Monday, July 12, 2010

Week in review

Hello all from Brian! Well, we will be home tomorrow, and what a week it was, starting with a team that only the Lord could have picked and known that we would not only get along, and work hard together, but we all agree we will miss each other and the camaraderie…not that we don’t want to get home to see our families, because we do!
For the construction crew, it was extremely hard work, without much relief. You can’t just run in the house for a cold drink, or enjoy the AC. Our respite was warm water and some shade under a few palms. God really watched over us, none of pulled a muscle, got hurt beyond a few scratches, or even got sunburned. We accomplished far more than I ever thought we would with His help. In a few weeks (or less!) this family will be able to move from a tent with canvas extensions, into a new house. We got to know their family, from Momma to her 8 kids. We left them some gifts and food today, a prayer and some hugs. We will never forget them. (Picture: Church we attended Sunday)

The clinical crew was taking care of babies, patients and making ‘house’ calls. I think they all got some additional experience, and for sure saw things they had never seen before. They were busy all day. People lined up early in the waiting area outside, and seemed to never stop. They can’t get enough help and supplies for these people, who ALWAYS say, “Merci Jesus”.

Mike N spent a lot of time on the compound with sporadic help from the crew. He made a desk, put up shelves, made a whole ‘shed’ type roof for their patio and a lot more. We missed him on the site, but I’m glad that we had him to get some handyman things done.

I had one day away from the team. As some of you know, I am a student pilot, and I have some aspirations of using that for mission aviation. There is an organization that brings our Sudan team in and out, called Mission Aviation Fellowship(MAF) They deliver teams, supplies and natives to and from remote areas. I had a chance to fly a few missions here and Haiti, and I did that on Friday. We flew 3 missions delivery missionary groups, much like us, to some remote areas. I met a pilot and a young man in the office whose faith was inspiring and I got an idea of what is involved in this critical role in Gods plan that WE spread his word and love.



We finished our study of the book of James last night and it just reinforced to me how much group study and fellowship are important to understanding, encouraging and living by Gods word. We helped many people, but only a fraction of those who need it. I think this was a different trip, not just being the first time OSLC has come to Haiti, but the fact that we came to help with earthquake relief instead of the normal agenda of a VBS to host, or a Seminary to document, just plain old hard work. To our amazement and delight, we weren’t alone. We met the most faithful, thankful, loving people we could have ever asked for. It was worth every bead of sweat. (and there was a lot!)