By Mark Kennell

We arrived in Port au Prince on April 1st for a one week stay.  Our group of 14 came from Indiana, Virginia, Delaware and Florida.  One of the highlights for me was our daily devotions; each morning our group would gather on the observation deck and take turns sharing. I believe God had a message for each one of us. Reconnecting with our Haitian brothers and sisters was also special as it had been over a year since my last visit.

We had the opportunity to be a part of the first training session for the block machine, acquired by CFM to help rebuild homes and create sustainable work.  Arnold Polk, inventor of the block machine, was an excellent instructor, incorporating humor and friendly competition into the training.  He covered operations, mixing proportions and instructions for dirt and cement, and maintenance of the machine.  Each of the nine participants will be awarded a certificate of training from Mr. Polk.

It takes 2,000 to 2,500 blocks to build a house.  Each block is geometrically shaped and designed to fit together securely without using mortar.  There are two holes in each block through which electrical wiring and water lines can be run. Each house will be approximately 16′ X 20′, have two bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, front door, and two windows.  The roof framing will be constructed with metal square tubing and angle iron welded into place.  The roofing sheet metal is then attached using J- bolts.  After 4000 to 5000 blocks are completed Mr. Polk will return to Haiti to offer the building construction classes.

We also took a trip to Malpass to distribute humanitarian aid (food and clothing).  We took home made row boats (which leaked) to cross the lake.  One person in the back of the boat was assigned to bail water with a small plastic container.  At times the water seemed to seep in faster than it was being bailed out.

Another highlight was a Haitian Creole dinner prepared by our Haitian sisters Evelyn Charles and Lois Charles.  My brother Merv took the Charles sisters and the two ladies that came along on the trip to local markets to buy the ingredients. They returned with ten live chickens, rice, beans, plantains and all the other items that went into making a very delicious meal.  We fed 25 people that night and had enough for a noon lunch the next day.

As we prepared to return home, we reflected on what the Lord had in store for us going forward.  How could we continue to be used daily in the mission field where God has planted us?  How might God want to use us in future mission trips to Haiti or other locations?   My prayer is: Lord, let us be your hands and feet and show us how to love our neighbor as ourselves.

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