Project List – BahamasHabitat.org March 2008
Hatchet Bay Community Center
Jeff, David, Sledd, Bill
Petty Home
Ali, Dave, A.P. Dan
Caretakers Cottage
Steve, Holmes, John D, John A, Drew
Berta Pinder “Home”
Perry, Chad, Chip, Bob, Susan
We asked our participants to please tell us what this trip has meant to you.
I was amazed to see the disparity between the super expensive homes as we flew over Eleuthra and what I had experienced on “vacations” on other islands and the real standard of living in which so many natives live. Contrast that with the true joy that these people seem to enjoy and the strength of their faith. Truly that is an inspiration and blessing to those who come in contact with them. I can’t wait to come back and experience more of these people, their culture and continue to give them assistance in the physical sense just as they give us assistance in a spiritual sense; receiving the peace that passes understanding.
Drew Baird, Raleigh NC
This is my first trip to the Bahamas and my first flight outside of the US. It has been a tremendous adventure to experience the culture here on Eleuthera and the beauty of the islands. The people are so friendly and warm even though their needs are great.
It has been very rewarding to help out in a small way, and I am very impressed with the work underway by Abe, the staff, and Bahamas Methodist Habitat. Morning devotions with Jeff have been a highlight of the trip, and the faith of so many on the island have been a true inspiration that I will take back home to my family and community. I look forward to continuing support of the mission here and pray that the work will continue to bless so many on the islands.
Perry Kairis, Greensboro, NC
Once again I was touched by the heart and soul of at least one person. On Friday morning we worked at the Petty residence, and the two boys, TJ and Tun worked along with us as we continued the addition to the house. I couldn’t shake TJ who shadowed me all day, helping me at every turn. He showed me things his father had made and brought me extra old rusty tools (that we used when our circular saw went bad.) At the end of the day, he even followed us to Rainbow Bay beach for the swim. The whole family was there at end of day, and their warmness overflowed. Even though we only worked one day, we made a small difference for one family. TJ will forever be in my heart, and I look forward to seeing him and his family on the next visit.
Dave Fouts, Raleigh NC
I was also at the Petty home during this, my first visit to the blessed and beautiful place. What struck me was the beauty of each person we met here, and their yearning for hope and happiness. I was touched by the young little 5 year old girl who just giggled as I held her (she called me Babee…) . There is much to be done here, the needs are great, we need to give but it is the blessing we receive in return that I will cherish from this weekend. Be back soon!
Ali Dennis, Boone NC
The Lord was definitely in the work we did in Eleuthera. Pilots are usually a great bunch of people, but Christian pilots rise above the rest. The work completed was appreciated by the wonderful people of the island and it’s very possible that souls will be saved as a result. The group was humble and dedicated to HIS tasks. Prayer and reflection abounded as the world our group is used to in the United States faded away quickly in the reality of Camp life with new friends and dedication to completing our small but important contributions. May the Lord be with us and guide us always. We hope to be able to return. Amen!
Bob Meeker, Durham NC
The most fun I had on the island was probably when I was able to spend time with TJ and Ton at the Petty’s. My construction skills limited me to painting the exterior walls and avoiding the interior, so after painting for the majority of the day I spent an hour of my time at the house outside playing baseball with the kids. They used a wooden stick and tennis ball for a bat and ball, and a large rectangular piece of plywood for home base.
Despite the conditions they were living in, they both showed so much happiness and enthusiasm. Seeing the way they lived and their positive attitudes made a lasting effect on me. Although I was unable to assist as much as I wanted to with the construction effort, I took a lot away from being able to spend time with those children. I only hope I made a difference in their lives as well. I hope they enjoyed playing and talking with me, and I think they did because they made plans to meet me at the beach and swim in the water after we left. Sure enough, Ton was there with his sister, and much to the surprise of me and everyone else they were both swimming in the water and having fun.
The group here has been absolutely excellent. Their love for god and each other is beyond anything else I have seen. I have already made plans to tell my friends and to come back the next time there is a scheduled fly-in. Hopefully with my friends experience in construction and my experience flying we can all help one another in making a trip for god to do Gods work.
God bless everybody as Camp Symonnete and I look forward to coming back!
Chad N. Paitsel
This weekend was a great opportunity to meet some great, inspiring pilots, and their friends. I have enjoyed meeting them and witness the passion for mission that bubbled up through the weekend. When volunteers are planning their next trip before they leave Eleuthera for home, the effect of this ministry on their lives becomes evident. God has blessed BMH with some powerful new relationships and the island of Eleuthera has blessed me with the warm relationships and God loving people who live their faith daily for all to see.
Jeff Hearn, St. Petersburg FL
