Better late than never…. Our trip to Haiti in May

Travel Report

September, 2016

Thank you for your generous support of our short-term trip to Haiti in May. What began as a New Year’s Facebook request for knitting classes turned into an incredible opportunity to meet and work alongside some wonderful believers. When the request from American Baptist International Ministries came to help Jules and Laurie Casseus move due to retiring as president of the University Christian of Northern Haiti, it seemed the perfect fit for the daughter of a lifelong moving company family! And Dann’s technical skills were an added bonus. Yes, there were plans for knitting as well.

Travel there was uneventful, if you don’t count the frantic preparations the night before… Nancy’s cell phone and email getting hacked, the hair clippers breaking at midnight so Dann’s last-minute haircut was—well, a little less even than usual. We knew this trip was of God, because the enemy certainly was trying to thwart us! However, through the sincere prayers of our small group, and willingness to stay up all night, we were ready.

Dann’s part of the trip was, of course, technical assistance. A gift of several ethernet switches at the last minute was incredibly suitable. We were a little concerned about bringing supplies in through Customs, whether there would be fees charged. Thanks to Nancy’s mother’s gift of a broad-brimmed sun hat, we also were able to “protect” the 1,000 foot roll of wire Dann was bringing to help with networking at the University. At Customs there was no question about any of the many supplies we carried in, although our suitcases were searched. We prayed the whole time, and even as one Customs official began to lift several items of clothing, he simply stopped and closed that suitcase!

The packing and moving venture began. The University president’s home was also Laurie’s childhood home, as her parents had been previous president, so we were looking at books and many other items which had been there for over half a century. It was with great fear, trepidation, and care that Nancy packed fragile family ceramic pieces used for special celebrations, praying they would survive the move intact.

Helping Laurie sort through her grown children’s schoolwork and mementos was especially moving as her precious son Tony had passed away just two years prior. There were hugs and tears, and even some laughter in the memories.

Dann spent part of his time installing network infrastructure for the campus. He worked with Max, who is the registrar and responsible for information services, and they hit it off really well. He used alternate days pulling electrical wiring at the home where the Casseus family was planning to retire, a home which had not been occupied for 18 years and needed huge repairs and renovations. The previous wiring had been stolen from the home so it all needed replaced.

Nancy was able to have a few knitting sessions with some of the folks on campus. Not speaking Creole did present minor challenges but high school French classes (a LONG time ago) were of a little help.

All too soon it was time to come home; the 12 days we spent there were not nearly long enough to accomplish all the tasks or to cement the friendships which began.

We are grateful for all God brought about on this trip and again thank you for your financial help.