tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55535044909756843912024-03-05T11:29:38.340-08:00Chicago Metro PresbyteryChicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-79519653541089884152019-08-06T08:11:00.001-07:002019-08-06T08:11:24.193-07:00Haiti Trip 8/2/19<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Day 7</i></b></span><br /><br />The team is beyond grateful for your prayers this week. It was a great week of ministry, capped off today by being the first medical team to visit Deyafo, a neighborhood in Cayes. The team had only a half a day to spend there, so they thought they might see 40 patients. In 5 1/2 hours, they saw 126! Absolutely amazing. And this from a small team that had worked to the end of their resources every day this week - or so they thought! But the needs were great, so they worked until the medicines literally ran out. They saw many kids with intestinal parasites, scabies, and malnutrition, all expected due to the level of poverty in Dayafo and the lack of access to basic medical care. One challenge in being the first medical team into a community is that the children are scared of them...they are literally the first white people they’ve ever seen, plus they do “weird” things like look in their ears :) Every member worked very hard today to meet as many needs as they could. They are champs!<br /><br />In the afternoon (when the supply of medicines ran out), they finally said their goodbyes and travelled to Cavaillon, where they spent an hour with the children there, making final checks on some follow up plans they worked out with the staff, and dropped off any extra clothes not given away elsewhere during the week. They also did a training session on water usage and hygiene, and gifted the housemoms with a photo for each one, taken of the group earlier in the week. This was such a surprise! Kudos to the team members who worked on this, going so far as to bring a small printer all the way from home. It made the housemoms’ day - maybe month!<br /><br />We’re glad to report that the effects of the stomach bug the team members picked up this week seems to be gone - they should all be coming home healthy, if exhausted.<br /><br />And they are coming home soon! They’ll arise early Saturday morning for a long day of travel. Please pray:<br /> <br /><ul>
<li>For, safe, smooth, and timely travel. They leave the guest house at 5:00 am for a long bus ride to Port au Prince. They leave Port au Prince at 2:00 and will arrive in Miami about 4:00. From there the team takes different flights to Chicago, Cincinnati, and California.</li>
<li>For a good “re-entry” into the lives and routines they left at home just a week ago. Although it’s a short week in many ways, the personal impact can be immense, and take some time to sort through. Pray for them as they navigate that, and sort through the feelings, memories, and experiences over the next several weeks. </li>
<li>Pray for the people of Haiti - for their spiritual growth, for God to call many new believers to repentance and faith, for the leaders at ESMI and in the churches, and for their land to be governed well so that all Haitians could live more secure and flourishing lives. Also, pray specifically for the children of Haiti, who are the nation’s future. Pray that they would grow to be godly and wise. </li>
</ul>
The team is so grateful for your journeying with them this week by providing prayer support. Your contributions were felt and surely made a difference in their week. <br /><br />Enjoy just a few pictures of faces from the day in Deyafo and Cavaillon<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjIqNmo8b05vgCwx5NZSk3zOxajrTj1OQxKzKwademVbZuUrFt2le8P4opL65YG1TFewX9En5kFJzjmfmbCnE7o1REdGD0VZen85e5P4vWD1jaiAqQAcD5JGDg8tGbMW8OguSNQZQNVLZFVxM1mCTlL0HVCEb29Z9v_zd3cxDljRFbT3-bxFBY3ynKPJO1bUfNB6jyZcfL3Br3D99h4LXPg8p2N0OHoLg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Some faces from today...<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg8EN95MxbgI_QX4F2UTLBSvys5Vge5ZN81LmACvUtLS-XwqlKM1m8VPJgSCDavnRsHZdDmoJJDM2dhTQASLEy5k1oaKZmocGL3Uk02N1sG0gZtlRPDXSLcWm6u2eLtp9nzxUcyEd_kgfh33tRylQpFgyuZSLZV9z3EvhpiYlJ0LTEZ1HrcN7Pcvj9aX_JELWHLQnOUQmeMvwoPllj0IW9uATJMAPQDgQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjHyEcghQOh8WWy-Mi6zjor6skLlPjppzypdww_3KK1pqhBA5oVvXeKr1Q0Cyb5GX7nxiqjraSHjLMdXhhLBGv6kU5DhUUhzLvBfHrcm-A77hWa4FJYljPq57hkFnx4RMzfy933ELlZDrCXGuMG3yQfdvZy7Qh_XHEJ6bp9c7IS34nw1PBoa52Ok3V2dXxih7ktZ22ohw9QBHpBa7EavFepOoz2kq0Flg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjq0VkUdGhBLQ1mYbfzed6TYIwhBiMYj88XGl_Aca0Uvd2aZ0VEoFOrh04GfLUm-iP8tbjhor1xjBQtK6ZEL3fzLcMmtjPyj5xAnv752hTU-ytFsLBs_rwlew4aox6nQXgQBKkGFIqO5Wmwss0h-sSFs7RcWow4zWZuhM8TEkQ81mPWc-RxfKZtw6fls94ti2PMDhZkj9n-TmtnCqVlvAe4ZCykeMyyOA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br />Ann Powers<br />Chicago Friends of Haiti<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-3976737703829591692mcnTextBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="m_-3976737703829591692mcnTextBlockOuter">
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-70303291402020891932019-08-06T08:09:00.000-07:002019-08-06T08:09:22.613-07:00Haiti Trip 8/1/19<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Day 7</i></b></span><br />There were lots of people to see the second day in Savanne, and once again the team had to prioritize - there just wasn't time for all. A morning rainstorm delayed their arrival, as supplies AND team members travel in the back of a pick up truck. The rain was torrential for a time. <br /><br /><b><i>Some stories from today:</i></b><br />The day started with a very sick woman. She was in immense pain and had a fever that read 108 degrees. She was delirious and couldn't really cooperate with treatment so she was placed on the lap of one our team members for as long as it took to get an exam done, meds injected, a special cooling towel placed on her, a drip IV with fluids put in, and for her to start responding so she didn't harm herself or others - about two hours total. After much attention by the staff, she started to revive. She was instructed to get to the hospital as they'd done all they could for her (not even really sure what was causing her symptoms, exactly) but she declined and eventually went home. Being fearful of a hospital is understandable, but in this case probably not wise. The team did all they could before she left. <br /><br />The little girl the team treated yesterday with the abscesses all over her head came back in and she was much better. Her mother was so delighted and relieved! <br /><br />There was another "returnee", this one from last year's team's visit to Savanne. The child (an infant then) was very sick and the team wasn't sure she'd pull through. Yet she fought their efforts at every turn out of fear and panic, including biting one of our team members (who subsequently was strongly advised to get an HIV test upon returning home - thankfully, that was clear). She returned today in good health after that scare, and her mom's smile in the picture says it all! <br /><br />One of the team members did some hygiene training today, and the others folded into the medical team and lent a hand in multiple ways. Everyone multitasks in Haiti! <br /><br />Today was the day the exhaustion, pace, sickness, and overwhelmedness sank in, and it was "hit the wall day" for the team. Typically, that comes on Wednesday, and is very understandable. But today, the end of the week is in sight, and they all want to finish well. They're just dragging a bit! Some are still fighting queasiness and everyone, for sure, needs a good night's sleep. Fortunately, the air/electricity is on, and they're hopeful sleep will be easy and just enough for another day's ministry.<br /><br />Tomorrow the team has a few places they hope to get to. First, another neighborhood of Cayes, not as poor perhaps as Savanne, (which, of course, is a relative term in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere) but the next place ESMI has targeted for a new church. The team will visit as way to show them the love of Jesus in tangible form. The place is called Darafo. They also want to get back to check in with some situations in Cavaillon, and just have some time to say goodbye to the children. They will also leave whatever clothes they still have in their duffels for them to use later. Any extra meds will be stored for their use in Cambry, which is currently the only secure location for them. Lastly, if time allows, they'll swing by a beautiful and natural beachfront that could be the location of any beachfront 4 star hotel in the world. <br /><br />They'll also be given the chance to help the local economy when some vendors and artists visit the guest house with their wares at the start of the day. Perhaps team members' families will be given Christmas gifts from Haiti?<br /><br /><b>A final note</b>...tomorrow's update will come late in the evening, so one prayer request for very early Saturday morning is included here, so you can "pray ahead" in case you don't see tomorrow's update in time. Thank you!<br /><br />Hope you enjoy some pictures from the day...<br /><br /><b>Please pray:</b><ul>
<li>For the team to find the stamina to have one more great day of ministry and teamwork tomorrow, especially those who are still under the weather. With that, for the electricity to make it just two more nights!</li>
<li>For the sick people in Savanne who were treated today, and praise for the ones that returned doing well. </li>
<li>For those seeing the team tomorrow to not only be helped physically, but be touched spiritually by the prayers of the team members (everyone is prayed for by name before they leave) and by the work of the Spirit, so that some might come to know Jesus. </li>
<li>For the ongoing work in Cavaillon for the benefit of the children. Praise God for financial sponsors who have supported their needs and the underwritten the major improvements in their living situation. Pray for the children's health, safety, spiritual development, and a joyful spirit as they mature and grow. </li>
<li>For timely and safe travel on Saturday as the team makes their way home. There are lots of connections, lots of miles, and lots of conveyances for our team - they start with the 5-6 hour coach bus ride from Cambry to Port au Prince at 5 am Eastern. They leave Port au Prince at 2:00 and arrive in Miami about 4;30. From there, the team splits up, with the Chicago crew not arriving home until 11:00. Other destinations will also make for a long day. </li>
</ul>
<b>Thank you for your prayers! </b><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhYcJFF6e9POlRGmwgJexhNgdzA7914ul5ks-alp5-Bu1mssajAwTS5_31UkEwf0EJE9-P3DT-VOXFCnxIgzKWWv18YpBtgyPWkEzHgcHUO1NIHWmjmZVDtOsWrJgOsHWIHy3FfnUbHzPWsE6OfcbHlLg0qsyi4nitharKa5phCEVCO5aSHUSJE_9ge9SncRQy9H3S-6azaPYr7tDo-ZQydHp1a71jdMdU=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />The sickest patient seen today. <br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjT91_O606a4Tl18h6p0KD-MyASKutqAY9DI1rYIBYMzE2a5eCZVChUZgILFQ276U0zCK8FtLZ5wwNpu0o7Nyga9XC9S5gx4z_a20nmIyeh4D0q7w8zHyGjaaxjlVnQGIpoK1vkNXlIU7H7iNg20WMmh3C44RDiqDRgsImTSMlA1YQsNjz8k4ZG1GfwbhWtgFqDkkw1uK-kusCUFyee8Lr6D5Zv2TBlLQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />Not feeling very great! <br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjq0VkUdGhBLQ1mYbfzed6TYIwhBiMYj88XGl_Aca0Uvd2aZ0VEoFOrh04GfLUm-iP8tbjhor1xjBQtK6ZEL3fzLcMmtjPyj5xAnv752hTU-ytFsLBs_rwlew4aox6nQXgQBKkGFIqO5Wmwss0h-sSFs7RcWow4zWZuhM8TEkQ81mPWc-RxfKZtw6fls94ti2PMDhZkj9n-TmtnCqVlvAe4ZCykeMyyOA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />Mom and baby<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhqMJEyKcOPtChm1GPy50-XYJt7ZAEVmje9JqoybjaG4etBQbBeRMmK6Ws_XKjSq1g7oEciOa0wd1qT6aeL-cP7gUVLJ6AL2P4H_HrnYu0CJt2ewnCT9oVAVQ15IRNIhnW50S5lNd37AiDZTvGVA1dB3RmMvG4TbgMlzwxP3tuvu9Ml_oxAKmpiUnBQQj1G2P9jBodbJT0zwDTqXCekEiCE1zqIvceGnVI=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Two cool dudes<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEghx9hp8fX03zsURQUAVm3ztXsFDRsK-fFu8QIACvTkJHwrq413QH8ueQk4wxebA_HgcwOjlVww48th7NriX5nMW9TqeTYqTq1Xc8qJGm0c1VTXAaQwsoRRaZtcn3RSNWPzQUkih3NgMcJ44dQER0j8xJDjwckmaLuKv-RUR3PujnXHf2CQtziKYNV1q2puTcK-Kh-4X1Aa87Z8uqaOMkJWgtzp0CWJQA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />A nebulizer treatment for asthma/breathing issues<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEi4RvbgkZiv9OjvZCtcCqKR4IGq3lDrQ7CghgKZIPAH-BPzvHhs5eQER3C5_F4dxYXNqGfuFwGuJSliLt1t8KpzWy35XqH8CR-L0DnIW5-0KYeld9QW4bbGL4fnwXRgc46qFgv7ldYoMEY5OG2ZzRey-YJ3EPrB9PiDqCMiF7HyUe6j_UnWl_qLeIDUyR2WngOvisV5MODjOpJnHVHHn41SCjxN2uRS81U=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />The baby who was so sick last year...and who took a chunk out of a team member! She's doing great.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiLER74IMku26fIiXl8wPUgl5X9m0F7ffj-8l4XpFMkmytSdNAFSKvGlrLDFd74Yk3xozpqxtcbKOFVyH6Jga39ug1Vqvq9Xi9DyK81tY5b7FSzz62P5AD092xTRBCEz28iOOL18UWJ0YTghHcVhcnYgsG1ddw1UmALKBVJAkfi9twgcSE-zzySJFjLMvoMBNbBiBwlybsbbzqtK7-XsVo42AGzgaABhmk=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgF913Ikrcwsv6bTKKRFI1eRAo1cpGZMm4TgXAjFqELhQhG2cm_p8JvmXTdyHaP_tPbEUL1oBj9oJztcZLiZPBAbwMlk6dWcovq0fzSTcvS3wBjhUXbIeoUrYtuVCsMtWtFoqoU4zHeFgRGcwoZfYbyJdJfTRiQp17SoLUE80BBAmuohjIc8WR8KXJSuuMVaR10mYvVMlCE5B7ej_8wZZJkQok2jI-CulM=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhfEgh_X5fOz5rdF2-ldH5TtAhHw5VlXIDlyhzmz3JtQGFaDCAcXLEC2Vrmd_ZIIthljjDH4Wa7x_g_ygYiBDIC1YVF8zf-mF9V51537xph8RgRm1tFsxZqZWj-72HIHXr_kZvn_IGuR6YjkwbaLTuwvy90wLJT9QuSWvt20cFNNRQgMXY-W1lq4cJTgXAPv0L6peY5TphLz6ssWi6yfvHmbUTSzh4gRA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />The pharmacy team today<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh8rhfzdxS4EoBTaPzFaeayS3hfqyHajQMRu8MTbXRUoznQY1k2YedfwQr9WzU1QgX6B3WqWxlcN7-LsG-J8l_-jI2jcWhyphenhyphenZ1b279GUU3WQPFpCmWlg7b66qu5UX9-pF2hWx7M7YGkFq3HEhrzscR9zY7-FfmqclMKWog1KMQ2oHXpos-NzCflxWetKqV37TEnpzIvGY50zyIzDZDUVYW49vrdkQcJxjBg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Hygiene training<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhFF2-7UlUk3068bw3m6RLdt10pkRNWjJv5X7e5ZydJ2i6rnnb9fOWC2z2Ftpln2VJldNpej7IaGc-VdmTyy92DSbUfJMNKCHjJ-vxglABeOzF4t-WGhbAsDjCXHvEe729NGmqK0c6pNVo-2hifxrZzJeEMlWb9ZcN0_Z67IFSPBFkMCpNyeVZz8gXpy7PCn6cvSmHLLmbx5wxsR8a5H5RWnlX8MuuDQzg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />A glimpse of the ocean at Savanne<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg_fgDDhSFwoMzwyFE3EHcUDbOm_JZ15Sg9Ya-AybMrDsg82EPQDE0bqxoArYpeq0aZSg4M4l6EklH0U4QINDNGrqnDwXLe5W24M_i9bGMEwHtQqGCjnStdqLW8V-qMitJlQJ_XA3pDG7CtRXvcKPUClvLF1ZKvR7QbHX_JxWz5Et39wH4TOr3LI-fc89KyLZxlPK2Y6ByPM1T9ZgXBp8AP8aWbUsUW9vI=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />The team after a LONG day!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgxyZMKA2msuQKbtugGtwFzADXuamykbN5eNZfGY_NEmmlCOZioM_fOVs-OWpgVqaRVYOsQNAmw3UHI6aGR151U26yRB3SYu184Nhm9BoyG8vZjbsh5KSMZEkEdY_YZAki-TC7n3XMLgSzqLlSIn4OOSRoGLCeoH5wD-A29Q5_PVRUJs8CdyZU27qB1SGzW5FcSQun2fytnVc5389ANODxZkhMZhtGIdA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />The nightly task of re-organizing for the next day...but at least there are Oreos!<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjAuna8YvmzlbLmE2WMxurM5NEjhxtBcpU87TCN-qEBnZuSZEHp-lwkOwb3ii_My4FnDkHAaB5s1jAceaI_pMzZ8wcZYTUFX6dMWO2ghXpSeA2_NqWBOtrbn3XFNfaNVVCASDjyJ4CtZa-no3ucXIzcmDEis-iaF1wlheeCljvaSPF21mzbYPmLtIeE1NDA027W06aRX0B6RUchTLhXCDVqlWtRMIPj9rY=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ann Powers<br />Chicago Friends of Haiti<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_4375917854030961474mcnTextBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="m_4375917854030961474mcnTextBlockOuter">
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-61889203983772493852019-08-01T13:42:00.000-07:002019-08-01T13:42:17.656-07:00Haiti Trip 7/31/19<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Day 6</span></i></b><br />Our team proved their mettle today in a big way. This dedicated and focused group toughed out a rough bout of gastric issues (likely brought on by the time spent with the kids at Cavaillon who carry new and different germs than our North American team has been exposed to) to provide a wonderful day of ministry to the people in Savanne. Our medical team, which is not as large as some have been at Savanne, saw an amazing amount of patients today - 90 people. Logistically, it might have been the smoothest day ever at Savanne, greatly aided by a new security wall intended to protect the water system, but having the secondary effect of walling in much of the church where the team set up the clinic. It allowed a smooth and steady access to the team, but not an overwhelming crowd to control. It was great! <br /><br /><b><i>Some stories from today</i></b><br />Much good medical work was done today for some needy folks. The team prioritized the young, the pregnant moms, and the very sick. One of note was a 3 month old baby whose head was covered in abcesses. The team worked carefully to lance them to give the child some relief from pain, then carefully bandaged the baby up. Antibiotics were next, and a return visit tomorrow was planned. This is a perfect example of the kind of suffering a team like ours can relieve, but without them would have gone untreated. <br /><br />The "guardian angel" of the team served alongside the team leader all day, barely letting him carry a bottle of water for himself. Jude was a patient several years ago, An active and powerful voudoo practitioner, all of Savanne knew him and were afraid of him for his power and his demeanor. Yet he listened to the gospel as the surgeon tried to remove a painful pin in his shoulder, which stemmed from a voudoo rite. To everyone's surprise and delight, he left that day a new believer as the spirit worked on his heart while the surgeon worked on his shoulder. Now he's a community and church leader. He rarely misses the team's visit, so he can serve them and the people of Savanne. Today, he brought his brother, Mosam, to meet the team. The brother, not a believer, was anxious to tell the team leader that he's been impressed with the changes he's seen in Jude and in the community because of the gospel and the ongoing support via the team's provision of medical, spiritual, and physical care including clean water. The gospel was shared with Mosam, as well. He listened intently. <br /><br />Another familiar face from Savanne was there today. Her name is Vilia, and she first met one of our earliest teams who went to Savanne. A widow who was homeless with no way to support her children, some of the team members banded together to set her up with micro-loan so she could start her own business. This woman is an entrepreneur! She just needed some seed money to get started in a small shop selling a variety of things, including spices. It provided enough income for her and her children to have food and shelter. It was good to see her again, this time with her daughter and grandchildren. <br /><br />And lastly, a woman walked up to the team leader today and asked "do you remember me?" He had to admit he didn't, but she reminded him that they met two years ago. She was a voudoo witch doctor. She resisted the gospel at that time, even though she readily admitted that "Jesus was the most powerful of all spirits". She was afraid to walk away from voudoo for fear it would cost her her life. Yet she never forgot what she was told and that the team had prayed for her. Eventually, she renounced her voudoo beliefs and became a Christian, and she wanted to tell them. As part of her new life, she now fosters four children whose parents have died, as well as having two of her own. <br /><br />Another piece of good news from the day is that somehow the generator at the compound is holding together, so there was electricity all last night. The ESMI crew has been diligent to do their best, and it seems to be working. Given that half of the team was feeling under the weather, the discomfort factor last night would have been exponentially higher in the heat and pitch dark. No doubt the prayers of our supporters have played a big part. The team is grateful for ALL of the ways God is blessing them in this situation, which was looking so dire a few days ago. <br /><br />The water team had an odd experience today upon arriving at Brevet to do some prep work/planning for a water installation in the future. They began their work, but were interrupted by someone coming out of the building (which everyone thought was empty) and were told to leave. Bemused, they did as they were told. The ESMI folks thought they were expected and all would proceed as planned, so more information is needed before proceeding with THAT plan! <br /><br />Tomorrow, the team goes back to Savanne, likely with the water team attaching themselves to the medical team as their work there is done. Friday's plan is yet to be determined. <br /><br />Pictures from today will help tell the story of how God is using our team to write the gospel on the hearts of the people here. <br /><br /><b>And we would be remiss not to say "happy birthday" to team member, Jen, </b>a PA from Chicago.<b> </b>The team is delighted she chose to spend her birthday with them in this week of ministry. That's a cake of oreos and skittles, in case you're wondering, in the picture below. Creativity abounds on this team!<br /><br /><b>Please pray with and for the team:</b><ul>
<li>For the continued growth in influence of God's word and Spirit in Savanne, and for Pastor Mongerard as he leads the church there.</li>
<li>Praise God that the team members who fought sickness today were able to do great ministry in spite of their challenges. They perservered! </li>
<li>For that sickness to be over (and not spread), so that all can finish the week strong and healthy</li>
<li>For mechanical issues to be kept at bay, for cool air, lights, and working showers/toilets</li>
<li>For rest for the team. It's a long week, with many new experiences and an exhausting schedule. Team morale is high tomight as they regroup and repack for another day; please pray for stamina and good rest. </li>
</ul>
<br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgS54s-Kf9Bw_h-f6l7XMJAwKmWRzdjn-mrC3e1csiF05_IyUSQ2ePVX3AsP80TAqa57aTD0u7Wwfjfpv46PRwOo5iHnGXNYeYfEh8w3h7DAwig5AOu90eGJs1y36u_f9_ksPGJBNdZqHVX3BQVMFozFvDiDxhCT_QB4KYSJEqUnw6LK675F3S9-OiutpATpXw5uiNIuyH3tRvY_bkNwj2WsZUchUU-oEY=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Some patients from Savanne<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiyXPLjx1HT-YNajK6RGS181J4h7zVsX-eTP9nF6pOajWHF0gjdwJ_wnskHdI9sHwNfZhlqYLvehYnvqHaXi2yoHOFAXU94byoz700gpeMxGdQr2GHUIZ9_rNLnWVSyXSbJ-mnt7abmtMxcPShO9p5h2HtKbfpkKHATE4nyiPcjXo0I0bshX1Tu57wu43bHZfVmhfx2jZuJldXhXF66G5csdPJ1cG4YBQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjBd5inMqZilAIfX7BCLYww3iwNGXfz9HKBnm32nNACkjpGtE58IC5kOvDqw__zGAj5WBGJElNLUItBL_zlVZh1_etKnZau88VMpaq2FqnMXk-k6IxLSezZyPYZnhp2NgVqSJjqbojc_woSiSeJ7aE5D_Z_uGRhjmTjWaHM_aTdC-7O4lzEyKUYyTLI6oyUS-lSxxy-K8-0SehwmOwCT-vGi56D3u1mWA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgtf3LPFHUKR3lrZ3zs2rBqm4I0aX7H4pamMVu-ZiEnxa-B08pY2WKdizYY6PHL8V94BfwSM1mvkD_9gsaUWGqc-UZ1BmTp0fPFUZVqV3OAAN4qjHDr8-OUasN2iYmK3qpuDc_1P9H8biOx0gBcLfW55eMubb_qnmwG2tHFl8BGNgCXeg82guzwtCrynyV3Xz2tuoSOUAPcMSqshqIndMvGkK-LC3G508k=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiEFKMGAXFkmB48f_QoBpl_x6ESxbQVrUDvFJ1o_1n3FBtIPJrY6R0DEPkh8ZNbwWWKwWkdnWiNx4CJVVkTS__XhBYIwAd6FK00X1x5Yowgz2Se4m7iluyX_wq9K9NHnN6im5R0dof8RnIIRQ-zJT0TGTx7OgD-uJgFA4zTHeA-mOhJRNEaaSGwAjCS8eCMLn2YkP6fJcdMB9gR7FX5D349NgXPO_I9jg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />The Savanne waiting room<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgDjS-67dGGAVr4dC6h4ahCTcIuMmXyt_22pC-BXjYeaLN5ayiKlPl6oJnIhfH5sKqwVhlR1zsowJcvk3NO7qvS21GMUWAtva9VA3LZyVScWRUtbjQR8eJLFkmprxFUmnZ74oEViFKJpvtf_0hUnu9EgFqPQ4g-g_VWAYhyphenhyphen6HunMsYR9A6coLGwWstMdHhqdwKnhIKb22Iz0Y95oAElPgmFEHE2qr6LICw=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Vilia's family with Dr. Kay<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiwr05Zm3DoFAtfg84CNorRL9cneNWEKs4a-nWUsgA3R5712wwA1RJ-zf1z7wWZ4xLivZjpMEoqUfbXb-s6SqteQwDnau75pkBHok1gDzf9BRIQdOqedDeWpinF85h5WeZ1hSvj0gj5MQsg7ry046itO9aco4ajX3k2xwnPytxwgVl945-euh5EiTZf20-WdKqLmc9z3ObglHi2kWpVhbDsjU4nanoVFQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjHRInNILTB2576L2L5mPJb7We2s5b54rLfcgAQkxUDoEdtB5a92hwpP0EBlFiZnoyFib1-MyySrqzV8cG3yDWqtRPvi6vYOZynQtUz9O185X1Z5P4KRMDGLueDItyDxnvWVg1gqFQyE8KYZnsd0VwEafTzGP-lM2CY1a2aihCdkWRQYn9DvxnMslQzLI4PPOsn_wHKgVY0YyPiYT-jbeYEr1hWWBBN1w=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Before and after - the little one with abcesses on the head<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjVzKC2cQB4HPJy9QcKxpaZTLkPdO_e8hHaHJGZiJK_6KQGbayOsyP5AqixX_RNQD0PBUHeAky62yjcKxUHDWBz4iVeerlom1wVsbnqMEe73rGSC_nVqsfBFimkpnqoTX_7bMaZM3Ef53VRxlp5Qt0TXjRaKsLTC6HDj_5n8sm4sKvNjEwm7U2SYI6A7W1AitVnSEgorxGm8pE8sRV-VRfFcn7kwXpau0A=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />A celebration to end the day - Happy birthday, Jen!<br /><br /><br />Ann Powers<br />Chicago Friends of Haiti<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-8281523132420766027mcnTextBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="m_-8281523132420766027mcnTextBlockOuter">
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-54242126514362996182019-07-31T13:06:00.004-07:002019-07-31T13:06:49.938-07:00Haiti Trip 7/30/19<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Day 5</i></b></span><br />So many good things today! Having two days at Cavaillon means time for fun as well a "business" - the business of medical care - with 85 lively and fun loving children. You'll enjoy the pictures!<br /><br />The team completed the checks-ups, charting, and whatever treatment of the girls were necessary today, and then turned their attention to the important tasks of bubbles and jump rope. Team members also spent time doing videotaped "interviews" with some of the children to personalize the connection sponsors already feel with these kids even more. Not everyone can visit in person, but hearing kids' voices and their thoughts will be great! <br /><br />Tomorrow, the team shifts gears from orphanages and a primarily child based clientele at Cavaillon to a community based clinic at Savanne. Savanne is the poorest community in the relatively large city of Cayes, which is 30 minutes away from the guest house. It is so poor that there are no municipal services like hospitals or schools, no running water, and very little employment. No one who can live anywhere else chooses to live in Savanne.<br /><br />And yet, the hope of the gospel is present. About five years ago, ESMI started a church there, and things started to change. The pervasive voudoo influences started to wane as people heard the gospel of Jesus and began to follow him. One of our medical teams was the first medical care EVER to come to Savanne, and people noticed that they worked "nan nom Jesi", in Jesus' name. This was indeed perplexing and new, and soon the curious residents were attending church services to hear more. Story after story of conversion, changed lives, and soon, modest then noticeable changes in the community life were evident. Still poor, still a fairly dangerous place - but different. Our medical team continued to come every six months, and then the water team came to bring the first clean water to the community. Both efforts spoke loudly to people who literally had been forgotten by their own government and people. Savanne is not exactly "fixed"...but its not as broken. God is at work. <br /><br />Tomorrow the team will once again bring hope and healing in Jesus' name through medical care, individual prayer with patients, and the continued work on the damaged water system (which by the way, turned out to be not as damaged as was feared - after today's work, it's up and running again! And safely behind walls, with the solar panels up on raised poles.) The medical team is scheduled to spend tomorrow and Thursday in Savanne. There was no team sent to Haiti in February because of the unrest, so the need is even greater than usual.<br /><br /><b>As you pray for the team, please focus on these requests:</b><ul>
<li>That the very needy in Savanne, who know the team's time and resources are limited, will be patient and not become panicky or unruly. The team has sent word ahead that they will prioritize children, pregnant moms, and the very sick. Pray that the hopeful patients understand. Fortunately, the team has many friends (several of whom are now leaders in the church) who can handle the crowds. </li>
<li>For the continued work of the water team. After wrapping up in Savanne pretty quickly tomorrow with some finishing touches and ongoing hygiene training (since clean water does no good if you put it in dirty containers, for instance), they'll travel to Brevet, the next site for a church plant and a water system. They'll scope out the particulars and do some prep work for the next team. When you consider how many lives are lost to dysentery, cholera, and parasites in water, their work is critical to the health and well being of Haitians. We're proud of them, and grateful for the financial sponsors who underwrite the cost of each installation.</li>
<li>For the children of Cavaillon to to thrive physically and spiritually, and for the necessary sponsorship and underwriting to continue so that they can live in a healthy and safe place. </li>
<li>Continue to pray for electricity to be available in sufficient quantity and reliability at the guest house. It came on in the middle of the night last night (including AC), and was worked on today so that it came on about 9:30 tonight, but it appears to be held together with spit and gum and glue instead of a a real "fix". The electricity is needed for showers and toilets as well as for lights and phone chargers. After a long, hot day today, its return tonight was cause for celebration by the team!</li>
</ul>
Please enjoy the pictures from today...<br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhqQ5ytjphix-GKZc8hzK1vdFUnpsHOhlGniryIqt_53EkWQq0yUHl165iuEOvqckq8QfOEiTtmZWm3oHLKcOE-7dQU6XDSYdKUwpScf3Gnr9k_Qa-BNjytNuPt6wPPwPuYatTV26rFeraFreUM1nPxka47rLDB4CUlng-mv4JjO3H4sDa1KRDVviikh_FM8D-CYBar7ZIaMSrS-HaH2APAbzf0fFbuxw=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Sunrise at the guest house this morning<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjqwIBs58zNa0UrLSSL0ud4COW2Y0C-Npln09RnIy7grceYyoLtVXA4HRXWnW9dK506wG4ZG1jeyhoLamW5pfdorZcblLr6Mhm1KyAtYIseYXavJenZ87YqBuGbRMw_TqmTVYy-QZRVPzdHjUdtvAQ-xnJTujdRii5kRA4txBZ5OS4uqoHVE8FR_ib4jZGKcQe1bB9LCgsRLOql5v9rUcNnyj1ABmDXkWY=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Baby care for the houseparents' baby<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgy4WbXu9T7Wyx4OfSv3nOgQQ-ayXb2xcn1WLmLd2TlF93gdWD8R5cetZlQ8_-BbJbKynt6c_C74ftQTVwzFU_Mrp0x6615m_Q47X89T5PlqEPWPhBkI4swdXSv4stjywuYtPCWn8CxFDRIqk9c5DSPjbeBmHlYekK2p5vzqMt3k4sFERgYI1kZEPJ0yV7krwheKoUkYDYGh8aEKZiUu6e4Khu49fB2Rg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />New friends<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhzd2pAuonLd2ewIwUBAIOmPp1L-m_tLs3gOcDtAIwXcjeAJwuAiytO9h7VDM1jziMCjmWtUTmUPpRePIs0ITDbpSt3WtXQ-Y2DZtlv9Fv46zYrAAirg_xDWpISHFPhoPW189Qw_QAaEnuX1NgQQA0d4t02Tvw2cFuMQkihZ49rTtxE_UYvgIbQGUVwXV_TnubPlfD4GUD6N8MMDup1zTNwFyEGZselkR4=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />We weren't kidding about the kids' teeth!<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEimKTDQf1Qr4cA4ZX9LROEJvdS4JWOqGu_rbSiwHMNvUQ4cJbldiwI3X3vqJSotsNyTg8Q_wc2vYGhnYFmM7UrLToOmQZRra0Iz0LILcOCrlZT-aeT5l4yz5trbyNMmZOs43O3vtAuqji49pzXDjx8L2ClrenZnzzRgQGQbHOErq9vWbA-lG7TQbgW72gaq22RdBgheL21Mcj49hl5B6W_y3PsEMutD6w=s0-d-e1-ft" width="239" /><br />Please pray for a dentist (or six) to join the team!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhhaj9QgUo-mV2lxHcgQf4Kbe-KssUjErxbYlyfusXI38Bd1YmMpLCIvw_0Opfs7wMzPZ9de2Y_BNbvAYBSEIExvSm6mlkFzbcCYneU043dybaXL5pxa7F6kMvREeW1o8RhqSXA1BooXcvuG5sHpj_zy5nfrVbbZfnbufymtyf7zFfaqVIJY3Do8Ajqm6gkHiXdAwPmQDIsmJisDZzGA9RV6Ocbnc_43rM=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Lunch time at Cavailion. What progress...they used to have their meals on their beds.Two meals a day..rice, beans, and protein. <br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj3FAbCZ4r8vlNJuSEIBsgeJM1bYDkd8lMVsGTfdBnxubdy-eYTJ9adQOJAhP1gNJeGI8ybwJz9vSFhgPi4aIfLNv_wOt5mvFjc0jZLUBwECxTpjQWSSI3aQPcWVSzZb-FBB5ztVJZHeNGKz6Z9D_fnvjaDo2fsJfCWDNUvdzz36rKjPGCvdjDnnEAs8BDdjrInBQG1-Eg0dYUHvJ5VXb-HY2UmHxJlZNw=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj9mnOEUHS1Zn57_BacHYS7CR6m2aBYBv9agfIA-kfcYoHPQey3T-UVfG3QBY9K16ETMCQbpRKPpL3KTTkGhTyGDpcVz9H8cWB72k7uuJGwXjfxhsdjIOIIfP7rCWpMapmonk_IBCOxNfTTuDD8miVtyuyqpKjF2D4-0Pjut9zpU3Kkh9sVdJOiSGPKXD528_jX8mmzS-8s82stXtN-lTUg3e3ZPMnbij0=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhHQGFjRqLtmm71VZin8YujuEd0_YbrvdEWFQIQAZixQyj2SOCnmbKKhm-bO0vzwaFpAGRB8xYeaWpVQLCg-cg59ABWyQnLwNKvfPjHTitX2N-HrM7Z9Nti9OHwPa_wlf_hyphenhyphenelVHMTAOL0_0HN12afmhGUzxOFnyU9DungOGIq4gPu5c8FdimMa52J1e4TPJK0827RZx0TcviQ66MoeIQZs9l8YtjuupA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Bubbles!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhYLonVOEI3-GGu8XmgRMiDP2-Bqt2e8alk4n0_AeTZobsCXjSd1-ChHR78U7eqeciSgddnSKkr9AhosufTNnifMGCCN4Z1fVTMXwkFQg7bXcyFt891CsawO9yma9zZnFvCQnzhqSVkRgDuDg7AhJ4_eNj6EGwXEC4Ifyu2IzcQd6xBiZuZiyUlpBo2llGNC72U3uSFAo-P2bV6-0haaoBvjz6au-FP2y0=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Jump rope!<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjjGdjwI64AexyALvGxKC5PYpvgUuOJU2zz8-35GPYKgxALwp3z7AUWwivXaJOxzMVOzRokqCsyBpOOTSe_KSN4RuE2iY7jtBLkbYl7u6p0qRkYma1PcSf2N5y2Kxnc9i7yBdbstAvsLwySWXeoWcH2HVhpvu4ehgqsqLlGP391jEgHV10YzF89mvGaCWXj06dfWweLlJZDvn1WGAsT9Xkp2_BP372wkg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />New friends<br /><br /><br /><br />Ann Powers<br />Chicago Friends of Haiti<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-7250787048921953592mcnTextBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="m_-7250787048921953592mcnTextBlockOuter">
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-15999849840511874942019-07-30T14:58:00.000-07:002019-07-30T14:58:16.208-07:00Haiti Trip 7/29/19<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Day 4</i></b></span><br />Today was a great way to start the ministry week - at Cavaillon! Read on for the update below on the day but PLEASE first, stop to pray for this new challenge...<br /><br /><b>The generator at the guest house caught fire today as it was turned on late this afternoon. </b>Billows of smoke and flame made it clear it was no small event. A quick word sent to the facilities director resulted in some folks coming who had the knowledge to splice together some still intact wires to provide partial electricity - enough for lights, water pumps, and phone charging, but not enough to push the generator output high enough for AC. The team will be sleeping in hot rooms tonight, or make the choice to bathe themselves in bug spray and sleep on the open air veranda. <b>Please pray that the generator is fixable, parts are available, and maintenance staff knowledgeable. </b>New generators are not likely easy to come by, and no AC all week will definitely impact the team. They are grateful for lights and water tonight, for sure!<br /><br /><b><i>...And now, on to the rest of the update! </i></b><br />The team got to spend about 8 hours today with the children at Cavaillon So many of the children there are known to our repeating team members, and it is place dear to the hearts of many others who support these children and are working to make Cavaillon a safe and beautiful place for them to live. The reunion and introductions were jubilant and exuberant!<br /><br />The team was delighted to see a new development - a beautiful vegetable garden, growing carrots, spinach, squash, and eggplant. And they've already had their first harvest! Another supporting ministry, Give Hope, paid an agronomist to build/plan a garden at Cambry including a watering structure, and they generously paid for Cavaillon to get one, too. The children are learning how to grow things and be responsible for growing and tending the nourishing plants. It's a wonderful thing!<br /><br />First order of business today was taking care of the housemoms. Our teams try very hard to let them know they are valued and seek to show them care in a variety of ways. They are given their own gift bags of personal supplies with each visit, get a special thank you and devotional, are asked for their input and knowledge about the children's progress and issues, and lastly all receive their own medical check ups. <br /><br />And then, the kids! Everyone starts with scabies wash (a skin parasite that is not dangerous but very quick to spread with a CRAZY itch, which often causes secondary skin infections, which can be dangerous), then to intake (vitals check, chart updates), then triage (do you need to see a doctor, or just need basic care like vitamins?), then finally, for those that need it, to the doctor or PA. After that a stop at the pharmacy (with an adult) to get whatever meds you might need. At the same time, pictures were taken for charts and for sponsors. <br /><br />Today, all of the boys - 53 of them, were seen by the medical team. Tomorrow, the 32 girls get their turn. <br /><br />Although the children seen today were in pretty good shape, there were some things that caused concern - their teeth, for one thing. Most have never seen a dentist, and the need is intense. Secondly, the younger children do not seem to have grown as much as would be expected, although the larger children have. Could this be that the food disruption earlier in the year impacted the little ones more severely? Another possibility is that the year's gap in treatment has allowed intestinal parasites to get a foothold, so the medical team will treat them all with doses to eradicate any in their system over three days instead of the usual one. They will be followed by the local medical team after our team leaves at the end of the week. <br /><br />The water team was pleased to see that the system in Cavaillon is working as intended with no problems. Tomorrow the team tackles the system in Savanne, which suffered significant damage in the civil unrest of the past several months. Now there is a security wall in place, so a repair/rebuild ought to last. They'll be spending up to three days on that project. If time allows, they'll move to LaHatte to evaluate that location (an old system installed by others, but a new well) and possibly do some planning at Brevette for a future trip's installation. The water team will not be out of work in Haiti for a long time!<br /><br /><b>If you've made it to the end of this long update, please make it through to these important prayer requests - and then finally - some pictures from the day!</b> <br /><ul>
<li>Pray for the generator at the guest house. This situation will impact the team's ability to enter into refreshing rest after long, hot days and could affect their health. Ask God to provide what is needed.</li>
<li>Pray that a dentist will hear of the need the children have for dental care and respond by coming on the next trip...and several dentists on succeeding trips! If you can ask one to consider it, please do!</li>
<li>Pray for the children of Cavaillon to thrive and grow in health and well being. Praise God for the generosity of donors who have brought their physical surroundings up to the current higher standards, including a new kitchen, new shower/bathroom facilities, the garden, a water purification system and better sleeping quarters. There is still more to do!</li>
<li>Please continue to pray for Nicholson, the boy who fell off a truck and injured his arm. His bandages were changed tonight (not without some discomfort!) and it's looking better. The team was told he did have an x ray but no bones were broken. The medical team believes there's at least a small fracture of the elbow, but there's no treatment they can provide for that.</li>
</ul>
And now, some pictures!<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEigXOvPTjUAlLdCg3iHDA1yw4KZ8mZ2qaldadMTKhwkgq4C9-IJzi4Ay-FnCoBG8_fBKFQ0E7C8Q6PFMzhZP3mQNShlBkTtHxTe73vQQ_NGwMvHALgqzzUDmYdw6-GyUeHw6tK1WpM6AXFtHkSoCVkwpl2LpeFyPC2ham3w8QRguSHLOLsVR8yGIQgaXnNEbkzkVeZ2a46rjvlRh3JMjABU4DSfCZoKZQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Devotions to start the day<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjHfj19FbKh5JKKTvegQfHatrY0-AtqP-1Wjx-z3o2HIUpNytvIz_TtXwpQT2SdlvlUuwvhoz3hHIIE25BfTQKA_FS9QJiHYjRPt-MUXykTJlSf4wOdhRzfGdZpQVDnCE88Y1HeTg1WcA4XDYS3GU8niNp3rZYAQZIxXhpu0N3cpTCfdBcseX5VBrdaXe1aIovpTk5AFh5RyPXUkxyZhQdjGDiOR7LQyQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Loading up for Cavaillon!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgM_Su-DqwgLSgwVFm_OxHKKZRaG1ndyltX61Kx65jsZuvAaIc8q8xqTiF-S7dtJyW-fvxVtB99xFot6ilc6XAdWyDhVfDRP9uAnKAWxkj_6w8QccTNCWxtNUhGu3362umbyy8e3mcfix5iqlJ2pKSffiLep3qRtKmdYIZx3V-ON6CVtgoH-erpfqC-ST2dgTyEVssCUeNBZDF73E8VY_lD59cAyYBfBA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />A new garden at Cavaillon<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEglde2PyYsUtL7UFD8qP-GETrvnlL4j84bBEAdZvz4bQvGhPLzzwXU9ZcRVsxjZZ-KP48Hn6iQd9zVwbFkUqwF2EL-EtV2iYBqp5wCwg9Ss_9I4hESjpa3i-8X-WfdGO-f7bzpFb8fkXU-ulRL4oWm-Ea-knLKYUItSpFfCBK1OEi3iLCSp6Dx1OklsnKI5IMg8Hplk_yozgWTen4ZtV1v0IKpNHjs-aw=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Cavaillon house moms<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhgDFzGeYNWAhQP61-nY8MRm-qwO7pPHA5caStk3D3sGn7eiSfN9rw1iwZiGIzTLjWpEMVnLFxs4-VaAV6TnbV4R1_G3kLgxouik0TPi8TCbyxg3yFf2AotQF5zY7zxYBQr594ECJEqppa1bbq7RHPjalBqjfpdin7xF4iOLDXvhyphenhyphenZfP7DUCdrE80ylzJ6VszYXBU8qOWKy-2KUaM2ayIIdkMiRbtVYvg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Checking weight, height, blood pressure...and vitamins<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg5TqVaHVKZCAjWV8dyYae7j8HFV4MumX20F6DGBJINpkKW2lT5hTlkFjhxgf0uWzsa1RgNGhGcVK79SiGIeIvjcryMtoqtY6jqsPkxjG1RxK3aH1MUVC88RGF4rVTunfa_2z7djFnKPOBfZuIcMPsnDiJpnxiPvQudYydmQp9cbRQ051vjIxXcQYMoD1fx2rZ8feaXTctnlp8lbWF8ZG07_XwuuwewMg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Triage<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhTxRGe_XoAFIuh9WH-7GXtl0jfgw9Ti0_6am49p-w7oWypcxOPJ6e-amK-6YbfCKmZYvFkHU61Op9cNuVQ42Yvz10s-7rzS5mBym83fkK5flmvyVgBapbvTA3WHuv-KI7_Dnn3zjGGZv0eJGckW_qiLksCzhWhVZ75YiUIFziF_kl_yQrv8NiuCHucrWPYPEMDcLnVqvC_jN3QQf5IGGneieLu0nUYPw=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />To the Physician's Assistant (PA) and doctor<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjobSnJM0jyxnnp_Wv9YX5_np7kCKUJ7yZqPgaXoiceei1_u639X3zNKoTAQsAG3N_mx6RuMsdDS7W2COliUxBdq4yFYR2pBeg3qLMVKjtNbowj3i_C1-zosO0SWgTPvq2VHEdHKSbhM5j11NzhHtrlucx9S1VJa4vR0-u1UhSz2vAU83SKSwEquczN3htDRW6xc6ndNKcvKK3vjY2yRQ9eH5pxVLJSRA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />Last stop: Pharmacy<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiHHiAFtAUq67W7fUXUNtqrnUTD6QQePvfmlzI6k83RWZz-FS664E7bpXBsVSun4XSxDsSWpPWvS-d-Y1QvtLmNIPBsyBhq3_QAWxTIrC__OJWncqEBPXiBUuZIceK2iDemDPLx58_zzJOBvft4rbZ5YdfFquhecGx0VkZCfFZyAvXuNTJgnftA0yHowFGIns4aLmOCMsvVIXDjeu_-1uLPrQ-rwtbg7w=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />All new clothes - lots of superheroes and sports teams!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh1Ywmm6q6h3MLYck8qOHjuBLYrqz23FVcloF1s1L357yUgczGXDxVA2I7saFCRcX0dGYtJuZbG9ckxav7-Rlq7q6KmuV3AK81gV2R-b7m934BUMzQriFWzUncu6xs4aH821He-93Zq7qglWJFBiVSekntIY55PN5d69sk-bfej41b2rvBNr-lCoPQK5i2dvEbhNf_vmkikYLMxX9YKoI7twR3a_xVoVA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />Checking out the water purification system at Cavallion - working great!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhsGB55Np_JZazI5P6LDRrCFfZsrFenJdmc-BCauQPnBeqnLgs939mgt5ggPIlR4GCgDTVDi_bJf8Fmo_83Eug8Gj1ZEfGtV_da30IKqek50Bf5MgUB6mkxwXj0YVhvcVFApJL0B6BQUY341yNQmi18G1TbJzK6M_0fpJO7aJ5UCtxtL4KD_5JO6y9d4VKYyrKXEPK5wUL0VlpmYGl-nQRpvlYAT5zqiA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />The natural beauty of Haiti - from the rooftop of the guest house<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ann Powers<br />Chicago Friends of Haiti<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_7859903047530422658mcnTextBlock" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody class="m_7859903047530422658mcnTextBlockOuter">
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-30468497200559448612019-07-29T14:15:00.000-07:002019-07-30T14:58:45.932-07:00Haiti Trip 7/28/19<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Day 3</span></i></b><br />
A good night's sleep in air conditioning did much to revive our team's energy and provide the fuel for a good day of worship and preparation today. And after that - some more time to relax.<br />
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The team joined the congregation in Cambry this morning for worship. Haitian worship services typically run two hours, with plenty of heartfelt singing, perhaps some dancing to the Lord in the aisles, and a sermon. Plans to attend a second worship service in Cayes were changed when the team heard of a rescheduling (the first of many, no doubt, this week!) of the service times to accommodate a special conference this weekend focusing on preparing young leaders. So instead of two services this morning, they'll be attending one this evening as part of that conference, at which the team leader, Ted, will be preaching. <br />
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This afternoon was dedicated to unpacking the duffels and re-organizing the contents for use this week. The team will be visiting at least two different places this week, perhaps three, so the goal today was to get ready for two days of ministry in Cavaillon on Monday and Tuesday. Restocking will take some time each night, but today was the big job! At the end of the week, whatever medical and clothing supplies are left over will stay at Cavaillon for the housemoms and medical staff to use for the children until the next team's visit. The water purification system parts and supplies brought this week will be used to repair and replace whatever might be needed in the locations the water team visits.<br />
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As they worked on the open air veranda, there was enough of a breeze to keep them comfortable in the 98 degree heat. Eventually a storm came through, which cooled the air at least for a while!<br />
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One of the visitors this afternoon from the orphanage at the bottom of the hill was Nicholson, who usually lives at Cavaillon, so he's well known to our repeating team members. Nicholson has albinism and is partially blind, both of which unfortunately mark him for teasing and bullying by the other children at the orphanage. In an effort to break that cycle of behavior, he's been at the Cambry orphanage this summer. But he's run into other troubles recently...he and another chlld fell of the back of a truck and both (apparently) have broken bones. The medical team got involved today, as his skin was badly scraped up and needed attention. They're working on a plan to have x rays done and get him on the right medications, but meanwhile they swathed him in neosporin and bandaged his arm. <br />
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<b>A point of clarification...</b>Alas, the cool water for showers mentioned earlier was incorrect. In fact, especially in the summer, the water coming out of the shower spigot is actually too hot! The shower water comes from large tanks that are on the roof of the compound and the stored water rises in temperature as the days get hotter. Sometimes it's actually scalding hot! <br />
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<b>Please pray...</b><br />
<ul>
<li>For another night of good rest in cool rooms, flushing toilets and refreshing showers.</li>
<li>For continued health in the heat and with a different diet</li>
<li>For safe travel to Cavaillon, about 45 minutes away from the compound. They'll travel by SUV/pick up trucks driven by ESMI staff. Pray also that the team would deal with the heat of the day and barely controlled energy of the 85 kids who live there - there will be a lot of excitement, kids and adults!</li>
<li>For great times with the kids, whose care is sponsored by a consortium of churches and individuals, administrated by Chicago Friends of Haiti. The team will spend two days there, so their medical needs can be assessed and dealt with, but also so there can be time for fun together. </li>
<li>For the housemoms at Cavaillon, who bear the responsibility of caring for the kids on a daily basis. </li>
<li>For the team to get into a good rhythm for working together. They will stay very busy!</li>
<li>Haiti is a place where the truth of the gospel comes up against the darkness of deeply embedded voudoo belief systems in ways that are very different than Americans can usually grasp second hand. Please pray that the gospel shared by our team will go forth and bear fruit in that environment, and the Jesus' hand of protection will be on all those in Haiti who proclaim it. </li>
</ul>
As always, the team appreciates your support and prayers as they begin their week of service in Haiti, in Jesus' name. <br />
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Some pictures from their day...<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg3IPyO2GhT0M5mNGxULKn99Bcii7CjnpKzuW7cbB81_rAvAiGHPiOcwEKnGk6MShvDGTGVnZhIxNhN1CEGV2_1CGuz7CfuLh4VWUsvnkl4bUTnRwcCGHig5THeVuJ6cdPKgftFh5t6NbSfZEhDpATycHss2N_ZqzVkvzA94I8B-GVK3oiIBi0VqiZdAng59Pp7CAkIAGfma5gFz0NVXG_FF4FtGs_WnA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
Church service at Cambry<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjerd3kDI7TBHoUtyLBDfZ-tcUDMi6okQjcALG10nqrIpymwrS2uNjvist70rF0n1ATAUjSC1okfWN-cC8Ql1P0Q01YJWuaAbr-ESKXNDc95xChasjuaansyyQoaV0jv_983mg5sB4VhdllhH3EzhUMOnOwZFg3CBMHPdJtTbT7EihiHMRCp2y0E28DIj4lvInxjLHaD4D_5EGBzYC4cM5FKqPvG8gZZ2Q=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
Nicholson's injury<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhxNgMUTF4Gm1Nwlex4bxs65Xd-gZIktx5cpDM3BZYOC8o8vr9rSw0qa8DfWll3KT-YMYSDHNm_KuN_rp8gjmlzg4wotQMNjrOgJDd1nzjz_fwt0RmgD6VRRt6969REajAwC590uWx-84PDlVsJsbWIM-ToCk2Fk1oKboaD5K4QuJBH5WYjPlHAvBjl8-ICfYP4ZiRXTIIYZqCSm1hpQLN3qn1RIblWMVQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />
All bandaged up <br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjk24B2twqqi-LHYkKCKBeONdukNa7q7WjCS0Y5f0i95BCxmtXXd9xj_bPqpTJOjwvj52yWQ1-UxvupkaQUPrW23niI2gK0y8uIGN-UCnEKtn8h2xEj8xeQcpDTyKpi0oxaCwPtRtYPKfIC6U3ltjTKK6ytmFQujAiVuBRSkIShuy7RJbu9ieln_J5PPKvpTIYOshXYWEaS4vPshB_pcVwvnsRiZTTVwA=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
The organization begins!<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgB9LM1r6ogR3xSRFRj0rrTxihWd15PeRc1pKh25QVobnwAxd9kqLo21Q21rbel6vTTSLxwJefMccS2m9m3Tc2FVTqgDZd9dbUR3zpJWBCD-Dyu0rJO5QCDZTp2tk3iLHtn-R6GlFJSwaCAa5VUlZLFPTQcblrzWvXya2cNHICTwY1_QKLyIGdmlkd6NWZApkrSdFcA53FY2ZW4bhdowmdwGMhifiBM9Q=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
Ready to go :) <br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhBASyeG17kuj_R_jdEZk9dlV_LYZmLFTsgFstKX6I8t5JGFRZqtmJ-PDScrw0O0kzQ79q2EspXO8DYwZYjpDwbNmAG5sgadjnB4BRg8Q7ct8Z904hyphenhyphen8lgHLckAf3YOK5R_1JJWPmQECMXu7mXhMxqZ-o5KnJoHNGYhGNwugQlRqwIa-xsnUACOMtx012ZXP2_eNmHJPYaAnI79mgMVSkLOKCFgDIzb3w=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
An afternoon downpour<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiapmWiDa0PpnnBa4VlvNmcsmIkL7tfCysv874Cz4jhWzEyfe8zO_hhsvIwJJsDvbA5_pgxAVNCfz3m7v0mKw6YjJY3DzamqB4jleT4Z6G9qaOIu3qkULLFczw2utlfrVbg44s8OJb2wAKfRWxPnkdU22RpXS2O3-6Chc35vEvR0pRmEiSkdrr9U_QhbOQ8CNatZM2FcbIIjlqbxLAg2bYrzvznw03blQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
Good Shepherd Church in Cayes (Bon Berger in Haitian Creole)<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiDR_35czWkKRMTdlKJbPGZbIGLKtTyjsF6MXO9PlQs2QPY6u71Dbza6Pq4jsGDwLGCZPL4kEv8GoEInaUvB1i12Fvroqo9JjUmIM9qUTY_hisZ1OBTzHJcX-kMU7kQjWmZt428peDPBp4ryebAJwIfYwH7AuUubiuc1lILh1RJ-LhoZjqzYypLLIT9rBOCpcSsjthCYvm984ieLH3gk2JIznZA0dgfAg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
The youth conference at Good Shepherd<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgOE8aWk-CLL75lh_TbmolHIShKvmyakEzmyOkl2YJ3XbuaWOF0oR0wQpczuV7eqtNgKIrCSyz4sW5kWB91hks4u7spO6TN75kbLEfYj1Sni-cXVKmrgWDsNYl3nn1kiUEqfboNZCaW_1LewhjpcSXgnMA5zfFb7rvjrbiIMbyeD-tcboKrN8sg6s27L_VtWALm-rzZK83lQgNCTSHAzI9jUce7M7BfUg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="240" /><br />
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Ann Powers<br />
Chicago Friends of Haiti<br />
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-79417908327184560672019-07-29T14:11:00.003-07:002019-07-30T14:58:38.397-07:00Haiti Trip 7/27/19<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Day 2</i></b></span><br />
After some flight delays and a short night's sleep in Miami, the team climbed aboard their first of three modes of today's transportation at 4:00 am EST this morning, a brief shuttle to the airport. Soon after, they boarded their second, the plane to Port au Prince, which was on time and provided a safe trip. <br />
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Customs was it's usual hurdle. Always slow (as it seems to be in many places around the world!), this time they also encountered agents who refused to recognize the validity of the official paperwork allowing the team to bring in thousands of dollars worth of medicine. Of course, the paperwork was valid, having been properly processed, signed by the right government officials, and hand delivered to the customs agent by an ESMI staff member as the team arrived. All of that to no avail without additional "surcharges", which are an unfortunate facet of ministry in Haiti. However, after some wasted time, frustrating conversations, and a cash transaction, the team left with all their belongings as well as all of the precious duffel bags full of medicines and other supplies. <br />
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The next conveyance was a coach bus, which took them out of Port au Prince and to the west. Getting to Cambry, their base of operations for the week, was an uneventful five and a half hour trip and their arrival was earlier than expected. Settling in, unpacking, and assembling for dinner together of goat, rice, beans, and plantain all preceded their first team meeting in the evening. With a short night's sleep and a long day of travel, all were grateful for an early night and some time to decompress. <br />
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Their accommodations for the week include dorm style bunkbeds separated into mens' and womens' quarters, with a few adequate although not lavish bathrooms and showers. The water is neither plentiful nor hot coming out of the showers, but after a long steamy day it is a welcome relief. The electricity (and therefore air conditioning) is provided by a generator, which is on only in the evenings. Given the tropical heat of summertime in Haiti, sleeping in air conditioning is not really a luxury, but more of a necessity to being refreshed for service the next day. Heatstroke and exhaustion are a real concern for our summer trip team members who have not had time to acclimate to the heat, and all are reminded to be careful about sun exposure and to drink more water than they would ever need at home. Bottled water, that is!<br />
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Tomorrow is a day of church (two services, if they prefer; one of the team members will be preaching at two different churches), duffel bag unpacking, sorting, and repacking for strategic use on Monday and Tuesday, and hopefully more good rest before a busy week begins. There's an evening service they can attend, as well. A contingent of children from the orphanage at the bottom of the hill usually also find a way to saunter up to greet the team, looking for familiar faces whom they delight to greet from visit to visit. And the returning team members are also delighted to see them, happy to see they're thriving and how they've grown. Communication takes some creativity, but everybody understands big smiles. <br />
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Please pray:<br />
<ul>
<li>For rest and good acclimation to very different surroundings for the team. It can be a jarring environment, especially encountering poverty at levels and as pervasive as is the reality in Haiti</li>
<li>For continued health as they eat new foods and deal with the heat, With that, for consistent electricity in the compound for air conditioning and wifi, for communication with family at home. Tonight, the cell signals seem to be working, even though the wifi doesn't. </li>
<li>For a sense of teamwork to develop as they begin their first big task tomorrow - the sorting of the duffels! And for all things during the week in Haiti - flexibility. Things have a tendency to go differently than "as planned". </li>
<li>For the worship tomorrow with God's people in Haiti. It will be different - longer, louder, more free flowing than many American church worship services - but joy filled and uplifting. Please pray that the preacher/team member, Ted, will be able to communicate and connect well, and have the stamina necessary to preach twice in the daytime heat. </li>
</ul>
Team members who have been to Haiti in the past are quick to recognize the incredibly important role supporters play in their week. To those who provided funding or materials, we thank you. To those who pray as the week goes on, we are grateful for your partnership. Their ministry is significantly more fruitful because of the prayers of God's people!<br />
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And now, a few pictures to give you a glimpse into the day!<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh7Xt5mkt3uIiMFJ1otEPwmgYdb70rxafSut5vzb1nTByKOh676G4bWOAoo7TgqzHxO9wGvm0BoNmRec78ShQZqyxH6YX6RD1KeW8VZt9HlhRrUPiXQJbSKm5AirrHgxd1zxxhHHchTZtmOJVOakGK-_TkDY-gUIoq4Wvl_FN5XIziMW3stnAnn4HjuEf3VWlPZ104yPk02-9UMz1-UVYxeuuBYfemIWuQ=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
Our full team - from Chicago, Cincinnati, and California<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEihykWFa-5H1GNgb0L-_3jeynPyoKFQpMbQb7sxxtpfr7QbHhl3NUE_009iXi3zw5hG-uFL6DSORznWmCByGjzV3IaCRWHFPt1YW8_JfLTaoxxCHZPrD_V31RwG7Wz5q4OPk1CWpj75KoWq-Elt3e1MGCaTQ_uPIaPagB6jsRbQqLEYCLUvnRsxcX-k5kM8O7OdowOttFU4tPjKHYV_JVi0TTU1fbPa9Q=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
Moving through immigration and customs<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEikO_eX8xBICZo2X5KUEQ3STWSz0cfLFGbeeBEvCXQQXAIdfckUCtqnPE9bjo7EIbQazv5iRACzCRYXSG1NAeTWHUH9N9L6VORn50MSTXszDiONSUCmzF9Uc2RI2Y2beYG8KMQQG8TOo5oFZzwVMQ-Vhv2ITvmuICCogi_R2kdRdBy7sHQ8mhMk0_GpEabX-AzW31IgjqdH-iM0IayIDmdyfUJ1yCggLg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
Making their way to Cambry on the coach bus.<br />
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhDSBWtRck0f3DSbtt42IO8CLrShNQPuWQOlSNNZSuxPxbQ-lRWxlRJZo1mlfZq-L2J-B1KZyANG0wmxfS4RSNiO6vVMQMHP5rqwP3BW0rlczlLdGn9TQQWCMtbc5OVX1z1VdLILhu4N-3qHBWPGY6MZyHeFPAvaxuf0qcJmsfNBp3Khoh7DYIHLjGdRpWR-NZzDCs_aZzADwPCpmanWkHa5uV3hz5wUe8=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /><br />
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Visiting with ESMI staffer Ezekiel, a frequent translator for the team and community health worker - with his wife and baby<br />
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Thanks for your support!<br />
Ann Powers<br />
Chicago Friends of Haiti<br />
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-80763272072698835282019-07-29T14:08:00.001-07:002019-07-30T14:58:27.909-07:00Haiti Trip 7/26/19<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Day 1</b></i><br />Nan Nom Jesi </span><br />
The summer Haiti Missions Team is assembling in Miami tonight in advance of traveling together to Port au Prinee very early tomorrow. The Chicago and Cincinnati crews just arrived there; the California folks arrive later. The team of 10 comes comes with a united purpose of serving and loving the people of Haiti by meeting their physical and spiritual needs in Jesus' name.<br />
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From Port au Prince, after airport customs (with 1000 pounds of supplies stuffed into duffel bags - clothes, medicines, and water systems parts and materials) they will meet a coach bus driver who will take them on the perhaps 6 hour road trip to Cambry, their base of operation this week. <br />
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The team is grateful for your partnership and support during this week. Our goal is to share an update late each evening while the team is in Haiti. <br />
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<b>This evening, please pray for </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Continued safe travel to Miami, to Port au Prince, and to Cambry. It will be a very early morning (their flight leaves Miami at 6:00 am) and a long day tomorrow. They hope to be at Cambry in time for a late dinner.</li>
<li>The health of the team as they start a very busy, stressful, and hot week, eating different foods and working in environments that will definitely NOT feel like home</li>
<li>Good, restorative (even though brief) sleep this evening</li>
</ul>
<i>As you are led, please use this guide to pray for Haiti and our team this week. More specific prayer requests will come each day, as well. </i><br />
<b>The land of Haiti itself</b> – bringing hope and health through the power of the gospel and meeting needs in the Name of Jesus; for the current civil war to come to an end and for peace and justice<br />
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<b>The church in Haiti</b> – especially the churches and pastors of ESMI and the Reformed Church of Haiti (159 churches to date)<br />
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<b>Dony (Sharon) and Louis St Germain (Martina) and their families</b>, the founders and leaders of<br />
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<b>ESMI</b><br />
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<b>The ESMI Board</b><br />
<b>ESMI Staff</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Pastor Dieusel Mongerard (oversees 5 churches we work with including Savanne)</li>
<li>Fanuel</li>
<li>Richard</li>
</ul>
<b>Cavaillon</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The 85 children living at the Children's Village and the Haiti Orphan Project, which works with supporters to cover the children's needs for lodging, clothing food, medical care, and education</li>
<li>Serge and Ramonde, the directors of the Cavaillon Children’s Village</li>
<li>Dr Patrick Pierre</li>
<li>Nurse Berline Dimanche</li>
<li>Nicolas Pierre (school principal)</li>
<li>House Moms - Dadie Fantezie, Audline Charlette, Luciani St-Victor, Domersant Andrenise, Franchise Philippe, Wosni, Amazan</li>
</ul>
<b>Facility Development:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Water Committee and water system </li>
<li>Praise for funds to to complete repairing and supplying the school (destroyed by Hurricane Matthew) and finishing the toilets and showers </li>
<li>Praise for the new cafeteria (kitchen and dining hall), security wall, and water system</li>
<li>Generally for Cavaillon to be a vibrant mission overall and the spiritual, educational, and economic hub of the region. </li>
<li>For the planting of 5 new churches in the region</li>
</ul>
<b>Savanne</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Pastor Mongerard and leaders</li>
<li>Installation of water system and building of a wall</li>
<li>Jude – family and work</li>
<li>Antoine – family and work</li>
<li>Business/job development</li>
<li>School and medical clinic</li>
</ul>
Other locations: La Hatte, Maniche, Port Salut, Brevette (Les Cayes), Mayan, Dariverger, Big House (Bigareuse), Duchitie, <br />
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Chicago Friends of Haiti<br />
<ul>
<li>For the Board and their ongoing oversight, management, vision, and strategic development</li>
<li>Praise for finally receiving our 501c3 designation as a charitable organization recognized by the IRS</li>
<li>Haiti Orphan Project (Jen Fenton, Colleen DeKraker, Jess Kerslake)</li>
<li>Trip Coordination (Barb Mills) </li>
<li>Medical Ministry (Kay Kelly and team at NPC)</li>
<li>Water Systems (Wayne Dingler, Chuck Michalek and team)</li>
</ul>
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEi4agF31Hfq2pB9UXhpKXZ70JVbSASzs-DQCxIfHvkhcrZXoQAynvfnk9NHjwkVOLU1kpkqavytCU1a241yhEtYnFGvotu-UTu_23y5CzjiIwlS4JUtYiDBWknNReDnA8i1DhbvkCDs07_oPvwP6Wt2d4pyez-isEYvje5LzpAWTvgyC3tXNgYuEqGeGynu93Vk7aeDu1ChPxpaJonYps5HdwhPLgQDNg=s0-d-e1-ft" width="320" /></div>
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The Chicago based team - ready to go!<br />
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Thank you for your support,<br />
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Ann Powers<br />
Chicago Friends of Haiti<br />
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-88419207793730835942018-08-06T08:04:00.000-07:002018-08-06T08:04:13.632-07:00Haiti trip 8/3/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn7-ZH-a_D5OTch2DFc3aqpP0CzBmqAdvHJcWj0EOUwEEZshwPA9X0VwYZb6Iemjz4S6uv_G8KVtGz3123P5AGshN1xlqtOuTc48pWgputK8DYfREOVU3hETKniM_OF5tYYrC4NZuf218/s1600/0803+beard+issues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn7-ZH-a_D5OTch2DFc3aqpP0CzBmqAdvHJcWj0EOUwEEZshwPA9X0VwYZb6Iemjz4S6uv_G8KVtGz3123P5AGshN1xlqtOuTc48pWgputK8DYfREOVU3hETKniM_OF5tYYrC4NZuf218/s320/0803+beard+issues.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The team has come to the end of their week, spending a long day in Mayan capped off with an excursion to a lovely beach at Port Salut (the only port in Haiti at which cruise boats stop - but no one gets off the boat!) for a few hours of R&R before tackling a few last tasks back at the Guest House. It will be a long night of re-organizing supplies (some to leave, some to bring back), packing up their own things, and hopefully catching a bit of sleep before leaving tomorrow at 4:00 am EST for the long trek back via coach bus to Port au Prince. This is one tired team, but exhilarated by a great week of ministry and so excited to be coming home!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfa3Ft_aaiKcy1xFo4HhNa0VsJ0PTBHfJJ_5MWNhJbzrGdlnF7oSRUToTBMvbq3NHIUDovhLNleBitrm0S82wi1x9hODi2zjXS5nuufmXt1s-BsrL498MLnT81sZ-JLiphu7PY3vISKVS/s1600/0803+Mayan+clinic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfa3Ft_aaiKcy1xFo4HhNa0VsJ0PTBHfJJ_5MWNhJbzrGdlnF7oSRUToTBMvbq3NHIUDovhLNleBitrm0S82wi1x9hODi2zjXS5nuufmXt1s-BsrL498MLnT81sZ-JLiphu7PY3vISKVS/s320/0803+Mayan+clinic.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The time at Mayan was fruitful and so very appreciated by the 65 people the medical team was able to see. Everyone pitched in somehow, as the entire team was together. The remote nature of this place (one person said travel to this location was more suited for donkeys than for people, as it’s up the side of a mountain) means that western-style medical care is scarce. There’s also a lot of poverty, which is typical for Haiti, but today our folks were literally giving their own extra clothes and shoes away. Over the course of the week, they’ve given away many hundreds of dollars for people to use for further medical care and other needs. The team saw lots of scabies, lots of undersized kids, adults with chronic and untreated issues, and bodies that were just worn down from the nature of life in a third world country. There is now an ESMI sponsored church there the proclaiming the love of Jesus where before only voodoo held sway. It is so strong in the region that people doubted a church could thrive, but it’s taking hold. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz7Ar2-DRj9dBcOym3nvPE4RPIwR9dVHjQH_3mh0sgfZ-MiWxHL11CjKprqn3__e2IAuYgo0lQYXqyQxP23LBF6VLa7BRKJDhJdHMBeULyWCdqcZZo5sgjZ-V9PPIX3rfTpljj_dwuplO/s1600/0803+nice+new+clothes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz7Ar2-DRj9dBcOym3nvPE4RPIwR9dVHjQH_3mh0sgfZ-MiWxHL11CjKprqn3__e2IAuYgo0lQYXqyQxP23LBF6VLa7BRKJDhJdHMBeULyWCdqcZZo5sgjZ-V9PPIX3rfTpljj_dwuplO/s320/0803+nice+new+clothes.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />On the way back, they actually stopped and made a housecall! An elderly woman, Zabette, practically housebound, who Pastor Louis knows got the 5 star treatment for her ailments from our top notch team - surely the best medical care anywhere in Haiti this week was available from our team. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFLeGqYnPH_5WQ-9V3nscIXkh2L2b90lwxdNcJatVGzG6ALt7Lbyh_UF3UtLLg_FR4I2xZuinAnIxMxGE10WFDlaeniWvJTvzGZFJeaahwxQxueY1WREffy_X-0gsBGEtXmlba3DVcGmU/s1600/0803+patient+at+Mayan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFLeGqYnPH_5WQ-9V3nscIXkh2L2b90lwxdNcJatVGzG6ALt7Lbyh_UF3UtLLg_FR4I2xZuinAnIxMxGE10WFDlaeniWvJTvzGZFJeaahwxQxueY1WREffy_X-0gsBGEtXmlba3DVcGmU/s320/0803+patient+at+Mayan.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The stop at Port Salut was truly the first “break” all week. Two hours of lovely beachfront relaxation, with a rented cabana for their use and snacks, all provided as a “Thank You” from Pastor Louis. On the menu? Bite sized barracuda you could pop in your mouth whole, lobster, and plantain with a cole-slaw like salad that is SO spicy even the Haitians can’t eat it. Not sure who does eat it, or why they serve it. Only for those who’ve already fried their tastebuds, perhaps!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCITpK8xrtrZssbwIN1dII-1cRrYEVlXgFXF1S7q7rFfWpaT6-yQWRQN0RE-SKOkhlN2dYrykkFwW4EvEPGLobJtqic3lsbhWUBclnBJ9zURJiGKuJBHr1Z-x10P0uIr3JbEN6UAZY7At/s1600/0803+beach+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCITpK8xrtrZssbwIN1dII-1cRrYEVlXgFXF1S7q7rFfWpaT6-yQWRQN0RE-SKOkhlN2dYrykkFwW4EvEPGLobJtqic3lsbhWUBclnBJ9zURJiGKuJBHr1Z-x10P0uIr3JbEN6UAZY7At/s320/0803+beach+time.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />A few last pictures from today. Enjoy! <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDP5i3leSGCCjm6Kvcnw5iObwiQhLdwAw0nc0jQjtTE1eFcy7V4NGV8ue-7ClDuYSHH-lJ3DUy314Z00vKNZ6-_aVBZHX5AUuyB12KimPHKQiXSnVpZJpFZVmaR-Lyeh-W_58-TWjoVd-/s1600/0803+school+and+church+building+in+Mayan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDP5i3leSGCCjm6Kvcnw5iObwiQhLdwAw0nc0jQjtTE1eFcy7V4NGV8ue-7ClDuYSHH-lJ3DUy314Z00vKNZ6-_aVBZHX5AUuyB12KimPHKQiXSnVpZJpFZVmaR-Lyeh-W_58-TWjoVd-/s1600/0803+school+and+church+building+in+Mayan.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Although the hour is late, we hope you’ll see this in time to pray this evening for a few things:<br /><ul>
<li>Safe and on time travel tomorrow to Port au Prince, then Miami, then scattered flights home to Chicago, to Texas, California, and North Carolina. </li>
<li>A good “re-entry” for our team into normal life. The experiences, pace, sights and challenges of Haiti stay with visitors a long time and for a while life back here feels in no way “normal”. Pray for our team as they navigate those feelings. </li>
<li>Praise God for the water systems that were brought online this week - three! Amazing and truly life giving! Praise Him for the children's ministry that loved, loved, loved on kids at every turn, and carefully and joyfully shared stories of God's love for them, and for the almost 500 patients our intensely hardworking medical team was able to treat. Lives were changed in wonderfully different ways by the different teams, but changed for sure. </li>
<li>Pray for the Haitians who faithfully minister year in and year out - Pastor Louis and all the ESMI staff, Pastor Mongerard in Savanne, the pastor of the new church in Mayan, and many others. Ask that God would sustain them and protect them from harm, from evil, and from discouragement. </li>
<li>Pray for those who heard the gospel this week, that it would bear much fruit. Pray especially for Malone as she is fearful of her father’s reaction to her new faith in Jesus.</li>
<li>Pray for the orphans in Cavaillon and LaHatte, for their care and safety, for their hearts to turn to Jesus, and for them to grow into people who will not only serve the Lord but be good citizens in Haiti who bring change to their beleaguered country. </li>
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The team is grateful for your prayers and support! They couldn’t have done this week without you.<br /><div class="yj6qo" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-67969226125203835322018-08-06T07:59:00.000-07:002018-08-06T07:59:27.808-07:00Haiti trip 8/2/18<br />
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H<span style="text-align: center;">ave you heard the one about "making plans in Haiti"?...</span><br /><br /><div>
Actually, the team deployed in three different directions today, and two of those went as planned, and went wonderfully.<br /><br />The children’s ministry team spent a great day at Cavaillon doing lots of fun things, like Bible story skits on the story of Daniel and the paralytic lowered through the roof (performed in costume, no less!) singing, games, and for sure lots of hugs and smiles. These kids are so receptive to attention and the chance to have fun with adults, it makes for a joyful experience for all. Eighty five happy kids, 8 happy and probably pretty tired team members!<br /><br />The water team had a hugely impactful day today. First, the final steps to getting Savanne back on line, complete with a new and VERY deep well, were completed successfully. The local water board is ready to go with the knowledge to keep it running, with help as needed from Living Waters. And as if that wasn’t enough for one day, they got ahead of schedule and checked out the Cambry system this afternoon and lo and behold, with a few repairs and a few new parts and batteries, it too is up and running. No one expected that, but what a great thing! Three water systems in one week! The Cambry folks still have to formalize their “covenant” and have a water board re-trained, but this is huge for the Cambry community. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3efYnW22-_HNnfLQn9TYrxUqA1FCmdXm_698pWRBe-l7upi9D1lXLIO45BuH-lHqmDxmj65Mb3aE15ZwPMaWntgHGMhaXUBlryWr1AHdIB-Dhn1FaUOfw4fHbLeekPU6Dsp-mwjd220J/s1600/0802+kids+skit+Cavaillon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3efYnW22-_HNnfLQn9TYrxUqA1FCmdXm_698pWRBe-l7upi9D1lXLIO45BuH-lHqmDxmj65Mb3aE15ZwPMaWntgHGMhaXUBlryWr1AHdIB-Dhn1FaUOfw4fHbLeekPU6Dsp-mwjd220J/s320/0802+kids+skit+Cavaillon.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />And the medical team? Not as they planned, but clearly as God had planned...they arrived at Savanne and were set up to start seeing patients by 10:00 but it was clear the crowd was even bigger today than yesterday. They agreed they’d see 65, and then pack up and go to Cavaillon...and then it was “okay, 80...”, and yet the sick folks (babies, especially) just kept coming. When all was said and done, they’d seen 160 patients by working non-stop for 8 hours in the oppressive heat and humidity, with perhaps a few energy bars eaten along the way. They were assisted by 2 community health workers and some church leaders/volunteers, and of course their stalwart translators. Needless to say, they missed the opportunity to enjoy the time at Cavaillon with the others, but God had a different plan for them today. Their resiliency was sorely tested as the need, the pace, the heat, and the tiredness wore on them - but they were champs! Exhausted champs, for sure, but true servants and professionals as they did what they felt needed to be done. <br /><br />Two stories from today - Malone, the girl who gave her life to Christ amidst her intense medical treatment yesterday, came back today just to be with everyone. She was feeling much better - better than she had a in a long time, apparently. Whenever she caught a team member’s eye, there were big smiles. And more of her story came to light - both her father and uncle are voodoo witch doctors, and she’s fearful of their reaction to her new faith in Jesus. Both were away from home yesterday and today, but she’ll be having to talk with them soon. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU3104tAFGxa35ku9T4cFI-Rm9OZOsKqWXJu_EDIF6ah-IsDMmL_P1LS3wlMoFVALOHNsYTeLcX8NlzWxBUX3NwYb01BfNRYf9NIF3CmGMpi0X2NMzANi0p90laJ-dRE2VOw-kz0MycBZ/s1600/0802+medical+team+off+to+Savanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU3104tAFGxa35ku9T4cFI-Rm9OZOsKqWXJu_EDIF6ah-IsDMmL_P1LS3wlMoFVALOHNsYTeLcX8NlzWxBUX3NwYb01BfNRYf9NIF3CmGMpi0X2NMzANi0p90laJ-dRE2VOw-kz0MycBZ/s320/0802+medical+team+off+to+Savanne.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Near the end of the day, the team leader was approached by a man who was not there to see a doctor, but to thank the team. During the last team’s visit to Savanne in February, they treated his baby son and very likely saved his life with some timely antibiotics and breathing treatments. He just had to come back and thank them again for the gift of life they gave to his precious son. It was a great reminder to the team that although the work is hard and the needs cannot possibly all be met, some needs are met...and it can change or save a life, such as Malone’s or this baby’s. Today was one of those days. Clearly it was time well spent. <br /><br />Tomorrow the plan is to go to Mayan, a remote village about an hour away. Our teams are the only ones to ever go to this village, and they’ve only been there once. Medical care is non-existent for these folks, so it’s a real need. Only catch is there are no roads for part of it (did we say remote?) so 4 wheel drive vehicles make dry river beds the “road” as needed. Another “Disneyworld” type ride, as long as the river beds aren’t full of water...and it was raining late tonight. If Pastor Louis deems it safe and they go, they’d leave early, stay for long enough to see a max of 50 people, and then head to Cavaillon to say goodbye to the kids there. If Pastor Louis says “no go”, they’ll spend the day at Cavaillon. Either way, they hope to swing by a beach in Port Salut for a quick look at the ocean, maybe getting their feet wet :) at the end of the day.<br /><br />Their week of ministry is almost done, and they are very tired. And Saturday morning will come early - they leave the Guest House at 4:00 am to go to Port au Prince for the flight home.<br /><br />Just a few pictures today...thank you for journeying with the team in this ministry!<br /><br />Please pray:<br /><ul>
<li>For the team’s endurance and spirits. Today was a hard day in many ways, especially for the medical team. For all, the needs of the people of Haiti are overwhelming.</li>
<li>For continued health and energy</li>
<li>For effective rest that restores for another long day tomorrow</li>
<li>For the health of the people of Savanne, LaHatte, and Cambry to be quickly and positively impacted by the availability of clean water, and that the systems would function flawlessly for a long time to come</li>
<li>For Malone as she tells her father of her new faith in Jesus and her desire to turn away from voodoo. Pray for her safety.</li>
<li>For the hearts of the people who heard the gospel in Savanne and Cavaillon to be impacted and won over by the love of Jesus.</li>
</ul>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-85704452376569314692018-08-02T12:08:00.001-07:002018-08-02T12:08:22.339-07:00Haiti trip 8/1/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAXdOxVBfqC8rO4clRf6_dTFdppSkRmQ35owjcO7bkH_bTezB-vT9yvdbEwdNEPx7uGAJGHFeTzqeo-DbWU6xW0awel-rx4CBw4HkGJnrwuFnRUT0c-lQJgDPlLAIc-7cYTvmEMJAhfoH/s1600/0729+Cavaillon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAXdOxVBfqC8rO4clRf6_dTFdppSkRmQ35owjcO7bkH_bTezB-vT9yvdbEwdNEPx7uGAJGHFeTzqeo-DbWU6xW0awel-rx4CBw4HkGJnrwuFnRUT0c-lQJgDPlLAIc-7cYTvmEMJAhfoH/s320/0729+Cavaillon.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
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If there’d been a wish list for how today at Savanne could have gone, it would have been completely checked off!<br /><br />The water team connected the system to the new well (causing a bit of a “water park” experience for the nearby children, as it gushed for a bit while being connected - talk about being in the right place at the right time for those kids!) and is ready to be “shocked” tomorrow...Lord willing, Savanne will once again have clean water as of tomorrow. This is HUGE, and once again the water team deserves kudos for their great work. God bless engineers and people who are good with their hands who know how to do stuff like this, for it truly will save lives!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsap-mlrV0zn-MweAypMMvHgArsx7uxI5PrV0w88-vWLyOkmQRflwc39TQcus7e2e0w4AuqgpUOvbEeJG_bcnTskl_hlHZDchQ99ppJPLtv5st2RELDb3stqDdFeqPWvYhWn8cz6yx6Jgt/s1600/0729+hanging+out+at+Cavailon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsap-mlrV0zn-MweAypMMvHgArsx7uxI5PrV0w88-vWLyOkmQRflwc39TQcus7e2e0w4AuqgpUOvbEeJG_bcnTskl_hlHZDchQ99ppJPLtv5st2RELDb3stqDdFeqPWvYhWn8cz6yx6Jgt/s320/0729+hanging+out+at+Cavailon.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The children’s ministry had a blast acting out Bible stories, doing skits, and telling kids about Jesus. They took over the empty water house for a bit today for their “stage” and then moved into the clinic waiting room to have a bit more room. This team made it even more fun by having some costumes to wear - in the 100 degree heat of Haitian summer. That’s artistic dedication!<br /><br />The medical team saw 110 patients in about 7 hours of non-stop work. Four doctor “stations” were fed from intake and triage, and from there patients went to the pharmacy - all under one roof. It’s amazing what you can do with folding chairs and an empty concrete shell of a building - lives were saved today in that unlikely place! Lots of babies, the elderly, teenagers, all waited their turn peaceably in the chairs provided for the chance to see a doctor - perhaps for the first time ever. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPKr91xvpIlOt28z11gPnxIILLrCykC_WCcOylmoNU22kTdohzOqbAAhHRI13jTV9_pro2wszdhy00E9ENXBkORWZsQQoZuanQic4TtxEYw9QRJILK1jmqIi9JnjgEBhqw_VLLak1ICMq/s1600/0729+new+clothes+at+cavaillon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPKr91xvpIlOt28z11gPnxIILLrCykC_WCcOylmoNU22kTdohzOqbAAhHRI13jTV9_pro2wszdhy00E9ENXBkORWZsQQoZuanQic4TtxEYw9QRJILK1jmqIi9JnjgEBhqw_VLLak1ICMq/s320/0729+new+clothes+at+cavaillon.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />One patient, a 17 year old girl, was treated all day for a high fever, congestion and likely pneumonia, and definitely dehydration. As the day went on, more of her story came out. Her father, in order to help her get well, took her to a voodoo witch doctor, which is a common practice. That person gave her a piece of chicken bone sharpened into a toothpick-like piece, which was woven into her clothes. The witch doctor would say this is supposed to protect her. As she spent the day with our team, she heard more and more of the gospel, and through an interpreter, agreed that she needed Jesus in her heart. When her mother came back to check on her later in the day, she told her mom “no more voodoo, I follow Jesus now”. Her mom, although taken aback, was not upset, but the team wonders what her father will think! Her name is Malone Gouzi. <br /><br />Longstanding friendships were renewed, too, as some of the former gang leaders, deeply enmeshed in voodoo before coming to Christ and now serving as leaders in the church, welcomed our team. It’s good to see them thrive!<br /><br />Although all of the teams worked very well and very hard, there were needs they couldn’t meet, and sick people the medical team couldn’t see. In addition, the level of need and the effects of lifelong poverty were difficult to experience. During the team’s prayer time tonight, one person prayed “we’ve seen things that will make it hard to close our eyes”. And yet, they must for there is more to do tomorrow. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWivt2OnygAWtj1W8xJqxBtQd0jdcdsqZvVn93gI6kF1a7IYa8z2BkjcCKJIu3ffbTHE1l4qVYuK0hOZNRtfjwBysRPqNfIvV7Omgw4YRJ3cXwvTPgiC_mnehWai5SdW7CkY4QqYP8NRy9/s1600/0731+acting+out+a+Bible+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWivt2OnygAWtj1W8xJqxBtQd0jdcdsqZvVn93gI6kF1a7IYa8z2BkjcCKJIu3ffbTHE1l4qVYuK0hOZNRtfjwBysRPqNfIvV7Omgw4YRJ3cXwvTPgiC_mnehWai5SdW7CkY4QqYP8NRy9/s320/0731+acting+out+a+Bible+story.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The water and medical team will go back to Savanne for the first part of the day. The children’s ministry team will head straight to Cavaillon to spend the day with the kids there. At some point, the Savanne crew will join the team in Cavaillon for one more chance for play time with the kids. <br /><br />Friday, most of the team will head to Mayan, a more remote location that has been visited only once before by our teams, but where ESMI is planting a church. The ministry by our medical and children’s team will be a big encouragement to that community, and they’ll be busy! The water team will stay closer to "home" and check out the water system right down the hill from the Guest House at Cambry, which was installed by others a long time ago and no longer works. It will be a fact finding trip to see if it can be repaired and put back in use by our February 2019 team. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfOw7oyJVsRCO1VkP-S1VRgKIXoA_CJpUBzzV6GUV4RDYdedMVeyAof2gaIbLf3iPjsi0e0qKFbGJgxImfEw7jmgJOAkwjNXRaFbfMvNF5EN4Yd7AgnHzdaTYd7371P3qmBaEA-JtgxVZ/s1600/0731+clinic+waiting+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfOw7oyJVsRCO1VkP-S1VRgKIXoA_CJpUBzzV6GUV4RDYdedMVeyAof2gaIbLf3iPjsi0e0qKFbGJgxImfEw7jmgJOAkwjNXRaFbfMvNF5EN4Yd7AgnHzdaTYd7371P3qmBaEA-JtgxVZ/s320/0731+clinic+waiting+room.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Please enjoy these pictures, some from today (the well, the waiting room, and the story time) and some a “catch up” from Cavaillon. All show our team expressing the love of Jesus to the people of Haiti. Isn’t that wonderful? Thanks for your part in making that happen!<br /><br />Please pray:<br /><ul>
<li>For Malone and her new life in Christ, and what that might mean in her family</li>
<li>For the team and the stress they feel from the press of time, the heat, the desire to meet as many needs as possible yet knowing they can’t meet them all, and from the unrelenting reality of want and poverty in Haiti. </li>
<li>For the people who have heard the gospel by word, story, and skit, and seen in it action this week - ask that God would call them to Himself. </li>
<li>For the hardworking interpreters and ESMI staff, without whom our team could not do ministry</li>
<li>For continued health and safety for our team.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3EZlvFI1b35boeNlB0sjk_Xqe0EIBObELTURQFqGCkwVwppJ8cYxeSV7JmatbAh4zyLyyzZPwTCUCuIELjOBNg9JlOYsLKIFnnOAtdCwWrKy4x39Jijwvd-KQzqKtBrrRFTaIp1MZwyg/s1600/0731+new+well+at+Savanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3EZlvFI1b35boeNlB0sjk_Xqe0EIBObELTURQFqGCkwVwppJ8cYxeSV7JmatbAh4zyLyyzZPwTCUCuIELjOBNg9JlOYsLKIFnnOAtdCwWrKy4x39Jijwvd-KQzqKtBrrRFTaIp1MZwyg/s320/0731+new+well+at+Savanne.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-88188142834850296572018-08-01T10:53:00.004-07:002018-08-01T10:53:53.046-07:00Haiti trip 7/31/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDxkOSDyPMD6ombmYVZ9RjOADRLXUcbUJaKor1k17OctcY2RygmmLcjbBvO49QXyWdjJ6JcVNDL7a8ja7DhGlW3G3HuECU5aD3dAvAHO3yNYMpPOV8X8TpTv9qlw7AjCBj1c3wQgpiS6X/s1600/0731+intake+at+LaHatte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDxkOSDyPMD6ombmYVZ9RjOADRLXUcbUJaKor1k17OctcY2RygmmLcjbBvO49QXyWdjJ6JcVNDL7a8ja7DhGlW3G3HuECU5aD3dAvAHO3yNYMpPOV8X8TpTv9qlw7AjCBj1c3wQgpiS6X/s320/0731+intake+at+LaHatte.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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There is clean water flowing in LaHatte! Congratulations to our hard working water team, both those in Haiti this week and those stateside who put in the work to get materials ready and packed for use this week. The team carefully trained and tested local people who have been identified to serve as the “water board” in LaHatte, who now have the responsibility of monitoring, maintaining, and running the system with assistance from Living Waters for the World. That organization has teams living in Haiti and can provide on the ground support for systems like this. Well done, all!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAPQSyn_C6hap0YaZ3QLJneghnJNmmUh4FJFKhQHJbJfHdiVm__eHignXxQnknPkB0JQ1UFLgVNTe8uqYjag_r7uEhhYEAkzzEM-mW_aM1_pPpMgaeUBEgJIA8z3aU5SYehHzSeodgQi8/s1600/0731+LaHatte+water+board+meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAPQSyn_C6hap0YaZ3QLJneghnJNmmUh4FJFKhQHJbJfHdiVm__eHignXxQnknPkB0JQ1UFLgVNTe8uqYjag_r7uEhhYEAkzzEM-mW_aM1_pPpMgaeUBEgJIA8z3aU5SYehHzSeodgQi8/s320/0731+LaHatte+water+board+meeting.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Our medical team saw all of the kids at the LaHatte orphanage today, 48 total, plus 7 adults who staff and manage the orphanage. The kids were in good shape - not malnourished or rampant scabies, although they don’t see medical folks as often as some other locations. And now, with clean and adequate water, they expect they’ll do even better, especially in regards to the threat of cholera in the community. <br /><br />Our children’s ministry staff made sure there was lots of fun to be had - balls, jump rope, coloring, and interacting with the kids was the order of the day. And when it was time to go, the shy little ones had turned into a noisy chorus of goodbyes. How strange it is that hearts can be knit together so quickly. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKs-LEdU38U6bYIDnzl79P9EA7lZubDJ_EXmDHPCNdVoHWdURPpSXvW6uqzpFpCT9UdeHaIXJqqY4rJ79OTXlZxQiUshIg3XSjJ44k14HQ5yk6bY7t0NmnVcXGAW1q7mLkw5p1z8G_-nz/s1600/0731+prayer+with+a+little+patient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKs-LEdU38U6bYIDnzl79P9EA7lZubDJ_EXmDHPCNdVoHWdURPpSXvW6uqzpFpCT9UdeHaIXJqqY4rJ79OTXlZxQiUshIg3XSjJ44k14HQ5yk6bY7t0NmnVcXGAW1q7mLkw5p1z8G_-nz/s320/0731+prayer+with+a+little+patient.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Back at the Guest House, tonight's team meeting time was spent talking about Savanne. Known as “the place the police won’t even go”, it’s a very poor part of Les Cayes, which is one of the largest cities in the western part of Haiti. Our team first visited perhaps 5 years ago, in advance of a new ministry that was planting a church there with ESMI. The hope was that the team would show that Christians care even about the poor and those who are not believers (in fact, much of Savanne was in the grip of voodoo worship at the time, and a very dark and scary place besides being economically severely depressed). The presence of that first medical team did indeed open doors for ministry, and in fact saw some dramatic conversions during their visit. Fueled by that momentum, the church continued making inroads, and truly has been a center of change for that community. Conversion continued, families were repaired, made intact or strengthened, and former voodoo and gang leaders are now leaders in the church. And yet, Savanne is still a rough place. When our team goes, the ESMI leadership is careful to provide significant crowd control for the medical team access, because the needs are so great that people can become desperate. There is no healthcare available in Savanne itself, and the people are too poor to use Haiti's "pay as you go" system anyway. Unlike the first few days of seeing children, tomorrow the team will see adults as well, many with chronic illness, STD’s, or AIDS. The children will likely be sicker and malnourished. It will be a long, hot, noisy, and stressful day. And yet, the team knows that the church’s pastor, Mongerard, and ESMI staff have been praying for their witness and that the spirit would move through Savanne to bring people to Himself through the ministry of our team - both medical and children’s ministry. The children's ministry is ready to go, too, with Bible stories that will share the gospel in age-appropriate ways, skits, and songs. <br /><br />And the water team tackles their second system “reboot”. A working system existed in Savanne as of last year, but the well itself ran into problems which made the system ineffective. A new well has been dug (paid for by donors in the US) so the team’s task tomorrow is hooking up the existing system to the new well, and then troubleshooting to get it back online byThursday. <br /><br />A few pictures made it through tonight...enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5HfYfgRh3tTtFYHKZYZAXNFvKBJKasW9ZrVkkROEwQ_v7AzOfLOaADxt66u6EMNZdHDR7Sfto0RYNcynQpibyVpK77Znrhq-r1WcLldNRMZfEzsq0x0iM_7mvxZon6srSBVtG-46VPPl/s1600/0731+team+meeting+by+candle+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5HfYfgRh3tTtFYHKZYZAXNFvKBJKasW9ZrVkkROEwQ_v7AzOfLOaADxt66u6EMNZdHDR7Sfto0RYNcynQpibyVpK77Znrhq-r1WcLldNRMZfEzsq0x0iM_7mvxZon6srSBVtG-46VPPl/s320/0731+team+meeting+by+candle+light.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Please pray<br /><ul>
<li>For good rest tonight before a long day tomorrow (and electricity!)</li>
<li>For the heat to stay manageable for the team - they’ll be inside tomorrow, out of the sun, but in a makeshift “clinic” and “kids’ center” full of people. </li>
<li>For continued good health. Midway through the week, everyone is doing well!</li>
<li>For good teamwork among those working with children (skits, crafts, stories) and the division of labor on the medical team (intake, triage, doctor stations, pharmacy, and scabies wash station)</li>
<li>For the water team to be able to deal with the technical and mechanical needs they find so clean water can once again flow in Savanne</li>
<li>For the gospel to be shared and bear much fruit. Every person will hear the gospel, and be prayed for as they interact with our team members</li>
</ul>
Thank you for your support! It means the world to the team. <br /><br /><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLiTpnRAoxvzX3i7TT2d2hRji_u8q6q9dCzpPp5xgq6O95zDv9OFar9UKFQ4YGdktgRVUkNuQBKwROhyphenhyphencKnJ55hppYfhiZijKMvNzunGkG_dwGfTQSOZxxdVUaHEEBBKZxK5IPvO6FrK5/s1600/0731+time+for+a+snuggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLiTpnRAoxvzX3i7TT2d2hRji_u8q6q9dCzpPp5xgq6O95zDv9OFar9UKFQ4YGdktgRVUkNuQBKwROhyphenhyphencKnJ55hppYfhiZijKMvNzunGkG_dwGfTQSOZxxdVUaHEEBBKZxK5IPvO6FrK5/s320/0731+time+for+a+snuggle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-26627805367592927402018-07-31T10:45:00.001-07:002018-07-31T10:45:25.487-07:00Haiti trip 7/30/18Today was a very successful and productive day on all fronts! Kids were loved, played with, and cared for. Every orphan at Cavaillon was seen by our medical team - 85 of them! - plus the housemoms, who are key to children’s good care, so keeping them healthy is a wise investment! These hardworking women got a little TLC and a gift package provided by our team members. They were very appreciative of the special care. <br /><br />The water team at LaHatte made such good progress that they are expecting to “shock the system” (give it a major cleansing which ensures the water produced is healthfully drinkable) tomorrow and give it the all clear to begin producing water again. The village should start seeing health benefits almost immediately, with their own trained "water board" to keep it running and in good shape, trained by our folks and an organization called Living Waters, which partners with our team members in Haiti. <br /><br />The orphans at Cavaillon were in good shape medically - some scabies and malnutrition, but that seems to be with the children who are new residents at the orphanage, so the team was hopeful that would improve the longer they are there. A few typical scrapes and burns that are part of being a kid, but nothing major. And that in itself is worthy of a moment of thanksgiving - in the not so distant past, their condition as a whole caused concern. But not today! Safer and cleaner living conditions and more nutritious food does wonders. To those who sponsor these children financially (providing their food, education, and housemom care) please know it’s making a difference. <br /><br />Besides a careful check from our docs, all kids had a ‘scabies wash’ (to do just a few doesn’t do any good - it’s a skin parasite that causes crazy itching, and is very contagious - unfortunately common in group homes in tropical climates), and the medicines to re-do it as needed are left with the housemoms. Then it was on to the ‘new clothes’ station. What fun for them! They only have new clothes when our team visits and provides them - and just like kids everywhere, their clothes get worn out or too small. The Texas team had this as their “priority packing” and they were ready! <br /><br />After the medical visits, fun was had by all! Games, songs, just sitting together getting some personal attention - it was a very fun day for the children. And the team :)<br /><br />Tomorrow, the full team will go to LaHatte. The medical and children’s ministry team will do what they did today in Cavaillon - seeing as many people as they can- while the water team does their “shocking” work. LaHatte is a bit further than Cavaillon from the Guest House, so it will be a shorter time spent on site. The team has to be back before nightfall each day as the roads don’t have much in the way of streetlights - actually, nothing in the way of streetlights. Sometimes, they don’t have much in the way of roads, either! The team will be traveling in two sturdy pick up trucks, “Haitian style” (in the back) for some. Other teams have sworn it’s better than the rides at Disney :) As always, they’ll be accompanied by ESMI drivers and staff. <br /><br />Getting pictures from the team is proving problematic, as cell coverage seems to work for voice, but not text. WiFi works only when the electricity is on, which can be spotty. We regret that we can’t share pictures with this update, but we’ll hope to catch up as the week goes on! <br /><br />Please pray for:<br /><ul>
<li>Continued good rest (and electricity)</li>
<li>Continued good health - so far only a few have had any “travelers’ stomach” issues</li>
<li>Continued safety in travel, with no delays that would impact how much they can get done at LaHatte</li>
<li>Patience and teamwork as they set up in a new location, and peace and calm while working with the residents</li>
<li>Opportunities to share the love of Jesus in word as well as in deed</li>
<li>The children of Cavaillon - that God would physically protect them, and that they would grow spiritually into young men and women of God. Pray also that their physical needs would be met through the continuing generosity of their sponsors (ongoing and new, as needed).</li>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-47654326603649501362018-07-30T08:03:00.001-07:002018-07-30T08:03:35.310-07:00Haiti trip 7/29/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The team got plenty of opportunities to share in worship with their Haitian brothers and sisters today at three different services - 7:00 am in Cayes at Bon Berger (Good Shepherd), where our own Pastor David was the guest preacher for the first time. No small audience there - the service is televised to a good portion of Haiti as well as picked up to livestream to Haitian expats all over the world. He might have preached to two million people people today - through an interpreter! No pressure :)<br /><br />The second service was at 10:00 at the second congregation of Bon Berger in Cambry, where the guest house is located. Pastor Chad was the guest preacher there. The congregation was excited and pleased to hear that their Pastor Louis would be doing a “pulpit swap” in this fall with Chad, when he visits Chicago and preaches at Chad’s church. It was a wonderful way to tie the two churches together. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ccUhu1jkzCkTQimRUdqinnX1g18Xc2lzsm4Fz2Y0UlRwaqfLoM-ZXb4tFsjPR_jPzsL1jRIW5zjOEl0sVwj-b6otasvCKlfnR8qVnWsls4HkDC86QbIG9f8Q5pcEtS9yByGkzUGJwxzs/s1600/0729+Cavaillon+praise+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="480" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ccUhu1jkzCkTQimRUdqinnX1g18Xc2lzsm4Fz2Y0UlRwaqfLoM-ZXb4tFsjPR_jPzsL1jRIW5zjOEl0sVwj-b6otasvCKlfnR8qVnWsls4HkDC86QbIG9f8Q5pcEtS9yByGkzUGJwxzs/s320/0729+Cavaillon+praise+time.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />Along the way this week, friendships will be renewed between our team members who've gone on multiple trips and Haitians in various locations we visit regularly. It's a special time for both, and speaks volumes of the love and concern our ministry displays for the Haitian people - it's not a "once and done", but instead, our teams come back, and care about them.One of the pictures below is a reunion between a team member and a boy who first met 5 years ago. He waited for our team member to come down the hill this morning so he could be the first one to greet her. Both were happy to see each other!<br /><br />The afternoon was spent sorting. And sorting some more! The duffels that were carried in yesterday came from three or four different states via our team members, and each location had a “priority” list of items to gather from donors and pack - underwear, shoes, clothes of different sizes, bedsheets, etc. The Chicago team also had several thousand dollars worth of medicines and water systems materials in their duffels. It will all be used during the week, but had to be repacked in a sensible way for the first few days of ministry. It will all be reorganized as they go, but the big job was done today. The repeat team members were able to lend their experience, which is always a big help in tackling this massive job, and the Texas crew did a lot of prep work before they came - 240 sets of clothes were bagged and tagged by gender and size before going in the duffels. That was an immense help!<br /><br />The third praise time opportunity came this evening, when most of the team headed back to Cavaillon via coach bus. The worship in all three places was vibrant, joyful, hot, and LOUD. Haitians believe in expressing their faith with exuberance! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOTZLS5cf2ZE1LdMvU3n687MH3HUhCQ88x_Gum8EeYvnDhz1cgocn1vRztDYpT6Q55yv0lpsTa9wJCGruQ2crwPwrC1CBhMv9hQ-dCldgkA9YTHPxTSXNJmWcikHzs0NqI-oThLahx1Cn/s1600/0729+special+friends.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOTZLS5cf2ZE1LdMvU3n687MH3HUhCQ88x_Gum8EeYvnDhz1cgocn1vRztDYpT6Q55yv0lpsTa9wJCGruQ2crwPwrC1CBhMv9hQ-dCldgkA9YTHPxTSXNJmWcikHzs0NqI-oThLahx1Cn/s320/0729+special+friends.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />It was a welcome and unusual treat for the team to get to spend time with the kids (and today the community) of Cavaillon this early in the week, and it will help the rest of their time there tomorrow and Tuesday be even sweeter as the kids will be familiar with them and be ready to just enjoy the time more. It’s also great for the medical team, who usually miss out on the fun and games because they’re focused on their clinic tasks for the most part. Part of the team, though, is planning the “fun and games” and will just focus on loving on the kids. How great is that!<br /><br />And the first “wrinkle” which people doing ministry in Haiti have got to be ready for - the bus they took to Cavaillion broke down on the way home and Pastor Louis, after some delay, was able to get alternative transportation back to the Guest House for them. The team is told repeatedly to expect things to happen on “Haiti time”, to be flexible above all else, and if asked to do something by the team leader, the answer is “ok, sure”. It’s the only way people can manage the realities of the situation there while working with a large team of people they’ve (in some cases) just met. It’s a wonderful, joyful, heart filling, heartbreaking, mentally, physically, and spiritually stretching week, and it’s unlikely this first wrinkle will be the last!<br /><br />The water team will hive off Monday to go to LaHatte, the next place being set up with a water system. It’s really a “reboot”, as there was one there previously installed by another organization but it has been non-functional for quite a while. The need is pressing, as the leaders of the village could see quite clearly that when the water system was running, cholera was eradicated - and when it failed, it came back. There is no doubt that clean water saves lives in Haiti - in fact our engineer friends say it’s the best way to save lives. On Tuesday, the water team will go back to finish the job while the rest of the team goes back to Cavaillon. <br /><br />The team will appreciate prayers for:<br /><ul>
<li>another night of good rest after a long day (and with that, reliable electricity which powers the air conditioning), safe travel to Cavaillon and LaHatte tomorrow. It still feels great outside with a breeze, but gets hot quickly inside.</li>
<li>the teams to quickly get into a good work rhythm in order to maximize what can be accomplished</li>
<li>safety in travel</li>
<li>patience with delays. The schedule calls for devotions at 7:00 in the morning, then breakfast. They hope to pull out of the compound at 8:30. </li>
<li>health as people acclimate to the heat and the food</li>
<li>opportunities to share their faith and encourage the children, housemoms, and others at Cavaillon</li>
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The team is grateful for your support and partnership! Enjoy some pictures from their day.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw6XFtuCkBqhbRZs3CQTfs4pFGF9GfmQcxE4D70K-pSs1YVI7gvjTDIbOK8l_n7erk6gnCysSe-56JDgk78iY4opX3O5mtu-_B___WcJ_keC6mnqsaamv0k6vEQ5kh_-pveiehTAqXTHG/s1600/0729+team+picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="364" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw6XFtuCkBqhbRZs3CQTfs4pFGF9GfmQcxE4D70K-pSs1YVI7gvjTDIbOK8l_n7erk6gnCysSe-56JDgk78iY4opX3O5mtu-_B___WcJ_keC6mnqsaamv0k6vEQ5kh_-pveiehTAqXTHG/s320/0729+team+picture.JPG" width="242" /></a></div>
Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-52388650466944792992018-07-30T08:00:00.000-07:002018-07-30T08:00:29.878-07:00Haiti trip 7/28/18And they’ve arrived! Travel was smooth and customs even smoother - no delays in their flight or meeting their coach bus and hired escorts at the Port au Prince airport. At customs, there was a brief check of paperwork and they were on their way - the bags weren’t even opened. That is a far cry from what the teams have come to expect, and a welcome change! Every bag arrived, as well. Given their precious cargo, that’s a wonderful blessing. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaw8v97Iyvq8D8jTFZ4v2733SEMon2CBcd2Td6gTvL7Ubv9hBICyK_s846y97cgnEAJ92hIFQ5vMFWQooWzMEAsL4dQdIQX9xZu4WpgR0yNA6q0eRw5YaMAJe9fk9xNZyCJsb8Nqz4voAV/s1600/0728+kids+at+cavaillon+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaw8v97Iyvq8D8jTFZ4v2733SEMon2CBcd2Td6gTvL7Ubv9hBICyK_s846y97cgnEAJ92hIFQ5vMFWQooWzMEAsL4dQdIQX9xZu4WpgR0yNA6q0eRw5YaMAJe9fk9xNZyCJsb8Nqz4voAV/s320/0728+kids+at+cavaillon+2.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Things went so smoothly that a last minute decision was made to “swing by” Cavaillon on the way to Cambry, where the team will stay this week. They arrived as the children were starting to eat dinner and were able to hear the children sing a blessing before they ate, and then visit a bit. The children were delighted to see some familiar faces on our team, and returning team members recognized several kids, as well. It will be fun to go back for longer visits during the week. <br /><br />After settling in to the Guest House at Cambry and eating a dinner of fried chicken, brown rice, plantain chips and peas and corn, it was time for a team meeting, showers, and finally - bed. The electricity was on, and although the heat and humidity were not oppressive today, it will help our team to sleep in air conditioned rooms. <br /><br />Tomorrow will start early, with church at 7:00 and 10:00. The afternoon will be spent unpacking and organizing medicines, clothes, and water systems supplies - close to 2000 pounds of duffel bag contents brought in by team members. A potential trip back to Cavaillon for evening worship is being considered, as well. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MC_EuhcbVu16F5oKqCdeKtSZgPpHnrjZkhe1TAowLZYWqPnP1DSTSBR7VYGiOd7bT1TIok36sAY7zD52xaoMP6Kh2Muw-aJOSgrhUByffUgeLQttb4L0wsaT5mkYSbUg8QRBCOTbUeSO/s1600/0728+kids+at+cavaillon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MC_EuhcbVu16F5oKqCdeKtSZgPpHnrjZkhe1TAowLZYWqPnP1DSTSBR7VYGiOd7bT1TIok36sAY7zD52xaoMP6Kh2Muw-aJOSgrhUByffUgeLQttb4L0wsaT5mkYSbUg8QRBCOTbUeSO/s320/0728+kids+at+cavaillon.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />Please pray for good rest, for electricity (which helps the rest!), for health, and for the team to quickly get into a rhythm of teamwork as they tackle the sorting tasks tomorrow. Pray, too, that their times of worship with Haitian brothers and sisters would be uplifting and a blessing to their spirits as they start their week of service. Ask God to go before them in their tasks, their interactions, and their conversations this week, as they serve “nan nom Jesi”, in Jesus’s name. <br /><br />Cell service is spotty (especially for texts, for some reason) but a few pictures made it through. The changes seen in the pictures of the Cavaillon orphanage are remarkable to those who’ve been a part of this ministry for a while. When our teams started coming, children at this orphanage sat on a dirt floor to eat out of communal bowls near an open fire pit where their food was cooked once a day. Many children had rampant scabies and the tell-tale orange hair of malnutrition. And now look! Praise God!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-86165297246231278832018-07-30T07:57:00.001-07:002018-07-30T07:57:12.547-07:00Haiti Trip 7/27/18<br />Our team of 22 is gathering in Miami tonight. Once assembled, they'll have their first full team meeting - they are coming from Chicago, Texas, and North Carolina so it will be a fun evening of pizza and team building as they make their final preparations to arrive in Haiti tomorrow. <br /><br />The day tomorrow will be one of the longest of the week - they're meeting a shuttle to take them back to the airport at 4:00 am. Their day will include travel by bus first, then plane and then a LONG bus ride from Port au Prince to Les Cayes/Cambry, where they'll be staying at the ESMI Guest House for the week. Fortunately, it's a coach bus so they'll travel in relative comfort, with their own security escort just to allay any concerns for safety, given Port au Prince's recent demonstrations - which all agree have calmed down completely. But still, reassuring to have the escort. <br /><br />Before that long bus ride, a long wait to get through customs. Always a challenge with up to 45 duffels (50 pounds each) stuffed with medicines, water systems supplies, clothes and shoes. Please pray that all of the contents sail through customs without any difficulty and without any additional cost. <br /><br />Their plane arrives in Port au Prince at 9:15 am Eastern Time tomorrow morning. Your prayers for their day of travel will be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Our hope is that you'll receive an update each night on the team's activities, including some pictures, and definitely some prayer requests. We consider you an integral part of the work being done by the team this week, as nothing will be accomplished without the prayers of God's people. Thank you in advance for partnering with them in this way. There is a prayer guide attached to get you started!Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-5061186680117686142018-03-04T18:23:00.000-08:002018-03-04T18:23:07.755-08:00Haiti team photo<div>
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Just couldn't resist sending this picture, taken this morning en route to the airport. Proof that they are all happy, finally all healthy, and all coming home! After all you've heard and prayed for this week, it seems you deserve to see that all is well!<br /><br />They are at the Port au Prince airport waiting at their gate for a 2:00 EST flight. Flight tracker says it's on time :)<br /><br />Praising God with you all for a fruitful week of service in Jesus' name to the people of Haiti. Well done, team!HChicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-90277697966753967772018-03-04T18:20:00.001-08:002018-03-04T18:20:56.503-08:00Haiti trip 3/2/18<div>
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The team spent their last day back in Savanne, the medical team seeing a whopping 130 patients (including the ones who were turned away on Wednesday, right at the front of the line) and the water team troubleshooting all day long on the water system. It ended with a life and death situation for the medical team, when they were already exhausted and looking forward to packing up after a non stop 7 hours in the heat, noise, and press of people. Literally non stop. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hVNl9tYxg4urpu0KpWpcamMkW8Ol_PnAXh0ut1910apJjBzog7iteazjtp6yj03zkALwzJIu-OJxGGYzj1n3wHzdH3N2QiJj4lUX2k_Iv_F2yfQg-LAase5ASo3AF0UGhxhq-K1VQ2W2/s1600/030218+trouble+shooting+the+water+system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hVNl9tYxg4urpu0KpWpcamMkW8Ol_PnAXh0ut1910apJjBzog7iteazjtp6yj03zkALwzJIu-OJxGGYzj1n3wHzdH3N2QiJj4lUX2k_Iv_F2yfQg-LAase5ASo3AF0UGhxhq-K1VQ2W2/s320/030218+trouble+shooting+the+water+system.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Today the medical team saved a baby's life. It is sobering to think that if they hadn't been there, hadn't been there TODAY, or hadn't been there that LATE, this baby would have died. A 17 month old baby girl, Rose, was rushed in to the clinic by her mom. She was having a seizure, which the docs assessed as being caused by extreme dehydration. The seizure was her body's way of protecting the brain from shut down, but that shut down of the rest of her body had already started. She was on her way out. Acting quickly, the team got her roused from unconsciousness and immediately started an IV. It was a bit of a fight, as even in her state she was lashing out in wild fear. She actually bit the person holding her and her teeth had to be pried off his hand. The IV revived her to the point that the team could stabilize her and send her off with her mom, IV still inserted, to get to the hospital with funds they provided. <br /><br />Meanwhile, as the situation with Rose stretched on, the team's drivers were patient but getting quite uncomfortable. No one who doesn't have to stays in Savanne after dark. They were anxious and antsy to get out, and the team packed up as soon as the baby was on her way to the hospital and left. <br /><br />The water team worked all day to solve a "yellow water" issue in the water system in Savanne. Some answers were found, but Living Waters and the Savanne based water board (folks trained by our team when the system was installed) will have to continue looking at possible causes over the next week and report back to our team. <br /><br />Some bright spots of the day included reuniting with friends such as Jude again. There were several others who are familiar to our "repeaters" and it is almost like a family reunion when they get to see each other. All are doing well. <br /><br />Another positive development is that it looks like the bug that worked through the team seems to be waning - a few are still weak and on the mend, but as of today, no one was coming down with anything. <br /><br />Upon their return to the house, they found local vendors who are invited to sell their local art and wares to teams working with ESMI. A little haggling can be fun, and it supports the local economy. Perhaps a little early Christmas shopping was done?<br /><br />After a final team meeting to process the day, supplies were sorted and packed up to be left at Louis' for use at Cavaillon - mostly vitamins and some meds for the kids. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcxEEYo-yonHxtLezf4Ghr7Ia_g80DtTRSjSj7xn2IiDyIzmRtQXj0zwp0t-ps_VTNmJNFUtg2U9NKs2xD-YpKOGORhcauxLYOO3aJP_97hUXOkg-mCMXSF2GGZP_EV8B25G6MYQ3xxyC/s1600/Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcxEEYo-yonHxtLezf4Ghr7Ia_g80DtTRSjSj7xn2IiDyIzmRtQXj0zwp0t-ps_VTNmJNFUtg2U9NKs2xD-YpKOGORhcauxLYOO3aJP_97hUXOkg-mCMXSF2GGZP_EV8B25G6MYQ3xxyC/s320/Rose.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow their day starts early. A coach bus is scheduled to pick them up at 5:00 am EST to start the long ride back to Port au Prince. The flight to Miami leaves at 2:00 EST, then from Miami folks will scatter to Chicago, California, Phoenix, and Milwaukee. It will be bittersweet - they're so anxious to get home, but leaving the team will be hard. <br /><br />For one final time, please pray for this team tonight and during the day tomorrow, specifically for:<br /><ul>
<li>Smooth, safe, and timely travel. Many connections through many miles. </li>
<li>Health tonight, tomorrow, and upon their return home</li>
<li>A gentle re-entry to "real life". Many leave Haiti feeling overwhelmed and bombarded with the reality of the need they've seen. They are physically exhausted, as well. All of that makes it an emotional time. The people of Haiti, with whom this team will leave a part of their hearts. </li>
<li>The leaders in ministry in Haiti - Dony, Louis, Monchera, the Duchitie church planter, Jude, Antoine, the interpreters who serve them so well all week, the housemoms at Cavaillon. </li>
</ul>
Thank you for taking part in this mission, and for hanging in with prayer. There were 294 email addresses on this prayer list, many of whom represent churches where the updates were circulated. The team is grateful for every one!<div>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-56801549871239852322018-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:002018-03-02T10:33:24.209-08:00Haiti update 3/1/18<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1v7-JewIp9SplVHKRrNT46phfOfiEP-ICsoQi207eraegsfjN3DaSd3glG78kSR9yooRdfQCQutqaDFQu3LcgH-rl9FhXhWzMbzujIuHVfTCGXeX3i6GpJjVYgPga21ntNxC6uvdorVGK/s1600/030118+another+precious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1v7-JewIp9SplVHKRrNT46phfOfiEP-ICsoQi207eraegsfjN3DaSd3glG78kSR9yooRdfQCQutqaDFQu3LcgH-rl9FhXhWzMbzujIuHVfTCGXeX3i6GpJjVYgPga21ntNxC6uvdorVGK/s320/030118+another+precious.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
“Are we gonna be ok?”<br />“This is NOT missions 101 - this is missions on steroids”<br />“We really need people to pray for us!”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoxpsjwl0NCM4ALwZBfOAnk5amnLV8oPYZVu55dJjoKVJ3Kkh7zh6gIzjipqewy_zBUrAYaHPgDOmpKYDmy_wW-M2hQjU_dp6ZD_ijQgo187N9gFUN96szFAy2cO15DdX__SVzxE1Yx4W/s1600/030118+clinic+set+up+Duchitie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoxpsjwl0NCM4ALwZBfOAnk5amnLV8oPYZVu55dJjoKVJ3Kkh7zh6gIzjipqewy_zBUrAYaHPgDOmpKYDmy_wW-M2hQjU_dp6ZD_ijQgo187N9gFUN96szFAy2cO15DdX__SVzxE1Yx4W/s320/030118+clinic+set+up+Duchitie.jpg" width="320" /></a><div>
<br />All of the above were heard today in Duchitie. The team got there later than they’d hoped, but the “advance team” of Dony and the church planter of the three month old mission church with local leaders had done an excellent job of setting up space for them to work. And word had spread far and wide that American Christian medical people were coming to Duchitie, to this new Christian church, coming in Jesus’ name. When extreme need meets limited availability you get the kinds of conversations and feelings represented above.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWL05e8fAnPOtn09lbZaU-wb3BooSZ5TXy7ableIfjXLnDOi3xO_R0zTajupiajGeU_NeoWBmgV2uCfDv5PBq_73dvOMSlQyqLoKf8jtuYvmP3xu9IXMNWWM-wSmjxJVe81tnPLpGmfPC/s1600/030118+Duchitie+church+carved+out+of+banana+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWL05e8fAnPOtn09lbZaU-wb3BooSZ5TXy7ableIfjXLnDOi3xO_R0zTajupiajGeU_NeoWBmgV2uCfDv5PBq_73dvOMSlQyqLoKf8jtuYvmP3xu9IXMNWWM-wSmjxJVe81tnPLpGmfPC/s320/030118+Duchitie+church+carved+out+of+banana+forest.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />In fact, the team was fine, but a growing crowd caused anxious moments and a lot of stress. At one point, the team leader told Dony to say to the people crowding in and clamoring to be seen “either walk out the door calmly and wait or we’re leaving”. And they did walk out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHQfCvJTITwro4Qb_CRFpwSZSQdPZDQKXOxNmEYUDhVH5NTiJQq0aJG2AdcxhSsS7oLCU4p1zxWIKCzlmnsxkkp9kw5J7r3bI66QTVHjG8uoK74DQrJrxknpQJiJIbG4_OmVFzIRTtdcV/s1600/030118+precious+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHQfCvJTITwro4Qb_CRFpwSZSQdPZDQKXOxNmEYUDhVH5NTiJQq0aJG2AdcxhSsS7oLCU4p1zxWIKCzlmnsxkkp9kw5J7r3bI66QTVHjG8uoK74DQrJrxknpQJiJIbG4_OmVFzIRTtdcV/s320/030118+precious+baby.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />The day was complicated by some additional team members and one translator succumbing to the gastrointestinal difficulties that have been circulating around the team. No more than 2 or 3 at a time have been incapacitated, but Duchitie is no place for that kind of issue. Also, the heartbreaking tug of knowing you are leaving sick people - especially sick babies or pregnant moms - behind without treatment is traumatic. The team was wonderful today and very efficient - seeing 120 people, some with complicated and time consuming needs, but they will leave Haiti with a much deeper and visceral understanding of the ocean of need that Haiti is. In fact, some were brought to mind of Jesus’ experience with crowds and the heartbreak he felt on their behalf.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6rj7DCrnC6US0H8uEb_8l0aC5pocmYkR1ItIH-PrJNUPR0EJrhL8a08GQhjJvMd2-QR1kQjblDk4FgTxHDqEbLBl3_V3_41nBFAel8MtPX5vDtEFNcwIXySHaw6R1Btwt6wRm7vbK2fz/s1600/030118+road+to+Duchitie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6rj7DCrnC6US0H8uEb_8l0aC5pocmYkR1ItIH-PrJNUPR0EJrhL8a08GQhjJvMd2-QR1kQjblDk4FgTxHDqEbLBl3_V3_41nBFAel8MtPX5vDtEFNcwIXySHaw6R1Btwt6wRm7vbK2fz/s320/030118+road+to+Duchitie.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />A special thank you to those who took the time to pray earlier today. That quick request went out with only the team leader knowing, yet not long after, a few team members told him they felt a sense of calm, and even the feeling that people - lots of people - were praying. When he told them tonight that was indeed the case, they were awestruck and grateful. Please do NOT underestimate the role you have on this team. The rest of the team certainly does not!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTi-zwgne7bQ-0pUo9rQY-KchBn7NFhzKtPd-0E-5iWPcxzctvI00iYsgt8kWsnTSl_mnou9n-8S8tWJ4Zswy4vViIaUNnbcF3X9CbovQBMxEXMtElq2i5qD4w0EAEBP7TLrnAMB_kQD7/s1600/030118+rooftop+view+from+Louis+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTi-zwgne7bQ-0pUo9rQY-KchBn7NFhzKtPd-0E-5iWPcxzctvI00iYsgt8kWsnTSl_mnou9n-8S8tWJ4Zswy4vViIaUNnbcF3X9CbovQBMxEXMtElq2i5qD4w0EAEBP7TLrnAMB_kQD7/s320/030118+rooftop+view+from+Louis+house.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Now the team is back in Cayes, sorting and prepping for another day, after a dinner and a team meeting that allowed them to decompress. There was a lot of stress-reducing laughter at dinner, finding some of the funny things that happened today. It felt good, and they feel better being at the house, working together and processing their thoughts and experiences with each other. A good night’s sleep will help a lot, too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEIThueAarMqq-kIhjAikm5sXAgxvTRqF1pKFdfLMrlQnTvgblJKkhLz9iXPIaO3DzHXw66OFhXmnsq-WEibY5_Q5oncfQxRK5M6wrLz7o5zxeidOTmllff18aHKZBLZMEIccZ1Wy096h/s1600/030118+uh+oh+not+happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEIThueAarMqq-kIhjAikm5sXAgxvTRqF1pKFdfLMrlQnTvgblJKkhLz9iXPIaO3DzHXw66OFhXmnsq-WEibY5_Q5oncfQxRK5M6wrLz7o5zxeidOTmllff18aHKZBLZMEIccZ1Wy096h/s320/030118+uh+oh+not+happy.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />On another front, the LaHatte water board came to Cayes today to sign the covenant required by Living Waters so that they and our team could work towards getting their system up and running again - the surest weapon against cholera in their community. It was a covenant pending the raising of funds, so all committed to pray. A rough estimate at this point puts the task at $14,000.00<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVN3E-DWoF2ijkpd5_CXd3H9J6Gwv_rbGSI27j2GiIyLwmX0jDnfU1CqaKGAIQD_ZDzU2pEOMrm26EjdMtU9cvIUsbz0XebsQEa4dnClwFMBNcIfoICunhra9BoHrzVmHXvGgE3KqAhJnW/s1600/030181+LaHatte+water+covenant+signing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVN3E-DWoF2ijkpd5_CXd3H9J6Gwv_rbGSI27j2GiIyLwmX0jDnfU1CqaKGAIQD_ZDzU2pEOMrm26EjdMtU9cvIUsbz0XebsQEa4dnClwFMBNcIfoICunhra9BoHrzVmHXvGgE3KqAhJnW/s320/030181+LaHatte+water+covenant+signing.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow, it’s back to Savanne for both medical and water teams. It will be another busy and stressful day, but all want to finish well and do what they can with the time they have. In the evening, one more round of repacking supplies, this time to organize what can be left their for ESMI’s medical staff. The van to pick them up for the trip back to Port au Prince will come very early Saturday morning, starting a long day of travel back home.<br /><br />Please pray:<br /><ul>
<li>For the people of Duchitie to see the gospel and embrace the gospel</li>
<li>For those who were treated for very difficult or chronic things, such as malnutrition, high blood pressure, diabetes, and infected wounds. Medical care is minimal, difficult to get to, and expensive so many go without</li>
<li>For the team to process their experience today and this week in ways that grow their faith, give glory to God, and incline their hearts to see the mercy and love of God in all things, even hard thing</li>
<li>For God to provide the resources to repair the LaHatte water system</li>
<li>For the teams' time in Savanne tomorrow - that the water system would be repaired so that it functions well, and that many would be physically and spiritually nourished by attentive and caring actions from by team. </li>
<li>For the health of our team, physically and in spirit, and for good nights’ rests tonight for all.</li>
<li>For the wrapping up of the pastors' training work being done in Jeremie, by Sean and local pastors being trained to train others</li>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-44457515602436901852018-03-01T12:53:00.002-08:002018-03-01T12:53:44.600-08:00Quick Prayer Request for the team in HaitiThe team arrived in Duchitie a little later than they'd hoped and the crowds are quite large and growing. It's probably pretty clear that many will be unable to be seen given the time available, and people are getting a little desperate and impatient. Please pray that the crowds would be orderly and patient, and that our team would be able to focus on just what they can do and stay calm. Louis and Dony are there, as well. Pray for safety for all. <br /><br /><br />Thank you!Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-88104093086930685952018-03-01T12:50:00.000-08:002018-03-01T12:50:07.282-08:00Haiti update 2/28/18Thank you for praying for the team's day at Savanne. They were definitely answered. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym8mhz-tTnPI2BClOYzWgyXWTfdj5rD7gDJaqQ0F2kJ8344IqtwQnRYw34urYhn0VOktj02-Ad-Uc9Iz8DPis-nskWKWFpuAz_piaBykKeD46y_CiyBRoCxzZgTjV91mLRchVe_gRuwRp/s1600/022818+everyone+gets+prayed+for.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym8mhz-tTnPI2BClOYzWgyXWTfdj5rD7gDJaqQ0F2kJ8344IqtwQnRYw34urYhn0VOktj02-Ad-Uc9Iz8DPis-nskWKWFpuAz_piaBykKeD46y_CiyBRoCxzZgTjV91mLRchVe_gRuwRp/s320/022818+everyone+gets+prayed+for.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X_2RgSIXV1gI_REQE35GLDKo9w5KW2eZKh92gYkFhcuVsABkP0-kMi1OFbTuJF1ggbbjvmOUTWwnXA4b-AKlBQFG9uxiqIOMjic0lOJsD6YxksORDsbLnLII3Svf_C6X4nixlsOJst7N/s1600/022818+nebulizer+treatment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X_2RgSIXV1gI_REQE35GLDKo9w5KW2eZKh92gYkFhcuVsABkP0-kMi1OFbTuJF1ggbbjvmOUTWwnXA4b-AKlBQFG9uxiqIOMjic0lOJsD6YxksORDsbLnLII3Svf_C6X4nixlsOJst7N/s320/022818+nebulizer+treatment.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><ul>
<li>The medical team saw 86 patients today. Although hot and crowded, it never seemed out of control or chaotic. Our team worked like a well oiled machine...but a machine full of compassion. One woman who was taken to the head of the line because she was in full asthmatic attack and likely a few minutes before full respiratory failure, was able to say afterwards "I have never been loved like this, or experienced such kindness. I will never forget". Several team members found themselves serving in unusual ways (pastors checking urine samples for pregnancy tests? "okay!") and doing so with joy.</li>
<li>The day was extremely well organized by Pastor Monchera and his team of leaders/volunteers. He even brought a bullhorn so he could be heard giving directions above the din. He stopped accepting people into the line around 2:00 so by the end of the day, all but 15 people had been seen. Turning people away is very hard - they could have been waiting for 11 hours! - so when one of our team members went through to apologize he was astounded to hear nothing but gratefulness that the team had come. They will be back for another full day on Friday!</li>
<li>The repeaters on the team were able to see changes in the people of Savanne. There was not the air of desperation; people were carrying themselves differently, dressing with more care. There seemed to be more pride and hope. </li>
<li>Our friend Jude was there to greet the team - he was the "guy in charge". His conversion was one of the first in Savanne after hearing the gospel at one of our first clinics. From voodoo strongman and bully, he is now a tender hearted servant in the church the community, and seeing the changes in him has led many others to Christ. He was there all day shadowing the team making sure all was well. </li>
<li>The water team was able to spend the day checking and troubleshooting the water system installed there last year. They made good progress and will be back to work on Friday. This community water system has brought a great deal of pride (to say nothing of better health and even some jobs) to Savanne, and the water board is anxious to have it run at full capacity.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmlaujIMM1YZmwg5uvVPVKRCGE6sHG1-aP9K3eXppSz5j-3FATNKNQoMk1cxydHr0WOfZOEMGdSVcIc3SfWVS3MenAuZmXu3vMsC41H_Ocu3oYv-SutGlb7fukjujj0ok_M8-Yt0pp7gm/s1600/022818+on+the+road+to+Savanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmlaujIMM1YZmwg5uvVPVKRCGE6sHG1-aP9K3eXppSz5j-3FATNKNQoMk1cxydHr0WOfZOEMGdSVcIc3SfWVS3MenAuZmXu3vMsC41H_Ocu3oYv-SutGlb7fukjujj0ok_M8-Yt0pp7gm/s320/022818+on+the+road+to+Savanne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Often, by midweek and especially after a day at Savanne, the team is beginning to feel a little frayed and fried. Not so this time. Everyone is tired, and now 5 or 6 have had significant intestinal upsets, but they are still feeling energized by the tasks at hand and looking forward to yet another new destination tomorrow - Duchitie, which is 90 minutes away (likely by four wheel drive truck - the best seat is the bed of the truck to see the views, although bumpy and windy!). There's a new church recently planted there, but the village is so remote the residents have never had a doctor visit. It's certainly influenced by voodoo practitioners. Yet the church is planted and the gospel is being preached. So tomorrow, a new adventure.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGETqabcNPiR2Dc8fwRIKqBnfYCoF1qwnEa_nxuy-fH1cQ2SN_hc384a4nbToYT0zxTgaWtAlcms-HvIkx2Dy0fCLoHc3OjNbOqigOsGrSgLUp5CnbV7Rb-fWydicsmCPFPRqnY4ZnDIgi/s1600/022818+savanne+waiting+room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGETqabcNPiR2Dc8fwRIKqBnfYCoF1qwnEa_nxuy-fH1cQ2SN_hc384a4nbToYT0zxTgaWtAlcms-HvIkx2Dy0fCLoHc3OjNbOqigOsGrSgLUp5CnbV7Rb-fWydicsmCPFPRqnY4ZnDIgi/s320/022818+savanne+waiting+room+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Please pray:<br /><ul>
<li>That transportation would arrive on time and in good order, so the team can get away around 7:00 EST for the 90 minute trip. They need to be on their way back well before dark (not safe to travel those roads after dark), so arriving early will maximize their time. Pray for safe travel.</li>
<li>For their work with the residents of Duchitie. With no medical care available, they could be in rough shape. For sure they will need to hear the gospel from our team along with physical care. </li>
<li>Pray for the team's health to stabilize or remain good. They'd all like to finish the week strong. Pray for good rest in cool space. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC-UT5Nfrk2-ZErXLl9FLNcZm0W9Y0XzCOghXAXkeuHi2apR4x4j4AQmYnFEFVBStHTHpvmV06V7tbRi8ZIkLF4JrQWdkzMqagU93EYUCDfc19aE3pwO5Wvb7TikNeca__4siRPV7BL2L/s1600/022818+rehydration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC-UT5Nfrk2-ZErXLl9FLNcZm0W9Y0XzCOghXAXkeuHi2apR4x4j4AQmYnFEFVBStHTHpvmV06V7tbRi8ZIkLF4JrQWdkzMqagU93EYUCDfc19aE3pwO5Wvb7TikNeca__4siRPV7BL2L/s320/022818+rehydration.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Praise for:<br /><ul>
<li>The relative good health and especially the change in the feeling in Savanne. The gospel is making a a difference. Praise God for people like Jude, now faithful servants and leaders in the church, and Pastor Monchera, who leads so well. </li>
<li>The many ways the medical and water teams contributed to the lives of people in Savanne today. Their gratefulness was genuine and so encouraging to the team. </li>
<li>The way the team has molded together to work incredibly hard and incredibly well.</li>
</ul>
Thank you so much for praying! Enjoy the pictures from today...<br /><div>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-15186730217209755072018-03-01T12:42:00.000-08:002018-03-01T12:42:05.968-08:00Haiti update 2/27/18The team's second day at Cavaillon was as productive as it was fun. The rest of the children were checked out by our medical teams, there was time for some fun, and a pictures were taken to go with their medical charts. A great day!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRr2ewj49AlWTYb3DB19U8O6W4DX1Uqbcrge57HvekfrAWnMKurBjuUjBhClrZI84BiwpuqYzr7QDmM-_OMCas_4_BftWRYEvimbVcjzIZW8pZcrxxyWiZJL4MGjNYFyLrIdu4MJDoEgm/s1600/022718+dr+daisey+with+the+women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRr2ewj49AlWTYb3DB19U8O6W4DX1Uqbcrge57HvekfrAWnMKurBjuUjBhClrZI84BiwpuqYzr7QDmM-_OMCas_4_BftWRYEvimbVcjzIZW8pZcrxxyWiZJL4MGjNYFyLrIdu4MJDoEgm/s320/022718+dr+daisey+with+the+women.jpg" width="320" /></a><div>
<br />There were also breakouts for the hygiene trainer to remind the adults and kids about clean water practices (like what to use clean water only for, like brushing your teeth); since the water purification system provides the first reliably clean water the site has ever had this is learning curve for them! Their previous water supply was an untreated well, and finding frog parts in the water wasn't unusual. Any engineer will tell you that clean water takes care of more health problems than medicines, and we're hoping that the benefits to the kids at Cavaillon are huge now that they have this reliable supply of truly clean water. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9p577rKK52bul7WluOtwhU5ASoYjMWC-uJvUOk0aNK3lEbkVKCZHzGUa5XlLJgj7w0SSAwKtheyEAEuXA89grC1ynzH-GTX2UmlyqXdiCA-UOEb5D-jeLCAoG4oOIjO4r3kV6pfwWyAg/s1600/022718+game+time+simon+says+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9p577rKK52bul7WluOtwhU5ASoYjMWC-uJvUOk0aNK3lEbkVKCZHzGUa5XlLJgj7w0SSAwKtheyEAEuXA89grC1ynzH-GTX2UmlyqXdiCA-UOEb5D-jeLCAoG4oOIjO4r3kV6pfwWyAg/s320/022718+game+time+simon+says+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Dr Daisey also spoke to the housemoms and the older girls about womens' issues and hygiene, as well. The housemoms really appreciate this, as it gives them more information to resource the girls and also gives them a chance to share personal concerns - not something that happens a lot for women in Haiti, with very limited access to health care. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6elTFUZ3m82y4do2gWUK5TLNYRLGhlJPrNevIcq1Joj5U4uM_6w-ikIdvgQ9ZhsxUwQYDFigttUMaKiqBNb1hr-JG8docmFirKtq2uyhas6-jL7t3TFgNBYvUt3NLQS6HZTf86KryVPr/s1600/022718+girlfriends+at+Cavaillon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6elTFUZ3m82y4do2gWUK5TLNYRLGhlJPrNevIcq1Joj5U4uM_6w-ikIdvgQ9ZhsxUwQYDFigttUMaKiqBNb1hr-JG8docmFirKtq2uyhas6-jL7t3TFgNBYvUt3NLQS6HZTf86KryVPr/s320/022718+girlfriends+at+Cavaillon.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The team loved spending time with these children today. For many "repeaters", it's a chance to renew relationships and rejoice in how the children are blossoming. Those who came to Cavaillon in the early days despaired at their circumstances; now, although there's room to improve in important ways, the quality of life for these kids is like night and day from those early days. Truly something to praise God for, and celebrate what the generosity of financial sponsors have been able to do over the last 5 years. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfR0vcBPQhYcjff-Sf22ruvxyEkhHsTg6H1Y2tuvo1U6IInFAxsTOvj0gvZ-1BrM8D_5bwyxlBgtQQ44Vx1J0O7aFYTp4aaLHIWl1YOcOqj0hpSWjAwQr2fsf2FmrMdaINv8uY2tkHBeB/s1600/022718+great+place+for+a+nap+with+nurse+nancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfR0vcBPQhYcjff-Sf22ruvxyEkhHsTg6H1Y2tuvo1U6IInFAxsTOvj0gvZ-1BrM8D_5bwyxlBgtQQ44Vx1J0O7aFYTp4aaLHIWl1YOcOqj0hpSWjAwQr2fsf2FmrMdaINv8uY2tkHBeB/s320/022718+great+place+for+a+nap+with+nurse+nancy.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />The water team spent a VERY profitable day in LaHatte with Living Waters, their water purification systems installation partner. The system at LaHatte is old and not in good working order, although the team was able to pinpoint problems and do a temporary fix for some things. They'll be going back tomorrow to do more, and talk to the village leaders about entering into a contract for oversight and maintenance with Living Waters and our Friends of Haiti non-profit board. If they all agree, they can work together to fix the system and keep it running. The village leaders are anxious to do so, since they say "when the system works, cholera goes away. When it doesn't, it comes back". That's significant motivation and also a telling endorsement of the power of clean water to maintain health. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lLErEOOPqTgbkJOdfcTF0axggASn9z4H6LDbRRRGJb9e1AXE2Vyqw8XcStlj22x9MGq6Jokc3bvaTaeb7y7x_SkeAEXlKF4kerigQ50FPpPTnAJYxIMMo2ZHlat0r8nHfFhdt4F5XnKO/s1600/022718+hugs+for+free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lLErEOOPqTgbkJOdfcTF0axggASn9z4H6LDbRRRGJb9e1AXE2Vyqw8XcStlj22x9MGq6Jokc3bvaTaeb7y7x_SkeAEXlKF4kerigQ50FPpPTnAJYxIMMo2ZHlat0r8nHfFhdt4F5XnKO/s320/022718+hugs+for+free.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Our under the weather team members are rallying, but unfortunately the bug is spreading. But the best medical care on the island is on our team, and the medicines seem to be helping. <br /><br />Tomorrow will feel very different for the medical team. Instead of an orphanage in an out of the way place, the team will be going into the poorest part of Cayes, a city in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Our teams first visited about six years ago in conjunction with a new church being planted there by ESMI, and it was literally the first time the residents had access to medical care. In Haiti, you "pay as you go" for medical care, and these poorest of the poor had no access to that. The team's presence and their verbal witness sparked the beginnings of a revival which the church planter was well equipped to respond to through his own evangelism and preaching ministry, and the church thrived. The community, always greatly influenced by voodoo leaders who intimidated with fear, now began to change. As the team went back year after year, the changes were obvious. Gang leaders were now believers and leaders in the church. Savanne was calmer, cleaner. People were trying to find work. Children were more well cared for. People who had serial relationships now married the father or mother of their children to make a family unit. It is not an overstatement to say the gospel is changing Savanne. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mlaJxStdzVEiKs7uVwBFU856Is6wzt815fL7XJJNpnWhned-3towdIjPYmlDeMsqx3OArtsUfcGvqLjVcXp5d-j5kmfeAVSveqahFUQgpfU0yiJFSEHvfhuxiPTF4FC667ehf8qdiuDj/s1600/022718+organization+masters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mlaJxStdzVEiKs7uVwBFU856Is6wzt815fL7XJJNpnWhned-3towdIjPYmlDeMsqx3OArtsUfcGvqLjVcXp5d-j5kmfeAVSveqahFUQgpfU0yiJFSEHvfhuxiPTF4FC667ehf8qdiuDj/s320/022718+organization+masters.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />And yet, tomorrow will be chaotic and hot and loud and stressful - because the people are needy and numerous. Louis St Germain will bring translators (as always) but also will pay church leaders, some who have become friends to team members over the years, to provide crowd control. The team will see as many people as they can by working as hard and as fast as they can, and at the end of the day, many residents will be disappointed by being turned away. This is exhausting and heartbreaking for the team, but they focus on doing what they can and only what they can. They also know they'll be spending a second day there on Friday, which will help a bit. When you go to Haiti to serve "the least of these", the overwhelming sense of need is the hardest thing to weather. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewq9w8dCVhAuUNyXTSvYLwxPiT10poMLDeCrGCsEs3VtHiWTof93Q34OPXBlaWKxJWl66KTxlcjAiTfxenFbgcLN8_yP6xtyp-SzGSGJo9YF7YPw_e6U2b14m-DuPOjaE9u1wjsLLINrJ/s1600/022718+pharmacy+staff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewq9w8dCVhAuUNyXTSvYLwxPiT10poMLDeCrGCsEs3VtHiWTof93Q34OPXBlaWKxJWl66KTxlcjAiTfxenFbgcLN8_yP6xtyp-SzGSGJo9YF7YPw_e6U2b14m-DuPOjaE9u1wjsLLINrJ/s320/022718+pharmacy+staff.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Please pray<br /><ul>
<li>That God goes before the team tomorrow to give a sense of peace and calm in the face of what seems to be a chaotic situation, and that they can do their best for these folks, feeling safe and secure knowing that other Haitian friends are watching out for them. </li>
<li>That the gospel, which will be shared over and over, will not fall on deaf ears but that some will gain spiritual healing even though they came seeking physical healing only. </li>
<li>For our sick team members to fully rally for the remaining days of ministry, and that none others would fall ill. Please continue to pray for good rest and for air conditioning, as they go hand in hand. </li>
<li>For the children of Cavaillon; that God would grow them into disciples of his and that they and other young people in Haiti would provide a firm spiritual foundation, and this this country would once again thrive under their leadership. </li>
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Thank you for your prayers!</div>
Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-53752058423606413682018-02-27T12:30:00.002-08:002018-02-27T12:30:34.164-08:00Haiti update 2/26/18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The team had a wonderful day with the kids at Cavaillon today. The pictures attached will tell the story...but a few details here first:<br /><ul>
<li>Safe travel today for team, and now done with dinner, team meeting, and reorganization of supplies. All are ready for a good night’s sleep!</li>
<li>The team saw that progress on the physical plant at Cavaillon is like night and day. The “repeaters” are so encouraged to see the transformations! Just a few more things to complete, plus big plans for a permanent clinic are being made, which hopefully will be built in July from ready to assemble pieces shipped from the US. One of team members is heading that up and has many of the plans already in place to make that happen. Today he and Louis scouted out the best possible locations in the compound.</li>
<li>For those of you who remember the early days of Cavaillon, where the kids literally ate their meals sitting on the ground, take a look at the dining hall. Hallelujah!</li>
<li>Another item of praise that shows how a long term commitment by so many to help these children is bearing fruit - one of the doctors said today that “malnutrition used to be the norm - now it’s the exception”. Double hallelujah. and praise and thanksgiving for the donors who literally buy the food they eat with their monthly support! The team saw 43 kids, some who had some injuries that needed tending, but overall they’re in very good shape.</li>
<li>The water system installed two years ago is working well and generating enough profits to keep it in good upkeep and pay the operators a living wage - just like the business plan was written on paper! Again, hallelujah! The team finished today since there was so little to adjust/repair. Tomorrow, they’ll head to LaHatte with some Living Waters reps (their partners in installing the systems) to check out an old and non-working system installed by someone else (not our group) to see if it can be brought back online in order to benefit that community.</li>
<li>The training going on in Jeremie is going great! The trainer, Sean, has turned over teaching to those he is training, under his watchful eye. The goal is to train multiple local pastors, who will then train others. It’s working :)</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw1J3JPvzZcGptQJ5l2oUL8QqeBAJnrj-WM3-TMZUzK3iRcF7FCwlGoykWw35EGfyagslFd9NcvIoy9Ps2ZftUacoiMG3jZyY20dvQLBoChmfbDf1d4uZm5YHViuxBfNpvNfK03CNTFbD/s1600/022618+the+queue+to+see+the+doc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw1J3JPvzZcGptQJ5l2oUL8QqeBAJnrj-WM3-TMZUzK3iRcF7FCwlGoykWw35EGfyagslFd9NcvIoy9Ps2ZftUacoiMG3jZyY20dvQLBoChmfbDf1d4uZm5YHViuxBfNpvNfK03CNTFbD/s320/022618+the+queue+to+see+the+doc.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1xfQlYFWeXta9tLmQTOxXw_xoYdtavnqI1dzH8QGyfmr-2LRPskJYumVAkL-SfQaYkfn-znpZolfAV6Z2BXMLwpVGdJC5AAHj1V6KVhi2hRU2AldQWesavxEqM4YQSuz18zUD-6XyKzw/s1600/022618+traveling+in+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1xfQlYFWeXta9tLmQTOxXw_xoYdtavnqI1dzH8QGyfmr-2LRPskJYumVAkL-SfQaYkfn-znpZolfAV6Z2BXMLwpVGdJC5AAHj1V6KVhi2hRU2AldQWesavxEqM4YQSuz18zUD-6XyKzw/s320/022618+traveling+in+style.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Please pray for:<br /><div>
<ul>
<li>The plans tomorrow, back at Cavaillon, to finish checking out the boys (almost all the girls were today), do some water usage/hygiene training for housemoms and older kids, and then a refresher on women’s hygiene issues for housemoms and older girls, led by Dr. Daisy.</li>
<li>That the kids would feel loved and cared for by our team - there should be time for play tomorrow, which will be great! </li>
<li>A few team members who are feeling sick tonight, one quite uncomfortable but as of now sleeping and under strong antibiotics. Please pray that whatever it is does not spread and that these two are up and about tomorrow so they can do what they came to do. It is so frustrating to be held back by illness when the team is there for such a short time. </li>
<li>Pray for the three going on from Cavaillon to LaHatte with the Living Waters folks, and Sean in Jeremie, for safe travels and productive days.</li>
<li>Air conditioning - not so great last night, and comfortable sleep was hard to come by. It’s on now, and hopefully will stay on.</li>
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Thank you for standing with the team in prayer this week! It is so very much appreciated. </div>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-37835950776476160632018-02-26T06:06:00.001-08:002018-02-26T06:06:41.471-08:00Haiti trip 2/25/18<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Nd9_FTpcesv-b9QdVuFx1Tm_q-nsYMvTaWDiK7EompGYNRghFNL1t_D3wO0diTTyYenvtYe9FS3j_JkYgap2b5ofjRHgn2PVbbUCWP7W9XtEhClXGy8I0a57KM8gWyMRzxG50YU2_N5j/s1600/022518+bags+for+Cavaillon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Nd9_FTpcesv-b9QdVuFx1Tm_q-nsYMvTaWDiK7EompGYNRghFNL1t_D3wO0diTTyYenvtYe9FS3j_JkYgap2b5ofjRHgn2PVbbUCWP7W9XtEhClXGy8I0a57KM8gWyMRzxG50YU2_N5j/s320/022518+bags+for+Cavaillon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaKwZux_nYFhfkA7eI23Y7l0ih-itqmPMXwR489p71uj62WH5mwpEn59dg32giXAnUqRqQyL7GlFPHjxe7mpyyCVq0iWdEfobusbGTyCPYLi2NhH9COsS36O6iML7O2jm6PRyTbd9UbRB/s1600/022518+bags+for+later.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaKwZux_nYFhfkA7eI23Y7l0ih-itqmPMXwR489p71uj62WH5mwpEn59dg32giXAnUqRqQyL7GlFPHjxe7mpyyCVq0iWdEfobusbGTyCPYLi2NhH9COsS36O6iML7O2jm6PRyTbd9UbRB/s320/022518+bags+for+later.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A day of lively worship, lots of organizational work, and getting further acclimated.<br /><br />The team worshipped at Bon Berger (Good Shepherd) in Cayes, which is the first and largest of the ESMI-planted churches in the region, pastored by Louis St Germain. It is a well known church in that region of Haiti, and its services are televised locally and streamed live on the internet. As a result, it’s not uncommon for several thousands to tune in every Sunday, many expatriate Haitians living all over the world. The worship service is long (by US standards) and loud, and joy filled and lively. Our team leader, Ted, preached twice today, once at Cayes and once at Cambry, with the help of an interpreter. The team met new little friends and saw old ones, including Toto (see picture). <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lgcaKK-MCvadvTnnvPTd_seT6iwCu7Qk_2ha3o45i8r734ICThSXjwKh5o0ETBvM2yZA_sPh7b9pLCRIwIcbtCsze1iYMbzn4kGd8kvSjqhTbf5JAne0tdSc4wkeztN6ajyOdaOJQ2CC/s1600/022518+Toto.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lgcaKK-MCvadvTnnvPTd_seT6iwCu7Qk_2ha3o45i8r734ICThSXjwKh5o0ETBvM2yZA_sPh7b9pLCRIwIcbtCsze1iYMbzn4kGd8kvSjqhTbf5JAne0tdSc4wkeztN6ajyOdaOJQ2CC/s320/022518+Toto.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />There was also a special third “graduation service” this afternoon at Cambry, honoring students completing training in the health services field and other vocational training offered by ESMI’s school. Ted spoke at that, too, and a few team members tagged along. After clocking in at three hours in length, they wished they’d known what they were getting into!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvga0yYUOy7SdOzAZ-VF2F2AZDoq_2yKryvQQ852kqsyMR2wR45y6OSOkmV0fzWsAVYVDt_jxaHnPDFFhMrYddQHDR2MnelYNE_wJ2Y-IKzkr9j-MOq35DcScmbe5AKbJwJAq3TOBDvHZy/s1600/022518+bon+berger+service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvga0yYUOy7SdOzAZ-VF2F2AZDoq_2yKryvQQ852kqsyMR2wR45y6OSOkmV0fzWsAVYVDt_jxaHnPDFFhMrYddQHDR2MnelYNE_wJ2Y-IKzkr9j-MOq35DcScmbe5AKbJwJAq3TOBDvHZy/s320/022518+bon+berger+service.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />This afternoon, the mammoth sorting job was done. This will allow them to be strategic as to what they take tomorrow to Cavaillon as far as medicines and supplies, as it’s not possible to carry everything at once each day. It will be a nightly job to restock, re-direct, re-purpose all that they brought, based on the needs of the community they’re going to. In some places, they'll see numerous adult community members as well as kids, so meds that adults might need will be packed in greater quantities for those trips, for instance. See some pics attached of bags going to Cavaillon and some reserved for the rest of the week. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJirAn-xiITtTS_jwD95-QxoOcrGCLTtZ4_LgJxCQftgsv_LgEGpWFdhb8TiefmtRnjNudUdNWdQx3e88Xvsi7B7Nj3rDfoFyX-aXiO7ko4cwUJeufCMeYbDsU95ohS5iMD3QETQRIMh4/s1600/022518+grad+service+health+workers+and+vocational+school.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJirAn-xiITtTS_jwD95-QxoOcrGCLTtZ4_LgJxCQftgsv_LgEGpWFdhb8TiefmtRnjNudUdNWdQx3e88Xvsi7B7Nj3rDfoFyX-aXiO7ko4cwUJeufCMeYbDsU95ohS5iMD3QETQRIMh4/s320/022518+grad+service+health+workers+and+vocational+school.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The team also got an orientation on how our teams set up medical stations and training on how to do each job that’s been assigned. Some will do vital stats like height and weight, some will do a scabies wash (scabies are tiny skin parasites that causes incessant itching, leading often to skin infections, and it’s rampant in tropical regions and especially easy to transmit in shared living environments like orphanages; our teams treat every child they see on every trip). There’s a full scale mobile pharmacy to dispense meds prescribed by doctors, which the housemoms are given for each child and administer as needed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT-Y3mKhyphenhyphen88lzFBLNI4cgDk_uSu2ALOSRMKM7ppW-AXsQ5lN4j8GjYnaugnYGQseYKtRMg4QvO3l6KQLWgCCCPKoEIq-1_Ws_4bDHiHB8aIduVhT_gsgQNex5jN-GU7W_SieUhPmekDe_/s1600/022518+halfway+house+Jeremie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT-Y3mKhyphenhyphen88lzFBLNI4cgDk_uSu2ALOSRMKM7ppW-AXsQ5lN4j8GjYnaugnYGQseYKtRMg4QvO3l6KQLWgCCCPKoEIq-1_Ws_4bDHiHB8aIduVhT_gsgQNex5jN-GU7W_SieUhPmekDe_/s320/022518+halfway+house+Jeremie.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Last thing for the evening is "the parade of showers" - 16 people and two bathrooms. Talk about advanced planning abilities! <br /><br />One correction from last night's update - there were 35 large duffel bags brought into Haiti, not 65. Forgive the typo! <br /><br />Please pray:<div>
<ul>
<li>For restorative sleep aided air conditioning, even in cramped and shared sleeping rooms. The short night last night, the long day in new surroundings today, and the busyness of the day all take their toll. Everyone wants to hit the ground running tomorrow.</li>
<li>For the team to continue to quickly coalesce into a smooth working unit. They did a great job today sorting and working together. There’s always more to do than can get done every day, and working well together means more are served.</li>
<li>For continued good health as the week goes on.</li>
<li>For safety in travel. The trip to Cavaillon tomorrow will likely be in a few four wheel drive open bed trucks (travel between ministry sites is part of the adventure of ministry in Haiti; some say better than a ride at Disneyworld). It will be about 45 minutes. Also please pray for a timely departure with no hiccups. They hope to leave about 8:30 EST, but things run on Haiti time. </li>
<li>For the work the team will do in sharing the gospel along with medical care. Every person seen by the team stops at several “stations”, one to take vital stats, for instance, before seeing a medical provider. At most stops, they are prayed for as well. The gospel is shared numerous times during the day. </li>
<li>For the water team who will be checking the water system at Cavaillon, installed last year.</li>
<li>For the continued work of the pastoral training team in Jeremie. A picture is attached of a building being used in Jeremie to house orphans there. </li>
</ul>
Thank you for praying!</div>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553504490975684391.post-89728376125955517682018-02-25T15:32:00.001-08:002018-02-25T15:32:07.889-08:00Haiti Update 2/24/18 #2After an unexpected delay at customs, which clearly underscored the need for flexibility when doing anything in Haiti, the team got on their way to Les Cayes about 12:30 Eastern time. The five and a half hour bus trip was long but uneventful, and they were grateful to arrive at their home for the week in Les Cayes. Their host, ESMI co-founder Louis St. Germain, is well known to “repeaters” and will provide a safe and welcoming place for them. Their typical home base, the guest house at Cambry, is in use this week by another large team who spends all their time at Cambry, whereas our team will travel each day to other locations. Some pictures of their home away from home are attached, as well as some of the team. Also included: some pictures of the work of our "satellite team member", Sean, teaching pastors in Jeremie.<div>
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The Cayes team's goal tonight: eat, meet as a team, settle in, shower, and get to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day!<br /><br />After church at Bon Berger in Cayes (some will go to more than one service) the team will tackle huge task of sorting 65 duffel bags each stuffed with 50 pounds of medicine, clothes, and other supplies for use all week. It’s hard to imagine how much stuff that is! As the week goes on, things will be re-sorted for transport each day as needed. The contents of those bags truly is a huge part of their visit and contribution to the people of Haiti, and it was all donated or paid for by donated funds. If you had a part in that, the team thanks you for your generosity!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWPXzu5TOXIpnHgCRIeT4gbAESLohCAIszdvlAe6_AeBms2EeH0dEHFjpQ1JGAixiTLhkAlnQQxJ_ZqFeDc89XjAj9Z_ODY3ZiWAmn6Ip9xZFljesgJmT1CKGcKIUBlKVq2T9Lh18s4Je/s1600/mens+dorm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWPXzu5TOXIpnHgCRIeT4gbAESLohCAIszdvlAe6_AeBms2EeH0dEHFjpQ1JGAixiTLhkAlnQQxJ_ZqFeDc89XjAj9Z_ODY3ZiWAmn6Ip9xZFljesgJmT1CKGcKIUBlKVq2T9Lh18s4Je/s320/mens+dorm.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />The schedule calls for two days at Cavaillon on Monday and Tuesday. This location, which houses a school and an orphanage, has been “adopted” by a consortium of individuals and churches mostly in Chicagoland. Donors cover the entire cost of their food, lodging, schooling, and housemom care. It was hard hit by the hurricane in October 2016 and has been substantially rebuilt and stabilized against hurricane force winds from the ground up. Improvements were already underway there prior to that devastation, and the team is eager to see the completed compound - and the kids! Doctors will check each one out (there are about 85 kids living there), chart their progress, and work with housemoms where ongoing treatment is needed. All will get vitamins and deworming medicine at the very least. And new clothes! The team also brought new sheets for each bunk bed. The kids will be excited!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKchXgkqoz6GEf5FvS9jfpeaiWeSoV4WeGCDA4Xkoxw9INXZPR6kQzuffWjZ6EobGoZn9yGUml18Jwlg4Ye92d0GGrXXZDxdwW8dTuOpBiuGYtaYtB-X-0F3GrzkRP2pLp8Mvrt-xnFq8/s1600/pastor+training+022418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKchXgkqoz6GEf5FvS9jfpeaiWeSoV4WeGCDA4Xkoxw9INXZPR6kQzuffWjZ6EobGoZn9yGUml18Jwlg4Ye92d0GGrXXZDxdwW8dTuOpBiuGYtaYtB-X-0F3GrzkRP2pLp8Mvrt-xnFq8/s320/pastor+training+022418.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Praise God for safe travel today. Praise God for the safe delivery of the bags filled with supplies, and that they left customs with all of them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmum3ZXbn-TUsjhHE9NMeNRHVazoGkJaoheCHtpRelLjxxJtSQ60UyYEjJzWJHD8yCK0ZEteWGt31X2-e4fdm9GEq373CoSLU0ukHVPp_i5L4D4tOT0EqpWce9p3vwJlPmZHypRFnxGNRl/s1600/team+2++02+24+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmum3ZXbn-TUsjhHE9NMeNRHVazoGkJaoheCHtpRelLjxxJtSQ60UyYEjJzWJHD8yCK0ZEteWGt31X2-e4fdm9GEq373CoSLU0ukHVPp_i5L4D4tOT0EqpWce9p3vwJlPmZHypRFnxGNRl/s320/team+2++02+24+18.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Please pray:<br /><ul>
<li>For good rest in a strange place and cramped quarters (by our standard), including that the air conditioning stay on to facilitate that.</li>
<li>For refreshment and joy as our team worships with Haitian brothers and sisters tomorrow. The services are long, loud, and often hot - but joyous and a taste of heaven as people of different cultures, languages, and nations worship together in one place.</li>
<li>For the team leader, Ted, who will preach three times tomorrow, twice in the morning and once in the afternoon</li>
<li>For a good sense of team as these 16 individuals, some of whom only met yesterday, start to figure out how to work together, leveraging their gifts and abilities to serve God and others in the best way possible, and that their joy in doing so would be obvious to all they interact with.</li>
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Thank you for praying! Your contribution to the work of this team is immense, and they appreciate it very much.</div>
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Chicago Metro Presbyteryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06511721319719678206noreply@blogger.com1