Gauvreau en Haiti

God hasn't called us to live comfortable lives. He has challenged us to go to the hard places - out of our comfort zones.

February 2014

There is a non-profit organization, James Funds in United States, who raises funds to build the orphanage. Wednesday, February 5, at Fort-Jacques, we had the ground breaking for the main orphanage and neo-natal unit. It was very moving and for us it is an encouragement that one day, we will see all the buildings on the GLA ground. They raised $280,000 + for the continuation of the construction.

Last week-end, we went for supper in a UN (in Haiti called MINUSTA) restaurant. We were with Louise Lafond and Francine Pagé. We had a lot of fun and we laugh a lot. It has been a long time since I laughed that much. The food is varied and very good.

At this time, we have a men construction team, from Edmonton, Canada. They are doing a wonderful work in constructing the second story of the house of the other couple who lived at Fort-Jacques. Among the team, there are two electricians who have redone the electrical box of that house. We were wondering who had done it to begin with on this stone house.

Tonight, February 14, we have a St. Valentin supper.

Tuesday, February 25

The last team has left yesterday and the next one will be in two weeks. This gives us some times to set things in order and to see what is left to do for the next coming team according to their abilities.

My daughter-in-law had her echography done yesterday, and she will have another boy. We are very happy. She is due in July and unfortunately we are not able to go at that time in Quebec. We will be going in April to do our income tax return. May be we can go in the fall if it’s God’s will.

Tuesday, March 7

On February 22, Georges and I went higher in the Haitian mountains. We had a wonderful car ride on a very bad road (this is the main road). On the pictures, you will see beautiful sites and mountains that are absolutely breathtaking. There are people leaving this very hard to access areas. The temperature will go down near 0C (32F) and there is no heating system. I do not know how they survive without electricity and toilet… It is a very rustic life and the people live almost from the subsistence farming.

It is an area where we can do trekking and motocross. The nature is wonderful. In these mountains, there is a restaurant called The Lodge, where the whites are going to eat good food. We have not tried it yet. So in this area you meet a lot of white people who are visiting or going to the restaurant. On this site, you will find more details. http://www.haititourisme.gouv.ht/la-nature/

Our nephew, Sebastien, has arrived last week to help with the mechanic and welding. It has been five days since Georges and him have tried to repair John’s truck. At the dealer, they asked $1000 US to replace the broken item, and this does not count the labor. So John decided to trust Sebastien to repair the broken piece. They hope to finish it today.

Wednesday, April 30

We have returned today from a time of vacation in Montreal. We had a great time with our boys, daughter-in-law and grand-child. We were able to attend the Easter service in our supporting church. And we met a lot of people we know. But we are glad to be back in our house.

Tuesday, May 6

Yesterday, it was my birthday and I had a nice surprise when I went down for the staff meeting. Molly has baked three pies with cream cheese and peanut butter. I was so happy to be surrounded by these marvelous persons at the supper time. We had a great time.

Since our return from vacation in Montreal, there was a lot done at Fort-Jacques. In the six little houses, there is the plumbing to finish. The school is quite advance and they hope to finish it by the end of June. The living quarter, for Molly and Joyce, has the first floor done. The second floor needs to be built; the first floor is done in stones like the school. (See pictures)

Regarding the three girls we are sending to school, Kathiana will be done in July and then will write the government exams. The two others are going to school 7 days on 7, it is very tiring. Yanick and Losita must go to school six more months, starting next November, because the direction has realized that they forget to give them two of the courses. Regarding their health, they all have the Chikungunya. (For more details, please see the WHO site)   http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs327/en/

Pray for their health, it is what is bothering me the most because they have no money to buy vitamins or medications each time they need it.

Thursday, May 8

Today, I am working at the orphanage down in Thomassin and this will be every Thursday. I will do translation, but today Melissa has forgotten to bring back the documents to translate. So, I am working on my blog for today until I go back to Fort-Jacques with Holly.

This is the end word:

“Nothing in your life is insignificant. What seems to be an unimportant event may have eternal consequences. What you might consider insignificant might transform your life.” By Charles F. Stanley

Cordially,

Jocelyne and Georges