“We are one in the Spirit(s). . .”
It has been another busy, sometimes chaotic, hot, noisy week in Jeremie. . .but well compensated by the work we’ve done, not necessarily according to plan. . .but a John Lennon lyric observed “life is what happens to you when you’re busy making plans”.
Today was an important day. . .the day before we depart, lots of clean up and dis-organizing to do, not an early start, and not 9 hours on your feet doing this or that. We did deliver 10 laptops to the the John Wesley K-12 school, along with a new and dedicated power system (thank you Ken Stoddard for your long-distance consult!). . .and were treated to a spur-of-the-moment dedication ceremony led by the Circuit Superintendent Pastor Badette and the Circuit School Inspector. It was an upbeat hand-off of the laptops donated by Beaumont Health System (thanks Jeff Hockman!) and we can only hope that it feeds the curiosity of a young Haitian girl or boy looking to do better, for themselves, their family, their community and their country.
Pastor Badette touched on something we feel when we are here. . .understanding and being grateful for what we conclude is a way better “normal”, and accepting. . .even embracing. . .the idea that reaching out and sharing with the less fortunate is also a recognition that we are all God’s children. . .
. . .to wit the Pastor led the ceremony gathering in singing “We are one in the Spirit. . .”
I added the parenthetical “s” to note that is HAS been another busy, sometimes chaotic, hot, noisy week in Jeremie. . .and we cooled our heels by sharing a bit of adult beverage over dinner.
Our team. . .all adorned in red “TEAM” shirts this week. . .numbered over 30 persons during the 2 mobile medical days, where we saw and treated nearly 600 persons, did about 100 dental procedures, and varnished 100 childrens’ teeth. In between days were devoted to helping paint the Chiraque school that was destroyed by the hurricane, and the orphanage in Roseaux. Nearly 3000 items of apparel. . .clothing, shoes, Telic sandals, dresses and baby blankets sewn by the wonderful seamstresses at Birmingham First and some other locations. . .were shared among poor but grateful villagers.
So, yes, tonight “we were one in the spirits”, but starting the evening feeling good about what we did, why we did it, and that you and many others should feel good about the many contributions of time and treasure back home that makes it all possible.
If there was anything we would want to share it would be the heartfelt good-byes from our local team. They are addressed as much to you as they are to us. They know you care about them and there isn’t much more that matters to them.
All the best,
Nancy and John, Jackie and Paul, Sarah and Mick, and Anne
Today was an important day. . .the day before we depart, lots of clean up and dis-organizing to do, not an early start, and not 9 hours on your feet doing this or that. We did deliver 10 laptops to the the John Wesley K-12 school, along with a new and dedicated power system (thank you Ken Stoddard for your long-distance consult!). . .and were treated to a spur-of-the-moment dedication ceremony led by the Circuit Superintendent Pastor Badette and the Circuit School Inspector. It was an upbeat hand-off of the laptops donated by Beaumont Health System (thanks Jeff Hockman!) and we can only hope that it feeds the curiosity of a young Haitian girl or boy looking to do better, for themselves, their family, their community and their country.
Pastor Badette touched on something we feel when we are here. . .understanding and being grateful for what we conclude is a way better “normal”, and accepting. . .even embracing. . .the idea that reaching out and sharing with the less fortunate is also a recognition that we are all God’s children. . .
. . .to wit the Pastor led the ceremony gathering in singing “We are one in the Spirit. . .”
I added the parenthetical “s” to note that is HAS been another busy, sometimes chaotic, hot, noisy week in Jeremie. . .and we cooled our heels by sharing a bit of adult beverage over dinner.
Our team. . .all adorned in red “TEAM” shirts this week. . .numbered over 30 persons during the 2 mobile medical days, where we saw and treated nearly 600 persons, did about 100 dental procedures, and varnished 100 childrens’ teeth. In between days were devoted to helping paint the Chiraque school that was destroyed by the hurricane, and the orphanage in Roseaux. Nearly 3000 items of apparel. . .clothing, shoes, Telic sandals, dresses and baby blankets sewn by the wonderful seamstresses at Birmingham First and some other locations. . .were shared among poor but grateful villagers.
So, yes, tonight “we were one in the spirits”, but starting the evening feeling good about what we did, why we did it, and that you and many others should feel good about the many contributions of time and treasure back home that makes it all possible.
If there was anything we would want to share it would be the heartfelt good-byes from our local team. They are addressed as much to you as they are to us. They know you care about them and there isn’t much more that matters to them.
All the best,
Nancy and John, Jackie and Paul, Sarah and Mick, and Anne
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