A GOOD FRIEND

MADDIE AND FELINE FRIEND COTTON

Good friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors, gender and species. Friendships I think are intended to be a life time relationship verses an acquittance who is someone you know. Friends are someone you know very well through years of living ,working or doing things together. Maddie our cocker spaniel was a good friend to all of our family and neighbors for almost 15 years.

She came to live with us back in August of 1994, having been born in June of that year she was still a pup. She originally was a gift to our daughter on her 16 th birthday from her boyfriend at that time. When Sarah moved off to college and then on to her own home afterwards Maddie stayed on with us. Even so you could always see the special affection Maddie had when Sarah would come to visit or when she would go to stay with her when we traveled and were away from home.


In 1995 we bought a cottage at Tri Lakes and then in 1998 we bought a permanent home on the lake. Maddie loved the lake but not the water, it's true dogs are natural swimmers but you could never coax her into to swim on her own will. On the other hand she loved boating, all you had to do was say "let's go for a boat ride" and she would run and jump on.


She had a fatty tumor for several years but it hadn't slowed her down much. This past year we started noticing a decline in her senses and behavior. She loss her hearing first and spent most of the day sleeping often not knowing what was going on around her. Shortly after I returned to Haiti in March she lost her vision and started bumping into things. She could be gone for hours when we would let her out and this became alarming that she would get lost. So right before my wife's scheduled departure for Haiti, we had to make that decision that many pet owners have to make of having her put to sleep.


Even now several months later I find myself expecting to be greeted by her when we return home . I sometimes catch myself wondering if she needs put outside before we go to bed at night. Now that summer is finally here I find myself thinking about her when we take the boat out for a ride on the lake.

I won't go as far as to say that "dogs are man's best friend" but they are very good friends and companions. When they are no longer there you miss them just as much as a family member or a close friend. We decided years ago that Maddie would be our last dog, that we were coming to a new point in our lives where we didn't want the responsibility of pet ownership because of our travels. Maybe there will come another point in our life that we do want and need the companionship, love and friendship that a dog can bring but for now our memories of Maddie are enough. We had Maddie cremated and she now rests down by the Lake where she loved to lay and wait for a boat ride. In God's love , Steve

REMEMBERING

ROCKS IN A RIVER

I know I haven't posted a blog lately and I apologize for that, I could say that I have been busy and that blogging takes a certain amount of effort and commitment. All of that is true but mostly I guess for me it has been a form of weariness and some soul searching that has kept me from writing the last week.

As some of you may know I'm on a several months leave away from the work in Haiti, which is normal for me at this time of year. My routine over the years has kind of evolved into a schedule of where my work season in Haiti runs from November through April and more recently, last year and this a mid summer trip in July and August. At any rate I'm back home right now for my longest uninterrupted period of time each year. It is always a great time to be home, especially if you live in the North and on a lake, of which I do. It can often lead to a time of evaluation and decision making about the past and the future.

It seems everyone and every place is going through some tough times right now. There is lot's of uncertainty, temptation, difficulties and testing circumstances going around and no one is exempt. My own home Church has gone through a difficult four year period and now seems to be transitioning out of it, to hopefully reclaim God's plans for us. Our country is in a difficult period and will hopefully get back on the right course. Many of my missionary friends are also facing personal, emotional, financial and cultural challenges that often shake their faith and strength to at times it seems go on.

In reality that is what Memorial Day is all about, a time of remembering. To remember those who came before us, who sacrificed so that we might have and enjoy what we now have and hold dear. The Bible gives us many examples of God asking his people to commemorate special events . Joshua 4:1-9 is one occasion. He asked that Joshua choose 12 men to represent each tribe and to take 12 rocks out of the Jordan River and place them as a memorial of what He had done for them as they crossed the river that day.

Such a memorial has 3 distinct purposes: first it reminds us what God has done for us in the past. That He loves us and keeps His promises to us.

Secondly it helps us see what He is doing for us right now through whatever difficulty we might be encountering. It gives us strength to cross through those difficult times ( rivers) and to trust in Him.

Third it shows us what He plans for us in the future. It gives us faith to seek and follow His will for our lives.

This week past week I received news that already flooding has started in Haiti, eleven lives and thousands of homes have been swept away. I recently received reports that several missionary families I know are going through some personal difficulties. I don't know what personal crossroad you may be at, what struggle or crisis you are facing. I do know I was encouraged by the message of what this Memorial Day weekend represents to me.

That each and everyone of us have the opportunity to offer our lives as a living memorial by building on the past, strengthening the present, and giving hope to the future. We sang a song Sunday I think called "God of This City" it goes "greater things have yet to come and greater things still to be done". Please don't miss out on those promises because your discouraged but remember back on what He has done, is doing and will do for you. In God's love , Steve

HAITI SHIPMENT

CONTAINER PARTY

I know I've said it before but it's best to never say never when your working for God. Over my years of working in Haiti I've been involved in shipping six containers of materials, equipment and medical supplies and three vehicles to Haiti. The last time I shipped which was in 2008 I vowed that was my last time to ship a container or a vehicle which I had done in 2007.

The reason being is it takes a lot of work from the U.S. side of mission work to make it happen. You have to find a container and purchase it or persuade the owner to donate it, then you have to make it road ready so it can be pulled out to New York City to be shipped. Purchasing, repairing and getting it titled, plated and DOT inspected can run as much as $1200.00. Then you have to get it moved out to the shipping company on the East coast which means getting a semi and driver willing to pull it out for us, in the past we have gotten this donated. The shipping charges for our 30 foot containers usually run about $3900.00. Then you have to deal with getting it out of Customs after it arrives in Haiti, which can run another $3,000.00 and lots of time and headaches. Our last container which should have been a breeze to get out took 5 months.

If you crunch the numbers you can see that what we put into our 28 x 8 x 8 container needs to be worth at least $8100.00 or $4.52 a cu. foot. If we have to pay the truck driver we could be looking at least another $2,000.00 in additional costs which would make your cu.foot costs $5.64. It's because of these costs that most of what we ship is donated material and equipment, if we purchased everything that we shipped then added on our shipping costs we might as well buy it in Haiti. Even so we have to send quality goods and items that exceed our shipping costs or things that are not readily available in Haiti.

This morning with the help of some of the North Manchester Congregational Christian Church members we started loading container # 7 for shipment later this year. What made me decide to do another container was the generous donation of picking out whatever and how much we wanted in materials from Ead's Salvage Yard. We loaded hundreds of 2 x 4' s , 2 x 6's , 2 x 8's and 2 x 10's. Metal roofing, doors, nails, bolts plumbing fittings, shovels, rakes and carpenter tools. It was sort of like going to Home Depot and loading as much as you could drive away with, in our case a 28 foot trailer. We still have lot's more things that we have collected and had in storage that we will load on in the next several months but eventually there won't be anymore room and it will be time to send it on to Haiti. This time things have been going very well to this point so who knows maybe we will stay in the shipping business after all.

In God's love, steve

STAY IN THE RACE

FINISHING THE RACE

We all have those days, sometimes they run into weeks, even months or longer. You grow weary you question why your doing this or that, you have doubts you have the stamina or will to go on. Eventually for some they catch a second wind, find some more energy, maybe a change of pace but they stay in the race.

I have been in Haiti for 10 years now and over that time have met and had friendships with many missionaries. In that time over 30 of those individuals, some who were married couples, have left and returned home. Some of them probably never actually intended to be there more than several years anyway but others came and started missions or worked with established ones.

You could often tell those who weren't prepared to stick it out but sometimes others who seemed like lifers would leave unexpectedly as well. Yes there would always be some explanation or rumor such as lack of funding, poor training , couldn't adapt to culture, health issues, schooling for kids, love or marriage, disagreements with other missionaries, mission board or nationals and fear .

I still have 3 friends, two of them married, though who have stuck it out through the good times and the bad . They were in Haiti when I arrived and between the three of them have over 90 combined years. Yes over those years they faced many of the same problems of those who only lasted one or two years or those who quit at nine years but they have stayed in the race.

The Apostle Paul talked about this race in 1 Corinthians 9 :24-27. He stressed that the Christian life offers the opportunity for many people to be winners if they train well and discipline themselves. Paul emphasized that the race all Christians need to prepare and run is the calling of God and that they are rewarded for the calling that He gives them. Paul was committed to staying in the race at all costs till the end.

I can't judge nor want too any of those who left and I have often been there and grown very weary myself. I think the thing that has allowed my three friends to stay all these years is the attitude that even though they may have come with dreams they realized it was God who fulfills them. He desires to be our partner, He made us and He gave us a purpose to accomplish if we allow ourselves to be in His will and not our own.

In the ten years I have known my three friends I have never seen them do anything without allowing God to give it life first. They are masters at the marathon adapting their pace to what God is doing. They speed up when they see where God is working and drop back to conserve energy when they can't see Him, they never want to get ahead of God. Every race needs someone to set the pace, in the Christian race, it has to be God.

In God's love, Steve

VOLUNTEERS

GETTING READY FOR CAMP

At Gap ministry we rely on volunteers, whether it's helping load containers, serving on our board, helping with fundraising, putting on a banquet or many of the other things that help us as a not for profit organization. As a mission agency that recruits, organizes and leads short term missions ( stms ) we work with volunteers on a regular basis, volunteerism is what we are all about.

So when I got a call from a contractor friend of mine about volunteering to roof a building at Bear Lake Church Camp , I responded with a "give me a call when you want to start." Monday and Tuesday of this week myself and several employees of D&T Construction were able to re roof a picnic pavilion at the church camp that is set to open in 3 weeks.

The directors of Bear Lake Camp and the people of Bear Lake Community Church have been not only supporters of GAP Ministry and Canaan but good friends to Shirley and I. They recently spent a week in Haiti with us and helped us with several projects there as well as helping us host a mini camp for several of the churches in Montrouis where we live in Haiti. It was really nice getting to help them in a small way with their wonderful ministry at Bear Lake Camp.

PURE WATER AND LIVING WATER

THAT I MAY NEVER BE THIRSTY

"Sir give me this water, so that I may never get thirsty nor have to come here to draw." John 4:15 . This story of the Samaritan woman at the well has always been one of my favorite stories in the New Testament. A well in an arid land, people coming all day long to draw water and fill containers to carry back to their families. All around the world this two thousand year old story still plays itself out on a daily basis. The World Health Organization says that 80 percent of all sickness is caused by unsafe drinking water.

When I first came to Haiti 10 years ago I envisioned this poor devastated landscape with little or no water resources. As I got out and into the mountains and traveled across the country I found a land with numerous springs gushing out from under rocks. They cascade down from their mountain sources to become streams and rivers making their way to the ocean. In some villages you can find hand dug wells just like from the story in the Bible, some lucky villages have drilled wells with hand pumps.

Yet water availability and especially clean safe drinking water remains a huge problem for Haitians. Water needs to often be carried great distances to where it is needed. Time after time we find hand pumps that no longer are operable because they have a broken or damaged part. Very few springs are capped to keep livestock, bathers and those doing laundry far enough away to keep the water pure. Nor are cisterns built to store enough water for all to readily get clean water from out of a spigot.

These are some of the water projects that G.A.P. 's Feet Across the Mountains ministry will be taking on as we partner with communities in the mountains. We start by meeting with the leaders and elders of the villages to build a sense of community effort and pride in doing projects that benefit their communities. These projects allow us to gain their trust and confidence . It has been said that to get very far as a missionary the people you work with need " to know how much you care , before they care how much you know." Helping give them pure water will allow us to share with them the living water Jesus promised the Samaritan woman.

In God's love , Steve

HIGH FIVES

LOVING MOTHERS

A second grade teacher had given her class a science lesson on magnets. The next day she had this question on their test : I have six letters in my name, the first letter is M, I also pick up things , what Am I? " When she graded the test she was amazed that 50 percent of the class put down " mother." Mother's do a lot more than just going around picking up after children and husbands, so much that we have set aside a day to honor them. I wavered back and forth about doing a Mothers Day blog and didn't even post yesterday because I had changed my mind against it but as I sat down this evening I decide yes I would.

So here's a little history that I hope is accurate. The idea of a holiday to honor mothers originated with Anne Jarvis when her own mother passed away in 1908. By 1914 she had lobbied so hard for a special day to be set aside to commemorate motherhood that it became a national holiday. Now here is where I can't verify my facts 100 percent but some years after she became so unhappy with the commercialization of it that she spent the rest of her life and money fighting against it. She once said about the trend of giving a mother's day card "what's wrong with people that they're so lazy they can't write a letter from their heart to their own mother". She said this about those who gave candy "they give you a box of candy and you eat one piece and they eat the rest." To say the least she went to her grave embittered about her Holiday to honor mothers.

As we left for church yesterday morning, Shirley, my wife, made the comment that she hoped the new pastor wouldn't go the traditional route of "Mother and Home" and dispensing of flowers or whatever that have been handed out at some previous services. She got her Mother's Day wish, yesterday's message was titled The High Five for Parents and is the reason I decided to do this post tonight.

Our new pastor who likes to go by the name Johnny Mac chose to start a new two part series on parenting yesterday. Haitian mothers like mothers in the states and most likely all other cultures have a natural innate love for their children. As I posted on May 1st my youngest daughter Sarah gave birth to a precious baby girl and over the days since, I have observed the special bond, of comfort and contentedness that the baby has when she is being held by her mom, grandmother and even non related women. When I hold her, and I have held my share of babies, she is a little less comfortable and at ease as are most of us men when we hold a tiny newborn. There definitely is a special thing between a mother and child.

A devotional I read for Mother's day said this: "A good mother loves her family and provides an atmosphere where each member can find acceptance, security and understanding. She is there when the children need a listening ear, a comforting word, a warm hug, or a loving touch. And For Christian mothers, her greatest joy is in teaching her children to trust and to love Jesus as their Savior". I agree with the writer that these things are of great importance and are joyous occasions but I would have to disagree that this is the sole responsibility of mothers.

In fact our pastor's sermon was based on his 20 years of working with youth and his interest as to why some children turn out so well adapted and others struggle. Briefly this is his conclusion on how to be great at parenting. Like any journey you should begin with the end in mind . So these are the three questions any parents should ask about the end results of parenting. Who will this child be at 18 as he or she moves out into adulthood ? What beliefs will that child adhere to as an adult? What is this child's destiny ? The High Fives of parenting aren't exactly a mother does this and a father this but a joint effort. Now wouldn't it just be wonderful if we do away with Mothers Day and Fathers day and create one single holiday called Parents Day.

This might even appease poor Anne Jarvis who felt her holiday didn't turn out to honor motherhood quite the way she intended.
In God's love , Steve

Honor your father and mother as the Lord your God has commanded you. Deut. 5:16

CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

NEXT YEAR'S NORTH MANCHESTER C.C.C. TEAM

Last Sunday afternoon I drove down to the North Manchester Congregational Christian Church to meet with their 2010 GAP mission team. I may have lost count but I think this team may be the sixth group to represent their church and congregation. One member from that church traveled to Haiti in 2005 as part of another team. Since then the North Manchester C.C.C. has sent a team every year to GAP-Haiti.

Two years ago their Pastor, J. P. Freeman presented an application to the leadership of the denomination of the Congregational Christian Churches of America for G.A.P. go and produce Ministry to be their mission outreach in Haiti. This year we were approved to work with their Churches in sending short term mission teams and receiving funding for our ministries in Haiti. Recently G.A.P. received an invitation to go to attend their annual denominational meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We are looking forward to being there to meet and talk with many of the pastors, mission board members , youth pastors, and mission coordinators from their churches across America.

As a small mission organization it seems like I'm often wearing too many hats when serving as executive director, international missionary in Haiti, short term mission team organizer, media director and chief fundraiser. Yet when I started all this work back in 2000 like Jabez I prayed that we would receive God's blessings and that He would enlarge our territory, He certainly has. In God's love, Steve

A GLAD PARTY

FILLING GLAD BOXES FOR HAITI

Last year after the devastating series of hurricanes hit Haiti, G.A.P. go and produce ministry resolved to do more to involve American churches in helping meet the needs of Haitian families.

Our answer was to establish the GLAD "giving love and dignity" Ministry one of two new outreaches we started to give a helping hand.

The GLAD ministry is a fun and rewarding ministry for all ages to give a helping hand and get involved in the Great Commission. Churches of any size, Sunday School classes, small groups, individuals and families can easily participate in this new ministry.

It all starts with a 12 x 10 x 8 inch box purchased from an office supply or your local post office. Once you have the box you can fill it with purchased or very slightly used items , nothing damaged or worn out. GAP Ministry has put together a list of acceptable items that may be put in the boxes under such categories as : clothing, games, health, hygiene, school, sewing, tools and toys.

This list as well as a brochure about this ministry can be mailed upon requests to individuals or a packet of materials to Churches. Once GAP Ministry receives enough of these boxes to make a shipment we get them sent over to Haiti. We are then able to distribute them into hard hit areas and mountainous regions of the country through a partnership network of churches, schools and other organizations that we work with. More info is available at http://www.gap-haiti.com or you can contact me at smossburg@msn.com or Lisa or Dennis McKee at dmckee@hughes.net In God's love, Steve

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

PRAYER DAY EVENTS

Today was the 58th annual National Day Of Prayer, the theme this year is "prayer America's Hope". A national day of prayer has been a part of our heritage since 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming our nation. President Lincoln proclaimed a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer for the country in 1863. In 1952 President Truman signed a joint resolution of Congress declaring an annual Day of Prayer. In 1988 President Reagan permanently set that day as the first Thursdays of May each year.

Today millions of Americans came together at churches, courthouses and government buildings to pray for our nation, state and community leaders. Specifically the "seven centers of power" : government, church, education, media, family, business and military were lifted up in prayer.

Many times over the last eight months it has been said that the U.S. is in the worst economic times since the 1930's. On top of that we face military engagements in Iraq, Afghanistan and possibly Pakistan. We are constantly on guard and at war with terrorists and drug cartels. There are times that it seems our whole way of life as we have known it is under attack and slipping away.

Yet for most of us Americans who work and live in foreign countries, especially "Third World"countries we know how blessed as a country we really are. We have freedom of religion, freedom speech and protest, democratically elected officials, strong military, the best economy in the world, great schools, roads and so much more to be thankful about. Is our country just lucky or is there much more behind our blessings?

During our Constitutional Convention when things were going so poorly Benjamin Franklin addressed the delegates with these words. " There is convincing proof that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it possible an empire can rise without His aid? I therefore beg that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and it's blessings on our deliberations be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business."

Today our local community wide services started with a prayer breakfast at one of our city churches and continued through out the day. At six p.m. another church service was concluded by the assembly walking to the courthouse and hand in hand completely surrounding it with 15 minutes of prayer. I agree with the wisdom of Mr. Franklin that God does indeed govern in the affairs of man. If we as a country still desire His blessings we better get down on our knees in prayer more often and in greater numbers. In God's love, Steve

CELEBRATIONS

THE CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE

One of the first things I quickly realized after arriving in Haiti to start my work as a missionary was the stark contrast between our two cultures in the area of celebrating life. In the U.S. most of us have to keep a day planner close at hand so we can schedule all of the meetings, functions, parties and events that make up our lives. In the states we celebrate birthdays and some families have so many that they get together each month to celebrate those born in that particular month.

We have holiday celebrations and the mandatory huge feasts. In most families there is Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter. Then there are Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day the three summer time holidays that require cookouts, grilling and barbecuing. We can't forget sporting events like Super Bowl Sunday, the Final Four, World Series and of course that American phenomenon "the tailgate party". Graduation parties from Junior High, High School and college will be taking place all across America this month and next. Most of us attend at least one or more weddings each year along with bachelor parties, wedding showers and later on baby showers, christening, dedication and baptism celebrations. Those of us who belong to Churches can often find our weeks filled with activities of Christian fellowship.

In Haiti life is much different, celebrations can be mostly put under that of marriage and death. These two events no matter what you or your family's status require the expenditure of significant amounts of planning, time and finances. These are not only family events and celebrations but also that of your village, church, neighborhood and community.

During my time in Haiti I have attended four weddings, two funeral parties and one funeral. I would say there is no comparison of those events to those I have attended in the states. As an example in April I attended a funeral party for the aunt of one of my G.A.P. co-workers Diesmy Gargon (Jasmine). The funeral party is usually held the evening before the funeral. Jasmine's aunt had actually passed away over three weeks earlier at the age of a hundred, not the typical age of death in Haiti. Her body stayed at the morgue for that length of time as the family planned , prepared and raised money to pay for this final event of her life.

Her crypt had to be repaired and repainted, the family home was completely repainted, a new outside toilet and shower with block walls was built for family from the states to use when they flew home for the funeral. There was food and drinks to buy and chairs and tables to rent.

Then there is the actual cost of the funeral, for the family. They had a close relative who is a furniture maker and in Haiti they also make coffins. I got to see her coffin two days before the body was placed in it. It was made out of some of Haiti's finest lumber, it still awaited the upholstery and hardware but one could appreciate it's quality. To purchase it would have cost $10,000 Haitian dollars. The expense for the funeral itself, the preparation of the body and storage at the morgue another $30,000 Haitian dollar. These are staggering sums of money for not only my friend's family but most all Haitians, who struggle at making $150-250 Haitian dollars a week.

I have no idea what weddings can cost in Haiti most likely every much or more than funerals. Once again the utmost detail and planning goes into these events and for most it takes several years before the actual event is able to take place.

One of the other events that is celebrated so much in the states but not so much in Haiti is that involving children. Births and birthdays don't get a lot of attention, yes children are loved but not much time nor money is spent on celebrating these events. One event that does get some attention is that of graduating, though I think this may be more because the schools usually charge an extra fee for it so the families go ahead and celebrate it. In a country where the majority struggle day to day to even sustain life it is always inspiring to see the desire they have to celebrate it. In God's love, steve

Canaan Medical Center Video

CHAOS IN MOTION

GETTING AROUND THE COUNTRY

Upon arrival in Haiti it seems that one's sensory perceptions quickly go into overload, you are immediately overwhelmed by sights, sounds and smells. Your first impression may come, if you have a window seat, as the plane prepares for landing. More than likely it is when you depart the airport terminal with your luggage, a possible future story.

Some of my most frequently asked questions are about driving in Haiti. "Were you scared when you first drove here, are there any rules of the road, do they actually give them licenses to drive this way"? My answers were "no, yes but not written down, and yes and they aren't cheap". Maybe it's because most of our teams are transported in the back of a large stake bed truck that their senses get such a workout. More than likely for those who ride in the cab with me it is the realization that if we crash we will be the first ones at the scene of the accident.

All along our route to the town of Montrouis and Canaan there will be visual reminders of recent and long ago accidents. Most wrecked vehicles are left at the scene of the accident till almost every salvageable piece is stripped off and carted away.

Gap Ministry has three vehicles, a large stake bed truck for people and luggage, a small four door pickup and a 12 passenger van which we are still waiting for approval to put on the road. Canaan has a similar large stake bed truck, another small four door truck and a 70 passenger school bus which is rarely used.

Our transportation sources are similar to those of public transport you will find all across Haiti.The one most people are familiar with is the tap tap, these small little trucks are usually sagging under there weight of 5 times their normal load ( no exaggeration). There are many theories as to where they derived their name. Some think it comes from the sound of the little engines as they labour along with their heavy loads. Others myself included believe it is because you pound with the palm of your hand on the side or roof of the vehicle when you want off thus the word tap tap. These gaily painted little taxis along with their big brothers ,the American style school buses are the most popular ways to go great distances.

These big buses, who are the King of the Road, all have drivers who seem bent on self destruction and don't seem to mind taking as many others with them as possible. Maybe that is why they have religious painting and verses painted on them. God fearing names like Dieu Qui Decide ( God who decides) and L'Ange de Dieu ( The Angel of God) are but a few you will see as they pass you blaring their horns at high speeds on curves and up hills.

The other way of getting around is by Camion which comes from the French word meaning truck or lorry. These are the large transport trucks carrying cargoes of produce, grain, cement, and cattle. They usually have a rope hanging out the back so people can pull them selves on as the vehicle moves down the road.

Ok now for those rules of the road :

1. In towns sidewalks are for small business purposes. The road is designed for pedestrians it's secondary use is for vehicles.

2. The horn is one of the most vital tools at your disposal. Being stingy with it's use is rude and unsafe.

3. The concept of space and weight goes like this, never waste space. If two cars can slip into somewhere surely another one will too. There is always room for one more on the tap tap or inside the bus, if not get on top.

4. When driving one needs to practice diplomacy. There is a time for patience and literally a time to put your foot down.

5. Priority goes to who is most in a hurry. In the case both vehicles are, it is best to yield to the the larger one, rather than play the game of chicken.

Driving in another country always takes some getting use to, as to where Haiti ranks compared to other countries, I can't say. I would love to hear other people's opinions as to what country has the worse drivers and roads. Please leave a comment. In God's love, steve

THE BEST GIFT

WELOME STELLA CAPRICE

Yesterday afternoon we were blessed by the addition of another grandchild into our family. Little Stella Caprice Fazio was scheduled for an early May arrival and with the help of induced labor she was born at 2:45 pm Friday afternoon. Through the technology of ultrasound we have known for several months to expect another granddaughter, we even got to see the picture to prove it. One week ago we were told to expect her to weigh in at 8 pounds and that through induced labor she would arrive on May first, there isn't much left unknown at modern birthing centers.

I hope this doesn't make me sound too old fashioned but I just like the idea of surprise and anticipation. The birth of a child is a gift from God and just like any gift you shouldn't know what's in the package till the day it's unwrapped. I remember when our four children were born and until the moment the baby was born and the nurse or doctor told you had a son or daughter you had no way of knowing till that wonderful day. Then you had the fun of letting everyone else know by getting on the phone and making the official birth announcement.

I hope no one takes this wrong I'm all for the advantages that new medical technology offers in detecting diseases and offering cures. As one who survived cancer last year through early detection methods and robotic surgery I know first hand. The technology that saved me wasn't available just a few years ago, that it's self is another gift from God. The advances of modern medicines as I understand it now even allow for lifesaving surgeries before and right after birth. New technology gives babies with medical problems a much greater chance of good health and long life. We have all heard it said it makes no difference boy or girl as long as it's healthy and that's the best gift of all. Thank you God.

HATS, CAPS AND MORE

HEADGEAR AND STYLE

One of the items we have listed under GAP TEAM GUIDELINES (things to bring) is caps or headgear. Though as you can see from the pictures some of these can be quite creative and stylish our intention is more for protection. The sun can be very intense in Haiti and without protecting the top of your head from sunburn you may end up miserable for several days after being exposed to it. The glare of the sun is also much more noticeable here on the island and a wide brimmed hat, a cap or visor paired with sunglasses helps a lot. Another reason is most of the roads are unpaved covering your head can be very helpful in dust protection.
The range and styles of headgear can be very imaginative and we see the latest thing out of Cabello's, L.L. Bean and other purveyors of outdoor gear. These companies offer the latest options available such as U.V. rated and bug repellent clothing, caps and hats. While others may choose stylish hats off the rack from their favorite department stores. Then there are those who bring along their favorite baseball, farm or other special promotional/advertising caps. I tend to go with the caps myself when I'm out working or driving. When hiking I prefer the wide brimmed straw hats that protects my face as well as the top of my head. Handmade straw hats can also be found locally in most Haitian market areas if you forget to bring one from the states. No matter what your preference or personal style statement keep your head covered. In God's love , steve