Progress

Chris & Rebecca Girvan arrived in Haiti just two weeks ago, August 17 and are going to be working with Haiti ARISE until June 2011. They will be teaching ESL, doing basketball clinics and youth Bible study. With the myriad of other ministry opportunities we are sure they will be busy and get their hands dirty. Becca grew up a farm girl and Chris is from Red Deer, Alberta. This is Chris' third trip to Haiti. They spent two years previous in South Korea teaching ESL, so the culture is quite a contrast to the fast paced, high tech city life. So far they are enjoying themselves. They will be working with the Haitians to keep the work going while we are in Canada. You can follow their blog at In His Service. Things are starting to progress. Four posts were set yesterday for the new wall system and the footings for the tech school are being dug. The road is being fixed too with the Bobcat, smoothing it out with rubble removed from the property.

-9/2/10

Another Month of Challenges

It is hard to believe a whole month has passed by since I have written anything. One day passes into the next here with so much activity that time slips through my fingers. It does not take long after being back down here to be hit with a myriad of challenges. Necessary tools are not at hand, equipment breaks down daily, office electronics don't want to function properly in the heat and the power goes on and off as if at it's own will. If we keep the North American mindset of productivity here, frustration mounts up when things don't run smoothly. However, we do our best to flow with the rhythm and accomplish what we can. It was a blessing to have Chad and Kelly O'Neill here with us for five weeks. They were a big help in many ways, and adjusting to the pace and obstacles that are around every corner here was a big lesson for them too. Working together provided us the encouragement and strength to press on and learn together.

Alice, Kelly and I worked to get all of the Education Fund reports done, having students come do photos, provide info and write letters. Between temperamental ink cartridges and wacky connections with laptops and printers, we found joy in talking with students, hearing their stories and experiences from the earthquake. It is so satisfying to be able to help these young people continue their schooling and encourage them in their faith. A team from Nelson, BC also came to offer a hand. We built a new playground for the elementary school. Watching the thrill in the children's eyes as they flew down the slide made from plastic barrels is great. The yard is going to be a buzz of commotion very soon, with 200+ kids coming for school!
-8/30/10