Time Flys!

It’s hard to believe we’ve been here for a month already!

We’ve settled into our temporary quarters and are getting into the rhythm of life in Haiti. Things move slowly here, partly because of the heat, partly because of communication issues and partly because…well, it’s just the Haitian way!

For example, you don’t walk into someone’s office and just ask for a report. You walk in, sit down, ask about their family, comment on the weather, then you ask for the report.

You don’t just run to the grocery store and pick up a few things. Since the trip to Port (Port au Prince) is over an hour, you see if any of your fellow missionaries need anything, you make a list, make sure you have enough money (both Haitian and American, because some stores take one and not the other) and you plan on hitting more than one store to get everything you need, because the first place will never have all the items on your list.

You might begin your work day with a long “to do” list, but know you won’t get half the items done. Someone you had an appointment with will arrive 30 minutes late (or not at all), you won’t have the materials on hand to complete a job or it will be just too darn hot to tackle a particular project that day.

I know this all sounds terribly frustrating and, at times, it is. But it teaches you patience and flexibility. Everything gets done in the end.

In spite of the slower pace, we’ve seen and done a great deal in the last month. We had a team come from Florida to do VBS for our satellite churches in the villages of Ti Cousin, Jean Jean and Gran Savon. They did crafts, games, songs and lessons, all focused on the Gospel. The kids got a nutritious lunch each day and had a great time. In five days, over 1000 kids attended! One of the volunteers was so touched by the experience that he is talking about coming back to Haiti as a long term missionary. This place has a way of grabbing your heart!

When we were here back in February, we helped put a roof on the church in Gran Savon. Last week the cement floor was poured at the church, just in time for a wedding. This humble little church is growing and plans to start a school in September. None of the teachers will be paid, all volunteers. Amazing!

Ed has been gathering lots of financial data from the various parts of the mission. Since they haven’t had a Director in quite a while, there weren’t any accurate records for many things, so he’s trying to straighten all this out. Not an easy task, but we’re getting there.
We’ve had some challenges (issues with employees, improper use of the facilities and vehicles at the mission, etc.). But I think the workers are beginning to understand Ed’s management style and expectations and most of the people here are strong supporters of the changes we’ve made.

But it’s not all work. Last week, we had “movie night”. Sandy and Jim (husband and wife that run the med clinic) have a projector you can hook up to a laptop, so we watched a DVD projected on the wall of the guest house. We even had popcorn and soda! It was a fun evening.

We’ve had a new addition to the Christianville family. Teresa (our physician’s assistant) and Ryan (our eye doctor) welcomed Eleanor Nancy Price on July 12 at 2:33 AM. She’s a real cutie with curly red hair like her Mom. They will return to the mission at the end of August.

Our other expectant mom, Amy, went to the States last month. Her husband Doug will leave next week to join her as they await the arrival of their son in early September. Their other son, Dor, will have to stay in Haiti since his adoption isn’t complete yet. But, he’ll be surrounded by many people here who love him and will make sure he is taken care of till Doug & Amy return.

August will be a quiet month. All the other Americans will be back in the States on furlough or maternity leave. We hope to use this time to be tutored in Creole. We’re picking up words and phrases, but really need to have some formal lessons.

Well, I have to go get a cake out of the oven. As we do every Sunday evening, we’re having our Bible study & pot luck dinner tonight.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We can’t do this alone!