So what's this project all about?

Many of you may already know that the Highview to Haiti team for 2013 is heading to Lejeune Haiti to work on a Vocational Training School. But what do we really hope to accomplish?

First some context. For several decades there were Missionaries from Canada/US working in Haiti and they built a mission compound at Lejeune as their "base of operations". In the 90's it was determined that it was time to transition the work to the local leadership of the Missionary Church of Haiti to manage the denomination, grow their vision, and plan for the future. Since that time teams from North America have continued to come along side the Missionary Church in Haiti to run medical clinics, build churches, homes, and schools. 

Part of the longer term vision of the church in Haiti is a desire to use the property at Lejeune in tangible ways to make a difference in the community and country. The property already hosts conferences for men and women, teen camps, day camps, and an ongoing flow of work teams and NGO's that come through the area. For some time there has also been step by step progress towards establishing a vocational training school - the dining hall was expanded, buildings have been updated/refreshed, and the "ol' garage" is being renovated and expanded to create a three part school.  One section for carpentry one for welding and one for auto mechanics. The end goal is to invest in these trade skills for the people of Haiti so that they can have a better future and in turn make a difference in their communities. 

So, what does this Highview team really hope to accomplish? Well we are heading down with some rough plans and good intentions of progressing the vocational school - specifically building work benches and shelving for the carpentry and mechanics school. I say "rough plans and good intentions" as it is always beneficial to be, shall we say, flexible and adaptable. But our hopes are more than for work benches. It is our desire to encourage and build relationships, to continue to engage with people we have connected with in previous trips, and to look to the future and how a little church called Highview can continue to partner together in God's work in the country of Haiti. 

Tonight we are staying in Puerto Plata Villa and tomorrow we leave at 8am to drive 3hrs to the DR/Haiti border, change vehicles, and drive three more hours to get to Lejeune ...if all goes as planned.