I have been thinking all day that I jumped the gun with my decision to retire in June. More than ever the need for funding has been jumping at me from posts from students, news from Haiti. Where or when do we find the funds for all the needs? Ha! I have an idea...will give it with " the rest of the story" but first, this... The situation in Haiti has put several of our students in compromising positions that make it difficult to just ...end the project ahead of time. One of the students worked for the EMH this summer managing the clinic on Lagonave to raise the money he needed for the last 6 months of prep time at university before his final board exam. The Virginia Conference that hired him, sent the money for his summer of work to the EMH and that seems to be as far as it goes. We are advised it would be best not to protest or try to obtain the funds.
Two engineering students who graduate now..have their major projects to complete and the costs are going to be about 1000 US-- each. We just purchased a large capacity laptop for one engineering student for 500.00 US and need to purchase another for a Diesel Mechanic who has to learn how to diagnose and repair vehicles that require computerized testing.
Most of the students who have graduated are working at limited jobs or attempting to run small business from their homes without resources. I have contacted Pastor Jim Wishmyer, in Virginia, who is developing a "grant and micro lending program for educated Haitians trying to start up a business. Chali suggested we might skype with him to discuss his project and any possibility of joining into the project. They have assisted a couple of our students in the last two years.
We have made a personal grant and loan to Louis Dufrene who has been our employee since 2007..assisting not only as translator and interpreter but managed the records of all of the students and the funding we have supplied. He was hired as secretary and business administrator for the clinic to be paid by the other conference. His salary was also sent to the EMH. As his brother died suddenly a few weeks ago it is best to let that be, also. He has moved his parents to the mainland, rented a store from another relative and has ordered supplies for the store and charcoal to sell with help from his mother. He is in business...with a grant and business loan, that no doubt he will pay back. He is a very trustworthy fellow.
While in Haiti for Spring brake we worked on Lagonave in a very poor, dought stricken area that has had no crops for 3 years and no teacher salary for 3 years. The team identified several small projects critical to the welfare of residents of Nan Zeb ...and we are in hopes of being able to be active as partners with the leaders in the community. Gonna need to dream and pray and plan wisely how to do our share. They are hard workers but very hungry right now.
I am looking forward to working to extend the outreach of Round Up both internationally and locally once I am retired and looking for something to focus on other than driving my family mad. We have done Bishop's Round Up Against Hunger the same way for many years. We already have a music group who will play during the morning and for worship that plays a variety of types of music. Worship will be a "new thing" and not sure what else, but hope we make a big dent in "hunger issues" locally and in our target countries.
Now..for the rest of the opening "piece". I have been anxious all day as we had to transfer a major chunck from savings to meet the needs of several students beginning projects for school and trying to run small businesses from their homes.
In 2008 when I committed to enroll 30 some students in university and vo teck training, I promised myself I would NOT be one to commit to a project and stop befor the end. We had supportive individuals, congregations, confrences, even GBGM offering financial support. I have the DNA of a pit bull so no worry. Then our stent was up and GBGM had seen our living arrangements. A couple of months later we were there for the earthquake of all earthshakes. Haiti suffered, needs were doubled and life just got harder and the US became more skeptical.
UMCOR had their own agenda and our students, picked up the pieces of there broken laptops and school buildings and life flowed on, interrupted but well...that's Haiti. We give thanks that Round Up funds were there when we moved home and could only offer to tell the story to those interested. The conferenc got bigger and our project seemed smaller except 30 students had faithfully given there utmost for an education that was impossible without funds from our Advance Special. Now, Round Up, still focused on alliveating hunger in Mexico, Haiti and local programs, is planning a "facelift" because hunger flows and education, with all it's international neuances, is the hope for so many.
Our project is not yet finished, and this morning we debated if we had to say no to our students or say "what the hell" to our retirement funds. We didn't exacty see eye to eye, but Joe went to the bank, transferred funds and sent money to Haiti. AND I had a text from a student who said, "it's ok, pastor, God knows our needs and will take care all of us." AND then I remembered my marble collection my grandpa gave me 60 years ago. My grandpa can get us through this! Thank you, Jesus, and Grandpa Dove. Grace & Peace ..Shirley Edgerton
The last meeting of BRUAH it was decided to make some changes to increase interest but mostly to make it once again a program that addresses hunger ministries in an interesting, educational, and timely manner. Plus, have Round Up once again be an event for renewal of relationships, education and FUN mission and ministry.
It appeals to young people and mission minded church folks. We would like to increase the appeal to all interested in feeding the poor and hungry in our communities and our third Conference partnership in Haiti. Can only do that with publicity and planning. So....we plan some changes and now is the time to start doing what we talked about.
