Serving Others

Kevin’s Thoughts from Haiti

Posted on March 30, 2010 at 7:33am. No Comments

Kevin Donnalley shares with us events from the first work day in Haiti for the CAC team.

We started the day with the goal of building a latrine for the nearby village. Their leaders felt that this was their most pressing need. Currently, the locals use a field that’s open and covered with
debris. Villagers often walk across it and the children play nearby. In addition, many Haitians have no shoes, so the field poses a huge health and safety problem. For these reasons, we knew building a latrine would help the villagers immensely. However, we didn’t know exactly how to do it. We have experienced builders in our group, so it seems like a simple job. However, you have to figure in what supplies and tools you can get. Also, will we be able to get help from the villagers, which is difficult because no one speaks Creole in our group.

Despite our concerns for the project, God had a plan. He provided the necessary tools and supplies. Also, God provided the necessary labor to help on the project. We were able to overcome the language barrier and get the Haitians involved in the project. Several adults pitched in with the building of the concrete foundation. More importantly, about 20 children, some as young as 5 or 6 years old, helped. They helped gather water from the creek for the concrete and they brought concrete blocks from a nearby vendor. In the process, I learned how to carry a concrete block on my head! However, it can’t compare to the huge loads of items Haitians carry on their head, perfectly balanced!

The very best part of the day was interacting with the kids. Bill Deuink brought a soccer ball and a couple of frisbees. We would take breaks from the work to play with the kids. Many of them are amazing athletes. Despite no cleats, shoes, good playing surface or equipment, they had amazing soccer skills! A couple of them had unbelievable footwork.
We didn’t have much of an organized plan, but God brought all these parts together to make it work. We were able to get so much done, despite the many obstacles in our way. Also God helped us overcome the language barrier, so we could begin building more than a new building, but new relationships with the Haitians.

Kevin

Here a couple more pictures-enjoy!