Friday, April 30, 2010

Marathon for Haiti 2010 Prescott, AZ


Ken and Waheed are in Prescott, AZ! We drove along the course today so that they would be able to see the monumental task ahead of them. The course is full of ups and downs and rises from 5200 feet all the way up to 7000 feet in altitude. Make sure to keep them in your prayers as Ken is not feeling well but is still going to do everything that he is able to do.





(pictures from the highest point)


They will be starting the race at the early start which is 1 hour early (5:00am Arizona time MST). Waheed suggested this so if they need to, they will be able to take a nap or even go and pick some mushrooms during the race. Tomorrow the forecast weather is to be in the low 30's in the morning with the temperature rising up into the mid 50's.


Friday, April 23, 2010

MAY 1st MARATHON


We are counting down to our Prescott, Arizona Marathon. You can help ease the pain of this extreme run by donating 1,2,or 3 dollars to our on going work in Haiti. Please make it worth our effort. Haiti is still in great need. We also have shirts commemorating our work in Haiti. You may purchase them by contacting Cody Smith. 402-573-2200.

Waheed and I after a long mountain run in California.

Two times during the run along this mountain road we will reach an elevation of 7000 foot. The run starts at 5300 foot.
PRAY, GIVE, GO, you chose the method of your participation in bringing about his Kingdom in this earthquake stricken land.
The website will direct you in your involvement. http://www.omaharapidresponse.org/
Blessings, Ken and Waheed

Friday, April 9, 2010

Let the reign fall

It has rained the past few nights here in port au prince. For those of us that have shelter it is helpful to cool the air in order to sleep easier. Unfortunately it is no help for those sleeping in temporary shelters made of sheets and plastic found on the roadside. What am I here for is a question I often ask God. Sometimes the answer is easily found other times it eludes me.
The other day I was walking through the camp we are working in asking this question and just as I finished speaking I saw one of the reasons. We have begun helping a family of six. A single mother with 5 children. They all have vision problems. One of our team members last week had already had the pleasure of meeting them and had encouraged me to see what we could do to help them. So here I am as always a few days late thankfully the Lord allows me stumble upon his will. I am so thankful for the teams that have come and been willing to sacrifice themselves to meet the need of those who are suffering. My prayer is that we will be able to meet some of the needs they saw.
It is often difficult to help the most needy when we don't meet them face to face. Those who are corrupt are willing to take the help meant for the poorest to benifit themselves.
As we seek to stop the rain from entering their shelters please pray that this reign of injustice would also come to an end. As I write it continues to rain/reign here.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Team 5’s Finale

Today was rather bittersweet because we went back to where we started our week’s work and had to say good-bye to the wonderful people we met throughout the week. The cardboard and tarp tents are a sharp contrast with the beautiful mountains and ocean surrounding them. Phyllis was able to reconnect with a family that had touched her heart the first time we were there. They took her into their home and she was surrounded by these beautiful little children, all who had severe sight issues. Noreen and Gail were able to treat the youngest two children (of 8) of a woman whose husband died in the earthquake. They had been sick for 8 days and they were very weak. It was so heartbreaking to see because they were sleeping in a tent with a net over them that was covered with flies. We gave them the meds they needed and the mother was most appreciative. We were also able to leave shoes and clothes for several of her children and others nearby.

Sue and Noreen were amazed by the creativity of the children who took them over to their small tent and showed them how to make a kite out of whatever they could find on the ground. It was absolutely the best kite we had ever flown and very well engineered. Despite how little they have, two of the children wanted to share their cookies with us and another family went out of their way to make sure Susan, Gail, and Phyllis were comfortable by proving shade and even pulling out cardboard for us to sit on rather than the dirt.

We closed the day with our 3 translators and a young lady, Theyana, from one of the other tent camps. It’s hard to say good-bye, not knowing when we will see them again. The week we’ve shared together has created a bond with them and within our team that we’ll hold in our hearts always. A special thanks to Brian and Waheed for hosting us and to Dave for being a great team leader, although we are not sure how we survived the wild commutes each day.
Thanks to all the prayer warriors and all of those who have supported the team financially. We have felt the prayers and it has helped us do God’s work and we continue to pray that we have left some of those we’ve touched with some help and hope.

Psalm 5:11 – Let all who take refuge in you be glad. Let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you, for surely Oh Lord you bless the righteous. You surround them with your favor as with a shield.

God Bless!

Team 5

Sunday, April 4, 2010

EASTER!


Today was such a wonderful experience. We went to Easter service at Pastor Lenny’s which is close to where we are staying. The service was predominately in Creole, but there was an American pastor who also gave a sermon in English. Actually, the Creole portion was also translated into sign language by our wonderful translator Lionel as there were quite a few deaf people in the congregation. He continues to amaze us with his talents.

The spirit of those attending was upbeat and hopeful even though the service had to be held outside under large tarps. Their church is still not safe to hold services inside and behind the makeshift pulpit was the collapsed roof and rubble from their school. I have to admit that my attention was more on watching the people, not only because I couldn’t understand most of the service, but because it was fun to see everyone arriving in their Sunday best. We were definitely the motley part of the crowd. Of course, a couple of us in the back (Dave and I) couldn’t resist messing with the kids. They are so gosh darn cute and just seem to gravitate towards us, checking out our hair, sunglasses, or whatever!


We did a short clinic today at Smith and Katia’s orphanage and had the luxury of just playing with the kids. What an awesome bunch of children. Within moments of arriving they are climbing all of you. It was a blast doing everything from playing basketball and soccer with them to just cuddling – we even did the hokey pokey and they loved it! It is sad to leave them and we all wish we could take 4 or 5 home with us.


Needless to say it was a memorable Easter!

Susan G.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Back to the beginning...

For me as I was coming down for my second trip to Haiti I kept thinking of the people that we had cared for during my first trip. I was able to see Elionel and Robinson, who help with translating my first day here.Tianna and Majorie showed up after that. These two girls assisted us on Team One with wound care and in the pharmacy. They picked up with both activities soon as they joined the team here now. Today was even more surprising as we did a clinic at the same tent city we started at with Team One. I recognized so many faces, and the kids were already starting some of the same games as before soon as we arrived. It was really special though seeing some of the ones we had cared for and the improvements that they have made. The first was the wife of the cardiac patient we had. Her husband wasn't home at the time, as he was actually back working with his clean up crew! We are to meet tomorrow at Pastor Lennys for Easter Service. The next was the teenage boy who had the injury to his hips and was unable to walk without crutches. He was not only walking but was starting to ride a bicycle again. Finally the little girl that had the burns to her face. Her face had completly healed with no visible scars. Seeing these people moving forward in their lives, and knowing what we have been doing has helped so much makes our work even more rewarding. We won't be able to change or fix everything here by ourselves, but we can touch the lives of many, one at a time. And in that we can share a love of faith and mankind that can grow into a change that someday just may be enough to change what we all go through in life making it better for everyone. To Team One I would like to say hi and thank you for your prayers. Hope to see all of you soon. And to the Team I'm with now, thank you for what you are doing and making this week so rewarding.



Posted by: Dave Gifford

Friday, April 2, 2010

Good Friday

Last night it was anounced to me that I was to do the days blog. I asked Ed to help me and he agreed to. Today we went to a orphanage outside of town. And set up a medical clinic, where we handed out vitamins, and many medical supplies.

I really enjoyed loving on the kids, and they loved to touch our hands. We went to several tent cities, and an orphanage, where we observed such poverty at each location. We also saw the hopeful smiles of little children, as we play and interact and serve them.










There is a look of hopelessness in the adults, when you look into their eyes, sometimes they will smile if you put your hand on them and smile at them. I think they appreciate these Americans have come to help.







As I looked over the group of orphan children this morning, I saw hopeful looks and joy to see us, to touch and chat with us. Although I don't understand half of what they say; I understand the heart of what they are saying. they are so open to love on us as we love on them. Many of us had little shadows that followed us as we served the children.
In the afternoon, we went back to the tent city. Things we consider so basic medical care, Provides such a relief to the Haitian community. things that we take for granted, they consider such a blessing. Just a hug or smile brightens their day.
Many times the best things I could do was touch the kids and adults. Hoping they felt the touch of Jesus, and His compassion towards them.
Ed and Coletta

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Our First Tent Camp Medical Clinic

Today our team went back to the same Tent Camp we visited yesterday. Many seemed to recognize us, especially the children who ran to welcome and greet us with open arms. Although we realized we wouldn't be able to even make a dent in their overall health conditions, we were happy to at least have something to offer to ease their immediate physical pain.




It's amazing to us how the Haitian people are so appreciative of even the smallest kindness. They seem to really be thankful for our efforts and especially the one-on-one personal contact. Thank goodness we had Moses, Robinson and Lionel (our wonderful translators!) to help us understand their needs and ailments. We amused so many with our attempts at Creole!












After our morning clinic, we decided to take a break for lunch. How did we know we were in for the ride of our lives?! Between lunch hour traffic, airport congestion and aggressive Haiti-style driving (the bigger the vehicle and the louder horn have the right of way), we weren't sure we had an appetite when we arrived to eat!

The afternoon was another busy time of treating a variety of illnesses and ailments. We were gratified to see the smiles of appreciation and we hope we made a small difference in their lives today.

Gail and Noreen