December Dreaming

The missed opportunity of a new Land Rover does not stop the dreaming for and about La Gonave.

We returned Dec 6th to the Service Cretian Guest House in Anse a Galets and Fifi's wonderful Haitian cuisine and hospitality. It was good to be warm.

Cholera has raised awareness on the island and Fifi was careful with our bath and food preparation. Fist bumping has replaced the traditional hand shake and cheek to cheek greeting.

Pastor Admirable had asked us to assess the possibility of completing work on the Methodist Church building in AAG. We met with Pastor and Mm Medina to take photos of the church and to discuss the current ministry and future dreams. As soon as we receive the performas (estimates) of plans discussed I will file team project profiles with the jurisdictional directors and VIM.

We were thrilled to meet with some of the scholarship students and receive progress reports. Best was getting to give Benoit Dorvil, an engineering student, photos and notes from his new church sponsor. The Kansas City Congregation has pledged to see him through university, which for a bright, young adult on La Gonave is a dream come true.

Receiving reports and meeting with Louis and Davilma, leaders of the industrial group, APG, was rewarding. The local mayors have recognized the group and several programs beyond the goat park and agriculture have been initiated. They asked that AAPLAG provide another 3 day training for reinforcement of the program and to invite other community leaders to help them understand the impact for industry on the south side.

We met with Haiti Outreach at the well at Dent Griern. A camera dropped down the well revealed a sucker pipe at 236 foot and small rock obstruction at 258 foot. Attempts to retrieve the pipe failed. There are "do overs" in Haiti so we reclaimed stored solar energy pumping equipment and materials to use to repair the Port a Rocquette well. When our well is FINALLY opened it will be replaced but DG folks are uncertain why we were removing their hope for water. There is work to do before that dream comes true.

From Dent Grien we forged our way to Troubaigai on a burro path to a well site recommended by the geological studies done earlier. We will attempt at places where water is most likely, but maps are not encouraging. Water is a limited commodity not where it should be and found in unlikely spots. Concern WW, the Haiti Government and numerous NGO's are attempting to provide a supply that is precious as gold and far more life giving.

Friday the 11th, as post election protests halted all airlines we received word our daughter was on life support in Wichita, Kansas. It was doubtful we could swim to Miami so Missionary Air Federation flew us to PaP where we then went to the DR and home. Arrived in Wichita on Sunday evening and now I stand at the bedside of our daughter dreaming her eyes will open to see me.