English Essay

A LITTLE TASTE OF HAITI

Can you envision a city scattered with garbage. Where homes are stacked like dominos in ravines? Are you able to visualize houses that are made from tarps and bed sheets? Where parents resort to feeding their children mud cookies as a source of survival?

Barking dogs, singing, gunshots, and the sound of voodoo drums are normal every-night sounds in Delmas, Port-au-Prince. One sound that should not be heard is a child crying out from hunger, sickness, and abuse. If you could pass by her you would want to do something, right?

I would like to share with you a much-loved ministry God has laid on my heart. Reaching out to Haiti’s children, sharing the love of Christ.

My first trip to Haiti was in February 1997 to visit my sponsor child. As I waited to meet Jenifer and her mother for the first time, I was told I looked like an expecting father as I paced the hotel lobby. When she gave me a hug, I thought of her delicate, tiny body in my embrace. She was so thankful for being sponsored. Her way of showing this, was threw many tiny kisses on my cheek reminding me of the wings of a fluttering butterfly.

In 2004, I had the opportunity to return and help with a feeding program located in Port-au-Prince. Driving from the airport to the compound, a wave of emotion and memories returned from the past visit seven years earlier. As my heart filled with joy, and with tears in my eyes, I clearly heard the Lord’s voice saying, “You’re home”. And rightfully, so as Haiti is defiantly where my heart is.

For the past thirteen years I have traveled back to the place I call home. Each time I seem to leave a little part of my heart behind. The only way I can explain how I feel when I return to Canada is referring to a toddler and her lollipop.

Visualize for a moment a two-year-old admiring a brightly coloured lollipop. If she could only taste her lollipop once a year, how do you think she would feel? Perhaps teased and a bit of unexplained sadness. Possibly, some anticipation as she waits till next year to once again savor a moment of its sweet taste.

Recently I was able to minister in Haiti for eleven months, spending part of that time before and after the January 12th Earthquake. I grew in many areas as I helped with the ministry. A few highlights for that year was; prison visitation, teaching Bible lessons to children, painting the new compound, public transportation to the primitive living conditions, and learning the language and culture while bonding with the youth.

On my first week I was asked to share a message at a youth prison on Delmas 38. I clearly remember this trip. As I climbed into the Pathfinder, there was enough room for five adults but somehow we managed to squeeze in eight. Without air-conditioning and unable to role down the widows because of the outside dust, we somehow arrived joyfully.

On my fourth visit, I was introduced to a fifteen-year-old boy who spoke very poor English. I soon became a mentor to Shneither and his friend Jeff. Each week he would write a letter and I would send

him Bible lessons for encouragement. The next week, we met to discuss any questions he had. It was inspiring to see how much passion he had to dig deeper into God’s word. Shneither and Jeff were released before Christmas along with eight other youth, and Bible studies continued until the prison was closed.

“Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened.” Acts 16:26. This verse reminds me of how the Lord released many of the prisoners in a similar way to Paul and Silos.

During my year stay I was also involved in teaching two midweek programs for a group of twelve hundred school age children, and four hundred preschoolers. Recording my first few lessons to my last message I was able to see how I had grown. I used skits to encourage the smaller groups interaction, and created over fifty, four-foot drawings to visually stimulate both groups.

My ability to paint was not only used to enhance the children’s program. Asked to recruit help from the youth group, I was put to work painting the new church. I started to think it was easier to paint alone, but how could I turn away a willing heart to serve.

I began the long task at teaching them how to paint, and clean up. It soon became apparent that some youth had no intention on working. However, there were four boys who came every day, and each week I saw their continued willingness to help. They were always on time, and very pleasant to work with. However, their painting skill is a different story.

I showed them the importance to take time when painting, one hard lesson they quickly learned. To teach them this lesson, I had the boys correct their lines until they looked straight. Several months later I found it amusing to see how they adapted and began to use my painting techniques. It was like looking at my reflection in a mirror.

How can someone feel so much pride for her team? Returning for a visit five months later, my boys showed me around. They where enthusiastic to show the work they completed when I was away. I could see their satisfaction in the work they had accomplished.

After ten hours of painting in high humidity, cleanup was welcomed, as it some how always ended in a water fight. At first, my team seemed bewildered to see I was the one to initiate the cool down. As the weeks past, the cool down became a much-rewarded game at the end of a hard day of work.

Bonding with the youth, I quickly became immersed in the language and culture. I was blessed to find one of the youth willing to teach me his Kreyòl language, and become a translator for my messages.

I was first introduced to some basic fraises. As time went on I slowly began to comprehend how to use past, present, and future tenses. We then practiced verbs, and I began to add new words to my vocabulary. As I è became familiar with the language, I realized my spelling in Kreyòl was much better than my English. I needed to keep aware of when to use accents, as it would sometimes change the meaning of the word.

Language was not the only thing I need to adapt to. A hot bath or shower was soon forgotten and I quickly learned to adapt to washing in a bucket of cold water, when there was water.

I also had limited access to electricity. On average my fridge was powered for three hours a day. The fridge soon became an icebox hoping this would help with the loss of meat. What I did have I looked upon as a blessing and I quickly became thankful for the added commodities left behind in Canada.

One delight I took pleasure in, was observing the Haitian people as I walked the ravines; they seemed to have the balance and stealth of a mountain goat, yet when I took a few friends to go swimming they had no concept of bouncy. Instead, as I helped my friends to swim they felt like a sinking stone.

I also received pleasure from taking public transportation. Small, brightly painted trucks known as Tap-Taps seemed to be on their last wheel. As I bounced around from hitting man-sized holes, I felt like a packed sardine in a tin can. I enjoyed watching and listening to the people as we drove by the busy outdoor markets, paying close attention to many original sights, sounds, and very distinct smells.

Returning to Canada after ministering for eleven months in Haiti, I found it very difficult to adjust. Once again try to picture that toddler with her lollipop, enjoying it for a much longer time. How might she feel when her lollipop is being pulled from her mouth, unsure of the next time she will once again feel content to savor its sweet taste.

How can one person have so much joy and love in their heart for a people group? Once again I feel like that toddler. I have tasted the sweetness of ministry in a place where I belong, love, and call home. Haiti will always have a special place in my heart. God willing, I will continue to do what I can and one day return to share the love of Christ to the Haitian people.

Oct 12-19 Trip to Haiti

Day 9-Home
THANKS everyone for yourprayers and support while I was gone! Let me know if you'd like to meet and talk!

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Day 8/9- Travel
Cought the plane whch left late. so got to montreal late, had to claim my bags go through customes and run to cech in bags to leave for Toronto in the nick of time!

call for hotel shuttle (great idea will sleep there again instead of in the ...airport even with the rush) and now im in the soo.

Off to kids quest at 6pm.

I wrote a lady in Haiti and just got a responce. She operates a girls home. She would like to meet me, and know more, so MANY doors are opening!

I stopped off at a daycare and spoke with a lady in charge. Asked if I could volunteer to work with the disabled kids. I told her i had ECE, need experience so I could go back to Haiti to assit and start a program for the disable. She stated they wold like to put me on pay role LOL funny. (I don't even think she notice I had a disabliity myself LOL)

So I recieved contacts here so I can learn and posibly put into action what I learn for there.
Please pray that doors open for this as well. I believe in wil be benificial.

I never knew there were that many places needing help with my giftings. GODS GOOD. And I will never regret going for the week!!!!! NEVER EVER!!!!!!!!!!! God knew what i need!

Oh, and it felt like Christmas when i returned, as My 3 classes books arived. Next week I start school! Pray that I pass and Corespodence goes well.

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Day 8-Leave
This morning Assenique came to say good bye. Later I will go to meet 1 other person, and then head to the airport at noon, plane leaves at 3:30, I will stay in Toronto for the night then off to the soo at noon Wed.

This has been an eye opene...r, and very good for me to return even if its just a week. God knew what needed to be done, and I have closure, so maybe it will be esier for me to cope in Canada- Oh and of course I'll FREEZE lol!!!
--Dr Ed walked me to Dotty's school we had a tour by a teacher, then walk the other way to find her at the guest house. She has a place for me to say a month for free just need food (and will have a 24/7 working fridge.) She has been praying ...for someone to help or take over. She asked when I could start lol.

Then drove to Kathy's place. another school with disabled kids, and is in need of help to orginize things and teach and help build up a program Then whent to the airport

And theres more people that are out there that I didn't get to meet. Many of whom need my ECE skill!!!

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Day 7- clinic/travel
Was up early again, for some reason I can't sleep in, must be from excitment. Yesterday went to a ladies orphanage to do physicals on the new commers. I just held the babies.

One child was 9 months old, but wieghed nothing, she was so dehid...raded, had a fever/infection cried very litte, but there was not tears left for her to shed. They just got her in. Ed said this kids on deaths door step. So they brought her to the hospital She would have died that day if no help was gotten. The kids was actually slowly dieing in my arms. This is very common here.

The lady, said she learned a new Haitian fraise "10 dollar baby" Thy had a 2 week old, whos mom was a prostitute in the tent cities and a drugie. She sold her child to get her fix for the day. This is 10 Haitian dollars or 50 gourds equal at this time $1.25 US At least this child will be adopted out.

There was also a few disabled kids, shes getting many more since the earthquake so they want to start a program for them. There is so much I can do here! I was so sheltered before.

After we drove to T something town where mission of Hope is, to pick up a free dental chair, and clinic exam bed. It was a neat experience to see a little country side not senent every where. I even saw huge cati.

Then at night (evern in the rain) my friends came to once again say good bye.

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Day 6-Sunday/friends
Going to church, then heading to Epidor to hang with my 4 painters and 2 good friends and sponsor child!
--making stake for sunday lunch then off. Cant wait to see the whole gang lol! together before I leave.
--Glad the BBQ ran out of gas as the food would have been over cooked lol
--Wow is all I can say. My time with the 7 of them was better than Christmas morning as a kid!!! They wondered why I was not talking. (besides Epidors music being loud, I was soaking up there faces and languge, and everything about them.I WAS... SO OVER JOYED seeing them, at the same time wanting to cry, as I wont see them again till next year. I'm not a parent, but I have so much motherly love for them. They have become like family (my little brothers and sisters in Christ!)

As we left, (of cours I needed pictures) I explained I wont return for a year working at their church, but will go to bible school and when I am done, God willing, I will return. I told them how thankful I was for their friendship and hard work ministering and helping me last year. I belive I have a team to continue to do so when I return.

When I was done Tinque wanted to say something, then it snowballed and all 7 wanted to speak. Each one told me why I was special to them. Assenique said she never knew me before when i came on teams but this time she said she found me out and knows me, and all the good things in my heart and will practise English more so when i return so we can speak more (right now we speak Kreole- sometimes they forget and talk way above my language skills but one day with Gods grace I will understand their language a culture better)

For instance a few stated I was big or fat (4 months ago when they last saw me I was 20 pds lighter) I had to ask them if that was and insult of a good thing. The explained, that here it is a great compliment to say you have grown lol means your healthy LOL. I explain sometime its an insult to white people to so " my you've grown, or wow your fatter" lol Of course we all had a good laugh. second my boy (the painting 4) like to pet my hair, it feels like I am a dog LOL and said thats what we do to ower pets. But here its great afection for that person. Your mother, gradmother, or thier guardian if they have one, their kids do that to show their love for them. They say we do this because you are like a mother to us.

My sponsor child thanked me for taking me under her wing, paying for school and accepting her and teaching her things etc. And wanted to thank me. She will alway see me as her sister.

My boys (painting 4- magnifisant 4, TV show LOL) each spoke. They told me how thankful they were that I taught them in a kind gental way. They said they liked that I corrected them when they made a mistake and showed them how to do it right, as others just let them keep making the same mistakes and they don't learn. The said when they paint they hear my voice and advice so they do their best. Knowing I would aprove of their work. One said thanks for not pushing us, If we needed a brake, we could relax and you told us to take our time to do good work. (I saw how they worked-very pleasant, punctual, etc If they knew thier lines were getting bad or they where tired, they would sit for 5 minits collect themselves and continue) they thanked me for not pushing them. They still didnt like the fact that I piad them for their work Sat lol I explained agian it was a job not help.)
-- You have to understand, most Haitians love to take brakes and not work. But my boys where volenteers and only getting lunch to help paint the church, so why push them hard and turn them off wanting to help. It gave me the perfect opportunit...y to train them.

All of hem said they will keep me i their hearts. I was the first missonary on a team who took time to get to know them as individuals. (coming back proved that more.) Who knew my heart would be drawn to the youth to mentor them one to one. I still miss teaching the kids thou.

This has been such an eye opener to me. I was so close to give this all up because of hard times and being depresed when in canada. But I know this is the place God wants me. Now the hard thing is to grow as I finish school and find the direction and what God whats me to do here.

One boy said when i go to Canada, leave my spirit,mind and heart here. I had to stop him because I said thats what I did before I left and it was not a good thing. However, I said my mind will always be here....

Forget about cloud 9 I'm much higher LOL, WEEEeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Hopefully, I won't fall with a thud like last time. The youth even thanked me for being funny and joke with them (in Kreole lol) Now thats funny didn't know I did that lol. This has been a great week!!!

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Day 5- more painting
How could I so quickly forget. Alway check paint before leaving the store in Haiti. Went to go paint the second room, and the colour was a lilac purple, not cobalt blue. At least it wasn't green lol.

Made oatmeal in the morning and right on ...8:30 my 2 boys came. We loaded in the truck and drove to the clinic to paint.

I FELT SO PROUD OF MY BOYS! Couldn't say much for the floor but it washed up nice. They cleaned up the paint from the windows and wood as they went along. They eve remembered to scrap the paint from the empty can to the new with a brush. Ed was impressed at their work (lines that is, or cutting) I did little painting, some cleaning and how I managed to get that much paint on me is a mistery lol!

The boys were fed by the missionary at the school and they wouldn't eat till they finished the last touch up of the room they painted, After they ate they fixed up the other room. Oh and they even knew to make sure to cover the white slotches of uncoved wall- If that makes sence. Again I'm SO PROUD of their wor, and you can see that they take pride in it as well. I went to go pay them and they wouldn't take it. So I had to chase after him and stuff it in their pockets. One said we don't take money from a friend because we came to help. I explaind that It was a job.

They also asked how long I am here. I said I leave Tues and you should have seen his face, like a sad lost pup.

I said to Dr Ed eat light lunch so we did't eat, because when You eat rice and beans its good till you go to bed. lol. I took him to the resterant he likes as a thank you for letting me visit and introdusing me to other mission groups.

I did very little work (or at least thats what it seemed) but adjusting to the heat-which I'm fine with- just a little work tuckers you out.
--So it looks like I can come back and minister with kids every summer for 4 weeks as I finis Bible school-Please continue to pray for the direction an ministery I am to do here in Haiti.

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Day 4-painting lol
Today headed out to the school and clinic to paint. I felt so naked with out my boys! (the 4 youth I trained to paint. It took months but the are great at it) We will go back tomorrow, and I called 2 of them to come help-like a job, If Ed l...iks their work I hope he will tell others so my boys can get part time work. I worked with 2 eager 13 year olds and lets just say, clean more than painted, thankfully it was water base this time and not oil. For lunch we had Haitian street rice and beans, what a treat! Also spoke with another youth, in English, well he wanted to, but I spoke Kreyol. Then stared talking English and to my suprise, he asked me to talk in Kreyol because he could understand better. That was I good compliment to me 2nd language skills. lol. He also asked me to pray for him on the spot, while his friends laughed. Pritty cool to beable to do that!!!

Before we went, Dr Ed stopped by a place and I met a lady that has a progrome for adoption, and abused kids. Kinda layed out like a school and day care. We got to speak, and she said when ever I'm in Haiti they'll put me to work. Praise God I'm meating many "ex pats" here thats what a missionary is called.

A few more things planed this week. This has been so great to get in touch with other whites here. So It looks like I can come to minister in a few places for a month each year till I graduate. Cool! I definatly felt like I was in my nitch to paint - I think it was just being used that was the fun part. The word has gotten out that I'm back, they are so happy I'm back, weird. This has been So worth the trip!
--Oh and the coulor in the purple room with tan ceiling turned out real different but nice. And everyone likes them.
--To my suprise, a few whites I met speak less than me and not well. I was so blessed to have a great teacher

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Day 3- Headaeck
Today wasn't as buisy as I hoped. Dr Ed was not well so we started the day late. Well even if it was early, when you shop or run erands its an all day thing. Picked up the paint for the clinic. He had me choose the colours lol the cellings ...are tan because he liked that colour his office/sergery room a cobalt or slate grey blue. and the waiting room/nurse care ares is a gre purple.

Went to the new church where I worked before, to get my fridge (which was brought to the clinic for meds etc- I'm glad it will go to good use.) and came back with my things to sort give away and bring home things.

Well the exciting thing I met my 4 boys! (the ones I trained to paint) They showed me aroung at what they accomplished these past 4 months. And they were so proud to show off their work, thanking me for teaching them and me saying it was God! Of course had to hug them all!

Later went to the new clinic (remember there are two places/organizations I speek of) Unloaded more things and will go back early morning to work.

This evening, my translator, language teache, friend and little brother in Christ came by to say Hi.

Its like I never left. I am so on cloud 9 able to see my friends and Haitian team I ministered with. One thing you dont want to here is that you got bigger lol I tried to explain thats what sadness does to you (sit on the couch and eat lol) I gave out some heart key rings to my 2 good friends and one was so proud to show it off. When I left I said one day I'll return to love the Hatian people.come back for my heart (yes it made sence to us)

I'm already counting down my days to return. Yes it will be sad But This return I know I will work to return. I so needed this, to cope in Canada God is GOOD! Once again this is the people I belong with!

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I feel like I'm on VACATION!!!!!!!!!!! Haiti is SOOOOOOO my place! Thank you Lord once again for choosing me!!!!

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Day 2- Home
can't get into the camps, but thats ok
--sorry tryed to post sooner, but there was a storm.
here it is...
--The clinic has moved (I'm back in the delmas area. Today relaxed till noon my time I was up at 6, 5 am here. Went shopping for groceries at the old stompping grounds Eagle marke...t. Call the missionaries to ask if I could get my box of things. So stopped by , but can't get till tomorrow. Shower here I come when i get my shampoo, and deoderant! lol will have to smell till tomorrow. LOL

I am making some contacts, people I met, but actually let them know I would like and am trying to find a place to minister.

When I went to the old church where my friend was, I saw my friend Assenique. She was so suprised, and didn't expect my here. She flew out the door grabbed me and tossed me around like a rag doll. It was so GREAT to she her!.

I am here for closure till finished bible school so i can return. Dr Ed is in transition moving clinics, so he will bring me around to meet other missions with schools etc. this week. I spoke with a pastor already, and gave me several names.

I am pritty much relaxing compaired to the year of work I did with the other mission. I am seing how this person handles teams and life in Haiti. Its so good to see.

One thing I KNOW....... without a dought HAITI IS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!! And I'm being drawn to the excitment and wanting to work with children! So this week will add more experience to where I believe God wants me.!!!!!

We went shopping to buy things for the new clinic, They want me to paint, and I am happy with that, as I will use my artistic ability to paint a miral in the waiting/clinic room. The school will open on Mon and it is for many disabled kids so i hope to see it in action.

As I was driven home, I looked in the truck mirrow. I saw someone who looked whole. If you can see my eyes are so alive and with a spark something that was missing in Canada these past 4 months.

To finish my night I cooked my Haitian style lazana and luch had this weird pazeradi thing (with egg, hot dog, and hot cabage) Pritty interesting.

Good night and god bless!
Continue to pray God will open doors for new contacts here for me!
Oh and this place has a fridge plugged in all day. What a blessing!!!!!!!
--Im here for closure, wil finish bible school and my prayer is that after God will find me the right place to minister and stay full time here.
--Saw Assenique, called PJ and Herve, both new my voice. Some youth saw me yesterday . The cook Anna saw me I gave her a hug, and before I could go around back to find Assenique, she ran to get her. Its so need to feel the love and acceptance from the locals here that I got to know. I believe if I stay in touch thy'll stay friends for life. Something good for when! I return.

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Day 1-Here
Well I'm here safe! And yes I feel at HOME!!!!
--Got off the plane, and felt the heat hit like a brick wall. Went to the new building that will be a school and a clinic. Basically this might be a relaxing week. meaning not 24/7 mad dash like at the other place I ministered at last year. T...he clinic is moving for reasons, but found out that the school will open Mon I leave Tues. It is for disabled kids JK to 6 grade. I hope to make very many contacts.

Came to the place I will stay at met the gaurd dogs, (of course fell in love with the little pup. Also asked what the Dr does with his home when he goes to the states. I stated If you don't mind trusting me I'd love to house/dog sit for you. He said Id love to have you do this for me. So there might be an oportunity to live in Haiti every year for 6-8 weeks in the summer-the hottest months but who cares!!! Its worth it. Now, I just need a door to open to minister teaching kids or painting lol.

This week will be different. In Haiti, there is always 4 plans. A,B,C and try D which is go with the flow. I hope to get closure here and say good bye till I finish Bible school, and on day reunight ministering with the Haitian people. I'll take one step at a time!

So i was informed tomorrow will go shopping for groceries, go get me cloths and things, and bye paint.

Yes, it looks like I paint once again this time the waiting room, and ER 2, 12x12 sament rooms. Might get a chance to go to the camps, he seems pritty flexable. Will see what God has instore. but no matter what I do, I FEEL SO AT PEACE BECAUSE I"M HOME!!!!! even just for a quick visit.
Will try to keep in touch each day to quickly fill you in on what I do this week Thanks everyone for your prayer!
--Ya its "sum, sum summer time" song lol. x the factor of 10 but I dont care!!!! I'm loving it! Wish I could stay till spring!

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‎2:30 am and I'm up and ready to go. Funny, this is the time I usually go to bed lol
--‎finally arived at 2:30 pm or 3:30 your time.

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6 hrs and I'm off to the airport!

Summer Sponsor Letter

Devastation Strike
On January 12th, 2010, Port-au-Prince and it*s surrounding cities, (about 3 million people) -- one-third of Haiti's population -- were affected by a devastating 7.2 Earthquake. I saw first hand the crisis that followed after the destruction hit the capital city. Now imagine how many of those people died not knowing the love of Christ. But the state of this small island was in desperate need of Christ long before.

Sounds of an Earthquake
After the ground stood still for just a few moments and the dust began to settle, there were sounds other than destruction that could be heard. One sound was from children crying out from despair, hunger, and illness. You may not be able to hear them crying, but never the less it happens and God hears each one. If you could pass by those children you would want to do something... Right?

"Haiti Ministries"
14 years ago, the Charbonneaus heard God*s call and started a children*s program. Over the years, their ministry has grown to 2,000 children, by providing church services, school sponsorship to 500 children, feeding program, and a medical clinic. They are in the process of building a children*s church to minister to 10,000 of the poorest children in Haiti. The ones their own community sweep aside.

The Need to Return
I was in Haiti for 11 months helping the Charbonneaus with their children's programs before the earthquake. I will be returning for a second 12 month term. However, I cannot do so at this time as there is a lack of funds .Would you please consider partnering with me and become a sponsor.
For myself, giving up my life in Canada to serve God in Haiti is not difficult. I'm excited about the opportunity and experiences that lie ahead. I hope you see the value in what will be accomplished for the kingdom of God

General Update Jan.

John 16:22 Yes, no one can take our joy away from us. Weeping is for a season, laughter is for a season, but joy goes on and on. Don't put your trust in temporary emotions like laughter. Laugh at appropriate times, weep at appropriate times, but put your trust in the Lord and His Word, and you will have abiding joy forever in your heart.

I was able to make some balloon hats for some of the children in our area on Saterday, and the neighbour kids on Monday. The first girl to the left is Gandy's 6 year old sister Bianka.With the little creole I know, I have been bonding with these 4 kids. Many of them show smiles but they are hurting inside from what they have seen. The more I spend time with them, the more they can trust, and share how they feel. Only God knows what will take place, but balloons for any age, anywhere seem to open doors of comunication.

I was able to visit one of the tent citieis on an old golf course in Delmas, 10 minutes from where I live. The camp started with about 5,000 people just a few days after the earthquake. In just two weeks there are about 50,000 homeless Haitians living in this small area. After three week, the sevier patients have been cared for. We are now seeing post stress trama and everyday colds, with some minor wounds, as well as Asthma from the dusty conditions It was so great to get out amoung the Haitian people. The golf course is protected by a group of 4,000"Airborne" (American military-who specialize jumping out of planes.) The rain is coming and our next concern is that it will bring a distruction. Water has only one way to go and that's down the hill. There will be water and mud in their make shift bed sheet homes, if they are lucky enough to not get washed away. There is also the chance of an epidemic out brake from a number of given sicknesses.

Numbers are slowly coming in, and there seems to be 1 out of 15 people that have died from the earthquake. I believe it is much higher than this because many are unaccounted for. The rubble and bodies are being burried at dump sites without being tagged, leaving their loved ones behind having false hope that one day they will return.

We have recieved at least 50 (Rotery International-TENT box shelters) Our goal is to distribute them to many of our families without homes. When we rebuild thier home the tent will be given to another family. However, there are risks with this. We recieved the tents from a group that tried setting them up but where being stoned because of unhappy Haitians not recieving one. We also set up a few tents previously next door and began to feed 50 people each night.

Stores are begining to open, as well as banks for us. Continue to pray for our health, team unity, safety, weather, knowlege on who and how to help our families in this area, and for all the Haitians that have lost loved ones, their home and everything they owned.

In His Service,

Tami

NOTER: Airborne picture taken from Time magazine

Digger the Dog finds Strength

Here is the story that I will tell to the 2-6 and 7-12 year olds. This Friday the groups will be together and we will start the feeding program again. Some children will relate as I tell the story of a Haiti child going through the earthquake, through the eyes of our lovable character Digger the Dog. My plan is to bring him back several times throughout the year. Showing the way God is there to help the children through the trama of this Earthquake. This story is that God is our Strength.

Good morning boys and girls.

This morning I would like to tell you a story.
The character in today’s story is about a 7-year-old dog.
His name is Digger.

(How many here today are 7 yrs old)
(What is our character?-dog)
(The dogs name is?-Digger)

First lets see how strong you are. Show me you muscles (have a fun game with them)
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Digger had 5 brothers and 3 sisters
(How many brothers and sisters do you have?)
Digger was also the youngest in the family, and the smallest.

Digger loved his family a lot, even though they teased him for being so small.
Now Digger was not that strong for his size.
He worked hard to get water every morning for his family.
It was a lot of work, but he managed to bring the water home without spilling one drop.

He liked to sing his favorite song as he worked.
(Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so, little ones to him belong, I am weak, but He is strong, mmmmm…)

You see Digger knew who Jesus was, his mom always taught him to love God.
This song reminded Digger that even though he is small, and weak, Jesus is strong.

He liked to pray for his brothers and sisters to.
Many did not want Jesus in their life.
=========
One night he was playing with his friends
(do you like spending time with your friends)
He was so tired from playing he decided to finally go home to bed.

Every morning his mother would remind him.
“Digger. No matter how your brothers treat you, act the way Jesus would act.
He will give you strength to love your family.
Today Digger’s mom was already gone to the market when he climbed out of bed.

“Digger you lazy dog get up” “Digger. DIGGER!”
Digger opened his eyes.
“What, hmm”
Eric his oldest brother said, “I’m thirsty. Get up baby and get to work.”
Digger had no father, so Eric provided for the family, and gave the orders,
which Digger had to follow or he would get the belt.
(does that happen to you sometimes?)

It was the afternoon and the sun was hot.
But he still needed to go get water for the day.
He picked up his bucket and began to walk.

But this morning he did not want to sing.
He was mad at his brother.
(do you get mad when people are not nice to you)

“I’m not lazy,” he said. “And I’m not a baby either!” “I don’t like you Eric. I wish you weren’t my brother.”
(was Digger acting nice?-No)
(What is his brother name?-Eric)
(What did he say about Eric?-I wish you weren’t my brother)

“Its so hot”. Digger said. “I need to stop and rest. Eric can wait for his water.”
He decided to take a rest under some shade.

He then remembered what is mother told him every morning.
“Digger. No matter how your brother treats you, act the way Jesus would act.”

It was getting late so in no time he filled his water bucket and headed home.
=====
Suddenly the ground began to shake. “What’s happening?” he cried.
He froze and couldn’t move. Digger did not like the way he was feeling.
All he could do was watch as people ran screaming.
He watched in horror as homes fell around him.

In seconds it was over but it felt like hours to him.
He dropped his bucket and began to run home.
“Mommy. MOMMY! Where are you mommy I’m scared!”

Digger did not like what he saw or heard. He did not understand what was happening.
He began to sing (I am weak but He is strong.)
(Who is strong?-Jesus)
++++++
That day Eric, Diggers older brother died, and all his sisters. They even lost their home.

Digger started to ask questions!
“Why do we have no home? Where will we sleep?”
“What will we eat mummy?”
“Why did Eric have to die mommy?
I killed Eric because I wished we was not my brother?”

Then he remembered he dropped his water bucket. “Mommy, what will we drink?”
“Are you mad at me? Does Jesus hate us?”
I’m scared to go back to school. The ground might shake and the school might fall on me!”

Digger had many questions.
Digger’s mom sat and listened to him quietly. She was very sad to.
She finally said, “Digger. What’s your favorite song?”
Digger replied “Jesus loves me”
“And what else does the song say”
he answered quietly “When I am weak HE is STRONG!”

“You are right Digger. Psalms 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength, I will put my trust in Him.”
“Erik was strong. Did he trust in God mommy?”
“Yes he did Digger. That’s why we can miss him but we don’t need to be sad.”
“One day we will see Eric again in Heaven.”
“God has a plan for all of us.”

“Digger.”
“Yes Mommy.”
“Repeat after me, The Lord is my strength. I will put my trust in Him.”
“Let’s ask God to give us strength.

Let’s pray
(Pray with children)

In His Service,

Re-establishing the Church Family

Today the second service was held since the earthquake. Praise God for the 150 or so little ones that were able to attend. Psalms 28:7 says "The Lord is my strength and my sheild my heart trusts in him and I and helped." It is still far from the 2,000 children the week before the devistating distruction. The bottom has fallen out from under the church. Families have scattered accross the contry side, but God our safty net will never leave those that serve Him. The goal is now to slowly rebuild the number that attend in the next few months.

Construction will continue with the brick walls that protect the home, as well as trying to complete the first faze of the new site "La Forteresse". We are trying to get back to a normal routien as much as possible under these trying cercimstances.

In His Service,

GAIN Global aid Network

Saterday and Monday myself and several youth and team leaders attenden a seminar taught by George F. Rhoades and his colleague Patricia.

For myself, it was a refresher from what was taught in my "Family Abuse and Violence" course. On Saterday, George spoke on the signs of trama. He shared how age and gender play a role in how a person responds to trama. Patrica showed us ways to councel people, by asking open-ended questions. On Monady we shared our experiences with eachother. I believe that helped all of us not just myself, because we heard how others are going through similar feelings.

Thank you George and Patricia for coming to Haiti and sharing your knowlege with us. And a special thanks to Keskia Chaple for hosting this event and providing us lunch.

In His Service,

Aftershocks

At 6 am Wednesday morning there was another 6.1 aftershock that once again struck Haiti 56 kilometers from Port-au-Prince.

More buildings colapsed bring more death and fear to the area. Some buildings were sturdy, but many where struck by the first wave of aftershocks weekening thier foundationsone week ago.

vrs build your life on the Lord Jesus Chirst

Than you for all your prayers. He is keeping a watchful eye on this area of Delmas where we minister. Continue to pray for those that have lost loved ones and everything they owned.

If you would like to help with immidiate needs such as water and food,medical supplies and temporary shelter, and future needs like perminate shelter and homes please donate any funds to ERDO. Emergency Relieve and Development Overseas. visit www.paoc.org/missions/emergency-relief. Thank you for those who have already done so.

in His Service,

God Supplies

The medical team of 21 staff, from Florida arrived late last night. This morning they are sorting through the medical supplies that they brought with them.

They also brought along water, fuel, and food. God has supplied our basic needs. We can now begin to outreach to our church families with the rice, and money and medical supplies they brought.
We visited the hospital where they would work, and the site was almost unberible. Many people, mainly children, were put aside to recove from sergeries. All that I could see, had at least one limb amputated or broke, including head injuries. One child at the end of the day lay in pain because they had run out of pain medication.

Haiti was in need before the earthquake. Now the land seems to cry out from the dead burried under the rubble. Please continue to pray.

In His service,

Rebuilding Walls

Thanks be to God our home is still standing. However the walls surrounding the compound need to be rebuilt. Many bandits run the streets at night, and when the hope of the people fail, and food and water become scarce riots will brake out.

Praise be to God for He is suppling our basic needs such as food, drinking water, wash water, and gas for the generator, as well as security."

"And our God shall supply all our needs". Philippians 4:19

In His Service,

Haiti's Earth Quake Sets Prisoners Free

Praise God the prisoners have been set free!

For almost two years Louise has ministered at the Penitentiary and Juvenile prison for over 45 inmates twice a week. This ministry is no more. The earth quake that has devastated Haiti has also resulted in prisoners being killed by the collapsed walls or shot, but many more were set free.

This photo shows a vehicle damaged by falling debris, which was used to escort people to prison.

It brings us great joy to know that the prayers for thier release have been answered. At least 50% of the inmates were taked off the street for no apparent reason. Some are held for three years without seeing a judge, or even being convicted of any crime. We feel that God has delivered them just like he did for Paul and Silas (Acts 16:16-40).

In His Service,

CCP - Child Care Plus Haiti

Dear Sponsor(s),

Many of you are concerned about the situation here, and if your sponsored children are safe. we don't know the full extent of the situation, but we can tell you this; many of the familieshave fled to the country. Because of fear from falling buildings, others sleep in groups at campsites scattered throughout the city. This causes another problem. Many of the campsites have been raided from bandits that scour the streets at night.

As far as we know, three of our people have died. One being Gandy who was our Assistant Pastor. As well as Dynise Renard who was in the sponsor program.

Devastation has struck our area. Much of the city is in blackout. As a result the stores that are still standing are closed in fear or riots. We are having trouble to secure our basic needs such as water and food, and power for communication. This means we have now way of feeding our children.

Your prayers are needed now more than ever for the situation here. When we learn more of what has happened to our children we will let you know.

In His Service,

Haiti's Earthquake

I have arrived safely back in Haiti. Praise God. Thank you all for your concerns and PRAYERS. I was with the Charbonneau's at a PAOC missions cofference in the Dominican Republic. I will try to give you a quick update on the situation here. We were blessed to find a tap tap that took us right to our door. The street was empty. so praise God he supplied our needs and we did not have to walk after dark.

All photos are taken by me, so yes what you see is real! Devistation has struck. Its like God's hands have been removed from the capital of Haiti. We heard about the earth quake through the news. As always they seem to exaggerate how bad the situation really is. Don't take me wrong IT IS BAD HERE for many of the Haitians. God's hand has been in the area where we are in Delmas. It's as if He placed cupped hands over our area as a shielded bubble.

We came back to Haiti as soon as we could by bus, to be a little comfort and support for those of our church family. I could not see much of what happened as it was dark when we arrived. But speaking with the youth, devestation has struck all around. In fact there continues to be tremors a few which I personally have felt myself. Many people are missing, many have fleed to the country in hopes to recieve some kind of comfort in the fact that they have escaped tragedy. Others are still unaccounted for and still many Haitians are buried under rubble.

We have lost a few of our children, and perhaps many more. Only time will tell. One of our young adults, his name was Gandy, a 26 year old, 3 year bible collage student was one of those who died. He was at his school called "Ministere Pecheurs d'Hommes" on the main floor. We will grieve the loss greatly as he has helped pastor Michel with many responibilities at the church here. Assnique, was also in the same building, but was on top of the schools floor and some how escaped. She has no injuries, but is very saken up.

Many of the youth were grateful to see us return. It seems to be of some kind of comfort to them knowing we stay to help even in unsafe conditions.

I am spending the night sleeping next door with a group of youth from the church, under the stars. The Charb's sleep in the truck. The house seems to be standing safe. However, the block fence walls that protect the compound are distroyed. Since it is safe I will start sleeping inside.

The last few days we have been cleaning and trying to find food and water. Today we had a youth service, over 200 were in attendace a surprisingly low number. The service was held outside on the street. There was no children's church, as parents are too afraid to let them stray to far from thier sight. The words in this photo say it all " Jesus Delivers" Pray that the Haitians turn to God for thier deliverence of all things.

Many helicopters still fly overhead. Please continue to pray. Especially for the weeks that lay ahead. The streets in many areas seem to have a ghost like feel. Many people gather at what they call "camp sites" for the night scattered through out the city. In the morning, they disperse to continue to look for their loved ones. Hope is slowly starting to fade. i believe the next few weeks will be the quiet before the storm, before riots brake out from lack of food, water, and hope.
Will try to keep in touch as the days go by on what the situation is near us.

Ed was thought to have been missing, but has come back from a trip off a small island of Haiti. He is safe. A medical team from the DR will arive here to help us on Tuesday. If you wish to donate funds, or medical supplies please contact me onn how to do so, or visit my web site http://www.journeyoflove.ca/

In His Service,