A Mountain Mission Trip

After loading up the pack mules, the group took the “short” way up the mountain, the steep route we had taken down last year.  They arrived at our school and spent time with the people of the village.  Talking with some of the Victory people that went, it seemed that just getting time to spend with the Haitians was a wonderful experience for them.  They all slept on the concrete floor of Jolius’ parents home.

The next day, the Victory people went to the school and spent the morning with the

Victory folks putting on evangelistic skit for our school

children.   They love to evangelize through skits and songs and teaching.  In the meantime, Bill and some of the others were holding a simple medical clinic for the people as we had taken some medical supplies up with us.

That evening, they showed the God/Man video to the people.  Bill was sitting in front of Esther, one of the older students at our school, and he kept hearing her moan “Oh, Jesus” during the showing.  At the end, several people made decisions for the Lord including Esther.   How I wish it were not so difficult to get up to Pays-Pourri with a good translator.  Though the children are getting some Bible teaching in our school, there is so much more that is needed.  It seems so much of our time is taken up with the immediate physical needs of the people of Haiti, particularly with the cholera epidemic.  Hopefully we can do more teaching in the future which is our heart’s desire.

Mountain mission group with Victory folks and the Lindsey group

After returning from the mountains Saturday afternoon, the Lindsey’s went up to Yvrose’ to visit the children and see what progress had been made by the Haitians while they were gone.  One rock wall for the patio had been completed and a wall was started behind the kitchen “pad” where the propane burners will go.

A little later we went over to the village for the regular Saturday evening meal.  It was the first time I had gotten to see Marianna’s house, the one we had redone from twig and mud walls to rock and plaster.  The new thatch roof is almost done and it is all such an improvement!

Victory loaned us their van so early Sunday morning we loaded up the Lindsey group to take them to the airport.  They had been such a blessing for 10 days.  They worked hard at Yvrose’, loved on her children, and were a great blessing to all of us.  I wanted to share Elisabeth Lindsey’s Facebook entry after returning to the states.

“Not sure what to do with weather under 100 degrees.  Hmmmm. And I might have to sleep on the concrete floor to be comfortable tonight.  I was due for a dose of perspective.  Oh, and no chicken guts for supper tonight.  That was a bummer.   Haiti was amazing, guys.  Thanks for praying.”        I had to smile.

Last Friday night was a big storm.  Remember the family that we gave the tent to who were living in a little lean-to and then a few weeks later the mother died?  The storm ruined the tent and the father with his 3 sons and 1 daughter showed up at Yvrose’.  She talked with her family.  Three of her boys were sleeping in a bunk by themselves.  These bunks are just plywood with a blanket on it, no mattresses, and aren’t particularly wide. They said they would share with the new boys.  Rosekinsia was in a bunk by herself so she shared with little Marlene.  The father slept in the storeroom.  So now there is another family there and Yvrose’ children are learning to share what they have even if it is a narrow bed.

Bill and I went over to see Rod at Victory Compassion.  While we were there we told him the story of Yvrose taking in another family.  He looked at us and said, “Well, if she keeps opening the doors, we’d better get another house up there!”  So, once again, the race is on.  We’re trying to get another foundation poured in two days.  Rod wants to put it up on Thursday!

We are also hoping to get the well in at Yvrose’ before we come home.  The drillers are in the area so hopefully they will be able to work us in and Yvrose’ family will be able to at least hand pump their water.   We have gotten two estimates on the cost to have electricity brought up to Yvrose’ from the main road. The first was $11,000 but on checking somewhere else, we found one for $6000.  The question is the quality of materials and work which can vary greatly in Haiti!   But the difference it would make in the lives of Yvrose’ family would be amazing.

It would pump water not only for Yvrose’s family but for the community as well.  It would enable them to do the laundry for 24 people without hauling water up or carrying it half a mile down to our house and back.  It would give light in the darkness at night.  Can you imagine taking care of a large family without electricity?   Once it is dark, it’s dark!!  Not even a light bulb.  It could also be a start for the neighbors around Yvrose’ home to make a difference in their lives as they would have access to the line without having to pay so much.  If you are so moved, please help us with funding for this project.

The building I mentioned in the last update is not needed for the school as another organization has told Yvrose they are gong to try to get her a school built in the next year!  So we are excited to have the building coming for other possible uses including a shelter for holding worship services for the community.

During the days these things were going on here in Haiti, the F5 tornado hit our hometown of Joplin, MO.  All our family is safe but oh, the devastation and loss!  Friends have lost loved ones and homes.  Please be in prayer for the people of Joplin.  Our daughter, Hannah, drove into Joplin a few days ago with our grandson, Anodos, age 3.  He looked around at all the devastation and asked, “Mommy, is this Haiti?”  I had to smile and then I had to stop and pray for both the people of Joplin and of Haiti.  May God give them strength and courage for each day in the face of such difficulties.  Thank you for your prayers.