I Have Been Blessed

Each trip to the St. Marc’s community in Trouin, Haiti has given me insights which have enriched my understanding and hopefully as I have shared the story, listeners have gotten excited. This 4^th trip was different.

The team members were the Rev. Kate Bryant (St. James, Leesburg, Virginia), John Mark Parker (Mercer Canterbury Club advisor), Will Crews (Mercer senior French major and Canterbury member) and I. From the very beginning a spark drew us together. Through out our visit different levels of spiritual movement seemed to take place among the team, Père Michaud, his community and the environment we were in . It seemed to be fueled through relationship building, each person’s love of the Lord and the intense action to serve. The HH (Haitian Hope) team talked constantly about this spiritual movement; and we were in awe of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

We started each day with worship.  The 70 + people present listened and asked God to support and guide us that day. Friday was supposed to be a home study day for the students for they had a huge exam on Monday.  Père Michaud asked them all to be present so we could see the work of the teachers and students. There are 432 students at the school.

Our first goal was to finalize the building plans for the 8 classrooms. Kate and Will used their French to help ensure complete understanding during our questions and answer periods. Will wanted to translate as much as he could, so he took every possible opportunity to work with country French, Creole and his classic French. We all said he was having his French exam during this trip.  He and Kate were a blessing.

Another goal was to learn more about the number of students in the classes, materials, teacher numbers and general educational information.  We learned facts, but we also learned more about teachers' needs. They felt left behind in new methodology, new skills and getting the latest materials. They thought the Haiti Department of Education was doing more in Port-au-Prince then in the rural areas at this time.  We had good conversations about developing a training program together.

I attended the Daughters of the King meeting, and they shared about Haiti’s first National DOK Assembly that we all attended last November.  Georgette Duversaint is the directress and also the assistant treasurer for the Haiti National DOK. There are 298 Daughters in Haiti.

Saturday the gospel and chancel choirs practiced, the band rehearsed and the 6^th graders had Saturday morning study class for their big exam on Monday.  The Holy Spirit was present and the St. Marc’s people were acting.

Sunday's 2 hour service brought our time at St. Marc’s to a close. Père Michaud graciously shared the Holy Table with the Rev. Kate, Will read part of the Prayers of the People, John Mark took lots of pictures and I got to sit with my Sisters in Christ (DOK daughters). Since St. Marc’s day is coming we got to hear more music from the choirs (82) .The choir director is on loan, since the earthquake destroyed the music department at Trinity Cathedral School. With my eyes closed, the 4 part harmony from the church choir could have been any choir in the world.  Haitians are blessed with the gift of music.

Back to PAP on dirty and dusty roads to the Hotel Oloffson.  It’s the first shower and hair washing since leaving.  What blessings!

 It is also a time to reflect on what a gift we have been given in Père Michaud and St. Marc’s. I watched Père minister to his people and to each of us as we continued to feel led by the Holy Spirit in all that we did.  I watched counseling being done as we looked at our own ministry and the steps that will follow.  We shared, had supporting hugs as challenges came to light that we were not expecting. In each call we realized we could not do everything, but seemed open to hear the call God wants for us.

May you find your call.

Gail Moulton

 Haitian Hope

Team 10 leader