We’re all done.  Finishing up our last debrief tonight, then packing it in for night.  It’s been filling and emptying at the same time.  Here’s Mark with the last word from those on the trip:

MARK

It wouldn’t be the complete experience without, you guessed it, a tremor.  Around 3am this morning, a small tremor woke some of us up and reminded us of one of the reasons why we are here.  It was a small one so there was no damage that we know about.  It did make for some great conversation around the breakfast table though.

Another concrete pour is scheduled for today (footings for the Technical School), and the morning has been occupied with preparation work for the crews on the compound.  It has been a slower morning for most of our team, providing some time to reflect on the past week and to allow our bodies and minds to wind down.  One of the pressing issues has been “are the clothes we wore for the last concrete pour,really fit to give away?”  The conclusion has been “yes”, but not without some significant soap and water first.  Brad has finally wrapped up his projects with the completion of a cart to be used for acetylene and oxygen bottles…much better than being strapped to a tree which was their previous home.  The girls also had their last recess at the school this morning; I am not sure who will be more sad…the girls or the kids.  After a week of recesses, some great bonds have developed.

This afternoons schedule includes some R&R at the beach, cleanup and wash down of the areas we have been using, and church service at 5.  After that it’s final pack up and preparations to say farewell.  With an early departure in the morning, we will have to make sure we are ready to go tonight.  Stephen WILL NOT allow us to be late tomorrow morning.

A few final notes : we have had a tremendous time at Haiti Arise working on projects, building relationships, passing along the blessings that were sent along with us and also receiving many blessings, in many different forms, from our hosts and members of the community. The Haiti Arise leadership and long term volunteers have provided leadership and have been great role models to us.  I also want to commend Stephen for leading our team this week and keeping us moving along as a well oiled machine. Pray for us as we hop our way through the US and back to Canada.  See you all again soon!

Stephen Thiessen

Stephen Thiessen joined our staff in August of 2006 after experiencing a year of youth ministry with us while on an internship from Briercrest College. He is an avid hockey fan that unfortunately cheers for a team that constantly looses. Thankfully, this doesn’t affect his life too much and his winning attitude and love for life is often on display.

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