Memorial Day

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the earthquake here in Haiti. It has been declared a national holiday this year and a day of memorial for the over quarter million people lost on that day. As we worked through our tasks today the radio station was filled with the songs of the local people, flowing in from the church next door, which was packed to the rafters and over flowing into the court yard with locals. It was comforting to see them thanking God for the masses that survived and for the support that has been given to them from around the world. The songs were in celebration as much as memorial and our team enjoyed listening as we worked. With one work day left a plan is in order to button up the loose ends tomorrow, and yes the sign is done and will be hung tomorrow as well! This evening we had a special guest here at Villa Ormiso, Paul Shingledecker our host at Radio Lumiere. Paul shared dinner with us then we gathered to hear his story and the history of Radio Lumiere. As Paul spoke and the story unraveled I think each us got a better understanding of the importance of our work here. The stations broadcast reach about 90% of the population of Haiti, bringing the gospel, news and special broadcast's to the people. There are 7 smaller satellite stations across the country that have the ability to directly target the communities they are in with news and announcements for their regions. Paul also shared how some of the staff have approached him with words of thanks for our team and an appreciation for our technical knowledge, which they would enjoy leaning. They have actually requested we put on a short seminar for them tomorrow afternoon so they can continue where we leave off when we return home. We all look forward to finishing our tasks tomorrow and leaving Radio Lumiere with an electrical system that will allow them to continue broadcasting for many years to come.