Meet the team..

Meet the Team: Haiti 2014

Last year on his Minnesota visit Pastor Widelson said he would love more musical instruments for his church in Haiti. When the Irwins brought this request to the St. Paul's congregation, the call was answered. Sarah K. was inspired to lead an instrument collection project that was described in my last post.

This instrument project is a major undertaking, and sending the collected items to Haiti is not an easy task. In the past the Irwins sent some instruments by mail, but customs charged a HUGE fee, so it was more cost effective to have volunteers deliver them in person and serve for a week as well. Each of us will have two 50 pound checked bags- full of instruments, tech gadgets, art supplies and some clothing/toys and other filler supplies to maximize space. While the main mission of this trip is to deliver the musical instruments, the volunteers will teach classes, collaborate on music and art projects with the kids of the orphanage during the week.

Rob I.- Most experienced member of this Haiti mission team. He has traveled to Haiti many times since 2008 and hosted Pastor Widelson during his visit to Minnesota. Rob organized this trip and looks forward to visiting again. In Haiti he will focus on the tech aspect of the trip and taking photos. Career: Electrical Engineer. Married to Heather I. and father of Brian and Kiley.

Heather I.- wife of Rob and longtime supporter of the Haiti mission trips. She traveled to Haiti in 2013 and presents Mission Minutes monthly at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She can't wait to get back to Haiti to visit everyone again. According to Pastor Widelson, Heather and he "have the same heart," and she will use this time to visit and learn more about the church, orphanage, and nursing schools he runs in Haiti. Career: Human Resource professional. Married to Rob and mother of Brian and Kiley.

Sarah K. will be a senior at Buffalo High School this fall. Sarah began thinking of a global music project when Pastor Widelson came to Minnesota in the spring of 2013. She can't wait to see how her plans all unfold in Haiti with her mother and brother at her side.  At home Sarah is involved in many activities at BHS - including band, swimming, student council, and NHS. She plays the flute in concert band and the saxophone in jazz band. She is also a drum major for Buffalo's 2014 HERD Marching Band.

Adam K. graduated from Buffalo High School in 2013. He is currently a sophomore at Concordia College in Moorhead and pursuing a degree in biology with plans to attend medical school in the future. This summer Adam is working as a camp counselor at Luther Crest in Alexandria, MN. Adam is excited to meet all the kids in Haiti and to spread God's love through music. Brother and supporter of Sarah K.

Darlene K. is the mother of Adam and Sarah and married to Brian. She is currently a math teacher at St. Michael-Albertville High School. Darlene is thrilled to be able to share this amazing experience with Adam and Sarah. She is anxious to see and to begin comprehending the extreme poverty that people in this part of the world live in. She is so excited to see Sarah's project come together and to see excitement on the Haitian faces when they see the amount of musical equipment that we are bringing.

Sharon G. teaches 2nd grade at Big Woods Elementary in St. Michael. She grew up in the community and has been a member of St. Paul’s "forever." Sharon teaches confirmation and sings in the church choir. “I was sitting in church back when Bonnie and Dennis Kueng first asked to raise money to buy mattresses to send to Pastor Widelson. From that moment on, I knew I would travel to Haiti. I have taught overseas and done mission work in Hungary and Spain. I am looking forward to using the skills I have learned on those trips to make connections, share stories, and build relationships with our brothers and sisters in Haiti. I am also so thrilled to go to Haiti for this trip because of my musical background.”

Lori E.has lived in Hanover for 25 years. She is married to Karl and one son, Taylor, a recent graduate of UWRF. She works as an independent sales rep in textiles, which is perfect because she loves quilting. Lori sings in the church choir (with Sharon) and played in her high school band years ago. Those experiences inspired her to join the team this year. "I have listened to the stories of St. Paul's Haiti mission trips and put it on my 'maybe in the future' list. When I heard about Sarah's project, 'I thought this is the time, some of what I know might help!'"

Tracie C. is the mother of Sydney and Taylor and married to Tom. She is CEO Chief Creative Officer at Curb Crowser, a retail brand design company. Tracie is coordinating some art projects to do with the kids at the orphanage. "We plan to share our time and talents of art with the Haitians, old and young. Thanks to the tremendous support of our congregation, St. Paul’s filled a suitcase of basic art supplies. Depending on what the kids and adults want to explore, I plan to share color, shapes, mixing colors, drawing cartoon faces and how to express oneself with art. We may not have enough time!" She adds, " This is the right time for Sydney and I to go. We have so much love to share with the Haitians, and we are ready for laughs, tears and lots of hugs. We all appreciate prayers of safety and good health."

Sydney C. will be a sophomore at Buffalo High School this fall. She has traveled with her family and hopes to connect with the kids through art and soccer. "I am looking forward to going to Haiti, because I am excited to meet new people and help them." Daughter of Tracie C.

Lacy S.- Teacher at Buffalo High School and Director of Save-a-Bull Rescue. Team blogger. My husband Jake went to Haiti with Rob in 2011. No known music skills. (Seriously I struggle to clap in a rhythm.) I love ART and appreciate music, though, so I'll help where I can. As a teacher I hope to discuss education tips and tricks with the teachers, too. I look forward building relationships and learning as much as possible so I can share this experience with my students back at home.

One more week! Look for my next post highlighting some of the people we will work with!
~ Lacy