Observations from the group

Today was like the others in that it was very unique. Many of us worked in ways that were similar to other days. However, there were some differences that stand out and make the day unique. We had another night with many interruptions of sleep. Cells phones going off for the YWAM staff, dog's barking, people getting up to leave the base at 4:45 AM, Josh getting sick at 4:00 AM (He was feeling much better this afternoon), some one's radio playing for an hour in the middle of the night. We ALL look forward to the comforts of our own homes.

Instead of just reporting on who did what today, I asked each to share something that stood out to them since the beginning of the trip. This gives some of our groups thoughts.

Josh - We were there at the hospital after working all day, and the children suddenly surrounded us and wanted attention. They didn't speak English, we didn't speak Creole, but the energy and enthusiasm was there.

Michael - The children wanting attention, and, visiting with the DTS people here.

Tom - You can smile at anyone and they always smile back.

Shirley - I will never complain about the health care system and the competent doctors we have at home. At home there is talk of health care reform, but we still have it SO much better than here in Haiti. It was also great to see people accepting Jesus and the healing power of prayer.

Sue - Also, so very thankful for the medical care we have at home. What we see here in Haiti is primitive at best. Watching these orphan children get their wounds dressed and stitches without anesthetic is hard to watch.

Ron - Today was part of registering 500 (Five HUNDRED) refugees that came to the base for processing to receive medical aid and food in the community. Prayer time this morning with injured people staying in the arena on the base was powerful.

Duane Charles - Over the last couple days, several people showed up at the hospital we were working on, claiming they owned it. Three of them were there at the one time, arguing they owned it. Ultimately they backed off on their claim to the property for the good of the community.

Linford - It's very clear how much the YWAM Base is trying to do in the crisis. It's chaos for the YWAM people, but the money given to this organization is going to where the need is tremendous.

John - Expected to see and hear of violence and uprisings, pleased to not see it happening. Surprised with how clean the people appear in spite of the dirt and trash in the community.

Darren - Amazed with how poor the people are and how much they jump in to help us work at the hospital.

Matthew- Amazed with how much people jump and help as we work at the hospital.

Duane Stoner - Learning to trust God more, and is seeing God at work here.

Paul - Extreme poverty and dirtiness and trash everywhere, yet people are still generally happy, friendly and caring.

Michelle - Being here opens your eyes to how privileged we are at home. People here are living without sewer, running water, medical care, and other services we take for granted.

Merle - I am so glad to be where I am for right now. This group has such a great attitude as they come to the tasks at hand. The ladies are very stretched emotionally while caring for the medical needs of refugee people on the base. The guys are working physically in the hot sun for hours, coming back very dirty and tired. The YWAM staff on the base is working in a chaotic environment and is a GREAT asset to the local community and the Haiti nation.

Tomorrow we plan to continue to work on the school and take care of the refugees. Sunday we plan to rest and relax. Monday it's back to work, Tuesday we plan to travel the 8 or 9 hours back to Santo Domingo in the Domincan Republic, Wednesday we plan to fly home (unless some the group stays longer) There was a team of people scheduled to come in early February to work, but Terry Snow learned today that they may not be coming. They WILL loose out on a very powerful experience. I hope and pray that they forget about any danger they perceive and come. We've not felt threatened at all in our activities, but rather blessed by our experience.

Please pray for workers, the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. Some of our group may decide to stay a bit longer, to help with the need. Please pray for us as they consider this. There will be travel issues to figure out, people doing things at home that we would otherwise need to do, and extra expenses.

We are very grateful for the prayer support you have all given us while we are here. We will have much to share when we return.