Hello Family and Church family,
We have arrived safely back to the guest house in
Petionville after a very spirit filled week in mission with the people
of Zabricot. There are many improvements in some things, many unchanged.
The airport has been greatly improved, the guest house has had some
improvements as well. There are signs of construction and growth all
around. Unfortunately more and more people have crowded an already over
crowded Port Au Prince in hopes of resources that may be available in
the city, Which has in turn strained the resources.
The poor, especially those in more remote areas have
great difficulty getting basic needs. We found this in the village of
Zabricot where we worked this week. It is on the southern end of the
satellite island of La Gonave. It is fertile and there are thankfully
opportunities to grow things. We had a crowded boat ride to the island on Saturday on a ferry. We arrived in Zabricot on a rough but thrilling ride in pick-up trucks. Sunday
morning we had the opportunity to worship with the people of the
community. This was done Haitian style with great energy and enthusiasm.
A Lay pastor took us for a walk in the community and to visit the
Futball stadium. There was a large crowd gathered including vendors.
There was a man who was yelling above everyone and we thought he was
yelling at us but our translators said he was challenging the locals who claimed they could speak English saying "Now's your chance, the Blanc
(white people) are here, show us how well you speak English". We slowly
were introduced to the people of the community who welcomed us and
shared their excitement for the possibilities of working together.
Pastor Jackie had arranged for us to stay in the
home of a local just across from the church. Cots were provided and
there was a latrine that had a toilet seat! Monday
morning we prepared for the work. Weslynne, a nurse from the coast and
the nearest clinic (a 2 hour ride) in Sousa de Phillipe was there to
help with the clinic. Men were hired from nearby to lead the
construction work at the church. Monday
we had our first clinic day and saw approximately 80 patients with the
help of our translators (Coz and Peterson), and team members LeeAnn,
Gary and Dave and of course the local nurse, Weslynne who helped with
triage. Construction efforts included backfilling the foundation with
rock moved from a "quarry" carried down a goat trail! Those of us
working in the clinic did not get to help with VBS as we decided to
continue seeing patients until we were done which was not until about 6:30pm.
Jonathan did an excellent job preparing and Coz did a great job
translating. We could hear the laughter and cheers from the clinic.
Tuesday
we saw many more patients but decided to finish early enough to help
with VBS. This day Jonathan planned the story of Moses leading the
Israelites through the red sea. (See picture sent....more to come). Some
of the activities in the clinic included sharing health kits, birthing
kits, toothbrushes and toothpaste, BP checks, treatment for acute and
chronic health issues, provision of medications, teaching on sanitation
of the water, other health related teaching, vitamins for children,
adults and pregnant women, etc. Day 2 of construction included work on
the block of the exterior wall of the church.
Wednesday
was our final clinic day and we worked until lunch time and had a great
time with our final VBS session. The story today was Jesus and the
disciples in the boat when the storms came. The children made the sounds
of the storm with great vigor and joy. We sang several songs with them
in English and Creole. The construction crew continued their work until
dinner time.
The food cooked by the four local women included
delicious options such as Conk stew, fresh fruit such as mango and
watermelon, avocado, lots of beans and rice, fried perch, and the most
delicious pancakes we had ever had! Wednesday
night we offered our appreciation to the cooks by tipping them and
sharing some gifts. We shared the remainder of the donations with Edward
the steward of the church including tarps. soccer balls, girls dresses
made by the UMW, school supplies and other miscellaneous items. Great
appreciation was shared by many, especially Edward the steward of the
church who shared that much of the things he thought were impossible for
the church were now becoming possible. We are thankful for the
opportunity to serve with the people in Zabricot. We would not have been
able to do it without your prayers, love and support. We plan to
debrief with the staff here including Dr Harbottle of our findings,
including water source, agriculture, nutrition and health needs. We look
forward to seeing you soon and sharing more with you.
Love, Colleen
Below are pictures from the trip!
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