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So the ladies decided to take a slight break after the morning work effort and went to the Spa. The hairsalon was giving free styling to all blahs (whites) and the Canyon Springs ladies took them up on it.... see pictures above.<<
Greg, Nick, Rob and Woody are leading the efforts on the new housing....and the American building knowledge and experienced has been slowed by Haitian materials and heat, but they are pushing through with excellence.
We are also getting the orphanage a new transformer so they can have some electricity! Details on that amazing effort to come when there's more time.
This is a quick blog, because we're about to get on the bus to "Head to work", and believe us, be grateful for San Diego traffic! God has kept us and is keeping us safe, but accidents are common here. There is so much to tell you, and this blog can only scratch a very large surface. We miss you all and can't wait to get back, but we also know God has us here for a reason, and we're working for that reason. See you soon and God bless!
I love seeing the pictures! Seeing a little child all "snugged up" in a lap brings a huge smile to my face. So did seeing a picture of Olivia with a big smile on her face. MORE PICS!!!
ReplyDeletefrom Rob Ippolito (1 of 2)
ReplyDeleteWednesday…A Day to Remember!
We headed into Wednesday on fumes. Tuesday was incredibly hot and took it toll on the group. Fortunately the rain on Tuesday provided an incredible night and beautiful Wednesday morning. Four of us went to the orphanage early (5:30) in order to get a head start on the housing...it was a good decision. We took advantage of the cooler temperatures (probably 80) and went to work. The boys we're waiting with hammers in hand, so we got rolling. We were able to get the house on track finishing probably 85%...tomorrow we're gonna finish!
The road has been extended another 50 yards today...the Stoners (self-titled) have been delivering; especially Shelley and my niece Heidi...they don't stop.
VBS was as good as the day before. I watched during story time and saw the older kids (parents) enjoying the story as much as the kids...they love the interaction. Oh, Jean Louis, the boy with MS, now sleeps on new Yoga mats that someone brought and has mosquito nets draped over him...pretty cool.
During one of my longer breaks I took a moment to take in my surroundings. What I found was exactly what I had hoped to experience when we committed to the Mission. I saw Haitian girls playing soccer barefoot on the makeshift recreation field; I witnessed many of our members sitting under the tree with several Haitian orphans playing together and laughing (of course, Chrissy was at the center); and in the distance, I could see my crew on the construction team working hard with the Haitian boys.
Amongst this "moment" an answer to prayer was right behind me. I stood around to notice a large utility truck pulling into the complex. This was the electric company coming to install our Transformer. Remember, this will ultimately activate the well and provide clean, running water to the orphanage. To see the truck show up while we were onsite was a huge moment for us and the orphans. The cook (older lady) went running towards the gate when she saw the truck; it was beautiful, emotional moment. We had hoped to see electricity and water prior to our departure, but in Haiti it takes time for the authorities to turn on the power.
....please continue by reading the next entry
from Rob Ippolito (2 of 2)
ReplyDeleteAs the afternoon continued, temperatures stayed in the 80s, providing everyone some added energy. The construction team was going to stay late and crank on the house until 5:30. As the bus was pulling away, Pastor Bob and the orphans noticed a light bulb was LIT! The power was on...you'd thought Jesus Christ had arrived based upon their praises. The bus and orphans went nuts! As the bus pulled out of the compound, Pastor Bob points to me and says I need this lock broken off because I think the water is on which will ruin all the supplies.
I called to Greg Loy (one of our construction leaders) at which time he brought his “Sawzaw” to cut it off...the only problem was I had to hold the lock while the blade danced a jig. Fortunately, the lock came off and what followed was crazy. He had 200 boxes of food that were going to be ruined because he believed the water, yes water, was running in the bathroom. The problem was all 200 boxes blocked the door to the bathroom. Within seconds Greg and I were surrounded by 10 of our favorite Haitians to save the boxes...I think we moved all of the boxes 8 minutes flat.
It was a beautiful sight when Pastor Bob opened bathroom door…water was flowing! It was running water pumped from their well. The energy at the orphanage for the next 30 minutes was through the roof...for nothing more than running water...it was an answer to prayer, plain and simple!
Lesson Learned: We learned the value of water the minute we arrived...we craved water every minute of every day. You fill up in the morning and before you go to bed....and then God turns the water on at the orphanage. I will never completely relate, but on this point, I get it. Amazing how God used this circumstance to teach us:
• To use what talents God has entrusted you with,
• That faith can be found in many ways and forms...it can also be found in water.
Last Day at the orphanage tomorrow. It will be bittersweet because there is so much to do and I know I've been given much...at the same time I'm out of gas and ready for the next chapter.
Pray for:
• Final round of energy,
• Health-many are still ill,
• Opportunities to witness
It’s bedtime...and it’s quiet...must be goat wrestling night.
Rob & Chrissy
Checking the Haiti weather everyday and can imagine what the CPC group is going through. Great job and ready for you all to get back home especially my daughter April Anderson. We are proud of you. Love Dad and Mom and Caylin, Eric and Missy.
ReplyDeleteThursday update from Rob Ippolito (1 of 2)
ReplyDeleteThe ninth inning, the 4th quarter, the final chapter...whatever your reference is, we were thinking it...it was our last day at the orphanage.
We awoke early again with the livestock and got ready to make the most of our final day at Good Rest Orphanage.
I went early again at 6:00 (4:00 AM San Diego time) with three construction team members to get a head start on the day. We could smell the finish line and wanted to get the house right and ready for its newest tenants.
Unfortunately we quickly found out the hinges for the 5 doors weren't going to work and we needed more nails for the roof. Three days ago we would have panicked but now Greg and Nick knew how to navigate the Haitian marketplace. Before long the roof was on, the doors were attached and most importantly 10 bunk beds that will sleep 20 to 30 orphans were built. Nick and Greg are unbelievable examples, leaders and servants...huge!
The balance of the team spent the day enjoying the relationships they had built over the past 3 days. VBS took place as usual but you could see it was taking on a different life. The kids from the orphanage ran to our team members with arms wide open and fell asleep during nap time in the arms of the high school girls...great sight.
Jill had picture frames made and then set up a station for each person to have their Polaroid taken. Whether it was a small child or a member from the rough and tough construction team, they each loved their photos and put them in baggies to take home. Obviously cameras are not commonplace.
The afternoon was filled with singing with Kyle at the helm, but now the Haitian girls sang along in English and Creole...sweet to hear. There were races around the "slab" with the Haitians dominating each race.
It was basically the best definition of Community I could think of...interesting that most of us couldn't understand each other except for the fact we all loved Christ, and through acts of faith on both our parts, each other.
The construction was wrapping up with the final touches being installed, pathways for them to walk during the rainy season, handles on the doors and solar lights to line the pathways...we hope they work. We wanted to give the boys (20 to 25 years old) some money to thank them for there hard, hard work. After gaining approval from Pastor Bob, we gathered the 8 boys around and handed out tools, tool belts and whatever they wanted. It was a special moment because they were gracious in the acceptance of these simple gifts. We then asked the boys to step into the largest room so we could pray for them. Greg prayed with a translator while we stood in a circle. That was emotional...you want to do so much more for these talented, vibrant young men but unfortunately, that's not a reality. We all hugged and laughed and enjoyed our masterpiece.
Well we were late to get back to the house for pizza...yes freaking pizza so we had to get rolling. Little did we know that goodbyes are not so easy.
To cap off the experience, Pastor Bob has us form a giant circle (150 people) being sure the order of the circle went Haitian-American-Haitian. We held hands and sang OH HOW I LOVE JESUS in English and Creole and then prayed for each other. Some nice words were spoken and then we began to say goodbyes. As dehydrated as we were you would never know it because there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd...it was obvious...God was present and we allowed Him to transform us into the people we were meant to be.
...please continue be reading the next entry
from Rob Ippolito (2 of 2)
ReplyDeleteFinal thoughts:
Spoke with a boy named Donald today for 15 minutes who spoke English. He said "Mr. Robert I thank you for coming to my country to help. If you offered me money or food I would say, 'No, for those things are temporary'...what I ask of you is to pray for me." 2:00 on a Thursday and I'm getting emotional because this young man is just being real.
Leadership Witnessed:
- Nick Degraff and Greg Loy are great men, period.
- Jilane Hawkins can move mountains.
- My sister Jill is a special lady, with a heart as big as Haiti.
In closing, I apologize if this was too much to be bothered with...if you've spammed me by now no worries. I was encouraged to Journal my experience, but found I write better with my thumbs and a Blackberry than with a pen and paper. Quite frankly, sharing such stirring thoughts with my family and closest friends is a bit unsettling, and yet freeing.
I don't know how this experience will affect my life once we land in San Diego and get back to work. I suspect I will always be who I am but hopefully more focused on what Christ has for my life rather than what Rob has planned...it's still marinating. I look forward to sharing conversation, hopefully together in the very near future.
Pray For:
Safe trip to Dominican Republic...its only a 7 to 10 hour bus trip.
Health: The 3rd world is running...literally.
Families and friends at home: we all talk about our families everyday...you are missed.
This is the final send off...I hear the Farm in full motion...its gonna be a roaring bedtime in Haiti.
Rob & Chrissy
Woody share this with me via txt:
ReplyDeleteWere are done! What an amazing experience!!
Among the dozen stories I could share this sums it all up the best. As we were leaving on the bus 40+ kids are running along side the bus giving us fives. We circled around the field and there they were again cheering and giving fives. We did so much, but they did just as much in return.
My heart is bursting with pride and joy as I read these postings. My husband Scott has called every night and told me amazing stories of faith, love, and gratitude! Most amazing is the fact that my 15 year-old son, Tyler, was able to witness and be a part of "God showing up" in so many incredibly ways! I know he will be forever touched by this experience and I can't wait to hear all of the wonderful stories and see the pictures!
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