In February 2008, New Horizon United Methodist Church sent seven volunteers back to Haiti in order to further the project and relationships begun in 2007. The students and staff at the school in Thor greeted the seven, four of which had not been to Haiti before, warmly. Most of the children remembered the three returning missionaries, calling them by name. Like old friends the staff and visitors caught up on the past year.

Much work had been accomplished between the 2007 and 2008 trips, most notably the completion of all of the first floor columns that will support the second level. Additionally about half of the horizontal superstructure between the columns had been finished with the other have formed but not supported or poured.

Work began by erecting temporary scaffolding with everything from lumber to plywood, even thick branches from trees. Once the scaffolding and supports for the forms were in place, work began mixing concrete on the ground in the area in front of the school. Once mixed the concrete was moved by bucket via a chain of people up to the top man who poured it into the forms. After the forms were filled work began on the other side of the building where the superstructure was finished and cured. First, preformed beams of reinforced concrete were handed up and placed between the horizontal main beams. Second, pre-cast blocks were placed between the beams, forming the deck that will be the floor of the second level. This work continued until all of the cured side of the building was finished. Funds were left in place to complete this beam and block process and then pour three to four inches of concrete over the entire deck. Also this year's money will provide temporary walls in the first level so the students can begin to use the space.

Many things were discussed and finalized this year, most notably a floor plan for the building, which includes five classrooms upstairs. The first level will house a kitchen area, restrooms and cistern. Currently, there is no kitchen area, no water pressure, and a bucket for a restroom.

Even more important than the building itself was the forging of bonds with the children of the school, the staff, and many of the local people. The local people included several of the same workers who helped in March of 2007. Time was made each day to talk and minister to the workers, as well as a lunch line to nourish their hardworking bodies. Guitars were played and worship songs sung in both English and Creole, with nearly everyone joining in the fun. Truly the house of the Lord was filled with joy each day.

Twelve plastic tubs containing over 500 pounds of school supplies, food, vitamins and much more were brought to distribute to the children. Generous local businesses and people from New Horizon UMC donated many of the items. Each day a different team member led a Bible lesson with the kids at the school. Important Bible teachings focusing on hope "espwa in Creole" were presented each day featuring Daniel, Noah, and the Resurrection of Christ Jesus. With the help of wonderful interpreters, the children listened laughed and learned. The wonderful times at the church culminated with a communal meal shared by all at the site from children to principal and worker to teacher. Nearly 100 people were fed, thanks to an excellent local cook.

 The 2008 New Horizon UMC mission trip to Haiti was moving for all and left a burning passion among the missionaries and congregation to return and complete the project. Future plans include providing a hot lunch program, adding more students, scholarships and teacher grants. However these plans cannot go forward until the building is complete. Fundraising is already underway as well as recruitment of volunteer missionaries for 2009. The trip will be February 12 through 20, 2009, and will include Sunday worship at the church in Thor. For more information or to donate contact Doug Berkman at ichthys@mchsi.com.