Good Things Come to Those Who Wait...

Specifically, a ROOF, and it is up!

 Rafters up; before and after of the old school and now the new!

 A sight for sore eyes!

 Americans and Haitians have collaborated on the construction of the new school.

One word: Hallelujah!

It took quite a bit longer than expected, but the roof is finally up on the village community building.  Speaking of expected, we never expected many of the things that have happened in the past two years, but none of the challenges have deterred us or derailed the vision for this village - the vision to educate the children and transform the village.

Come this Fall, 50 school children will be attending classes in an actual school building for the first time.  As they leave their thatched canopy - the only school they have ever known - behind, we are excited to see what God has in store for this community and how many more children will be educated within the walls of this new building. 

It's not finished, much still needs to be done, but progress has been made and progress will continue so long as we all collectively work together, sharing, giving, sacrificing, and loving the people of Bayaha.  They have hope for a better future.  Pray God uses us to that end.  He is the only thing that has got us this far and He is our one true hope!

Another LWI Health & Hygiene Training

LWI Health & Hygiene Training will be offered in The Woodlands on August 5-6 and again on November 18-19.  Learn more and sign-up at http://water.cc/living-water/health-and-hygiene/

Living Water Health & Hygiene Training

LWI Health & Hygiene Training will be offered in The Woodlands on February 18-19.  Learn more and sign-up at http://water.cc/living-water/health-and-hygiene/

Embrace Haiti Alternative Giving Christmas Cards

Do you know somebody who has everything?  Or perhaps you are tired of shopping for trinkets at Christmas and are looking for a way to give with meaning.  No need to shop any further... Embrace Haiti has beautiful Christmas cards available as an alternative gift.  In return for a donation of your choosing, you will recieve a lovely card that you can give as a gift.  Don't stop at one -- just think of all your favorite people who would be touched to know that you made a donation on their behalf -- friends, family, neighbors, teachers, the list goes on and on!

100% of your tax deductible donation will go to help support economic development in Bayaha, Haiti.  Minimum recommend donation is $5 per card. 

Cards are available at Grace Point Book Store (TWUMC Main Campus) or by contacting Rob Draper at robsusand@gmail.com or 281.292.5028. 

Trip Summary - October 2010

The October Mission team traveled to Haiti the first week of the month. The team visited Bayaha every day. Working with Haitians masons and construction workers, we completed the school’s walls and preparations for the roof.

The team visited an orphanage for young girls and another for children with special needs. We also visited a hospital where people hurt in the Port-au-Prince earthquake were recovering from injuries and receiving physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy. We also visited a school in nearby village, Savann Gra.

The team distributed donated clothing and flip-flops to village children.   A special package of school supplies and a book were given to each of the seventeen students who recently advanced to the second grade. Then we cheered on the school and village children in an exciting soccer game. Goal! Goal!

 We brought seeds and information for the new agronome, Alix, who is working with the second graders to plant and tend a new children’s garden. The cooks will use vegetables from the garden when preparing the children’s lunches at school. We also brought a companion Bible Garden study materials and curriculum guide (in Creole) that the teachers will use to teach all the school children about God’s love for people through growing fruits and vegetables.  Many thanks to Hope Seeds (http://www.hopeseeds.org/) for their generous contribution of seeds and cirriculum!



Thank you for your continued prayers and support to help renew Bayaha.



Rob Draper, The Loft/TWUMC

Announcing Our October 2010 Trip

The dates have been set for our next mission trip to Haiti.  They will be October 1-9, 2010.  If you desire to be a part of this team, please contact Dea at deascogin@gmail.com or 281.788.0999.  Limited space is available.

May Trip 2010

The May Mission team just returned from a week long stay in Haiti. During the week, the team visited Bayaha every day and continued work on the new school building and strengthening relationships with the children and other villagers. The team worked with Haitian masons and laborers to begin construction on the walls of the building. Haitians will complete the walls. Work will begin on the roof, interior walls, and the concrete slab floor in the coming months. We are optimistic that the building will be sufficiently complete in time for the beginning of school this fall. The team also brought flip flops for Bayaha children and girls in an orphanage that the team visited during the week. Team members taught VBS, dental hygiene, and held a hot dog roast for the children. As planned, there were enough hot dogs for the school children and other village children, with seconds and thirds for those who wanted more. The team installed a tether ball pole in the school yard and played tether ball, frizzby, catch and parachute games with the children. A good time was had by all!

 Villagers watered and tended the new garden planted this spring. They picked parsley, carrots, and other vegetables for meals they were preparing. The team also helped lay out the foundation for a 15' by 15' hut that will be home for a grandmother and her daughter. They currently are living in a shanty shack in a seaside dump in Cap Haitian. Haitian villagers completed the foundation by week's end and will finish building the hut soon.



All in all, the team had a rewarding experience, many days of hard work, and lots of fun kidding around with one another and villagers. We were pleased to serve and work along side Haitians in improving their life situation. As always, there is so much for those who will return or join us for the first time in the future. Please join the effort to help make Bayaha sustainable in whatever way you are so moved.

Rob Draper, The Loft/TWUMC