Time Flies!

October 2015

Wow, is it really Fall already? Here in Haiti the months fly by and you really don’t see the

changing of the seasons like we did in Michigan so it’s easy to go three or four months and not

notice much of a change--especially this year when we really did not have a rainy season at all.

We had a very dry summer and fall for all the farmers and very little produce to bring in. EGO’s

own 2 acres of corn only produced two- 100 pound bags of shelled corn. It is so very sad for

those who have no other means of income, yet we are so very grateful for the Lord’s provisions

here at EGO.

Another Praise and update: IMP received enough funds to pay the teachers and close the

school year in the black. Thanks to all who gave so generously this summer to make this

happen. The new school year has begun and we have posted pictures of the 1st day of school

on our Facebook and website locations. Make sure to check us out on a weekly basis for any

updates and happenings.

The Haitian government continues to make changes pertaining to child care here in Haiti.

Because of those changes EGO is growing in numbers. We currently have five of our over-18

year-olds living away from the orphanage, but are continuing to be sponsored and their

housing, food, and education is still continuing to be paid for by you, our sponsors. The last two

girls to turn 18 were Elisemene and Bel-Ange. Both of these girls worked very hard to maintain

a high grade in school, along with working at EGO in the after-school hours. EGO has joined

with Orphans to World Changers and in August we were able to see both of these girls travel to

the US to begin a five-year student visa program. We are very excited to see what the Lord has

in store for them upon their completion of education and re-entry back to Haiti.

One of the other changes Haiti is making is that in the year 2026 they would like to eliminate

orphanages and go strictly with Foster families. To this end, EGO is beginning the next phase of

EGO to provide Family Unit Housing (FUH) for all of our children. The FUH project will take

approximately two years and began this October. The total cost is $300,000 US, but when

broken down by house at $30,000, it is not so bad. The costs to build this house include the

septic and drain field, footers, foundation, cement block exterior walls, steel rafters and roof,

interior walls, windows, plumbing, electrical, paint and kitchen cabinets (I’m sure I am

forgetting something, but you get the picture). Additional funds might be needed to build

furniture, new bunk beds, and tile the floors and bathroom. Each FUH will have a live-in nanny

and seven to eight children per house. We are very excited as we start this next adventure and

pray many of you will be able to gather funds and/or come build a house alongside us.

I John 4:19 says “We love because He first loved us.” Our daily prayer should be “Lord help me

find ways to show your love today, wherever I am, and with whoever I encounter.”

Blessings,

Ken & Marla Drowley

Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage

Editor’s Note: ​Thank you all for your faithfulness to this ministry! God is and has always been

Faithful and, as you walk in obedience, He continues to supply our needs. As always, you may

contact the home office with any concerns/questions at: 616-550-3469, or by email at

ego2haiti@gmail.com . Donations may be made through our website at

ebenezerglennorphanage.org or by mail at 1726 Gun Club Rd, Caro MI 48723.

July 2015 

(Updates of EGO's ministry from three different perspectives.)

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  Ephesians 6:12

First from Don and Doris, who have “fought the good fight” for more than 40 years—

 

To our Dear Friends of EGO:

  

      Blessings in the Name of Jesus.  You may have been wondering why you haven’t heard from us in a while.  For those of you who haven’t heard yet, Doris has had a light stroke and Don now has a pacemaker, but, Praise God, we both are doing well.  Some have been trying to contact us but that has been difficult since we haven’t been in one location very long at a time.  We have been blessed to stay with some of our children and friends, mostly in Florida the past few months.  We are looking for a permanent place to stay.  We do not want to go in debt at our age, so will probably rent and we need our own car.  We are so thankful for those that have given us use of their homes and vehicles while we have been in the states.  Right now we are using Vickie’s car. 

      We went to Haiti Feb 12^th and returned April 9^th.  It was nice to see the improved roads.  We enjoyed being there to see all the children again and also the progress of the mission.  In just the few months since we’d been there, we could see how the children had grown.  Ken and Marla are working hard and making some good changes.  The Haitian government continues to make changes in the laws as well, so there are always adjustments to make.  It was so nice to be home again and sleep in our own bed!

     We have been to Michigan and have seen our families.  We had the privilege to attend the graduation and open house of our grandson, Matthew.  What a treat!  We also attended Max’s open house ( Ken and Marla’s son).  There were so many people there that we knew—some that had been to Haiti, some that had sponsored the mission a long time, as well as several EGO board members.  Our plans are to attend the Peavey reunion and then on to Ohio to see two more of our children, then south again to Florida.

     The Drowley's are doing exceptionally well, having come into a country not knowing the culture or the language—a country whose ways are very different from ours.  As with our own experience when we went to Haiti, with the help of God and the determination we had, and with His grace that He so freely gave us, we know it IS possible!  

     The Lord willing, we plan to return and visit EGO in the near future.

Much Love and Prayers,

Don and Doris,  “Mom & Dad”

From Ken and Marla, the “boots on the ground” at EGO—

     EGO has had a busy 2015!  There were ten teams back-to-back from Dec 28^th to Apr 11^th, 2015.  Many projects were able to be marked “completed” and scratched from the list, including the baby dorm bathroom, the new wood shop, the electricity project, repairing windows and screens, and painting—the list is endless for all the work that was accomplished this winter and spring.  Thanks so much to all of you!

     We, Ken and Marla, were in the States from May 7^th to June 9^th.  We were able to attend the wedding of one of our previous volunteers from Iowa, speak at four different churches, saw our son Max graduate from high school, plus took Dahicha to three specialists and surgery (thanks be to God and thanks as well to those who donated hospital space and their services!)

     During that time, EGO was under the watchful care of Randy & Linda, who did a fantastic job of keeping everything running and all the kids healthy! 

     June brought the end of the school year.  Our school, IMP (Institute Mixte Peavey), is experiencing financial struggles as the Haitian government’s plan to supplement tuition was cancelled.  We will need approx. $10,000 US to finish in the black and be able to rehire teachers for the next school year.  Your prayer and support over this situation is much appreciated.  God, through His people, has always provided to meet our needs, and we believe He will continue to do so.

In June, we also had our first ever “Taco night" that was enjoyed by all, and is requested again! On Fourth of July weekend, we took a group to Fort Jacque, which was a four-hour drive from EGO, plus visited God’s Littlest Angels in the area.                                            

Thanks for all your prayers and support,

Ken and Marla

From the editor “caretaker” on the home front!--  

     As improvements and changes happen at the mission, there are also many such changes that happen here at home.  EGO is progressing into the “technical” age with a Facebook page, as well as an ever-improving website designed with you in mind!  The website also includes a donation tab that allows you to send funds electronically, either from bank account or credit card. And for those of you who sponsor children, you can set it up as “recurring” for your convenience!  While many of you are receiving this newsletter in paper form or email, on a rather infrequent basis, please know that you can visit the website at any time, www.ebenezerglennorphanage.org, or “like” us on Facebook, at Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage, to see many more pictures of the ongoing events at EGO! 

     It is so amazing to watch God work!  Many hands have joined in, and work team after work team has blessed us!  Our numbers of prayer and financial supporters has grown which has allowed us to extend our ministry.  That also means the needs have grown exponentially. 

     We are all “soldiers” together in the spiritual warfare for the souls of the children and people of Haiti.  We see God working in wonderful ways, and it is our calling as well as our privilege to give Him our hands, feet and abilities in this ministry.  Marching forward together as “soldiers of the cross”, we look to Him for the victory! 

Blessings,

Gwen 

Update from Ken & Marla Drowley ---June 2015

We went to Michigan for a month, and were able to attend a wedding, our son's high school graduation, and take Dahicha in for surgery! First, we want to say "THANK YOU" to God for answers to prayer. Second, "Thank You" to Dr. Afman for his tenacity in getting all of this coordinated and organized so quickly; and for helping Dahicha to breathe better. Third, "Thank You" to the staff at Helen DeVoss Children's Hospital for their generosity in helping us out and for making Dahicha's surgery and post-op experience such a good one. And last to all of those who lifted Dahicha up in prayer - thank you for your faithfulness and intercession.

 

Double update! First from Don & Doris Peavey:

November 2014

Greetings, friends and loved ones!  Well, after eight months away, we are back in Haiti.  It’s good to be back home in our house that we have lived in for over 40 years.  We have been busy going through things any family would have—like a house cleaning—papers, pictures, clothes, old government papers, etc.  So many memories, some back when we first came and lived in the village in the small rented house.  When we remember some of the children, we could cry, and yet many happy memories, too.  Well it’s like a spring cleaning in October!

There are new babies….they seem to come in pairs…. We have quite a few sets of twins.  We don’t even know their names yet.  Some of the older children came to see us. We had good times together.  They said they came to see Mom & Dad.  Some are doing great, others are having hard times.

The night before we arrived, someone broke in our house and stole our TV. We really miss it because we use it for the children. But the kids came up anyway Friday night and we had Bible study and then some games and ended it with some treats we had brought with us.  Those who broke in knocked the front door apart.  It was an all-day job to put it back together again.  But it’s fixed and it works for us.

Ken got some fingerlings so we have fish in our fish tanks now.  Also our calf is getting close to 5 months old and the big bull is still here.  It’s time to butcher again. 

The school is doing well and Rachelle the administrator is doing a great work there. They have just finished exams.  Also the new steps look great.  Ken did a great job of finishing them before school started.  The Drowleys have been such a help and blessing!

Pastor John Pierre is our pastor in the Tabernacle that grew up here at the orphanage. They have a good worship time with lots of music. He is a great preacher and preaches under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  In Haiti, November 2^nd is the day when they (non-believers) feed their dead.  Pastor John said he felt such a heavy demonic presence. He felt led of the Lord to call the youth up and when they came, he anointed them with oil and one after another they felt the power of the Holy Spirit on them. This morning after the service, we talked with some of our youth that had left EGO quite a while ago. When asked how they were doing, they said, “We are in it for real this time.”  It has been quite a struggle for them.  We just Praise God for answered prayer. Please remember our youth in your prayers.  Thanks.

We are still having a little rain, our lawn is still green. It won’t be long and we will have lots of mangos.  The rain is good for our garden.  We came with some seeds and they are all planted now.

We have a team in now from Michigan. They are putting in the foundation for a wood-shop.  Great people—we are enjoying them.  Their church has been here before.  They are a big help, giving supplies to God’s work.  We are thankful for all of God’s people that have sponsored us all these many years.  We know that God keeps the records.

We love the song, “THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD. I AM A CHILD THAT HAS BEEN CHANGED.   THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD,  I AM SO GLAD YOU GAVE.”

With sincere thanks,
Don & Doris Peavey"

And from Ken & Marla Drowley:

It has come to my attention that the last newsletter was dated July 4, 2014;  I’m only three months behind.  I am so sorry to our faithful followers and readers of the monthly newsletter.  I will try my best to do better in the future.  What has happened you ask?  Well, it is never a dull moment at EGO.  We have had some work teams come and help with summer vacation by doing Bible school and playing with the children; we have had medical personnel, and helpers – all who came just so they could help participate in the loving work of taking care of 60+ children.

During the months of July, August and one week into September, the children 12 years old and older got a chance to reunite with their extended families for a two week vacation. This is a new ruling the social affairs (IBESR) has asked the orphanages to do to help the children keep in contact with their families. So we had two of the children go at a time and it seemed to be well accepted.

At the end of August we had the privilege of helping reunite an adopted boy from EGO with his Haitian family after 27 years.  It was both exciting to witness and a joy to hear the story of his birth, and adoption as we saw him getting acquainted with his birth family.  During this same time we received twin baby girls only 3.5 and 3.9 pounds each.  Not sure if they were premature or mother malnourished, as she died within 12 hours after birth.  Their names are Bedna and Bediele.  In addition, while we were away in October, twins (a boy - Tchaly and a girl - Tchalene) born in July were brought to the orphanage.

Also during the month of August, Dahicha fell ill again with pneumonia and had to be hospitalized for several days.  Then on September 5^th , a doctor visiting Haiti from California was able to place a g-tube in her stomach to help us feed her.  Marla had been working on getting a medical visa for almost a year, but to no avail.  Then after the surgery she received word not only from one doctor, but from two doctors in the US that were willing to help. Thank you to Dr. V & Barb and also Dr. Deb.  It was amazing to see how God opened the doors and allowed for the medical visa to come at just the time Dahicha needed it.  She was able to go to the states and receive testing that confirmed the aspirated pneumonia was from liquids and not from reflux; so no further surgeries were necessary.  Praise the Lord!  Ken and Marla learned a lot in two weeks about how to take care of a g-tube and also how to do physical therapy on Dahicha.  Ken and Marla laugh at how God called a contractor and a secretary to work at an orphanage instead of a nurse and doctor; but when you are willing to go where He calls, He provides.

In September, the 7^th-12^th grades started their classes and so new uniforms, books, school supplies and hair all had to be taken care of.  However, a trip to the beach to close out the summer vacation with a special lunch on the road at Bon Jean restaurant in St. Marc was in order.  Then the weeks flew by quickly and all the children were back in school on October 6^th.  October 15^th through November 2^nd the Drowleys went to the US to take a small vacation and for Dahicha to get medical care.  Two days before they left, twin baby boys were brought to the gate; premature and needing lots of care.  A huge thank you to Elizabeth, Phillip, D.J. and Debbie for coming and helping out at EGO during our time away.

On October 16^th Don & Doris were able to make a trip back to EGO to spend time with the children and workers.  Everyone was excited to see them again, as it has been several months since they were here last and it is good to see them in good health once again.  Don’s birthday was November 6^th and we got a chance to help him celebrate this year.  For pictures of the birthday celebration like us on facebook – Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage.

Another team arrives today to begin the work on the new woodworking shop, to be completed in January by another team coming from Michigan.  There is lots of work in remodeling and new construction going on; so if you have not been to EGO in a couple of years you will be surprised by the changes.  The work that Don & Doris started over 42 years ago continues to expand and improve; thanks to all the generous supporters and volunteers.

Answers of prayer from last newsletter:

·         Talante had a baby girl on Saturday, November 1^st weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces.

·         Funds were received to help close the school year out in the black – thank you to all who gave above and beyond.

Continue praying for:

·         Over 18 year olds as they transition into their new roles away from EGO.  Additional sponsorship to help pay for their housing, schooling, food, etc.

·         Three sets of twins arrived in two months, in addition to three more young girls.  Need sponsorship for all of them.

·         Ken and Marla as they continue to learn the language and have discernment with decisions on a daily basis.

·         Health and safety for all the children – rainy season has finally come and with it several runny noses and lots of coughs.

EGO cannot thank all of you enough for your continued support in prayer and finances. It is only because of your obedience to God’s will that we are able to reach out and help so many.

Serving where God has called us,

The Drowleys – Ken, Marla & Max

Editor’s Note:  For information on sponsoring children or answers to how you can help, please visit our website at www.ebenezerglennorphanage.org

July 4, 2014

Summer vacation is upon us and report cards have been handed out. We have some pretty amazing children here at EGO. Marla had the chance to sit down with all of them and go over their report cards and talk with them about next year. (Of course, suckers were handed out to those who passed!)



Samantha is here on a summer internship and helping out at the clinic and with the teens. Saturday, July 5th starts the first day of their bakery. Samantha has been teaching the teens (12-17 year olds) how to handle money, what it takes to start a business, advertising, taking orders, selling, etc. She is doing an amazing job and it will be exciting to see which of the children grabs onto this opportunity for their future.

Max had an opportunity to travel to Florida and spend 15 days volunteering with Missionary Flights International. He loved his time there and was given the opportunity to fly a plane with one of the instructors from town. He had the privilege of staying with Larry Campbell and his wife and they said they would love to have him back again. Max is looking forward to it.

Ken has been busy in the shop working on various projects, one being a complete kitchen cabinet job for another orphanage in Pignon. He is grateful for the experience to teach the boys and girls.

Changes taking place around EGO:

• Playscape divided into four sections – two sections taken to the school yard, one sectionmoved to the baby dorm, and the last section moved back under the trees for more shade.
• Baby dorm bathroom progressing.
• Kitchen cabinets made by the teen boys and Ken for another orphanage in Pignon.
• Wisley turned 18 and moved out to the boys’ house in Port-au-Prince. (see photo of the amoire he made to take with him!)
• New security guards for the summer.
• Summer school for the ones who were unable to pass their class.

Prayer requests and needs:

• Talante is pregnant again, but having a difficult time. We are looking for a nurse or doctor to volunteer for Aug-Dec of this year.
• New budget for EGO due to ongoing cost increases and new government regulations, such as a recent one which nearly doubled the minimum wage for our workers. We are needing to increase the number of sponsors per child. If you know of anyone wanting to sponsor a child for $40 or $60 per month, please have them check out the website at http://ebenezerglennorphanage.org/#/get-involved
• Needing to raise funds for the school to finish out the year in the black, approximately $8,000 US will help to finish paying the staff and bills.
• Sponsorship for our over-18-year-olds. Continue to pray for foster families to rise up and take these teens in, while they continue their education.

Praises:

• Doris and Don are feeling better and were able to spend some time with friends.
• Dahicha had adenoid surgery and is on the road to recovery.
• Marla got a chance to travel back to Michigan for a family reunion.
• Safety and protection during many hours driving on the roads back and forth throughout the country.

Continuing the work the Lord has called us to do, we thank you for your faithfulness and obedience in prayer and giving.
Drowleys – Ken, Marla, Samantha & Max

Editor’s Note—If you have any questions about our financial needs or projects, etc., please call our office at 616-550-3469, or email Gwen at ego2haiti@gmail.com. Our website has many more pictures and information for donating electronically for your convenience. We appreciate you!

Springing into spring has brought some occasional rainfalls.  It is both refreshing and beautiful to hear in the evening.  Psalm 147:8 says “He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.”  This verse captures what we are seeing on a weekly basis now here at EGO.  It is so beautiful to see God’s handiwork.

Since our last newsletter much has taken place.  Don and Doris are once again in the states for medical reasons and we are praying God’s healing hand upon their lives.

We also want to wish Doris a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May God richly bless you this coming year with health and happiness. I’m sure Doris would love to hear from you.  If you wish to send a card, mail it to the home office and it will be forwarded to her. (EGO, 1726 Gun Club Rd., Caro  MI  48723)

Through the month of March, work teams came and went but left behind a new electrical building, and many small projects completed from our list!  Thank you all so much!  Now April brings quiet once again to EGO.  The children had a two-week Spring Break and unfortunately not much took place except lots of playtime.  Marla spent her time in Port with a very sick baby, Dahicha. We thank the Lord that they have found her problem and we are now awaiting surgery for adenoids and possibly tonsils to be removed. 

We also gained another baby girl this week—Angela! She is two months old and will be needing sponsored.  See the website for details. 

The older children from 12 and up got the opportunity to create T-shirts by doing screen painting.  They love it and have asked to do it again without the instructor.  They are also currently learning how to create decorations cut out of recycled plastic.  They are all so very creative.  We are definitely seeing the blossoming of the ones who have talent in this area!

 

The second tri-mester of school has been completed and grades over all went up, which was very pleasing to those who have been helping tutor them.  We are seeking direction for next school year in how to handle our special education students.  Please pray with us about this.  It does not seem possible that school will be finished for the year in six short weeks.  It seems like only yesterday we were collecting pencils, pens, crayons, lined paper, black shoes, white socks, etc. for them to start school!

The project for the baby-dorm bathroom has begun. The footings were poured, underground plumbing installed, and cement slab poured in just one short week.  It is amazing how quickly many hands can make light work.  Thanks to a generous donation, we were able to hire some local Haitian men to help rather than wait for a team to come in. 

Work projects still on the list consist of painting, school staircase replacement, screen/window repair, and did I say painting?  Lots of painting to be done!  If you or your organization are looking for something to do for two weeks this summer, contact us about coming and working.  We would love to have you spend time with us.  Funds are being raised for these projects so now we just need some able bodies to help with the work.  Please feel free to contact our secretary for details ego2haiti@gmail.com. 

On the ground at EGO and loving it!

The Drowleys

Ken, Marla & Max

It has already been two months since Christmas and wow is the year flying by. Many of you in North America are experiencing snow and cold, while we here at EGO are having a very cool, but warm dry season. January came with lots of wind to cool us down in the evenings and warm sunshine to charge the batteries during the day. 

Jennicka, newborn

On January 8^th we had the honor of accepting little Jennicka into the EGO family after the death of her mother on the 7^th. She was only one day old. By Sunday, January 12^th, we had Dahicha in the hospital with pneumonia for the next four days. On January 17^th we were happy to pick up the Coston family as they were coming to work at EGO while Ken, Marla and Max took a quick trip back to the states. Thank you to Nate, Tennille and their three girls for holding down the fort and taking care of so many emergencies during the two weeks we were gone.  Ken, Marla & Max left EGO on January 22^nd to spend the night in Port-au-Prince before flying out early the next morning. They had safe travels and arrived home before midnight on January 23^rd.  On Friday, January 24^th, little Jennicka starting running a high fever and could not eat, she was having diarrhea as well and was becoming dehydrated. So she was hospitalized for the next seven days. On Sunday, January 26^th, both Dahicha and Saraphina were taken to the hospital with breathing complications. Dahicha had the pneumonia and Saraphina was in congestive heart failure; and by Tuesday morning she had slipped into a coma. Sadly, Wednesday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. while being transported from Dessalines to St. Marc little Saraphina went to be with the Lord. Please continue to pray for the family and those here who took care of her for the 20 short weeks she lived at EGO.

On January 28^th, Don & Doris were able to return to EGO after six months of rest and relaxation in the states. They were very excited to be back home and to get settled in. Many changes had taken place in their absence and there were many things for them to see and hear about.  The staff and children were thrilled to see them again.

February 4^th brought Ken and Marla back from Michigan; Max had to stay behind to do some testing for state and college entrance exams, but will be returning in March. Another couple looking at volunteering in Haiti also came in on the 4^th.  They got to spend 10 days loving on the children of EGO and helping with many work projects. Thanks Randy and Linda for your unfailing energy and love for EGO.  On February 7^th, we had to say good-bye to the Coston family and want to say thanks again for your sacrifice and commitment to EGO. 

The rest of February brought Steve Scheib, Dave Soper, and Elizabeth McCormick, who worked unending on getting the septic tank and drain field finished for the boys’ bathroom. Also, many other miscellaneous plumbing and woodworking projects were completed with their assistance. In addition, Don& Doris were able to load up a bunch of their belongings and head to the mountain retreat in Pebo for some more relaxation.

Desks and benches for EGO's School

God has been moving in the hearts and lives of the children here at EGO. We are seeing a change in their attitudes and willingness to serve God. Please continue to pray for them as they grow in their relationships.

As always we are continuing to improve the website and facebook page, so make sure to stay tuned to either for updates and information regarding Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage. If you have any questions or wish to make a trip to EGO this coming year, please feel free to contact Gwen Schmidt, EGO Secretary.

Serving the Lord in Haiti,

Ken, Marla, Don & Doris 

Editor's Note:  As you can tell, there are always projects ongoing and needs that welcome your participation, either in person or through prayer or financial backing.  Our contact information is:  www.ebenezerglennorphanage.com , or email  ego2haiti@gmail.com, or 1726 Gun Club Rd, Caro MI 48723.  Blessings!

Thanks to the work team of Steve Scheib, Dave Soper, Elizabeth McCormick, and Linda & Randy Kucinski, the septic field was dug and the tank was built for the boys bathroom! A new drain system was also built, and Ken is grateful for all the help finishing this difficult project.

the goat approves!

Wrapping up 2013

Happy New Year 2014

It has been an amazing two months since we last wrote.  The children have gotten into the swing of being back in school, and EGO celebrated 21 years of education on December 13th. 

 Do you realize how many children have come through during that time? Continue to pray for the school as they work with many families who start the school year, but then are unable to pay the tuition necessary to keep their child(ren) in school.

During the month of November, one of our special needs babies, Saraphina, stopped breathing and had to be in the hospital for twelve days. Three days were in Dessalines and the rest were in a pediatric hospital in Port-au-Prince.  Thank you to those of you who stepped forward to help provide for her medical needs during that time. EGO now has a mini oxygen tank on hand for emergencies. Continue to pray for little Saraphina as she fights each day to stay alive. *We are still seeking a miracle that would allow her to get to the US for surgery to repair the hole in her heart.*

Also during November, we had a couple of wonderful teams here at EGO that worked tirelessly to help get some projects completed.  Many thanks to all who came and labored on the boys bathroom and front porch, through the heat. 

We have a new Facebook page called Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage. Please make sure to check us out and give us a “like”.  You may also continue to use our website as well for updates:
http://www.ebenezerglennorphanage.org/#/news

December came so quickly and in only a few short days toy trucks and treasure boxes were made for the children for Christmas.  A big thanks to the Merrill family who came and helped to paint and put together the push go-cart that the kids play with for hours every day! Christmas morning was beautiful with the sun shining and the children all bathed and dressed for opening presents.  We spent time reading about the birth of Christ and talking about how the gift God sent of His Son was the best gift of all.

In 2012, the Social Affairs Dept. in Haiti, called IBESR, started requiring orphanages to hold strictly to keeping 0-18 year old children. As of January 1, 2014, Ebenezer Glenn no longer has any child over the age of 18 that is not an employee. We are in the process of establishing a transition house in Port-au-Prince for future teens who need to leave EGO, but still need further education. The cost of this transition is $2,600 (US) per teen. Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to help in this area. If you are sponsoring one of these teens, your support will still continue to go toward their education and/or food allowance.

The year 2014 brings with it many challenges and changes for EGO. Our vision for continued improvements and training is moving forward. We have been blessed time and again when you listen to God’s call to either come and provide labor, or send support to keep EGO running on a day-to-day basis. The children are growing not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well, because of your generosity.  Thank you!

Serving where He has called,

The Drowleys (Ken, Marla & Max)

Editor’s Note:  Online donations may be made on our website.  http://www.ebenezerglennorphanage.org/#/donate
Thank you for all you do! 

Gwen Schmidt, EGO Admin
616-550-3469 or ego2haiti@gmail.com.  1726 Gun Club Rd., Caro MI 48723

October 31, 2013

Doris has asked that I write the newsletters from here on the “front lines,” so here goes!  For those who do not know already, we are the Drowley's: Ken, Marla, Samantha (Sam) and Maxwell (Max).  We arrived at EGO on August 17, 2012.  After fourteen months, we are still just getting our feet wet.  It has been an amazing year!  Our daughter, Sam,  graduated with honors from high school in May and is now back in Jackson, MI, attending Spring Arbor University, so she is no longer here with us.

Don & Doris have been busy visiting family and friends, plus seeking medical attention and relaxing back in the states.  Please continue to pray for them that they are encouraged and rejuvenated.  

Summer has faded away and school has begun (for us here in Haiti – October  1st).  Also, work teams are beginning to come again. We did not have any teams for September and October, so much of the work turned into routine maintenance and housekeeping.  As far as projects go, the boy’s bathroom is almost finished.  We have a team coming from Michigan the first week in November and we are hoping to finish this project.  Next we will be adding on a bathroom to the baby dorm.  If any of your organizations want to tackle this project, either financially or physically, please feel free to contact Gwen and we will give you the specifics.

The first Saturday of each month we celebrate birthdays for that month, and October had eight children with birthdays.  It was quite the celebration with cupcakes, candy and games!

The hens are still laying about 40 eggs per day and we have broilers getting bigger every day.  The cooks cannot wait to butcher them.  With the high prices of food in Haiti right now, many people arrive at the gate each day looking for help with food or school.  It is a difficult challenge to decide who needs the help.  We are ever grateful for Madam Suze and her knowledge of the community.  She is a great help as an administrator of the orphanage.  We’re also thankful for the recent container of food paks sent by Lowell Yoder.  These help us out so much! 

We are growing here at EGO.  The Haitian government that regulates orphanages has passed many new laws regarding how things are run and how adoptions are handled.   We now have a crèche at EGO called Victory Glenn Creche. Most of you know it as the “baby dorm”.  This is so we can continue to receive babies who are orphaned, abandoned, or in need.  Since starting to accept babies again in January 2013, we are now up ten new faces.

We also can no longer keep the children here at EGO once they reach the age of 18.  Therefore, we must come up with some sort of transition housing and schooling for them so they can complete their education.  The main objective is to get them reunited with their relatives, but in many cases this is not possible.  Families live too far away from universities, professional schools, or have no room to take the children.  It has been an interesting situation for us to deal with this summer.  Please continue to pray for this transition.

With school starting, we are also having an outbreak of the flu. It even hit our house and we were down for about four-five days this past week. Many of the little children are battling the high fever and all are coughing and having runny noses.  If any of you are like us, it is awful being sick.  But these little guys are like the energizer bunny and they just keep going and going and going.  It is amazing their energy level even when they do not feel good.

Many of you have been praying along with us regarding a 40 foot container that was to be shipped over 14 months ago.  It finally arrived at the end of September and brought with it the many tools and equipment needed for starting our woodworking and mechanical classes.  Ken was able to start the woodworking portion by building benches/school desks for the school.  Wishing we could attach about one hundred pictures of all the things that happened this month, but since we cannot, we will just let you plan a trip to EGO so you can see it all for yourselves!

the Drowley's

Editor’s Note:  As you read “between the lines” above, you can see that there are so many areas in which you can be a huge help and blessing to EGO!  We love to have teams visit EGO to help with work projects.  We also are always so grateful for your financial gifts, either for general purposes or toward one of our ongoing “special projects”.  Check out our updated website at www.ebenezerglennorphanage.com for more information on both!  You can also contact me at 616-550-3469, by email at ego2haiti@gmail.com, or by “snail-mail” at 1726 Gun Club Rd, Caro  MI  48723.  Thank you!

To our Dear Friends and Family.


QUIET?  YES! Not that we would like it this way always….but just a little break is nice!

The children were up here early this morning remembering things they had forgotten the night before in preparation for their trip! They had to carry their noon meal.  Joceline, bless her heart, came yesterday afternoon, baked cookies, cooked rice, chicken and sauce, fried ripe bananas, macaroni salad and much more.   Of course she had a little help from some of the girls!

Yes this is the great long awaited day for 24 of our children and 72 in all that left the morning of the last day of May on the bus for the IMP school outing. Everyone returned exhausted, including Rachelle and I’m sure the Professors that went also.  Please continue to pray finances will come in to fill the gap where some of the poorer parents are unable to pay. This is quite a struggle and some of the teachers do not receive their monthly salary.  They have been more than patient with us and we do not want to lose such highly qualified teachers.   Last year we were the only school in the area where every student who took the government test passed.  This is quite a compliment!  The government would love to take the school over but we would lose our opportunity to have Bible classes and a spiritual emphasis, a school where a heart change and a life choice for Christ is presented as a choice for every student.    Also, the government  has chosen our school again this year to hold the Government exams.

We hear Madam President might be coming to Dessalines in the near future and just might visit E.G.O.   In years past,  President Jean Claude Duvalier came to Dessalines and was going to visit the orphanage. We had the children all dressed up in their best, waiting. He went to visit the Spring which you’ve heard is supposed to have special spirits…. After waiting for a long time I decided to mount Babe, our horse and rode out around the crowds on the other side of the spring. Everyone said, “He’s coming, he’s coming”…… but he never did.    We don’t have a horse this time………but if we did, I just might ride it anyway!

Now for the important things:                                                                                       

The rains finally came –  Our 28-year-old tractor is still running but it’s impossible to get parts now without going on line. Watson got stuck in the garden spinning the wheels and didn’t realize he was digging a hole. Dad had to jack the tractor up to get him out. We’re sure he has learned his lesson. He is a fast learner!   They have some rows of corn planted and Dad is transplanting some plants.

We are now cooking with gas in the Kitchen! Everyone is enjoying the clear air.  It seems they need to continually be reminded,  “please turn the flame down under the kettles!”   The girls are enjoying the luxury and privacy of their new showers in their bathroom.  The boys are waiting for theirs to be built.

Thanks to Russ Cole and team we have a tank around 30 feet high that holds 1000 gallons of water. The water is pumped up by solar power. Everyone is enjoying the running water, especially the wash ladies.  They so appreciate that water comes out of a facet instead of having to use the hand pump. Sometime the hand pump is still used, especially after the sun goes down when the solar power wanes away.

Several teams came earlier this year and now they are gone. We really appreciate all the hard work and willing hands that accomplished so much in so little time. God’s blessings on you.

The fish tanks are being cleaned in preparation to house a new batch of fingerlings (about an inch and a half long) that we will be buying. The rice has been harvested.  Praise God, we received 30 bags. Of course this won’t last until the next harvest but it surely does help. The seed beds have been prepared, fertilized and planted. They will grow for three months and when transplanted it will be three months before the harvest.  Mangos are still plentiful, Praise God. During this season we rarely have any sicknesses.  The lawn is green and beautiful from the pouring rains.   The grape vines have been pruned and now little clusters of grapes are forming.    

I guess you’ve heard we have a little calf.  It’s a bull.  Of course we would rather have had a heifer…perhaps next time. The boys take turns milking morning and evening and the little ones are sure enjoying the milk while we are waiting for the big goats to deliver. The Drowleys are back  home now in the States for graduations etc.  We are looking forward to their return soon.

Many of you have heard that we are having difficulties getting a container.  That was an understatement!  I think we have had things in a storage unit for about two years.  But it sounds like one might be opening up…Praise God!  Drowleys have been waiting for one to come also.  There are Dental chairs and equipment for the Dessalines hospital in the storage also. Please join in praying with us that this will happen quickly.

God has been so very good to us giving us good health.  We remember Him saying, “I will be with you even in your old age.”  He certainly has done what He said he would do! Praise His Name.

May we thank those of you that have continued to support this ministry for many years.  Without God and you backing us up where would we AND all of the children be today??  We are so blessed to have you folks that have stayed with us all these years financially and most of all in your prayers. Thank you so very much.  Love you bunches!

Still standing in the Gap,

Don & Doris Peavey

Progress...

Several work teams have been doing construction since January...they came from Iowa, Washington, and Michigan! Thank you everyone, for your hard work on the school roof, bathroom for the girls dorm, and new kitchen.