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