Manifestations + Celine Dion = Haiti

5:45 a.m. the alarm clock sounded and we were up and moving for a very eventful Wednesday.  Crossings Ministries (who we worked with in the U.S.) have sent a team of 80+ to serve with Baptist Haiti Missions camp ministry this week.  Trey and I, as well as 3 others from the mission went down to spend the day with some dear friends and take some supplies from the Mission.

It typically takes 2 hours to get to the camp property, today it took us 3 1/2 hours.  After the first hour of our drive we began to pass a lot of stopped vehicles, never a good sign.  We drove forward just a few feet before we realized there was a large blokis (traffic jam) we were approaching due to some manifestations/demonstration that were taking place.

Electricity in Haiti is not dependable.  Most rely on generators and others simply go without anything.  The protestors were demonstrating for more electricity.  They had blocked the only main road for hours, certain to make a scene.

It just so happened that when we stopped and began to think about what our next step should be, we parked right behind a group of Haitians from NY who spoke clear English.  Total God thing if you ask me.

We drove for a little bit in the opposite direction seeking a new path, only to realize it would be at least a 4 hr. drive before we found a route that took us around the demonstration, no thank you!

We had been in touch with friends of ours who were on the other side of the demonstration, seeking to figure out how we could get the supplies to them that the camp needed.  The decision had been made that Trey and Brad would carry the supplies through the blokis, while 3 of us waited at the car.  NOT something I was looking forward to.

The moment the guys began to get out of the car, the vehicles in front of us began to move.  We became excited and slowly moved forward with the leading vehicles.  The streets were clearing up as we were driving through.  We passed several vehicles that had been burned from the night before, and a few frustrated bystanders.

I doubt there will be any more electricity given to the people as a result of these demonstrations.  I can also say, it was an experience to see these events, and I will be okay to not come upon another demonstration for quite some time.

We had a wonderful time at camp this afternoon.  We had a very uneventful drive back home today.  Trey does a fantastic job driving and I am so thankful for his leadership.

Trey helped with a lot of manual work on the property, from generators to fuel lines.  This will be very helpful for the many camps that will be taking place over the next several weeks for students in Haiti.  We enjoyed chatting with friends and hearing all about their time in Haiti so far.

The team from the U.S. is helping with construction projects at camp as well as leading VBS.  I took-off with half of the team this afternoon to participate in VBS.

Relay race balancing washers on tongue depressors

My favorite part of the day took place this afternoon at VBS.  I found myself in a conversation with 3 teenage girls, the next thing I know we had moved outside to talk and the group increased to 7 or more.  I was asked if I could sing Celine Dion, and then we began to sing, "My Heart Will Go On."  

After this beautiful song, I was asked if I knew any Beyonce, let's just say I did not burst out into "Single Ladies."  I quickly changed the conversation and suggested they teach me a song in Creole instead.

 VBS concluded with some tasty snacks and lots of happy students.  Continue to pray for camp this week as the gospel is presented through VBS.  Pray for the work on the property to go smooth in order to provide wonderful, distraction free experiences for the many students who will be a part of camp this summer in Haiti.