Days 78 & 79 (12/01 – 12/02)

Thursday – The first of December. It hardly seems possible with the sun shining brightly and the temperature around 80* at 7 in the morning that Christmas is just around the corner.

This morning we got our 1 team off to Arcahaie and then Tom and I left with Lauren James, the UMCOR – EMH Liaison, for Mellier and Carre Four for meetings on the EMH Pilot Project.

Our first meeting in Mellier was with the employees to explain the shift from the assessment phase to the construction phase of the program. There was a change in job assignments and responsibilities as well as compensation in some cases. Although it was explained from the very beginning that these changes were imminent, we expected a few people to be upset that their jobs had ended. However, we were pleasantly surprised and the meeting went very well.

Our second meeting was with the community representatives and home recipients. We again explained the communities’ and beneficiaries’ roles in the construction phase and the areas of responsibility and lines of communication. Everyone was given an opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns. All in all, it was a very good meeting.

After the Mellier meeting, we took a quick tour of the 2 sites that have started. It was very exciting to see footings, stem walls and slabs in place for 2 houses. It has taken 7 months of planning and coordination to get to this point. Now that it has started, the remaining 38 houses should follow along quickly. We’re hoping to have them all completed by May 2012.

We got back to the Guest House in time to greet our 2 new teams arriving from the states. We were all pretty tired. The distance from Petionville to Mellier is only 32 miles but the round trip travel time is over 4 hours. Dinner – team orientations – bed.

Friday – This morning we got 1 team off to La Tremblay; had 1 team returning from Mellier; another team returning from La Tremblay and a new team arriving from the states. With the team that is staying at the Guest House and working in Duplan, we will have 4 teams here tonight. It’s the last minute rush before Christmas break.

I guess it’s official announcement time. I have been asked to extend my tour in Haiti for another 3 to 6 months and I have agreed. UMCOR/GBGM/EMH have offered to fully fund the position and want me to continue moving forward with the programs I have started. I truly miss my friends and loved ones at home and hope you all know that I continue to be sustained by your love and prayers. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue serving in this way. I will be home for Christmas!