Haiti has been receiving a lot of bad rap lately, and unfortunately, good news is hard to find. Thankfully that's not the entire story, and here's what has been happening in our little corner of the world. Team work. The definition being, "A collaborative effort to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way."
It's no secret that we entered Haiti in January knowing the compound generator was kaput! This meant the agonizing fact of no electricity or no water … no refrigeration for supplies, no fans for cooling, no power for charging electronics, no water for showering. Like we've said before, all of these things are trè enpòtan (very important) and we still endeavour to learn the secret of being content in all! Now, here's the rest of the story. We asked and people responded. Before very long our dear friend in ministry, Russ Cole, was doing leg work in Port au Prince for a new machine, and using his expertise to band aid the old generator. At the same time friends back in North America were raising funds to help with the purchase of a new generator. Within 10 days a truck arrived at the compound with a new generator on board, a generator house was in process, and many beautiful people were working together to make that thing sing. Never had we been so grateful to hear the loud drone of a shiny blue machine! A special thank you to Arlington & Oroville Free Methodist churches, along with MSC Canada for their generous provision to make this a reality!!
It's no secret that we entered Haiti in January knowing the compound generator was kaput! This meant the agonizing fact of no electricity or no water … no refrigeration for supplies, no fans for cooling, no power for charging electronics, no water for showering. Like we've said before, all of these things are trè enpòtan (very important) and we still endeavour to learn the secret of being content in all! Now, here's the rest of the story. We asked and people responded. Before very long our dear friend in ministry, Russ Cole, was doing leg work in Port au Prince for a new machine, and using his expertise to band aid the old generator. At the same time friends back in North America were raising funds to help with the purchase of a new generator. Within 10 days a truck arrived at the compound with a new generator on board, a generator house was in process, and many beautiful people were working together to make that thing sing. Never had we been so grateful to hear the loud drone of a shiny blue machine! A special thank you to Arlington & Oroville Free Methodist churches, along with MSC Canada for their generous provision to make this a reality!!
While the generator situation was progressing, Hope Lives crew were doing a fine job preparing for the busy team season. Working together, their cheerful attitudes and commitment remained a blessing to many. Celibien ... on the compound daily to ensure the generator continued to sing. Choupette and Erlange … preparing and keeping the hungry teams fed with wonderful Haitian meals. Lidi & Tibernia … the faithful cleaning ladies who are amazing with the laundry!! Paulette and Guerline ... mother/daughter duo, doing a wonderful job in the upkeep of the long term apartments, while Tilom and Tom patrolled the gates. Each one of them were eager knowing they'd be hosting 4 teams this winter, as teams at the compound mean daily work, which in turn helps to create a sustainable life for each family. You can imagine the disappointment, as the political unrest grew in intensity and three of the four teams had to cancel their plans. We are all anticipating better days ahead!
The construction crew were achieving great results too. This group of men exemplify team work, always, with Samson, the "boss man", leading them well. Between a generator house and tool depot being constructed, and the solar roof taking shape, there was never a dull moment in the day. (The solar roof installation was no easy feat 3 stories up, and took fearless men to accomplish the job, including Burt!!) Another two guys were painting and upgrading the buildings, while yet another group were at the hospital continuing construction on the 2nd story phase. This next phase at the hospital will mean a better flowing, functional, more spacious hospital for the area of Dessalines as it grows.
The construction team equates to a consistent 12-14 guys who have been able to put food on the table for their families. Lives affected? Upwards to 75! Kudos to Hope Lives for seeing the value in creating sustainability in the lives of others, including staff, construction crew and hospital.
The construction team equates to a consistent 12-14 guys who have been able to put food on the table for their families. Lives affected? Upwards to 75! Kudos to Hope Lives for seeing the value in creating sustainability in the lives of others, including staff, construction crew and hospital.
We would be remiss if we didn't tell you that it was a very sad day when we pulled out of Dessalines. Leaving Haiti during the unrest wasn't in our plans, and our hearts broke at the uncertainty surrounding the decision. But in life, when a decision has been made, including flights that were confirmed, one moves forward. We quietly loaded the HCH ambulance, with a few belongings, at 4:00 am on a Sunday morning. When we left we didn't know the day wouldn't go as planned, but we did know it came as no surprise to God. He was there guiding and protecting us with a team of angels!
Today we're back in Ontario, and although we're not having meetings on the rooftop of the hospital, we continue to meet regularly with the leadership. Technology is a wonderful tool, from conference calls to synced computers. It's certainly not comparable to hands on ministry, but a necessary and vital alternative in the meantime. What does the meantime look like? It all comes down to trust, and we are hopeful that very soon we'll be able to return to God's active work in Dessalines! Keep praying for Haiti!
Today we're back in Ontario, and although we're not having meetings on the rooftop of the hospital, we continue to meet regularly with the leadership. Technology is a wonderful tool, from conference calls to synced computers. It's certainly not comparable to hands on ministry, but a necessary and vital alternative in the meantime. What does the meantime look like? It all comes down to trust, and we are hopeful that very soon we'll be able to return to God's active work in Dessalines! Keep praying for Haiti!
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