We are back home after a fruitful 3 weeks. Saw almost 200 patients in clinic this past week, new relationships formed, old ones deepened, more progress on the new clinic building. God is alive and working in Haiti. We are so blessed to be allowed to be involved in the things that God is doing. I am so grateful for my Haitian brothers and sisters. We were invited to visit in several home this week, we feel honored that they want to share their lives with us. David was able to connect with a boy, Nashon, from one of the orphanages. Nashon did a lot of work cleaning up around the new clinic building and David was able to spend time driving Nashon to and from the orphanage giving them time for good conversation.
Our final evening was spent with our dear friend Christian catching up and also singing and worshiping together. Always a delightful time - Christian is a very gifted musician.
Lastly, our dear friend Wesner drove 1 hour to the airport with his beautiful wife Ingrid and 2 children, Lyric and Melody just to be able to greet us and take pics, They live on the north side of the island so we do not often get a chance to see them. We are truly blessed!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Sabbath Rest
Today was a much needed day of rest. It has continued to be busy here in Haiti. Lots of patients in the eye clinic on Thursday and Friday, more painting on Saturday. We also have had opportunity to fellowship with the other missionaries here at Christianville - there was a going away party for our friend Sara Valentinetti who has been an intern on the farm here for 2 years. Saturday night was a night out to celebrate a birthday. We go to ride the short bus (thanks Aaron)!
We had a beautiful morning of worship singing "Blessed Assurance" , "Be Still My Soul", and "Great is Your Faithfulness" all in French. I was greeted by many of the church women today, I recognized many and even remembered a few names.
We spent the afternoon at the beach and ended the day with bible study with our friends at Haiti Health Ministries. A very refreshing day!
Patients waiting to be seen in the eye clinic -
Craft time at the womens conference. Even Michelet, our translator made a book mark-
The women at the conference receiving their gifts from the women of New Hope Church -
We had a beautiful morning of worship singing "Blessed Assurance" , "Be Still My Soul", and "Great is Your Faithfulness" all in French. I was greeted by many of the church women today, I recognized many and even remembered a few names.
We spent the afternoon at the beach and ended the day with bible study with our friends at Haiti Health Ministries. A very refreshing day!
Patients waiting to be seen in the eye clinic -
Craft time at the womens conference. Even Michelet, our translator made a book mark-
The women at the conference receiving their gifts from the women of New Hope Church -
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Women and Paint
Today was the final day of the women's conference. We finished strong with good sharing and lots of laughter. Backing up a little - Tuesday, day 2 was our longest day of the conference and our longest day of teaching. I found I had to cut our a few stories from my talk, the women were hanging in, hungry for teaching and excited for all the activities. Our translators, however, had reached the end of their mental stamina by 3:00. Yesterday it was obvious that the women were much more comfortable with us and the and teasing flowed (much of which was translated to us)! Today we had a craft, the women encouraged, cajoled the Pastors/translators to also participate in - we will bring back pictures. We spent time singing and had less teaching time. We ended the afternoon by giving the gifts so graciously given by the women of New Hope church (smiles and laughter indicated how much they enjoyed the gifts) and eating cake! They have invited us back next year! One of the biggest indications that we are accepted here happened after the conference Tuesday and today - as Laurie and I left Tuesday there was a group of 4 women walking home from the conference. We asked if they would like a ride and all 4 women jumped into the back of the truck. Today when we left, they waited for us so we could all drive home together. In Haiti a free ride is usually reserved for close friends and family, we are friends!
On the topic of painting - Bob, Darrell and David have been worker bees giving our Haiti home a much needed face lift. Typically by lunch time they have had enough of sanding cement so have been painting both the back and front porch on our home. They do good work. The house looks better and the wood will stay in good condition for much longer! Thanks guys! Caribbean Blue is my new favorite color!
On the topic of painting - Bob, Darrell and David have been worker bees giving our Haiti home a much needed face lift. Typically by lunch time they have had enough of sanding cement so have been painting both the back and front porch on our home. They do good work. The house looks better and the wood will stay in good condition for much longer! Thanks guys! Caribbean Blue is my new favorite color!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Women's Conference Day 1
Laurie and I had our first day with the women of Marechal church. We had 32 women, 2 babies and 1 toddler in attendance. Everyone was excited to be there, attentive and engaged. We both talked a shorter time than we thought we would. At the end of my morning talk we were concerned about filling up the time. Not to worry, the women had very enthusiastic discussion and so we were able to allow more time for them to talk together. We ended the discussion with large group sharing, 1 person from each of the smaller groups shared the answers their group had come up with.
Our translators, both pastors from the church were great at translating but also were very helpful in making our transitions smoother, engaging the women and leading the worship songs we were using. We are both pleased and grateful for the way the day went.
On the home front, David, Bob and Darrell were working on painting our house trim Caribbean blue. No easy task at the paint was very much like blue water. After 3 coats the trim is looking pretty good. They will put on 1 last coat tomorrow and then go back to sanding cement walls in the eye clinic. They will be busy.
Our translators, both pastors from the church were great at translating but also were very helpful in making our transitions smoother, engaging the women and leading the worship songs we were using. We are both pleased and grateful for the way the day went.
On the home front, David, Bob and Darrell were working on painting our house trim Caribbean blue. No easy task at the paint was very much like blue water. After 3 coats the trim is looking pretty good. They will put on 1 last coat tomorrow and then go back to sanding cement walls in the eye clinic. They will be busy.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Hi everyone! It has been a very busy and fruitful past couple of days. Saw 60 patients in clinic on Thursday and 20 on Friday. The rest of the team arrived safely on Thursday. Thursday evening we had a chance to let everyone relax and rest up from the travel.
On Friday, the guys had the large, dirty task of sanding the stucco walls of the eye clinic so they would be ready to paint when the time is right. We also received assurances that the roof should be on by the end of April - keep praying for this to happen. Laurie and I met with the Pastor of the church to go over final details for the conference. Huge blessings - we will have 39 or 40 women which means we have enough of the lovely gift bags put together by women's bible studies! One of our translators is also part of the worship team at church - we have a pianist to help lead the worship time! We were prepared to do a capella if necessary.
We topped off the day by having group devotions and watching the stars come our on the roof of one of the buildings. Such a blessing to enjoy Gods majesty,
We started today at 5:45 with a climb up the mountain to watch the sunrise and to greet the many people who were on their way to market (a 1 or 2 hour trip with heavy loads for many of them). After that we spent much of the day working on the optometry house painting trim and preparing the porch for painting. Just as we were sitting down for lunch (prepared by our housekeeper who is an amazing cook) and old friend, Frank Charlemagne stopped by. Frank has worked with the eye clinic from the very first time we came to Haiti. He is currently working as a translator/driver for reach global. It was a blessing to share memories together.
It is getting late so I will have to quit for now - we are feeling encouraged and blessed this night!
On Friday, the guys had the large, dirty task of sanding the stucco walls of the eye clinic so they would be ready to paint when the time is right. We also received assurances that the roof should be on by the end of April - keep praying for this to happen. Laurie and I met with the Pastor of the church to go over final details for the conference. Huge blessings - we will have 39 or 40 women which means we have enough of the lovely gift bags put together by women's bible studies! One of our translators is also part of the worship team at church - we have a pianist to help lead the worship time! We were prepared to do a capella if necessary.
We topped off the day by having group devotions and watching the stars come our on the roof of one of the buildings. Such a blessing to enjoy Gods majesty,
We started today at 5:45 with a climb up the mountain to watch the sunrise and to greet the many people who were on their way to market (a 1 or 2 hour trip with heavy loads for many of them). After that we spent much of the day working on the optometry house painting trim and preparing the porch for painting. Just as we were sitting down for lunch (prepared by our housekeeper who is an amazing cook) and old friend, Frank Charlemagne stopped by. Frank has worked with the eye clinic from the very first time we came to Haiti. He is currently working as a translator/driver for reach global. It was a blessing to share memories together.
It is getting late so I will have to quit for now - we are feeling encouraged and blessed this night!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Bonjou from sunny and warm Haiti! The first 2 days here have been very busy. Patients have been lining up at the eye clinic for days. We opened at 7:45 am Tuesday to begin seeing patients. I was slow to begin with. I began seeing patients at 8:05, finished at 1:30 and only saw 50 patients. Today I was faster - started in at 8 finished at 2 but I was 70 patients. Very full days.
Progress on the new eye clinic has been very slow, we were hoping for a roof or at least some work on the trusses for the roof. They are just beginning the trusses so no roof, no progress. Please pray that things will move along and that we would be patient. I fully trust that the eye clinic will be complete in God's timing.
David has been meeting with our builder, checking in on the finances and lining up projects for the team. He will also be preaching at church on Sunday morning. Please be praying that God will speak through David and that he would be sensitive to God's spirit.
We also had some not good news about a health issue for one of my brothers. Please pray for physical and emotional strength for Tim as he faces his struggle and for David and I to be fully here in Haiti. Pray also that we would trust God and His care for Tim.
Thank you all for your support and prayers. We are very happy to be here in Haiti, it has been a joy to reconnect with many friends and siblings in the family of God!
Progress on the new eye clinic has been very slow, we were hoping for a roof or at least some work on the trusses for the roof. They are just beginning the trusses so no roof, no progress. Please pray that things will move along and that we would be patient. I fully trust that the eye clinic will be complete in God's timing.
David has been meeting with our builder, checking in on the finances and lining up projects for the team. He will also be preaching at church on Sunday morning. Please be praying that God will speak through David and that he would be sensitive to God's spirit.
We also had some not good news about a health issue for one of my brothers. Please pray for physical and emotional strength for Tim as he faces his struggle and for David and I to be fully here in Haiti. Pray also that we would trust God and His care for Tim.
Thank you all for your support and prayers. We are very happy to be here in Haiti, it has been a joy to reconnect with many friends and siblings in the family of God!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Progress
I am frequently asked "How are things in Haiti? Are they getting any better?" For first time visitors driving through Port Au Prince, they would think no. In reality progress is being made - some big steps and some baby steps. The city is DIRTY but it is noticeably cleaner than it was 4 months ago, there are still people living in tents and many areas with broken down buildings, but the tent neighborhoods are smaller, debris is being cleared away and there is new construction.
On a more personal note - the walls of the eye clinic are built up to the bond beam at the top, the bond beam is nearly finished. What does that mean? The roof is ready to go on! The trusses need to be made and then they will be put in place. The finish surface is going on the walls. We should be ready for paint and tile before the end of the year! Praise God for His provision!
The temporary clinic continues to see 40-50 patients per day (thank you Dr. Ryan!). Highlights for you clinical types - glaucoma, a suspected brain lesion, someone hit in the eye with a rock and another one with a fist. Every day is something new.
I praise God for how He is providing for the needs of the Haitians and for allowing me to be a part of the work He is doing here!
On a more personal note - the walls of the eye clinic are built up to the bond beam at the top, the bond beam is nearly finished. What does that mean? The roof is ready to go on! The trusses need to be made and then they will be put in place. The finish surface is going on the walls. We should be ready for paint and tile before the end of the year! Praise God for His provision!
The temporary clinic continues to see 40-50 patients per day (thank you Dr. Ryan!). Highlights for you clinical types - glaucoma, a suspected brain lesion, someone hit in the eye with a rock and another one with a fist. Every day is something new.
I praise God for how He is providing for the needs of the Haitians and for allowing me to be a part of the work He is doing here!
Monday, March 18, 2013
You Make Beautiful Things
So my time in Haiti is drawing to a close. It has been a productive 1 1/2 weeks. Not always in the way I expected. Clinics have gone well, I am getting better at understanding and speaking Kreyol, relationships have deepened, and I have been blessed beyond measure.
God has answered many personal prayers for strength, health, and wisdom. I had a beautiful time of worship at church yesterday - even understood a lot of the service. I have been loved on by so many! I am always amazed how blessed I am when I come.
Even amidst the poverty Haiti is a beautiful place with beautiful people!
As I was dusting equipment in the clinic today I was listening to " You make beautiful things out of the dust" The continual dust is one of the annoyances that is hardest for me to not be annoyed with - I was reminded that I am but dust also. I am looking forward to bringing the beautiful dust of Haiti home with me!
God has answered many personal prayers for strength, health, and wisdom. I had a beautiful time of worship at church yesterday - even understood a lot of the service. I have been loved on by so many! I am always amazed how blessed I am when I come.
Even amidst the poverty Haiti is a beautiful place with beautiful people!
As I was dusting equipment in the clinic today I was listening to " You make beautiful things out of the dust" The continual dust is one of the annoyances that is hardest for me to not be annoyed with - I was reminded that I am but dust also. I am looking forward to bringing the beautiful dust of Haiti home with me!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Little Encouragements go a Long Way!
I have reached the end of week 1. I am feeling far more encouraged and have felt the love of God in so many little things this week. In clinic I had at least 1 little baby (under 1 year of age) every day - nothing wring, moms just wanted them checked. There little smiles as they watched my lights brought joy to my heart! I have had several notes from friends letting me know that they are praying. Madam Eugene (the housekeeper/cook) and Beni (the day time gate guard) have been making sure I get fresh mango every day - they both know I love the mangoes. Sara, Herrold, Christian, Marsha and Ken greet me with joy and hugs every day. God has filled my week with blessing.
Today I went in to Port Au Prince to see a friend who lives on the north peninsula of Haiti. Wesner is full of the joy of the Lord. His contagious smile and true joy, not to mention his awesome hugs radiate the love of God to everyone around. Had an awesome time with him, his wife Ingrid and their little baby Lyric.
I am looking forward to Monday morning when once again I will be greeted with a line of patients waiting patiently to be seen. Please pray that the love of God would be seen through me as I smile and speak my very limited Kreyol, pray that they would walk away feeling the hope and encouragement that comes from our loving father in the little things every day.
Today I went in to Port Au Prince to see a friend who lives on the north peninsula of Haiti. Wesner is full of the joy of the Lord. His contagious smile and true joy, not to mention his awesome hugs radiate the love of God to everyone around. Had an awesome time with him, his wife Ingrid and their little baby Lyric.
I am looking forward to Monday morning when once again I will be greeted with a line of patients waiting patiently to be seen. Please pray that the love of God would be seen through me as I smile and speak my very limited Kreyol, pray that they would walk away feeling the hope and encouragement that comes from our loving father in the little things every day.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Bonjou tout moun. It is 5:30 am here in Haiti - there is a lot on mind. Had a good clinic yesterday - saw 50 patients. There was one young man who broke me heart - his complaint was that after receiving an injection of some sort for vomiting his vision became blurry and then he lost his sight. He now sees only light. This happened about 1 week ago. Please pray for this young man. It is hard to be blind and even harder in a country such as Haiti.
How many of us are spiritually blind and yet try to navigate life on this earth? Without God there truly is no hope. I look at this young man and ask why? I don't know why, but I do know that I serve a great, all knowing, loving God who has a reason for everything He allows.
I am also struggling with the question of am I making a difference? Why am I here in Haiti? There is so much need and so little that I do. Most important - with my limited language do the people really know that it is my faith in God that brings me here? That without God there truly is no hope? Do they see the love of God through me? Am I really loving my patients or am I just going through the motions? Pray that I would make a difference in someones life today.
Mesi and Bondye beni ou!
How many of us are spiritually blind and yet try to navigate life on this earth? Without God there truly is no hope. I look at this young man and ask why? I don't know why, but I do know that I serve a great, all knowing, loving God who has a reason for everything He allows.
I am also struggling with the question of am I making a difference? Why am I here in Haiti? There is so much need and so little that I do. Most important - with my limited language do the people really know that it is my faith in God that brings me here? That without God there truly is no hope? Do they see the love of God through me? Am I really loving my patients or am I just going through the motions? Pray that I would make a difference in someones life today.
Mesi and Bondye beni ou!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Day 1 of clinic. Started by sleeping through my alarm - I guess I was tired after a full day of travel. Still got myself to breakfast - fresh mango! and scrambled eggs. Saw 40+ patients, I didn't see anything I wasn't sure what it was (this almost never happens) and I was done by 1:00. I was happy because I was still feeling the time change!
Went home to an amazing lunch prepared by Madame Ejenne- rich with veggies, fried chicken, PIKLEZ!!!!!!!!!!, and fresh mango. Also fresh squeezed fruit juice of a kind I don't know but surely enjoyed. What a treat.
I am enjoying reconnecting with many of the people who are here. Hoping to spend time building on those relationships this week.
Please pray that I would get rested and have a servants heart. Also, that I would get good time in the word and with God.
Thanks and blessings. Did I mention the fresh mango and the piklez?
Went home to an amazing lunch prepared by Madame Ejenne- rich with veggies, fried chicken, PIKLEZ!!!!!!!!!!, and fresh mango. Also fresh squeezed fruit juice of a kind I don't know but surely enjoyed. What a treat.
I am enjoying reconnecting with many of the people who are here. Hoping to spend time building on those relationships this week.
Please pray that I would get rested and have a servants heart. Also, that I would get good time in the word and with God.
Thanks and blessings. Did I mention the fresh mango and the piklez?
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Spring Break
I don't actually have a spring break anymore and my time off of work is less scheduled according to school calenders but it is the time of year for spring break. I am traveling again to Haiti. This trip most of my time will be spent seeing patients in the eye clinic. I will also be checking on the ongoing construction of the new clinic building - excited to see what progress is/will being made!
I am also looking forward to reconnecting with friends - Haitian, American and Italian!
I am also apprehensive - Is God really using me? Am I making a dfference? What is the impact beyond just doing an eye exam and helping, maybe, with a temporary physical need? I know that God will work in me, I pray that He will use me for His glory.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this and for your prayers!
Lori
I am also looking forward to reconnecting with friends - Haitian, American and Italian!
I am also apprehensive - Is God really using me? Am I making a dfference? What is the impact beyond just doing an eye exam and helping, maybe, with a temporary physical need? I know that God will work in me, I pray that He will use me for His glory.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this and for your prayers!
Lori
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Our first week has come to and end. We drove Dean and Darrell to the Port Au Prince airport this morning. The 17 mile drive took only 1 hour and 40 minutes. We did hear that they had safely arrived in Florida.
David and I were able to go to the grocery store with our friend Ryan Price (he was kind enough to drive the two D's to the airport). In the middle of PAP is a huge supermarket, as nice as going to Byerly's and with as much variety as Cub. There was also a bakery that served delicious pastries and espresso. Such a contrast to the incredible poverty that they are in the middle of. It is like a picture of the riches we have in Christ vs the poverty we have without Him. Only the select can come in.
As we begin our second week here we will be meeting with a second optometrist who has been involved with the eye clinic for many years. He arrived today. We will also be meeting a 3rd time with a proposed contractor. This week will also consist of more clinical work as we work both in the eye clinic and doing some screening of school children.
Please pray for wise decisions regarding building the clinic, for some repair work to get done on the optometry house, for David and I to be able to show Gods love and mercy.
Bondye beni ou.
Lori
David and I were able to go to the grocery store with our friend Ryan Price (he was kind enough to drive the two D's to the airport). In the middle of PAP is a huge supermarket, as nice as going to Byerly's and with as much variety as Cub. There was also a bakery that served delicious pastries and espresso. Such a contrast to the incredible poverty that they are in the middle of. It is like a picture of the riches we have in Christ vs the poverty we have without Him. Only the select can come in.
As we begin our second week here we will be meeting with a second optometrist who has been involved with the eye clinic for many years. He arrived today. We will also be meeting a 3rd time with a proposed contractor. This week will also consist of more clinical work as we work both in the eye clinic and doing some screening of school children.
Please pray for wise decisions regarding building the clinic, for some repair work to get done on the optometry house, for David and I to be able to show Gods love and mercy.
Bondye beni ou.
Lori
Thursday, February 7, 2013
How Firm a Foundation
How Firm a Foundation is one of the hymns we chose to sing for group worship last night. We have spent this week learning more about the need for a firm, adequate foundation as we have been digging around a totally inadequate foundation and modifying plans because what was put in was in adequate. We have seen many answers to prayer through this whole process and are ready to pour the initial footings today! Praise God!
We have had 3 very hard working Haitians to work with, they have accomplished a lot, we have enjoyed working with them. We had the excavator for an extra day which was a huge blessing as we had much rock to move and clay to dig through.
Please pray for 1. Salvation for Sara (italian) and Meer (bangladesh) both are graduste students working here, also that we would be able to continue to cultivate those relationships 2. That we would be able to show love and respect for the men we are working with 3. For wisdom as we make decesions about the eye clinic moving forward 4. Praise for an on the ground project coordinator and also 2 bids from contractors
Thank you for your continued prayers - we are feeling Gods love and His control over what we are doing.
We have had 3 very hard working Haitians to work with, they have accomplished a lot, we have enjoyed working with them. We had the excavator for an extra day which was a huge blessing as we had much rock to move and clay to dig through.
Please pray for 1. Salvation for Sara (italian) and Meer (bangladesh) both are graduste students working here, also that we would be able to continue to cultivate those relationships 2. That we would be able to show love and respect for the men we are working with 3. For wisdom as we make decesions about the eye clinic moving forward 4. Praise for an on the ground project coordinator and also 2 bids from contractors
Thank you for your continued prayers - we are feeling Gods love and His control over what we are doing.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
During our group devotions las night we discussed the events of Ezra chapter 1-5 - the Israelites were returning to Jerusalem from exile. Ezra talks specifically about the rebuilding of the temple, how they were met by opposition through questions, taunts, undercover enemies and even a royal decree. Because those involved were relying on God, obeying and trusting God, God was with them and they were successful.
This is very much like how our first day on the building site went. The site which was supposed to be clean and ready for interior footings (below ground support) was full of trash and weeds, the exterior foundation was completely not up to specifications. We needed to start over. There were many questions about how to proceed next.
At the same time we have seen numerous answers to prayer. We spoke with a haitian who is a builder and we have worked with many times. He is able and more than willing to help us get supplies and laborers. Tingue is his name. He also has supplied us with a small backhoe to dig up a lot of rock (not something we wanted to do by hand). There is an American here in Haiti who is a respected builder, he has agreed to work for us. His name is Dale, he comes highly recommended and he was willing to come out this morning to help with the decisions about how best to proceed - he and Dean have been invaluable thus far. There is also a US crew coming in on Saturday, they will have some construction people with them so we will be able to get more work done next week.
Please pray that we will continue to have patience and perseverance through these hurdles, that we would show Gods love to the Hatians we are working with and that we will be in tune with Gods leading.
Bondye beni ou!
Lori
This is very much like how our first day on the building site went. The site which was supposed to be clean and ready for interior footings (below ground support) was full of trash and weeds, the exterior foundation was completely not up to specifications. We needed to start over. There were many questions about how to proceed next.
At the same time we have seen numerous answers to prayer. We spoke with a haitian who is a builder and we have worked with many times. He is able and more than willing to help us get supplies and laborers. Tingue is his name. He also has supplied us with a small backhoe to dig up a lot of rock (not something we wanted to do by hand). There is an American here in Haiti who is a respected builder, he has agreed to work for us. His name is Dale, he comes highly recommended and he was willing to come out this morning to help with the decisions about how best to proceed - he and Dean have been invaluable thus far. There is also a US crew coming in on Saturday, they will have some construction people with them so we will be able to get more work done next week.
Please pray that we will continue to have patience and perseverance through these hurdles, that we would show Gods love to the Hatians we are working with and that we will be in tune with Gods leading.
Bondye beni ou!
Lori
Saturday, February 2, 2013
I have a new blog with a slightly new name as google wouldn't let me into the previous blog.
As I said, we arrived safely with no excitement which is just fine with me. There are a number of familiar faces here - residents at the mission and also a team from Pennsylvania, many of whom were here last year when David and I were here.
I will hopefully be able to get myself logged on here and update frequently.
As I said, we arrived safely with no excitement which is just fine with me. There are a number of familiar faces here - residents at the mission and also a team from Pennsylvania, many of whom were here last year when David and I were here.
I will hopefully be able to get myself logged on here and update frequently.
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