Merry Christmas from Christian Academy of Petit Goave!
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| Second Grade with their cinch sack gifts |
Here in Haiti we are still comfortably wearing sandals and
short-sleeves, washing our uniform shirts after school for we’ve sweat through
the day. We are exhausted, exhilarated, and blessed, as always.
We have had an incredible four months!
Since September there has been a number of hospital visits,
visitors from the US and town, and chaotic progress. Madame Beverly has been
chauffeuring students to the hospital on a weekly basis; the school was blessed
to start on friendly terms with local Dr. Joseph, and since to form
relationships with other hospital staff as well, started, as usual, by Pastor
Levy’s connections. A few weeks ago one of our first grade students, Adeline,
was rushed to the hospital ahead of her scheduled appointment for an asthma
attack. She nearly died. God provided the funds to put her on oxygen, and after
seven hours and a night in the emergency room, she was released, still unwell.
Through Facebook ex-pat and missionary connections, arrangements were made and
Beverly and Levy took Adeline and her mama to the PouMounTEK in Port au Prince
where Adeline received intimate care. She was prescribed seven days of four
times daily nebulizer use at the local hospital and a follow-up appointment.
Beverly accepted the responsibility of taking her four times a day for these
treatments, which greatly interrupted other tasks, but were life-changing to
Adeline and helpful in forming more hospital staff relations: everyone loves
Adeline! Adeline’s follow-up visit to PouMounTEK concluded these nebulizer
treatments, and we are hopeful that with continued medication and inhaler use
the asthma will be controlled. At school, Adeline’s first grade teacher Madame
Samanne fondly refers to her as “mirak”—“the miracle.”
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| Adeline in the Emergency Room |
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| The Triplets |
In November we met the Triplets—Gardy, Garby, and Gaëlle. Their Papa, M.
Germaine, is a cousin to Madame Rose, and asked for her help with a “problem.”
One day after school we followed him down the alleys to his house, where a
woman sat under a mosquito net holding a baby. Then, another baby was spotted.
And then another! Triplets! The
family, already taking care of four children, nineteen to seven, was
overwhelmed. Beverly reached out through Facebook, and just as networking would
help Adeline, networking connected the triplets with a large supply of formula
and placement in the Lifeline Ministries program in Grand Goave. The clinic was
enamored with the Triplets and they are now awaiting sponsorship which will be
a constant help for them. Praise God! All this took several trips into Grand
Goave, removing Beverly and Rose, our two directors, from school campus.
For Thanksgiving week we hosted David and Rebecca,
Rachelle’s parents from New Hampshire. We enjoyed a weekend with them in Port
au Prince, where God opened the door for new ministry relationships, and then
they joined us at school Monday to Friday. Together they washed dishes and
served food, exchanged introductions in English class, recorded height and
weight for every student, and took photographs of all school members. Madame
Rebecca jumped into teaching first grade and doing constructive play with three
and four year old classes. Mister David became an instant celebrity in second
and third grade. Third graders barraged him with questions and marveled at his
long hair. On Thanksgiving Thursday we four joined Pastor Levy, Madame Rose,
and their daughter at our favorite local retreat LaKay Taina to enjoy the ocean
and a delicious dinner.
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| Thanksgiving Dinner by the sea |
In English classes Madame Rachelle taught a lesson on
thankfulness and the children discussed for what they were thankful. They wrote
and drew their answers and shared with the class. We were reminded that God has
given us so much: from shoes to food to a school to friends who love us!
That Friday third grade was especially thankful for they took
a field trip to the new town library, a beautiful building with an impressive
collection of French books. The assistant director gave us a tour and read a
story with the children. She was impressed with the class and we are welcome to
return! The students loved the books and the restrooms—it was the first time to
use a restroom with proper stalls, turn faucets, and a paper towel dispenser.
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| Meeting the assistant director of the Library |
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| Third Grade explores the Library |
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| Third Grade boys riding in the moto to the library (girls are in the car) |
After David and Rebecca departed, Ms. Amy joined us from
Minnesota and spent the week aiding Beverly in administration. Beverly
introduced her to the school as helping make her a “better director.” Ms. Amy
and Beverly spent time doing business, brief periods at school, and ferrying
the Triplets to the clinic. We enjoyed our time with this dear sister in
Christ!
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| Taking a soda break by the Sea: Rose, Beverly, Amy |
This month, December, has been as hectic as any holiday
season. We have been preparing for exams, departure to the US, and the Birthday
Party for Jesus. On December 11 we eagerly awaited the arrival of some Virginian
friends: Jaimie and Philip, Pastor Ricky and Debbie, and Tony. They spent a
full four days with us, transporting cinch sacks filled with gifts for each
child (145!) plus staff and teacher gifts, most generously filled by members
and friends of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Dugspur, VA and Topeco Church of the
Brethren, Floyd, VA. After 6 days of practice, all students performed song,
dance, and recitation at the Birthday Party held at Louco Night Club here in
town on December 13. We used this venue last year with great success: it boasts
stage, sound system, and ample seating. First Congregational Church of
Kingston, NH graciously gave funds for food. On Tuesday cooking began and on
Wednesday we served food to 350 people. Everyone was beautifully attired in
red, white, and green. Students admirably delivered lines in French, English,
and Creole. Everything was organized and joyous—and every student received a
gift bag and every attendee a plate of food. Praise God!
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| Virginia Group and Beverly: Party Day |
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| Eating at Louco |
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| Three and four year old classes perform |
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| Party time! |
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| Red and white |
The next day our Virginia friends departed, already planning
for next year’s event!
And now, we are facing our final days of school for 2017.
Most schools in town are finished already. We have exams, report cards, some
minor packing, and then we, Beverly and Rachelle, are heading to the States for
the holidays. We have appointments, reunions, representing, and shopping to do.
We so look forward to seeing our loved ones, attending English church, and
eating holiday favorites. Beverly is eager for new glasses, milk, and walking
her dog. Rachelle is ready for a quiet house, starlight on snow, and a kitchen.
School should reopen the third week in January, after Madame
Rose has visited her daughter in New York and Beverly and Rachelle return from
a solid hiatus. Please pray we do get good rest in addition to being productive
in ministry business. With the size of the school there is much to do in way of
finances and management. Pray God sends the workers: accountant, web designer,
videographer, secretary, English teacher, nurse.
Already we are expecting visitors at the end of January to
work at the school, brightening classrooms with white walls! Thank God for His
constant networking, opening of doors, providing for our needs. Particularly
thank Him for the miracle of Adeline, the Triplets, and the care our students
receive because of His school. Pray strength for us and all the staff as we
face constant opposition, physical and emotional attacks by the angry Enemy.
Haiti is ever a hard place. We need your prayers abundantly.
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| Third Grade in Uniform! |
Many, many thanks to you. We could not be here if not for
those prayers, for your generosity in giving funds and items. Thanks to Pine
Grove Baptist Church, Topeko Church of the Brethren, and
all those who filled cinch sacks for our students: such joy to give children
gifts for Christmas! Thanks to Beverly Watts and the sewing ladies and gentlemen
at Joann Fabrics in Roanoke, VA who ensured every student had an outfit. Thanks
to First Congregational Church of Kingston who provided a meal to all those at
the Party. Thanks to all of you who contribute so selflessly. You are changing
lives.
We pray for you, this holiday season. Pray you will give
thanks for the abundant blessings God has bestowed on you, from the shoes on
your feet to the medicine in your cabinet to the food on your table. May you be
warm, well-fed, and joyous wherever you are. May you be among friends, among
God’s family. We pray that you remember Christ, and that the words of Luke 2:10
and 11 will be on your lips as you boisterously wish all a “Merry Christmas,” proud
to proclaim the “good news of great joy which will be to all people. For unto
you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD!”
Blessings upon you and yours.
Love from Christian Academy of Petit Goave, Haiti,
“Madame Beverly” Beverly Burton
“Madame Rachelle” Rachel Collins
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