the End & the Beginning

In 2008, we were living in Haiti, on the island of La Gonave about 35 miles off shore of mainland Haiti. For us this was the experience of our lifetime. An island populated by Haitian farmers, fishermen, live-stock owners, artisans, pastors & priests, nearly all extremely poor.

Geography, laws of nature, location, bureaucracy all creating a haven from the militancy of the mainland but additional hardship of life with high percentage of illiteracy, malnutrition and isolation.

Approached by a small group of young adults associated with the churches on the island, and representing a larger group of organized young Christians we were challenged to help them find a way to change their future.

A scholarship program was established, using grants and funding from our UMC Advance Special. Requests were received for tuition grants for vocational training and university enrollment in schools and universities in Port a Prince.

During the period from 2008 to 2016 there were 20 students who received Vocational Training in computer, language, diesel mechanics, chauffeuring and nursing. Nine young adults were enrolled in university to study Civil Engineering, Nursing Science and Computer Science.

January of 2010 massive destruction caused by a 7.0 earthquake interrupted some of the programs and raised expenses for education significantly. Students were not discouraged, only delayed.

A medical student sponsored by a church in S Dakota transferred to a medical program in the Dominican Republic and the other students returned to classes in large tents or other facilities with a significant increase in cost.

Kansas East Conference agreed to add significant funds to our Advance through Round Up for Hunger proceeds previously designated for children on La Gonave.  VoTech students began to graduate and find employment and eventually two young women graduated with Nursing Science degrees and were employed on La Gonave.

As university students graduated, some receiving very high honors, issues of concern were encountered. The universities extended programs with additional expense before issuing license to practice.   The Haitian practice of nepotism, requiring an applicant for employment have a certain background, or be related to or know well someone already working for a business, has kept all the students from La Gonave “un employable” in their field. Several have returned to lesser jobs or have developed small jobs unrelated to their degree and provided very little income.

The graduates have formed a  group that pray daily and trust that God will eventually open the door of opportunity for them to practice their chosen professions.

Most have written plans for beginning a private business that will allow them to support a family and hire Haitian employees at a reasonable living wage. None have the funds to begin a formal business.

The Haiti Advance Special used for tuition produces very little income now and we act only as prayer partners, planning advisers, and provide minimal funding for their small enterprises and some assistance for food and housing.  
We continue to seek groups, churches, or individuals who would sponsor an entrepreneurial project for these highly motivated licensed professional young adults.
 S Dakota fully funds Dr William Hippolyte with a clinic on La Gonave, and send teams on a regualar basis. 
Enickson Villiere, runs a small business out of his home to repair phones, cameras and computers but has not the funds to purchase soft ware or other expensive equipment needed for his business. 
Louis has started a store in Petit Guave and Wesner a Nursing Science graduate has done all the homework to open a small clinic in an isolated area near Petit Guave. Others are working on plans for business while the either teach school for little pay or sell water or make items to sell.  

Matthew Hits Haiti…and I was not there. Darn!  October 6, 2016

When the earthquake hit Haiti we were there and our family did not think it cool. For us it was easier to be there than to wander and stew about those I could not contact and things I could not see.  This time it tough. Matthew was the biggest cyclone that has hit the island in maybe forever!  Without trees, with homes poorly constructed and people who have very little, losing anything is tough. Remember Luke’s story of the lost coin?  Well. Many have lost a lot. So far over a hundred deaths have been reported…worst damage on the south side cutting off traffic at the downed big bridge at Petit Guave and devastating things at Jeremie and much of south arm of Haiti.

We have contacted, heard from OR about nearly all of our students. Some had to vacate homes for safety. Patrick was flooded out and lost all he had and is sleeping in a garage. Fedner had to leave his place and go to a friends. Now he is just ready to pay for his last project and prepare for graduation in Nov. Enickson, at Petit Guave, badly hit, lost part of his roof but house stood firm. They are cut off by the downed bridge.

Wesner, a newly graduated nurse is our contact and has delivered money for food and clothing to others for us.

Interesting when Joe went to Western Union to send money this morning they did not charge the fee to send money as it was going to Haiti. Cool.

I have posted some photos and CNN has a great video of the devastation at Jeremie, east of Petit Guave on the coast.

Several have asked for our home address so they can assist with some funding for the students. This is the easiest way to do that. We try not to use the money set for education for issues like this so we welcome the assist with personal needs.

Send to: Edgerton Advance, 2047 SW Lincoln Ave. Topeka KS 66604.  It will be deposited in the Mission Acct in the National Bank of Harveyville and we will send to the students in need. If you wish to send to someone special put their name in the memo slot. We are in constant contact…so no problem. No matter the amount, they will know that I was true when I told them before the storm that so many of our friends were praying for them.

We still have not been able to contact Louis Dufrene…our special helper. Translator and much loved friend. He may have been on La Gonave and the tower went down there so no communication except from Mr. B and Dr. William. His phone just goes to message. I will breathe again, when he answers me.   

Shirley & Joe Edgerton

 Bishop's Round-up Against Hunger

www.greatplainsumc.org

www.greatplainsumc.org/eventdetail/95559

The Bishop's Round-Up Against Hunger announces its 2016 celebration event for Saturday, November 19 from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Douglass County ...

Since 1977 the island of La Gonave Haiti has looked to hunger assistance from the funds generated by the annual hunger program first named "Bishop's Round Up for Hunger". 

Kansas East Conference VIM Teams began trips to the long narrow island about 30 plus miles off the mainland of Haiti pointing at Port au Prince. 

A long, hot sail boat ride took small teams to the undeveloped island to help build a clinic, guest house, school and with assistance from the General Board of Global Ministries to drill wells and collection systems. 

Since 1977 the "now" Great Plains Conference along with many others have had the feeling of being "lost at sea" and aground on a island of very poor and very welcoming Haitian citizens. So many have known the joy of sharing gifts of foods, school supplies, medical and dental care and a part of life in a remote part of the world. 

Yoga Full class Hatha Flow 1

 Retired: Thinking Round Up & Haiti

The Bishop's Round Up Against Hunger, an area hunger project begun nearly 40 years ago by Kansas East Conference, was the life saver of our Scholarship Project in Haiti from 2008 to the present. Since the change in the Conference there has been confusion about who and how Round Up will continue to meet needs as in the past. Actual money for the many hunger programs has also been reduced by uncertainty and our failure to get information out in a timely manner.

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.

March VIM trip allowed us the opportunity to meet with nearly all  the Haitian university graduates and the family of those who have married. So impressed with all of them, as they came in together and we greeted self assured, professional young men and women.


When asked "what now" almost as one voice they said "now it is time for us to do what you did".  Then they explained, they can not find work as professional educated specialists, because of nepotism and politics in Haiti. Salaries are still minimal and limited. They want to begin their own businesses, hire motivated employees AND pay them adequate salaries and eventually offer them assistance with education.

At the last Round Up meeting I offered to take on some new responsibility. So far we have scheduled a Country Gospel Group: Marilyn and Friends who will play during the morning and play for worship that will be the final event of a busy day. We will be sending letters soon with information for food distribution, partnership support and new projects to deal with hunger in our Conference & Haiti.

Photos are the son of Enickson Villiere who graduated from a Five year Computer Science Major.  Others are Gamaniel Laurent and Fedner Clovil, both Civil Engineers.

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

Returned from Haiti yesterday. Great trip, great team, fabulous Haitian food, lots of dirt and hot sun. Friends to greet us, new friends who let their kids play with us after school.
School: Great place to start but not our mission focus, but because the block building is badly broken and children walk through doorways and sit under loose concrete blocks that fall to the floor (?) and break apart. Teachers, including the principle not paid salary for 3 years...yes, not a typo. The principle has repaired one dangerous entryway with his own resources. Pastor is also a great community leader. There is one doorway that won't wait much longer and needs only four bricks and some concrete and three boards. Hope they have some left from the church almost built.

 Situation: Lagonave has had no rain, except in the mountains for 3 years. There have been no corn, melons or peanuts for that long so nothing for market except to cut down every tiny sapling for charcoal so they have a bit of food each day. One photo is a young malnourished woman who, like her mother has severe edema in the legs and fluid on the lungs. With all the foliage going to charcoal, nothing to attract rain, and the well broken and the cistern is dry. The Episcopalian's are doing an emergency food distribution soon and one for Non Zeb would be very appropriate.Won't solve the problem but for about 4,000 US the local families in need could eat until some charcoal is sold.
Community Meal: From some extra funds we had a loaves and fishes experience. Our cooks managed to feed all the workers, about 150 children, 30 plus adults wandering by AND all of us (16) a huge meal.  Well behaved tiny tots to older kids had one FULL meal one day.  Cost us a bit over 100 US.
The Mission Focus: Three team members were there in 2014 and with funds raised by their church managed to begin an 18,000 project to build a church to serve 3 communities.

The badly broken school was used for church. Not many came because it looked bad and had a "history" of voodoo rituals. A "real" church that would be a sanctuary for hungry people needed a foundation, walls, floor and roof. And, by golly and the grace of God AND an additional grant from Mercy and Justice, when we left the foundation had block walls nearly completed and they were still madly working with enough "stuff" to finish maybe  the floor.

In our many years of VIMing...there was more work accomplished in 4 days than we have ever seen on one project. The Circuit Superintendent stayed with us the entire time, managed the money and met with community leaders, stewards and talked to workers and all who stopped by. It was a week of laughter, reunion, sadness and frustration with Mother Nature, human nature and appreciation for workers intent on building quickly a place for God to be in a hurting community.            

Costs of materials have risen since the estimate was made for the building but with the ingenuity we saw that roof is not far from raising.  

We came home happy and sad. Happy because the project had gone well with material all on site, workers intent on doing things right, unnecessary people staying out of the way; yet there are very hungry families praying for rain and cutting down the trees; there is a well that needs simple repair; a church almost complete; teachers in need of a bit of pay; and there is a God, who, I believe wants a community fed, a thirst quenched and some generous folks          

to "find a way." Suggestions  welcome. sje