Haiti Part 4

More about the third day. Last week I described what we did in the morning of January 22. The afternoon was spent doing the key thing on our agenda (and what we would spend the next couple of days primarily doing).

We assisted LSM’s Haitian team build roofs on several houses. Specifically, on the third day, we completed one roof in the Cavaillon area of Les Cayes. The roofs had already been roughed in with pole rafters. Our job was to help “flesh out” those rafters giving nailing surfaces for the tin that was to be attached as the final roof. Three of us were moving around the roofs with the efficient and skilled Haitians, doing this work. One was involved with on-the-ground preparation work and handing materials to the men on the roof. My role was to be a “go-for” going for various items the roofers needed, such as water bottles, more nails, and various tools.

When not getting things for the roofers, I tried to stay out of the way and mingle with Haitians who had come to watch the construction. I was not very good at it due to the language barrier, but most of the children loved having their photos taken and then looking at the digital displays on our phones. Often I found myself sitting in the shade praying for the projects, the men, the attitudes, and that we would truly be helpful in building the various roofs.

A little about the roofs. Some of the homes we put roofs on had lost their roofs (and most of their walls) during the hurricane from a year and a half ago (Matthew). The houses had been only marginally useful to the owners and the new and improved roofs of tin were greatly appreciated. Some of the families had been living with other families since the hurricane. With the roofs they were one step closer to moving back into their own homes. Others had been using thatch for their roofs. Thatch (made from straw, reeds, palm leaves, etc.) was available but leaked. It was also dislodged by storms and wind. Tin roofs are wonderful replacements and would keep the families dry for many years to go. The Haitian “crew leader” said that in normal conditions, a tin roof could last for up to ten years. That’s a marked improvement from the thatch!

Just as we returned to our lodgings at the end of the day, it started to rain. Our prayer was that the family had been able to get their belongings moved back into their newly roofed home before the rain, and was able to enjoy a dry shelter.