Merry Christmas and Joy and Hope of Haiti Update

I am sharing on my blog a Joy and Hope of Haiti Update written by Cathy Zavitz: 

Because of your support, be it financial, volunteering your time, prayer or all three, Joy and Hope of Haiti has been moving along at quite a pace this year.  It is ONLY because of working together that we can continue helping in Haiti.

Some highlights and some pictures:

·         There are more school construction projects than ever on our waiting list. 

·         A decision has been made to expand the help in each school area to ensure that there is a proper water well drilled and/or biosand water filtration systems at each school location for potable water. 

·         As a result of the cholera concerns, we have also committed to constructing proper “dry” toilet facilities at each school location by:   www.oursoil.org. 

·         We have committed to construct secure food depots at each school location which will enable the schools to enroll in a food programme offered by the World Food Program to feed lunch to the children in these schools.  This is key to addressing malnutrition and the ability to learn while in school.

·         Additionally, the  Haitian government has decided that elementary schools must now go to grade 9 so we’ve expanded the size of schools we are helping to build. 

A lot has been accomplished in 2011:

Plaine du Nord School Building (8 rooms, food depot and sol soil toilets)

Water well provided in partnership with Lifewater

Plaine du Nord School Sol Soil Toilet Structure

Flavil School Building Under Construction (8 rooms, food depot and sol soil toilets)

 

Bas Limbe Normande Addition to be completed (windows will be changed to shuttered

for cooler and better air flow

OTHER PROJECTS COMPLETED IN 2011

·         Funded construction of two sol soil toilet structures at two school locations ($3,000.00 U.S. per structure)

·         Provided $5,000.00 U.S. in funding for teacher training conference held in summer, 2011

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE

We are continuing to make plans to transform a number of school structures that currently look like this:

….into 8 room schoolhouses with food depots, sol soil technology toilets and clean, potable water.

AND

NONE OF IT CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED HELP AND SUPPORT YEAR AFTER YEAR!

MAY WE COUNT ON YOU TO HELP NEXT YEAR?

We guarantee it will be worth it!



MERRY CHRISTMAS!



A Beautiful Memorable Experience (by a 1/2 Marathon runner from Toronto)

The Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon Committee received this inspiring story from a half marathoner by email after the Road2Hope Weekend:

"My 2011 Hamilton Marathon Experience"

October 31st marked the end of a 12 year relationship with a man that I love very much but sadly, he did not feel the same for me.  Because of all the emotinal stuff happening in my life, I put off signing up for the half marathon that I had been training for over the summer and early fall.  I just wasn't sure if I was up to doing it because of how sad I was feeling.  My running partner, Peter, mentioned a week prior to the race that he had registered for the half marathon, but I was still indecisive and not feeling very inspired.  The Wednesday night at 6:05 p.m., before the race weekend, I decided that I needed this half marathon to clear my head and get me out of this emotional funk I was stuck in.  I remembered how past experiences with this race were always outstanding, so it was iportant for me to sign up.  This race called the Road2Hope held personal significance for me in my life.  I went online and unfortunately missed the cut-off point by 5 minutes.  It looked like my only option now was to run the 10km, so my hope was that I would be permitted to register the morning of the race.

Sunday morning, Peter and I headed off to Hamilton.  He was going to be running the half marathon and not so eagerly I would be registering and running for the 10km but I didn't want to miss this day.  The Hamilton Marathon was the best event that I had ever participated in and this would be my third year.  20 marathons later and now I would be running my first 10km.

We entered the registration tent and i went over to the table and said to one of the lovely volunteer ladies, "I'd like to register for the 10km".  She told me that the 10km had been on Saturday.  Oh no, I immediately said.....but then she replied "but I do have one half marathon spot still available.  I was so excited to hear this and said out loud "that's exactly what I really wanted - this is amazing - yes please, sign me up!"

She asked me to fill out the form and said it would be $85.00.  I only had $65.00 on me because I thought I was going to be running the 10km and that was only $55.00.  I asked Peter if he had $20.00 but he had no cash on him.  At that moment, I could not believe that my chance to run the half marathon was not going to happen.  One of the ladies behind the table asked me how much I needed and I told her $20.00.  I saw her go to her purse and pull out a $20.00 bill and then she handed it to me and said in a loving voice, "here, dear, take this and enjoy your run."  At that very moment I felt this overwhelming feeling of gratitude and happiness that opened my heart for the first time since it had been broken only a week prior.  I asked her for her name so that I could return the money and she just smiled and told me not to worry about it.....to go and have a great race.  I smiled and said thank you.....Thank you.  I rushed over to the other lady to fill out the form, hand her the cash and grab my shirt while making sure to hug this generous beautiful anonymous woman who changed my world that day with her act of kindness and generosity.  Now I understand why a homeless person is so excited just by receiving a quarter because it is that small token that can change their world for the day.

So, off we ran to catch the last bus.  I was so excited that we sat in the front seats of the bus.  Lucky for us because another beautiful experience happened.  WE MET JOAN TURNBULL and that lady was so full of life....dynamic and beautiful and made our bus ride one of the most inspiring journeys as we learned all about the wonderful work that the volunteers of this race do.  I am in awe and grateful to have met such wonderful people.  You all should be so proud of what you created on Sunday.  It is by far the BEST and WELL ORGANIZED race that I have ever run....and as I said earlier, I have run 20 marathons and several half marathons.  I will continue to share this experience with my friends and family. 

Whoever that woman is that gave me my Road to Hope with her generous gift of $20.00, please let her know that I will NEVER forget that moment......she was my angel that day.

Thank you!"

And folks....I (Art Duerksen) am very proud to be a part of the organizing committee and hundreds of volunteers that made the Road2Hope Marathon a memorable experience for the half marathoner from Toronto in this inspiring story.

Road2Hope 1/2 Marathon and Full Marathon Pics



From left to right:  Marg Frers, Matt Hayes, Esther Pauls and Maria Hayes



One of the youngest!  Way to go!

One of the water stations on Beach Road. They cheered very loudly
and encouragingly

Nick Capra from Running Free did an outstanding job
as M.C. both days and announcing each runner as they crossed the finish line



This young man, Colin, ran the full marathon and dribbled

a baskeball as well.  Thank you Colin for raising

$2,000.00 for City Kidz and Joy and Hope of Haiti!

(also in the picture - Jim Turnbull)

It is an amazing event.  I have a story to post in the next couple of days.  Stay tuned.



Road2Hope - a Success!

Road2Hope was a resounding success last weekend. The weather was beautiful both Saturday and Sunday. Approx. 5,000 people participated over both days. Funds were raised for City Kidz and Joy and Hope of Haiti plus a number of community partners. It looked like the kids were having a great time at the play area....if you missed it this year, mark it on your calendar for next year - November 3 & 4, 2012.
(www.hamiltonmarathon.ca)

See some pictures below:

Getting ready for the start of the 5K (1300 people)

and......they're off!

My daughter-in-law, Jessica
participating for Mission Possible Colombia (http://www.missionpossiblecolombia.ca/)

Andrew Moore, also participating for
Mission Possible Colombia

City Kidz team - way to go!


SUNDAY'S 1/2 MARATHON AND FULL MARATHON PICTURES
WILL BE NEXT BLOG POSTING

Road2Hope this weekend

Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope this weekend. Come out and help us raise funds for school construction for Haiti and for City Kidz and get some exercise at the same time! You can still register today at Runners Den in Westdale or tomorrow from 1-6 p.m. or Saturday morning before the run/walks begn at Confederation Park. Go to www.hamiltonmarathon.ca for more information. See you Saturday!

HAMILTON MARATHON ROAD2HOPE - NEWS AND UPDATES

hamiltonmarathon.ca

If you wish to still participate in a race you can register at the EXPO on Friday 1-6p.m & Sat. 8 - 3p.m. at Confederation ParkNo same day registration for the full and half marathon. We will close registration on the full and half when we reach 3500 participants.

Windows of the Soul

I would like to share an opportunity with you to purchase Bob Salo’s book “Windows Of the Soul”.  A collection of digital paintings & photographs of the people of Haiti.  Interspersed is some powerful writing of Bob’s as well.

Go to www.blurb.com and type in Bob Salo in the search bar.  You will see two choices  to purchase posted there.

Book Cover

Bob would be happy to guide you through the buying process if you need help.  Please personally call him at 905-639-4490.    

It is an incredible book to have on display in anyone's home.

October 20-22, 2011 Board Meetings

I am travelling today (Wednesday) to Calgary for OMS/Men for Missions' semi-annual board meetings.  Part of the Board meetings involves a fundraising event tomorrow evening:

Colombia Dessert Fellowship Thursday, October 20th  @ Samaritan's Purse Building, 20 Hopewell Way, NE., Calgary from 7-9 p.m.

Freewill Offering (funds to go towards ACCA renovation/construction project)

Carlos Velasquez and Jeannine Brabon are guest speakers

An evening of fellowship to experience a living testimony of God’s ability to transform lives in the face of extreme circumstances.  From cocaine chef to ordained minister, Carlos Velasquez now lives as one dedicated to the Lord’s service and proves that there is hope in the darkest of circumstances.  Dr. Jeannine Brabon is a professor of Biblical Hebrew at the University Foundation Biblical Seminary of Colombia. She was instrumental in introducing Bible fellowship to Bellavista Jail, one of the deadliest prisons in the world.

Road2Hope and CHCH TV

Check out this link:  http://www.chch.com/index.php/home/item/5622-getting-ready-to-run-the-road2hope .  Road2Hope weekend is November 5th and 6th.  If you are a praying person, please pray for really good weather that weekend.

If you were planning to register for the event and haven’t, please go to www.hamiltonmarathon.ca  and register for the 1k kids, 5k, 10k or ½ marathon or full marathon there.   We also encourage you to collect pledges for the two important causes – school construction in Haiti and City Kidz, Hamilton. 

Whistler BC  September 2011

In Whistler BC enjoying some down time with my beautiful wife Elaine and son Max (a resident of Whistler for the past 3 years).  The weather has been great, Ive been on the top of Whistler mountain, rode the Peak 2 Peak and went Bunjee jumping for the first time.  It was awesome! Tomorrow I am going to Ziptrek in the mountains.

Art just before diving.

Art Diving

Max & Elaine on the Peak 2 Peak

View from the Peak 2 Peak

Us on top of Whistler Mountain

100 Holes for Haiti Pictures

What a great day!  Lots and lots of golfing at a private golf course (Beverly Golf & Country Club), lots of good food, great fun and funds raised for both Stella House Orphanage (41 orphan children) and Hopital Albert Schweitzer ($80,000.00 and counting)!  Thank you to all who participated and/or sponsored.   Here's some pictures:


Cliff Sarjeant, Marshall Zavitz and Rick Elliott





Art Sr. and Art Jr. - breakfast and sustenance for a hard day's golfing!

Medals were awarded to those who managed to play 100 Holes or over for the day



Do you like to play golf ?  Do you like to play a lot of golf?  Do you have a heart to help others? Others in Haiti?  Are you willing to do your bit for fundraising?  Then save the date:  September 20th, 2012 (the third Thursday in September) is the date for our next 100 Holes for Haiti event!  Contact Cathy at 905-522-5494 to find out more and reserve a spot.



Police Association Talk

It was a significant time with 60 police (retired and/or active) at the Police Association on Wednesday.  Some took home the book "Lord of Bellavista" and/or the video "The Untold Stories of Colombia".  Both are really good resources to understand what One Mission Society and Prison Fellowship International are doing in prisons in Colombia.  Powerful stuff!  If you are interested in the book or dvd, it is $10.00 each to help us cover the cost of purchasing the book or video. 

Andy is inspiring.  He has CP and is training for a very, very long bike ride to help raise funds for Colombia ministry (http://www.missionpossiblecolombia.com/).  Read more about Andy on the website....

Tomorrow: 100 Holes for Haiti

Tomorrow is a golf event at the Beverly Golf and Country Club supporting Stella House Orphanage in Haiti and Hopital Albert Schweitzer, Haiti.  This will be our 9th golf event supporting these two very worthy and needy causes.  Thank you in advance to sponsor(s) who make it possible to help raise 41 Haitian children and treat some of the most severely malnourished children in Haiti.  It is a marathon day of golf at a beautiful golf course and for two beautiful causes!

Today: Police Association in Hamilton

Today, my good friend Andrew Moore and I will be making a presentation on Mission Possible Colombia and the Prison Ministry at Bellavista Jail, Medellin, Colombia to 60 police officers at the Police Association Building.  I am really looking forward to it. 

SPECTATOR ARTICLE

So, the article in the Spectator newspaper didn't appear on Saturday, September 10th.  It appeared today, Tuesday, September 13th and what an honour!  Here's the link to the online news article:  http://www.thespec.com/localprofile/article/593244--mystery-or-miracle.

Saturday, Sept. 10 Spectator Article

This week I had the opportunity to be interviewed by our local newspaper regarding Mission Possible Colombia.  Please check out The Hamilton Spectator tomorrow.

Bike, Run, Finish

Mary Booth going by us at the base of the mountain.

Esther is next - only about 10km left before the run.

I give Art a hand at the 5km point in the run - still 21km to go!!!!

Myself, Dan Horne & Gord

Julie is getting a hug from Beth Kennedy at the 5km point.

Esther at the 5km run - she has had some issues along the way and may walk the marathon but she will finish.

Art looking pretty good after the Ironman which he finished in just over 14 and a half hour.

From Esther Pauls' Perspective

I just thought I've give you a bit of an idea of how yesterday went from my perspective.  It will give you a sense of how inspirational Art is to have finished enthusiastic, strong and happy.

Blessings, Esther Pauls.

We started the day fresh and excited; the forecast was for a high of 32 and sunny. It's hot here this week, but it's a dry heat, which is a bit deceptive because it means that the moisture wicks away from your skin more quickly, and you don't quite realize how much fluid you're losing. My wonderful friends Roger Barker, Mary Booth, Julie Menzies, and Art Duerksen, were also doing the Ironman with me. It was Mary, Julie, and Art's first. Penticton is on the edge of Lake Okanagan, which is nestled in low-lying mountains in British Columbia. It is truly beautiful country, and we're so thankful to be able to do this. It also means cycling and running up and down mountain passes. We all did beautifully in the 4k swim at 7 am; we were relieved and excited to have that over with so we could get onto the bikes for the 180k ride. Some of the 2800 other people tackling the Ironman with us were incredibly inspirational. The first-place winner was almost killed last year when he was in a collision with a hit-and-run-driver and had his jugular artery almost severed. Another gentleman who is a high-injury paraplegic, paralized from just below the ribcage down did the swim, pulled himself up the beach to a special bicycle, and did all the distances. Another pair of men, one blind, and the other a leg amputee, swam, rode and ran together. They swam with a tether between them, rode a tandem bike, and ran side by side. Back to our journey! The heat was incredible; when we passed through the mountains, the thermostat was reading 40C. Sadly, someone, for the second year in a row, threw tacks on the road at the beginning of the bike course. Dozens of riders had flats at the very beginning, including Mary. On my climb past Yellow Lake, (picture a 12k climb about the steepness of Sydenham hill for those of you who know Dundas), 150k into the bike ride, as I began the ascent, my chain came off, and I stopped to fix it. At this point, I passed two water stations that had run out of water, and I was beginning to be sick. I got back onto the bike to ride the hill, and apparently passed out mid-ride. It was a gentle fall, but I ended up having to walk my bike up the hill. I was unable to eat or drink anything after that, and I still had a marathon distance to go on foot after the bike ride! Luckily everyone was so encouraging and inspirational that I knew I was going to make it. Back on the bike, I collected myself and rode through to the end. Then into my running shoes...my times were still good so I knew I could walk the marathon if I needed to. I walked most of it, but was able to run it in! My heartfelt thanks to Pat Ward, Leanne Gosse, Sharon Truszkowski, Char Roberts, and Melanie Booth. By the end, I knew I was in a bit of trouble. The love of my life, Gord, was waiting at the finish line, which was good, because I promptly passed out as soon as I crossed. On to the medic tent, and then I got to ride in an ambulance to the hospital. Nothing a couple of litres of IV fluid and some anti-nausea medication wouldn't fix. By 3 am, after starting out at 7am the day before, I was happily curled up in bed back at the hotel with Gord. What a wonderful life! THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL MY FRIENDS, SUPPORTERS, AND FAMILY FOR HELPING ME TO DO THE THINGS I LOVE!

This is the day!!  Art slept well and seems anxious to go.  Gord, Beth and I saw Art & Esther at the beach at 6am.  We have got a good spot to see them start.  It is very emotional, someone is singing the national anthem.  There is a sea of swimmers, beautiful boats and colorful kayaks.  There they go, Art and Esther swim the 4km in just about one and a half hour which is very good.  Now for the bike portion.....which could take up to 7 hours, wow!!!

This is the best I can do for now, I am still learning how to post things on his blog.  His loving wife  Elaine

PENTICTON IRONMAN FOR COLOMBIA

Catching up on my blogging and updating everyone in advance of the big day on Sunday!  
It's been an intense few days, but we're settling in and feeling organized.  Arrived in beautiful Penticton mid-day on Thursday; checked in at the Ironman Expo, lots of excitement, familiar faces and new faces.  Profound sense of purpose and camaraderie here.  Have a fantastic support crew here, including my lovely wife Elaine.  First-time Ironman athletes who have trained alongside me are pals Mary Booth and Julie Menzies.  
You can follow our progress on Sunday on the Subaru Ironman Canada website:
Penticton Ironman: Follow an athlete
Got up yesterday morning to a beautiful day; weather is hot here, but little humidity.  Forecast for Sunday is 32C!  We're planning ahead and hydrating, hydrating, hydrating.  Hit the Expo; invested in an emergency tire-repair kit.  Ready for everything.  Donned the wetsuits and took a short (500m), slow swim in Lake Okanagan to get a feel for the swim course.  Water is perfect.  

Pat Ward, me, my wife Elaine, and Esther Pauls.

After a bite to eat, drove into the mountains to Yellow Lake to test out cycling legs on the 12k climb we'll encounter at about kilometer 160 of the Ironman. 

Friends in deed Gord and Esther Pauls and Pat Ward.

I have my work cut out for me!

On to a very short run to test the grade.  Conclusion:  it's steep.

...followed by a cooling dip in Yellow Lake.

Back to town for dinner, and an evening view of Lake Okanagan.

The 4k swim portion of the Ironman is out to the far point

and looping back.

Friday evening we rounded up friends and met at the Penticton Ironman Street Festival; live music, delicious food, excitement and anticipation.

A twirling dervish enjoying the music.

Elaine and I.

More posts to follow: the Ironman is tomorrow!