Updated: A House for Ismel

Editor's Note/Update: After we returned to the U.S. the Child Hope team in Haiti sent us a few more photos of Ismel's house, which is now basically done! Here are a couple of photos...thank you again to those of you who made this home for Ismel a reality by supporting our trip!

The house from the front - it is significant that the house is made of wood, which will withstand a future earthquake much better than the cement and cinder block homes so prevalent in Haiti.

The house from the side.

Original Post Below: 

Ismel is getting a house thanks to so many of you who invested your resources in this team and into Haiti.

Chuck on his way to the lumber yard to pick up the house (the walls, etc. are pre- cut and partly assembled).

In addition to building a home for Ismel, this building project also is putting a group of Haitian men to work for several days - a blessing in a country where a job is difficult to come by.

Haitian workers loading the house onto the truck for transport to the building site. 

Ismel has been living in a USAID tent along with three other family members since the earthquake struck more than 17 months ago. In the video below, Pastor Dave talks with Ismel while she sits under the roof of her current home about the house being built for her and about the many people who came together to make building it a reality.

After visiting with Ismel some members of our team helped the laborers out with the construction and leveling of the area.

Erick and Dave shoveling as part of the effort to level the area for the house. Eventually concrete will be poured to make the floor of the house.

 

Rob, Chuck, Andrea, Erick and Dave helping to hold up the walls while they are nailed together.

Before we left the site three of the four walls of the house had been joined, while much work remains to be done over the next few days, the project is well underway.

Our entire team poses for a photo with Ismel.

Before we left, we prayed with Ismel and asked God to bless her, her family and her new home. She was so grateful to us - and everyone who donated to make this possible - she thanked us over and over again. It was clear just from meeting Ismel for a few minutes that she is a loving and humble woman and that the simple act of giving her a new home meant much to her and her family.

Ismel thanks our team.

We also want to thank all of you who have supported this trip with prayer and financial resources. From the building of Ismel's home, to supplies for Maison de Lumiere, to getting our entire team to Haiti safely, none of this would have been possible with out you. When you hear and see Ismel thanking us, she is is thanking you too. 

More blog posts coming later today, now it's off to the Feeding Program.