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The end of our mission work trip is coming to an end. Another lovely hot day in Haiti. The old rooster was still crowing at 10:30 last night and started at least by 3:30 this morning. We all talk about how his loud crow but do nothing about him. I even take my hearing aids out at night and still hear him. So you know it has to be bad. That’s enough about the rooster. This morning five of our team got up at 5 and climbed the mountain and seen a beautiful sunrise. They were a bit tired but hung in there and arrived back safely. We went to the feeding clinic at the orphanage. We bagged up rice and beans to give to the moms who come with their babies. They are weighed, examined, and given vitamins if needed. Monday morning they picked up a 3 year old boy, whose mom was a servant slave and couldn’t provide food or take care of him. He will now live at the orphanage. They have to give him small amounts of food because his stomach isn’t used to it. He doesn’t know how to play with toys because he has never seen them. They named him Billy, his mother hadn’t even named him. Thank God for the orphanage! It was a quite day for us gals. They guys made three more desks, cleaned paint brushes, organized tools, and fixed up a PET, which needed some TLC. it is now ready for a child. They also assembled a new PET and delivered it. The child was at school so he’ll have a surprise when he gets home. This is the end of our journey to Haiti, it was a real eye opener and interesting. Thank you Dave for all your hard work in planning it. We won’t forget the beautiful people in Haiti and we wish them God’s blessing. We hope we have given some of them a better life through our small efforts to help them.
JoAnn Blom
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Today was a special day for me. I tend to see God in creation so starting out at 5 am to climb Mt. Pignon is priceless to me. To get to the top of the mountain and be able to see for miles, flat land one way and range after range of mountains peeking through the fog to the other direction. After that Marge and I zipped right over to the orphanage to check out the feeding program. I will say that I have only ever seen pictures of completely malnourished children until today. Heart breaking and good for me to see.
Dave and one of his purchased goats, John.Yesterday’s trip into the country with John Robert (Robere) taught me more about relative poverty. Compared to USA, Port au Prince has little, compared to Port Au Prince – Pignon has little, compared to Pignon – the country side has little. I just couldn’t get over what I was experiencing and how it just is not right. What a terrible power sin has on our world and what good rewards Christians in poverty will experience when Jesus comes again. Today was also special for me because at Christmas our whole Gritters family decided to pool money to buy goats. We were able to purchase 10. Today, I was able to present the goats to these families – that was so neat. What a blessing it is to be able to meet the families that we have helped in such a tangible way. For those in my family who read this, you will be happy to know that one goat is named John and I have the pictures to prove it. Please pray for our group as we head home Thursday and Friday. Please pray for our team also as we keep wrestling with what God has taught us in Haiti and that we never forget.
Dave Gritters

It’s been so neat to be able to read about your trip. I’ve loved hearing about how you’ve touched the lives of others, as well as how God has been touching each of you. Thanks for sharing!
Dave, I was fighting tears through James’s and JoAnne’s blogs, but started laughing when I saw you with “John”…even before I read your little excerpt. It’s so fitting that somewhere in Haiti there’s a little goat named John.
Love to all of you and safe travels home!
I also have loved reading your blogs…I think most of Calvary CRC has been following you closely. This has been a great way for us in America to experience a taste of what you are experiencing! May it inspire many others to go and put their love into action. Love the picture of John the goat!
Happy Birthday, Sheldon!
Thanks, Ivan and Ruth,
It certainly was a different way to spend my birthday! We started out with a bumpy ride to Port-a-Prince, and ended the day at a nice restaurant in Fort Lauderdale which included a piece of chocolate cake with a candle. A birthday I’ll never forget!
John(not the goat) & I have followed your trip via blog and are so thankful that God has used each of you to further His Kingdom in this area! Loved the picture, Dave of you & “John”! John said that is sure a good looking goat! Praying for safe travel home!