home

Well folks we are home safe and sound , thank you for all your prayers . This is the last entry in our adventure to haiti , God Bless you all , thanks gerry

Hallelujah

It's 9:30pm and we are leaving at 5:30am so this is it folks. Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue until we get back to Canada. We are all going to have so many stories to tell you. Yes, the school is finished. It took us until about 4:30pm to finish up. we then met with Karen, the kids, her staff and the workers on the building project to say our last "good-byes". THERE WERE TEARS.
The children had a special surprise for us. They made cards for everyone of us to say "thank you". We will show them to you when we get home.
Thanks for being so faithful in checking in with us. See many of you soon.

Here they are

This may be our last posting from Haiti. I am not sure yet. I believe that we are about an hour to one hour and a half from completing our mission here - to build the rest of the school. Where has the time gone? We have two pictures to post. One is of the near completed school. The school is now so big that the pic had to be taken from quite a distance away to get it all in the pic. The portion closest on the left is the director's office (it is newly built on this trip; the long portion on the right is newly built as well) The other pic is the morning school session together with the Haiti Team 2207 members standing in front of a part of the new portion of the school.

The pics refuse to upload so I am sending the text and will try later to send the pics.

OOPS We're Sorry

On Saturday we were extremely busy. We were putting a drive on to have the roof finished for the Sunday morning service. We ended up noticing a few problems as we went along. The building was 3 feet 8 inches wider at one end than the other. As you might guess this is a serious problem when you are trying to put a square roof on. Some of the lads were quite excited about this and had numerous opinions about building contractors. But all comments were said in LOVE. Eventually the solution was worked out but it did slow us down considerably and we only had metal on half the roof for the service, so on Sunday morning ladies were putting large sheets and tarps up on the roof to keep the sun off the congregation. I must say we worked harder on Saturday than we had all week. We really pushed it. Everyone was giving 110%. I am so proud of everyone. They truly showed what can be done when "push comes to shove".
On Sunday morning we went over early and set up the school benches to be used as church pews. There were people waiting there when we arrived. We were realy amazed at the turnout. There were 58 people there and the service went for 2 hours. We had a male choir and we sang two songs, "Standing on the Promises" and "Amazing Grace". Luckner lead the service and interpreted for us as well. A number of us spoke or prayed during the service. There was a wonderful sense of unity and joy. Karen seemed to be overwhelmed by the turnout and by the honour that was given her this morning. The Holy Spirit was truly there. The girls from the orphanage sang two songs and there was such joy in their voices!
Pastor Dennis preached a message on the scripture Mattew 16. 13-20 of Christ asking who He was. Everything that morning flowed toghter perfectly, God was surely present and glorified.
We will send a few pics after devotions and work.
Love to all - blessings

We Need To Know

Much of what we have to report is not different from other days. The construction is going on. The good news is that the Director's office ia all but done. It just needs a little more block. The guys did a wonderful job putting the roof on. It took a little bit of figuring to make it match what was already there but they handled it well.
Over on the other side, the last of the columns were done and some of the cross beams which tie everything together were completed.
Windows were put in, but we did run into some problems because the window hole sizes were wrong. But all is well that ends well.
We found that we were running short of some material so we placed orders for them to come in quickly and they did. If all goes well we now have everything we need to finish the project. Some of the labourers were laid off after last night as their sservices are no longer needed. But we will still have seven or eight Haitians working for us today. We have a drive on today so that we can have the roof on for the church service tomorrow. We need to know that you have heard our call for prayer for our dedication service tomorrow. Please let your churches know and get back to us.
Have a blessed day

More Pics

It seems that when I post the names in the label section it comes out not quite right. In the first pic here you see the school cafeteria. When the lady who operates it is finished she folds everything up and puts it on her head and leaves. The other pic is Dave Hobb finishing some cement work.

Kid Pics

Reports - Good and Bad

It's early and we are looking out the window at the compound and right outside the door is Karen's Montero. There's been four guys here all week doing a body job on it. It's amazing how well they do out in the open painting, but they have done a wonderful job.
We had news yesterday that the parts for the Montero's engine have cleared customs. So she hopes to have it up and running next week.
Dennis has finished up all the book work that he can do. That has taken a tremendous load off Karen and he has brought her books up to date.
We have had very good about one of our team members who could'nt make it due to medical reasons. We were notified yesterday that he had a good report and we are giving all the praise to God.
We are still having a few problems with the carpenters at the job site. They seem to be on a slow down in order to make the job go longer. It's a little bit frustrating when we are on such a tight schedule. We informed them that if they didn't do the job we would do it for them. Hopefully this will help.
Our plans are still to have the church service on Sunday for the dedication with or without a roof.
Some of the team members are not used to the Haitian way of building where you are scrouging for every bent nail, every warped board and a hammer to work with. There is only one saw that is of any use to us on this project and that has been used for everything from sawing 4x8 sheets of plywood to lumber with cement on it which has completely ruined the only good saw we had.
We are looking forward to a great day and hope that you are too.

Productive Day Picture Update

As mentioned, yesterday was a very productive day. Here are just two pics of part of the work that was accomplished. Thanks for your continued support.

Productive Day

We have good news to report. Wednesday was very productive day at the site. We had crews working everywhere. Walls were going up, windows were going in and concrete was being poured. It was really encouraging. People worked until after dark to get it all accomplished.
Last night we had a birthday party for Luckner's adoped daughter, Valerie. She turned 18. The Haitians sang us some of theri local songs. It was enjoyable to hear.
This is notice to all the churches - We are aiming to have the first church service at the school site on \Sunday. We plan to dedicate the church and we would like all the churches that read this blog to have special prayer in their service for this church. We have invited all the workers, their families as well as the orphanage people to come to this dedication and that have agreed. Many of them are not Christian so our prayers are that they are touched by God. We really want to see this church grow. Please let us know if you plan to pray.
Good news - most of the team that have been having health problems are on the mend. We are all feeling much better.
Please continue to pray.

Have A Great Day

We have heard that Yarmouth is under a deep freeze with considerable snow. We are happy to report that we aren't. Yesterday was extremely muggy and the heat took a lot of energy away from our team. Some haven't been feeling that well but we have the technology to cure the problems.
We have learned that we have some very good singers in the group and may have to consider forming our own choir when we get back.
The work at the site was really slow. We found the Haitians had slowed down to increase the amount of pay that they would get for the job, so we had to get them to pick up the pace. Hopefully today things will go quicker. We want to have all the block laid by Thursday if possible to give us two days for the roof and windows. Only time will tell.
We have had some nasty games of dominoes. Ed's walking around with his head high as he won last night.
We have to mention our cook, Marta. she is an extremely good cook and we have had a wide variety of Haitian meals. We are not sure what we are eating at times but it is always good.
Some of our team went up the Albert Switzer Hospital for a tour but as soon as they arrived on the compound they found they had a tire leaking air so they had to return immediately without seeing the facility. We are still hoping to get back to the hospital before the trip is over.
Luckner's daughter is turning 18 today and Karen has planned a big birthday party for the supper hour.
We are on our way to devotions and will report today's progress later. God bless and continue to pray for us and we will pray for you

Some More Pics

Another Hard Day

Meal time around here is such an interesting time with all these guys. Marta the cook is an amazing lady who is able to satisfy all the hunger pains that these guys have everyday. They walk out of the dining room groaning. There are a few on the team that are finding the Haitian food a little spicy and it is difficult for them get their daily input, but everyone seems to be doing OK.
After breakfast every morning we start our day we go to the chapel with the children and staff to praise and worship the Lord and we have scripture reading both in Haitian and English. The guys are murdering the Haitian language, but we are all trying hard.
Over on the job site we started our day carrying block and we worked on the director's office all day. We also poured cement on the school section to make it ready for more block today. After work we presented the Haitian workers each with a T shirt that we brought down. They were very pleased. Then another sdccer game took place and three of our guys joined in. They certainly got a workout. The evening was spent in a team meeting and relaxation.
God bless.

We're Excited

We're starting a new day. Sunday was a day we will remember for a long time. The worship in the morning was wonderful. Pastor Dennis' message was extremely appropriate for where we are at at this time. After the service we had a day of relaxation. We invited Luckner and his four children over to spend the afternoon and evening with us. The children came but Luckner is still suffering his twisted knee, so he stayed home to rest, We played a lot of games with the children. It took us back to our childhood. I don't know who had the most fun - us or them.
This morning everyone is ready to go. we are going to start building the director's office while the Haitians run a row of cement around the blocks we have already done in preparation for placing the ventiliation windows in the school.
So this morning we expect to be carrying a lot of block. Then we will be in the building stage of the director's office.
Heather was doing a beauty treatment for Karen yesterday. She put a perm in her hair, then cut her hair. She turned out even more gorgeous than before. Everybody was impressed.
We won't be on again today as the computer will be off during the day. Check later this evening.
Keep praying for us and we will be praying for you as well.

Another pic or two

Just a couple more pics

You wanted more pics

Some More Pics

More Pics

It's a beautiful Sunday morning and we thank God for another new day. It's quite early and half the guys are out trying to fix a water pipe that young Vladimir broke by accident yesterday while we were away. He saw a lizard sitting on the plastic water pipe and decided to throw a large rock at it to kill it. He missed the lizard and hit the pipe which split it wide open and all the water in the storage tanks - about 2000 gallons drained out into the compound so when we got back last night there was no water and Vladimir was hiding. I think that we will soon have it fixed and we will be able to have our showers.
Last night was one of the quietest nights that we have had since we arrived. The cows weren't mooing, the dogs weren't barking, the roosters weren't crowing and the Voodoo drums weren't pounding. It doesn't get much better than that. I think every one had a great sleep.
As for yesterday, the drive to the resort was about 1 1/2 hours over rough roads which was very tiring. We took Karen, Luckner and his two girls with us. We had a great day of fellowship. The water was likely about 80 degrees and we all enjoyed it immensely - especially me. Dennis and Heather are becoming good buddies and laid in the sun and fried. The meal was very good. There was every thing from club sandwiches to steak available. Even lambi which is conch - the little creature in the conch shell - which some of us tasted. The Haitian cook it with an extremely hot sauce so you couldn't eat a lot at one time. It was a beautiful resort and we really enjoyed ourselves - but then we had to face the long drive back.
We are looking foreward to the worship service today. Dennis is preaching and I believe that Luckner is going to lead the worship.
Still waiting fo the water to be fixed. Everyone wants a shower. We smell breakfast cooking so that's it for now. God bless you all. Please keep in contact, we enjoy you notes.

Saturday Morning Update

Friday was an extremely busy day for us. Part of the team were building benches and painting them afterwards. The rest of us were at the school site laying block. We built 4 small wall and started on the front. We carried a lot of block! Heather is becoming an expert mason and is explaining to the others how the job has to be done. They have learned a lot from her.
It was the hottest day so far and some of the team were affected to some extent by the heat and had to take time off to cool down. Everybody is OK though.
Lunch consisted of corn meal lasagna. Supper was some kind of beef soup.
Some of the guys had a soccer game with the Haitians. I don't think we taught the Haitians anything as this is their national game and they are pretty awesome to watch. Ed was our star attraction. Pastor Luckner dislocated his knee and his daughter snapped it back into place.
It is now Saturday morning and we are headed off to Moulin des Sur, a resort. for a day of rest and relaxation and fellowship.

Karen here. What can I say?? This is one awesome group that God has had Gerry put together. Five different churches represented, such different personalities and backgrounds, big age range, but all are one in spirit. The sense of fellowship, fun and pulling together is fantastic. The 'blancs' and the Haitians getting along famously, working side by side, one teaching the other, trying to communicate, and laughing together. Joy and laughter are the same in every language and there is lots of it.

I am a blessed lady to have this group in my home. They are great and a huge support. The sense of lonliness has certainly gone. I will be very sad to see them leave again.

This is what it is all about

Right now there are 4 classrooms and so the lower grade children come in the morning and the upper grade children come in hte afternoon. The school goes up to Grade Six. Karen would like to expand the school to Grade Seven next year and then to Grade Eight the following year and so on. With the expansion that will help make her dream come true. Thanks for your generous support.

Latest Progress

It's lunch time and we have built 2 more walls. It is slow going but we are making progress

The Wall

This is our first real day of working at the wall itself. Wednesday was a kind of rest and get organized day; but Thursday we really did well. Actually we put up about twice asmuch wall as we thought we would.

Productive Day

You will be glad to know that your Haiti team was working hard today. In the morning we divided the team up and Terry, Bob, Ed and Dennis were working in the compound. They finished building several cabinet and worked on some plumbing issues.
At the school project the rest of us, along with Haitian masons, started the walls. Most of the guys (and Heather) had never worked with masonry cement so it was a new learning experience for them. John especially was very pleased with his new learned skills.
We are unbelievably pleased with the amount that we were able to accomplish the first day on the walls. Today will see a continuation of what we were working on.
Karen is AWESOME !!
We had an intense game of dominoes last night. Heather was peased to tell everyone how to play - constantly. John will never be the same again - his nerves are gone.
You will be glad to know that we had some goat stew and it was quite tasty.
We have been having some fantastic prayer time as well. Team spirit is high and we are continually praising God for His love and care and for your support as well.
We will try to post a pic of the wall later this morning. Although there is a time posted on the blog site - it is western time - so it is really 5:50am here and we are all up and ready to go
Blessings on you all

Concrete Box Delivery Man Mires Truck

Wednesday afternoon we received 546 blocks on this load and the driver would not listen as to how to back into the unloading area and he got stuck. We tried to push the truck out but unfortunately we had to unload the truck and then we were able to push him out. Just one of the things that happen in Haiti. Praise the Lord.

Try again

I am going to try again to get the pic on

The Work is Progressing [Photo]It's lunch time and we are praising the Lord because the work is going along so well. I am going to try and post 5 pics. the first one Heather requested. It shows our police escort. The others are general pics from around the school
Labels: Our Police Escort from the Airport in PaP

Another day in Haiti

Wednesday we had worship in the morning and then ordered supplies. To do this we had to go to the market. Several of us went to St Marc with Karen - Dennis and TiBennie. It was market day and it was not easy to get eggs. We also picked up plywood, wheelbarrow and other supplies. The grocery store was very much like a country store, clean and well stocked.
Gerry, Brian and Dave went with Luckner to Pont Sonde to order cement blocks, cement, gravel and sand while Heather stayed behind soaking up the sun.
We picked up our first load of grapefruit. When the cement block arrived we formed a Congo line to unload 1000 cement blocks and place them on the foundation. We hope to show you a pic of this later.
Last night as the night before we could hear the tomtoms playing from Voodoo ceremony off in the distance. There was a lot of singing going on.
It was John's 72nd birthday so we celebrated with the children; we had cake, singing and we brought puppets so Wayne, Ben, Dave and John put on a puppet show for the children. It was a lot of fun. Jossie turned 1 the day before so we also celebrated her birthday.
We are all fine and looking foreward to the work today as we start the walls of the School.
God bless you and we never cease to thank God for your love and support.

Praise the Lord

We had an eventful trip down. Everyone made it fine. Upon arriving at Port au Prince we met Karen and found that she had a stressful day. When she arrived at the airport, she went into the washroom and was attacked by a man who hit her three times and stole her money. She has a bruise on her forehead but she is doing OK and we thank God for her protection. We had a two hour wait at the airport while she tried to identify the man on tape but no success.
We had an exciting drive from PaP to the compound. We all traveled together in a large bus with a driver who had no fear. Haitian driving is like no other driving on earth. It's where you learn how to pray. We arrived safely, had pumpkin soup for supper.
This morning we had a great worship time with our new friends, then a tour of the compound. This afternoon we will be going out to buy supplies for the new school and tomorrow we start the work project.
We have all been getting new nicknames. Heather is called Madame Gerry. Ben wants to be called TiBennie - Ti means small. Other names to come.
Our handimen have already made a few repairs - we would call them minor at home but thay are very important here.
Tempature is about 32 degrees and muggy.
We thank you for all your prayers helping us to arrive safely.
God bless you all and keep checking the blog as we will work at keeping you as well posted as we can.

Its friday january 5 , this week has been very busy with getting the last minute supplies together that are needed on our tripby us and by karen in haiti , but all seems tobe gathered up so we are ready to go. There was a great feeling of relief and praising God this week as be were able to raise all the funds required for the finishing of the school , we want to thank all who helped with this I know that God will bless you for the sacrifices that you have made to help build this school which will educate haitian children for many years into the future . An education gives them hope and the tools they need to make a start in this world , it is also good to know that the gospel is also going to be taught there by christian men and women .On sunday night we will be gathering as many of the team as is possible as well as friends ,family and church members to pray for the success of the trip and for Gods protection over the team as well as those left at home , please join with us in prayer sunday night at6 oclock , we also have a concern that one of the team will not be able to go because of work , pray that he will be released from his job and will be able to join us.