The Last Day

Today we did a combination of working and relaxing. In the morning, the men continued to work on the tech building. Joanne and Linda spent the morning at the school, and the rest of the women did some odd jobs around the property.

Some of us went to the beach for the afternoon, and walked in the water among the jelly fish. It was concerning at first, but nobody got stung.

We went to the church service this evening, which was inspiring, seeing the Hatians pour their hearts into their worship. Lisa also prayed for the team, and for safe travel home.

All in all it was a less busy, but good day to end our trip.

As we get ready to head home in the morning (or shall I say in the middle of the night), we are reflecting on this journey. For myself, it was a very fulfilling experience to come to Haiti and serve God here by showing His love to these people in a very practical way.

I will be glad though to be home again with my family, but I know that I will always treasure this experience, and will see things from a new perspective.

Lori Fehr

Full Day, Full Hearts

Short blog today, just some highlights.  Just wanted to let everyone know we finally got a chance to go and look at the south compound where our boys built the wall on the last trip.  It’s a fantastic property and the wall around it is long.  It’s hard to believe just how far that wall goes.  And the property is beautiful.  It was nice to be able to sit there with the plans and start to visualize just what Haiti Arise has envisioned for this piece of land.  It is extremely exciting!

We’ve got one more day of work tomorrow, and it’s been very gratifying to see the building projects that are being accomplished.  The tech center came a long way while we were here.  We poured a lot of floor, built stairs, platforms, columns, and walls are starting to come up on the second level.  Today was another pouring day and we were able to convince the Haitian crew to use wheelbarrows instead of doing by buckets.  That made the process so much faster and easier.  Teaching process and technique seems to be a very significant part of the training process.

VBS was a success today.  Jonnie was leading the large group portion of the program.  He is amazing with the kids and really knows how to pump them all up!  It is so loud when the kids get going together.  The kids were amazed at the magic tricks, loved the face painting, and always love getting sent home with a special treat.  Things went very smooth with that program today.  Our team enjoyed the kids reaction to the magic tricks, but really got a kick out of the translator’s  reaction, he was astounded by the magic and it just came out in his expression.

Mannie was the name of  that magic loving translator.  Darrell and I were chatting with him earlier about music and worship.  In addition to translating Mannie is one of the key worship musicians here.  He has a passion to serve God, and humbly use his gifts in the church.  I’d also like to say he’s very talented and plays the keys very well.  I’ve really appreciated getting to know him through the worship training times, playing music together, and just through informal conversations.  These personal kind of connections are the things that help you see the hope in Haiti and the passion for God in the church here at Haiti Arise.

We also had another chance to do some house dedications.  Today we went and prayed for two different families who had been blessed with housing projects through Haiti Arise.  One widow shared with us her very difficult journey.  She had a beautiful house, but after her husband died, and after the earthquake she was left with nothing.  Despite these setbacks she resolved in her heart to trust in God.  And now today she was able to give testimony to the fact that God cares for her.  She has six kids in a small three room house, not much by our standards, yet we were able to share in her joy today.  These are the things that Haiti Arise is doing in the community. They are meeting practical needs and makes me blessed as part of our church to be a part of this partnership.

Ok, maybe the blog was not so short.  Tomorrow is our final push.  You can tell everyone is getting tired and are starting to get ready to head home.  Pray we have a great final day, and make the most of our work and our worship with this final opportunity.  May God be glorified in us as we work in Haiti, and I trust we’ll bring a piece of that glory home with us to bless our country as well.

Pastor Lorn Gieck

Beware of Jelly Beans, Face Paint and Chickens!!

Today was a very busy day…cleaning up the campus grounds, teaching at the school, preparing for another big pour at the tech school tomorrow, VBS and a church service that was to start at 5:00 and ended at 7:45.

So, we became aware of some new dangers today.  Breanna and Johnna discovered just how aggressive, disgruntled face paint recipients can be.  Although there were clear rules and translators available, B and J were swarmed (and not in a gentle, take your turn fashion).  Later, Breanna and Johnna handed out jelly beans at the gate.  Apparently this is a high risk activity that quickly required the guards to intervene as they were pinched and pushed and grabbed  etc.  Luckily the guards were able to save B and J before serious injury.  Joanne has a new respect for hens with new chicks.  She got a little too close to the babies, I guess, or so Mama Hen thought.  It’s just a good thing that Joanne was carrying a stack of plates that she used to shield herself as the chicken flew at her chest.

I have had an amazing experience working in the elementary school and doing a little teacher training.  I spend most of my school time working with a 2^nd grade teacher in his classroom.  Johnny is a wonderful teacher and I am so impressed with how much he does with so little.  His class has 32 students ranging in age from 7 – 14.  Johnny is 21 years old and has been teaching for 4 years.  The classrooms have one solid front wall and half walls dividing the classrooms.  They do a LOT of reciting and memorizing (loudly) so you may be able to imagine how loud it is in the classrooms. French is the language taught in school here. I brought French books for Johnny’s classroom and I’m quite sure that the students have not seen books before except for the little reciting books that they have (very small print and no pictures).  It has been so much fun to watch them get so excited about having books to read.   Sometimes, we read to the children under a mango tree.  I read a book in English and Johnny reads the same book in French.  The children are very sweet and really affectionate.  It doesn’t take long to become pretty attached.  I will definitely miss them when we leave.

I just have to say that we have such an amazing team.  What a huge blessing to work alongside a group of faithful servants of God.  This is an incredible, growing, stretching, humbling, eye opening, and fun experience.   God is very evident in this place!!!

Linda Sawatzky

My Favorite Day Thus Far (Johnna’s Turn Again)

I loved today. We got to participate in a VBS with the California team. We started by teaching them some songs we knew, then they sang us a few. Wow did they put us to shame! These kids know how to dance and shout. I got to do face painting which was so fun. The smiles on their faces when I showed them themselves in the mirror melted my heart. Their favorite seemed to be the moustaches we put on them. At one point the booth was so swarmed with kids that I looked over and saw a couple with brushes starting to paint themselves. Oh boy.

In the afternoon we got to do a house dedication with Pastor Marc. The lady whose house we went to, Sister Luc, is one of the cooks at Haiti Arise. Her house was completely destroyed in the earthquake. Haiti Arise has built her a new house and she moves in on Saturday! The house is beautiful. She even has a little rock garden up front. We prayed over her and the house and Marc gave her the keys. It was one of the best things I have ever witnessed. I had tears in my eyes the whole time. She was so thankful and made sure to give every one of us a hug before we left.

After supper we got to go to the future South Campus. What a back drop that land has! Mountains and palm trees line the amazing fence that the Cornerstone men helped to build. One day I hope to come back and see the finished product.

Before bed we will have our daily card game with Roy, the building superintendant who runs the show at the tech school. This is another one of my favorite times. These people have become our little family away from our families.

The end of our trip is coming so fast, it is bittersweet for me. I have fallen in love with Haiti.

Johnna Koroluk

Sunday at Haiti Arise

So church starts early here with Sunday School at 8am.  To our sensibilities it is as loud and chaotic as everything else in Haiti.  I took part during an adult Sunday School class where they were studying the life of Peter.  There were about 20 guys in one of the school classrooms listening to their teacher.  There is a thin plywood wall separating each “room” and it’s completely open above that.  The teacher next to us was getting quite excited about the content and as his volume went up, so did ours.  It was a good lesson though, and they were very serious about getting into God’s word.

Church began at 9 and went until about 11:30.  It started with loud, exuberant music.  They have a really good team of musicians here, and they play well despite the lack of quality instruments.  They had a child dedication, at offering they bring their money to the front, but for the most part it felt like a familiar format for a worship service.  I preached, and I think it went well.  Mark was enthusiastic, and said it was very powerful.  He wondered if I preached like that at home.  Joanne, informed him that I was a lot more mellow at home, but she wants to see more Haitian preaching when we get back.  She also expects a translator.  All I can say is, I adjusted for inflation.

In the afternoon a few of us went to Tapion (apparently it’s on Google Earth).  This is a church of about 100-150 children that they have on a little hill outside of Grand Goave at about four in the afternoon.  When we showed up no one was in sight, but they slowly trickled in until it was all full.  The leaders have their hands full, as one teaches, and the other kind of Police’s the environment.  Boys will be boys even in Haiti, as they poked and prodded each other, and would inevitably need separating.  The little kids in the front row would start to nod off in the front row, and then they would either be woken up, or move to sit with some of the older girls.  Linda and Brianna held babies for most of the time, until we got them up in front of everyone to help with the action song we sang – Darrell rocking the guitar.

Those that stayed back at the compound were undergoing training for the VBS that begins tomorrow.  Lori was glad for the orientation as there was a lot to know.  The California team is heading that part up, and it’s been great to see our team pitch in and assist.  They even know the songs!  We’ll be sure to get that on video.  Right now the guys are at the table getting their heads into what’s going to happen on the jobsite tomorrow.

It’s been a perfect break, and I think we’ll be ready for more hard work tomorrow.  It’s encouraging to see the love for God as we worshiped together today and the desire to see the gospel go out into the world.  That is a passion we share with the people of Haiti.  So pray for us as we work tomorrow, and that God would be glorified with our efforts.

Pastor Lorn Gieck

The Kathy Janzen Report

WOW! Where do I begin?  First of all I can’t believe its Saturday and all the work we’ve accomplished in 3 full days of working already.  It’s been fun working with the Haitian men and how they enjoy joking around with each other but at the same time work so hard.  Believe me, our guys cannot keep up with them.

Today most of our team headed to market this morning (some stayed to work). We walked in groups of 6 with our interpreter Manny.  The only way I could remember his name is Manny the Mammoth from Ice Age.   It was a long, hot walk.  Once we got to the market it was very overwhelming.  Crowded, stuffy, hot, and in some areas very smelly, but surprisingly I felt safe.  Maybe not of all us felt that way.  Linda, Darrell and Joanne exchanged their American money for Goudes to make their very precious purchases (Jessica we helped Darrell buy you a dress J).  We visited a bakery where they were kind enough to demonstrate how they “knead” the bread.  It reminded me of the old ringer washing machines they used in the 1930s where you put your clothes through the 2 rollers to squeeze the water out.  Well…that’s how they did, one guy put the huge slab of dough in between the rollers and two very buff men used cranks to roll the dough through.  And when I say buff, I mean those guys did not have an ounce of fat on them.  It takes 15 minutes to do that one huge slab of dough.  And then they start again.   And remember this is in a concrete building with no fans, and a hot oven inside as well.  We kindly tipped the owner for allowing us to come in observe and to take some pictures. The most disgusting thing we saw was raw chicken and fish sitting in the open sun with flies on them.  I really didn’t feel like eating chicken again tonight after seeing that (and we didn’t, we had goat).

From all the sweating we did walking to and from the market we were refreshed at the beach this afternoon.  It was just another reminder of the beautiful creation God has given us.  The beautiful water, the gorgeous scenery of mountains, greenery and beautiful Haitian people.  Again, it was another experience just getting to the beach.  Some walked, but most hopped on the back of the truck box and made our very bumpy ride to the beach.  Once we disembarked from the truck box most of went into the refreshing water.  AND the vendors followed us to our beach spot in hopes for some purchases.  We had one guy play some songs with a leaf in between his lips while he held his tray of seashells.  I felt sorry for him because no one was buying anything but he and his friend were thrilled when Michelle gave them bracelets that had the name Canada on them.  Some of us ended up with sunburns and one I believe has a little heat or sun stroke (I won’t say who so as not to worry anyone – they’ll be just fine).

As we start each new day I’m curious to know how God will use each of us.  I’ve enjoyed watching everyone use the skills and gifts that they have to help. But I’m also pleased to see those who do not have skills try new things, work hard, and help get the job done.  I’m so glad that my husband and I took this opportunity to come on this trip.  Continue to pray for each one of us and for Pastor Lorn who will be preaching tomorrow in church.

Kathy Janzen

Cornerstone Blog, April 13th, 2012 – The Big Concrete Pour

So today was a big day!  We poured a floor 8 inches thick, over an area of about 1500 square feet.  It was on the second floor, and all the concrete was mixed, carried, and poured by hand.  All I can say is that my arms feel like rubber, and my legs are shredded.  Even as I attempted to clean up tonight, I’m finding concrete dust in places one would never dream concrete should ever dare go.  We started at 8am and went straight through till 6pm.  Which was fascinating in and of itself because 4pm is quitting time for the Haitian work crew.  They shut the whole process down for about an hour while the negotiated the wages for overtime.  It was quite exciting as they expressed themselves in very dynamic ways.  We didn’t really have a clue what was going on, just that everyone is yelling, and everyone is a bit tense.  It was actually quite interesting to see firsthand the kinds of things Mark and his team here are facing as they attempt to build something positive here in Haiti.  We need to continue to pray for the ministry here, because it has some very unique challenges.

I had my third day of teaching with the worship team here.  They continue to be very engaged students, and very encouraging in how they respond and think through the things that are being taught.  We have time for questions at the end of each session, and they come up with some really good ones.  One young leader, in response to the scriptures we were working through, expressed his desire to see really change in regards to the ministry of worship here in his church and community.  I was excited to be able to challenge him, and encourage him to serve God faithfully, and to continue to pursue with his pastor (that would be Pastor Mark) the big vision that is being formed here at Haiti Arise.

I think that’s the exciting part for me and our team as we get into the work here.  While Haiti has lots of issues to work with, and there is a lot to build and rebuild.  Yet we see Mark and Lisa looking to the future and, with God’s help, they want things to be better here for the generations that come next.  I see a bright future here, and am thankful that we as a team, and we as a church community, have the opportunity to build into the lives of people in Haiti.  God is at work here, and we will continue to pray and assist however we can.

Phew, I’m exhausted.  Time for bed.

Pastor Lorn Gieck

The View From Johnna’s Eyes

It’s my third day in Haiti and I still feel like my eyes can’t take it all in. The airport and ride through Port-au-Prince were an adventure in themselves. You have an image in your mind of what to expect, but it’s so different to actually experience it. I found myself getting emotional even as we flew in and I got a view from above. The drive home was long but I appreciated all that we got to see along the way. The garbage lining the streets seems endless. I was surprised by a few things, like a Kobe Bryant jersey, or the hip hop music playing in the streets, some of which I listen to at home.

In the evening I really enjoyed the community walk. You almost got tackled by little kids when you squat down to take a photo with them. They love to put their arms around you or hang on your back, and then looking at the picture of themselves on the camera. Two girls held my hand the whole walk. They are so content just to have some affection.

The church service made me realize what a BIG God we serve. Looking around and watching everyone worship with their hands up, singing in Creole, I thought “Wow, God you understand all the languages in this world”.  I know it seems silly, but I never really thought about that. God knows every single person in this world, just as well as he knows every detail about me. I have never felt so small but so special at the same time.

I have quickly had to become a “low maintenance” person. During one of my showers the water turned off about midway through. I have learned to just go with the flow.  I still find it pretty hilarious that I brought my flat iron and eyelash curler on the trip!

I have really enjoyed getting to know the members of my team during this trip. I came in not really knowing any of them, but they all have been so warm and encouraging. We all work well together and I feel we have gotten so much done already. I am happy to have new friends at my church when I go back home.

I look forward to what these next 8 days hold for us!

First Full Day at Haiti Arise

So today we got up and got going on the various projects that are going here at Haiti Arise.  The guys got right into the technical school construction project.  It was a concrete pour day, so there is a bit of pressure to get things done.  What we learned is that construction works the same in Haiti as it does in Canada:  you never accomplish as much as you want to get done in a day, machinery breaks down, and there is always down time.  Today’s down time was a result of a broken concrete vibrator, a machine used to tamp the concrete and shake out air pockets in the columns we were pouring on the second floor.  They had two, both had the parts we needed together to work, but they didn’t fit together.  George to the rescue!  He cut a socket in half and fashioned an adapter and we were off and running.  Sam was going hard on forms for stairs to the second level.

The ladies accomplished a lot today as well.  There is a list just inside the kitchen filled full of odd jobs and they just took a look at the list and started crossing things of.  Joanne and Linda spent some time in the school, and were thoroughly impressed with the teachers.  Linda said the grade two teacher had been teaching four years already.  He’s only 21.  Joanne was amazed at what they do with such little resources, and how the kindergarten students were learning hand writing; all this with one teacher to 36 kindergarten students.

The group was able to take a tour in the late afternoon of some of the local areas, and were impressed with all that Haiti Arise is involved in.  Kathy got to see the wall her son Mitchell was involved in building (when the team was just there late last year).  She remarked that the wall just went on forever.  It’s great to see the lasting impact of Cornerstone‘s involvement here in Haiti.  Thanks again to all the guys who came and built that wall.

I had the opportunity to do some teaching with the worship team here this afternoon.  They said I should go for an hour, and when that was over they kept going with questions.  It’s been fun learning to interact through an interpreter.  I’ll continue with the worship teaching with two hour long sessions both Thursday and Friday afternoon.

Tomorrow we’ll continue with the concrete pour and other odd jobs.  We seem to be settling in and getting comfortable with the rhythm of life here at Haiti Arise.  Everything is well organized, and things keep progressing.  We’re excited to be here and to be a part of it.   Keep praying that we’ll accomplish all that God has in store for us as we serve Him here in Haiti.

Pastor Lorn Gieck

First Day in Haiti

So we’re finally here and everyone is starting to sift through the experience thus far.  It’s a lot to take in during the course of a day.  We left Miami with all of the comforts we are accustomed to and, upon arriving in Port-au-Prince, have now entered a totally different world.  I’ve seen lots of photos and heard stories of the devastation in Haiti, but it is still an incredible sight to see.  As we drove we saw tent villages, crumbled buildings, rubble, and dumps of random garbage.  All along the way, George (a veteran of this particular trip) gives this constant refrain of how well things are going, and how much they’ve rebuilt, cleaned up, and developed.  There still seems to be a lot to do, but it’s encouraging to hear that it’s come a long way.  There are people everywhere, and tons of activity.

We arrived at Haiti Arise at about 3pm local time.  Got unpacked, settled, went through orientation, and immediately went to church.  It’s a blessing to be able to join in worship within a totally different context.  Even though we didn’t understand the language, we could identify some of the songs being sung.   Russ will be happy to hear that I had to go to the front and bring greetings to the church, and introduce the team.

Everyone is pretty exhausted, so it’ll probably be a pretty quiet night.  We start early tomorrow with work on the technical school.  It’s a pouring day, so it’ll be hard work as we mix concrete, and then carry it up to the second floor to build the columns.  We’ll also be doing some work on a house, and on the children’s village.  Tomorrow I’ll be doing some worship teaching with their worship teams as well, so I’m looking forward to that.  Pray for us in terms of strength and stamina, and that we would be wise in taking care of our bodies as we adjust to working in the heat.  We’ll keep you posted.

Pastor Lorn Gieck

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