Wednesday, February 24, 2016

First Water Truck Day

The day started with us (Hollie, Christina, and Courtney) waking up at 7:30. We got ready and walked out to a delicious homemade breakfast. We all gathered for a group picture before we headed to Cite Soleil, which is one of the poorest slums in the Western Hemisphere. Our first stop took us by surprise because it was so foreign and we weren't sure how to act. As the door of the tap-tap opened the kids flooded us with big smiles and love. We helped women and children fill, carry, and deliver their buckets of water. From there we gathered to tour the Hope Church that is being completed hopefully by Sunday.

Our second stop was just around the street. Even though it was just a street away their were many differences from the first stop. Such as, the atmosphere, people, and amount of kids. There was a bit of unease in the mood, but at the same time there was such happiness amongst the children. The mothers trusted us to hold their babies, so they could get water. Their was many of us holding more than one baby at a time.  Before our third stop we took a quick snack and water break.

Stop number three involved a lot more physical work for everyone. There was a clearer path so it was easier to spot team members when carrying the buckets. Christina held the water hose to fill all the buckets while Hollie and Courtney carried the buckets long distances to their homes. Compared to the previous stops we noticed less children and more teenagers and adults. This was the most tiring stop probably because their was a lot more heavy lifting to do. We finished with a refreshing walk to the pier.

We finished by going to the Haiti Initiative, which is a program that allows kids to receive a Feed My Starving Children meal and have soccer training everyday. We were able to help cook the Manna Pack.  Next stop we were able to experience and participate in the boys' soccer training. We were surprised by their resilience, even though they were playing on rubble and dirt. It was neat to see how talented, happy, and friendly the boys and coaches were. Carol and Marni were able to meet up with the kid, Venel (17), who they co-sponsor.

After our long day of work we took a picture of ourselves after a long days work. We enjoyed relaxing in the pool and talking with our team members. We enjoyed another home cooked meal, which was chicken yakisoba. Patrick and our hostess Grace started our group time with beautiful worship songs. We ended our day with a word of the day and a prayer. We are so excited to see what God has in store for us for the rest of our trip.

1 comment:

  1. Sounds like you are all doing great work there. I am sure they are appreciating the water.

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