Haiti 2012, Day 12: Orevwa, My Friends, Orevwa...

No one much wanted to get up this morning. Long week of work. Sun at the beach yesterday. Last day here... all of the above. But breakfast was served anyway as the work site was calling, and soon the artisans would show at the co-op expecting a teacher. I had my first cappuccino since leaving Michigan this morning. I bought a pack of cocoa powder at market yesterday in anticipation of this moment. A stiff Haitian coffee, plus a half packet cocoa, two flat teaspoons of powdered milk, and a half teaspoon of cane sugar... voila! Cappuccino!! I was so impressed.

Team was on task to get the last two footings in for the two additional structural posts and I was on mission to get our last lesson in: acrylic painting. So they were off on their way and Steph and I were off on ours. Once at the co-op, we got right to task. I gave a demonstration on how to measure and cut precise sizes of canvas for orders that have been made through Lorelei in the States. One was horizontal and the other vertical; each to be a sewn insert in a clutch purse to be sold in the states. I went over relentlessly how to check and double check measurements and how to make a pattern that will be used over and over again, each time keeping to the original specs. Each of the students had an opportunity to cut one and have it inspected for quality and accuracy to specs. They did great.

By afternoon, we were ready to paint. So I gave some instruction on creating and painting still lives. Many Haitians paint landscapes. Nothing is wrong with landscapes, but after a while, they all kind of look the same. So there was a request for more still lifes, miniature glimpses of life in Haiti. So I set up three separate stills in the co-op. One was a chair with a few vessels sitting on the seat and at the floor in front of the one leg. There was also some fabric hung over the back of the chair. The second was a table top still with a painting, some baskets, a purse, and some jewelry. And the third still was outside. It was also a chair, but under a tree with a rug laying over the seat, a piece of artwork on the floor, and a couple purses. At first they didn't quite get it. But after several example sketches, they began to sketch... and soon... still life after still life was taking hold.

So we broke out the paint and the next several hours was spent doing nothing but painting. We passed around crackers and cookies, as we giggled and talked and painted away. Three of my star students asked if they could sing me a song. It was precious!! Steph told me the lyrics were beautiful. They sung about how we would be leaving each other, them staying here and me going back home, and how they would cry but there is no water. Awwwww... my heart was so warmed. Ash caught most of it on film, and I got a bit also. What a moment to keep tight in my palm, hand clasped around it. These same three ladies also gave me a piece of their jewelry, as a gift. I will cherish each and wear them with great memories.

It took a while to unload all the supplies and tools into the artisan co-op supply room, but eventually my suitcases were empty. Our team donated all the items as a gift to the artisans and encouragement to keep on creatin' awesome stuff! Darryl and Dwain showed up again, thinking I had gotten lost. I had seen the girls earlier as they stopped in on a moto ride and asked them to let Darryl know, but seems they were having too much fun to remember. So the guys were patient as I finished up and then they walked me home.

Dinner was waiting as we arrived. Delicious, as always. Beef tonight... and incredible beef, at that. Plus several side dishes that were scrumptious. Pastor Paul asked if I would take some pics of the Shalom Singers for Jerry to use in the album cover, so off I went on a photo shoot. We took some great pics of the group and then encouraged them to take single portraits. It was great fun watching their faces as they tried not to smile, but instead be all serious. Way funny.

As soon as I finished, Ash and Steph were ready for our exit interview. We had some instructions for customs, as we were transporting 8 extra suitcases full of the messenger bags for General Conference. Then Steph walked us through 8 questions about our stay. Once we were done, the girls headed off to carnival in Mizak, the guys finished up some packing and leader duties, and I sat down to finish my thoughts and this year's blog. Tomorrow will be a long 18 hour day of travel. We will leave Mizak at 6 am, arriving in Port au Prince about 10 am. Our plane leaves the airport at 1:20, arriving in Miami at 3:40 pm. After customs and dinner, we depart at 7:50 and arrive back in Detroit around 10:30 pm. Most of us should be in our beds (after a hot shower!) by about 1 am on Ash Wednesday.

Another trip to Haiti comes to an end. Each will have their own stories. This was simply mine. May God continue to bless the Haitian people, bringing hope and new life to one community after another. May Mizak and the HAPI complex be especially blessed as they lead a self-less life, encouraging others to learn, grow, and become integral parts of their own community. I am blessed to be their friend. I am filled.

With one foot still here... the other reaches across the ocean as I begin thinking more and more about my grandchildren, seeing my kids, and leading my congregation and community in worship Wednesday evening. I think about wiping ashes across their foreheads and I am blessed again. To serve is to serve... in Mizak, Haiti or in Concord, MI. It's the people and their stories that impact us most... and those have no boundaries. Orevwa, my dear friends in Haiti, orevwa...

Haiti 2012, Day 11: Did You See That Lobster?!

It's another Sunday in Mizak and our day is filling fast. Breakfast is on and we're off to the Artisan's Co-op for our last opportunity to shop. The girls still had many gifts to pick up and of course, there were a few more items I had my eye on, as well. I wanted to support my students and not only give them encouragement, but also back that encouragement with the willingness to purchase some of their pieces and make them a part of my life back in the States. The artists had more items than ever out on display this week and everyone had a hard time narrowing down the sales. We all wanted one of nearly everything. As it neared 10 am, I had to practically drag everyone out of the co-op to get back to HAPI in time for worship.

Worship started a little late today. The band wasn't quite set up yet when we arrived, but it didn't take long. People started pouring in over the next 15 minutes and soon worship had started. The hymns were beautiful and the praise songs were Spirit-led. It's amazing how every worship is planned and led by the young adults of Mizak. A pastor gives the message, but young adults read scripture, lead prayers, singing, the offering, and more... every week. The congregation is multi-generational and some of the elders do share their testimony or sing a song in thanksgiving to God for all he has done, but otherwise, all leadership comes from the young. Inspiring to see.

Pastor Craig gave the message today about being saved to serve and serving to save. He also gave each child a Beanie Baby as a reminder that God is always with them and they don't need to be afraid. Each child hugged their animal and quickly became attached. I can just imagine them all sleeping with their new buddies this evening. One of the elderly women even asked Pastor Craig if she could have one, after all the kids had theirs. Of course, he said "yes." She chose a little kitten with brown and black long fur and petted it the rest of her time in worship. Precious to see the affection and care. God uses the simplest things to make his realities real and bless others.

Once worship was over, it was time to get on the move. We would be eating a quick snack, getting our swim wear together, and hitting the road. We would be visiting an orphanage to drop off some needed soap and then off to the beach in Jacmel. Jerry's team visited this same orphanage and when they asked what was needed, the answer was soap. Something like 40 bars of soap are used each week. So Jerry had asked if we might be willing to bring some along as a gift from our team. Easy enough. We packed one entire suitcase full and dropped it off on our way through Jacmel. The orphanage is run by the "Hands & Feet" organization created by the band Audio Adrenaline. One of their songs goes:

"An image flashed across my TV screen
Another broken heart comes in to view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can't I do the things I want to?
I'm willing yet I'm so afraid
You give me strength
When I say

[CHORUS:]
I want to be your hands
I want to be your feet
I'll go where you send me
I'II go where you send me
[REPEAT]

And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like
You touched my life
And I find my way
To be your hands

I've abandoned every selfish thought
I've surrendered every thing I've got
You can have everything I am
And perfect everything
I'm not I'm willing,
I'm not afraid
You give me strength When I say

[CHORUS]

This is the lifetime I turned my back on you
From now on, I'll go so
Send me where You want me to
I finally have a mission
I promise I'll complete
I don't need excuses
When I am your hands and feet"

The band members put these lyrics into action in the most wonderfully run orphanage I have seen.

It is clean, beautiful, warm, loving, and fun. It is based on family units with each unit having a unit mother and then a range of children from babies to teens all of the same gender in their care. They have their own kitchenette area, bathroom, living room and bedrooms. They go to the dining room for meals together as a family, they wash dishes together as a family, they study, and play and live together as a family. Each child also has a dream fund being created for them so they will have a future once they reach adulthood and are ready to venture out on their own. $30 of each child's monthly support is placed in this dream fund. What a wonderful way to plan for their futures! A new "Big House" is being built for work groups who come for short term assistance. It's being named the big house after the band's song "Big House". The chorus goes like this:

"Come and go with me
To my fathers house
Come and go with me
To my fathers house
It's a big big house
With lots and lots a room
A big big table
With lots and lots of food
A big big yard
Where we can play football
A big big house
Its my fathers house"

What a joy to see such a house right here on earth. I had always thought of the song as singing about the house we will one day live in heaven...but I will have a new vision each time I hear it in the future. So we dropped off the soap and headed down the road to the beach. Carnival is still in full swing so tons of people were at the beach today. It's a three day holiday weekend for people in Haiti so many were families, in addition to couples and young people. The weather was a bit overcast but warm and beautiful, nonetheless. The water was incredible and a delight to play in with wave after wave tossing each of us into the air before dropping us back down again as it passed us by.

The food at the beach is delicious!! Cooley, from Jer's team, gave us the head's up to some awesome lobster being sold for just $10... and that included a plate of deep fried plantains and spicey slaw. We also bought several plates of mini cajun kabobs. A plate full (about 30) were a mere $5 and we downed one after another. Others had plates of roasted fish, plantains, and slaw for $5. We took two bus loads down to the beach, including our team, some good friends and neighbors, the entire Shalom Singers group, Pastor Paul, and his family. It looked like a Thanksgiving feast with table after table lined up with lace table clothes along the sand. We ate and ate and ate until our heart's content. [sigh] Still stuffed.

The ride back up the mountain takes a little over an hour and is buummppyyy! I mean worse than Michigan roads in spring after a deep freeze and an early thaw bumpy! After stopping to get a bad tire fixed, we headed on up the mountain. We even caught a few of the bands marching and dancing through Jacmel on our way through. Such gaiety and fun for an entire nation to experience together.

Everyone is realistic that our time here is short. So friends are close by tonight and my guess is, they won't leave early. Bonds have been made once again and when you know it will be at least a year, and maybe more, time becomes precious. Silly games like "Going to a picnic" were played and now they're going at it with UNO. I sized a large piece of cotton duck fabric for art class tomorrow at the co-op. I hope it dries. I had it hanging out on a clothes line but the dew is already out. So we just moved it onto another line on the porch. I wonder how many will run into it on their way to a 4 am potty run. Just hoping it will dry by morning. Class begins at 9. It will be hard to get it from here to there, if it is still wet.

Thinking a lot about the grandbabies today. Eager to see how baby Layla is growing and how big Dane and Scotty have grown. One foot is till in Haiti... the other is slowly stretching across the ocean back to the States. One more day and we begin the long 18 hour trek home.

Haiti 2012, Day 10: A Day of Sabbath

This morning was our first day to sleep in a bit. It was a slow, quiet morning. The work site was closed for the day due to Carnival and for the first day all week, I was not teaching... at least, not to adults. Peace Pals would be here about 10 am, but considering we had been up, ready, already eaten, and off to work by 8 am all week, 10 seemed like afternoon. Peace Pals is a wonderful program that looks something like a mix of Vacation Bible School, Kid's Club, and Sunday School. It also has a peace and justice component, in addition to nutrition, manners, and leadership development... all for children preschool through middle school. It's amazing all they are doing here at the HAPI complex. Simply amazing!

We prepared a skit for the kids today, depicting Noah, the ark, and how he listened to God. The girls also had two songs planned to teach the kids, and then we were wrapping up with a craft project to tie it all together. So once we were done with breakfast and ready for the day, the kids started to arrive. Pastor Paul asked for a little help checking his spelling and grammar on the lyrics for the new songs for the Shalom Singers so they could be printed in the new album cover. So we took care of that as well and were ready well in enough time for the Peace Pals to begin. Amob, Pastor Paul's wife, and several other teachers led the kids in a bible study with songs, dances, and lots of call and response. When they don't respond loud enough or confident enough, the teacher yells it out again and the volume returned is incredible! I think everyone on the next mountain can hear them. There were almost 100 children there today. An amazing sight.

Soon we were on, so I narrated as Ulrick translated line by line in an extremely animated and passionate way. We were so impressed! He was definitely part of the team! We gathered up children to become the ark, the animals, Noah and his family, and of course, God. God threw water at the kids every time Ulrick said "rain" and he said it a lot. The kids giggled and giggled. It was great fun to see them learning God's word in such a silly, interactive way. The songs didn't go as well as we thought. Translation is always tough, but they certainly picked up the e-i-e-i-o in Old MacDonald. We handed out cut pieces of bright colored plastic straws and lengths of cord for each child. We had no idea how we were going to tie in the necklace but I knew I wanted to use it. Just as we were done handing out the supplies I got Holy Bumps up my one arm and at that moment, no kidding, I was given the thought "Their necklace is all colors of the rainbow. Each time they wear it, it will remind them of my promise to them." Brilliant!! It was so cool that God was right there as part of the program. The necklaces were a huge hit, even with the older kids. The teachers were even asking if they could make one. When all were done we had about 12 straw beads and maybe 2 yards of cord left!! God actually measured everything too and made sure we would have enough. How easy it is to forget that all things are God's and if we just get out of God's way, he will do his thing.

The kids were fed a spaghetti lunch, each plate piled high with lots of protein, a hotdog, and vegetables. For many children, it will be their only meal today. Again, such a wonderful program. The cooks insisted we have some spaghetti as well, so even though we had just eaten some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, we smiled and huffed down some spaghetti also. We could barely move when we were done. But market is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and there were a few things we needed. So we rolled out of our chairs and down the mountain.

We arrived to market with vendors all along the rocky lane. We exchanged our US money for Haitian and started shopping. Five American dollars equals 200 goudes. 5 goudes is one Haitian dollar. It gets confusing when shopping but a couple of Haitian friends went along with us and helped us out a ton. I bought some crackers and cookies to share with my art students on our last day of class together, and others bought biscuits, candy, frozen kool-aid-ish packs, and more. Keven thought he was buying a small bundle of bananas. Come to find out, not only did he buy three bundles, but we found out when we got back to HAPI that they were plantain, not bananas. It's an easy mistake. They look exactly alike. We still aren't sure how to find out the difference. Bananas are a fruit and plantains are a vegetable similar to a potato, but it's in a banana peel... or at least it looks like one! So the cooks are making us something special with plantains for breakfast tomorrow. :-) I went back and bought a beautiful embroidered aqua blouse I had been eyeing. I plan on wearing it to worship tomorrow.

Once we returned, everyone took some sabbath time. Some napped on their beds, some rocked on the porch, and some took quiet walks. I had been indoors all week teaching and really missed the sun that I typically soak up while here, so I took my blanket outside and spread it on the front grass. I lay there for two hours just resting, as I listened to Webb Seegart's folk/gospel album. It was a glorious afternoon.

Soon dinner was served and the Shalom Singers could be heard out under the pavilion warming up for their concert. We quickly finished our dinner and took our seats in front of the Christian singing group. For two and a half hours they played and sang songs from hymns, to their own rousing Haitian praise music. Everyone was pulled onto the dance floor at one point or another I think, except for Dwain and Craig. The girls danced all night, of course, and Odlin picked up where Darryl left off as my dance partner. A great dancer with natural rhythm. Pre-school age children to elderly women were dancing with joy as songs of Jesus Christ echoed off the tin roof and surrounding concrete outbuildings. A cool evening turned into a sweaty one pretty fast.

Tomorrow's another big day with worship, a trip to a local orphanage, and some time in the ocean. Our time in Haiti is quickly winding down. It was nice to rest today. God is so very good. So very, very good.

Haiti 2012, Day 9: Making Something Out of Nothing

Everyone seemed to get a great night of sleep last night, so morning was a little more spirited than the day or two before. The team was eager to get on site and I was eager to get to Lee's gallery for a day-long workshop. Kelsey decided to come along to assist me with materials, photography, and clean up. Yay! We loaded up two 35 pound suitcases full of goodies onto the back of a motorcycle and sent them on their way with my interpreter to the gallery. Angelica walked through the gate just as Kelsey and I were about to head out, so we went the back way and arrived sooner than we would have along the route I knew.

Long wooden benches were lining the gallery and artists began arriving one by one. By 9:15 am about 5 young men had arrived and Lee seemed a bit nervous so he began making calls. Angelica said Lee had given a stern speech the day before to all his staff about being here on time. It was amazing how over the next 10 minutes people began pouring in. By the end of the day, I think we were about 25 strong. I opened with an ice breaker that would also help me to get to know my students before I began teaching. It was eye opening. I asked each person to share their name and then answer the question "What makes you unique". The first couple of men said they thought differently than others and they acted differently than others, but they didn't say how they thought or what actions made them different. So I began probing deeper. With a little pushing, I got each of them to go deeper and share something that truly did make them unique. Some were teachers, some artists, and some community leaders. Each had a vision of making a difference; some for children, some for their community, and some for the world. It was exciting to hear their passions and how they shared their own perspective on their gifts. It really helped us begin a conversation with each other that would continue throughout the day. I think it helped them find their own voices, as well.

Next I gave a lecture on making something out of nothing, whether that was a lesson plan, a piece of artwork, or a plan of action for a community project. I talked about the need for visionaries in a world where more people follow than lead. They were intense in listening and had some great responses to my questions. I encouraged them to believe in themselves and be bold in their decision making, even if they failed along the way. When I was done with the lecture, I gave them a group assignment to go outside on the property around the gallery and using only what is already there, create something that could be shared during a critique in the afternoon. Simple guidelines: You can't go get something from home. Use only what you find. Work together in teams of 2 or 3. Be creative, imaginative, and if you run into a problem, attempt to solve it as a group. I also laid out a myriad of additional tools, supplies and materials that could be used to support the main object, but these items could not be the bulk of the project.

At first, I received looks like deer in headlights. They politely walked outside and just kind of stood around whispering... and then... someone saw something... and then someone else ran over and started sharing an idea... and the chaos began! It was fascinating to watch as team after team had an "aha" moment and began collecting supporting materials and tools to make it a reality. Over the next hour, every team found a path and began the journey down it. The outcomes were varied, beautiful, hilarious, or touching. A miniature purse was made from a palm reed, a ship was made from a pop bottle, a doll was made from two abandoned non-matching shoes and other trash around the yard, several pieces of jewelry were made from natural objects found outside, a basket was woven, and so much more! Kelsey and I made a fancy couture collar made of banana leaf, paint, embroidery floss, and beads. It was exquisite, if I do say so myself!

We took a break for lunch and ate like kings and queens. Rice and beans, with chicken, pasta salad, spicy slaw, and vegetables were all packed into take out containers and handed out one by one to those attending the day's event. A special cake was bought in Jacmel and topped off the afternoon...beautiful and tasty! Everyone had loosened up by this point and were sitting around having creative conversations over good food. It was a joy to watch and be a part of.

As soon as we finished up, I called everyone back together for our critique. Each group stood and shared their creative process, how they came up with it, and what steps it took to bring it to completion. Some presented with laughter, while others were dead serious like they were trying to sell their product to an investor. It was priceless! After each presentation, the crowd was given an opportunity to ask questions or make comments. Everyone joined in and made the critique a fun and productive event. Many were downright silly and everyone laughed at one point or another. It felt good to be a small part of this creative and proactive community. They are going to change the world, and several of them already were.

Kelsey and I packed up and headed home. It was so nice to be a part of the local landscape and not be stuck behind the concrete wall of the Methodist complex. We walked through an intersection where many vendors are set up and it felt natural to be there. It was a beautiful, sunshiny day and our spirits fell in line with the weather. We were given a large bag of block ice to take back with us (a rarity in Haiti and welcome gift), a bag of fresh mandarin oranges, and a container of cake. These gifts along with the two bags of materials we were already carrying made the walk home a little more arduous, but it was a joy in spite of it.

The rest of the team had a busy day, as well. Doug the Nunderblock Man (said, I am told, like you would say "Wuuunderrrrdooog" or something) came today to make adjustments to the project plans. It seems the original plan had gotten a little off track so in order for it to remain structurally sound, two new posts were added. The good news was that none of the work already completed had to be reversed. It's hard to explain but much is lost in translation. Many words are missing from one language or another and certainly cultural norms and standards are different. So each side of the equation had to show much grace and come to solutions that would benefit the whole. Our co-leader Darryl was very helpful in working toward that new solution. They were all proud to be a part of the process.

After a sometimes stress-filled morning, the afternoon went a little lighter. Our team had been scheming for days on how and when to steal the ladder out of the deep pit when only Haitian workers were down there. Today they had the best opportunity yet so while one of the bossmen were down there alone, Darryl and Earl snagged the ladder and left the poor guy 24' below ground level. Everyone up on the ground level were laughing and luckily, so was the bossman. The joke was on Darryl and Earl though, because it didn't take long for the bossman to climb up a stone wall and basically climbed right out of the vertical pit. My guess is, if the joke was reversed and the Haitians snagged the ladder from our team members, they'd still be down there!

Some of the guys took a short nap before dinner, the girls kicked back in conversation, and I jumped in the shower. It was just the second since leaving home 9 days ago and I was ready. HAPI has a wonderful system of collecting water off the roofs and then having it drop by gravity when the shower valve is opened. I was able to wash my hair and body in no time, though a water heater would have been nice :-) I don't know the temperature of that water, but I do know when a body is over 90 degrees the water feels like 50. Darryl and I both prettied up in preparation for our date night and got cheers from the team. We took a long walk through the village after dinner and got to see a new restaurant and a church being built in the community. That might not sound like much, but you have to understand we are in rural, mountainous Haiti. That would be huge in one of the big cities here but out here.... it's incredible and wonderful and exciting all at the same time. Mizak is investing in itself, believing in dreams, and becoming a community of new realities unfolding. We are so blessed to be here and see it happening.

Many were out tonight for language lessons and laughter was long and deep. Shalom Singers met together under the pavilion to work on some lyrics and prepare for tomorrow night's concert. We all had a bit of the leftover cake and appreciated the company around us. It's hard to believe our days here are winding down. It always takes so long to get here, the last thing you want is for it to fly by. Tomorrow a hundred or more children will arrive for Peace Pals. We will be leading a craft project, a few songs, and acting out the scripture with the kids. Better get some sleep. It will be a crazy morning.

Haiti 2012, Day8: It All Comes Together

After a long night and lot of broken sleep, Pastor Craig led us in devotion, somehow believing we would have enough brains to answer bible trivia at 7 am. Instead he quizzed and mostly answered himself, although I did get one right, sort of, kind of. Breakfast went quick and soon Angelica had arrived as our morning tour guide. We headed off to THEE infamous hill near the soccer field on the way to Shiloh. Just a turn or two off the road, the foliage opened up to a small, wonderful school for low income children. Our friend Lee has been helping to keep the school afloat for the past year, and we were able to help last year while in Mizak. So this year Lee wanted us to actually see the school that we had helped. It was amazing how many classrooms were there, and how excited the children where to learn. They opened the day raising the Haitian flag and singing their national anthem in unison. It was a very special moment to see; such pride in children who actually have a chance at a future. Next they recited the 23rd Psalm before closing with a short church song. Then they scurried off like ants into their classrooms.

By classroom I mean tarped off quadrants of a basic two by four structure with no interior or exterior walls, covered by galvinized steel roofing panels. Yet the smiles on their faces and the pride in their "salutes" would make you think they were in a state-of-the-art American built educational facility. Education is not a right in Haiti, but a privilege. Only children whose parents can afford tuition are afforded an education. But through gracious donors this school affords an education for a mere 5 dollars per year; less than 1/20th the regular tuition. Donors are also now making it possible for each child to get a warm lunch each day. It is incredible work they are doing here. We thanked everyone for their hospitality and headed out in two separate directions; one to the work site and the other to the co-op.

Angelica graciously walked me to the co-op the back way, and we had some nice conversation out on the grass while waiting for the grounds keeper to unlock the gates. Harold, my interpreter, went the extra mile and spent the evening before, hunting for natural items to share with class today. He had a bag full of leather-like heart shape leaves, perfectly spherical pods the size of marbles, and several other oddities I have never seen before. I was so excited at his interest and his willingness to search on his own and bless our class. What a guy!

Soon the doors were open and artists were dragging out all the supplies, eager to start a new day. Today's lesson plan included calbas, cocoye, and other natural God-given materials. I began with demonstrations with each of the tools and how they could be used. Then we began breaking up the calbas into individual pieces for each student. Their next assignment was to draw on paper what their designs would look like, including detailed accessories, like beads, sequins, wire wrapping, and cord. They did a wonderful job putting their ideas to paper. The next step was turning their shards into the designs on their paper. At first it was a slow process, but their second, third, fourth to seventh went much smoother. Their confidence was difficult to build but each compliment they where given, seemed to fuel them for the next. Designs began in basic shapes and soon transitioned to more organic, creative shapes. I ran the drill all day, still not comfortable putting it in their hands. Lessons will still come before I leave, so they can continue to use it after I am long gone.

The day ended with upwards of twenty artists continuing to create with no end in sight. I figured their families where looking for them, so I eventually let them know it was probably time to go. After sharing that I would be at Lee's gallery tomorrow teaching a workshop, we agreed we all needed one more day together. So Monday we will be painting and saying our good-byes. We will also have an art show with any of the new creations that do not sell at Sunday morning's Artisan Market. Stephanie and Ash where kind enough to stick around for a couple hours and help me pack up in preparation for Lee's gallary. We had some great conversation about counseling, mission work, and spending time in Haiti. They had been inspecting the messenger bags that had been ordered by general conference, as the artist completed each one. Small holes in the burlap were hand sewn by the two of them, as they were found. Steph and Ash are both a wonderful addition to the Mizak community.

Darryl and Jaime showed up wondering if I had gotten lost. I was thrilled to have two more sets of hands to help carry all the supplies back to the HAPI complex. Everyone else had already eaten dinner but left plenty for the three of us. Other than one of the dogs performing a circus act and jumping three foot into the air while completing a triple sow-cow (ice skater trick) before stealing the chicken leg off of my rice mound on the platter in my hand, the rest of the evening was quiet and calm. I am told much work was accomplished at the work site today, as well. Pastor Craig did his best to start a war between the United States and Haiti by throwing (dropping) a bucket off the cranium off of one of the Haitian workers down in the cistern pit. Lucky we are in a peace zone, and the two shared greetings and hugs by the end of the work day. We are all anxious to see what kind of job Craig will be given tomorrow.

The team sifted some black sand, lots of bucket brigades where placed into action again, and several mentions that the Haitians seemed to have a more comfortable and humorous attitude today. Possibly they had gotten over a hump and felt progress was being made once again. Everyone certainly was becoming more like friends than strangers, as the days continued to pass by at a breakneck pace. Complete strangers on day one become brothers and sisters by day twelve. The women accomplished a lot today, as well. They washed dirty clothes for more than twenty people, all playing in red clay each day. It is amazing how clean they actually get things with a tub of water, some soap, and their hands. Tomorrow is another new day and the end of the work week, minus possibly a few hours Saturday morning. Another day, another night, Day 8.

Haiti 2012, Day 7: Singing in the Rain

We were told first thing that breakfast would be a little late, but it would be worth it. They were right. It arrived almost an hour later than normal and it was delicious! Pumpkin Soup! Think the inside of a pumpkin pie before you put it in the oven, only warm, with fresh potatoes, carrots, onions, and little chicken thrown in. I've had it before without the chicken and I fell in love with it! Add Haitian peanut butter on fresh artisan bread and a fresh off the tree bananas and... well, I'll follow you anywhere! Merci cooks!!

So Harold was sitting on his moto out front waiting for me before breakfast was done, so I scurried through the packing process and jumped on for my ride to the Artisan's Co-op. We arrived today to open gates so we were able to begin setting up right away. Artists began arriving, one to two at a time. We spent the first good hour trying to get all the fabric beads off the skewers. Lesson of the day: take them off the day before, after a day of drying and before a night of shrinking. ARGH!! Broke both thumb nails trying to push them near the base, and still lost probably 1 in every 6 beads as the outer bead moved but the inner layers stuck to the skewer. Nothing like starting the day unraveling the prior day's work. But we saved most of them by simply cutting off the inner loose fabric and having a larger hole in the center of the bead.

Then we began the process of designing the layout of each necklace: bead, doll, bead, doll, bead, doll, etc. Talked alot about color and pattern. The ladies did a great job interpreting their own piece. Once the design was complete, then we threaded cord through each of them, being sure each doll was looking in the same direction and we didn't have a back of a head, instead of a face showing forward. Next I showed them an easy way to make their own clasp with knots, a bead, and a loop rather than attaching a factory made clasp. They had a great time tying knots and figuring out the correct size of the needed loop. We had a fashion show with each finished product, admiring each other's work.

Next we moved to our paper beads and repeated the process of designing the layout, threading, and creating their own clasp. After giving this second assignment, I jumped on the moto with Francois to head to market. Market is only in action on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so this was my only chance to get a few supplies we needed for our projects. The sights and sounds are enticing, but I was on a mission and had a classroom of eager students back at the co-op waiting for me. I actually found one vendor with all the items I needed, except elastic. Never did find that. We quickly headed back to class with a bag of scrub brushes, tooth brushes, soap, and brillo pads for the afternoon project of cleaning the calbas.

As I arrived back, the ladies followed all directions to the T and were excited to show me their work. We moved onward to earrings and soon we were ready to begin scrubbing. A mother and her young daughter, maybe 8 years old, began scrubbing like wild women. It didn't take long for one of the elderly ladies to join in, and then another and another. Before long suds were a flying, and so were the songs. I asked Harold to ask the women if any of them sang...good. They all replied "yes". They weren't kidding. After they asked me what type of music I liked, they all started singing. Did I mention it was beginning to rain? There is something magical about a group of women on their knees, scrubbing like crazy, while singing in the rain. The more I swayed, the more encouragement they received, and the more songs I would get. Before you knew it, not only were all the calbas washed, but all the cocoye was stripped and smoothed. It's a simple process of using one shard of coconut to scrap another. Long strings loosen and can then be pulled off. Eventually the strings are gone and the texture can be scraped even smoother. A great base to begin making jewelry.

The sprinkles never really turned into a downpour so we cleaned up walked home together, sharing a can of Pringles potato chips. I even got a pic of me and a cow on the way. I call that a good day! When I arrived back at the HAPI complex, I headed right to the work site to take today's pics and help the team again. When I arrived, all in sight were Haitians. So I politely asked if a foto would be okay and began clicking away. The block had been laid in the bottom of the cistern and a bucket brigade was in action, loading fresh made concrete along the edges. Everyone was smiling and seemed to feel good about their accomplishments. They had every right. A good day's work, for sure.

When I returned to the pavilion, I found the rest of the team. When it began raining earlier, the bossman had released them for the day. When I told them the Haitians were still working, they seemed shocked! I told them to relax and know their work was appreciated. They shared stories of bucket brigade after bucket brigade, along with speed rock lines. Rocks were from baseball size to watermelons, weighing 1/2 to 10 pounds each. It seemed aim was not so good and several got hit. Luckily our team is all tough and a little loss of skin didn't ruin friendships. In fact, they were all laughing about their battle scars. Craig and Kevin seemed to make the grade today and moved up to bossman pets, as they were invited to work down in the cistern itself. So far all our team was kept at ground level. They felt pretty good about their accomplishment.

The rains continued here and there through early evening and the drying laundry wasn't staying very dry, so several team members help Ulrick begin bringing it in before they were as wet as they had begun early in the day. Dinner was absolutely delicious once again. I know it sounds like I keep raving about the food in a form of exaggeration, but I'm serious. I handed out hugs to the cooks tonight. It was that good. Black beans and rice, with red sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, fried plantain and chicken legs, and a tasty and beautiful beet/potato salad. Aimob brought us a platter of Casino cookies with strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla creme layer between two vanilla biscuits.

The girls are sitting around having language lessons once again, as other young people are playing cards or just carrying on conversations. The rest of the team is sitting around in pairs or trios, reading emails, sharing pics with family, or talking about the day's work. Earl got to see the first pic of his new granddaughter, Phoebe. What a joy! Another night. Another day. Day 7.

Haiti 2012, Day 6: Candy Hearts, Chocolates, and Bead-Kabobs

Oh, to wake up feeling wonderful once again! There is a different sense of appreciation for feeling normal when you have come through a day of feeling anything but normal. It is a new day. Hallelujah! Haitians celebrate Valentine’s as well, so a few candy hearts went this way and that across the porch first thing. My dear hubby gave me probably the most beautiful card he has ever given me… in addition to a heart shaped box of chocolates. Oh, to be in love! Kelsey’s mom remembered all of us once again by sending candy hearts, as well. By 8 am the team was off to the work site so I walked over to get a couple pics before heading out for art classes at the Co-op. As soon as I returned to Paul’s I heard Harold’s moto coming closer. Today’s load was going to be a lot lighter after leaving all the art supplies at the Co-op the day before. So Harold offered me a ride this time; two grown men and a grown woman all on one small motorcycle. But hey, it worked! Bumps seemed bumpier but it’s just a short ride, less than 5 minutes.

When we arrived, the artisan’s complex was still locked up so Harold and I pulled up a cinder block and talked for a while. Soon, the grounds keeper showed up and began sweeping the porch and patio area. Still no keys to get inside and set up, so again, realizing we were on Haitian time, we kicked back and enjoyed the morning breeze. One by one the women began arriving, one of which had a key. So the doors opened and we all began bringing out supplies for a second day of art classes. Once all the supplies were laid out, I began with a short demonstration of putting jump rings on our miniature dolls from the day before. Then we moved on to creating fabric beads with deco-page. Part of the instruction was on coordination of fabrics so the beads would enhance the miniature dolls that would be incorporated into the same piece. The final piece would have a fabric bead, then doll, then bead, doll, bead, doll, bead, etc. They did a great job of coming up with pleasing combinations and spent the next several hours cutting long, long, skinny triangles of fabric, maybe ½” wide and 18” long and then rolling them around a wooden skewer with a 50/50 solution of white glue and water. The final product reminded me of shish-kabobs, so we began referring to them as bead-kabobs.

As we transitioned into afternoon, we took the same technique and applied to paper beads. Because paper is much thinner than fabric, these beads were longer and flatter.

I kept asking the ladies to make them smaller, but they didn’t adjust much. So I tossed out a competition for a prize, telling them that the student who makes the most “petite” bead would take home the prize. That was all I had to say! Beads got smaller and smaller with one student after another bringing them to me for inspection. The winner’s bead was just maybe 3/8” long with 3 others coming real close but a bit longer.

We ended the day with a demonstration on how to stretch our own canvas. If they are able to get a hold of any cotton duck, even denim, and a bucket of gesso (heavy white acrylic sizing agent), they will be able to prepare their own canvas for paintings at a very minimal cost. Our figures today told us small paintings would have a cost of a mere .30 with large 2’ x 2½’ costing maybe $2. If they enjoy making these, and can get the supplies at a fair cost, they may even be able to make them and sell them to other local artists outside the HAPI Artisan Co-op. Another great opportunity for entrepreneurship!

We wrapped up the day and after cleaning up the beautiful mess we had made, Stephanie and I walked back to the Methodist complex to check on the others. The work team had been sifting gravel through screens once again, in addition to mixing concrete and pouring the floor in the new cistern. The bucket brigade was called into action to get the concrete from point A to point B, and by the looks of their clothes, they splashed as much as they transported. I am told the receiving end of the bucket brigade did their best to amuse themselves by going through the alphabet for this topic or the other, such as countries, boys and girls names, and fruit. My guess is, the Haitians who knew a bit of englise’ probably thought the team was nearing heat stroke.

When I arrived, oversize concrete blocks were being carried one by one to the work site. The dilemma arose of how to get each block to the bottom of the pit. At first they carried them down a handmade wood ladder. That didn’t last long before ingenuity burgeoned. Next, they tried a 1” x 12” x 24’ as a slide. They worried about the block falling off the side, so they tried laying a second on its side to create an edge but that didn’t work either. You could hear 12-15 Haitians all brainstorming together. It was quite a lively conversation. The final invention entailed sliding a block down the 24’ length of board into a soft pile of loose gravel dust as a cushion. Before the cushion was added, 1 in about every 4 blocks broke when they hit bottom. But the new cushioned technique seemed to have a better outcome. After having another lively discussion on how the start laying the block in the bottom of the cistern, the day wrapped up and we all went back home for the night.

A delicious dinner including creamed cornmeal, white rice, and a chicken with greens stew rounded out the night. It looks like it’s going to be a quiet night on the porch. Some are playing games, some just gabbing, while others are sitting in rockers, happy to just be. Hard to believe when we wake tomorrow we will be past half way in our trip. My how time flies when you are enjoying life with friends… and one more thought: one of our team members Earl Miller is now officially a grandfather!! He just called home on the satellite phone and got the exciting news. The reception wasn’t good, so all he knows is Phoebe Jane is here!! More news to come…

Haiti 2012, Day 5: I Said "Take Sabbath"

The day started out bright and early as everyone on the team was eager to get to work on the new project. By 8 am, everyone was dressed, fed, and ready to go. We were surprised to have spaghetti and spam for breakfast, along with fresh bananas, peanut butter covered bread, and some really, really, really, sweet coffee. But I have to say, we were all highly impressed, except for the coffee. So the team went around the back side of the Methodist complex to the new work site. Last year we walked a good half hour to the site each day, down and up another mountain. It is nice to just walk out back and be ready to go. Considering my and Pastor Craig's calves are killing us, thank you Jesus! I guess pastors sit too much.

I packed up all my art supplies and tools for the projects I had planned and had them all lined up on Pastor Paul's porch. The long term missionary interns, Ash and Stephanie, would be joining. I definitely couldn't get it all there myself with one suitcase weighing about 35 pounds, another at 20, and two bags weighing about the same. I got antsy waiting for our 8:30 departure, so I headed over to get a few morning pics of the work site before heading out. It was a delight to see the team all carrying re-rod and lumber to the site. Local Haitian workers were everywhere, already at work. It is amazing how many jobs have been created by this project. If I heard them right, they will have full time employment for the entire year! I can't remember the number, but I will get it and share it with all of you. It is impressive to see.

I knew I was pushing into my travel time, so I headed back around the front of the complex to find my good old friend Harold. He interpreted for us last year when the team separated into two different work sites, and we got along great. Harold was born in Haiti but lived in the US for many years with his family. He moved back a few years ago because he missed the vista and slower pace to raise his family. He's around my age and has a painful limp so he is drove around on a moto (motorcycle). I didn't see Stephanie or Ash yet and it was nearing 9, when we begin the first day of art lessons, so Harold offered to take the two large bags on the moto and I headed out with the other two. The Artisans complex is just maybe a 15 minute walk, so I could pull off without much fanfare.

When I arrived, two of the artists were on site and it didn't take long for another 16 or so to arrive behind them. I had a lot to set up and Harold had a quick errand so I told him to go ahead and I'd be fine. His quick errand ended up taking 2 hours and I definitely wasn't going to pull this one off! But God is good, cause Stephanie showed up like she was riding a white horse and wearing a white hat! She was fantastic! She helped me show the artists each of the possible projects and what tools would be needed for each. I then asked them to take a look at them all and let me know which one excited them the most. That would be the one we would start with today.

It was a resounding answer for today's project: petite family dolls. Now when I say petite, I mean petite. Each doll is no taller than one inch. Similar to South America's worry dolls, these had match stick size bodies covered in fabric and embroider floss. But they are different in nationality and purpose. We chose very bright Haitian cottons in a multitude of colors and prints and the hair was made by dipping the tip of the doll into a mixture of earth and black paint. It gave a wonderful texture that looked very authentic. The artists really seemed to enjoy the technique. Little belts were tied around the boys at waist high and the girls got a bow higher up under their breast. A metal finding was pushed through the top and once it dries, we'll be grouping them on cord in different family sets as a reminder to pray for your family members. So dads and moms were a little taller and boys and girls came in various shorter heights. The ladies really seemed to enjoy the project. They would get chatting so loud it was almost like a party!

I left home feeling just a little odd, but not sick. I've been to Haiti enough to listen to my body and trust that odd can easily become all out tossing cookies and living in the outhouse sick. So I brought my antibiotic along, just in case. In case happened. Within an hour of arrival, I was going down hill fast. I continued to instruct the women with the next step, as I could, and then would run outside for a while, and then return and repeat. Eventually, it was hard to stand and the cold sweats had begun. The artisans made me up a beautiful bed with gentleness and care, so I laid down for a bit. When I heard the chatter lower, I would simply drag myself back to the work room and give them a few more instructions for the next step. Harold was back and doing awesome in helping me get across the instructions in break neck speed. He would repeat my instructions in my stead, when I was off doing my thing again. Finally, just before noon, Harold told me he had called Pastor Paul for a moto to pick me up. Although I declined, Pastor Paul insisted...and a good call he made.

The afternoon only got worse and worse and I spent the rest of the day in bed. Was able to roll out about 7 pm and actually sit upright on the porch. Moved to saltines and coke about 5 and we were still friends. So pics are few today and info on the other team's work site will have to come from...well, the rest of the team! So here goes their sharing:

This is Whitney, Kelsey, Nina, and Jaime from Musac, Haiti, so if we don't sound fancy smanshy it's because it's us and not Melany. So today began with spam & delicous spaghetti, hot sauce of course, mangerines, the good kind of bread, sugary coffee, and pineapple juice stuff. We ate up and headed out to the Merlet Center. Things started off slow but hey man, it's Haitian time, ya gotta love it. Paul prayed with us all and then the "travay," or work consumed us. We moved really biiiig boards of wood and rebar from the HAPI complex ALLLL the way to the worksite. (really close actually) We watched as they started to compact all the foundation in the center of the building that is where we found our job of hailing dirt to the low spots. etc. ect. This is now Kelsey's journal entry:

"Today we moved lots of sandy dirt to all of thee low spots so they could use the Wackernueson to pound the dirt down on the whole floor and inside of all the footers. We also sifted this dirt into a rocky pile and a soft sand pile for cement mixing in the days to come. We felt very accomplished and like we had lots of fun by the end of the work day when the whistle sounded. Now I am sitting on the porch listening to Doris take a break from her homework to tease her sister Majena. Jaime is practicing Creole with Whit with her offical book. Now, we are going to the Pavillion to hang out.

Later, I headed up to the boys room to charge my phone so I could listen to music. While I was there, I saw Melany getting must needed rest. :) I also just saw the guys chilling out and sat with my dad for awhile. we all talked together until another delicious dinner was ready. We had dark rice and beans tonight with plantans, french fries, chicken, and that amazing red sauce. Now that dinner is done there is an intense Uno game going on at the table as the adults settle into their places for the evening."

Now we are typing on the porch and Haitians are confusing us as they copy every word we say, but in Creole. We are making them say fake words, like Nina's language. Yeah so peace out American. We love Haiti! We are blessed beyond belief. God bless <3

Haiti 2012, Day 4: His Love Endures Forever

We woke early, ate breakfast and headed out to the HAPI Artisan's Shop before worship. It's just maybe a 15 minute walk from the Methodist complex and the sun was already shining brightly. We worked up a sweat, for sure. Luckily Jaime warned us not to get into our church clothes until we returned.

When we arrived, there were probably 10 artists on hand, with blankets or tables spread with incredible, beautiful, and delightful wares. There were little people painted on wood that can sit on window sills; woven baskets, place mats, purses, and bowls; paintings on canvas and metal; clothing made of linen and hand embroidered for men and women alike; plenty of beaded or woven bracelets, necklaces, and earrings; some adorable hand embroidered and sewn dolls; carved and varnished wooden goblets, plates, bowls, and vases; and so much more. I bought a fun purse made of scrap material pieces, a few pairs of beaded earrings from an artist I met on the way to Basin Bleu the day before, an adorable Haitian dolly for my new granddaughter, a hilarious woven toy on an elastic rope to toss all over the place for my oldest grandson Dane, and a beautiful cell phone neck pouch woven from natural fibers...and all for $51!

Everyone else found lots of wonderful items, as well, supporting the local artisans with compliments and encouragement. Soon we headed back to the complex to wash up, change our clothes, and prepare to worship. The seats were all filled as men, women, young adults, and children filled the pavilion. The incredible praise band "The Shalom Singers" was already playing hymns and praise songs. Pastor Paul had planned on interpreting the entire service, so he gave us the nod and we started in. I opened with a greeting and welcome, then the band added a song. Earl read some scripture and led us in prayer. I gave the message on Psalm 118 as we praised God, realizing his love does endure forever! The band played again after the message. Then each of the girls, Nina, Whitney, Jaime, and Kelsey gave their testimony to why they were praising God today. They did awesome as each of them spoke from the heart. Then Pastor Craig led the prayers for the people. Darryl closed up the worship with more scripture before the band ended in a rousing rendition of "Amen!" They continued to play for another hour as we walked around greeting and hugging the Haitians. An elderly woman began to dance with me. What an honor. After dancing with another elder woman and a few kids, I stood back and just took it all in. The girls all were dancing for the entire hour, swinging kids around in circles, holding their hands, smiling from ear to ear as they continued to praise God for all his provision. So exciting. So praise filled. So worship.

Eventually the band wore down, even though the girls and the kids had not yet. We grabbed a quick snack as a platter of fresh papaya was brought out for us, as well. Then we packed up water bottles and hit the trail to see the two houses our team had worked on last year. We are a foundation team, mostly. Not by choice. It's just what we seem to be called to do most often. It's a great feeling to get a project started and see hope on the recipients faces, but rarely do we get to see the finished products. So we headed down the mountain and back up another to see both Mona's and Gertrude's homes. They were stunning. So much care to detail. So much love went into each square foot. It was a joy to have this opportunity to see them.

Then we headed over to Lee's new art gallery. Lee encourages and supports local artists and sells their wares. I had ordered a painting last year, so I wanted to pick that up also. Everyone ooh-ed and ahhh-ed as we went from room to room in the gallery. There were wood carved pens, paintings on canvas, beaded jewelry, drums, maracas, and gourd guitars. Amazing the wide range of talent and gifts represented in this one gallery. Lee has done a wonderful job. I'll be back on Friday to teach a workshop called "Making Something Out Of Nothing".

After that we headed up, up, and up the mountain...and then up some more. It is a steep one, that's for sure! Eventually we made it home and most everyone took a good sabbath. The girls got in a nap, along with a few of the guys. Some played dominoes or football, while others just sat on the porch and rocked in the warm afternoon breeze. I had a full day of work ahead of me getting my art classes laid out project by project. But it was an enjoyable task. Starting tomorrow I get to play, play and play some more...as the rest of the team heads off to work on the new community center. As Earl said, "and we have been playing for days now and tomorrow we start to work, work, work." :-)

The little kids went home early tonight, so it's quieter than normal tonight. Crickets seem to know englise' as they sound very similar to ours at home. Tomorrow's a big day. Let the play...and the work...begin. His love endures forever. No question there.