My recent trip to Haiti was very productive. First I would like to report that Christ Community Church World Missions is the owner of a new 2011, diesel, 4-wheel drive, dual cab, marine blue, Kia pick-up truck. Pastor Estinvil can once again serve the people of Pernier and Coten. This is primarily a construction truck but until we can either repair or replace his Jeep, it will serve as both construction and personal vehicle for him. He is set to pick it up on Friday, July 29th.
The second (but what I felt was the most important part of my trip) was the feeding program. We purchased all the equipment needed to implement this program when school resumes in September. And while in Haiti, I made a decision that I hope everyone will agree with.
We had initially planned to equip a local Haitian home on the mountain to fix the meals and take them to the school every day. Once I was there however, I decided it would be best for all to actually add a kitchen to the church/school and put the kitchen on site.
Interim transport of the food to the school each day might place people in danger of robbery. We could risk losing the equipment if they ever decided to move. And I also thought it would benefit the church and allow for more fellowship if it were readily available at the church.
This decision was aided by the fact that the church members had already taken the initiative to add two restrooms and storage to the church at their own cost. Praise God! It's very satisfying to see them taking pride and steps to improve things on their own.
I am also pleased to inform everyone that the Church also offered to perform the work on the kitchen at no cost. CCCWM will only be paying for the building supplies. This with these factors in mind, I thought it best to place the kitchen in the church.
We purchased a propane cooking stove, two plastic 10' tables, pots, pans, cooking utensils, hot pads, 100 plates, 100 spoons, 70 glasses, two 10 gallon drink coolers, basically everything needed to feed 70-100 children every day before school. These things will be kept locked in the church at all times.
The third and last thing that I accomplished on this trip was more personal.
As many of you know, it is Pastor Estinvil's wish to turn his home into a guest house to serve missionaries visiting Haiti. We believe that if we can offer people a clean bed (mattress), American style food, clean drinking water, showers, and a swimming pool; people may be more willing to come to Haiti and help us re-build this country.
Over the past year, I have used my own money to help with the pool; taking all of the equipment down on my previous trips. This trip, I helped Pt Estinvil set the equipment and get the plumbing in place. By the next time I visit, there should be water in the pool! And I have done this out of my own pocket with two perspectives in mind.
I believe the youth of my church would be very receptive to having fun and fellowship in the pool at the end of a long, hot day (as would other visiting groups.) And I believe that Pastor Estinvil could charge a nominal fee of $30 a day for guests, wherein people will be able to use their vacations to do God's work, yet not feel like they didn't get a vacation at all.
We are hoping to re-build Haiti and trying hard to get Americans to not just open their wallets but open their minds to going there and experiencing the actual people and their culture.
Lastly, I would like to share some thoughts as to my future hopes for Haiti.
I would like to see the feeding and school programs funded by a sponsorship program. People could sponsor kids for $30 a month, which would include a school uniform, shoes, books, help with teacher salaries, cover the cost of lunches, school supplies, and personal book bags for each student.
Last year, my wife and I personally began sponsoring 10 yr old Vanessa, an orphan from Coten. We are proud to report that she is now in a good home and performing in the top of her class in school. Such a Sponsorship Program is a great way to improve these 3rd World Schools.
I also discussed with Pastor Estinvil the importance of teaching the students English. We both agree that the children will have a better chance to succeed in life if they can speak English because this can potentially open many doors in their future.
The last thing that I would like to see planned for Pr Estinvil is to somehow replace his personal vehicle. The problem is that, due to the 60% tax Haiti implements on personal vehicles, replacing that Jeep would cost over $60,000.
In respect to this, I would like for a member of CCCWM to meet with the new President of Haiti on our next trip down. The purpose would be to ask that he waive these taxes on all materials for us since we are building homes in Haiti.
Pastor Estinvil says the new President is very open to helping people who are helping re-build and that is what we are all about. So the next trip down should include a visit to the President - Who's on board?
