Building Status

School Construction in
Port-au-Prince,  Haiti

Thanks to Pastor Ronel (and Ken) we now have some pictures of the current status of the school construction that we are helping to fund and which we participated in while in Haiti. As you can see from these pictures the construction is not finished, but significant progress has been made since our trip.

The construction is currently stalled as we raise more money to send to Pastor Ronel so that construction can continue. They currently need to purchase more rebar (iron) for the floor. I assume this is reference to the floor for the second story.

School Construction

We have also learned more about the school from Pastor Ronel's emails as well as about the orphanage that we visited. With respect to the school Pastor Ronel mentioned that it costs about US $150 per child for a year of school and often parents cannot cover the costs (or are late) and thus sometimes the school has difficulty paying teachers or getting supplies. The school does supply a limited number of scholarships that are awarded based on various evaluation criteria.

School Construction

A couple of other great things have happened over that past month that relate to our trip. Susan and Jessica have collected 70 fleece blankets for the orphanage along with some school supplies and toys. These are all packed and ready to travel with the next mission team in April. Additionally 48 English language Bibles have also been purchased and packed and should be on their way to the Easy English Club where they will be used to help the group learn and practice their English reading and speaking skills.

One Month Later

It has been about a month since I was in Haiti and it is still constantly on my mind. I think I have adjusted back to "normal" life better this year. I don't seem to be suffering from as much guilt as I did this time last year. I don't know if this is because I am hardened or because I am taking a broader view. Don't get me wrong, I can still be easily driven to be a mess when recalling Haiti, but in normal conversation I am better able to control the situation.

It is strange sometimes to have Haiti so near to my thoughts all the time. Try to imaging being in a detailed conversation dealing with your job, a conversation where you are completely engaged and that takes your full concentration. Then imagine that in the middle of that conversation an image of the 5 year old orphan that you built a necklace with takes over your entire thought. And then you have to find a way back to your work conversation. Now apply that to every aspect of your life. Working. Eating. Driving. Talking. Worshipping. This is my life.

Depending on the situation it is easier or harder to fight your way back to the present. The hardest times are when there is nothing else to occupy your thoughts; doing automatic tasks: driving, waiting, the quiet of the morning, as you fade to sleep.

You think it would be easier if it would stop, but you also know that you don't want it to because you would lose part of yourself. I honestly think it helps me make better decisions in the long run as it gives a good perspective on value. The good news it is not debilitating. Clearly, I am able function effectively, but it is the new normal.

My videos of the Haiti 2011 trip

I've created a dozen or so videos from our trip to Port-a-Prince, Martissant, Haiti and posted them on YouTube. They are "unlisted" - which means anyone can get to them via the link below.

The only think they are missing are the warm temperature, the incredible variety of smells, and the taste of dust in your mouth and covering your hair :-)

Tom's videos of the Haiti 2011 trip

For those on the trip, I think you'll find these 'take you back' a bit. For those not on the trip, they hopefully give you a sense of the incredible contrasts, the fun, the hope, the desperation, and why we all had such a great time.

Most of the videos are short; if you get bored, just skip ahead or view another one - that's one nice thing about YouTube.

A Week of Blessings (from Nancy)

I feel so blessed to have been part of this year’s LaRomana trip. As already expressed by others, I’m
not sure I will ever be able to enjoy a typical ‘tourist’ vacation again. I am so thankful to Jonathan and
Shantia for encouraging me to go, in a year where I felt I had no emotional reserves left to undertake
such a “out of my comfort zone” trip. I came back rejuvenated and hope to be able to retain some of
the sense of peace and wonder I found in the D.R., in my daily life.

Kristy impressed upon us the first night that going to LaRomana is all about relationships – a week
later I was a confirmed believer in her message. Who would have thought that I, introvert that I am,
could have survived a week crammed into a yellow school bus and a small dorm room, with non-stop
conversation and noise. But survive I did and even flourished in many ways.

It was a joy to see the young members of our group work with the older adults, a joy to share bountiful
meals and morning devotions together, a joy to watch the mother/daughter teams and to see that
those relationships can thrive into adulthood. A joy to feel the warm sun and tropical breezes and to
swim in the “myriad of blues” Caribbean ocean. It was a blessing to be immersed into the Dominican
culture and despite the poverty in the bateys, to see the beauty there in the landscape and the joy in
the children as they received just a little bit of extra attention. And of course, selfishly, it was a gift to be
temporarily removed from my everyday life; especially the multi-tasking and list making that I fill my life
with.

Every single day, in this week of being back; the words of “Let Us Break Bread Together”, which we
sang on the beach Friday night, have run almost continuously through my head. Coupled with a photo
of oxen pulling loads of sugarcane across the road against the backdrop of a vibrant blue and green
Dominican landscape, on the desktop of my PC at work; they bring comfort and a reminder of a week
full of blessings …..

Thank you to all of you who helped make the week, the gift that it was.

reflections on our mission trip

Now that I am home again and the sights and smells of La Romana are beginning to dim I have had some time to really think about where we were and what we saw.
The medical teams were so impressive. One event that stays with me was the woman who needed eye glasses. Asked if she could see better near or far, she replied "only near". Some glasses were placed on her nose, she looked up and cried "claro!"  She could see across the room!
Traveling out to the sugar cane fields to check the water filtration systems put into the "homes" was the most indelible experience. One of the batays had no electricity, no church, no school. So many children you could not count them all. Most wore little or no clothing. The need was so desperate. I learned that a "promoter" would be sent to them. This is actually an advocate that brings their needs to the attention of the hospital. The job pays $600/year. I see it as an absolute necessity in taking the very first step in improving their lives.
  Jason, the minister from Ashland, offered up a prayer one night that has stayed with me. I would like to share it with you. It is by St. Teresa of Avila.

  Christ has no body on earth but yours.
Yours are the only hands through which he can do his work.
Yours are the only feet by which he can go about the world.
Yours are the only eyes through which his compassion can shine forth upon a troubled world.
 Christ has no body on earth but yours.


Blessings to all at ACC that helped to make this mission trip possible.
Deanna

Reflections on my La Romana Experience

I was blessed while in the DR to do a little bit of everything available to us. I helped install water filters in one Batey; I took blood pressures in another, and learned a hand-clapping and counting game from a group of children in a La Romana Barrio. (I remember that it had to do with skipping 8's.) I sifted sand for finish cement and painted walls at the hospital.

I was blessed with small tasks that had beginnings and endings but were part of a larger whole. I was blessed to experience a very few of the inconveniences that the locals experience every day, such as too little hot water or no water at all and abrupt power outages.

I will remember entering the two-room cement row-homes in one Batey to install water filters. There was a neat and clean home with mosquito netting over the bed and a corner china cabinet with china in it. There was a one-room home where an old woman lived with very little of anything. There were many children, many chickens, and lots of trash in the rocky dirt lanes.

I will remember being swamped by children yelling "photographia!" when I produced a digital camera. Everyone wanted to see themselves. They posed, then came back to see. They knew what to expect—this is a better-off Batey with a school and a church with an ancient radio and a pair of large speakers.

I remember one old man who told me his blood pressure would be high. I remember one young woman in a wheelchair with leg braces. (I heard that there was a polio outbreak here several years ago.) Many of the women start having babies at the age of 16 and don't stop until nature stops them. I saw pregnant women who could have been in their forties but might be ten years younger than that.

On Ash Wednesday I felt a need to have ashes imposed on my forehead for the first time. I have kept a prayer or a hymn singing in the background of my thoughts, and bring it to the foreground often.

I have been praying for the people I met and heard about and for the missionary team members. I have been blessing my friends in the Acton Congregational Church and those in the Naugatuck Church who gave us dinner Sunday night.

It will take me a while longer to really return home.

--Ruth

Leaving Hispanola

In case you are not aware, Hispaniola is the name of the island that is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Today is the day that I leave the island after spending a week in Haiti and a week in the Dominican Republic. As expected I have mixed feelings about leaving. I miss my family greatly and can't think my wife enough for her support, but I also feel that so much has been left undone, especially in Haiti.

The plane is in the air now and I can see the mountains to the west. Over those mountains is Haiti. The peacefulness of the world at 10,000 feet hides the trouble at ground level. How long will it be until Haiti heals?

When I think or Haiti I think of all the things c that could be done to support the Haitian people and help the country to regain it's glory as the "Pearl or the Caribean" as it was one called by France. But much has to change both in the international community and in Haiti for Haiti to rebuild.

The constant donations to Haiti have help to cripple their economy. The local businesses have to be support and aid money need to flow through them as opposed to foreign contractors. At the same time the quality and performance of those local businesses needs improve to the standards that can be achieved by foreign contractors.

Corruption in government and business can no longer be tolerated. Those that perpetuate it must be brought to justice.

Education must be prioritized for all Haitians. Through education the next generation can learn about Haiti's history and prepare the country for both local business initiatives and for branches of international companies.

Simple things like perpetuating he habit of throwing trash in receptacles must also be enforced. Bringing security and cleanliness to the county will help bring tourists, which can infuse money and jobs into the economy.

And there is much more that needs to be done. My hope is I can continue to play a small part in the rebirth of Haiti.

... Over the ocean with Hispaniola no longer in view ... God bless and see you soon ...

Location:Delta 494, Santa Domingo Airport @ gate, 12:21

Last Work Day

Today was the last work day in the DR. Like yesterday I worked on moving air-conditioners at the hospital. While we didn't complete everything we would have liked we did get a lot done and had an important meeting with the hospital director.

There was a bit of excitement yesterday when we couldn't discover which breaker was governing a circuit to an air-conditioning unit. It was decided that we should short out he 220v power source and see which breaker tripped. A loud bang and sparks later nothing tripped. We eventually found it, but nothing like a short circuit to wake you up.

We also had people start cutting rebar over out head with little warning yesterday. So move sparks followed by hot iron falling. Safety standards are a little more flexible here.

The meeting we had today with the hospital today was important because he has stated that he wants the hospital electrics to be in line with US electrical code for hospitals. Right now they are far bellow. Two guys from out team who know a bit about the code explained to the director and his construction team what needs to be changed and the standards that must be followed going forward. There was a lively discussion covering everything from cost, expediency, tradition, and practicality; but in the end it was agreed that going forward the hospital would be built to code.

Tomorrow is a down day which is used to reflect on the trip and work on readjusting to life in the US. I miss the family a lot and it will be great to seem them all. I do feel as though this will be my last trip to the DR as I would like to focus on Haiti. I would come back if my children or wife want to come down, but not likely solo. Haiti calls me much stronger than the DR.

Binding and Loosing

On this Ash Wednesday, I'm reminded of tradition and of Andy's sermon last Sunday to kick off the Unbinding Your Heart study. He talked about binding and loosing (as in loose-ing, not losing). About Jesus going beyond the Jewish law in some ways (equating anger with murder and lust with adultery) to bind people closer to God's ways. About Jesus loosing the laws of the times in others (permitting people to glean food from the fields on the Sabbath and practicing healing on the Sabbath) for a similar purpose. It fits so well with Lent, where traditionally we give up something we do habitually (loosing) or take on some spiritual or altruistic practice (binding). It also fits well with UYH, where this week the discussion is about evangelism and why we should do it. Ultimately, the goal is to consider what things we do and why we do them, what and why we don't do other things, and whether we might be called to change.

The mission trips and the posts to this blog are cases in point. Both strike me as evangelism, but free of the negative connotations we normally associate with that word. And the testimonies written on these pages show clearly how lives on both sides can be changed. To me, that is Gospel, Good News. Thank you to all for sharing it.

Blessings,

"Graham"

P.S. The moment of interest featured this blog and asked for prayers for you and your ministry. Oh, and it revealed who Graham is. (Hint: read it backwards)

Electric - Day 2

I spent the day at the hospital today working on the electrical team. Specifically what we are doing is moving air-conditioning condensers from the forth floor to the roof. Why are they on the forth floor as opposed to the roof in the first place you might wonder.

The reason they are on the forth floor is because the hospital is being built floor by floor and at one point what is now the forth floor was the roof. But, now that the forth floor is being walled in all the units have to be moved. This means trapping all the freon in the condenser, disconnecting it from power (with the 220 v wires hot), carrying the unit to the roof, the extending the wiring, copper tubing , etc. to the new location. Then repeat until all units are done.

It is not as physically demanding as the work last week, but it is needed to keep the hospital expanding and the patients comfortable.

Oh, and an update on C who chipped a tooth yesterday. He got it repaired today at the hospital for A grand total of $20US. That isn't the co-pay that is the total cash price with no billing to the insurance company.

Blessings to All

Being back from Haiti is hard. If I began describing the ways in which things have lost meaning or I have been angered by people who don't seem to "get it" or situations that seem so minuscule in comparison to the work we were doing, I fear I would never stop and it would turn into a very long rant! So instead I thought I would post this. I am participating in a curriculum about social justice for the 40 days of Lent written by ACT:S, the advocacy project of World Vision. Today, I was emailed a Franciscan Blessing similar to the ones we read in Haiti. Thought I'd pass it along to all.

May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen

May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen

May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen

May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen

And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen

Soy Ginecologia...

I'm working in the Batay as a women's health care provider, which is rewarding and frustrating at the same time. It's rewarding to provide special attention to women's needs in an area where women often don't get the care they deserve, but it's frustrating not to have the tests or treatment that I've become accustomed to in the United States. So far the Batays we have gone to have not been as poor as some of the one's we saw last year, and in general the people have been healthier. This of course is a good thing, but sometimes it makes me wonder if there are more needy places that we should be. We will have to see what the rest of the week brings.

Today I had a real gift which was to be able to examine women in a nice private room in the school, instead of on the hot bus. With the help of Amy and Daisy we came up with a real nice creative set up that actually was pretty comfortable for the patients. Nevertheless I'll be happy to see my regular exam table back at my office in the sates, instead of a desk with a bus cushion on top of it!

DONA NOBIS PACHEM

Bonjou. We have completed two days of service, truly evangelists in action. So far, we have cared for 215 patients, delivered water filters to two bateys, worked on the 4th floor of the hospital, and had an amazing day at a VBS (many smiles and much joy). We are tired but fill fulfilled. I still struggle with the "I can't fix it" dilemma. Even so, the Holy Spirit is present. The mantra of this trip is "whatever is supposed to happen this week will happen this week". Keep us all in your prayers!

Blessings,
LaineE

The New Steve

Yesterday Steve, who was part of the 3 man team doing electrical work at the hospital, decided to severely sprain his ankle and so had to retire from the electrical team to the task of handing out de-worming medicine in the bateys. As a consequence I was promoted to the team. I have to tell you there was a little fear in accepting the position as everyday someone from that team has been injured.

The day went well and we spent it pulling wire for air-conditioning units. The longest part of the day was spent search for a pipe that terminated either on the first or second floor (which are finished, operational floors with patients). After searching, counting columns, looking at plans, and finally using a tape measure; we found the pipe in the ceiling of the ER on the first floor, right in the one curtained area with a patient.

So, in the spirit of the DR, the workaround was to locate the pipe on the second floor in an unoccupied room and cut out a section there and work from the middle.

Oh and as for the team that always comes home with an injury, the curse is not lifted. As the newest member of the team I was sure I was doomed, but Chris, one of the youth on the trip, decided to help out the team a bit making him the newest member.

As Chris was jumping off the bus at the dormitory with a coke in his hand he hit his tooth on the bottle and took a big chunk of his tooth out. He will survive and both his parents on the trip, so he is well cared for.

Deanna's First Day

We had our first in the batey I handed out pills and meds. The people are so appreciative. Took a lot of photos especially of the kids. They are so adorable. So far a great time.
Deanna

Location:Dr Teofilo Ferry,La Romana,Dominican Republic

Good Samaritan Hospital - Monday, March 7

We got down to work today. Many of us spent the day at the Good Samaritan hospital doing construction. The hospital has been under construction for over 20 years. The progress in the last year has been amazing. The third floor is under roof and work has started on the fourth floor. Trust me, this is a lot of progress.

The work I did with a number of my colleagues could best be described as levitation. The (fill in the blank) cinder blocks, sand 2 x 4, sacks of cement are on the ground. Get them to the third or fourth floor. There are two pullies with ropes and hooks. There are buckets and shovels. We filled and attached and carried and hoisted. Up above, other like minded individuals undid what we did into piles and wheelbarrows. At the end of the day, there was a whole bunch of building materials up in a building instead of on the ground. And a whole bunch of us became closer to each other in the process.

Las Colinas

Today I was part of the medical team that put on a clinic as Las Colinas. The village had a relatively nice school and we treated not only the students but also people from the community.

The medical team consisted of general medical, dentistry, optometry, and women's care. The children also received de-worming medicine, which by their expressions tasted quite awful; but it didn't stop them from finding their friends and making sure that they had to go through the same experience.

As I and others from the team did not have medical experience we were charged with moving boxes and entertaining the children as the waits can be quite long. We colored, played with balls, flew kites, and blew bubbles. The boys were very talented kite flyers and were able to get the kite up even though their was very little wind. And all the kids enjoyed chasing and popping bubbles.

On the bus ride back I spoke with Stanley who worked as a translator today. He is a Haitian and came to the DR shortly after the quake last year. He said at first he was able to communicate with his family, but said he hasn't heard from them in about six months and has no idea where and how they are. You could see the pain in his face as he spoke about Haiti and his family. He wants to go back, but with no jobs he thinks it will be quite a long time before this happens. He mentioned that he wanted to study medicine, but qt this point does not know when/if that will happen. I fear that Stanley's story is not unique.

Location:18.467101,-69.273169

Home from Haiti

Blessings to you now immersed in the La Romana mission. I am horrified to read of your death trip from PaP. We spoke of you often yesterday and hoped for your safe arrival. Do blog more details and about any additional hidden talents of Drs Luis and Levi.

Those returning to the US from Haiti had a final, amazing, dust filled truck ride to the airport - this time passing the shell of the National Cathedral which seemed to bless our journey. We saw a pick up truck had gone off the road on the wide bend just before the airport and was lying on its side in a tent within the tent city. A large crowd had gathered....

Our 9:45am flight to Santo Domingo was delayed until 1:30 pm. We presume the plane required de-icing in Santo Domingo. Mark assumed the role of Emilio- resulting in $60 dollars in food vouchers. We recommend a lunch of Prestige and french fries on your next visit there.

We parted reluctantly with Mark and Phyllis in Santo Domingo as they headed for JFK. Tom, Beth, and Ken from Acton and Anne from West Boylston landed uneventfully at Logan with a new appreciation for airport efficiency. We were pooped. I am grateful to our Acton friends for the ride to Acton. And I am grateful for the partner who met me there - and for the winter coat he brought (Thanks Jonathan!!!)

I have washed my black and yellow daypack. I have washed myself. Neither of us now look like we have been to Haiti.

It is raining and 50 degrees here in West Boylston. The snow has melted a foot. The woodstove is bright and warm. The quiet is very loud. I am drinking a cup of tea. My mind is in Haiti.

I wonder what seeds we have sown and what seeds have been sown in us. I don't pretend to know where all this will lead, but do know that I am most grateful for the heightened sensitivity to the issue of unintended consequences.

And I am honored to have served with each and every one of you. May our paths cross. Blessed be.

Anne Parsons Marchant

Thinking of Haiti

While I am no longer physically in Haiti, I find my mind still is in Haiti and I am already wondering how soon I can get back. It is a strange feeling be called to q place and still not completely know why. I do wish and pray for so much good to come to Haiti and I hope to help in some way the Haitians raise their country to what it can be.

And while I am happy to help in the Dominican Republic I have to admit I just don't feel the same calling to it. That too I can't explain.

For now I will have to satisfy myself with the notion that I will try to get back. And while PaP was a small amount improved over last year it is still full of need and a resilient population that can pull Haiti back to it's position as the "Pearl of the Caribbean".

Location:On the road to Santa Damingo

Leaving Haiti

Technically I guess I am no longer in Haiti, but then technically I don't think I am in the Dominican Republic either. It started out as such a simple plan: take a bus service, much like Greyhound, from Haiti to the DR. We bought tickets for the 9am bus out of Haiti and arrived in plenty of time to get bags checked etc.

The first "surprise" was paying for our tickets was not enough. When we handed our tickets over to the clerk we were told that we would have to pay $30US in taxes per ticket, cash only. Luckily we had enough but no sooner had we paid that then we were told we owed another $50 Haitian for who knows what, but they would also take $4US.

That done and our cash greatly depleted we next attempted to board a bus. After going back and forth for a while attempting to determine which of the six unlabeled large busses we where meant to be on and loading our luggage on the white one, we were directed not onto that bus but on to a nearby minibus. Here we sat.

Eventually at about 12:30 the 9:00am bus actually departed and we were on our way. It was a simple enough ride for a couple of hours until we hit the border. Getting past the Haitian guards was easy enough and we didn't even have to get out of the van.

The DR side was/is a different story. We were first told to get off the bus and stand in line for immigration only to be told when we finally go there that we needed our passport which the bus company took from us when we handed them out tickets at about 8:30 in the morning.

After a little talking we discovered that the bus company was to take care of integration and we only need to sit and wait on the bus. So here we sit. The original predicted time of 30 minutes has passed about 3 or 4 times over and still no word.

So maybe sometime we will get through this limbo of a border and find ourselves in La Romana.

Well, it is now 6pm and we just got our stamped passports back, so in theory it is time to drive on.

Location:Haitian / Dominican Border (4:00pm)

The Curse Returns

Today was the day the whole mission team visited a very poor orphanage (GPS: 18.615754,-72.238716). But before we visited the orphanage we were to stop at the church so that the school children could sing for us and say goodbye. We also left additional supplies with the school for the children to use.

After the children sang we loaded back onto the truck and we headed off to the orphanage. To get there we had to head through the center of PaP, past the actual port, which is a not so safe part of the city (don't worry everyone is fine and nothing "bad" happened).

Anyway, this is when the curse hit. The cause of the curse is under debate as K says it is my fault and I say it is his. The origins of the curse are from last years trip and my theory is that every time I ride in a truck with K it breaks down. Today we got a flat.

We all piled out of the truck and the driver, translators, and M made quick work of replacing the tire win the spare. And off we went.



The orphanage was destitute. There is really no other way to put it. It is housed in a building that really should be condemned base on the damage from the quake. It consists of roughly to buildings and houses about 60 children.

There looks to be separate sleeping quarters for boys and girls. The beds are wood framed without mattresses or pillows and are large enough to sleep about 15 adults in each of the two areas. I suspect the kids double or triple up and some seem to sleep on the floor. There are some blankets sparsely distributed in the rooms and not nearly enough for all. and to add to all this, while there are 3 cement walls and a roof, the 4th wall is open and just covered with a tarp.

Across from the sleeping quarters is the eating area. This consists of a cooking area, large bowls for cooking over an open wood flame; and the tables where the children eat which are a mishmash of metal chairs and makeshift tables. Base on our observations and conversations with the kids it looks like there is not enough room for the children to eat all at once and it may be that not every child gets to eat every day because of lack of food.

The orphanage is run by a pastor with help by others and their work must be unbelievably hard. Truly great people for what they do.

We provided vitamins and medical check ups for the children as well as some toys. Those of us that lack medical talents spent the day playing with the children and showering them with love and affections.



We finally had to leave and the children sang and prayed for us as a way to thank us; not to mentions lots of hugs on the way out.

On the way back to the compound we hit carnival traffic as Haiti celebrates carnival his week. After sitting in the back of the truck for about an hour without moving it was decided that some of us would walk the last bit of the trip with the translators while some who preferred to stay in the truck stayed with other translators and E, a man of Haitian decent now living in the DR who is the goto guy for everything. So we got out of the truck and marched roughly single file through the mean streets or PaP after dark, during carnival.

The walk was fast paces and the translators did a great job of keeping an eye on us as we weaves in and out of PaP traffic and back to the compound where our hosts keep dinner waiting. After arriving the translators got a quick drink of water and head back to the truck, which arrived about 1 hour later. So, in the end, everyone got home safe and sound.

Last day in Haiti

Today is our last day in Haiti. I have mixed feelings leaving the country. There is so much left to do in Haiti to rebuild and restore people's lives. And we have met some truly remarkable people here, and have made some lasting friendships. But unlike last year, there are signs of improvement, and hope for the future of Haiti. The hope comes from the spirit of the people, as represented by those we met. Their faith is incredibly strong, and their perseverance is amazing to witness.

I will miss the beautiful music and singing that we heard everywhere: in church, in the Easy English Club, and in the orphanages, and where we stayed. I will miss the smiles and the warmth of the people who shared a week of their work with us. And I will miss sharing experiences and stories with them. But we will all carry these things back home with us, and they will always stay with us.

God bless Haiti! Bondye beni Ayiti!

I belive there is a new Haiti coming...

The pastor of the church here in Haiti with whom we are working to rebuild their school spoke with us tonight. Pastor Ronel (sorry for spelling mistakes) - on the left - and the school administrator Carlo (probably mis-spelled) - on the right - answered our questions about Haiti, etc. A wonderful conversation.

In response to our question about "What should we tell people in the US about Hait", Pastor Ronel clearly said "I believe there is a new Haiti coming, and that it will happen through the church and the Christians here". I hope others in our group can and will add their comments about his and Carlo's answers and our discussion.

Pale ak Pastè a

As was suspected, the stone that was dumped at the end of the day yesterday had to find it's way to from the front of the church to the back where the building site. It did so through the use of shovel, wheelbarrow, and some muscle.

The work seemed a little slower pace for most of the day as the material was getting to the building site faster than it could be used. As such there were more rest periods. During this time we spoke with the translators and others. It turns out that one of these times was just as the school let out and so we were instantly surrounded by children and they spent some time touch our hair and arms out of curiosity. K and I were both also given a kiss by a very young (kindergartner I think) girl. Not exactly sure why, but it was cute.


After dinner tonight the pastor of the church that runs the school spent some time talking with us about Haiti. Topics were from politics, economics, religion, and Haiti's future. It was a very interesting conversation and some of it was recorded on video which I will share when I can.

Two things from this conversation that stuck out for me were the importance of education as a driver to help Haiti recover and the Pastor's belief that it important for people to come to Haiti and not just send money. I guess three things actually stood out as the Pastor also stated that Haiti's recovery will not come from the government, which is largely corrupt and not likely to be less so after the elections; nor will it come from organizations such as the UN, which are largely seen as ineffective by the Haitians. Instead the Pastor believed that Haiti's recovery will come from God working through Christians and the church as we care for each other and respect each other.

Haiti is.....

One word many of us feel just begins to describe a bit about Haiti is "contrast". In Haiti, you are bombarded by contrasts. People who's houses are (relatively) nice, people who's houses were damaged but not destroyed, people who's houses are unsafe yet they still live and even work there, people who's houses were destroyed and are still living in these tents in tent cities, and people who's houses are being rebuilt by many organizations and look sound, comfortable, and filled with hope.

People who have jobs - only 10% of the population (meaning 90% effective unemployment), people who get money for food from relatives in other countries, people who resell just about anything you can think of and make a tiny, meager profit, and people who beg, or steal, or do whatever they have to do to eat.

The coolness and relative quiet of the neighborhoods outside the city of Port a Prince in contrast to the stifling heat, humidty, noise and smells of the worst sections of the city.

I'll add more as I/we think of them. I hope this give you some insights into what Haiti is like.

Tom

Two Days - Reality Check

One year ago I was preparing for this very trip, yet I wasn't nervous, because it hadn't become real to me yet. I think it hit me something like 13 hours before I left home. Now, as I'm nearly done with my packing, I'm again getting to that point where it all gets real and settles in. But some things are different this year.
Last year, I had no idea what to expect. No matter how much I read about the trip or about the country, I wasn't able to fathom just what the experience really turned out to be. Now I've been once and I'm rearing to go again, to relive all of last year's moments and to create new ones. Another difference: a year ago, I knew only two people going on the trip, and the three of us were the youngest ones. I'm not a part of ACC or Sterling First Church, but my friends Brittany and Cole told me about the mission and I jumped at the opportunity. However, I formed close bonds with many of the people in our group, and although there are many new people I don't know going with us this year, I look forward to meeting them, as well as reuniting with everyone from last year, who I think of as my Dominican family.

One in Front and Two in Back

We moved more dirt today and I can honestly say that my body is the worse for wear and I am physically exhausted. But, for the most part it was more of the same. Shovel dirt into a wheelbarrow and then haul it out to the street and dump it. The pile is getting quite large out front, but the dirt is basically all removed.

The highlights of the day, for me, where when T and I visited each of the classrooms in the school and took a picture and some video. We were a bit disrupting in all the classrooms but one. In the classroom with the youngest children (there are two kindergarten classes and this was the class with the youngest children) we entered the room with the administrator of the school and the teacher didn't stop as in the other classes. She had about 8 students completely captivated, teaching them how to write numbers and wasn't about to lose their focus because the admin and two people with cameras came in. This was fine with us and we were able to observe how they were being taught which was going throughout the numbers 10 to 20, repeating the phrasing, "How do you write 12, a 1 in front and a 2 in back" in French. It was perfect and quite funny.

The second thing that stood out was our second meeting with the "Easy English Club". This group is really dedicated and they have a really great time. During this meeting, T taught some songs in English, K taught some idioms, and I participated in a role playing exercise.

So while the work is repetitive and my feet are very sore, it was a good day overall. Even if after we thought we had accomplished something by removing all the edit they dumped a truck load of rocks just as the day was ending. Guess what we will be doing tomorrow.

The Rattling of the Bones

We are sitting in the back of a large truck. We are sitting on metal folding chairs. There are 6 chairs on each side of the back of the truck. There are metal strips connecting all 6 of them so they are pretty stable accross the sides of the truck.
BUT, if to spend an hour in a metal folding chair is often enough for us. Picture sitting in the back of a moving truck that has bad springs, going over broken roads for an hour or more. It's a memorable experience :-)
Shantia

Hello Dolly

Yesterday at the medical clinic the medical team
The team was handing out some dolls that we brought for the children. We have posted some pictures if anyone would like to see.
http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/41017041@N07/sets/72157626055090689

Walkabout

Another construction day for half the team, while the other half put on a medical clinic to serve about 130 people.

At the construction site we move more ruble from the building site to the street to make room for construction. Again, all with shovels and wheelbarrows (brouèt ak pèl in Creole). The twist in the plan today was that we were not allowed to walk back with an empty wheelbarrow. Instead, two truckloads of gravel for concrete were dumped in the front so we had a full load both ways.




We did get to look about Port-au-Prince in two ways today. The first was Ken and I going for a walkabout with the translators. We walk from the construction site through their neighborhood and to the sea. They showed us where they lived and we got a better feel for how they lived.

The second chance to look around was after the workday when the whole group took a drive through the heart of Port-au-Prince. We where able to see a lot of the city including the Presidential Palace, National Cathedral, and the market area.

So, today was busy in several ways and tomorrow looks to be just as busy.

Preparing for La Romana --Ruth

I am becoming more excited than nervous about my first mission trip. The tipping point was finding the skirts and other clothes I needed at the Thrift Shop! Thank you, Deanna and Lucia, for letting me in yesterday. When I'm done with them, these clothes will be useful in the Dominican.

I am also humbled and happy that the ACC family has been so generous to all of us who are going. I want to share your generosity with the people we find in and around La Romana, and to keep in mind that this sharing is a two-way street. I know I have plenty to learn and experience, and I hope to bring some of that back to ACC to share.

And I am going to enjoy the sunshine, the people and the flowers!

Your Dirt is in My Hole

Today was the first full day of construction for us at the worksite in Haiti. And while construction was taking place, we were in charge or removing ruble that was once a building. This involved loading wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of ruble and taking it about 100 feet or so and dumping it in the street; where it is supposed to be cleaned up by the city at a later date.

We were working in and around existing classrooms and I can only imagine that the construction effort was a bit of a distraction. Especially as one class was being held under a tarp right next to the construction work. We did, however, get to see lots of little smiling faces in their uniforms which can lift your spirits when you think you have lifted the last pound of dirt you could.

After we had worked for the day, or rather when we had no more energy to work, we attended the "Easy English Club" meeting. This is a club held at the church to help the local high school and above members learn to Speak English. The leader of the group, 20 years old, was quite good and uses the scripture to help teach. Today's verse was John 14:6. It was the highlight of my day to participate in the club which was a little bit bible study, a little bit conversation, and a very funny role play scenario between two members.

And while they day was not all ups, they outweighed the downs and I think we accomplished quite a lot.

Sneakers and bottles and rubbles oh my!!

What a day! I was on the construction team today with the 3 guys of ACC and mark from ct. The haitians were VERY confused to see a woman doing manual labor.... I was very much in the spotlight. But we took lots of breaks and worked with Haitians and our translators. I'm happy to say I worked harder than at least one person there!

I wanted to share some thoughts from the worksite. It was very strange to be digging and moving rubble that has been there for a year. Under lots of gravel we'd find trash then we found sneakers then we found a cup! It was sad to think literally peoples lives were destroyed and never really fixed... It goes along with the fact that yesterday talking to the kids they all said "god saved me from the earthquake... God saved my mom from earthquake". Having been on mission trips before I have to say doing disaster relief is a whole different ballgame. Instead of just cleaning or playing with kids or sorting clothes you are literally picking peoples lives off the ground.

It's amazing that god has us here and is using us to the max. I am still worried that I will get sick or dehydrated... But continuing to trust that god has me here for a reason and won't leave my side.

One other note: they listen to American music here and I gained huge popularity by singing Justin Bieber and Rhiannon with the kids :)

Love Beth

Shantia - Day 2 Update

First time mission trips in a location are always a challenge. Figuring out who should have been in the communication loop and who didn't need to be. Which medications we could have used - whether to travel over an hour each way to an orphanage. Next time we will know better - and find new things to learn.

Today at the clinic was good and we will go back to the same place tomorrow.
This is a wonderful group - somehow they usually are.

We pray for all of you at home and are grateful for your support.
Shantia

Update from Shantia

Worship today was incredible! There was alot of singing and the sound was lovely. There were several messages and they were so right for this people and this time. The scripture for the main sermon was about Sarah and Hagar. The discussion was mostly about Hagar needing to trust in God even when faced with death - no home, no food, no water - a time of despair. His words of hope were inspiring. Everyone prays at once while the leader prays the loudest! More lovely singing... an altar call... very warm and welcoming people...a lovely pot luck dinner from the church ladies... then back to our comfortable rooms at Villa Ormiso to unpack our duffels of donations...
Shantia

Our Best To The Haiti Team

I just read the posts from our people in Haiti. I wish you my best for a safe and productive week.

Thanks to everybody who is following both of our groups and keeping us in you thoughts and prayers. If you would like to learn more about where the group headed for the Dominican Republic will be staying and the work we will be doing, go to http://laromana.org/ . You can learn about the Good Samaritan hospital, the bateys and the work our medical teams do there, and many other facts.

Thanks again to everybody who is supporting us in any way. I'll try to post again once we get to La Romana

Anne Marchant from first church sterling weighs in

Greetings all! My smeller must be better than david's because I was first struck by the beauty of the mountains and then by the smells then by the teeming streets blaring horns, drivers that make those in mass look tame and the piles of rubble, trash and dirty water clogging the streets. I am feeling very fortunate in all those we left at home and thrilled to be with kindred spirits - some newly met and much appreciated from Acton and Connecticut. Do ask these Acton and ct folks about the group memories they are bribing us not to share and which we will long and fondly remember. First construction and health teams head out tomorrow. Please keep us in your thoughts especially our construction team lavishly in the hot sun. Allez avec Bon dieu.

Four Sermons, Five Songs, and a Prayer

Ok, maybe it wasn't five sermons, but for those of you who have never attended a church service in this part of the world it is a bit different than what you get on a Sunday morning in New England. It was, however, a wonderful service, full of joy, music, and praise.

This is our first full day in Haiti and there is still so much ahead. The travel to Haiti went extremely well with little to no issues. They opened a few of our bags at customs but with 24 bags they were not about to go through them all. The baggage men waiting outside the airport were a bit aggressive, but a "no, mesi"'and most backed away.

The smells of Haiti hit me much stronger this trip. I don't remember the smells from last year, perhaps because I was so busy taking in the visuals. This year the smells will definitely be a top memory.

After church this morning (9am to about noon) we were able to look at the school construction site where we will be working this week. They have started a little of the work and there is a big pile of rock and dirt out front which we will have to move to the back where construction will take place. Rumor has it that we are meant to crush the rock for concrete.


After church we were treated to a great lunch by the women of church including Shrimp and rice, goat, and veg; followed by a beautiful cake. And while we were waiting for lunch, Beth made some friends.

This afternoon we are doing some sorting of medical supplies for the clinic and cloths. It will be a slow afternoon, which will give us more time to get in the feel of Haiti.

And a bit of a happy surprise at where we are staying. There was a wedding near by yesterday and the newlyweds came into the compound in their finest.

Excited to go

This is my first time to "blog", so here goes! Last Sunday, after church, so many members came to wish me a safe trip, offer their support and prayers, and express their surprise that I was going.
Thanks to all of you. I have had it in the back of my mind for many years that this is something I would love to do. The opportunity has finally arrived, Holy Spirit tells me. Keep me in your prayers. I will try to be a faithful blogger for you.
Blessings, Deanna  Downs

Where are we???

It's been a very overwhelming day. We successfully got thru the airport thanks to many people crowding around us and walking us thru. Just as I thought things were better than expected, we drove thru town to our retreat center. I had to cry after the drive because it is a completely different world. And I still have doubts... Can I actually survive this week? Luckily we are all supporting each other and will continue to ask gods blessing over us and our work.

The retreat center also feels like another world. Gated breezier and welcoming we have showers water food. So I'll be taking it day by day.

Thanks for the love and support from afar.

Beth

Packed and Ready

It is just after 11pm and that means not much sleep tonight as P is coming to pick me up at 3:30 am for the trip to the airport and then on to PaP, Haiti. Lots swimming around in my mind and even though I am tired I suspect sleep won't come easy tonight.

Tonight I am anxious, apprehensive, and already miss my family. As I am going to be gone for about 14 days this is longer than I have been away from my family in quite a while. I still believe that this is what I am meant to be doing, but it doesn't mean everything about it is easy.

I am also quite thankful tonight. I am incredibly grateful to all those who help with the financial burden of this trip and I am especially thankful to my family for supporting me in this effort.

I pray tonight for the trip and that all goes well, that we provide service to others, and that we return safely to our friends and family. I pray for the families that stay behind and support the mission team, may the home front not present any obstacles that challenge their mental and physical limits as they have to take on more responsibilities than normal.

PAY IT FORWARD

My son, Rory, and I had a discussion a while back about how professional athletes take financial advantage of their gifts of talent from God. He reminded me that I, too, do the same thing when I get a paycheck. This was pretty humbling.

I am so thankful that God has given me the gift of healing that I can use, least of which to provide a source of income, but most of all help others.

Can you imagine having access to health care only once a year, if missionaries choose your village? No immunizations for your children?

This has altered my attitude on what really is significant in life.

I will go to the Dominican Republic with the other missionaries, and use my God given talents to provide care to the underprivileged who live there, love their children and want the best for them as much as anyone else in the world.

I will go forth and pay it forward, not only by using my gifts, but using your gifts of donations and prayers as well.

Preparations

I want to add my "Thanks" to everyone supporting us on this mission trip. In a sense, we get the "glory" and the benefit of the first-hand experience, but it is everyone supporting us that makes it all possible. I hope this blog can help convey some of that experience and connection from Haiti and the DR to everyone "back home", who cannot be there with us.

I'm one of the returnees to Haiti, but even still, I feel nearly as nervous about the trip this year as I did last year. I know something about what to expect in terms of how it will look and smell and feel, but I have even more questions about the current situation there: what has happened in the past year, what is the best role for us as Americans to help, what expectations to have for them as well as for us.

Last year, the scale of the problems facing the people of Haiti was simply overwhelming. It was easy to be overcome by despair by the time we left the country after just one week. This year, I anticipate will be the same, but I hope we can focus and direct our work so that we can realize a glimmer of hope that is sustained and can grow even after we leave Haiti. If we can begin to lay a foundation of communication and mutual support between a Haitian community and our community, we can watch that hope develop and grow. I don't know where this mission effort will lead us, but I'm excited (and anxious) about the potential for some amazing growth and development in Haiti and here at home as a result.

Missionaries Commissioned

Today's commissioning service was such a great way to connect the congregation with our upcoming trips. Thanks so much to everyone involved. Several people talked to me afterward with good things to say about how it raised awareness and strengthened the participation by the congregation.

Thanks, especially to David, for stepping out of his comfort zone and sharing with us his heartfelt testimony. His sentiments about how God prepares us for these experiences, about how we must respond when he calls and about how we are changed in the process were inspirational and moving. I think the church is hungry for personal witness and David's thoughts captivated many church members.

Thanks, too, to the missionaries for standing up in front of everyone and for accepting the commission of the church. I know that many would rather not be in the limelight, but it's important for the congregation to know who is representing them and it will likely provide opportunities for talking about the trip after it is over. Thank you, as well, to Andy for the closing prayer.

For the record, here is the litany we used today:

Leader: Missionaries, do you believe that you have been led by the Holy Spirit to engage in this work, do you agree to hold Jesus Christ as your example and guide and do you make it your purpose to spread God’s love to those you serve?

Response of the Teams: I do, with the help of God.

Leader: In the name of Acton Congregational Church, I commend each of you to this work and pledge to you our prayers, encouragement, and support. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this and in all things you may do God's will in the service of Jesus Christ.

Leader: Dearly beloved, I commend to you these persons whom we this day have commissioned to be God's servants as a part of the continual sharing of Christ's great commission on Earth.

Response of God's People: We rejoice to recognize you as missionaries from our church, and we thank God that you have dedicated your service to this mission. May the blessings of God go with you and keep you safe throughout your journey. May God’s grace go with you.

Thank You from Cole

Thank you congregation for supporting this mission. I am so excited to be returning to the Dominican Republic for my second year. As an 18-year old this is a major experience that rocks my world and opens my eyes to the diversity of cultures. Thank you again,
Cole

Is it really only 9 days?!

A little bit of honesty... I'm struggling a lot with the idea of going to Haiti. I keep reading and hearing stories about all of the bad things that can happen while traveling there... and I'm doubting my ability to go and serve for the week. I'm really scared that I'm going to get sick, or have something horrible happen while there, or just be completely emotionally overwhelmed.

So what is convincing me to go you ask? There are 3 things...
1) I have never been on an international mission trip nor have I been to a third world country. My parents pulled me from the Mexico SHYF mission trip many years back (yes I'm still bitter). I want this opportunity to challenge myself in a way I've yet to do. This semester I have been learning about global poverty so I'm excited to go see it first hand and really see the sufferings of our brothers and sisters.

2) I firmly believe God wants me to go on this trip. I wanted to go to Haiti beginning in the fall... and thought I couldn't find an opportunity to go over spring break. Then the January trip got pushed to March over my spring break. So I am fully confident that God wants me on this trip and is therefore already putting into motion things for me to experience and learn.

3) I LOVE KIDS!!!!! I'm really excited to go and see the children of Haiti. Shantia has said I will most likely be helping with the kids that come to the medical clinic with their parents. We have ordered some kids toys for them to play with- so I'm excited to bring that all to them and see the life they live and how much I have to be thankful for.

I feel like this whole week I will be teaching nothing and learning everything. But that's good- God's challenges to us make us stronger and our relationship with Him deeper. I continue to pray that God would silence the voices of fear in me and around me, and that I would trust that He knows what's best for me and each of us on this trip.

Est-que ou comprends?
Mwen pas comprends Creole!

Tom G's (chieftaing) trip to Haiti

I'm going to Haiti with 12 others, including my daughter Beth.

Currently I'm starting to pack, get my lists together, buying a few things online ahead of time.

I've e-mail my family asking for donations of money which I will use to buy school supplies which the community school we'll be working on needs. In Haiti, parents must buy school supplies for their kids, and many cannot afford to do so. So we'll be using a big portion of our suitcases to carry the school supplies. I'm also putting a box in our break room at work (ExaGrid Systems) to collect school supplies. One thing I plan to buy is a whole bunch of $4 calculators from Staples, figuring that's one item that must be hard to find or is expensive in Haiti.

The web sites with more info about the places we'll be in Haiti are:
www.eglisebaptisteconcorde.com
www.onemissionsociety.org - which mentions the OMS "villa ormiso" where we're living

The first web site is in Haitian creole - mostly French, but with differences. My daughter can read it, but I can't. She likes showing me up like that :-)

Blessings,
Tom

Ticketed

Sitting at Fitchburg State waiting for W to finish with scout merit badge camp for the day and think ing a lot about the mission trip today.

While W was at camp I spent the morning running around to various stores attempting to discover the best way to provide power to my iPhone while in Haiti. We have been told that power will be iffy while in Haiti and I can't remember from last year if that was the case or not. I do remember the fans going off in the dorms at about 11pm when the batteries for the facility ran dry and it was to late to run the generator which can be noisy.

Power is more important to me this year because I plan to take more video and want to be able to update friends and family back home via Facebook. And yes, we have been told that we will have access to wifi, but I am not sure if that is via wifi at the dorm or via a cafe. In either case power will be important.

I continue to find that I miss Haiti and I suppose that sounds strange, but it is how I have felt since leaving it last year. Looking forward is the wrong way to express how I feel; perhaps returning to where I am meant to be to take the next small step to complete a job and help a people that will take many years.

Location:Highland Ave,Fitchburg,United States

Thank You to Donors

If you are reading this, chances are you've donated to one or both of the ACC mission trips. If so, thank you so much. You have made my job as treasurer one of thanksgiving, for we have truly been blessed. Especially in the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of activity - I'm happy to report that we have exceeded our goals and expectations. Gifts from individual church members, combined with support for the group's fundraising efforts, have reduced the travel costs to La Romana, Dominican Republic by $250 per missionary. And on Monday, the Mission and Outreach Committee voted to give $5,000 in combined support for both mission trips. Hallelujah! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Not only does this ease the financial burden on those traveling, but it also allows more medicine and supplies to be taken to those in need. Thank you so much to the committee and to our donors.

As we move forward to the trips and through the mission activities onsite, look to this blog for posts from each of the missionaries. We want you, our donors, to see what you have made possible, to know the stories of the lives you've touched and to hear us witness to the 'God moments' that are there for those with eyes to see. With His help and your support, we will be in the right place at the right time, with the right supplies. We have no way of knowing the things that are in store for us, but just as you have had faith in us, we have faith that these trips will be life changing, both for us and for the people we serve. We seek to be God's hands and feet, the body of Christ, filled with hope and the Holy Spirit. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your help in fulfilling this dream.

Saturday, busy Saturday

This past Saturday was a busy day for the mission team and it was all over shadowed by the threat of ice. Thankfully, for the most part, the ice held off and all activities were able to go forward as planned.

Packing in Sterling

The day started off with both the Haiti and Dominican Republic mission team members meeting at the First Church in Sterling for packing day. This is the day when all the medication, medical supplies, cloths, and toys are spread out in the the activity hall to be packed in large duffle bags that the mission team will bring along as checked baggage. Each bag can hold up to 50lbs of supplies and with 51 people signed up for the Dominican Republic trip that adds up to a lot of supplies.

There were not quite as many supplies for the Haiti trip. As it looks right now each person will have only one duffle and I know one of duffles I packed for the Haiti group was not filled to weight capacity. This was a bit disappointing, but hopefully more supplies will be donated before the trip and we can get to the two duffle per person limit.

Enjoying the Fundraiser

Packing lasted from about 8 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. and can take a lot out of a person, but this was only part of the mission team activities for the day. After packing and a team meeting I left the First Church in Sterling for a quick stop at home (I had to clear some snow off the roof) and then I headed for the Haiti fundraiser at the Concord Elks Club. This fundraiser was championed by Ken and he did a great job. By the time I got there the place was pretty much set up: the raffle prizes were out, the tables were set up, and the music was ready to go. I helped set up a few things and then was handed my "outfit" for the night: a hat, badge, gun, and handcuffs.

Caught in the Act

I was meant to play sherif for the party. One of the fund raising activities that Ken had planned was a "prison". Anyone could have another person arrested for a small fee. For an additional small few the person could be released. But first, it was my job to arrest the person, take them to the prison, get them dressed in stripes, and take their picture. This turned out to be pretty fun for the guests and I had a good time as well.

The fundraiser went great and included authentic Haitian food, great music, dance lessons, and brilliant raffle prizes. The evening ended with the picking of the prize winners and the announcement of the total collected for the evening. It was a great way to end a very long day even if I didn't win a raffle prize. Many thanks for Ken to putting the evening together.

Fundraiser rocked

The "Do Something Concrete for Haiti" fund raiser in Concord last night was a lot of fun and really well done. Congratulations to Ken and Dave and all those who helped organize this. They announced that the rough estimate of funds raised was $3K - a significant amount for the community school!

Ken put a large poster on the wall on which folks could write messages and greetings - we'll be taking it to Haiti - what a cool idea!