Hello,
I would like to share a bit of a story tonight. Getting around in Haiti is challenging to say the least. If you are almost anywhere north of Port-au-Prince and would like to go just a bit further north, first you must go south to Port-au-Prince. The bus makes one complete loop so you could end up riding the bus all day and not actually arrive very far from where you started. Most Haitian's do not own a car or any motorized form of transportation. Another option is a tap tap. Which is usually a truck brightly painted. If you bang on the side of the truck they will pick you up. Thus the name tap tap. They will stop and pick up anyone, regardless of how many they have already stopped for and regardless of what you may have with you, like chickens for example. We have seen people on top of bulging truck loads, that are already carrying more weight than you could legally carry here, and the people are hanging on to the ropes that are tying the loads down.
So, since we have three pastors now, one traveling from Marose up to Peru, one traveling from Marose into Gonaives and Nathan traveling up and down the coast line, we are realizing the cost and time taken up in just 'getting there'. It has been on our hearts to try and solve this problem. Mike and Nathan have checked out different options and we have consulted others and have come to the conclusion that small enduro type bikes are the best solution we can afford right now.
So, now go back 20 years when we were getting our first Haitian son. Mike rode on the roof of our missionary friend's van. He rode through Port-au-Prince, out in the open and through small villages. He just didn't want to be inside and miss anything. He wanted to see and experience it all. Everywhere along the road side children would point and yell blanc, blanc. Blanc means white for those of you that don't know.
Now skip ahead 20 years, Nathan, Mike, Phil and Adam decide to go into Gonaives and buy the three enduros. The three amigos then decide to put on the three little helmets that came "free" with the bikes and ride back to Marose. Try picturing three white guys on the small enduro bikes. Mike said they had a blast, and I am sure they put more than a few smiles on children's and adult Haitian faces. I would have loved to see the three of them weaving in and out of traffic laced with as many pedestrians as vehicles in the city and then out on the dirt roads, laughing and riding together and not wanting to miss anything. Wanting to see and experience it all. I hope this puts a smile on your face also.
Mike said the meeting with the Pastors' association went really well again today. Thank you for all of your prayers.
Helping to feed the poorest of the poor children in Gonaives has been changed to tomorrow and the team would appreciate your prayers.
Tomorrow Mike will also be in meetings regarding getting our crèche license for adoptions. We would really appreciate your prayers for
wisdom and discernment. Thanks so much for partnering with us in prayer.
Many Blessings,
Chris
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