Review of the GO Team Trip and Update

We wanted to update you on several things we learned on the Haiti GO Team’s recent trip to Merger.

School Children

School was in session so we were able to see and interact with the school children a lot. This was a highlight of the trip. We delivered the shirts that many of you donated and these were a hit as you can see from the pictures.  We also took some small gifts for the staff and two big suitcases of school supplies.  There are many new students this year, so the supplies were very welcomed.  An exciting thing about the school is that Lauren Young is now teaching music and English classes on Friday and Saturday.

New 7th and 8th grade classes

Prior to this year, the highest grade offered has been 6th grade so after completing 6th grade the students had to go elsewhere for secondary school.  This year Johny and Rosadite have added both 7th and 8th grades.  Therefore, the 6th graders who passed the national exams this summer are able to stay at the school and the 7th graders who were attending a nearby secondary school are able to come back to school in Merger.  Johny says they are very happy because they like the school in Merger better.

Building Program

As you know, the GO Team was working on the wall that is being built around the school grounds.  The portion we worked on was nearly complete when we left.  This portion will enclose the kitchen/storage building and the first two classrooms.  Since the kitchen/storage building is so badly needed it has been decided to build it next rather than the rest of the wall.  Construction will begin once sufficient funding has been raised.

Meal program

The meal program hadn’t started yet when we were there, but should very soon.  The student count was just finalized the week we were there and there are many new students.  This requires more cooking utensils, etc.  Also, the organization that donated some of the food last year hadn’t started supplying food yet, but will soon.  Even though they should start serving a hot meal again soon, the area where they prepare the food is completely inadequate, so getting the kitchen/storage building constructed is a high priority.

Prayer requests

Here are some requests that Johny and Rosadite shared with us:

1. There is some opposition to the school.

•      Some in Merger do not want to see others in Merger improve themselves or succeed.
•      There has been a rumor started that the food the children are receiving is poisoned.
•      Two children saw a vision of a man dressed in black pass through the school yard. This has frightened other children.

2. Leadership development for both the school and the church.
3. Johny and Rosadite’s energy and health.  They carry many responsibilities at both the school and church.

It was privilege for the team to represent Glenwood.  The school is growing and children in Merger are receiving an education and learning about Jesus’ love for them.

--Alan Sharpnack