Time flies by

It's been nearly a month now since I arrived in Haiti. Where has the time gone? It seems as though I've only been here a week.

As anyone who has visited Haiti will confirm the ministry here is amazing. Each day starts with a quick simple breakfast and 10 min. walk to the service group.  Each weekday excluding Mondays we meet at 8:30 am and 3:30 pm. The heat usually reminds everyone that at 10 am we should head off to studies and return visits.  Comfortable shoes, a hat and a water bottle (partially frozen) makes service enjoyable when the heat is intense.  Many people are catholic and have a profound respect for the scriptures, yet the belief in the trinity is often an obstacle for the haughty.  As you call out "honore, gen moun" or knock on the door you are sometimes greeted by a stoic expression. After a brief intro you wait to hear the words "W ap chita" (will you sit). Then 20-30 minutes later after answering questions from the scriptures we are inviting people to the meeting and being sincerely thanked for coming by. Often times you'll see a grandma sitting on her front porch, who is delighted when she is greeted. She replies with a big smile saying "cheri pitit mwen an komen ou ye" (darling my child how are you?). It's great to see that a simple hello can still brighten someone day.

Ironically with little means financially most people seem very happy, especially the children.  It becomes clear really quickly that true happiness is not linked to what we possess, yet to who we are.  A lot of misconceptions about Haiti and apprehension is usually quickly forgotten as you meet the humble and kind people.  The children wear perfectly pressed uniforms in an array of colors as they attend school in the morning or afternoon sessions. In the evenings you will often see men playing dominoes as the boys gather in the street barefoot to play soccer.  The people generally are industrious, especially the women as some of the modern conveniences of the states is not so readily available.


The congregation I'm attending has about 120 publishers and averages over 200 in attendance.  The second week I was here we had 255 at the meeting. With only two elders the brothers are quite busy, though some more permanent help will soon arrive.  Every week since I've arrived has involved reviewing questions with prospective publishers for approval and shepherding.  Many of the publishers and newly baptized are great at using the bible in the ministry. Starting bible studies here is easy, although much work is involved in maintaining the study.  The highlight of the service week is usually Wednesday, when we drive twenty minutes north to Domond, to preach. Since cars among the brothers are scarce the record is 18 people into one SUV. Happily me and my long legs didn't arrive yet when this happened.  Our congregation supports a group that meets there on Saturday afternoons, so we help in conducting the meetings.

Sunday morning I was invited to play soccer at 6am!!! We carpooled to the huge soccer field in an old stadium. We warmed up with penalty kicks, as I played goal keeper.  As more people arrived and the game started a retired pro player shouts out to one of the elders "ki bo ou te jwenn gwo Alman sa?" (where did you find this big German?) referring to me. It was hilarious and it's still a running joke among the brothers.  We stopped at about 7:30 and all the brothers who played that morning showed up for service.

There were some friends visiting from my circuit in California when I arrived in Mirebalai. We visited waterfalls in Saut D'eau, and went to club med with the missionaries and special pioneers. 

Whoever said or whatever movies depicted roosters as only crowing in the morning lied terribly. As the first few weeks has been tough to sleep, crowing at 1, 2 and 3am are not considered to be dawn.  I scowl at roosters in the ministry as if they all were the culprit for interrupting my sleep. 

We had the zone visit in Haiti last weekend and the C.O. visit is this coming week, so I will try to write again soon.

Life here has been simple and rewarding.  The ministry is truly the best way of life.

Drinks and Cards at Nadine's

Fish for sale

John Dave and his study

Indigo beach, Club Med

Puigs & Dolmans visit

Robin & Terrie

La Chute de Saut D'eau

Service group
Marc-Allen, Jean-Dave,
Gertrude, Nico, Alexandra