February 9-17, 2007
Team members (left to right, starting in the back)
Dave H, Howard G, Ross H, Merle B, James F
Carol B, Patrick D, Kate B, Lee S, Geraldine S, David O
Brian S, Laura J, Daniel J, Jerilyn H, Maggie S, Aaron O
Helping Hands for Haiti Mission Trip 2007
February 9, 2007
We met around midnight at the farm and filled the last tub and snuck a few things into other tubs that we thought we couldn’t live without. Ha. Then the guys packed the camper. (Dan’s) and Merle’s trailer and away we went - off to Omaha. It snowed today so Dan and Merle had to drive slowly to get to Irene. When we got to Omaha about 0400 everyone helped take the tubs and luggage into the airport - got the tubs checked through - took off a little late because the plane had to be de-iced. Scary thought. But all went well - no challenges from the devil. We flew to Dallas and had a snack and Cuban guava cheese was a hit and then on to Miami - oops Cuban pastries were in Miami - dah. Miami is closer to Cuba - and then from Miami to Port-au-Prince in a large plane with 8 seats across. Warm in Miami -Very warm and humid in Port-au-Prince. The air conditioning was not on in the airport. All of our totes were here when we arrived and the skinny airport man greeted David and Dave and remembered them. Had the usual heated discussion with the boss at the airport. How much to get paid for the men to move and pack our totes and bags. Agreed on $2 each tote. Yellow school bus and van for rides back to Fritz’s. The men with the machine guns (from the UN) were much more visible at the airport and along the roadside to Fritz’s house today.
We got unloaded - hugged the kids - some new people helping here this year - Bernadette’s sister and Fritz’s sister. Lots of cats this year and some bunk beds. Fritz ran the generator so we had fan for a while.
Dinner was delish pumpkin soup with beef and potatoes was good, good - served with bread and juice in American ice - and peanut butter (in 6# container) for the bread. Looks like one cat might be pregnant - where is the birth control??
After dinner it was time to shower - journal - and play casino. Dave H shared devotions. The fans are running and we are thankful for the fans and a good trip and new and old friends. Aaron joined us in Miami and Lee joined us in Texas. Welcome to them.
Maggie S.
Saturday, February 10
There was no trouble sleeping last night as we were all tired from a long day’s travels. Sometime in the night it began to ROAR outside during a torrential downpour. It cooled the night air and a sheet felt good. The air this morning was cleaned by the night rain.
The ladies mixed up a cake (made with a coke) and banana-mango cake to start cooking in the solar ovens. By afternoon we were treated to a delicious treat. The solar ovens that Geraldine Schnabel brought works very well. This morning we unpacked, sorted, counted, and repacked the items that we have brought to Haiti. We brought about 36 containers, each with 50 pounds of materials. These included medical supplies, braces, notebooks, crayons, school supplies, books, underwear, shirts, shorts, many pairs of shoes (mostly new) toys, bible school supplies, tools, food, ect. By late morning we were done with these tasks. We took a break to eat breakfast of sweet oatmeal, juice, coffee, peanut butter bread, and delicious ripe avocados.
This afternoon we relaxed. Some played cards, naps were taken, banners were made, preparations for the bible school crafts were made. We all talked and became more acquainted with each other. Geraldine provided the devotion after a delicious supper of beans, rice and salads. Gerry spoke about the miracle of the bread and fish. She compared the boy with only 5 loaves and 2 fish to the meager supplies and talents we bring with us each time to Haiti. We have to have faith that as 5000 were fed with the little donation of the little boy- that God will take our offerings and help some of those that are in need here.
We have a great team assembled this year. I am sad that five of us will be cleaved from the rest tomorrow at Deschapelle. We each have our jobs to do though. It feels good to be here with such a great group of people.
Tomorrow the real adventure begins. Lord I pray for patience, understanding, compassion and wisdom.
Dan J.
Sunday, February 11
The day started out like I expect the rest to start- HOT! Brian and I helped to make the morning meal of pancakes for our group of 17 people, 3 Haitian girls, 3 guides, and 1 Fritzy-poo. Quite a meal, but it was very enjoyable! As we loaded our bus many had gathered around to watch. Jon and I took pictures of and with many children that were there. With the instant technology of digital cameras, they were very excited to see themselves.
As we started out on out journey, I was excited to be on the go and see that country side, but after an hour I was longing for my comfy home. I began to wonder why I had made this trip, and even with the experience of my fellow travelers if any of us was going to make it. When we finally arrived it took about two minutes and all the smiles of the kids totally made my day. We played softball, anie-I-over and jumped rope. Aaron and I helped to direct the kids in their stance and to make contact with the ball. During all the activity I started to notice one small girl always standing just a few feet away from me. I gave her one of the balls to throw and she started to stand closer. When jump rope came around she had finally worked up the courage to stand right by me and when I smiled and gave her a piece of candy the surprise and smile that came upon her face totally made this trip worth while. I can’t wait for the talent show on Thursday. I’ll be demonstrating 4 years worth of college by putting on a juggling show.
Ross H.
Monday, February 12
Wow - What a day. This was our first full day in Jumelle. This morning at 9 a.m. we started our first Bible School class. There were about 64 kids at the church. They were all dressed in their school uniforms. Magenta gingham shirts and burgundy/brown shorts and jumpers. They looked wonderful. The kids had prepared a ‘welcome’ song for us which was really cool. We sang a few songs that the kids knew the Creole, “father Abraham” and “Jesus loves me”. Then we tried to teach “away in the manager” I think the kids understood the words but when they tried to sing the tune I think something got lost in the translation. For a craft this morning Maggie had photocopied stars on yellow construction paper which the kids were to cut out and decorate with stickers and then make into a necklace with ribbon. When we passed everything out we realized that they didn’t know how to use scissors, so that was interesting. They loved the stickers and were fascinated with the hole punch. It was fun.
After lunch Jerilyn, Lee, Gerry, Dave O and Aaron went into town (Petite Rivere de Artibonite) with Fritz to visit a sewing school and high school. Others hiked down to the canal, some hiked over to some of the homes in Jumelle to visit. The men made 10 desks today and the bossman decided to make a large cabinet. No one has figured out why yet.
This afternoon Maggie, Carol and I met with the teachers to ask them if they would like us to put up the world maps and Haitian maps we brought and decorate the walls with colored chalk and put flowers on the teachers desks. It was an interesting meeting and it ended up as a wish list for globes, a basketball court, sports equipment, a typewriter, school supplies, books, a flag pole, fruit, cooking supplies, smaller desks, decorations, gifts for the teachers, first aid kits and on and on.
After the meeting Carol and Maggie helped to tape the maps together so we can figure out how to hang them tomorrow.
Also this morning they (Carol and teachers) made mango-banana bread in the solar ovens with 2 of the teachers. The bread was done by noon today and was shared with the workers who built the desks.
Yesterday Pastor Whistler asked if I would talk at church services tonight. I agreed and so I read from Matthew 22:36-40 and talked about the two greatest commandments. I got a few “amens” from the congregation so I think it went ok.
It’s hard to know when to stop writing as there are so many experiences running through my mind. But alas I must sleep. Other cool things -watching women remove the hulls from the rice, being mobbed by balloon seeking kids, a funny little boy who kept saying “click” - he wanted me to take his picture.
Kate B.
Tuesday, February 13
Day two in our little village. I was tired and didn’t know how I could survive another three days of the heat, work and frustration. But walking into BIble school and seeing the children reminds all of us why we are here. Brian, Ross and I along with a few Haitians started working on the basketball hoop. We dug the hole using an iron rod and a broken shovel. Brian has the blisters to prove his hard work. Next we helped Merle with some cutting of some wood for some more desks. Even though “bossman” thinks he’s in charge, Merle is the real boss. And the Haitians knew that.
Soon after lunch we filled the hole for the basketball hoop. Brian and I had to hold the pole with levels. Even though the pole was sturdy, I was concerned that a young kid would want to play on it and ruin the project. There’s always a sense of frustration and worry because we can’t speak directly to the Haitians.
Dave H. and I went down to the road with many kids to play ball. The kids love to play. It’s amazing to watch the natural talent in these kids. An amazing event happened. One of the wiffle balls disappeared. Dave asked where it went. So the kids started investigating to solve the mystery. Soon enough, a few boys had found the kid who took the ball. It was so neat to see the majority of kids being honest.
We finished the day with dinner, church, cards and devotions.
Aaron O.
Wednesday, Valentine’s Day
Everyone received an American Valentine from Dave and Jerilyn - with thanks and maybe more thoughts of America again. Bible School, sewing class, solar cooking, benches, activities everywhere - council meeting with Dave, Dave & Jumelle leaders and other team members. I was not involved so only heard the reports -solar cooking, my area, we tried Haitian rice, carrots and onions, beets, and 2 pans of yeast bread.
Bible School theme was Jesus loves all the children of the world - using a map showed where we live, different types of houses around the world, taught how to brush teeth, made heart pictures, little glass jars for special treasures, and put stickers on the jar. Each child had picture taken so can be used for a sponsorship. Then each child given a health/school package -toothbrush/tooth paste, shampoo, crayons, soap, pencil, and tied with ribbon. Kate hung maps, began chalk designing the classrooms - sewing girls worked on kimonos. After lunch bumpy, bumpy ride to Albert Schweitzer hospital and talked with our team members there- swam and cooled off. We toured the hospital- amazed me as when I went to x-ray lab school in ‘55 it was more advanced than some of their equipment. Bumpy ride back- had an interesting walk with Dave H to see charcoal being made - visited a home on the way back. That I appreciated to really see the hut. I was thinking of our pioneers going west - but look where and how they progressed and this country never changes.!!
Carol B.
Thursday, February 15
We had a less organized breakfast as people were trying to get things wrapped up and ready for the community meeting.
Laura and Patrick walked over from the hospital and helped with the children. The children did not have Bible School today. They had a chance to make bead necklaces and bracelets. They also blew bubbles and played with balloons.
The sewing women each received their kimonos and a gift. There were 11 who attended. Our real progress was limited but we did what we could.
The maps were hung and Kate completed more of the chalk drawings on the school walls. They are beautiful. She is completing the Haitian Flag tonight.
The outside men helpers were paid and some were pleased, others not so happy. They were paid according to how much they did.
A group of us walked to the village. It was the first time I was out of the compound. What an eye opener! We saw many people and children. We saw the Witch Doctor who had come to the school. David and Aaron gave T-shirts to the mother and father of the minister.
The basketball hoop was put up today and the kids had a great time shooting hoops. I think it will give the community a good place to gather and have good times together.
The church service was a celebration for us. It was hot and loud but they praised God in their way!
Brian played and sang, most of us were asked to say something. All the interpreters spoke and witnessed also. It was a spirit filled service with praise and joy.
Lee S.
Friday, February 16
Today we leave the country (Jumelle -HAS) for Port-au-Prince (PAP) The bus arrives at 6:30 am and packing begins. Are we happy or sad?? We always long for our loved ones at home so we are happy to be on the way. On the other hand we will be leaving behind friends so we are also sad. The packing goes rapidly and the beds and bags of charcoal are strapped to the roof. Luggage and personals plus a Haitian passenger with a live chicken add to the chajman (load) The trip goes quickly to HAS where we pick up the team members there and continue the dusty, bumpy journey back to PAP. The ride is uneventful. By now we are used to looking out the windshield at a truck passing a bus and relying on the sound of our horn to clear our lane and avoid a head on collision. We make several stops - a flat tire - add water to the radiator - nothing unusual - this is Haiti!
By noon we are back at Fritz’s house. What a wonderful feeling to be back “home”. We spent the remainder of the day unpacking and cleaning up. The evening meal was so great -potatoe salad, pasta salad, beet salad, lettuce salad, rice, chicken are looking so good and tasting even better. After the meal the family of Fritz dressed in their best and we know they wished to party. We sang songs, did the “hokey Pokey” and enjoyed the company for a couple of hours. A few drops of “lapli” (rain) and the party dispersed. Some of our group leaves in the am.
Good Night Dave H.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
The day began with the usual pigeon noises, doors banging, and sun shining. It really is not a terrible way to wake up; it just happens rather early. Anyway, today was the departure day for half the group. Thus, people were scrambling to pack, looking for all their little things, and making sure all of the travel plans were going smoothly. Upon leaving my resting area, I found Dave Hansen making French toast! I knew it would be a good day, just as everyday here has been. The Fritz crew prepared the fruit (papaya, watermelon, and banana) and the juice. Before eating, though, we all took a group picture. After we ate a wonderful French toast and fruit breakfast we said our “final farewells” and the first group embarked on their journey home. That was all of our happenings this bright and sunny morning.
Patrick
Five of our group spent time doing medical mission work
Medical Mission 2007
Squash, beans and other crops line the banks of the Artibonite River near Jumel. A hot, one-hour trek skirting the edges of these fields and fording the stream bring one to the village of Deschapelle-the site of Hospital Albert Schweitzer.
Five of the team focused on providing services at this venerable fifty-year old facility. Dr. Dan J and physician assistant, Jim F, ran orthopedic clinics and operated on patients with surgical indications. Severe infections, gunshot wounds, neglected fractures and machete injuries were common. Dr. Tom G, quickly became part of the obstetrical/gynecologic surgery section of HAS. He undoubtedly saved some babies and mothers from damage or demise. Patrick and Laura, students at Yankton High School, participated in morning medical conference, assisted in medical records and played with the children who were hospitalized. They were also able to observe surgery.
Providing medical care in Haiti is a humbling experience fraught with fascination and frustration. Without all of the equipment, tests and ancillaries upon which one relies in the United States, in Haiti, the best effort is offered up and the rest is left to the will of God.
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