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.