VBS at the school with 3rd and 4th graders and then do some painting!  Remember, if you don't hear from us, it's because the internet is not working.

 

Preparing for the Week Ahead

Sundays are generally a low-key day as we prepare for the week ahead. We attended church at Port-au-Prince Christian Fellowship followed by lunch at the Observatoire. It's up in the mountains and has a spectacular view of all of Port-au-Prince. You have to have patience, though, because it does take several hours of time, but it's worth it. Then we went to Giant grocery store to buy some of the local products like vanilla, coffee, and plantain chips to share with our family and friends back home. We like to put money into the economy.

We returned to Hope House and prepped our goody bags and made peanut butter sandwiches for our Vacation Bible School (VBS) tomorrow morning. Our goody bags have toothpaste, toothbrush, raisins, a mini Haitian flag, and bubbles. We did 360 goody bags and 135 peanut butter sandwiches. The assembly line at peak rate, completing all this in an hour and a half.

We experienced our first Super Bowl Party in Haiti with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, potato salad, chips, and for the older crowd - Prestige. During halftime, we did our devotions and practiced our skit. This year we are doing the story of Joseph and his multi-colored coat!

Tomorrow we look forward to VBS then out to the Village of Hope School where we'll prepare bags of beans and rice for distribution, paint, and do some other odd jobs.

Wheels Down - Haiti 2019

The Haiti Servant Team has landed and all went well. One suitcase arrived late, which made everyone a little anxious, but it's the first time in 11 years that has happened. We made it to Hope House from the airport in record time! The temperature here was 91 degrees which is a temperature change of 118 degrees from where Richard came from (Minnesota)!  It's been an interesting start so far with five team members under the age of 18. It's adding an entertainment value we haven't experienced in 11 years! Tim, for sure, is a comedian. We spent the afternoon unpacking our 28 suitcases totaling about 1400 lbs in record time and repacked them according to where they need to end up. We then enjoyed getting to know one another, telling stories, relaxing, drinking Prestige (Haitian beer), and snacking. The night ended with devotions, thanks to Greer. Our song selections were done by Alli and Tim which makes it more contemporary rather than the 17th-century classic hymns that are normally part of our repertoire. Trish and Rob are very thankful. :)

Tomorrow we will go to church, out to lunch, the grocery store, and then prepare for Monday's VBS.

Snow Today. Haiti Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the big day! We are off to Haiti early tomorrow morning. Members of this year's team are Greer Putnam; Jim Lofgren; Paul, Alli, and Tim Swicord; Tara, Cassie, and Paul Signet; Sarah Finger; Richard Finger; Scott Putnam; Lisa and William Marik; Ken Lorang; and Mary Catherine Meehan.  We are looking forward to a great week of serving together!

Below are daily prayers you can use while we are gone:

February 2019 Lazarus Project-Haiti Servant Mission Team Prayer Tent

Our servant team posts a blog at the end of each day highlighting that day’s experiences.  You’re invited to follow us at http://stjohnshaititrip.blogspot.com/.  ***Prayers are requested for the specific servant team members listed on each day below.***

Saturday, February 2nd,

Pray that the SLJC Haitian Team safely travels to Port-Au-Prince and Hope House and the February weather in DC is favorable for their departure.  Pray for the political and spiritual leaders of Haiti to continue to work against corruption and greed in both business and government activities and improve the stability of the country for all people.  Pray also for the people affected by the summers’ hurricanes.

*** Sarah Finger, Richard Finger, Jim Lofgren, Kenneth Lorang, Mary Meehan, Lisa Marik, William Marik, Greer Putnam, Scott Putnam, Cassie Signet, Paul Signet, Tara Signet, Alli Swicord, Paul Swicord, Tim Swicord***

Sunday, February 3rd - church

Pray for the Haitian churches spreading the Word of God in the services and good works toward those in need.  Pray for the pastors and other spiritual leaders that the Word of God continues to embolden these Disciples of Christ and bring Christ to those in need.  Pray that the parents are also moved knowing God’s Word to work at home and with the churches to raise their children in God.

***Sarah Finger, Richard Finger ***

Monday, February 4th – Community VBS, work project

Pray for the staff at the Village of Hope School, including teachers, administrative personnel, and all that contribute to a Christian, safe, and productive environment for the students.  Pray for the students that they may be blessed in their learning, both academic and in Christian education, so that they can grow into adults and contributors to the Haitian society and lead the country into a better future.

***Jim Lofgren, Kenneth Lorang ***

Tuesday, February 5th– VOH school VBS, work project

Pray for the Village of Hope Health Center and the dedicated staff of doctors, nurses, aids, and helpers. Pray for healing for those who are ill and seek help from the Health Center. Pray that the Health Center continues to educate the Haitian parents in the surrounding neighbors to learn good health habits for their children. Pray that the Health Center continues to receive supplies and donations to treat those in need. *** Mary Meehan, Lisa Marik ***

Wednesday, February 6th- Community VBS, work project

Pray for the staff at the Village of Hope School, including teachers, administrative personnel, and all that contribute to a Christian, safe, and productive environment for the students.  Pray for the students that they may be blessed in their learning, both academic and in Christian education, so that they can grow into adults and contributors to the Haitian society and lead the country into a better future.

*** William Marik, Greer Putnam ***

Thursday, February 7th- Community VBS, work project

Pray and give thanks for the donors and volunteers for the Village of Hope as well as all other missions in Haiti.   Pray that all who are in Christ understand the need for such donors and volunteers and these donors and volunteers are supported by all in the good works that they do serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

*** Scott Putnam, Cassie Signet, ***

Friday, February 8th – LCJ

Pray for the orphanage of the Little Children of Jesus, including the dedicated staff that serves the children through God’s love. Pray for all the children at the orphanage that their lives are improved both in the spirit and body by the help of the able servants of the Lord working at the orphanage. Pray they continue to receive support from donors and volunteers so it can continue helping these Little Children of Jesus

*** Paul Signet, Tara Signet ***

Saturday, February 9th

Pray for the safe return of the SJLC Haitian team and that their faith has grown during their servant trip to Haiti.   Pray for continued strength and discernment for the VOH Haiti Directors. Pray that others will be so moved in Christ by the team’s example to support this mission in future years.

*** Alli Swicord, Paul Swicord, Tim Swicord ***

13 Servants in Haiti

We're back!  The internet was back up this morning and while slow, has stayed on today.  We'll start with yesterday's news...today.

We had our second VBS of the week.  This was held in the town of Ganthier which is the town that the students at Village of Hope primarily come from. They are the village that the health center mainly serves.  The church was on a very small plot of land and the structure was a tin building with some benches inside for the congregation.  They managed to fit about 120 kids into this space.  Our interpreters spent the first 20 minutes getting the kids excited by playing games and singing songs.  We did our skit, The Three Wisemen, which was received well. Different this time was that the children then re-enacted the skit.  They seemed to be excited to do it and showed us up!  We followed up with arts and crafts, as well as sports ministry, much like Tuesday.  We would like to thank Greer's wife, Nilah, for all the work she put into preparing items for the goodie bags, and costumes and props for our skit. The camel was a huge hit!

After serving them lunch and passing out goodie bags, we headed back to VoH for our own lunch after which we went back to our tasks.  At the end of the day, we were 90% complete. When we returned to Hope House, we had our usual happy hour. Some of us played card games and others relaxed with a book.

Today we rose earlier than we had been in order to get to VoH for the kindergarten opening. This is always a highlight for the team! Today at opening they remembered the earthquake which was eight years ago today.  They were encouraged to remember those they lost and look forward to a better future.  After opening, the kindergarteners had play time with duplos, blocks, and other toys. Some of us enjoyed sitting down and interacting with them.  For the first time, we did VBS at the school, this time with 3rd and 4th graders.  We followed the same program - we are getting really good at this!  With every performance, we get better! The kids again reenacted the skit, not once but twice, and did a fantastic job!  Again, we were outshined!  Adding VBS into the servant program has been a great addition to our week. It has really enriched our servant week and given us a nice balance of doing projects and interacting with the Haitians especially those who aren't part of the Village of Hope.  Village of Hope no longer conducts church services on Sundays so they have incorporated it into the daily schedule of the students (a few grades attend each day). We sat in the back and as always, are amazed at their beautiful singing voices.

Following the mid-morning service, the principal, Clovis, gathered up the children that are sponsored by St. John's congregational members and members of the team.  We were able to take a group picture and thankfully had the interpreters there to help us talk with the kids.  After lunch, we finished our projects. The band room was complete with all painting and staining done and instruments delivered to the room.  And the Village of Hope had one happy music teacher!  The painting of the science lab was also completed, as well as the delivery of a few materials for that room. To top it off, all fourteen benches have been built, stained, and drilled into place.  Some of us also took the annual climb up to the water tower/plant.

We returned to Hope House and experienced some fellowship, as usual.  Tonight at devotionals, we closed with communion which has become a tradition for SJLC teams.  We wanted to mention again that we are very thankful to Pat for the great devotions she wrote for our team. You may not have been here in person but you were in here in spirit!

As we look back on the week, we all feel privileged to have been able to travel to Haiti and to serve at the Village of Hope and in the Haitian community.  We are very grateful to SJLC and others for all the support you have provided to our team and to all our fans out there who follow us on the blog! Please pray for safe travels tomorrow as we return to the states.

 VBS on Thursday

 play time this morning

 skit re-enactment at VoH

skit re-enactment at VBS on Thursday 

playtime with kindergarteners 

 raising the Haitian flag (half-mast for remembrance of the earthquake)

 re-enactment at VBS on Thursday

 church in Ganthier where we did VBS

 our team - everyone who pitched in this week with the music teacher!

 sponsors and their children!

the benches