Day 7
Friday would begin as a disappointment, since Tash woke up feeling very sick. The stomach bug caught up with her. By midweek, several team members were relying on their Cipro to kill stomach viruses. Thankfully, the rest of our family was doing okay. Unfortunately, this would mean that she would miss the hiking excursion with Antonio & some of the other kids. Even more so, she was saddened since she would miss saying a final goodbye to Almondo & Simsa, & some other friends. Friday would still be a construction work day and she had initially planned to help out in the afternoon and be able to see her friends one final time.
Tash & I really had our hearts set on getting together with Almondo & Simsa. We wanted to discreetly give them a few pieces of clothing (from our suitcase stash). Tash had also purchased a new pair of flip flops on Market Wednesday for Almondo. I packaged the kids' "gift" items as best I could and proceeded to meet Matt after breakfast, all the while hoping & praying that Tash would be okay by herself. Our neighbors were the Nadeau Family, so Deena agreed to "standby" if she was needed.
I really wish that I had thought to take photos of my own morning excursion! This is very wordy, so hopefully you readers can follow along and make sense of it.
For me, this morning would turn out to be "A Day in the Life" of Matt & Andrew.
The plan was to meet up with Matt and then drive in his car to the work site. Talib (youth team member) also joined the fun. Matt packed up his car with all of the extra water bottles needed for the day, ice, and a cooler. We also needed to gather more laundry for the 2-week team to drop off. Talib was a real gentlemen and agreed to squeeze in the back seat with supplies, barely fitting. I sat in the front passenger seat with laundry piled under my feet, legs, & lap.
First stop, off to the market district for laundry. As we approached the turn, we would run into Isaac (I get some of my names mixed up, so I'm thinking this is the right person) & some others, including Erik (Deena's hubby) from our team. Unfortunately, the radiator cap had been left off of the second PR car the night before & it was not doing well. It also had some other problems. Conditions in Haiti are really tough on automobiles. Erik has experience with auto mechanics and graciously volunteered his talents.
The car was pushed and towed through the very crowded alley, as we followed behind to Isaac's home. The car would be stationed there for repairs.
Returning one day on the bus after another hard-working day.
After searching & waiting for a bit, Almondo showed up at the site. He did not expect to see me, since I had said my goodbyes the day before (I was not allowed to make any promises, in case it did not work out for us to meet with him). I sadly explained that Tash was sick and would not be able to come in the afternoon. He too was disappointed, but understood. With Oliby translating, I was able to give our humble gifts. I told him that we really cared about him & would be praying for him. Though these photos don't portray joy, I think that he was really touched. Perhaps he was trying to contain his emotions. I also gave him my FB name and email, since he said that he might be able to get to a friend's computer or phone to contact me. :(
So, after my farewell with Almondo, I hoped to find Simsa, but was unsuccessful. Her small gift pile would end up going to the larger donation pile back at Kaliko for PR to distribute. I know that she probably showed up in the afternoon expecting Tash, only to find no one. The construction crew would break down today for lunch & not return (for which I was glad, they all needed a break!). I hope that she was not terribly upset to not find our team or Tash there. :(
Talib & I waited a while for Matt & Andrew to take a walk through their property before leaving to return. They were in hopes that an adjacent property would be theirs by the end of this week. If this goes through, that means more land for expansion & more PR projects!
We were finally on our way, but next we would stop back at Isaac's to check on the car & bus tire repair. When we arrived, Erik had a nasty gash on his nose! So, back to the construction site we went to get the medic kit. Since thankfully Andrew was with us, he thought that butterfly bandages would be good fix. He offered to take Erik for stitches, but he declined (I can't blame him!). After a bit, we returned with the necessary bandages & Andrew was able to do his thing. Whew, that could have been a major ordeal, but thankfully Erik will be ok (though I wasn't allowed to report to Deanna about the incident). We're all hoping for minimal scarring on his face. Hey, it's a Haiti tatoo!
Finally, we were on our way back to Kaliko. Throughout this entire time, I was stressing over Tash, feeling like I had completely deserted her. I thought I would be back in about an hour, but this turned out to be more like 3 1/2 with all of the "hang-ups". This is life in Haiti, just another day! I was hoping not to find her sicker or in tears when I returned. Andrew had been able to call Desiree (wonderful, sweet PR staff, and Andrew's girlfriend). She was able to check on Tash & reassure her before I got back.
The driving in Haiti is quite an experience. I took a few deep breaths on the way there & watched Talib's expressions on our back & forth trips after our first drive, since we switched seats by then. I asked Matt how long it had taken him to get used to the driving, but he said it didn't take long. I think he rather enjoys it. Hope that he adjusts well when he's away from Haiti & back in PA (I'm sure that Jackie, his lovely wife, would not let him get overly aggressive here). :)
I also enjoyed chatting with Matt on the initial way over & getting to know him a bit. He, and I'm guessing Andrew, have been doing work in Haiti now for 5 years. They have learned to roll with the punches & Haiti lifestyle. It's a must, otherwise, it's nearly impossible to survive the demands. He says that many people come to do work, but quickly burnout and leave after about a year. Keep these brothers & PR staff in prayer. They're doing great things!
Tash ended up eating very minimal and spending the entire day in our room. She was able to get out for dinner & eat a bit more, feeling much better by the night.
Our final meeting/worship time would once again be at the beach (a favorite!). I would love to have church on the beach on a regular basis - so much better than an actual building & it makes me feel closer to my Creator!
Day 8
We joined the team for our usual 7am breakfast time. I had my daily omelette, mango, & other goodies (I did miss my decaf, though, but brought along some tea bags for the week).
I still can't believe how much we ate! Did I forget to mention the outrageous lobster tails midweek? I felt like I was on a cruise. That was my weepy day, so I had a small melt-down midway through my dinner, as I reflected on my friends who would go hungry that night.
Support Poverty Resolutions:
www.povertyresolutions.org
First stop, off to the market district for laundry. As we approached the turn, we would run into Isaac (I get some of my names mixed up, so I'm thinking this is the right person) & some others, including Erik (Deena's hubby) from our team. Unfortunately, the radiator cap had been left off of the second PR car the night before & it was not doing well. It also had some other problems. Conditions in Haiti are really tough on automobiles. Erik has experience with auto mechanics and graciously volunteered his talents.
This was that same alley road from Market Wednesday that we needed to turn into. Near this entrance, the malfunctioning car had been attached to one of the buses with its seat-belts for towing (Yep, seat-belts. Who knew?).
Erik had also discovered that the same bus doing the towing had a huge blowout on one of its tires!
We then drove to the work site, so that I could hopefully find Almondo & Simsa.
Here is a final building shot. Work for roof trusses began today.
Week 2 team would complete this work by our Saturday departure! Woo hoo!
Taking a short break. There's a pic of Joe next to Bert.
(Thanks Kathleen!)
I realized on our last night that Steve & (Pastor) Skip were brothers (I'm a little slow). :)
Almondo, Me, & Oliby
So, after my farewell with Almondo, I hoped to find Simsa, but was unsuccessful. Her small gift pile would end up going to the larger donation pile back at Kaliko for PR to distribute. I know that she probably showed up in the afternoon expecting Tash, only to find no one. The construction crew would break down today for lunch & not return (for which I was glad, they all needed a break!). I hope that she was not terribly upset to not find our team or Tash there. :(
Talib & I waited a while for Matt & Andrew to take a walk through their property before leaving to return. They were in hopes that an adjacent property would be theirs by the end of this week. If this goes through, that means more land for expansion & more PR projects!
We were finally on our way, but next we would stop back at Isaac's to check on the car & bus tire repair. When we arrived, Erik had a nasty gash on his nose! So, back to the construction site we went to get the medic kit. Since thankfully Andrew was with us, he thought that butterfly bandages would be good fix. He offered to take Erik for stitches, but he declined (I can't blame him!). After a bit, we returned with the necessary bandages & Andrew was able to do his thing. Whew, that could have been a major ordeal, but thankfully Erik will be ok (though I wasn't allowed to report to Deanna about the incident). We're all hoping for minimal scarring on his face. Hey, it's a Haiti tatoo!
Finally, we were on our way back to Kaliko. Throughout this entire time, I was stressing over Tash, feeling like I had completely deserted her. I thought I would be back in about an hour, but this turned out to be more like 3 1/2 with all of the "hang-ups". This is life in Haiti, just another day! I was hoping not to find her sicker or in tears when I returned. Andrew had been able to call Desiree (wonderful, sweet PR staff, and Andrew's girlfriend). She was able to check on Tash & reassure her before I got back.
The driving in Haiti is quite an experience. I took a few deep breaths on the way there & watched Talib's expressions on our back & forth trips after our first drive, since we switched seats by then. I asked Matt how long it had taken him to get used to the driving, but he said it didn't take long. I think he rather enjoys it. Hope that he adjusts well when he's away from Haiti & back in PA (I'm sure that Jackie, his lovely wife, would not let him get overly aggressive here). :)
I also enjoyed chatting with Matt on the initial way over & getting to know him a bit. He, and I'm guessing Andrew, have been doing work in Haiti now for 5 years. They have learned to roll with the punches & Haiti lifestyle. It's a must, otherwise, it's nearly impossible to survive the demands. He says that many people come to do work, but quickly burnout and leave after about a year. Keep these brothers & PR staff in prayer. They're doing great things!
Tash ended up eating very minimal and spending the entire day in our room. She was able to get out for dinner & eat a bit more, feeling much better by the night.
Our final meeting/worship time would once again be at the beach (a favorite!). I would love to have church on the beach on a regular basis - so much better than an actual building & it makes me feel closer to my Creator!
Here some beautiful sunset pics of our last evening in Haiti. I am missing it.
Aaaahhhhhh, a nice way to do church!
Saturday - June 27, 2015 (Departure day)
Day 8
We joined the team for our usual 7am breakfast time. I had my daily omelette, mango, & other goodies (I did miss my decaf, though, but brought along some tea bags for the week).
I still can't believe how much we ate! Did I forget to mention the outrageous lobster tails midweek? I felt like I was on a cruise. That was my weepy day, so I had a small melt-down midway through my dinner, as I reflected on my friends who would go hungry that night.
Among the beach vendors, some would come around with huge crabs and lobsters for sale. Had we had a kitchen, I would have had them prepare some for us!
Some fun purchases from the beach vendors today & earlier in the week.
Desiree helped to haggle for Tash's most desired item.
The lizard will make a fun Christmas ornament.
Yuck, sorry about my hand vein!
Antonio & Joe Bruce haggled for this. They didn't do as well as Desiree & Tash. :)
A collection of beach rocks, pebbles, & sea glass. A nice reminder to pray for Haiti.
Some final moments on the beach.
Tash with the Rauch family on the deck
Not a very flattering pic of Joe & I. It was hard to smile facing the sun.
Chi Chi had a great week! Thank you for inspiring us to make the Haiti journey, Tash!
Views from the hour bus trip, heading to the airport.
I didn't get a great shot, but below is the site for Haiti's Olympic training.
You could see athletes in the distance.
Goodbye is for certain now. We arrived at the airport.
Monfred was one of the translators that came to drop us off. As I said farewell at the airport, I asked him to look out after Almondo.
Some final photos that weren't included in earlier blogs.
Many photo credits go to Jessica Flack. Thanks for allowing me to steal these, Jess, along with blog excerpts. So great serving alongside you!
Group photo at Miss Phyllis' Orphanage after our Field Day
Fun jewelry made from work site leftover materials on Thursday afternoon
A baby coconut
Fun twist game
Jon at the orphanage
This little card came in super handy! Tash & I tried reviewing a little with some youtube videos, but these were great. Thank you, PR!
Support Poverty Resolutions:
www.povertyresolutions.org
Beautiful scenes
Closing thoughts:
A special thanks to my loved ones, Joseph, Antonio, & Natasha. I am so thrilled that we could share this unforgettable experience as a family. Don't forget the life lessons, kids. Pray that we can return!
Thank you to our fabulous, unified team members! The week would not have been as successful, had you not allowed the Lord to work in our hearts and lives. Each of you has been a tremendous blessing to others! As Tim said, the Lord commanded us to go. We went & we are so grateful to have been a part of it with you!
A special thanks to my lovely neighbor, Joan. I do not believe in coincidences. Joan, I know that He used you that birthday Saturday of yours when you asked me to join you on your walk. I would never have survived all of the walking, had you not motivated me to get into shape the weeks before our departure! Thank you!
Thank you, again, to our many supporters and prayer partners. Our hearts are grateful!
And a final & most important thank you to Jesus Christ, my Savior, for working in our hearts & for all that He did & will continue to do in Haiti. You are a good & awesome God!
