Walking with God

Many times we start particular walk with God, the direction and the path that we take seem so obvious. We are so sure of the outcome far in advance.

Our walk to help earthquake victims started early in the year. It took us through many paths and many roads, slightly different for each one of us that was or is involved. The bunk bed project was born from our trip to Haiti in April of this year and came to realization in May, when a decision was made to make 20 bunk beds for the girls at Grace Orphanage. It took most of the summer to cut all 760 pieces that would eventually make up the 20 double beds. Many people were touched by those beds, from cutting and drilling holes, through sanding of surfaces through painting all of the colorful boards by friends and kids from a neighborhood, to packaging and putting all on the container, all with endless hours of God’s love. With the container changing direction and going to another needy orphanage, there was some sadness, but not for long. God just had something bigger in mind. When we’ve arrived to New Life for Children Orphanage, it was obvious that this is a place that needed those beds even more. The orphanage houses over 100 kids, boys, girls and some of them are handicapped. The boy’s orphanage collapsed during the earthquake, and now they are housed in very cramped quarters. The older boys are sleeping on beds that are to narrow and too short for them with upper bunk being on top of the lower bunk, you have to side in to just to get in. Jim and I started to assemble first bunk beds last week, but quickly came to realization that we would not be able to get all of them completed. Today we worked with the older boys on bunk bed assembly. Showed them how to use hand tools, sequence of assembly, how to square up headboard and foot board, and take pride in the workmanship. We showed one boy how to assemble his bunk, and in turn he became teacher to other boys. We went from the assemblers to teachers to very proud observers. Boys went from observers, to apprentices to proud owners of new beds. The pride was showing through. I don’t know if this sense of accomplishment was bigger in boy’s hearts or in Jim’s and mine.

So next time you set out on a walk with God, keep your eyes and heart wide open, because the final perceived result might just not be good enough for God and you do not want to miss any signs along the road.  

Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010--Out and About

Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010

What a day. We left the inside walls of New Life 4 Kids compound (an awesome place, awesome people) and spent most of the day in what I consider Haiti—out in the neighborhoods, streets, and homes of friends. For me there is nothing like being in the middle of all the day to day action in Haiti. Our friend Theodore took us to see two of the older girls who left Marie’s orphanage about a month or two (or three) ago. They have moved from a tent city where they lived briefly after leaving the orphanage into a one room “apartment” where three people share a room that is about 10 by 12 ft—that’s it—they live there. Cardboard folded up in the corner is unfolded for their beds at night to cushion the concrete floor. They cook on a charcoal stove outside in an “alley” that is not even 3 feet wide. They are not alone—this is how most of the people live—those that are lucky enough to be able to afford an apartment that is (this one is about $500 per year). Both girls go to school in the afternoon from 12 to 5 and that is not an easy journey by our standards—walk to main road and the take a “tap tap” (taxi/bus) which is packed with people. But it is a privilege to be able to go to school here—so the journey is made without hesitation. Bill and I are working on getting them beds and we think we have that worked out and that should happen in the next week or so.

We went from there to Marie’s house and visited with her and hung out at the orphanage/school for a while. The new orphanage is nearly completed on the inside and the girls will be moving in next week (probably). Finishing touches are being made on the inside, paint, bathrooms, etc. It will look nice and the girls will like it. The girls were in school so I didn’t get to see all of them, but a few looked out and waved. It was cool to see our friend Neenee sitting in the same spot along the street, reading her Bible, praising God, and selling her wares to whoever will buy them. She is always an inspiration to me—all day from sunup to sundown, sitting on a dirt road, hoping someone will buy something, and keeping God and Jesus at the center of life—each and every day. We can all learn something from Neenee. Bondye Beniou (God bless you).

Back at New Life we had to make some needed adjustments to the desks that were donated by a school in Chicago and assembled here when they arrived. Bill and I forgot to adjust the legs on the desks before we left this morning so the kids had to sit in chairs without desks because they could not get their legs under them—oops. They probably wonder about these crazy white. Americans…what good are these desks? They are adjusted now and we will make sure they are OK for everyone tomorrow morning. The older boys are getting some of the bunk beds we made in Naperville and shipped here. They are currently sleeping on beds that are way to short for them. After they are replaced with the new ones we will be able to take a few of the old ones to the girls for their “apartment.” Everyone wins—but it takes time—this is Haiti.

Ended the day with the New Life orphans singing praise songs—loud, clear, in tune, and awesome. They sounded great even while chewing the gum that Bill passed out only moments before worship. Praise be to God—and may He continue to bless these dear children.

Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010--Out and About

Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010

What a day. We left the inside walls of New Life 4 Kids compound (an awesome place, awesome people) and spent most of the day in what I consider Haiti—out in the neighborhoods, streets, and homes of friends. For me there is nothing like being in the middle of all the day to day action in Haiti. Our friend Theodore took us to see two of the older girls who left Marie’s orphanage about a month or two (or three) ago. They have moved from a tent city where they lived briefly after leaving the orphanage into a one room “apartment” where three people share a room that is about 10 by 12 ft—that’s it—they live there. Cardboard folded up in the corner is unfolded for their beds at night to cushion the concrete floor. They cook on a charcoal stove outside in an “alley” that is not even 3 feet wide. They are not alone—this is how most of the people live—those that are lucky enough to be able to afford an apartment that is (this one is about $500 per year). Both girls go to school in the afternoon from 12 to 5 and that is not an easy journey by our standards—walk to main road and then take a “tap tap” (taxi/bus) which is packed with people. But it is a privilege to be able to go to school here—so the journey is made without hesitation. Bill and I are working on getting them beds and we think we have that worked out and that should happen in the next week or so.

We went from there to Marie’s house and visited with her and hung out at the orphanage/school for a while. The new orphanage is nearly completed on the inside and the girls will be moving in next week (probably). Finishing touches are being made on the inside, paint, bathrooms, etc. It will look nice and the girls will like it. The girls were in school so I didn’t get to see all of them, but a few looked out and waved. It was cool to see our friend Neenee sitting in the same spot along the street, reading her Bible, praising God, and selling her wares to whoever will buy them. She is always an inspiration to me—all day from sunup to sundown, sitting on a dirt road, hoping someone will buy something, and keeping God and Jesus at the center of life—each and every day. We can all learn something from Neenee. Bondye Beniou (God bless you).

Back at New Life we had to make some needed adjustments to the desks that were donated by a school in Chicago and assembled here when they arrived. Bill and I forgot to adjust the legs on the desks before we left this morning so the kids had to sit in chairs without desks because they could not get their legs under them—oops. They probably wonder about these crazy white. Americans…what good are these desks? They are adjusted now and we will make sure they are OK for everyone tomorrow morning. The older boys are getting some of the bunk beds we made in Naperville and shipped here. They are currently sleeping on beds that are way to short for them. After they are replaced with the new ones we will be able to take a few of the old ones to the girls for their “apartment.” Everyone wins—but it takes time—this is Haiti.

Ended the day with the New Life orphans singing praise songs—loud, clear, in tune, and awesome. They sounded great even while chewing the gum that Bill passed out only moments before worship. Praise be to God—and may He continue to bless these dear children.

Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010--Out and About

Haiti Monday Nov 15th, 2010

What a day. We left the inside walls of New Life 4 Kids compound (an awesome place, awesome people) and spent most of the day in what I consider Haiti—out in the neighborhoods, streets, and homes of friends. For me there is nothing like being in the middle of all the day to day action in Haiti. Our friend Theodore took us to see two of the older girls who left Marie’s orphanage about a month or two (or three) ago. They have moved from a tent city where they lived briefly after leaving the orphanage into a one room “apartment” where three people share a room that is about 10 by 12 ft—that’s it—they live there. Cardboard folded up in the corner is unfolded for their beds at night to cushion the concrete floor. They cook on a charcoal stove outside in an “alley” that is not even 3 feet wide. They are not alone—this is how most of the people live—those that are lucky enough to be able to afford an apartment that is (this one is about $500 per year). Both girls go to school in the afternoon from 12 to 5 and that is not an easy journey by our standards—walk to main road and then take a “tap tap” (taxi/bus) which is packed with people. But it is a privilege to be able to go to school here—so the journey is made without hesitation. Bill and I are working on getting them beds and we think we have that worked out and that should happen in the next week or so.

We went from there to Marie’s house and visited with her and hung out at the orphanage/school for a while. The new orphanage is nearly completed on the inside and the girls will be moving in next week (probably). Finishing touches are being made on the inside, paint, bathrooms, etc. It will look nice and the girls will like it. The girls were in school so I didn’t get to see all of them, but a few looked out and waved. It was cool to see our friend Neenee sitting in the same spot along the street, reading her Bible, praising God, and selling her wares to whoever will buy them. She is always an inspiration to me—all day from sunup to sundown, sitting on a dirt road, hoping someone will buy something, and keeping God and Jesus at the center of life—each and every day. We can all learn something from Neenee. Bondye Beniou (God bless you).

Back at New Life we had to make some needed adjustments to the desks that were donated by a school in Chicago and assembled here when they arrived. Bill and I forgot to adjust the legs on the desks before we left this morning so the kids had to sit in chairs without desks because they could not get their legs under them—oops. They probably wonder about these crazy white. Americans…what good are these desks? They are adjusted now and we will make sure they are OK for everyone tomorrow morning. The older boys are getting some of the bunk beds we made in Naperville and shipped here. They are currently sleeping on beds that are way to short for them. After they are replaced with the new ones we will be able to take a few of the old ones to the girls for their “apartment.” Everyone wins—but it takes time—this is Haiti.

Ended the day with the New Life orphans singing praise songs—loud, clear, in tune, and awesome. They sounded great even while chewing the gum that Bill passed out only moments before worship. Praise be to God—and may He continue to bless these dear children.

Meet God Under the Mango Tree

Sunday is a day to worship and rest all over the world.In Haiti is no different, people clean up (unbelievably for conditions), get dress up and go to church. Here at the orphanage, Sunday school starts at 8:00 am under the Mango Tree. The thick umbrella of this Mango Tree is about 60 feet wide, very thick with leaf foliage and the sun is totally blocked out. This is where you can meet God at work, here where you realize that you are so blessed to experience His Glory. Kids that don’t have anything to their own possession are thankful for so much in their lives. You can recognize the praises in whatever the language it may be. You can recognize melody of a familiar song, though I could not sing it in French or Creole. The Worship follows at 9:00 with everyone in the compound participating.
The physical walls of a building that is a church here had other uses since the earthquake. It has been a makeshift hospital for earthquake victims, a storage depot for supplies coming in a distribution center for other needy organizations. However, the walls have not been able to contain God’s Spirit just inside, His Spirit spills over within boundaries of this compound. If you go to the school area, to the dorms of the orphanage or just sit under the Mango Tree, you can feel His Spirit at work.
So if you lone for that loving feeling, for a true picture of “loving one another” come and sit under the Mango Tree, look around, close your eyes and listen to the children praising his name. Love God, Love Others, Change the World one soul at the time (and you can start with your own).

We’ll see you under the Mango Tree

Continue from under the Mango Tree
On Sunday afternoon is play time and worship time as well. In the mid afternoon, all kids assembled back under the Mango Tree. All changed in the play close with an amplifier hooked up to an iPod playing English Worship songs. Happy time is for all, handicapped kits were brought out in the wheel chairs, drawing, coloring and dancing. Older boys and too old to play (but they try) played soccer tournament 4 on 4 with garbage barrels as goals. Did I say that this too old should have just rested under the Mango Tree and watch the Holly Spirit at work. No, this too old to play tried to experience it all on the playing field in the shadows of the Mango Tree. You can experience the power of a worship song and the exuberant game of soccer while watching His Power at work through all of the kids. And the Glory of His name is endless.
All this happens in just one day under the Mango Tree.

A full day in His name

Long day at the Orphanage. Watched morning chores done by the boys and the girls. Both work on Saturday morning until noon. Boys work the garden, fish tanks, rabbits, chickens and girls started to learn how to grow things as well (usually a boys job). All are learning about renewable recources. We had few boys help us dig out 35 school desks and re-assemble legs, moved 35 too small desks out of the classrooms and put the new desks in. This was almost a full day work, without the boys help the two old guys could not get this done.
We had a young man (English speaking) helping out with the desks. He is 20 years old and has been here since he was 6 years old. He finished basic school and he is attending a professional school (job training school). He is studying an electronic/electrical school and has one more year. We showed him and few other boys how to use a pop rivet gun, they have never seen a pop rivet in their life.
The orphanage is sitting on 5 acres of land with many buildings on this property. All together about 120 kids call this place home, boys, girls with able bodies and handicapped children as well (requiring a constant assistance). A staff of 55 has their hands full all day long. All of the kids love to play outside, and that includes the handicapped children. In the evenings all meet under the Mango tree. Children come here from all over Haiti, but mostly from the mountain area where the needy once would parish without being taking in by New Life 4 Children. Here they receive nourishment, love and attention they need. God is truly at work here.

After lunch we worked with Jim on bunk bed assembly. Beds for older boys are so desperately needed. Some of older boys are quite tall, but they are sleeping on Haitian bunk beds, too narrow, too short and not high enough. We were able to assemble 2 double beds tonight, now the boys are able to stretch out on the bed and be comfortable. They are also able to sit up on the bottom bunk bed without hitting their head or neck. Boys were helping out with bunk bed assembly as well. What an exhausting and God fulfilling day. Hot, humid, tired and full of spirit, that’s God at work, if you have never experience this, come on over……it’s a great feeling. We are truly blessed to be able to experience Gods true love.

About the cholera epidemic, Jim touched on it yesterday. It is very real in Haiti, everyone at the orphanage worries about it and takes precautions. Everyone coming in through the gate is requiring to disinfect their hands, children going to outside schools are being driven by the staff (so they would not encounter infected people on tap-tap, staff is taking cipro (medication for infections), Jim and I are taking it as well. Staff is doing a very good job trying to make sure that the epidemic does not cross the entrance gate.

Haiti Fri Nov 12, 2010

Bill and I arrived in Haiti early this morning after a very sleepless night at Miami airport. We have had maybe an hour of sleep since leaving Chicago yesterday afternoon. Arrived at New Life 4 Kids about 9:30 AM and chugged coffee for abut 45 minutes (didn’t help, but tasted good). We checked out the entire compound, orphanage, school, church, gardens, fish farm, chicken coops, rabbit cages, etc. Very nice people and lots going on here. Many opportunities to serve.

The shipping container that left Chicago in September arrived at the premises last week Friday and they had to unload the contents before we got here. The “church” is now a “warehouse” filled with our container contents. Missionary Fran was looking through many of the boxes of clothes we sent in an effort to find a “perfect” wedding dress and a decent pair of pants for a couple who are getting married soon. She found them both and was thrilled—although I am not sure they would be considered perfect on our American eyes—they will be beautiful here.

Tomorrow Bill and I and a few of the kids will haul out the component parts for 20 bunk beds shipped on the container and begin assembly. The kids will be so happy to see the new beds. We will also be putting together a hundred or more school desks which were also on the container. We had to move nearly all of the boxes to find the box of screws for the bunkbeds. Beyond that we have no specific plans other than seeing other friends here and helping out wherever we can.

They are taking Cholera precautions here and we are taking Cipro along with our Malaria meds. Everyone entering the compound is required to use antibacterial hand cleaner as they come through the gate. I’m sure it will seem silly to us when we get into a tent city and have kids crawling all over us. Oh well, it is Haiti.

Signing out because my eyes will not stay open long enough to continue.