Well, where do I begin our grand finale? God brought us home safe and sound

Sitting on the plane leaving Haiti we were blessed with one of the most gorgeous sunsets I’ve seen. A red that you never see from the ground, and all I could think was “God’s handiwork!!” I felt it an incredibly touching ending to our stay in Haiti. Leaving Haiti with the sunset and arriving in Winnipeg with the sunrise. My emotions and my heart have been on the biggest roller coaster ride of my life. I want to be home and yet it feels like my heart didn’t manage to make the journey back with me. I hope that one day soon I can go back and be with it, because that’s where I want it to be! For 5 years I’ve longed to go to Haiti, these 2 weeks seemed like just a start. I would’ve stayed in a heartbeat. Plain and simply put, “I have fallen in love with Haiti.”

Our last day in Haiti, Feb. 2, was one of the highlights of our trip. We made another excursion up the mountains, yes the same treacherous roads, and they seemed even more horrible than I remembered. Half the time I was so terrified driving through some areas, I’m sure I was white as snow, muscles all tensed up for most of the drive. Actually, I think I may have built some muscle from all that “hanging on for dear life.” We came down the same road and it didn’t seem half as bad as it had going up. Phil wasn’t driving, instead had his first experience sitting in the back with us, and I could teasingly tell him, “so there is one thing in Haiti that I’ve experienced before you.” I think there were times he was sitting on the edge of his seat as well, no pun intended! The driver has driven up that road about 16 times in the last month, carrying building materials, food, etc. and we noticed he was not used to having passengers in the back. He drove twice the speed Phil did on our first journey up there, and I must remind you all again, there are hairpin curves!! We turned off the main road 10min before Fonde Baptiste to visit LaKoline, a school at the lowermost part of a mountain. We drove a certain distance and hiked down the mountain path, 3miles. A path similar to the deer trail at Hogs Back. A constant downward, slip and slide, rocky, switchback trail. We had a challenging time navigating downward, but the village children scampered ahead of us carrying boxes on their heads, every so often passing it to another. They had come up to the truck for about 9 boxes of school supplies which was the reason for our visit. They were school supplies donated by the people sponsoring the pre-school, which is a story all in itself and I wish Phil could tell it.

When we finally did make it down the so-called path, we were greeted by lively music, the children dancing to the rhythm. We were led into the pre-school classroom, which was basically just a tent, and there we found some of the most adorable little faces ever. The first child I met upon entering the room was a 4-yr old boy, cute as a puppy, huge adorable eyes, and a shy smile. I gave him a hug and for the rest of our stay he was attached to me. No matter what I did, where I went, who of the other children I sat on my lap, he would appear at my side. I was so touched by this. The rest of his class was taken some place but he didn’t budge from my side and naturally I didn’t mind. What hit me the most was when he cried while having to wait for me outside the washroom. Margaret, waiting outside, seemed puzzled by his behavior but my heart was being touched again, as it has been numerous times during my stay in Haiti, in yet another way. Whose heart could forget such an experience? I wonder, though, what his name was.

We had picked up Pastor Morvan along the road up the mountain on our way to LaKoline. I am amazed at his ambition to help the people in which ever way possible. He’s not that young anymore and yet he finds his way up and down those mountains, being where he’s needed, and loving it. It brings a certain joy when you meet people like him in Haiti.

We were only the second group of white people to visit the people of LaKoline. They call themselves the “forgotten ones” because they feel no one knows they’re alive, living at the foot of those mountains with no road to get there, only a half-decent trail. “Phil is our president”, they said, “he comes to visit us, knows we are here, and helps us.” This is an important part of the work we did in Haiti, building relationships with the people, instead of physical work.

On our last morning in Haiti Phil led the devotions and referred back to our previous day’s topic. We had had a short devotion on the mountain before heading down to LaKoline and Phil wanted us to think of this Bible verse as we headed to the village.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” Isaiah 52:7.

We were all familiar with the verse but had never been able to interpret it the way Phil did that last morning. “Yesterday when we went to LaKoline, ours were the feet that brought good news to the people. Our feet were the ones in this verse. Can you imagine the joy those people must have felt to see you coming down that trail, coming to visit them all the way out there, white people. It is what counts the most, and if they will see you again, they will start remembering you, and will be even more touched that you came back.”

I was deeply moved by what he said. Some people may think we had a holiday in Haiti, which to some extent it was, but I truly believe we made a difference in some people’s lives. That’s what counts.

Till next time, Leanna.

Our second last day in Haiti was perhaps the most memorable of our stay. It was only later that we realized the uniqueness and rarity of our experience.

We visited a school called LaKoline whose salient distinction is its extreme remoteness. Some of the 400 children attending the school had only encountered one group of white people their entire life and some of the younger ones never. Nestled deep into the mountains of Haiti, this community remains largely unknown to many. Its inaccessibility has LaKoline ignored, abandoned and forlorn like an orphan child. This reality has these mountain folk calling themselves “The forgotten people”. The lack of a road makes it extremely difficult for this community to help itself. Phil relayed us the following: “When I first went into LaKoline it was average deep rural poverty. All the kids were in the one room church. Most of the kids had uniforms but they were ragged and thread bare. There was a cloud of misery over the whole place. Unrecognizable to most I would say that no less than 60% of the kids were suffering food insecurity and many of them were sick with colds, sore throats, runny noses and malaria.
“As in most situations once a feeding program is started it takes only weeks to get the kids back on their feet, fed up and their natural immune systems working for them again. Within months the overflow blessing of having food in a school relieves some measure of food insecurity in the homes of the communities and as a result the whole community becomes healthier.”

A two and a half hour, bone-crunching, tooth-rattling, rollercoaster truck ride brought our group to a mountain top overlooking LaKoline, which is situated near the valley floor. Unbeknownst to us, our day had only begun. Our next order of business was descending a narrow, rocky, mountainous path to the valley below. Slip-sliding down this treacherous path took a full 40 minutes. One slip would have sent us rolling headlong down the mountainside with a less than favorable result. After negotiating numerous switchbacks the title “The forgotten people” started to make sense. This extreme inaccessibility deals a harsh hand to the immediate health and survival of LaKoline. Phil and Pastor Morvan are determined to see the day that a road is built to this community. Knowing our group was on our way down they offered us a big welcome by celebrating with trumpets, drums and song. Halfway down the mountain the music floated up, rejuvenating our aching limbs, muscles and spirits. Arriving at the school all the students gathered before us and again welcomed us with song.

Pastor Morvan who works closely with the school as well as other leaders says, “We want to welcome you all to LaKoline. We want to give you a big thank you for visiting us. Thanks to Phil and GLOW ministries for all that you’ve done for us. Our own president doesn’t even know we exist, so we view Phil as our president. We apologize for the terrible road, its ok now, but in fall it gets much worse.”I am so sorry to see you slipping and sliding−I feel like crying. It’s nice to see you’ve all made it safely.”

“The hand of God has brought us many blessings. With the help of God, many prayers and good men we are doing more and more. Don’t listen to all the gossip, we can’t get discouraged now, God is doing great things for LaKoline, thank you God.”

It is because of the present dry season that we have the unique opportunity to visit this community. During the rainy season these mountain trails become almost impassible. All the building materials like cement, steel and wood have to be carried down the mountain on the heads of the Haitians. Which ministry would be loving, daring or insane enough to take on a project of this nature? GLOW to the rescue once again.

A number of years ago Pastor Morvan visited the community and realized the level of poverty they endured. If you’re at all like Pastor Morvan helping others is second nature. Sam, whom you’ve already met on this blog was the first person community leaders approached for help. It was Sam who referred them to Phil. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to partner up with GLOW the two sides finally clicked and were able to come to terms. Since 2003 GLOW has been providing LaKoline with food as well as teacher salaries. With the help of GLOW the school has recently added a kindergarten class to its operation. Construction for new kindergarten classrooms is in full swing.

After recharging on a dinner of rice, beans, sauce, bananas and fried chicken we embarked on the unenviable task of ascending the mountain. Having Emil, Phil S. and Margaret on the backs of donkeys added to the unique events of the day.

Chris

Earlier in the week someone posted a comment (which we do so enjoy!), asking what our group is really doing here in Haiti. Part of this entry is an effort to explain. So far we’ve managed to set up a 24volt 16 battery inverter system that supplies power to the compound during the day when the power coming in is turned off. We’ve also been setting up shelving in Phil’s equipment room to store and organize all the power tools on the compound. For much of one day while Emil was busy dismantling a brick stove, Philip and me set up a PVC water line that will feed different parts of the compound with water. Under the hot sun we also managed to give the generator an oil change. Throughout our stay the ladies have been busy with cleaning a lot of the facilities on the compound. Today they prepared some exterior walls for painting and later even found time to begin.

During the week, a small orphanage of seven children came to the compound to take some embroidery lessons from our women. Most of the girls had never sewn before but quickly caught on. The girls were allowed to pick their own colors. Knowing Haitians embrace color it was no surprise to see bright flashy colors like red, yellow, orange and pink get swallowed up in a jiffy. Afterward, it was a delight to cut up some watermelon and share a snack with the girls.

In truth, we’ve primarily spent our time touring some of the schools and churches that GLOW supports. Building a network of relationships has captivated more of our hearts. We’ve had to shift our thinking from physically active labor to more relationship building. When we first came to GLOW we were ready to take on the ministry and the rest of Haiti. Phil and Betty had the responsibility of slowing us down to experience more of Haitian culture. Which, as we’ve already talked about, has a greater emphasis on relationship than building and accumulating capital. For the first few days we felt a discomfort or guilt for not doing more. I think our error was in identifying or finding worth with ourselves primarily through physical labor, while being blind or undervaluing all the relationships that have been born along the way. I think the BUHEPers might identify with that. I’m not suggesting that physical labor has no value. What I’m suggesting is if you only value worth or accomplishment in terms of physical labor, spiritual or relational growth can be limited.

We are the first work oriented group of Hutterites to come to Haiti ever, so projects haven’t been organized and streamlined for groups to work at. E-mail only reaches so and so far. As a result our visit has been about looking for projects that future groups could undertake. For Phil S. to commit long-term, he’s also needed to access the characteristics and capabilities of our group. What he has noticed with our group is a willingness to work together, as well as a respect for authority or governing body that has been in place for decades. Many well intending missionaries come to Haiti with little understanding of the culture and want to immediately begin changing the culture to the more “superior” North American way. The reason GLOW has been so well received by Haitians themselves is directly related to it’s mission philosophy. Instead of coming down here and doing everything for them, Phil S. and the rest of the GLOW team make every effort to supply projects with the basic needs and support, while at the same time allowing the Haitians to take the initiative and manage them. For instance. One of the newest acquisitions GLOW has provided for one Haitian community is a school bus. The Haitian leaders that the ministry works with are encouraged to formulate a proposal that will improve conditions. Instead of we going to them, allow them to come to us. Part of their strategy was having the Haitian parents pay for their child’s bus fares, providing funding to pay for the maintaining and operation of the bus. Today, three months into the project they’re facing some financial challenges. Now here’s the important part. Instead of Phil S. stepping in, the onus remains with the Haitian community. Unless the Haitians come to Phil S. for help, He’ll make every effort to steer clear. This discipleship philosophy gives everyone involved the responsibility and accountability which is paramount for growth. In the end it fosters self-sustaining autonomous systems which in the end build up society.

This week we toured Fort Jacques built in 1806 situated up the mountains on the east side of Port Au Prince. Haiti gained it’s independence from France in 1804 and because of fear that the French might return a defense was prepared. A lack of concrete didn’t dissuade the Haitians from building the monstrosity. With ash, bones, sugar cane and who knows what else, they managed to build themselves an ample defense system. In 1984 a major renovation project was orchestrated to refurbish the exterior walls of the fort. The cannons they used to shoot could travel up to 7 km. Walking around the fort something seemed odd. What can building a fort some 10 km from the ocean help in defense of the city? After some inquiry we learned that when the fort was built the ocean was much closer, allowing easier defense. Today, under much of Port Au Prince landfill allows people to build, increasing the gap from fort to ocean. Our vantage point on the fort offered us a complete, breathtaking view of the city. Phil, our faithful tour guide pointed out landmarks such as a Catholic cathedral, soccer stadium, airport and the Haitian parliament.

Chris

We spent the last two days in the hectic city of Port-Au-Prince. I still can’t understand how they manage without traffic lights, but somehow they pull it off. There was quite a lot of driving around and half the time I had my eyes closed, cause people swerve around you, missing you by a couple inches… it seems they can’t stand having someone drive in front of them. Phil said, “it’s all a game of chicken.” Their smoke belching, tire wobbling jalopies add another unique dimension to the game. For most of the vehicles the only thing constantly working is the constant blaring of their horns.

We went to see the orphanage sponsored by GLOW called Rusty’s Kids: thirty-six of Betty’s little darlings. As we arrived we went into a school area where the children were waiting, ages 4-8. We walked in and they ran to us, hugging us, giving a kiss on the cheek, just wanting to touch us. Not everybody could get in close enough, so I reached out to some and just touching them brought such a smile to their face. It was incredible, the way this experience touched and at the same time tore at our hearts. They were so amazingly cute, it made me want to take a few home. We played with the children, giving them attention they so rarely get and they loved it. Among the throng of children those who couldn’t get closer found satisfaction in holding hands with the children clinging to us. When we took pictures they wanted to see. Before we left the children, we handed each of them a candy/lollipop and a small stuffed teddy. Our kids are most often greedy when you want to hand them a treat, afraid they won’t get one, wanting to be the first to receive one, but these kids were patiently, silently standing in line, waiting their turn. Ever since being at the orphanage, the picture of the children running towards us comes to mind, tugs at my heart. I also have to mention seeing two little dresses on some girls that were once hanging in the Baker sewing room. Our eyes picked them out right away and it meant a lot, seeing them on the orphans.

On the premises of the orphanage was a hospital, fully equipped, with just a few patients. Betty even had herself checked out while we were there, and was able to get some medicine. One mother came in with a baby, about 3mths, to check on a cold. She got service right away instead of sitting in a waiting room for hours. It was a really nice hospital because it is still new. Claude Mansier was the owner of the orphanage and gave us a tour. They had a dentist room, eye examination room, Xray, and more. In the lab there were two licensed lab technicians, doing the blood work, etc. He showed us every “nick and cranny”. It’s a joy to see Haitian people trying to help their country.

Next we went to “Sam’s orphanage.” He’s a long time friend of Betty’s and that’s how we refer to the orphanage when we talk about it, but it’s real name is World Harvest International. We stayed overnight twice, also interacted with the children and spent some grand time visiting with 8 volunteers there. Our group stayed in a guest house at the orphanage, spacious, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large kitchen and sitting room, all made of cement. As grand a place as it was, it did have one catch to it. I went to our room after supper and lo and behold there was a lizard merrily sitting on the wall, 6” long and extremely fast if you tried getting rid of it. All I could do was stand and wonder, “how will I ever sleep tonight.” Later on we also found one in the guys’ room and in the kitchen. (shiver)

The next day, 28th, Phil came to pick us up and take us to Baptist Mission. A few of the volunteers from the orphanage came with us making our trip a lot more fun. The Baptist Mission is one of the oldest, most successful missions in Haiti. Located in the mountains above Port-Au-Prince, the mission has specialized in agriculture, horticulture, health, education and “self-help” opportunities. We had lunch there and then went street shopping. Before letting us get off the back of “our” truck Phil told us how street shopping works. “You barter! Bartering is the national sport in Haiti.” If they want to sell they’ll lower their price. When they ask for $10 you say you’ll give them $3. I was so nervous at first, having never bartered, but I got quite good at it. I insisted on a painting(about 24”x30”) for $10 when the guy initially wanted $70. He went down to 50, 40, 25, 20, 13…but I stayed at $10. Phil was watching me and silently laughing. Well, I went to look at other stuff, bought other things(which I got for $1 when they asked for $15), and the guy kept coming up to me with the painting, slowly lowering the price. When we all got into the truck to leave the guy came over and said, “ok here, take it for $10”. I thought that cool. On the way back we showed each other what we’d bought and compared prices.

All joy,

Leanna

Alive and well: Phill S., Leanna, Chris, Audrey, Bettie, Margaret, Emil and Phillip W.

The purpose for our leave was to visit two orphanages in Port Au Prince that GLOW has been involved with over the years. One orphanage called New Life Children’s Home offered us a 5 room house during our stay, which we appreciated very much. The orphanage was founded 30 years ago by a visiting medical nurse called Mariam Fredrick now living in New York. Ms. Fredrick was moved to help Haiti when as a member of a visiting medical team she experienced the poverty that existed near the western city of Pestel a 8hr trip with vehicle and boat. Almost every visit to Pestel would have the team bringing back starving orphan children, with numerous children dying on the way. In the orphanage’s infancy a rented house was all they had for a base. With rapid growth, the organization bought property which now includes living quarters for over 30 staff members, large communal kitchen and dorms for  numerous children. Ninety orphans reside within the compound at this time.

There are two types of orphanage’s. One is geared towards the adoption of the children while another is geared towards raising children, teaching them skills to prepare them for entry into society. New Life falls into the latter.

Betty has been telling us about this friend called Sam that she’s known for almost 17 years. He’s been to Baker community once. Through all we had heard we were eager to meet him. Sam grew up in Poland, moved to Germany and at age twenty immigrated to Canada. He still speaks a little German. For the past 28 ½ yrs Sam has given his life to the poor and needy in Haiti.

When he came to New Life Children’s Home 5 ½ years ago the orphanage was in shambles. No electricity, running water, toilets or showers meant the children had to leave the compound for basic necessities. Since Sam’s arrival the facilities have undergone a dramatic turnaround. During our visit we experienced firsthand the improvements that have taken place.

Sam’s unique, loving and shy personality has him avoiding the spotlight. He doesn’t want to administrate or be the one in charge, Sam just wants to help. The title, “jack of all trades” is his own claim to fame.

One of the main goals of the orphanage is leading the children to the Lord. With singing, bible lessons and Sunday school, teachers work towards that end. The orphanage equips the children with a primary education and up through high school. Other perks include sewing lessons, English class, art and even driving lessons. Despite all this, there is one troubling aspect of the orphanage that weighs on everyone’s mind. While under the umbrella and security of the orphanage the children loose contact with their family and the rest of society, which they’re bound to enter later on. Without the survival skills needed to survive entry into society, reality can be extremely harsh. Even if the orphanage manages to teach vocational skills to the children, a dearth of employment makes it difficult to gain any footing. The challenge for each orphanage is finding a healthy balance with security or structure and with the street skills needed for survival. In the end, over-sheltering kids is often inimical to mental health.

Despite this drawback, if you think back to the malnourished children dying on the way to the orphanage, a lack of jobs or culture shock for the older kids seems like an improvement indeed.

Chris

New Life Children's Home

When we saw the beautiful orange trees we couldn’t help but think of Jonty Vetter, how he would’ve inspected, asked about, and related to his apple trees. The oranges had such rich color among the lush green leaves. When looking at the mountains from down here, at the compound, the mountains are more brown, but up there we saw a lot of flowers, poinsettias, morning glory, and lots of other variety. Phil stopped the truck at one occasion and picked a flower for each of the ladies

As we were bumping along we picked up a couple “hitch-hikers”. Phil said, “the more weight in the back the better,” so if there was room for one more, we picked them up. At the end of our journey we had helped 6-8 people out of walkin’ a long way, some carryin’ a heavy load.
One of the greatest needs in Haiti is health care. There is 1 doctor to thousands of people and 60% of those doctors are in Port-Au-Prince. Pastor Morvan, a revered pastor throughout the mountain communities, set up a small clinic in Fonde Baptiste to meet the needs of the people in that area. He can only do small treatments like infections, stomach aches, etc. Can’t do anything with a broken leg, or anything that requires surgery. Just a small room off his small house, but still it’s something that the people need.

Till next time, Audrey & Leanna

Mountian Scenery

____________________________

Greetings Everyone!

Gazing at the Chaine Mattheaux mountains from the compound, our perception of a desolate, tree- and lifeless landscape could not of been farther from the truth. There are boatloads of people living up there. Emil asked Betty earlier where in those mountains do the people reside. Her reply, “Everywhere”. Later on in the day, we remembered this comment. She was right. They are everywhere. Villages with populations numbering thousands of people. In one large megalopolis, a rough estimate of 30,000.

Our first school which has been in existence since 1986 was called Evwa. People, businesses or communities (mostly in North America) with sufficient funds have the opportunity to sponsor a school. An absolute minimum of 400 dollars per month, schools numbering upwards of 130 students can include a feeding program and teacher salaries in it’s operation. Most of the schools have a main building with up to 5 classrooms in one room. The 5–6 grade students are highly motivated and are pushed by teachers to prepare for a state exam that passes them to the next level.

A school called Fon Baptiste with up to 600 students was our next tour stop. We visited each classroom and received a Haitian welcome through song. We noticed that the older the students got the less they sang. In one older grade classroom our group could give them some serious competition. Seems like peer pressure’s in those mountains too. After trading songs in each classroom the principle gathered all the students into the town church to sing for us. In their exuberance they even paraded a brass band comprised of trumpets for our welcome.

Throughout the day we visited two more mountain schools. One ambitious young 27 year old had partnered up with a friend to start up a school. Relentlessly, for months he’s been hounding GLOW to support the school. Phil S. usually waits for the right time to begin supporting the school. He calls it God’s timing. The first order of business is determining if the school founders have the commitment for the long haul. Closely assessing the character of these leaders and allowing them to support the school out of their own pocket is often a good indication. The fact that this young gentleman left his mountain community to attend school in town, experienced the city life yet still chooses to go back up the mountain to help his people added to his honor. The next step is dropping in at the school for a visit, being careful not to make any promises. At this time GLOW might not be financially able to support another school on a monthly basis, unless a sponsor signs up to help. Like my mom always says “where there’s a will there’s a way”. If that chap keeps up his determined attitude, who knows. After all it’s all in God’s timing.

Chris

Drinking Haitian grown coffee

Emil and Phillip in a Haitian school

School Children

Because we didn’t write much on Saturday I would like to share about today and also review some of the weeks’ events we haven’t mentioned. There is so much to learn about mission. With Betty and Phil’s insights I hope to unearth some of the secrets that have allowed GLOW ministries to enjoy success in combating poverty.

We just returned from church, an event we’ve been looking forward to all week. Phil S. did us the favor of translating their Creole (Haitian language) into English. Surprise, Surprise! The sermon was based on Corinthians 13. (read the Jan 23 entry) To say that they enjoy music, singing, banging and crashing is an understatement. Even though the church’s windows and doors are wide open, the decibel levels had our ears begging for a break. I caught Phillip W. ducking out a side door at least once. Audrey thinks that if our young people would generate a tenth of the energy the Haitians exert it would be a good day. Throughout the service we were entertained by this 3 or 4 year old boy dancing up storm near the from pew. With one hand keeping his balance while with the other keeping his pants from falling down. Towards the end of the service we had the pleasure of singing for the congregation. The popular song “Come and go with me” was our song of choice. I also sang “You raise me up” for the folks. After the service we got a chance to speak with the members who know English, and smile to those who don’t. We all got a chance to hold some of the smaller kids.

Bettie’s compound is supplied by electricity during the morning and evening hours by a neighboring hotel. During the day there is no power, which makes cooking, communication and other necessities challenging. To bridge the power gap Phil S. has had us working at setting up a 16 24volt battery pack that will charge during the night, supplying power by day.

We’ve also been busy with making shelving for Phil’s equipment room. A lack of shelving has resulted in a disorganized mess with much of the tools and equipment on the compound.

For the past week the ladies have been chomping at the bit to help around Betty’s kitchen. With Bettie and Gerta the cook stubbornly fending them off, getting access has been challenging. Passing through the kitchen the girls, to their chagrin spotted spilled milk, juice and heaven forbid, ants in the fridge. Salt and sugar spills were sprinkled throughout the counter, cupboards and floor. The last straw was finding a bag, yes, a plastic bag with mashed potatoes inside. Clearly, the folks here at GLOW had no idea what Hutterite clean means. One of the ladies mentioned how cleaning stuff has throughout the years become like breathing. I think it’s an addiction. A couple of hours later, Bettie could have used that same floor for her super plate.

Watching and learning how Betty interacts with Haitians has become a favorite experience. Her deep love and affection for the poor has warmed our hearts. The highest level of giving is when you know that the receiver has nothing to give in return, Betty exemplifies that. So whenever we’re in town and the others want to go shop or barter, I stick with Betty. The way she takes their faces into her hands, strokes them, loves, gives and gives has me realizing my own uncommitted and resistant heart.

During the week we were visiting at a GLOW school called Grande Godet. This is the school Baker supplies with food. GLOW supports 11 of these schools with up to 2500 students attending daily. (Baker supplies food to 1 school) At the end of the tour we were shown to a shaded area that assistants had set up for our lunch. The menu? Rice, tasty sauce, dried fish and some hot peppers. The rice tasted like more. There was a strange sensation to watch each child file past us to receive that one meal for the day. Cupping their bowl in their hands conveyed how much they appreciate and value that one meal which we take so much for granted.

The Language barrier is a constant thorn in our side. Almost every day, we’ve gone to town, visited schools so when we’re back at the compound Phill and Bettie are busy with resting (us too) and the day-to-day needs, meetings and decisions that make GLOW function. When they are free you don’t want to barrage them with all the questions, thoughts and idea’s that surface. Our thirst for information regarding Haitian culture is often frustrated. We often look for others to inform us about Haiti. Bettie has two Haitians working inside the compound, a cook and an all around yard man. With the little English they know speaking louder, pointing, motioning simply don’t suffice. So when you meet a Haitian that speaks adequate English you appreciate and seize on the opportunity. When we’re with a group of Haitians all you can do is smile and say yes to everything they say. Listening to Phill and Bettie jabber away has me asking for lessons. At a primary level the only way to follow conversation is to focus intently on the emotional response that the words elicit. In town the other day Bettie was talking with a theology student that also ministers at a local church. With Bettie as our interpreter we traded favorite bible passages. I asked him his favorite, it was Ephesians 6. I told Betty mine is Psalm 42. It was fascinating to read the mans emotional response when Betty translated for me. I could see his mind working to process the passage. As he recognized the Psalm his face lit up, pointed up, pointed at me, laughed and unreservedly agreed to my choice.

So long for now,

Chris

Haitian mom and baby at church service.

Getting it done.

Emil working on shelving.

Leanna with Haitian baby.

Another beautiful day here in Haiti, and we were off to experience our first Haitian market in Maui. And what an experience it was!

There were stands on both sides of the streets, selling all sorts of stuff: clothes, cosmetics, shoes and everything else that you can imagine. And I can’t forget the food, bread, veggies, fruit and meat (dead, dried and alive). One lady tried to sell us two dead chickens, feathers and all. There in the hot sun they were selling raw meat. I couldn’t imagine buying meat that has been in the hot sun for a couple of hours. The streets are just wide enough for one truck to pass by, and there was a constant stream of trucks, pickups and motorcycles. You had to make sure you got out of their way without stepping on the peoples’ stuff, which was quite a challenge with the streets so crowded.

The people were everywhere, it was impossible to stand in one place for more than a few seconds without getting bumped into. There we were in the market place surrounded by people talking and trying to sell us stuff and  didn’t understand a thing they were saying, luckily we had Gerta (our cook) and Francious with us. Francious was our driver and interpreter since his English is very good. We would have been completely lost without them.

Something we forgot to mention is, that it can be a challenge to bake or cook here. For example, yesterday at breakfast we had pancakes, we couldn’t figure out why our pancakes where so flat, until we looked at the expiry date on the baking powder, it was December 2005. So today at market, Bettie made sure she bought some new baking powder, we hope that our next attempt at baking will be better.

Audrey

The school really touched my heart; seeing in real life what we’ve been told about sponsoring them. The kids were so cute which made it very hard not to go and hug them, but a smile seemed to do wonders for them too. I find it very touching, the way the Haitians greet Phil where ever we go, showing their respect, appreciation and love for him. It seemed so many knew him and he acknowledged their greeting with such humbleness, even the children at the school; touching some, saying a few words to another.

The roosters: the guys are apparently really annoyed with those things. This morning they had Fennes put them some place else while we’re here. Getting back from our excursion we took a quick cool-off in the pool We don’t bother changing. Just jump in with our clothes, walk around a couple minutes and we’re dry. (I didn’t even take time to roll off my socks!) Anyways, Chris got out of the pool and asked some of us, “Have any of you noticed anything different here?”

I looked him up and down, wondering what changes he made. He then informed us how quiet it was and stated with a grin that the roosters were taken care of. Not a minute later 2 of them ambled in the background. As we howled with laughter, Chris turned around, mouth agape… speechless. I teased him from the pool, “ a Henna und der Hoh, fonk es tschichtl wieder ohn.”

Leanna

Greetings to all,

There is at least one thing all members of the human race share: problems. But let me start with the good news.

No more Roosters! What happened to the roosters? Have no fear, it was done in a peaceful manner. After all sorts of remedies like sleeping with earplugs, we had this epiphany, why not get rid of the roosters? Case closed.

The aroma of flapjacks teased our senses as we washed our sleepy faces this morning. This fine morning was Phillip’s turn to hone his ministerial skills. Corinthians 13 was his teaching. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.”

After 3 days of hanging around the compound we’ve been getting the itch to do some exploring. Personally, the heat seems to bother me less now.

Visiting the first school GLOW built back in 1998 was first on our schedule. 500 children attend the school on a daily basis. A nutritional meal of rice, beans, dried fish and sauce is provided for each child. For many of the children it’s the only meal they get all day. No school on the weekends means that for many children finding food becomes a battle. On the back of GLOW’s impeccable reputation and prompt and above average payments, top quality Haitian teachers eagerly join their teaching ranks. The School also offers education from primary levels all the way to grade 12. The recent purchase of a bus has allowed GLOW to bus students from distances of 20 miles. On Haitian roads that’s about the equivalent of about 40 miles in Canada. Despite many of these positives, everywhere you look, needs stare right back. Phill S. points out that at this time GLOW’s scope and vision is continually broadening. From tending to the primary and immediate survival needs of the children, GLOW is beginning to gear more towards future development. For example, Phill’s future vision includes a computer lab in the schools. For the Haitians to achieve more autonomy and self-sufficiency, teaching them technological skills is one means to that end.

At one point during the school tour Phill S. mentioned to the administrator that our group is from the Hutterite community that provides funding for all the food. His face lit up like a light and he seemed unsure how to go about his appreciation.

Later in the Afternoon we toured a sugar cane plantation which operated during the 1900′s when slave labor was still in existence. Phill S. guided us through some of the history surrounding much of these turbulent times, including revolting African leaders that rebelled and eventually abolished slavery.

During the tour we were ambushed by a group of Pakistani machine-gun-toting soldiers assisting in the UN peacekeeping efforts here in Haiti. Initially fear and uncertainty creeps up but were quickly dissolved when the soldiers whipped out their digital camera’s. Comically, for the next 10 minutes these men paraded around our group snapping photos, laughing and chirping in their Pakistani way.

The soldiers were especially interested in the ladies. They were shocked to find us conservatively dressed folk in a country like Haiti. For the next bit every soldier individually posed with Leanna and Audrey. Leanna later said, “Basically, they took every combination of group picture with the 2 of us possible. The reason they were so intrigued with us was because we reminded them of how their women dress, with long skirts and the head covering.”

One asked Margaret if we’re all from Canada, when she replied “Yes,” he said, “That’s my friendship country.” I could see the poor girls looking for a way out but with a new Pakistani eagerly waiting for his comrade to finish there was no way out.

Bye for now,

Chris

This is one of the fist schools that GLOW built in Haiti.

School kids

Audrey with a UN soldier from Pakistan.

Fritzy with UN personel.