Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
1/13/14
What a wonderful day to be in this beautiful country. The day was spent with the usual sand sifting and nail pulling, followed by building a gigantic scaffolding in the altar end of the sanctuary. This scaffolding will allow the Haitian craftsmen to finish the parging of the gables at the end of the church (30ish feet to the top).
We were a bit sad because it was the children's first day back to school after Christmas break. Happily, many of them came right after school to see us.
The generous and talented wife of Pastor Jacob, Philona, furnished us with a spectacular final meal at the quest house. We were blessed with a special cake which said, "Thanks and we love you. Have a safe trip home." Delish!!!
Today was our final day at Olivier and Petit Goave, and tomorrow we will depart for Port au Prince for a bit of site seeing and shopping. Wednesday morning we will leave for home. We will miss our new and old Haitian friends, but hope to return at a later date.
Good night and God bless!!
"Dad" Maurice Lindsey, Sr.
What a wonderful day to be in this beautiful country. The day was spent with the usual sand sifting and nail pulling, followed by building a gigantic scaffolding in the altar end of the sanctuary. This scaffolding will allow the Haitian craftsmen to finish the parging of the gables at the end of the church (30ish feet to the top).
We were a bit sad because it was the children's first day back to school after Christmas break. Happily, many of them came right after school to see us.
The generous and talented wife of Pastor Jacob, Philona, furnished us with a spectacular final meal at the quest house. We were blessed with a special cake which said, "Thanks and we love you. Have a safe trip home." Delish!!!
Today was our final day at Olivier and Petit Goave, and tomorrow we will depart for Port au Prince for a bit of site seeing and shopping. Wednesday morning we will leave for home. We will miss our new and old Haitian friends, but hope to return at a later date.
Good night and God bless!!
"Dad" Maurice Lindsey, Sr.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Sunday night January 12
Today was a special day country wide. Today is the fourth anniversary of the earthquake that took so many lives. At Olivier Church this morning, the Pastor asked for a moment of silence to reflect on those lost. It was pretty powerful worshipping alongside the Haitians, knowing that many had lost part of their family on that day. One of our interpreters lost two of his cousins and his aunt that he was living with as he was able to get out of the house, but they didn't make it. Very humbling.
Pastor Michelle Lindsey delivered the sermon during this Communion service. Pastor Jacob (our host) translated the message. It was very interesting to see their different styles of preaching. While Michelle is pretty calm and reserved, Pastor Jacob is very animated and exhuberant. We worshipped outside in the rear of the unfinished Church, were they have tarps tied off overhead to the trees, back of the Church or the rear wall of the property. The service was a little over three hours long, from 7 until 10:15. It seemed like it was only aout an hour or so. It is impossible to explain this properly, so I won't try. Just believe that you get caught up in the wonderful service and time doesn't seem as important any more.
We headed back to the guest house for lunch and then went to the local beach for a couple of
relaxing hours in the afternoon.
We all feel better rested and refreshed and looking forward to tomorrow as this will be our last work day at the site.
Mark
Today was a special day country wide. Today is the fourth anniversary of the earthquake that took so many lives. At Olivier Church this morning, the Pastor asked for a moment of silence to reflect on those lost. It was pretty powerful worshipping alongside the Haitians, knowing that many had lost part of their family on that day. One of our interpreters lost two of his cousins and his aunt that he was living with as he was able to get out of the house, but they didn't make it. Very humbling.
Pastor Michelle Lindsey delivered the sermon during this Communion service. Pastor Jacob (our host) translated the message. It was very interesting to see their different styles of preaching. While Michelle is pretty calm and reserved, Pastor Jacob is very animated and exhuberant. We worshipped outside in the rear of the unfinished Church, were they have tarps tied off overhead to the trees, back of the Church or the rear wall of the property. The service was a little over three hours long, from 7 until 10:15. It seemed like it was only aout an hour or so. It is impossible to explain this properly, so I won't try. Just believe that you get caught up in the wonderful service and time doesn't seem as important any more.
We headed back to the guest house for lunch and then went to the local beach for a couple of
relaxing hours in the afternoon.
We all feel better rested and refreshed and looking forward to tomorrow as this will be our last work day at the site.
Mark
1/11/14
After an exhausting day of watching the little children sing, color, and jump rope, I reflect on how we were able to touch the children's lives at our vacation bible school. The children seemed very excited to learn their bible lessons and receive their colorful crosses. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, a wonderful Sunday school class in the US or under a dusty tent in Haiti, teaching the children the word of God is a delight to all.
One of our team members from Annandale UMC, Pam Jones, did a fantastic job in making careful plans, gathering materials and organizing all of the team to be a part of this very sucessful two day bible school program. When Pam let the kids know that they would be able to keep their own individual box of crayons after the lessons, they were very excited. (thanks for all of those donations of crayons, oat bars, balls, etc.!!)
the entire team is grateful that we had the blessing of this time with the children of Haiti.
Maurice Lindsey, Jr.
After an exhausting day of watching the little children sing, color, and jump rope, I reflect on how we were able to touch the children's lives at our vacation bible school. The children seemed very excited to learn their bible lessons and receive their colorful crosses. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, a wonderful Sunday school class in the US or under a dusty tent in Haiti, teaching the children the word of God is a delight to all.
One of our team members from Annandale UMC, Pam Jones, did a fantastic job in making careful plans, gathering materials and organizing all of the team to be a part of this very sucessful two day bible school program. When Pam let the kids know that they would be able to keep their own individual box of crayons after the lessons, they were very excited. (thanks for all of those donations of crayons, oat bars, balls, etc.!!)
the entire team is grateful that we had the blessing of this time with the children of Haiti.
Maurice Lindsey, Jr.
Friday, January 10, 2014
1/10/14
What an awesome day, in an awesome mission week, in an awesome life. Today was our first day (of two) of vacation bible school with the children. It seems that no matter how many times we come to Haiti, we usually forget that we must always be on Haitian time!! (we forgot about Haitian time a bit today!) At a half hour past our advertised begining time, we started our lesson with 40 kids....then...60 kids....then 80 kids....then finally by the end of the bible school time, 215 kids participating. It was a wonderful, chaotic, energetic, fun, silly blessing for all of us. Tomorrow will be day two of vbs and we are prepared for 350-400 kids. What an honor to think that we might be able to sing, play, teach, love and laugh with that many children in the name of Jesus Christ.
This year we have two amazing interpreters that have been wonderful the entire trip, but we would not be able to do bible school without them. Those who have been to Haiti on previous trips may have had the chance to work with Caz or Joseph. We got both this time. They are great and are both Godly men who understand mission. Thanks be to God for them.
We have been told that the UMVIM mission for Haiti has shifted a bit this year. After completing three years following the earthquake, the Haiti Response Plan is done. The new phase of ministry focuses on three areas instead of just one. The primary focus of the Haiti Response Plan was construction/reconstruction. The new Haiti UMVIM initiative will focus on (1) Spirituality and Relationship (2) Haitian churches in mission with Haitians (3) Construction. Our trip this year has already begun to reflect these emphases.
We are especially touched by the tremendous presence of the children since they are still on Christmas break from school. They come every day and work with us, play with us,.....and well...just love us.
We are all well and having a great time. God is so good!! Your prayers are lifting us up. Keep up the good work. We miss you all and will have great stories to share with you when we return.
blessings!
Michelle Lindsey
What an awesome day, in an awesome mission week, in an awesome life. Today was our first day (of two) of vacation bible school with the children. It seems that no matter how many times we come to Haiti, we usually forget that we must always be on Haitian time!! (we forgot about Haitian time a bit today!) At a half hour past our advertised begining time, we started our lesson with 40 kids....then...60 kids....then 80 kids....then finally by the end of the bible school time, 215 kids participating. It was a wonderful, chaotic, energetic, fun, silly blessing for all of us. Tomorrow will be day two of vbs and we are prepared for 350-400 kids. What an honor to think that we might be able to sing, play, teach, love and laugh with that many children in the name of Jesus Christ.
This year we have two amazing interpreters that have been wonderful the entire trip, but we would not be able to do bible school without them. Those who have been to Haiti on previous trips may have had the chance to work with Caz or Joseph. We got both this time. They are great and are both Godly men who understand mission. Thanks be to God for them.
We have been told that the UMVIM mission for Haiti has shifted a bit this year. After completing three years following the earthquake, the Haiti Response Plan is done. The new phase of ministry focuses on three areas instead of just one. The primary focus of the Haiti Response Plan was construction/reconstruction. The new Haiti UMVIM initiative will focus on (1) Spirituality and Relationship (2) Haitian churches in mission with Haitians (3) Construction. Our trip this year has already begun to reflect these emphases.
We are especially touched by the tremendous presence of the children since they are still on Christmas break from school. They come every day and work with us, play with us,.....and well...just love us.
We are all well and having a great time. God is so good!! Your prayers are lifting us up. Keep up the good work. We miss you all and will have great stories to share with you when we return.
blessings!
Michelle Lindsey
Thursday, January 9, 2014
1/9/14
Greetings from a land of sunshine and palms. Temperatures are a little warm but we are adjusting.
The biggest improvements I see here are from previous visits are that they are finally attempting to clean the ditches besided the road and the streets. The second thing is the increased presence of the police. On previous visits you would see a few officers riding in beat up pick-up trucks. Now you see police on foot and even directing traffic. At some intersections they are acting like VDOT employees where one is directing traffic and four are watching.
The traffic is very heavy and is approaching grid lock in Port au Prince. On the open road there are no posted speed limits, so the traffic really rolls. A mix of trucks, buses, cars, motor cycles, push carts, wheel barrows, burros, pedestrians, and an occasional bicycle, trying to use the roads together. It is chaos, but somehow they make it work. I have to say that they do better at giving way to others than state-side people do.
The work so far is demolition, sifting sand, moving gravel and rubble with wheelbarrows, building scaffolding, etc, etc. The Haitians we are working with are some of the same ones as last year which is a good situation.
There is no school this week (snow days), so a lot of the kids hang around with us and are trying to help. They are a fun bunch and delightful to be around.
Our group is working and living together well. I cannot think of a better group to travel and work with.
As noted, on the last two visits, the Haitians do not have much when it comes to material things. They seem to be rich in the three important F's - Faith, Family and Friends.
General Vovo...aka...John Rogerson (Dottie's husband)
Greetings from a land of sunshine and palms. Temperatures are a little warm but we are adjusting.
The biggest improvements I see here are from previous visits are that they are finally attempting to clean the ditches besided the road and the streets. The second thing is the increased presence of the police. On previous visits you would see a few officers riding in beat up pick-up trucks. Now you see police on foot and even directing traffic. At some intersections they are acting like VDOT employees where one is directing traffic and four are watching.
The traffic is very heavy and is approaching grid lock in Port au Prince. On the open road there are no posted speed limits, so the traffic really rolls. A mix of trucks, buses, cars, motor cycles, push carts, wheel barrows, burros, pedestrians, and an occasional bicycle, trying to use the roads together. It is chaos, but somehow they make it work. I have to say that they do better at giving way to others than state-side people do.
The work so far is demolition, sifting sand, moving gravel and rubble with wheelbarrows, building scaffolding, etc, etc. The Haitians we are working with are some of the same ones as last year which is a good situation.
There is no school this week (snow days), so a lot of the kids hang around with us and are trying to help. They are a fun bunch and delightful to be around.
Our group is working and living together well. I cannot think of a better group to travel and work with.
As noted, on the last two visits, the Haitians do not have much when it comes to material things. They seem to be rich in the three important F's - Faith, Family and Friends.
General Vovo...aka...John Rogerson (Dottie's husband)
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
1/8/14
Greetings from Petit Goave church family and friends! What a glorious day we have had with old friends and meeting new friends at our worksite, Methodist Church of Olivier. This church was destroyed in the earthquake and you may recall that the mission teams from Annandale and Wesley Chapel UMCs worked at this church when our teams were here in April, 2013. We were all very excited and inspired to see the continued progress to rebuild the church since we were last here. When we left in April the concrete block walls at the site were several rows above the windows. The floor remained rubble and there was no ceiling. Now the walls have been completed, the concrete floor is poured and the church is under roof. The walls of the outdoor, open air kitchen have been repaired and lunch was prepared for the hired workers on charcoal and a big cast iron pot. The guest house prepared our Haitian lunch which included bannann fri (fried plantains), lam fri (fried bread fruit), marinad (spicy pie) and pikliz (a type of vegetable).
Today's work included building scaffolding in preparation to apply the parge coat on the exterior walls. We enjoyed playing with the children and several team members even had their hair braided by the children...men too!!
After a wonderul dinner we celebrated Rudy's 83rd birthday with a cake prepared by the guest house staff along with homemade birthday cards and Happy birthday sung in Creole by the guest house staff and family (including sweet little three year old Eli - Pastor Jacob's son).
This awesome day ended with a hymn sing led by Rudy on the ukelele and Michelle on the guitar. We sang at the top of our lungs and occasionally even in harmony!!!
We are off to bed now, thanking God for this wonderful opportunity to serve and looking forward to another glorious day.
Our awesome team leader, Mark, is feeling much better and we are all healthy and well. Don't know if the boss would agree but I think our team has found our stride. Full steam ahead! We miss you all very much and look forward to seeing you in the very near future.
blessings to all!
In His Service
Pam Jones
Greetings from Petit Goave church family and friends! What a glorious day we have had with old friends and meeting new friends at our worksite, Methodist Church of Olivier. This church was destroyed in the earthquake and you may recall that the mission teams from Annandale and Wesley Chapel UMCs worked at this church when our teams were here in April, 2013. We were all very excited and inspired to see the continued progress to rebuild the church since we were last here. When we left in April the concrete block walls at the site were several rows above the windows. The floor remained rubble and there was no ceiling. Now the walls have been completed, the concrete floor is poured and the church is under roof. The walls of the outdoor, open air kitchen have been repaired and lunch was prepared for the hired workers on charcoal and a big cast iron pot. The guest house prepared our Haitian lunch which included bannann fri (fried plantains), lam fri (fried bread fruit), marinad (spicy pie) and pikliz (a type of vegetable).
Today's work included building scaffolding in preparation to apply the parge coat on the exterior walls. We enjoyed playing with the children and several team members even had their hair braided by the children...men too!!
After a wonderul dinner we celebrated Rudy's 83rd birthday with a cake prepared by the guest house staff along with homemade birthday cards and Happy birthday sung in Creole by the guest house staff and family (including sweet little three year old Eli - Pastor Jacob's son).
This awesome day ended with a hymn sing led by Rudy on the ukelele and Michelle on the guitar. We sang at the top of our lungs and occasionally even in harmony!!!
We are off to bed now, thanking God for this wonderful opportunity to serve and looking forward to another glorious day.
Our awesome team leader, Mark, is feeling much better and we are all healthy and well. Don't know if the boss would agree but I think our team has found our stride. Full steam ahead! We miss you all very much and look forward to seeing you in the very near future.
blessings to all!
In His Service
Pam Jones
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