Update #5 from Russ

Sunday, Feb. 3.

Very late on a long day. Everyone is well. Brotherhood. We are all brothers and sisters on this earth. We spent a wonderful day of celebration with our Haitian friends.

The day dawned cloudy with light sprinkles, but cleared before Bishop Duracin's arrival. We rocked the church during our 2 and 1/2 hour service. the church overflowed as the Bishop expressed everyone's appreciation for our support. Pere Michaud's wonderful son was baptized with Pere Kate and Henry Stribling as 2 of his 4 god parents. The band and choir were outstanding, and Nicole's children's choir was a highlight of the service.

Pere Michaud arranged for the Bishop to present plaques to each of the churches who have helped. Utile the school, thanking us for our assistance. A wonderful surprise for us. Gail Moulton accepted the plaque for Gary Hays, designer of the building and a driving force in its construction.

The school was dedicated and then we attended a reception with Bishop Duracin and his family.

Pere Michaud led us to Jacmel in the afternoon to give us a view of the Haitian countryside. Our team of ten was accompanied by Pere Michaud, Wilson and six of our Haitian friends. Our rented van broke down on the way ......no problem.... our friend and driver Wilson arranged for another van and we continued on our way.

We arrived in Jacmel at sundown and found Carnival had started. Amazing!! The streets filled with thousands of people... Everyone bumping together as we moved along, but everyone respectful; music too loud to speak sometimes but everyone was in the street for a party ... No problems. We made our way to the second floor of a hotel and were able to watch the parade of celebrants make their way down the street. The building was a mob scene but people insisted on putting out chairs for us.

A busy day ahead tomorrow as we try to wrap up our visit.

Goodnight from Haiti.
Russ