Trying

I have only posted a blog one other time during this trip. I have sat down many times with the intent to write one. It is becoming more difficult for me to articulate my experiences here in Haiti. I have been working here for about 11 years. I am trying build friendships and be used in some way to bring a measure of hope to those without it. It seems to be an uphill battle. I work with a dozen or so guys everyday doing this housing project and feel as if many of them have become friends so it is difficult when they steal tools and supplies. I wonder how much I am the cause of this. What I mean is why is it so difficult for them to see me as a friend? Why can't they get past my having money? It is not as if I don't know them well, I eat, joke and work with them. I live in thier community when I'm here. I have been asking myself these questions as they hurt me by treating me as nothing more than a way to get money or things. But I need to look at my own response to thier need and change the way that I respond. This is not to say that stealing is anything but wrong. Both I and they know it is wrong but how could my actions make them feel as if they can justify a wrong behavior. I am hurt when they treat me as only someone who can give them something, but I am guilty of the same thing when I respond rudely to someone who is sharing thier needs with me. I justify my behavior by saying that I can't help everyone or I'm tired because I've had fifty requests already today. Those things may be true but it doesn't make unkindness acceptable. In the same way that it is not acceptable for those in need to say "you have and I don't so it's ok" which I hear a lot. Until I am invited or grow deep enough in relationship with others it is futile to tell them they are doing wrong I can only try to change myself and try to become more welcoming. As Jesus is. Thanks for listening (reading), Brian

ORR Pakistan Fruit Tree Program

We have continued to give fruit trees. We have also given fruit trees for another orchard of one acre. The total number of fruit trees we have distributed are 750. The types of fruit tress we have distributed are Peach, Apple, Almond, Cherry, Pear, Apricot, Plumb.

We got these fruit trees from Government Agriculture Department free of any cost. We transported these trees from Mansehra to Jabber Gali area and hired six worker for planting. We will also get fruit trees for one more orchard in next week.

We developed this link between the Government Agriculture Department and People of Jabber Gali. It was not possible for the people of Jabber Gali to get these fruit trees without our help. This is the story of our connection and care for the deserving and needy community.

- Waheed Alam

It's saturday the day before elections in Haiti. Tomorrow I will be picking up three americans to add to the five I picked up today. We then will head back to Goniaves where they will do various things unknown to me and I will go back to building houses. I mainly came to Port au Prince so i could pick up supplies that I can't find or are too expensive in Gonaives. Then we had two flat tires and I couldn't buy a spare and I was unwilling to take heavy supplies, baggage and Americans with all the materials on a 100 mile road trip the day of an election (which sometimes can mean riots). So I guess I will be back later in the week provided schedule and political upheaval don't get in the way. Please pray for me and my family as we are separated. It has been very difficult. I will write again later this week.

Brian