I believe we are so blessed that we are able to keep in touch so easily. Just think - twenty years ago such communication was not possible.
Well, this has been another slow day. We have been slowed down by the fact that we had trouble getting the supplies we needed here on site. The poles that we described to you last evening are hard to come by. Today we finished puting the poles up in one classroom and parts of the other two. Luckner says that we will be pouring concrete on Sunday but it will be a miracle - of course we belive in miracles!!
Another ongoing problem - that I mentioned the other day - is the shortage of gas. And that is apparently a country wide problem. Can you imagine the effects of not having any gas - even for day?? For us it has created a problem in getting off the compound to get supplies.
A few of the gang have been slowed down today personally - Tim has been feeling low most of the day - he is on the upswing now; Bill headed for rest at mid-afternoon and got up just at suppertime; Jon has been sick to his stomach a half a dozen times - he came down for some crackers and decided to go lie down again.
Paul, on the other hand, is on the mend after having some slight allergy problem yesterday.
The highlight of the day for several of our team was the trip by mototaxi (a small motorcycle) to the hospital. The hospital is not quite up to Canadian standards. It is a very interesting place.
It was stated by a fellow who at 40 years of age went to medical school and became a doctor. He admired ALbert Schweitzer. Apparently he was fairly wealthy so he and his wife moved here to Haiti and built the hopsital and named it after Albert Schweitzer. For the last 50 years doctors from all over the world have been coming to volunteer here at the hospital. The doctor that our team members spoke to today was from Niagara on the Lake, Ontario.
A point of interest - it is because of the hospital that Karen is here in Haiti - her daughter Liette was working there and Karen came for a visit and never left.
When a patient goes to the hospital a family member is required to attend him/her. They are to supply food, sheets and to clean up after the sick or injured one.
Here is a couple of pics from the hospital.
Ed Rose is here for his third time. He finds real joy in coming and sharing enthusiastically with the children and the Haitian workers. Ed gives it his all. He works continuously and tirelessly. If there is a job to be done Ed is there to volunteer to do it. He goes above and beyond anything that is required. He has a great sense of humor and keeps us laughing. Ed is a very spiritual man and helps keep us on track spiritually.
We hear that there is a snow fall expected on Monday - we hope it is not in honor of our return. We shutter at the thought of snow. As hot as it is we do not want it to be cold at home - but ..... We think of you all often and keep you in our prayers. It is good to get your comments and know that you are praying for us as well. Keep those prayers coming.
We love you - God bless.
Pastor Dennis
9 comments:
Hate to inform you but it will be COLD when you return . It is -16ish the last couple days . So glad you got to go to the hospital . Bob was looking forward to it . Thanks so much Dennis for letting Bob use your e-mail to e-mail me daily . It is the highlight of my day .Sorry about the holdups . Hope all goes well to be able to finish . Bless you all . You should be proud of yourselves.
Hi Pops...talking to mom again...she was wondering if you took your pills for you allergies. Wonder what set it off...Hope ur ok...could even just be the heat...if that's the case common back here! That'll heal ya! -31 this morning...yarmouth is going to get it 2morrow morning at -25. Hope things get done in time down there. Thinkin of ya all!! Luv ya...barb xoxo
Hello to Bill and all; I never know if my notes get through.The village that I worked in was Dajabon, Dom. Rep. so I visited Haiti just across the river from there. That hosp. was very desperate.One doctor for 30,000 Haitians, and no meds at all in the pharmacy. It may be the same where you are.I pray that Jesus and our Lady take your mission under their loving care and somehow get supplies, so the school roof will be able to be finished. I know that you are all putting your hearts into your work and so does God.I also pray for health for everyone by the time you have the materials to work with.Could you post pictures of sleeping and eating areas? All is well here.Some good skiing as well as sliding on the icy streets.May God bless all of you and your families and Haitian friends abundantly, love, Kay
Hi Gramp,
It's Cohen/Mommy today! It is very cold here, the amazing news here is that a plane crashed in the Hudson River and the pilot was able to get EVERYONE off before the plane sank, GOD IS SOOOOO GOD!!!
The kids are all gone to school and mommy is getting ready for the youth group kids coming tonight. Daddy is home today again, being mommy's helper hehe!! Hailey is running around screaming and playing with Daddy right now, they are soooo silly! Grammy will probably be over soon to check on you.
We are soooo proud of you Gramp and the team too! We love you lots and can't wait to hug and kiss you in 5 sleeps!!
Love
Cohen and the crew
Faith: We all missed you at Melissa's(TV night last night), see you next Thursday!!! Loving your emails, you are awesome keep up the great work!!!!!!
Hey Jonathan,
Hope you are feeling better soon! Today in the city it is -23 degrees and feels like -30! So needless to say the girls and are trying to stay warm! Savannah party will be on Jan Sat 31st, We hope you can make it :)
Thinking of you
Deena
Erin says: Hi Daddy and Grampie! Today I got a Gotcha for writing! Today I got my first 2 "Just Right" books and I have to read and record them every night. They will change every week. How do they celebrate their birthdays? Daddy, I heard you a computer expert...
Dad and Grampie- How are you? Write us Grumpy (Grampie) we want to laugh at your typing.:)) What have you been having for supper? love Kate
Right now it is so cold I am not allowed to play outside! Only 4-5 days til you come home. What i the temperature there? See you soon!
Love Aidan
to mie gran kidds hw re ou ,,, i find ,i hot , you hot toooo , how dre you cull me grunpy ,will i seed youd soon grampy
Erin - that's great! You've been doing a lot of good writing (especially the notes you did for me) - you deserve it! :)
I think they do a lot of the same things for birthdays, but I'm not really sure.
We had a special supper tonight - fried plantain, fried okra (?), pork, and rice with sauce. We've had a lot of yummy things - even pizza one night!
Aidan - it must REALLY be cold! It has been about 50 - 55 degrees around here most days - a LOT warmer than back home!!
Love you guys - see you soon - we're down to the final days now!!
Hey Dad. It's good to be able to keep up with what you guys are doing down there. I was reading the blog a couple days ago and you were saying it was 57C down there. Well it was -52C windchill here in Winnipeg. Just letting you know we are keeping an eye on you.
Take care and the boys told me to tell you they love you.
Be safe, call me when you get home.
A
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