Grace International, an organization that provides health care, education, spiritual guidance, feeding programs and empowered living to those in need, has been working in Haiti for more than 40 years. After the January 2010 earthquake, its base of operations in Carrefour became a refugee camp — called Tent City — for 20,000 homeless residents.
In March 2011, a design team of 15 volunteers all across the country signed up with Engineering Ministries International (EMI) to volunteer their talents in rebuilding the devastating Lafiteau site in Haiti, reassessing and updating the surrounding area, and developing a potential master plan.
Local architect Brad Hubbard lent a hand in designing the church (phase 1), which is the first and most important element visible when entering the community, and the school (starting in phase 2), designed to be built in phases, is earthquake- and hurricane-proof and has well-designed ventilation systems because all buildings are open-air facilities.
Hopefully within the next 6-12 months, development will begin on the Lafiteau site, which includes in the master plan (see above) single-family homes, townhomes, civic center and ethanol facility, in addition to the church and schools. With sustainability being a large factor in the development process, there’s an emphasis on vegetable, agribusiness, fish and sugar cane production. More than 100 acres will eventually be redeveloped modeling holistic, sustainable and industrious living.
During the nine-day trip, Brad helped serve food (and candy) to hundreds of misplaced children, which he says was a heartfelt experience — and is the main reason for his volunteer efforts. He plans to go back and help in the future.
If you’re interested in volunteering on a mission like this one, visit www.emiusa.org to see a list of upcoming trips and needs.
Lori Lober, along with her husband, John, own Provence Homes, a homebuilding company in Kansas City’s Northland. She’s also a survivor of Stage IV breast cancer that had metastasized to her liver. Nine years ago, Lori was given only 18 months to live. Obviously, she lives today and brings her story of triumph to the thousands of women in the same predicament.