Day 6
Beautiful.
Why is this man in my kitchen?
Lobster & Crab at $4.00/lb. Fantastic.
Haitian chicken.
He's running scared.
Completed.
Staff appreciation party.
Hello from Haiti,
One of the items on our agenda today was our staff appreciation party for the ARISE staff. We shared an incredible meal with them (complete with North American chocolate cake), they encouraged us, we tried to encourage them, and then we went to the beach...where we loved the hot water and sand and they said it was too cold to go swimming. :) I love it.
As you can see from the first of the pictures, this country is beautiful. But it is the people who bring true beauty to this place!
Tonight you will be blogged at by Gord Houghton and Steve Bains.
Until tomorrow,
-Aaron
Adam & Gord.
Were do I start this story? There have been so many "aaha" moments.
The generator that was not running yet is now running and the house has run on the generator for 1 1/2 hours with no problems. The reality of taking a couple of days to hook up a battery and a couple of fuel lines and 2 trips to Port-Au-Prince to get parts does not fit with how things normally work at home. Parts are 10 minutes away, not days away. The only disappointment was that i got to see how happy Mark and Lisa were when a generator that has been here for 3 years ran, and that all the people that put in a lot of work before i got here did not get to see their huge smiles. So for those people a great big thank you from Mark and Lisa (I hope they see this blog), and to Gary who gave them the generator a big Haitian hug from mark.
Never seems to be enough hours in the day to hook up or fix equipment. We have managed to hook up a compressor. Tonight when we went to go to the beach a tire was low and everyone was getting out of the truck and going to walk. I asked why we did not just go put air in it with the compressor? :)
I have also had the opportunity to teach the mechanic's class 3 days. I had them all work with me on the generator. Some of the students have not worked with tools but I tried to encourage them to at least pick up the tools and try to fix some of the equipment that is broken around the compound. If it is already broken and not being used they can not make it worse by at least trying to fix it. I was also asked yesterday by Adam, the electrical instructor, how to teach his class to properly transfer the city power to the generator. I was encouraged by the questions the class had. They showed a lot of interest and knowledge.
I had the opportunity to connect with Adam after the class and talk to him about some of the projects that we still wanted to complete today. One of them was to wire a stage that the wood guys have been building in the church, and a pressure switch for the water system so the tank does not have to be filled when it is empty. Adam had asked when we were going to wire these thing and we told him it would be today. When we went out to start work this morning Adam was here to work with us. Adam took time out of his day away from teaching. I was so encouraged after spending the day with Adam and learning that he had put himself through schooling to learn electrical, and then came to Grand Guave and asked Haiti ARISE if he could see if there was any interest in an electrical technical class. He has been teaching an electrical class since last February and doing a great job of it. I asked him why he wanted to teach a class rather than go and do electrical work. He told me he wanted to try and give back to the community and give some young men the opportunity to earn some money. This young man's long term goals are to go to get some trade school training in the states and then return to Haiti to do some more training to make some lasting changes right here in his own country. I must have told him 3 or 4 times today how impressed I was with his desire to learn and his work ethic. We all come a long way to try and help change and better the Haitian world and this young man is here making huge a difference with his own people. I need to mention that all this vision is from a 29 year old that has had no family here for 9 plus years and he has earned all this schooling on his own. My ask from all of you is that you pray for Adam and his vision to help change the lives of the Haitian students that he teaches and helps here in Grand Gauve. There are a lot of companies in North America that would love to have a young man in their company with this drive and determination, but I am sorry to tell you he is on a mission to change Haiti and may God bless him for that.
As a side note Robin, I wish you could have come, and I now know why Christine Mellisa and Ashley all want to return. The people in Haiti, from a North American perspective, seem to have so little but they do not seem to see it that way and for the most part are happy. Maybe we have it wrong seeking after all the material things that we do?. Maybe we need to be more centered in Christ and take the blessing that he gives us and be happy in that.
Too much philosophical stuff from a guy like me so I will say good-night and ask that you all keep us in your prays - that we all stay healthy and return safe so we can share more when we return!
Gord
Sermon prep.
Hey Everyone,
We just returned from a couple of hours at a local beach. It was warmer in the water than on the beach. It was a well earned break after many long days. Each day (except Sunday) begins with a shower, group devotions at 6:30 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am. After breakfast we are off to do our work around the complex. We wrap up the day at 9:30 pm with a time of discussion. Most of us are in bed around 11:30 pm.
During this trip we've all learned many things. For me, I have been reminded of the vital role that spending time together plays in our spiritual growth. As we spend quality time with one another, we come to understand each others journey, appreciate one anothers abilities and gifts, give time to serving one another, and gain a deeper understanding of how to live together in unity.
The extended time together has allowed me to have the opportunity to minister to several people at a deeper level. I have truly enjoyed the pastoral nature of my work here.
I have also enjoyed teaching at the Bible School. Today I was also asked to speak to the English class about the challenges of learning English. Tomorrow I preach at the morning service. I was told that the average service lasts two and one half hours and features three speakers. Their form of worship is very lively. It resembles the energy that is found among the Black Pentecostal churches in the southern States.
Apart from ministering to the team, teaching and preaching, I have had time to meet with the locals. I have been impressed by their love for, and dedication, to our Lord, their friendliness toward us, their eagerness to grow in their faith, reach the lost, and to serve others. They set an example for all of us who live in a culture where we are too busy for life's important matters.
God Bless You All,
Pastor Steve
P.S. Harjit, Jeevin and Aman, I often look at the picture of you that I brought with me. I am counting down the days to seeing you again. How are things with you? I have not been sick at all. I had trouble sleeping for the first few days but I am fine now. Let Grandma know that I am well. Continue to keep me informed via the blog on how you are doing.
18 Comments:
It sounds like you had another great day. I sure enjoy my daily reading of this blog. God is at work in and through each of you - pretty exciting.
On a much more unimportant note Aaron - you may be interested that the Riders are beating the Stampeders quite soundly.
Here's Dad - just returned from Ambrose....glad everyone is doing well. i hope the rest of the time is good for all and that you have a good Sunday tomorrow. Love you lots Mom and Dad
Hi Team,
Sounds so amazing, I don't know what to say! It seems weird, you're at the half way mark and for me it seems so short and yet so long (that's the missing Chris & Jonathan part)
Chris & Jonathan,
Ian, Ann, Cheri & I took care of what needed today, it was long, Tamara ended up staying at Samatha's for dinner. We visited Dad at the end. Late Thursday he made it to Palliative Care and what a difference! Other than tired, he seems himself. Organizing his memorial right now. (you know Dad!) The hallucinations seem to have been a bad drug cocktail and palliative figured it out quite quick. Praise God!
I'm pretty bushed, so when Tamara gets home, I think we'll have our girl movie night and crash!
I keep seeing you in pics Jonathan but I sure can't wait to here from you!
Love Christine/Mom
Great to read Steve's comments and actually see a picture of him ... whew! For awhile now I have been wondering if he even went to Haiti or if he was just playing hooky from SAC for the past week! Will be praying for you, Steve, as you preach tomorrow - that should be an awesome experience for you!!!!!
And Gord - wow, what a talent you have fixing all that equipment! You are indeed a blessing to the people in Haiti ... I'm very proud of you for being there!
Hi to Doug ... am surviving ok without you (in case you were wondering if I could)! On a side note, Dad turns 80 tomorrow so, as the church secretary, I was able to make a special edition of a bulletin for Dad. The picture is a big clip art with "Happy Birthday" and balloons ... the spotlight is all about him and the inside announcements are all about him. Mom thinks he will double over in embarrassment when the usher hands him that particular bulletin! I hope he falls for it and thinks that it really is the official bulletin! Side note to Steve: I did all this on my own time in case you were wondering. :)
Robin hasn't posted a comment yet today? My guess is that she is still wiping the tears from her eyes. The ESSAY you wrote is so touching-your insight that you have on the Haitians is so emotional. Thanks for sharing Gord.
Our prayers are with you Steve as you talk tomorrow.
bet you enjoyed dinner tonight John!
love, donna
Hi Doug(Daddy) I love you very much and I miss you, too. I hope you are doing lots of work and learning a lot about Jesus, but also teaching a lot about Him. Hope to see you soon and guess what??
Tomorrow is a week to my BIRTHDAY!
Love,
Megan
Hi dad i am so glad to hear from you. for awhile i had thought you had played so kind of joke and went some where else. (lol, if you know what thats means lol) and yes we told grandma that you were there safely because she was very worried as she heard about the mobs going on in port au prince. We miss you alot. And guess what mom has already had a party at our house (birthday party) and she has also been a bad driver because she has ran atleast 8-9 yellow lights in the past two days. Well I LOVE YOU LOTS AND LOTS -AMAN P.S i am doing my homework but i dont know about jeevin lol
Hey Steve We're doing just fine and the boys are keeping themselves out of trouble (you know how difficult that is) We miss you and love you (we are excited to hear all that God is doing and teaching you) we continue to pray for you as you continue to be light and a blessing to the people of Grand-Goave -HARJIT P.S Jeevin is on his youth retreat
oh yeah and dad Grandma Auntie Susan and Uncle Bob and Arran all say hi!!! and they hope your having a wonderful time there -Aman
Hi Rainer,
Sounds like you all had another busy work day today! You all must be exhausted! Looks like, by your itinerary, that you have kids church tomorrow. Have you handed out any soccer jerseys yet...can't wait to hear how it goes!! You're always on minds, and in our prayers. Sure have missed you today...could use a little wisdom right now in dealing with an issue that cropped up on our way to Vancouver last week. Your prayers for me in handling it appropriately would be appreciated. Hope you have a great day continuing to build relationships with the locals and shining your light!! love you!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooo Coral
Loved your entry Gord. We sense the important connections you made in those young guys lives. Glad you conquered the generator and the compressor, too! More vital connections.
Steve-I'm glad we finally heard from you. I thought maybe you had taken a detour away from the snoring somewhere. Thanks for shepherding on a whole new level. I was also going to say not to worry about filling the 2.5 hours, but I resisted :) Seriously, our prayers are on the way for the morning's service.
Hey Eldon--I wondered how long it was going to
take before you found your way to the kitchen. When I saw the live menu, I knew you would have had an awesome day. Hope the cook found you helpful. By her look in the picture, I'm not sure she knew what she should do with you.
Just wanted to let you know Kayla "celebrated" 17 years today between stops: unpacked from Senior High Retreat and re-packed for Ottawa. Turnaround time was 2 hours. That leaves only 2 Ortliebs here. Really looking forward to your getting home.
Hey Gord,
Grace called and said they posted early tonight and it's Gord and Steve. I went flying into Christine's room and Lorna and Jamie wondered what was up. Yes, there were tears and joy! How cool working for you with Adam, he sounds like a great guy.
I love that you have been able to put your practical skills and your teaching back together. Don't we have a great God giving you the chance to do this in Grand Goave. There sounds like lots of opportunity has come for everyone to use their gifts. I am so proud of you and can't wait to hear from you live and in person.
All is well here, Christine made it home from Sr High retreat, and I am getting school work done. I hope you have had a chance to read a note or two - xoxoxoxoxo - Thanks for the great stories, including the bathroom moment. Priceless. So will you be on the plane on the 13th?
Love you lots, babe. Robin
Hey room 302, praying for you for tomorrow - miss you on the mezzanine.
Hi Dan,
I'm so tired my eyes just don't want to stay open, and I'm guessing that is how most of you are feeling at the end of your days, eh? I'm also guessing that your church service tomorrow will be very awesome from what other teams have said in the past. (If anyone sees my husband break out dancing PLEASE take pictures! lol)
We are doing fine here honig, but I don't think you were even worried, were you? :0) Btw, we will be eating pumpkin muffins for a long time, and thank goodness the recipe is good, because let me tell you...a 43 pound pumpkin goes a looooonnnnng way. Yeah, you heard that right! I cooked it all up...don't faint Dan!
anyways, time for sleep, much love to you sweetie,
Michele
Big O , can you spread out your family any more? just dropped KO off at west jet outbound for Toronto , then the Ottawa.
Grace looked great , other than her big blue fuzzy house coat was inside out. When i got to your house at 445 am , looked kinda dark , waited until 5min to 5 and knocked on the door , have you ever seen that movie , home alone? that would explain the house coat on inside out and the eye squinting when grace opened the door. I got the story on the way to airport , Dad had played with KO 's clock and never fixed it , so when i knocked on the door she had 5 min to get packed and into the bat mobile. We did fine.
Hi lisa missin you tonne's (metric) Now that you and Jan have completed your mission, it looks great , can you come home early ? if not, only 4 more sleeps until you are beside me , where you belong.chin up , love you ton's ( imperial) doug
Culture shock will never be the same. Eldon might have started a revolution down there. Those women will be looking at their hubbies for a day off from the kitchen once in a awhile! I bet the shocked expression in the beginning was all smiles by the time he was done! You needed a before and after pic. :)
Way to go Eldon, I can't remember what day this week was national husband/men cook dinner this week (I think Thursday because I was already in the car when I heard & dinner was already in the crock pot) but at least the thought was there!
Not that it helped any of us with all you guys away!
Christine
Can you post a picture of my daddy? I didn't see any of him yet. TY
Megan
Hey Dad! I just wanted to say that I love you and miss you! Hope everything is going good over there! Everything back here at home is going pretty good, Grandma and Grandpa just left and somehow we ended up with 3 bags of garbage... from just this weekend! Oh and when you get back we are going to need to watch the season of Prison Break I got for my b-day, and all the Bourne movies too! haha and yesterday I finally figured out how to stop on skates! Well, sort of :P haha
Can't wait for you to get back!
Love Luke
HI. I miss you soo much Wish you were here right now . Mom misses you too . Have fun I will be praying for you . LOVE CHLOE
Great posts Gord and Steve. Thanks.
Hey Jan, really looking forward to your return later this week. I am HIGHLY curious what your thoughts are about your experience so far. So it's been difficult not knowing or hearing from you. We really miss you. The Haiti Arise sign looks great. On the home front, I've made a huge batch of Chicken Supreme but after seven days of it, it has completely lost its appeal. And it seems the new breadmaker only turns out rock-hard bricks - which maybe we can use in the back garden. Kids are just about back from Youth Retreat and I expect they had a good time. I also hope you like what I've done in the garage - it might take some getting used to so don't rely on first impressions
Rick
Dad- You know how to write? Who knew ;)
... I bet it took about an hour with your two finger-peck.
Better watch out, I'm going to get you to edit my 20 pager due next tuesday ;)
Love ya.
Christine
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