Sky Thief

Sky Thief Saw her sliding down a silver rope She stole the lining from a cloud Some poor soul had lost his lover I heard her laughing right out loud She was climbing down from somewhere Her floating home up in the sky And I could see as she drew nearer The rays of sunshine in her eyes But her beauty was her only flaw I couldn't tell you if I tried Just how much I loved that breezy girl And of all the million tears she cried

The Singularity

This is of course the notion that computers will some day soon out-think their creators and humanity as we know it will vanish, whooshing us into a new age of super-intelligence where computers run the world. We've seen a couple of really cool and interesting movies recently alluding to this idea. I have recently learned that this is actually more than a notion. It is a belief held by many very influential people and is a globally accepted idea (see Times magazine Feb 21, 2011 edition). While I don't argue the math that supports the idea that technology has advanced exponentially in recent years, I do take issue with the predictions of where that technology will lead us. The basic idea put forth by proponents is that humanity and the world will benefit from the vast advances that will occur when the Singularity happens. The basic assumption is that microprocessor based benefits will follow the same exponential curve of technology advancements. A logical conclusion I must confess. And here it is, "but" a huge assumption is made that humanity has actually benefited at all from computers. Have we? Do we love better? Do we care better? Do we war less? Do we lessen global starvation? Is there less catastrophic loss of life from earthquakes, floods, tidal waves, tornadoes and hurricanes? Is there less racial, religious and ethnic strife? From where I sit (comfortably on my modern couch that was likely produced from CAD, typing on my i Phone) we have not really benefited at all from computers. Computers will continue to get faster and software will continue to get smarter. But if they do produce exponentially more good they will arguably also produce exponentially more bad and the net effect will be null at best and catastrophic at worst. But I think I can safely predict that mankind will be no better or worse than he is today. The created will never rise above the creator. Human beings are capable of far more and are are of immeasurably more worth than lifeless circuit boards filled with only ones and zeros. In one sense I suppose the notion of the Singularity is at least consistent with its own origins. If we did in fact arise out of the chaos of primordial soup it is no stretch to imagine that whatever chaos we may create through technology will yield a Coherent and Benevolent Singularity.

Haitian Trip

Day 7

This is a travel day. Everyone is relaxed and preparing for the return trip home. I will miss Ben.

The ladies opted to ride in the back of the truck with Jonas while James and I rode in the air conditioned cab with Jean and Ben. I was reluctant to do this but I didn't want to appear (reveal?) chauvinistic so I relented from opposing this decision. At any rate I was grateful for this gesture as balancing one's self during the bumpy ride in the back was somewhat arduous.

Jr and Jel met us at the airport. This could not have been a simple task for them and we all appreciated their effort to see us off. Hugs were exchanged and we entered the airport building. . That's when it struck me. The Haiti I was leaving was not the same Haiti I encountered when I first arrived. But then I recalled Pastor Ted's words to me as I was preparing to leave the US, "You won't come back the same". He was right, Haiti hadn't changed, I had.

Haitian Trip

Day 6 (Jan 12 - quake anniversary)

I've gotten used to shaving without a mirror. I think perhaps I'm doing a better job than with a mirror since I can't remember where I've shaved so I end up shaving over the same areas multiple times. I'm careful not to cut myself, I don't want to give those possible water germs more of an opportunity to get into my system.

We attended the earthquake commemoration prayer/praise event in Port-au-Prince right next to the crumbling palace. There were several speakers, some Americans but mostly Haitians. A young Haitian boy sang "Emanuel" and brought great glory to God through his amazing vocal ability, very mature and sophisticated vocals for someone of his age. Hands were raised and waving praises to God by the end of the song. I later learned that he was discovered on a Haitian star search event.

Drove out to the 'A New Haiti' property for the tree planting ceremony. We walked up a slight incline to near the top of the property line, away from the ocean, to plant the first tree. When we reached our destination I turned to look back in the direction we had just walked from and encountered the most breathtaking view of the ocean below. You can't see this from the property near the roadside. We planted (actually the Haitians did all the planting - members of Jehovah Nissi were there and participated in the planting as well as a couple of Paula's Haitian friends) several trees. Brook read the passage from Ezekiel for the first and second tree planting. Scores of photos and videos were taken by all. I felt honored to be part of this experience. Moplesur (spelling?) asked me to pray for him as he has just started a small church where he is the pastor.

On the drive home we encountered what appeared to be some kind of riot. It turned out to be a celebration marking the moment when the earthquake finally stopped.

Jel (another one of Paula's friends) admitted that he had difficulty sleeping on the eve of the anniversary because of nightmares about the quake. Some Haitian people didn't sleep at all the entire night.

Haitian Trip

Day 5

Free time all morning then drove to the mountains.

Visited a small village where Jean's sister Yvrose once taught children. We saw the school house where she taught. We also walked to the "lake" and joined some children for photos.

Then we drove to Bill's beautiful two-level home where he intends to house visitors wishing to help in Haiti. Bill came to Haiti to help with the earthquake and I don't think he has returned to the US since.

We then visited Yvrose's home where she and her husband house and care for about 15 orphan children. This is where I met Vince, the little child I held for some time.

We took an olive branch from a tree on Yvrose's property to be used for the tree-planting ceremony tomorrow. I think the tree we will plant tomorrow also came from here.

We stopped to eat supper at a restaurant before returning to Ben's house. The price was reasonable as it came to about seven dollars US. The food was good but not as good as the food cooked at Ben's house.

Haitian Trip

Day 4

Once again I awoke to the sound of crowing roosters heralding in a new Haitian sunrise. The sun rises and sets very quickly in Haiti. This morning there's a girl singing a song nearby. Sounds like she's singing "Hallelujah".

My morning showers have consisted of a small plastic bowl dipped into a five gallon pail of water then strategically poured over my body. Already I've gotten pretty good at taking my shower with less than half a pail.

The accommodations have been luxurious as compared to the norm. We have individual beds with mattresses and pillows to sleep on at night. And we have electricity. No running water though.

The meals have been feasts of meats, rice, fruits and vegetables. I can't help but to feel a bit self conscious about eating so well while others have barely have enough to survive. Obesity is not a problem in Haiti.

The drive from Port-au-Prince last night was dark, as other nights. There's no electricity in most of the dwellings. Only candles and makeshift lanterns. I saw one clever lantern made from the hollow of a car engine piston!

More later.

We visited a childrens orphanage and Brooke gave the 13 water filters the team had to the orphanage. There are 13 children at this orphanage. Hmmm...

Visited City Solei - Jonas school. Children of all ages attend this small "lean-to" style structure of a school. The children were all well behaved during our impromptu visit. Several children held my hand as I passed by them.

We then met with the leaders of Jehovahs Nissi organization. We all introduced ourselves and then we listened as they shared their hearts with us regarding the vision of the joint venture of Jehovah Nissi and A New Haiti. We all prayed together and I felt this was a very significant occasion. I think we all felt this way.

Haitian Trip

Day 3

Visited the purchased land. 100x280 meters. Across the road from the property is the ocean. The drive to the property was a stark contrast to what we saw yesterday. Beautiful mountains and the ocean! But we also saw more tent cities filled with people who relocated to the mountains from the city after the earthquake.

Then we drove to a small community of people living next to the sea. We were given a short boat ride in a boat that reminded me of something that might have resembled a boat that Jesus would have crossed the Sea of Galiley in. Though the shoreline was lined with refuse, the water further out was beautiful bluegreen and clear.

Then another incredible meal at Ben's house. Ben is a man with a true servant's heart. He always shows up with what we need even before we know we need it.

Later in the afternoon we returned to the Graham convention where we experienced the most beautiful Haitian praise to God. We also were able to worship with the Haitians in our native language as some of the musicians were Americans, one of which was Michael W Smith! It appeared that several new conversions occurred as a result of Mr. Graham's presentation of the gospel. We prayed for a child who's mother thought had an evil spirit. We prayed for her also. I trusted in a word that my daughter sent with me as I laid my hands on them. She said, "...everything you put your hand to will be a lasting work of Christ." Thank you Jesus.