Today we took a day off before the hard part of building the school happens - that's the roof. We anticipate that will be a tough job. We had a little set back today but in Haiti that's not unusual. We had a fellow who was going to supply the forms for the roof but he ended up not having what we wanted and Luckner had to spend most of his day looking for replacement material. His biggest problem though was time. Today was the first day of school - he is the director and with registration and then having to teach - well let's say his day was not the best. Keep him in your prayers.
Today we are going to speak a little about the roads in Haiti. What we are about to tell you - you would not likely believe, so we will send a couple of pics to show you.
For the last two or three decades the roads in Haiti have not been maintained to the standard that they were in the early 60's and 70's. Because of hurricanes, heavy traffic and constructions the roads have been torn up and once they start to degrade they get bad very quickly. Pot holes are the norm but pot holes like we are used to in Canada. They are more like sink holes. They can be up to 2 feet deep and we have seen some deeper than that. This is one such place - here we had to get off the truck and let Dickie drive across this spot with only Alex in the truck with him.
One of the biggest problems with having a day off and taking a drive to the beach is that it takes about 1 1/2 hour over these kinds of roads. By the time we get back home we are just as dirty and exhausted as when we left; but we still enjoyed our day and were thankful to get to the beach. You can see a couple of little pot holes here too. I mentioned that we were in the middle of a gas crunch. The situation has eased a little but notice the line up at the pumps in this picture. 
Traffic jams in the villages and towns can be a problem too. I don't know how they manouver their way through these places without hitting each other. And the truth is that they do hit each other. I don't believe there is a vehicle in Haiti without a series of major dents in it. 
One of the things that amazes us so greatly is how well our senior team workers thrive in this type of hot work climate. On our last trip John Fyfe showed what seniors can do. This year we have Paul and Bill with us - we have already mention Paul - and tonight we would like to talk about Bill.
Bill has been a pleasure to have with us on this team. He has a great sense of humour, is always smiling and is always willing to do whatever is needed. He is extremely interested in all that is going on around him. He loves the work and the kids. Here he is with Paul and they are sharing a laugh about something on top of the plateau where the fort was.
We hope that you had a good day today. -remember "this is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it." God bless you, have a great sleep and enjoy tomorrow. Pray for us as we face the difficult job of trying to put the roof on this building.
God Bless
Pastor Dennis
10 comments:
Thanks for all the great pictures Dennis . Makes me feel like I'm there . Glad you guys got to the beach . We complain about potholes !!!! Seems like you guys have been gone forever . Say "hi " to Karen and tell her my prayers are always with her . She's one remarkable lady ! Give Bob a hug for me . Keep smiling. Love you all
Hi All- please keep Erin in prayer. She seems to have caught my cold. She has been up since 2:30coughing.
Heidi
Hi Gramp,
It's finally my turn, Hannah. I am glad you got to go to the beach, lucky!! Daddy is fishing again today but it looks like he might get the next couple off. I had a reallly long dance practice last night, but it was lots of fun, we are getting ready for the Halifax production. Noah had his first soccer practice and he had LOTS of fun! Gramp Cohen is getting sooooo big, you are never going to believe it. Oh, Mom and Dad want to tell Faith they LOVE her emails, they get a great laugh everytime, keep them coming!!
Gotta get to school, can't wait to see you when you come back, 8 more sleeps, love ya lots
Hannah
and the crew too!!!
Dear Dad and Grampie- From Aidan- I already ate all the marshmallows at school before I left or they would have to be thrown out. When I was playing with Hailey today I smashed some snow on my head and it went down the back of my jacket. How tall is the school now?
From Erin-When I was playing with Hailey I was throwing snow and sometimes she was laughing a bit. Do you see any dogs or cats there? Do the kids have puzzles there?
I got a cold from Mommy. I was coughing a few times at school.
From Kate- How was the beach? How long do you think it will take to do the roof? Miss you!
Hi guys - this is Daddy.
I think there are a lot of people here who wouldn't mind a bit of snow down their shirts right now! Right now it's getting dark and they're hurrying to finish pouring cement for the beams along the top of the school - the walls and windows are all done. We have to make the roof next, and that's the hard part.
Hi Erin - we've seen lots of dogs around, and we have a nice German Shepherd here named Pal. I haven't seen very many cats, only a few. The kids here have some puzzles, but not very many. I heard you have a cold - I'm praying that you and Mommy both feel better quickly.
Hi Kate - the beach was very nice. We swam in the ocean but it was as warm as a swimming pool at home (probably warmer). There was some coral and a bunch of colorful fish that I swam out to, which was really nice. We'll be working hard on the roof most of the rest of our time here - it takes a long time to get all the wood in place and braced, then we have to lay out iron bars to make it strong. At the end we'll spend a long hard day mixing and pouring cement over the entire thing, then smoothing it all out and tidying it up.
Miss all of you - thank you for your notes and emails, they mean a lot.
Love you!
Dad (Tim)
Hi everyone, just a little note to say what great works your all doing down there.My heart and prays are with you. Seeing the pictures makes me miss the place.Say hi to everyone i know.GOD BLESS Terry Doucette
Aidan's prayer tonight: "Dear God, Please let the people in Haiti get more money to fix up their homes and roads. And that Dad and the Haiti team will be able to fix the roof and it won't be too hard for them. And please let us be snowed in tomorrow so that there will be no school and Mom and Erin can get some rest... " ;)
Abby Murray prayed against home sickness.... she's 5... The ripple effects of this mission are more far-reaching than any of us could ever imagine!
hi . great to see all the progress on the new building,you guys are doing great work. glad to see you guys made it to the beach,a day off now and then is good for the soul,our prayers are with you guys, say hi to bobby and tell him we love him,
hi bob i'm sending this for mom,she says that shes very proud of the work you are doing and shes keeping you in her prayers,hope you are enjoying yourself and taking care of yourself too. love you mom
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