Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hummingbird
This guy was close to us as we sat outside for a few minutes after lunch. I will change my shutter speed and try to get another picture tomorrow - he seems to come at the same time every day.
Kayla's Blessing, Database, Update, BCS
The last few days have been a little rough emotionally. We're not feeling our normal pleasant selves. There are various reasons for this, but we are trying to not grow weary. The adoption stuff is not moving and there is uncertainty about where our paperwork is and what (if anything) is needed. The communication is so very poor (welcome to Haiti). That's only a portion of our burden.
Kayla's Blessing
Kayla has been reading "Ten Girls Who Made History" and recently came to the end. During her prayer, she asked God for another book (George Mueller-style - because we have been reading about George Mueller). Two days later, a package arrived from some friends of ours from our home church containing "Ten Girls Who Made A Difference" in a package all by itself with a nice note to Kayla. Thank you Bill and Nancy! The Lord's timing is impeccable.
Database
I have been spending a bit of time working on an Access database. We are building it to replace various things from hand-written ledger entries in multiple books and hand-written run sheets to get items from stores to printing various reports. It's looking pretty good and should make things more efficient - eliminating multiple entries and allowing for better reporting, tracking, and research. I enjoy having the option to sit in front of a computer to work on this database after lifting 50Kg sacks into trucks.
Update
No update on the gentleman who borrowed money. I was hoping to hear how his daughter's surgery went. I'll keep you updated.
Boring Car Stuff...
Our vehicles have been delivering the massive amount of food that we got in recently. The Canter is not going out because we do not have the license sticker on the windshield - we are working on getting a new one. The old Toyota has been going out and I just replaced the front differential seal because it was starting to leak real bad. That old Toyota is going out almost over loaded on really poor roads (non-paved) and making it like a champ. Too bad we can't buy these vehicles in the States!
The big steakbed is leaking differential fluid out of the rear hub. Annes started to work on that yesterday afternoon when he got back from shopping for car parts and he & I will finish it up today - putting a new seal on it.
We'll see what comes up today...
Kayla's Blessing
Kayla has been reading "Ten Girls Who Made History" and recently came to the end. During her prayer, she asked God for another book (George Mueller-style - because we have been reading about George Mueller). Two days later, a package arrived from some friends of ours from our home church containing "Ten Girls Who Made A Difference" in a package all by itself with a nice note to Kayla. Thank you Bill and Nancy! The Lord's timing is impeccable.
Database
I have been spending a bit of time working on an Access database. We are building it to replace various things from hand-written ledger entries in multiple books and hand-written run sheets to get items from stores to printing various reports. It's looking pretty good and should make things more efficient - eliminating multiple entries and allowing for better reporting, tracking, and research. I enjoy having the option to sit in front of a computer to work on this database after lifting 50Kg sacks into trucks.
Update
No update on the gentleman who borrowed money. I was hoping to hear how his daughter's surgery went. I'll keep you updated.
Boring Car Stuff...
Our vehicles have been delivering the massive amount of food that we got in recently. The Canter is not going out because we do not have the license sticker on the windshield - we are working on getting a new one. The old Toyota has been going out and I just replaced the front differential seal because it was starting to leak real bad. That old Toyota is going out almost over loaded on really poor roads (non-paved) and making it like a champ. Too bad we can't buy these vehicles in the States!
The big steakbed is leaking differential fluid out of the rear hub. Annes started to work on that yesterday afternoon when he got back from shopping for car parts and he & I will finish it up today - putting a new seal on it.
We'll see what comes up today...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bat-and-Mouse-Eating Centipede
Last night after playing a game upstairs, we came out and found this (Mr. Kyrk stepped next to it to show the size)...
He is BIG (about 10-12 inches long) - and supposedly the largest species in the world! I put him in the bug catcher that the kids have. After reading this, this, this, and this, I think maybe we should get rid of it.
He is BIG (about 10-12 inches long) - and supposedly the largest species in the world! I put him in the bug catcher that the kids have. After reading this, this, this, and this, I think maybe we should get rid of it.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Result: Request for Money
OK, Here is how it went down.
The guy came back just after lunch - he was waiting for me outside of my shop when I got there. He had a backpack and was dressed well (relatively speaking). He came to me and we started talking. I asked him if he spoke with the doctor today that was going to call his son and he said that he couldn't find him in the hospital.
After a little questioning, I found that the guy lives fairly nearby and he says he knows the Director of the mission. He doesn't, however, know all the missionaries here. I asked questions and he gave answers. Just then the doctor's wife walked by and I asked if the good doctor was home. She said that he was not - he was in the hospital. I had him go talk to the doctor.
He found the doc and came back with a phone number for someone. He said that the doc said that he couldn't get through to his son (we had lots of rain last night - thank God, we need it!) and gave him a number to call (I don't know whose it was).
I sat on my bench stool and talked to him for a while as I thought about what to do. I asked more questions (where he goes to church, where he lives, etc...). I asked if anyone else here at the mission knew him and he said that someone did (he gave me a name) and the person works at the Mountain Made store here at the entrance to the mission.
He offered up that he would pay me back when his brother comes back from the Dominican Republic on May 25. That was a big trigger for me - that and that he knew someone that works here (and the Director).
I decided to give him the money as a loan (as long as he kept it a secret), but I had to get it from Mr. Kyrk's office. I also gave him enough money to travel to the hospital and back. I told him to meet me up at Mountain Made in about 15 mins. I got the money and walked up there to meet him. I had him introduce me to the person he knows and I simply shook his friend's hand and said "Hi" and "How are you?" - that's all I needed to make the connection for myself and the person he knows should he decide to not pay me back. It'll be someone to whom I can go to find him and talk if he doesn't pay. I then shook his hand as we left the building (to pass the money discretely) and we said our "good-bye"s.
Later this afternoon I saw the good doctor and asked him about the guy. He said that he gave him a number and that we may find out more tomorrow morning. I didn't tell the doc that I had already gave him the money. The guy said that he needed (and would) leave right away when he had the money because he had to be there tomorrow AM, so the doctor's information would be too late.
So...now I'll wait until the guy comes back to tell me about the surgery for his daughter or until May 25 (or shortly thereafter) to pay me back. I will be praying for him and his daughter throughout this time. I am hoping that the Lord will be pleased to make this into a big learning experience and that we all benefit from it (the guy and his family and I and my family). I am also praying that I have opportunities to share the Good News with him in any way that I can. I hope to see him again for more reasons than just get paid back.
I pray and hope that I did the right thing. I had put a lot of thought and prayer into it - and will continue to do so.
To be continued...
The guy came back just after lunch - he was waiting for me outside of my shop when I got there. He had a backpack and was dressed well (relatively speaking). He came to me and we started talking. I asked him if he spoke with the doctor today that was going to call his son and he said that he couldn't find him in the hospital.
After a little questioning, I found that the guy lives fairly nearby and he says he knows the Director of the mission. He doesn't, however, know all the missionaries here. I asked questions and he gave answers. Just then the doctor's wife walked by and I asked if the good doctor was home. She said that he was not - he was in the hospital. I had him go talk to the doctor.
He found the doc and came back with a phone number for someone. He said that the doc said that he couldn't get through to his son (we had lots of rain last night - thank God, we need it!) and gave him a number to call (I don't know whose it was).
I sat on my bench stool and talked to him for a while as I thought about what to do. I asked more questions (where he goes to church, where he lives, etc...). I asked if anyone else here at the mission knew him and he said that someone did (he gave me a name) and the person works at the Mountain Made store here at the entrance to the mission.
He offered up that he would pay me back when his brother comes back from the Dominican Republic on May 25. That was a big trigger for me - that and that he knew someone that works here (and the Director).
I decided to give him the money as a loan (as long as he kept it a secret), but I had to get it from Mr. Kyrk's office. I also gave him enough money to travel to the hospital and back. I told him to meet me up at Mountain Made in about 15 mins. I got the money and walked up there to meet him. I had him introduce me to the person he knows and I simply shook his friend's hand and said "Hi" and "How are you?" - that's all I needed to make the connection for myself and the person he knows should he decide to not pay me back. It'll be someone to whom I can go to find him and talk if he doesn't pay. I then shook his hand as we left the building (to pass the money discretely) and we said our "good-bye"s.
Later this afternoon I saw the good doctor and asked him about the guy. He said that he gave him a number and that we may find out more tomorrow morning. I didn't tell the doc that I had already gave him the money. The guy said that he needed (and would) leave right away when he had the money because he had to be there tomorrow AM, so the doctor's information would be too late.
So...now I'll wait until the guy comes back to tell me about the surgery for his daughter or until May 25 (or shortly thereafter) to pay me back. I will be praying for him and his daughter throughout this time. I am hoping that the Lord will be pleased to make this into a big learning experience and that we all benefit from it (the guy and his family and I and my family). I am also praying that I have opportunities to share the Good News with him in any way that I can. I hope to see him again for more reasons than just get paid back.
I pray and hope that I did the right thing. I had put a lot of thought and prayer into it - and will continue to do so.
To be continued...
Request for Money
Many times this blog is simply an update about what we are doing - sort of a journal - to keep the memories and to share with friends and family. I usually don't get to "thoughtful", but here is a post heavy with thought.
I was changing oil just before a downpour of rain yesterday afternoon, when a guy came up to me and started telling me about his daughter (in Creole). She is at another hospital and needs surgery that will cost $1600 Haitian (about $200 US). He has $900 but needs $700. The surgery that she needs is urgent (as it was written on a piece of paper from the other hospital - not the one here). I asked him if he had talked to Mr. Kyrk and he had. He said that Mr. Kyrk told him that Pastor Baker is not here and he will not be for about three weeks. About that time, one of the Mission's doctors walked by so I asked him to help me figure it out. It turns out that I was understanding him correctly. The doctor asked him a few questions and told him that he would contact his son (who is a doctor up north in Haiti) to see if he knows this doctor and get back to him. The guy who wants the money will be coming back tomorrow AM.
We have heard about how others here at the Mission handle situations like this, but I have yet to solidify my own stance and position. Things are so very complicated here - more so than in the States. People don't come up to you in the States and tell these stories to you and ask you for money - we have insurance companies and churches and websites to request and get and find and resolve money problems related to medical issues.
We have done a bit of reading on this topic (both from the Bible and outside of it).
If I just give money away, I'll have a line at my door of people asking for money for their (legitimately) sick children (and not legitimately).
If I ask him to work for the money (which is not my place here at the Mission) he may or may not, but we have plenty of people looking for jobs that we have turned down - does this guy get a quick job to earn money because he told his story where another person who asked for a job and didn't get it needs it for his sick child?
The Bible tells us that we are to help fellow Christians in need as a priority (Galations 6:10)- if I ask him if he goes to church and believes that Jesus is his savior is he telling the truth or is he telling me what he thinks will get me to give him money?
The Bible tells us, too, to give to the poor and be generous (Proverbs 14:31)- do I know this guy is poor? He looked pretty good in a nice button down shirt (but clothing looks here in Haiti are really deceiving).
The Bible tells us, too, to be discerning (Proverbs 16:21)- is this guy like many people who will figure out a way to convince me to give him money? Did he write his own 'prescription' on the hospital's paper? Is he going down the road asking for money of all the missions/white people he can find?
Through various comments about how missionaries are actually causing the situation to be worse here by giving away free money for many things, we have to figure out the Biblical way to assist the Haitian people. Does it help them to just give them money? Does it help them more to make them work extra to earn their money? Should he have come telling his story and asking for work to earn the money instead of just flat out asking for money? Is it better to point him to his church, his local community, to ask for money? Do you give a loan? What is best?
I was changing oil just before a downpour of rain yesterday afternoon, when a guy came up to me and started telling me about his daughter (in Creole). She is at another hospital and needs surgery that will cost $1600 Haitian (about $200 US). He has $900 but needs $700. The surgery that she needs is urgent (as it was written on a piece of paper from the other hospital - not the one here). I asked him if he had talked to Mr. Kyrk and he had. He said that Mr. Kyrk told him that Pastor Baker is not here and he will not be for about three weeks. About that time, one of the Mission's doctors walked by so I asked him to help me figure it out. It turns out that I was understanding him correctly. The doctor asked him a few questions and told him that he would contact his son (who is a doctor up north in Haiti) to see if he knows this doctor and get back to him. The guy who wants the money will be coming back tomorrow AM.
We have heard about how others here at the Mission handle situations like this, but I have yet to solidify my own stance and position. Things are so very complicated here - more so than in the States. People don't come up to you in the States and tell these stories to you and ask you for money - we have insurance companies and churches and websites to request and get and find and resolve money problems related to medical issues.
We have done a bit of reading on this topic (both from the Bible and outside of it).
If I just give money away, I'll have a line at my door of people asking for money for their (legitimately) sick children (and not legitimately).
If I ask him to work for the money (which is not my place here at the Mission) he may or may not, but we have plenty of people looking for jobs that we have turned down - does this guy get a quick job to earn money because he told his story where another person who asked for a job and didn't get it needs it for his sick child?
The Bible tells us that we are to help fellow Christians in need as a priority (Galations 6:10)- if I ask him if he goes to church and believes that Jesus is his savior is he telling the truth or is he telling me what he thinks will get me to give him money?
The Bible tells us, too, to give to the poor and be generous (Proverbs 14:31)- do I know this guy is poor? He looked pretty good in a nice button down shirt (but clothing looks here in Haiti are really deceiving).
The Bible tells us, too, to be discerning (Proverbs 16:21)- is this guy like many people who will figure out a way to convince me to give him money? Did he write his own 'prescription' on the hospital's paper? Is he going down the road asking for money of all the missions/white people he can find?
Through various comments about how missionaries are actually causing the situation to be worse here by giving away free money for many things, we have to figure out the Biblical way to assist the Haitian people. Does it help them to just give them money? Does it help them more to make them work extra to earn their money? Should he have come telling his story and asking for work to earn the money instead of just flat out asking for money? Is it better to point him to his church, his local community, to ask for money? Do you give a loan? What is best?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Encouragement
Some good encouragement that I ran across this morning that I thought I would pass on.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Food, Radiator, Gunsmith
This morning I helped to count the food that we received from the Word Food Program into a couple trucks so that the food the schools receive get the correct amount. After a shipment from the WFP like this we send out the food to the associated schools for distribution to the schoolchildren.
Radiator
Well, somethings go as planned. The radiator that I planned to remove today actually got removed and sent for repair. It should be waiting for me to install it in the morning and then that truck will be used to deliver more food.
Gunsmith
Mr. Chris called me this morning and asked me if I knew anything about guns. I don't. I said I would look at it and clean it up - one wasn't working and the other just needed to be cleaned. The one that didn't work, I took apart every piece. The trigger mechanism was the most complicated (it's a 12 gauge pump shotgun). I took some picture so that I could reference how it went back together. Two pictures really helped. There was one piece that was buried in the mechanism and I didn't see where it came from. By the grace of God, I found the spot where it went and it all worked great. It took me about half a day. I fired about 15 shots into the air to make sure that it worked OK. (I really didn't - but wanted to - although with what happened after the pellet gun incident, perhaps I should stay away from actually firing the gun). The other gun I'll take a look at another time. (Google rotated my image again - why does it do that? - the little yellow and blue things are batteries for Carter's and my remote control car, they are not shotgun shells).
Radiator
Well, somethings go as planned. The radiator that I planned to remove today actually got removed and sent for repair. It should be waiting for me to install it in the morning and then that truck will be used to deliver more food.
Gunsmith
Mr. Chris called me this morning and asked me if I knew anything about guns. I don't. I said I would look at it and clean it up - one wasn't working and the other just needed to be cleaned. The one that didn't work, I took apart every piece. The trigger mechanism was the most complicated (it's a 12 gauge pump shotgun). I took some picture so that I could reference how it went back together. Two pictures really helped. There was one piece that was buried in the mechanism and I didn't see where it came from. By the grace of God, I found the spot where it went and it all worked great. It took me about half a day. I fired about 15 shots into the air to make sure that it worked OK. (I really didn't - but wanted to - although with what happened after the pellet gun incident, perhaps I should stay away from actually firing the gun). The other gun I'll take a look at another time. (Google rotated my image again - why does it do that? - the little yellow and blue things are batteries for Carter's and my remote control car, they are not shotgun shells).
Boring Car Stuff..., go-kart
Careful...this is boring. Read after your cup of coffee (or perhaps two).
Yesterday was pretty busy especially in the morning. I replaced two tires on two different vehicles (thanks to an older-style tire changing machine that the Lord gave me wisdom to figure out). I did a few other things including trying (unsuccessfully) to fix one clothes iron and checked out another iron.
The two pathfinders that we have a really getting near the end of their useful life. The white one we have needed to be rewelded (again) on the passenger-side front lower control arm, so I did that in the morning, too. It broke at the frame and was cracked when checked it yesterday. It didn't break as far as it did the last time because I added extra support the last time I fixed it. So hopefully we'll get another few months use out of it. That truck also needs new steering linkage because one of the non-replaceable ball joints is bad and about to break (we'll have to replace the whole arm). The tan pathfinder (as well as the white) needs new CV axles in the front (both left and right).
Today I have to replace a seal in the rear differential/axle of our big steakbed as well as take the radiator and intercooler out again (I just had the radiator out a couple months ago to repair a hole). The radiator is leaking near the lower hose mount and I can't take that out without taking the intercooler out.
Go-kart
Carter was helping me all morning with grabbing tools, jacking up the vehicles, and various other tasks. We spent about an hour working on a go-kart just after lunch. We are going to use the motor that was in the old welder/generator that burned up. This will be a large project and will take some time to complete, but it'll be a great learning experience for Carter (and for me).
Yesterday was pretty busy especially in the morning. I replaced two tires on two different vehicles (thanks to an older-style tire changing machine that the Lord gave me wisdom to figure out). I did a few other things including trying (unsuccessfully) to fix one clothes iron and checked out another iron.
The two pathfinders that we have a really getting near the end of their useful life. The white one we have needed to be rewelded (again) on the passenger-side front lower control arm, so I did that in the morning, too. It broke at the frame and was cracked when checked it yesterday. It didn't break as far as it did the last time because I added extra support the last time I fixed it. So hopefully we'll get another few months use out of it. That truck also needs new steering linkage because one of the non-replaceable ball joints is bad and about to break (we'll have to replace the whole arm). The tan pathfinder (as well as the white) needs new CV axles in the front (both left and right).
Today I have to replace a seal in the rear differential/axle of our big steakbed as well as take the radiator and intercooler out again (I just had the radiator out a couple months ago to repair a hole). The radiator is leaking near the lower hose mount and I can't take that out without taking the intercooler out.
Go-kart
Carter was helping me all morning with grabbing tools, jacking up the vehicles, and various other tasks. We spent about an hour working on a go-kart just after lunch. We are going to use the motor that was in the old welder/generator that burned up. This will be a large project and will take some time to complete, but it'll be a great learning experience for Carter (and for me).
Monday, April 20, 2009
Quietest Sunday, Three Angles (Saturday)
Because of the mandate from the Haitian government to not drive private vehicles from 9pm Saturday night until 5am Monday morning, the roads have been very quiet. I also caught word around here that there were at least two different notes being passed around on the streets that threatened death/killings to those on the streets (probably in an attempt to get them not to vote). It seemed to work as even the taptaps didn't seem to be driving around.
All in all, it was a relaxing day for us. Lou is doing really well with eating (Tina has tried to eliminate some dairy to make it better - though it is not bad). Carter is getting big still and Kayla is her sweet self.
Three Angles
On Saturday we got a chance to meet some folks from Three Angels. We had the opportunity to meet their new physician missionary from the States and also found out that there will be an optometrist coming in for their ministry. We are looking forward to, perhaps, bringing Lou down to them to have him looked at and hopefully figure out what his eyes are like since they don't always point forward together. We praise God that people like this are brought into our lives! One of them even asked what we wanted from the States and brought some gifts for us, too. This is such a great blessing. Thank you Colleen!
All in all, it was a relaxing day for us. Lou is doing really well with eating (Tina has tried to eliminate some dairy to make it better - though it is not bad). Carter is getting big still and Kayla is her sweet self.
Three Angles
On Saturday we got a chance to meet some folks from Three Angels. We had the opportunity to meet their new physician missionary from the States and also found out that there will be an optometrist coming in for their ministry. We are looking forward to, perhaps, bringing Lou down to them to have him looked at and hopefully figure out what his eyes are like since they don't always point forward together. We praise God that people like this are brought into our lives! One of them even asked what we wanted from the States and brought some gifts for us, too. This is such a great blessing. Thank you Colleen!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Kenscoff Market - TapTap
In my last post, I mentioned TapTaps (which act like the local taxi-like, public transportation). Tina and I went with Mr. Neal (who has been here for a few months as our horticulturist and who is with us for another week and a half) who has been up the mountain before to the Kenscoff market via TapTap. I waited until minutes before the trip to the Kenscoff market to inform Tina that we were going to be taking one of the TapTaps that go up.
She was surprised, but had no reservations of going. After finding one and paying 5 gourdes per person one way, we made it to our destination and bought beans, cauliflower, and carrots. We probably bought too many beans, but Tina blanched them and froze a number of them when we got home. It was a great experience and I think that we'll probably end up doing it again sometime. I wish that the opportunity presented itself to take pictures, but it was crowded on the TapTap and the market was crowded as well.
She was surprised, but had no reservations of going. After finding one and paying 5 gourdes per person one way, we made it to our destination and bought beans, cauliflower, and carrots. We probably bought too many beans, but Tina blanched them and froze a number of them when we got home. It was a great experience and I think that we'll probably end up doing it again sometime. I wish that the opportunity presented itself to take pictures, but it was crowded on the TapTap and the market was crowded as well.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Great Day to be a TapTap Driver in Haiti...
Because of Senate elections here in Haiti, a Warden message today from the US government said:
The Government of Haiti will be restricting all private vehicles and motorcycles from being driven on election day. All private vehicles and motorcycles will be banned on Sunday, April 19.
The Government of Haiti will be restricting all private vehicles and motorcycles from being driven on election day. All private vehicles and motorcycles will be banned on Sunday, April 19.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rice, BCS - Canter
One more load of rice came in yesterday. Only this time I wasn't in the truck the whole time. I helped to stack it all up in one of our depots.
Boring Car Stuff...
The Canter came back yesterday with a new windshield. I thought it was all finished until Annes pointed out that the radiator was leaking. It appears to have gotten broken when the truck broke in half. It was broken in a spot that I wouldn't have seen without either running it for a while or taking it apart. So, I took it out and after it gets fixed, it's just a license-sticker-on-the-windshield away from being roadworthy. And with that big load of food that just came in the last two days, it's in perfect timing that it is ready.
Oh...and by the way - My Mom had to remind me that Tina and I have been married for 13 years not 12. Thank you Mom!!!
Boring Car Stuff...
The Canter came back yesterday with a new windshield. I thought it was all finished until Annes pointed out that the radiator was leaking. It appears to have gotten broken when the truck broke in half. It was broken in a spot that I wouldn't have seen without either running it for a while or taking it apart. So, I took it out and after it gets fixed, it's just a license-sticker-on-the-windshield away from being roadworthy. And with that big load of food that just came in the last two days, it's in perfect timing that it is ready.
Oh...and by the way - My Mom had to remind me that Tina and I have been married for 13 years not 12. Thank you Mom!!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Birthday, Rice
Monday evening we celebrated Carter's birthday with a dinner of the food of his choice (hot dogs) in the nice (warmer) weather on our patio area. Kayla and Tina did a great job decorating and the grandparents contributed towards the purchase of ice cream (it costs about $10 per gallon here - sometimes more depending on the brand). He has some money coming to him from his one and only aunt and uncle that he has to decide what to do with.
Rice
Yesterday we got two shipments of rice in to provide food for our schools. These are 110 pound sacks of rice that come from Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Japan through
the World Food Program.
(Hmmm...is Saudi Arabia really the "Kingdom of Humanity"?
They are very heavy. I only helped on the second truck because I was changing oil on another truck. I wanted to help because I wanted the exercise.
Boy, did I get exercise!
I was one of two guys that stayed in the truck and lifted the sacks of rice onto others shoulders or head or wherever they wanted it. I have blisters on the outside of my knuckles from grabbing the bags and that is WITH GLOVES. These Haitian guys are tough! There are two that about twice my age - one did a LOT of work (more than the younger guys) and one that did work, but showed his age.
Rice
Yesterday we got two shipments of rice in to provide food for our schools. These are 110 pound sacks of rice that come from Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Japan through
the World Food Program.
(Hmmm...is Saudi Arabia really the "Kingdom of Humanity"?
They are very heavy. I only helped on the second truck because I was changing oil on another truck. I wanted to help because I wanted the exercise.
Boy, did I get exercise!
I was one of two guys that stayed in the truck and lifted the sacks of rice onto others shoulders or head or wherever they wanted it. I have blisters on the outside of my knuckles from grabbing the bags and that is WITH GLOVES. These Haitian guys are tough! There are two that about twice my age - one did a LOT of work (more than the younger guys) and one that did work, but showed his age.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Carter!
Carter brings great joy and humor to our lives! We love his gentle and innocent spirit. Here's some of our favorite shots of the big brother. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Tina's Dad
Tina's Dad was brought to the hospital the other day because he was light headed and his heart was beating super-fast. They are did some test on him and sent him home - he is doing better. They are going to go through some more tests to see what is going on. Please pray for both her mom and her dad.
Birthday, Painting, Trampoline, Sting, Sick, Anniversary, Happy Easter!
On Friday night at dining hall we celebrated Carter's birthday. He received many nice gifts from the families here at the Mission! We thank them all very much for making it a special evening for Carter!
Painting
Yesterday morning we finished up painting the outside of the first floor (the floor in which we live) of our building in the dark green color that was started. It looks really nice now and hopefully it will last a long time - this paint seems REALLY good.
Trampoline
After I got all cleaned up, I ran into Pastor Rob and talked with him about a trampoline that was sent by Cliff, the former mechanic from Michigan who was here about a month ago, and never put up. We went over the rule and location and then Carter, Christopher, and I started to put it together.
Sting
Where we were putting it up, there was a bee hive and after about 10 minutes of working, the bees decided that they didn't like us being there and that they were going to convince us to go elsewhere. After I got stung twice (once on the tip of my nose and once in my side), their convincing worked.
I went home and got iced up - I had never been stung before so I was watching for the allergic reaction which never happened (praise God!). So we waited about 20 minutes for them to settle down and then we sneaked around to disassemble it and found a new location. Mr. Neal and I finished it up and then the kids were bouncing their way to fun.
Sick
Last night Tina made one of her great pizza's. Tina's body decided that it wanted to evacuate all systems, so she was in the bathroom for most of the night. She was saying that it was the worst that she could ever remember. She is feeling pretty tired this morning. This event marks the second time in 9.5 months that someone in our family has vomited. That is far better than I ever expected - for that we Praise God!
Anniversary
12 years ago today, two young people who were born two days apart and were in the same hospital nursery together and who met as freshmen in high school (we have known each other well for 19 years), we joined forever in holy matrimony. Today marks a dozen year of marriage for us here on this earth and they have been great days. I continue to know more about my wife and have never regretted one moment my choice of a bride. I love her dearly and always will. I pray that we can stay strong and continue our relationship always focusing on one another. I love you Tina!
Our photographer took this great black and white picture of Tina and I walking down the aisle. Isn't her dress beautiful? (I don't have any wedding pictures on my computer unfortunately!)
HAPPY EASTER! HE IS RISEN!
Painting
Yesterday morning we finished up painting the outside of the first floor (the floor in which we live) of our building in the dark green color that was started. It looks really nice now and hopefully it will last a long time - this paint seems REALLY good.
Trampoline
After I got all cleaned up, I ran into Pastor Rob and talked with him about a trampoline that was sent by Cliff, the former mechanic from Michigan who was here about a month ago, and never put up. We went over the rule and location and then Carter, Christopher, and I started to put it together.
Sting
Where we were putting it up, there was a bee hive and after about 10 minutes of working, the bees decided that they didn't like us being there and that they were going to convince us to go elsewhere. After I got stung twice (once on the tip of my nose and once in my side), their convincing worked.
I went home and got iced up - I had never been stung before so I was watching for the allergic reaction which never happened (praise God!). So we waited about 20 minutes for them to settle down and then we sneaked around to disassemble it and found a new location. Mr. Neal and I finished it up and then the kids were bouncing their way to fun.
Sick
Last night Tina made one of her great pizza's. Tina's body decided that it wanted to evacuate all systems, so she was in the bathroom for most of the night. She was saying that it was the worst that she could ever remember. She is feeling pretty tired this morning. This event marks the second time in 9.5 months that someone in our family has vomited. That is far better than I ever expected - for that we Praise God!
Anniversary
12 years ago today, two young people who were born two days apart and were in the same hospital nursery together and who met as freshmen in high school (we have known each other well for 19 years), we joined forever in holy matrimony. Today marks a dozen year of marriage for us here on this earth and they have been great days. I continue to know more about my wife and have never regretted one moment my choice of a bride. I love her dearly and always will. I pray that we can stay strong and continue our relationship always focusing on one another. I love you Tina!
Our photographer took this great black and white picture of Tina and I walking down the aisle. Isn't her dress beautiful? (I don't have any wedding pictures on my computer unfortunately!)
HAPPY EASTER! HE IS RISEN!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Maundy Thursday, Short Trip: Cycle & Dog, Bamboo
We are deeply going to miss the Maundy Thursday service at Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis tonight. Tina and I went to this service for the last few years and it is really done well. I would highly recommend going if you are in the area.
Short Trip
Cycle
Mr. Chris, who lives upstairs, and went to his church a few miles down the road to check on a generator. On the way there we saw, just after it happened, a motorcyclist that went over the mountain. He appeared to be OK, but his cycle didn't.
Dog
Once we got to the church, shortly thereafter we heard some yelping. I went to look and a dog got it's back end/leg(s) run over and it wasn't comfortable. It eventually drug itself to the side of the road where it laid down. I could see it breathing still. In the picture, the guy with the bucket of water poured some water on it which made it get up and yelp some more. I had to go so I couldn't stay and watch. When we left the church, the dog was nowhere to be seen.
Bamboo
A couple nights ago we took this picture of our kids in a stack of bamboo.
Short Trip
Cycle
Mr. Chris, who lives upstairs, and went to his church a few miles down the road to check on a generator. On the way there we saw, just after it happened, a motorcyclist that went over the mountain. He appeared to be OK, but his cycle didn't.
Dog
Once we got to the church, shortly thereafter we heard some yelping. I went to look and a dog got it's back end/leg(s) run over and it wasn't comfortable. It eventually drug itself to the side of the road where it laid down. I could see it breathing still. In the picture, the guy with the bucket of water poured some water on it which made it get up and yelp some more. I had to go so I couldn't stay and watch. When we left the church, the dog was nowhere to be seen.
Bamboo
A couple nights ago we took this picture of our kids in a stack of bamboo.
Tina's Dad's Dad
Early yesterday morning we found out that Tina's grandpa on her Dad's side died around 6 AM. He had been in failing health for some time and was on oxygen after years of smoking had ruined his lungs.
Effort was made to show him who Christ is and what He did (and does) for us, but it appears that he never accepted Him as his savior. The reality of someone I knew meeting his Maker was seriously heavy on my mind yesterday. Someday, I'll be there, too. What will I say? Will I be able to speak? It's a blunt reality that I don't think about every day. Too often I think I feel that there is always tomorrow, but that's an assumption and only if the Lord wills. Each day needs to be lived for Him - seeking Him for what He would have me do, how He would have me act, what He would have me say. Is there anything else more serious or more important?
Effort was made to show him who Christ is and what He did (and does) for us, but it appears that he never accepted Him as his savior. The reality of someone I knew meeting his Maker was seriously heavy on my mind yesterday. Someday, I'll be there, too. What will I say? Will I be able to speak? It's a blunt reality that I don't think about every day. Too often I think I feel that there is always tomorrow, but that's an assumption and only if the Lord wills. Each day needs to be lived for Him - seeking Him for what He would have me do, how He would have me act, what He would have me say. Is there anything else more serious or more important?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Crash
I forgot to mention in my last post:
Our friend Cullie had an accident on his bicycle a few days ago (he rides a lot and makes me wish I had a bicycle here to go with him). He landed on his face and did some pretty significant damage. He didn't break any body parts except for skin that he knows of. He is planning to go for xrays of his face and head today to one of the local hospitals at the recommendation of a few of his medically knowledgeable friends. A few of his cuts would have been stitched up if he were in the States. We are praying for his quick and complete recovery. I have a couple pictures, but will not post them without his permission because I only took the pictures so that he could see what his face looked like.
Our friend Cullie had an accident on his bicycle a few days ago (he rides a lot and makes me wish I had a bicycle here to go with him). He landed on his face and did some pretty significant damage. He didn't break any body parts except for skin that he knows of. He is planning to go for xrays of his face and head today to one of the local hospitals at the recommendation of a few of his medically knowledgeable friends. A few of his cuts would have been stitched up if he were in the States. We are praying for his quick and complete recovery. I have a couple pictures, but will not post them without his permission because I only took the pictures so that he could see what his face looked like.
Tremor, BCS: Canter
The good memories of a relaxing weekend are still with me. It was a very nice trip where the majority of the time was not spent thinking about mission-type work or mission related things. For Tina and me, we still contemplate NUMEROUS things that we see, hear, or think about, not just the things that go on in Haiti, but in world missions, too. Thinks like what does the Bible tell us regarding how missions should be done and in what order as well as the typical everyday things of people asking for money. Our learning curve is not so much a curve as it is a straight line up still. We continue to ask many questions of the missionaries here at the Baptist Haiti Mission and, perhaps, make some meetings much longer. We hope and pray that God's overall purpose is served by asking the questions that help to examine what is being done here at the mission as well as pray that His purpose is being served by us growing in the knowledge of the Great Commission: to go and make disciples of all nations... Matthew 28:19
Tremors
I recall a movie called Tremors that I had watched when I was younger (to waste time, no doubt) - it's a strange one and I wouldn't recommend it above doing all the other things that you may want/need to do. I saw this dead centipede yesterday and thought I would share it with you (if you saw the movie, this would be a baby). It was about 10-12 inches long and about 1 inch thick (not including the legs). It was the biggest one I have ever seen in my life - watch out!
Boring Car Stuff... Canter
The back half of the frame of the Canter was painted by our painter - first with the deadly red-oxide paint and then with the oil-based, gloss black paint. I had to drill a couple more holes in the new support plate so I could put the gas tank back on and then I finished everything else up. I drove it under the dump bed and then Mr. Kyrk and I started putting the dump bed on. We got about half way and then I drove it under the garage area to finish up today, Lord willing. Once it's done, we'll be sending it down to get the windshield put in and then it will be all finished. I am looking forward to, hopefully, seeing it provide many more months of service (I won't say years because there isn't much that lasts for "years" on these roads). I'll get a picture of it all completely when I complete it - it shouldn't look any different than before if everything goes well.
Tremors
I recall a movie called Tremors that I had watched when I was younger (to waste time, no doubt) - it's a strange one and I wouldn't recommend it above doing all the other things that you may want/need to do. I saw this dead centipede yesterday and thought I would share it with you (if you saw the movie, this would be a baby). It was about 10-12 inches long and about 1 inch thick (not including the legs). It was the biggest one I have ever seen in my life - watch out!
Boring Car Stuff... Canter
The back half of the frame of the Canter was painted by our painter - first with the deadly red-oxide paint and then with the oil-based, gloss black paint. I had to drill a couple more holes in the new support plate so I could put the gas tank back on and then I finished everything else up. I drove it under the dump bed and then Mr. Kyrk and I started putting the dump bed on. We got about half way and then I drove it under the garage area to finish up today, Lord willing. Once it's done, we'll be sending it down to get the windshield put in and then it will be all finished. I am looking forward to, hopefully, seeing it provide many more months of service (I won't say years because there isn't much that lasts for "years" on these roads). I'll get a picture of it all completely when I complete it - it shouldn't look any different than before if everything goes well.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Titayen
We're back! Our trip was very good. It was a very nice place and it was relaxing. We spent about 60% of Saturday in a meeting discussing things affecting the Mission - the rest was play time and game time. Once again, I am tired so time for bed.
The building where we all stayed:
The pool:
The building where we all stayed:
The pool:
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Sad Day...Poor Kitty
This morning when I got to work, the local original outdoor cat that claims Antoine's depot as his home here at the mission was found dead this morning. This cat, Mimi, liked me very much and, as a "cat guy", I am really going to miss him (I keep looking where he normally is so that if he is there, I can go pet him - hard habit to break). He would sit on my lap, purr, and grab with his nails. He reminded me of one of my cats back in the States. He appears to have died from something internal because there was no evidence of injury on the outside. He was around one year old.
I buried him this morning.
I buried him this morning.
Is There a Doctor in the Shop?, Name That Dude!
Is there a doctor in the shop? It seems that Carter may be on his way to becoming a doctor. He and I made a spear so that he could nab lizards. He has caught a few and continues to take them apart with his knives and science tools. The latest lizard's heart was still beating a few minutes after cutting his head off and cutting his stomach open. Carter is doing a great job at carefully cutting them open without ruining the innards. Tina got a diagram of their innards and now he tries to find all the pieces. He has even been applying various amounts of voltage to their different body parts to see them move when the voltage is applied. He has had great success with this and learning tons. This is some of the good stuff about being here - there are lots of good things!
Name That Dude!
Dr. Watson, who is teaching a class for our Masters of Christian Education program, brought in some clothes for Mr. Kyrk and me. THANK YOU Dr. Watson! He knows someone who used to work at Cintas (the uniform company) and he managed to get his hands on some clothes for us. (please ignore the fact that I am not fully awake in the second picture, it was early - are my pants always that crooked?)
If you can think of some good names for us to slap on our shirts, please let me know soon. If you think of something like Dumb and Dumber - I get to be Dumber.
They fit well and I am no longer in need of pants for working - I have LOTS now. I give God the praise for this turn. I started with only three pair of pants and now have more than 10 (way more than I need for the moment, but I will need them in the near future I am sure - I have eaten through one pair thanks to battery acid).
Oh, by the way, did you notice the green paint in the picture? We started to paint this place a little bit and didn't get to finishing it yet. We started a few weeks ago and hope to finish it up soon. We don't think that the color is good enough for all of the walls so we're working on another color for the other walls. This is a low priority for us.
Boring Car Stuff...
I got the plates welded to the Canter. Roger is one of our welders and he did a great job welding the plate in place (correcting my work - I need to either practice or give it up). We are going to paint the back end of the frame, get new bushings for the leaf spring ends, and then put it all back together. I am anticipating some issues (not unresolvable) when it comes to U-bolting the dump bed on because the width of the frame where we welded the plate on is wider. We'll see what happens.
Last but not least, we're heading for a weekend staff meeting to where it will be warmer and there is a pool. We'll be playing some and having a meeting. Please pray that we can make good progress during our meeting - we have important things to discuss. I'll take tons of pictures and be back Monday/Tuesday blogging. Bye!
Name That Dude!
Dr. Watson, who is teaching a class for our Masters of Christian Education program, brought in some clothes for Mr. Kyrk and me. THANK YOU Dr. Watson! He knows someone who used to work at Cintas (the uniform company) and he managed to get his hands on some clothes for us. (please ignore the fact that I am not fully awake in the second picture, it was early - are my pants always that crooked?)
If you can think of some good names for us to slap on our shirts, please let me know soon. If you think of something like Dumb and Dumber - I get to be Dumber.
They fit well and I am no longer in need of pants for working - I have LOTS now. I give God the praise for this turn. I started with only three pair of pants and now have more than 10 (way more than I need for the moment, but I will need them in the near future I am sure - I have eaten through one pair thanks to battery acid).
Oh, by the way, did you notice the green paint in the picture? We started to paint this place a little bit and didn't get to finishing it yet. We started a few weeks ago and hope to finish it up soon. We don't think that the color is good enough for all of the walls so we're working on another color for the other walls. This is a low priority for us.
Boring Car Stuff...
I got the plates welded to the Canter. Roger is one of our welders and he did a great job welding the plate in place (correcting my work - I need to either practice or give it up). We are going to paint the back end of the frame, get new bushings for the leaf spring ends, and then put it all back together. I am anticipating some issues (not unresolvable) when it comes to U-bolting the dump bed on because the width of the frame where we welded the plate on is wider. We'll see what happens.
Last but not least, we're heading for a weekend staff meeting to where it will be warmer and there is a pool. We'll be playing some and having a meeting. Please pray that we can make good progress during our meeting - we have important things to discuss. I'll take tons of pictures and be back Monday/Tuesday blogging. Bye!
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