"How are you?"

          It was a simple, thoughtful question, asked the other day in a social media message.
                                             "How are you? Things back to normal now?"

We recently returned to Haiti from time spent with family and friends in the states ranging from around Iowa, to Michigan, to Minnesota. We discovered we have become 'pansies' when it comes to cold weather. God arranged the circumstances so that partly we could 'just be' and we are thankful. We celebrated our son's ordination, we celebrated birthdays, we celebrated special time with those that care for us, we celebrated our Risen Savior, we celebrated hours with our grandkids.

We organized and packed what needed to accompany us back to Haiti. Included in that was a 2017 Mary Englebreit wall calendar. Eventhough it is long past January, it seemed God used the first-of-the-year colorful calendar page to send us off.

After this time of renewal it feels right to be focused again on daily mission and ministry with Many Hands for Haiti. Then comes that simple, thoughtful question, "How are you? Things back to normal now?" Here is the response in the message string..."Thanks for asking. Today seemed to feel challenging. Just some mental hurdles probably. We were talking with Appolon and Jean Ronel about a special select group they have chosen to offer some extra leadership training for. They talked about these 20 people and the possible persecution some may suffer because they were selected, which sets them apart from the remaining 80 people who are in our leadership development program of 100 participants." (Insert sad face emoji) The response continued, "Then we met with some leaders (some may be 'leader-wanna-be's') in Sylvain today. They had grievances to air." (insert another emoji!)

Reply from the message string, 'Ugh---That sounds hard! Did you find a solution to the leadership problem?' Then our response, "Not anything that seems like steps forward in our minds. Appolon and Jean Ronel said that it is the way it is here. It feels like if that is just the way it is... What a challenge for anything to change. Is it worse even than if the government is oppressive... that when your own fellow man must knock down anyone that strives to achieve some thing more than another??"

"OK...One more thing that caused stress today. There is a pentad, a guinea hen, that will not stop squawking.  Claudin says it is lonely and crying for a mate. I asked Claudin how much it would cost to buy it from the neighbor and then eat it for supper!"  Another message in this same message string at 11:32 PM... "There goes the pentad, AGAIN."  The reply, 'Aiy, yai, yai!'

Hmmm, what a day that was.

The following afternoon there was time to get out the drill and the tapcon screws to hang that new 2017 calendar in a prominant place on the concrete block wall of our apartment. God used another calendar month's sentiment to encourage us and keep us on track.

These challenges must not become heavy.  God will carry our burdens and show us answers in difficult circumstances.




We returned at the start of rainy season which means...THE MUD IS BACK. There is no complaining to be heard about the rain or the inconvenience of the mud because rain gives LIFE here. So, that same afternoon, Many Hands security guys Kalo and Regis, organized a few strong young neighbor boys to help with a little road maintenance.   These boys worked hard loading rocks and broken concrete block from around MH campus into the three-wheel motorcycle bed. Then unloading in key places on the road in front of our campus to help create a barrier so the rain water flows at the side of road rather than all over the place. What fun it was to treat them to an ice cold 'pure cane sugar' Coca Cola and a snack.  The hot sun and hard work makes a working man thirsty.  Three of the boys were finished with their Coke and the bottle was still cold!

Little Oscar from next door worked hard too.
He was the chief horn honker on the road crew.
We apologized to his dad for giving him
a bottle of Coke which came nearly up to his waist.
We felt sorry for Oscar's mom.

Still that same afternoon a trip was made to Acassia, about 40 minutes away, to visit a mom and her son about a possible new house. If Mom can show ownership of the piece of land where their existing 'house' (using the term lightly) is located, there is a generous gift from a family in the US waiting to be used. Another very fitting calendar page....

The next morning offered time to go on a long-awaited hike to the top of Mount Pignon. A nice surprise, yet somewhat predicted, was to see a farmer friend that gardens at the top of the mountain. His name is Pastor Gregoir. Approaching his garden space the sound of his macheti 'clinking' against the rocks, to prepare the ground for planting, can be heard. If Pastor Gregoir were an artist making a calendar, one of his calendar pages would state his commonly used motto in life,
                                                      "IF I DON'T WORK, I DON'T EAT"

                 What's up with this? We spotted him on the path part way down the mountain.

                            Here begins TODAY!  ALL IN A DAY! ALL ON MH CAMPUS!

       Ground for a new garden has been worked by the current MH agronomy class students

Workers, hired from the community, are planting peanuts

         Tomato plants growing 
       in the hydroponic system

Ewand and Erilner assembled a child sized PET cart to be delivered to a young boy 

living in Gonaives, Haiti. The connection was made when a seventh grade girl 

named Grace contacted the organization, Mobility Worldwide, asking

 if there would be a way her friend, Evenson, could receive a PET cart. 

Mobility Worldwide contacted MH and the cart will soon be on it's way to Evenson.

New seedlings 

are soon to be ready for transplanting by the

agronomy class.

Tomatoes are doing well 

due to the rain that comes

 nearly every afternoon.

Epina means Spinach in Creole. These plants have been allowed

 to go to seed so that these seeds 

can be saved 

to plant in the future.

No this is not a 'lacey' variety 

of cabbage.  

The bugs are getting the best of it even with insecticide.

A new structure being built on MH Campus will house longer term visitors and staff. 

This is how you get concrete up to pour in the second story. Can you find the bucket?

The rain has also brought an abundance of mangoes ripening on the tree. 

This variety is called Jean Marie. 

The branches are heavy and hanging low 

like tree branches during an Iowa winter ice storm.

Again, abundance! Ti Loran is the name of this variety. 

The skin on these is tender, with the flavor and texture resembling a peach.

Do they look like decorations on a Christmas tree?

See beyond the Batis variety of mango tree as Ewand is ready 

to go out for a day of PET cart maintenance. 

AND our favorite ladies in all of Haiti, 

Evenie and Beatris, were hard at work today. 

They do all of the 

cooking, cleaning, and laundry 

when MH hosts short-team mission teams 

in the MH Guest House.

Arranged here are some of the hand made items, from local artists, in our "Bon Bagay Boutique" which is the store upstairs in the Guest House where team members can find beautiful souveniers. This trivet was made by our neighbor, Elirose who is going to have a baby, hopefully THIS WEEK! 

The cross was hand crafted out of tin by Oberne.

These paper bead bracelets were made by Judeline Pierre who lives down the Sylvain road about one mile.

This afternoon some potential 

rental land was investigated 

for a future MH animal husbandry program. 

The location is ideal. 

There is a water source from a stream that will run through during the heart

of the rainy season.

Always within reach...
functional pen holding technic.









The weekly MH "Ti Legliz", little church service, was held this afternoon. In attendance were many kids, "timoun yo", from the community. The event offers a mid-week worship opportunity along with a biblical message to build people in their faith.

There was a very special song offered by these boys as praise to our Lord, Jesus.

These two ladies were focused on the prayers being prayed. 

Neither of them could stand straight but nonetheless they stood.

The music continued through the afternoon as did the planting of peanuts 

that started early this morning.

(Look closely in the background of the picture.) 

The rain would come after the participants and workers were gone.

This day reflects finally the current calendar page for May 2017 ....

"How are you?" Today, no doubt about it...

Filled with HOPE because of Jesus Christ and God's goodness 

that can be seen all around, 

even in the hard stuff.  

Are these sentiments from a calendar? Or might they be words from God to cling to

day by day, week by week, month by month.

Travel light, Live light, Spread the Light, Be the Light.

Let Go....or be dragged.

Love people....Change the World!!

There's no place like HOPE.

Take Nothing for Granted

While on the road to Cap Haitien the other day, riding in a taptap boasting the words "Ede'm Senye" (Help me Lord) on the windshield, another taptap windshield touted the scripture reference 1 Pierre (Peter) 4:7. Conveniently using a phone bible app right then and there, the words in verses 7-11 were instantly penetrating....

"Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless - cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything - encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!"   1 Peter 4:7-11 The Message

It is direct. It is clear. It is a command. It is instruction with which we are to take action, now. The words also indicate what the results will be when the action is carried out.  God will be glorified!

There have been many reminders to "Take nothing for granted". God has been glorified as Many Hands for Haiti has been hosting mission teams and going out into the countryside loving families in various ways.

This couple told us "N'ap lite chak jou", they struggle each day.  He is blind. They are both very crippled and are unable to provide for themselves.  They rely on family and neighbors.

This family has no source of income. Their food comes from the generosity of their neighbors. 

The inside of the house reveals very minimal possessions.

    Living alone and unable to work, 

   this man also relies on the kindness of his neighbors for survival.

      He looks on from the background with appreciation in the picture below.

  We came with a gift of rice, beans, oil, spaghetti, and boullion 

 but we received a bigger gift of inspiration and encouragement from this incredible man.  

The belongings in the house were a rickety chair, a wash tub, and a bed made of wooden slats 

with a few rags piled on which to sleep. 

The man knows Jesus as his Savior. 

 As we asked about his life and he said, "I have no problems." 

We talked more about the hardships he is facing. 

 Again he said, "I have no problems."

This is real estate with a view. 

 Grandma lives here with 2 grandchildren. 

The parents are living in the Dominican Republic so they can find work 

to be able to have money to send back to help the family.

As we visited and asked a bit about the family's story, "Gran", Grandma, said with a sweet smile 

and a laugh that they were miserable. 

We noticed so many beautiful Aloe plants, "Lalwa", in the yard.  

We wondered if she would consider sharing some cuttings of the plants with us.  

Grandma willingly offered as many as we wanted to take.  

She confidently cut some of the "lalwa" with her machete and gave them with joy.

In another community we visited this 26 year old woman.  

On December 31, 2016 she suffered a spinal cord injury from being thrown from a truck

 that had collided with another truck.

She had been hospitalized for 41 days. Now having been home for 19 days, the family indicated that they had spent money on healthcare but were sent home with no test results or information other than the instruction to lie flat on a plank on the floor. 

They are following 'the doctors orders' because she is afraid to move.

Just down the road lives Anglen, the woman who had been presumed dead for the past 2 years.  

She had reappeared and continues to live with her family. 

Anglen and her family struggle to cope and manage

 the mental challenges that are part of every day. 

Read again 1 Peter 4:7-11, "take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer." 
The stories shared here are just scratching the surface of the plight of many individuals and families that Many Hands has encountered.  Each of these, plus more, are opportunities to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Even though we feel overcome at times, we know...
                                                         
                                                            God is GOD.  God is GOOD.
                                                            HE IS and we can count on it.
                                                 Take nothing for granted...God is GOOD!!

... love each other as if your life depended on it. 

Be generous with the different things God gave you.

...he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything.

Live and Love and Learn

"Akansyel"... Rainbow ... Look closely and you can see the double rainbow, "akansyel", that was seen on the road just north of Pignon, Haiti recently.  A symbol of PROMISE... because of love... that will never be anything short of spectacular.  At this time and this place, "akansyel sa", this rainbow was breathtaking. That afternoon, the rainbow AND God were present ... real... nearly touchable!

Repetition is a great way to learn and NOT forget... to learn the Creole term meaning rainbow it must be said again and again... akansyel, akansyel, akansyel.  And to be reminded of the promise God made, He used repetition in the next days as well.

A few weeks back there was a story going around town about a woman who had been dead for 2 years and now was found alive and naked in the street in Fontenn, a nearby community. She was terribly thin and scared. We heard the story from MH Chaplain, Pastor Lumanes, who had gotten word of this and the same day had gone to talk with her to hear HER story.  As the story goes, she had given birth to twin babies and 3 days later was pronounced dead at the local hospital in Pignon.

Pictured here is the 26 year old woman, left, with her mother who has been caring for the twins and another sibling for the past 2 years believing the 26 year old had died.  There is much to this story. As the story is told it is being said that this woman has spent the past two years as a zombie slave. It is believed by many that the voodoo witchdoctor who made her into a zombie died the day she 'came back to life'.

One day while MH was hosting a group of high school students we were given the opportunity to visit their home and show the love of Jesus to her and her family.  Of course the visit left MANY questions in the minds of these impressionable young adults. Questions they had never thought of before. "Dead and now alive? Under the spell of a voodoo witchdoctor? 2 years?"

That evening brought a time to share, talk together, try to find answers. But answers to such things are hard to find. It seemed that the time together just brought more questions.  More questions without answers. Even from living here we can make no claim of knowing detail about the religion of voodoo that is SO much a part of Haitian life. Yet we try to learn because we are called to love.

More conversation among the group members just brought more questions that brought more questions.  There comes a point where it is essential to leave the questions and turn to the solid truths that we know. All were encouraged to remember that when life brings those questions which seem to have no answers, turn to God's Word.  All the answers can be found in the truth of His Word. We know that God has promised eternal life through his one and only precious son, Jesus. That by believing in him, we can be saved, through faith.

The very next day, after having rain through the night and through the day, this sight was big, bright, and bold looking out the front door of the MH Guest House. A solid reminder of God's presence and a reminder to look to HIM for answers.

And even through the next night into the next day, the rain continued.  Over 30 hours straight of a light, much needed rain. The rain changed the plans for the group but no one was distraught.  God had things to say through it all. Determination won out.  The morning the group was to be packing to fly out we loaded up in our taptaps to make a visit to 'Pella Christian School' in Ba Savanette, a community about 40 minutes away.

Again, God was present ... real... nearly touchable!  Another full double rainbow.

With the rain, there was no school but people in the neighborhood gathered under the cover of the school roof as a dry refuge.

The group of students serving God with MH attend Pella Christian School in Pella, IA so this was a special time for them.  A time to be in prayer to ask for God's love and compassion and protection for the teachers and students in Haiti.

Leaving Ba Savanette.... a third rainbow, akansyel.

That one faded and then another appeared.  It laid right on the mountain that is in the back yard of the school where we had just been.

AND another that seemed to be wrapped around the mountain rather than being in the sky

This 'akansyel' was glowing on the other side of the mountain from where we had been minutes before. God isn't just present in a particular place. He is present each moment where ever we are as we live and love and learn.

Learn to express your love for God through the Living words of Psalm 63.

(New Living Translation)
1 O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
My whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
How I praise you!
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
Lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
6 I lie awake thinking of you,
Meditating on you through the night.
7 Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
Your strong right hand holds me securely.
9 But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin.
They will go down into the depths of the earth.
10 They will die by the sword and become the food of jackals.
11 But the king will rejoice in God.
All who swear to tell the truth will praise him,
While liars will be silenced.


(The Message)
1 God - you're my God!
I can't get enough of you!
I've worked up such a hunger and thirst for God,
Traveling across dry and weary deserts.
2-4 So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
Drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.
5-8 I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy;
I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises!
If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection.
Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play.
I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.
9-11 Those who are out to get me are marked for doom, marked for death, bound for hell.
They'll die violent deaths; jackals will tear them limb from limb.
But the king is glad in God; His true friends spread the joy,
While small-minded gossips are gagged for good.

What else but THANKFUL!

We are feeling very thankful for all of God's blessings.

The work here is ongoing and we are encouraged; challenged but encouraged.

As a way of saying THANK YOU, the MH Agronomy Class offered to help paint the two containers that make up the MH Agriculture Training Center where the ag class is held three days a week. 

 MH says, "Thank you! class!"

A family in the community of Fontenn is getting a new house which is happening because of a generous gift from an association of businessmen in Iowa.  

This is the delivery method for some of the construction materials.

MH preschool class from "L'ecole Lumiere" recently experienced

the first day of a new tradition for the school.  

Raising the Haitian flag while their pledge is recited.

Kids excited to go to school!

We met this cute little lady one day.  She had this pouch which she used for keeping her few Haitian gourdes (money) in a safe place.  The printing says, "Reflect the Love of Jesus Christ." This was a gift given to the attendees at a women's conference hosted years ago by the team that would come to this area from our home church in Spencer, Iowa. The pouch originally contained a small mirror.  What a surprise to discover this after many years.

Time is always a factor!  So much to do.  We get to lay out a playground area and a prayer path, both on the MH campus.  We are working on a new program called Restore:Savings, we are working on plans to have a second Thrive for Five center in another community.  We are planning for more Leadership Development work and working with MH Haitian staff to challenge them more in their responsibilities.  2017 budget is ready for approval.  MH Staff year end reviews need to be done. Today we are taking new photos of all MH Staff to be used on an updated website to be ready soon.

We feel a bit behind because we have spent five days in Cap Haitien over the past week and a half retrieving a container that was sent from Iowa for MH. The container is out of the shipyard but the contents has to be stored in Cap because big trucks that would transport it to Sylvain are not able to pass through the river because of heavy rains in the north from a few weeks back.  So that job is not done yet.

Container for MH being moved within the shipyard

Our taptap filled to the brim with select things that came with us back to Sylvain.

Tied down, ready for the bumpy ride and the rain.

The spare tire is a standard travel companion in the event it is needed.

Not really sure about the spare axel tied onto the back.  Will we need that?

Our trips to Cap have been on two different routes. One way goes through a community called Rankite. We call that route 'The Rankite Treat' because it is very scenic.  The other route is through a community called Bail, pronounced 'Baiy'. We call that route 'Baiyaiyai!' It is MORE than scenic. 

Doesn't seem we have made a trip lately where we haven't had rain.

AGAIN with the roads.  They always seem to amaze us.

"Anana", pineapple strategically planted along the mountainside for soil erosion control.

The early morning scenery through BAIY as the day is waking up..."baiyaiyaiy!"

All this and more gives us reason to be THANKFUL.  

During MH staff morning devotions one day this week we looked at Hebrews 12:1-3

The Example of Christ:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-3  NRSV

Same verse, different translation...

Discipline in a Long-Distance Race:

Do you see what this means--all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running--and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!  Hebrews 12:1-3 The Message

May God bless you with the LOVE of JESUS today and throughout this holiday season. Be a reflection of Jesus love.

In HIS LOVE,  Craig and Christi

Bienvini---a warm welcome

"Bienvini! Welcome!" We have heard this warm welcome from many, many people as we have recently arrived in Haiti. We are pleased, we didn't forget all of our Creole. Well, maybe that is a result of not having much to forget. :)

Already, today Many Hands is hosting a Leadership Conference. Rain has been plentiful the past couple of weeks since the Hurricane passed by. The roads are challenging but 90 of the 100 people in this Leadership Development program were here on the MH Campus by 7:00 this morning. Most come on foot so just some muddy shoes to clean tonight. There have been overcast skies a fair amount of the past 3 days.

                         The clouds were amazing as we approached Cap Haitien on Sunday


The conference began this morning by several of the Many Hands staff symbolically washing the feet of the attendees to signify the leadership, which is the theme of the conference.

                   Lunch was served which included bright red tomatoes that were grown in the

                                                         Many Hands hydroponic house

                   
                                   Two very creative guitar stands were crafted out of wood.

Over the course of the next 2 days, those in attendance will be challenged to think about who they are as Servant Leaders in Christ and how they can serve God in their communities.

Yesterday we were out in several communities to visit with some of these same leaders as well as families that have been involved with the Concrete Floor Project. As these leaders have worked together to select the families, plan with workers, coordinate materials, etc. the outcome is homes with a concrete floor, workers that have earned a wage, and leaders who have practiced leadership within their own communities.

Some are learning quite well, some need more practice. We know of community groups that have worked well together but we also know there have been some situations where there has been persecution happening among the team members within community groups.

So...teaching on Servant Leadership is worth the effort. God;s ways are hard to find for some but we are confident God can transform hearts and minds for His Glory.

The past week, Romans 12:1-2 has directed our preparation for continued ministry in Sylvain, Haiti.

1) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sister, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living and pleasing sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. 2) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will

is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.

These words of teaching and encouragement are applicable in all situations. Be encouraged as you work to stay within the will of God in your life.

One special treat was to be greeted by Evelouse and her little boy, Fahensley. Both have been helped by MH for the past year and a half with chronic medical problems. The visit today was not to ask for help but just to say welcome back and to share a letter of thanks from the family.

                                 Our friends Francios with son Fahensley and wife Evelouse

Now for the excitement of TODAY... Christi was getting a chair from the outdoor balcony of our second floor apartment and was swarmed by wasps. They went straight for her knees and ankles with a result of at least then wasp stings! Safe to say she does NOT have an allergic reaction to a wasp sting. By tomorrow morning she should be free of pain.

The challenges are every day, 'chak jou', at the same time the rewards are there every day. We trust God to handle what needs to be handled and we give Him thanks in ALL things. This includes giving thanks for all the support, prayers, and love that we have known and felt from you!