Under the
gentle and capable leadership of Steve Elliott from Asbury UMC, Mary Ellen
and Douglas H. joined 3 other team members from the
San Leandro, Easter Hill (Richmond),
and Walnut Creek United Methodist Churches. Each of us is most appreciative
of your financial support, prayers, and encouragement before, during, and
upon our return back to California.
Our team of 6
was small but mighty, and we bonded as an extended family, shared the
anguish of what we saw in the collapsed buildings/extensive tent cities, and
laughed heartily. We assisted Haitian workers in laying a cement foundation
and building a small “cottage” with cement blocks to house 2 Haitian
apartment managers of a larger apartment complex. The property is owned by
the Haitian Methodist
Church who use the rental
money to fund educational and medical facilities located at 100 of the 176
Methodist Churches. The team spent the majority of the time removing ceiling
tiles, sanding and painting the outside of a conference room/auditorium on
the Freres educational complex that educates 2,000 students from pre-school
through high school as well as some vocational students. A morning spent
making crafts, playing ball, and entertaining 36 orphans in a Methodist Home
allowed the team to interact firsthand with children thirsty for learning,
attention, and love.
While in
Petionville, the team stayed at the Methodist Guest House where all VIM
teams spend the first and last nights of their 10 day in country mission.
Our team met at least 2 teams every day. The VIM teams and the plethora of
work teams from various faith-based groups, colleges and universities, that
were comprised of all ages with whom we interacted at the airport
underscores the influx of interest in caring for those in need. Each VIM
team member contributes $350 to pay wages of a 2:1 ratio of Haitian workers
to a team member.
A question of
“What did you accomplish while you were there?” may best be answered by a
visualization of “thimblefuls of success”. In addition to manual labor, we 6
offered progress in the restoration of some buildings, the interpersonal
relationships with the Haitian children and adults, heightened the awareness
of gender role reversals, and donated over 300 pounds of tools, sporting
equipment, and arts and crafts. Lynnewood UMC donated funds from which two
sawzalls, spare blades, and heavy duty extension cords were purchased and
donated to the UMVIM/UMCOR tool shed in Haiti. Overall,
the team shared our talents, time, and
faith in action
to bring hope
to a crumbled society. Whatever we offered to the people of Haiti, our
blessings were returned a thousand fold and the pleasure was all ours!
In our travels
around the capital city of Port Au
Prince, we witnessed in 3 dimensions the destruction,
displacement, and the disparity among the Haitian society. The thousands of
tent camps are incredible! Yet, the Haitians present a good spirited people
who remain resourceful and resilient amidst oh so many odds. Since the quake
last year, roads have reopened, the street markets are bustling, and people
walk with a purpose. Many Haitians expressed their appreciation for all of
the volunteers coming to help and to bring hope.
It is our plan to return in January or February 2012, and we would welcome
others from LUMC to join us on a life-changing experience and opportunity.
