Cholera to Riots to Weddings

I admit, we have utterly failed at keeping up with the blog and newsletters faithfully this fall. And it sure is not for lack of news. The series of crazy events that has kept Haiti on her toes merits reporting. But this year has been so chaotic and stressful for the country, for our ministry and for us personally that I have found it exceptionally challenging to put into words, not to mention the constant obstacles of time, electrical outages and sporadic internet service. I sit down at the computer often to write knowing that news REALLY needs to get out, but just stare blankly at the screen from fatigue, or find the spiritual atmosphere so hard to describe that I write, and erase, write and erase. So then I ask others to help write... at any rate, here we are. It is almost the end of 2010 and if you ask any average Haitian how he/she feels, they will express gratitude that they are alive to see the new year coming and hopeful that God will be merciful in this coming year to not bring about any more series of hardships like they faced this year. Most recently, the outbreak of cholera, which has never before been common to Haiti, but rather imported somehow, has infected more than 60,000 and killing 2500. Then there were the riots and demonstrations of unhappy voters who did not get their candidate past the preliminary rounds due to what they say was fraud. There were road blocks and tires being burned in the streets making virtually all of the capital city and other major ports completely shut down. Unfortunately, these actions do not help, but rather add to the instability of the country. But through it all, God is faithful and shows himself true and present in some way. He sent rains last Friday, right at the height of all the protesting, which calmed things right down- Haitians do not like getting wet, kind of like cats that way. And if anything good could come out of this awful outbreak of disease, it would be the widespread education over radio, tv and even through cell phones about proper hygiene and prevention measures.The people are really taking to heart to prevent the disease from spreading far and wide. Fortunately, in Grand-Goave there have been very few cases.  
At Haiti ARISE, we were all anticipating the wedding of Marc's nephew, Anel, who has been living with us and been an integral part of the ministry for the last seven years. It was planned for Saturday, Dec 11, but due to all the upheaval and rain, it was postponed til the following Tuesday. Claire Roberts and some others, who had come down from Canada specially for the wedding, would have missed it, but thanks to the rioting, their flights were canceled and they got to take part in the event afterall. So in the end, some way or another, things all seem to work out for good. The wedding was beautiful, with all 20 flowergirls, junior bridesmaids, bridesmaids, prince and princess, jr. maid of honor and maid of honor... phew! The procession took longer than the ceremony, but everyone was happy! Now, we are taking a break for the holidays to regain stamina to conitnue with all the projects and work we have on the go. This coming year is going to be an even busier one, with teams twice a month coming to help in construction and ministry. So we thank God that we are seeing the year 2010 come to a close and looking forward with hope for a new year 2011. A newsletter will be sent out by Jan 1. God bless you all!