This blog is a cooperative effort, with various team members contributing thoughts, reflections, and lots of emotions. We are writing at the end of this day, after our final team meeting, so we are all pretty raw! The realization of ALL that we have experienced this past week together is overwhelming, very rich and meaningful, and deeply satisfying. As our team sat together in our guest house tonight, it was hard to believe we hadn't even met a week ago tonight! The love, the closeness, the easy camaraderie we feel for one another is palpable, and we are very sad that tomorrow our ONE Healing Haiti team will once again have to separate (at least physically) into Team MN and Team CA. As I sat in our circle and thought about what I will miss most when we fly out of Port-au-Prince tomorrow, it will definitely be the children; holding and hugging and rocking and pouring every inch of love I can into every single one of these a little ones who live in such dire poverty in Cite Soleil. The joy that results - the smiles, the shrieks, the sounds of laughter, the comfort, the security, the brief respite that physical touch brings to these little lives...there is nothing like it this side of heaven. Because of the way things are in our American culture these days, this rich opportunity with kids does not exist anymore. And this breaks my heart. It's also an example of how Haiti has important things to teach America. This is Dan, signing off.
This is Mary Lou starting out by saying my word of the day "Hope". I think the word hope is very fitting, because we were fortunate enough to be here for the dedication & first mass of Healing Haiti's Hope church in Cite Soleil. Hope church was said to be impossible & within a short period of time & LOTS of hope, we got to witness something absolutely wonderful today. Knowing that the church will provide a place to worship & go to school gives me hope to believe light will come to this forgotten city, but will NEVER be forgotten in my heart!❤️Bondye Beniou-God Bless You!❤️
Manda here, I'm writing on the night before we leave this amazing country of Haiti. Each evening we are asked by Carol and Marni (our beautiful and outstanding group leaders), to pick a word of the day. Tonight I shared the word "miraculous". I picked this word because I felt as if I witnessed a miracle today. The miracle was the opening of Hope Church. How could this be anything less than miraculous? It was a church built on a place that was a garbage dump. It was a church built by people from Haiti- one of the poorest countries in the world. It was a church built in one of the poorest areas in the whole entire world! God is so great. He is nothing less than spectacular to achieve the miracle of this place. I sat in awe as I watched the hundreds of Haitians pour into the doors. I watched in amazement as I saw their arms raise up to praise the Lord. These beautiful people now have a place to go to worship and to learn more about God. Today was simply miraculous! 🙏🏾⛪️
Hi this is Al and just finishing with what's on my mind right now. First is about our team, and all that needs saying is was all were fun to be around and we were great, as we functioned great as a team using our different gifts to serve those we were blessed to meet. Today, was a day I simply can't explain in any words that can do justice. We attended a service and dedication of Hope Church as was mentioned above and as the people piled in and the numbers were many hundreds, and some maybe had on one piece of clothing and some had nice dresses or pants and shirt, they were all there and all got to experience this miracle that God had brought to happen. Where there was once garbage, there arose the house of God and we all experienced The miracle today and His presence. Feel totally blessed and incapable of what I saw:( I'm amazed and in awe! Will totally miss my team and the Haitian people!
Hi, this is Christina from California and this was my first mission trip. Going to Haiti was amazing for me to go to. It made me see another part of the world and this trip changed my life. I hope to go on another mission trip in the future.
Hi, this is Hollie and it's been a phenomenal day here in Haiti! I got to see the opening of Hope Church which was a surreal experience. My time here has shown me so many parts of the world and myself I never existed. I will forever cherish all my time here and all the incredibly amazing people I've met and the friendships I've made.
Orevwa,
From the West Coast Best Coast Meets Minnesota Nice Team
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Day 6 ~ Grace Village, Elders and Mass Grave
I don't often get the opportunity to blog anymore. As a leader, you begin to serve your team and humbly step aside and allow your fellow team members to step up to experience their first time serving in this capacity. Knowing full well what they are experiencing is what your heart is longing for. Well, today I got to serve again. I got to serve one of the Elders and my heart exploded as soon as I was able to bend down and begin washing her hands and feet. I was able to serve alongside my co-lead, and more importantly my friend, Carol. It was a wonderful moment that I was so happy to share with her.
At Grace Village today Carol and I were able to see a very special friend of ours, someone we hope to see each time we are there. This filled me up!
This evening we had a very special experience. We feel so fortunate to spend tomorrow at Hope Church in Cite Soleil. Tomorrow is the dedication for Hope Church. A place they said a church couldn't be built. It has been built...and tomorrow we will go! Tonight we had a very special worship time with all those who have been working so incredible hard and have been praying for such a long time. It was exactly what I needed. Tears of joy and thanksgiving flowed while we sang and prayed....I can't wait for tomorrow!
Marni
Hi, it is my pleasure to add my thoughts from today. As we start the day, I wonder if others are starting to get that unhappy feeling of us only having one more day. That's one of the worst things of mission trips, as special as this has been, you have to leave these people who you have grown to love, the Haitians, and your team.
Today we traveled again, but the difference was it was a comparably comfortable route. As we left Port Au Prince we headed to what had been the first focus of Healing Haiti, Grace Village. We were accompanied by some other Healing Haiti staff and visitors, and all the donations and supplies brought from the states. Grace is an orphanage, which generally houses around 40 orphans who are housed in 4 homes there, with adults who function in roles as a parent would, so the kids can grow up learning the Haitian culture and can more easily acclimate once they transition out into Haitian society. In addition, they are currently temporarily housing orphans that needed to be moved from other orphanages, and that is around 26 children.
In addition to the orphanage, they run a school for the neighboring children of Titanyen, and the Grace Village kids. The kids are also fed a meal during school, and they average serving meals to nearly 450 children. There is also a medical clinic, which typically has a long line to get in each day, and also a dental facility. We saw the library and a room where they are planning a computer lab for the students. All but one of the staff are Haitian. Kiki provide us our excellent tour of the property.
Located just a short walk down the hill is Grace Church, which serves the whole neighborhood. And also next to that is an important new employment initiative, a bakery. It is expected they will sell breads and other bakery goods around the islands, in addition to the Titanyen community. The building is complete and they expect to employ dozens of Haitians as plans evolve. Happily too, is the front of the bakery will be a pizzeria, which should be open for our next trip down:)
As it always is at Grace, we have interaction with the precious children and we were all relieved to see them receiving such great care and that they are safe. It's hard to describe their desire to get close to us, as they just seem drawn to jump into our arms, or for sure hold your hand or have you put your arm around them. It's like they crave loving human touch, and our team was always ready to show them the love of Jesus. One cute anecdote, is one of the boys, likely about 12 or 13, was happy to try on Lori W's. hat and Christina's sunglasses and show off his new look. When we tried to get them back no one could catch him, and he thought it was a pretty fun game! Happily, Valeri, our super amazing driver and translator was able to retrieve them back to their rightful owners. Let me add that we all owe our lives to Valeri, as he is the best tap-tap driver on the island, in addition to becoming a true friend in Christ.
After our lunch break we visited with some of the elderly that Healing Haiti supports, and first met with Ofhane, right there at Grace Clinic, as he had just had his lower left leg amputated. He had suffered from leprosy as a younger man, and although now cured, has had trouble with both lower legs. The good news is there is a local agency that has fit him with a prosthetic lower leg, which we expect will provide him the ability to return to his goats very soon:) Ofhane was quite happy to see us and we washed his limbs and applied lotion on them and his back. Even though he is in a wheelchair, he is a great hugger! At this as well as the next 3 stops our youth pastor from CA, Patrick, played the guitar, while Emmanuel, our talented other interpretor, played a key board and we sang our favorite Christian songs to them. Honestly, I'm sure others got choked up, as I did. It was beautiful to be God's hands and feet!
We next went to visit Izna, who lives just down the hill. We think Izna is 93, and lives in a tiny hut that has a small mattress on what looked to be a wooden bed frame and a low small wooden chair on which she was sitting when we arrived. She wasn't feeling the best today, but was happy to have us wash her arms and legs and lotion them. She also received a hot meal from Healing Haiti, provided through the Feed My Starving Children foundation, as well as some every day essentials, as each of the elders we visited received. She was so precious, but frail, and am sure we all wished we could change the way she would spend her remaining time, but knew she would be spending eternity in paradise.
We then visited for a time with the oldest, most joyous person I've had the pleasure of meeting. Marie is believed to be 104, or maybe it's 106. She has the sweetest voice and I think she enjoyed the music more than anybody. We all marveled at her spirit and as with each of the elderly, spent time in prayer with her before we left.
Our last elderly visit was with Antoinette. It was nice to see she had many people around her, including her sister. Antoinette preferred to wash her own feet, but allowed us the honor of putting the lotion on them and her arms. Her sister, enjoyed the same loving treatment as well.
After visiting the elderly we swung back to pick up our other friends and went together to our next stop a memorial, which commemorates the tragic January 2010 earthquake. The sight is said to hold the bodies of likely over 200, 000 Haitians who tragically lost their lives. It is nearing completion, but we were all feeling blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time there and pray together.
After a return ride home, some had a brief opportunity to shower before we went out for the traditional Saturday night pizza party. We ate outside, which was so welcomed, especially us Minnesotans, and enjoyed the chance to come together and celebrate another memorable and meaningful day serving together in Haiti.
As Marni mentioned above, we ended the evening back at the Guest Houses with prayer and worship before tomorrows dedication of Hope Church. It's an understatement to say we are all excited to experience the initial service and dedication of this miracle Church, built by Healing Haiti in one of the most impoverished places in the world.
Thanks for following our special week, serving together, as we have truly been God's hands and feet. Special thanks to Carol and Marni, our amazing leaders on this trip, for being such terrific women of God, and super nice people too! To my teammates, I am feeling completely blessed to have met each one of you, and had this week serving these lovely Haitian people. Love to all. Al
At Grace Village today Carol and I were able to see a very special friend of ours, someone we hope to see each time we are there. This filled me up!
This evening we had a very special experience. We feel so fortunate to spend tomorrow at Hope Church in Cite Soleil. Tomorrow is the dedication for Hope Church. A place they said a church couldn't be built. It has been built...and tomorrow we will go! Tonight we had a very special worship time with all those who have been working so incredible hard and have been praying for such a long time. It was exactly what I needed. Tears of joy and thanksgiving flowed while we sang and prayed....I can't wait for tomorrow!
Marni
Hi, it is my pleasure to add my thoughts from today. As we start the day, I wonder if others are starting to get that unhappy feeling of us only having one more day. That's one of the worst things of mission trips, as special as this has been, you have to leave these people who you have grown to love, the Haitians, and your team.
Today we traveled again, but the difference was it was a comparably comfortable route. As we left Port Au Prince we headed to what had been the first focus of Healing Haiti, Grace Village. We were accompanied by some other Healing Haiti staff and visitors, and all the donations and supplies brought from the states. Grace is an orphanage, which generally houses around 40 orphans who are housed in 4 homes there, with adults who function in roles as a parent would, so the kids can grow up learning the Haitian culture and can more easily acclimate once they transition out into Haitian society. In addition, they are currently temporarily housing orphans that needed to be moved from other orphanages, and that is around 26 children.
In addition to the orphanage, they run a school for the neighboring children of Titanyen, and the Grace Village kids. The kids are also fed a meal during school, and they average serving meals to nearly 450 children. There is also a medical clinic, which typically has a long line to get in each day, and also a dental facility. We saw the library and a room where they are planning a computer lab for the students. All but one of the staff are Haitian. Kiki provide us our excellent tour of the property.
Located just a short walk down the hill is Grace Church, which serves the whole neighborhood. And also next to that is an important new employment initiative, a bakery. It is expected they will sell breads and other bakery goods around the islands, in addition to the Titanyen community. The building is complete and they expect to employ dozens of Haitians as plans evolve. Happily too, is the front of the bakery will be a pizzeria, which should be open for our next trip down:)
As it always is at Grace, we have interaction with the precious children and we were all relieved to see them receiving such great care and that they are safe. It's hard to describe their desire to get close to us, as they just seem drawn to jump into our arms, or for sure hold your hand or have you put your arm around them. It's like they crave loving human touch, and our team was always ready to show them the love of Jesus. One cute anecdote, is one of the boys, likely about 12 or 13, was happy to try on Lori W's. hat and Christina's sunglasses and show off his new look. When we tried to get them back no one could catch him, and he thought it was a pretty fun game! Happily, Valeri, our super amazing driver and translator was able to retrieve them back to their rightful owners. Let me add that we all owe our lives to Valeri, as he is the best tap-tap driver on the island, in addition to becoming a true friend in Christ.
After our lunch break we visited with some of the elderly that Healing Haiti supports, and first met with Ofhane, right there at Grace Clinic, as he had just had his lower left leg amputated. He had suffered from leprosy as a younger man, and although now cured, has had trouble with both lower legs. The good news is there is a local agency that has fit him with a prosthetic lower leg, which we expect will provide him the ability to return to his goats very soon:) Ofhane was quite happy to see us and we washed his limbs and applied lotion on them and his back. Even though he is in a wheelchair, he is a great hugger! At this as well as the next 3 stops our youth pastor from CA, Patrick, played the guitar, while Emmanuel, our talented other interpretor, played a key board and we sang our favorite Christian songs to them. Honestly, I'm sure others got choked up, as I did. It was beautiful to be God's hands and feet!
We next went to visit Izna, who lives just down the hill. We think Izna is 93, and lives in a tiny hut that has a small mattress on what looked to be a wooden bed frame and a low small wooden chair on which she was sitting when we arrived. She wasn't feeling the best today, but was happy to have us wash her arms and legs and lotion them. She also received a hot meal from Healing Haiti, provided through the Feed My Starving Children foundation, as well as some every day essentials, as each of the elders we visited received. She was so precious, but frail, and am sure we all wished we could change the way she would spend her remaining time, but knew she would be spending eternity in paradise.
We then visited for a time with the oldest, most joyous person I've had the pleasure of meeting. Marie is believed to be 104, or maybe it's 106. She has the sweetest voice and I think she enjoyed the music more than anybody. We all marveled at her spirit and as with each of the elderly, spent time in prayer with her before we left.
Our last elderly visit was with Antoinette. It was nice to see she had many people around her, including her sister. Antoinette preferred to wash her own feet, but allowed us the honor of putting the lotion on them and her arms. Her sister, enjoyed the same loving treatment as well.
After visiting the elderly we swung back to pick up our other friends and went together to our next stop a memorial, which commemorates the tragic January 2010 earthquake. The sight is said to hold the bodies of likely over 200, 000 Haitians who tragically lost their lives. It is nearing completion, but we were all feeling blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time there and pray together.
After a return ride home, some had a brief opportunity to shower before we went out for the traditional Saturday night pizza party. We ate outside, which was so welcomed, especially us Minnesotans, and enjoyed the chance to come together and celebrate another memorable and meaningful day serving together in Haiti.
As Marni mentioned above, we ended the evening back at the Guest Houses with prayer and worship before tomorrows dedication of Hope Church. It's an understatement to say we are all excited to experience the initial service and dedication of this miracle Church, built by Healing Haiti in one of the most impoverished places in the world.
Thanks for following our special week, serving together, as we have truly been God's hands and feet. Special thanks to Carol and Marni, our amazing leaders on this trip, for being such terrific women of God, and super nice people too! To my teammates, I am feeling completely blessed to have met each one of you, and had this week serving these lovely Haitian people. Love to all. Al
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Day 5 Friday Feb 26
We started the day off at Church On The Rock at 6:00 a.m., a short distance away from our Haiti guesthouse. This was not like any other church we have been to before. It was a very large open steel building filled with chairs, pews & a large stage up front. The leader (or pastor) was loudly singing and shouting praises(all in Creole) to God while the band rocked the stage! Haitian adults of all different ages were kneeling & praying silently or walking around with arms raised to God. The people came & went throughout the hour service inspired and pumped before they began their day.
We walked back through the neighborhood to our guesthouse for another wonderful breakfast & devotion. The devotion was Exodus 33:14; John 15:4-7 which reminded us that God prepares us for the day that stretches out before us. God says " I know exactly what this day will contain, where as you have only vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You'd feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today; spend quality time with Me. I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living presence is your companion each step of the way. Stay in continual communications with me, whispering my name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts. Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on me. My abiding presence is the best road map available." This was very fitting as our day ahead was to visit the h
Home for elderly sick and dying and General Hospital. Most of us felt unqualified to comfort the needs of the sick and dying adults. What would we say? we don't even speak their language. Would they want to be touched? are they in too much pain? What lies ahead of us??
We hopped into the tap tap for an hour long hot and dusty ride to the home of the sick and dying adults. (Have we ever mentioned how great our driver is?) The men visited the men and the women visited the women. Even though we were a little uncomfortable, it was amazing to see the team step up and show compassion through touch. The patients allowed us into their personal space and it actually did not feel awkward! They loved having their back, hands, arms, legs and feet rubbed with lotion on their tender skin. Some of the women even enjoyed having their nails painted. Our beautiful and talented translator played guitar and sang. We left knowing God was present!
We then got back in the tap tap to visit the Haitian Museum. It was air conditioned!! We learned interesting facts about the history of Haiti. Did we say it was air conditioned?!!
Our last stop was at General Hospital Children's and Orthopedic units. We brought donated diapers and fruit strips for each child. We also purchased water outside of the hospital just before we went in to give to each patient and parent. Clean water very precious since there is such little access to clean water. How different from how we live. The children in General Hospital need to have a parent present at all times, the parent must also provide the food and feed them and provide the bedding! Again, how different from our hospitals back home! One of our talented team members played guitar while we sang and tried to comfort the children and pray for them.
We headed back to the guest house for our wonderful taco dinner - the cooks here are awesome! Then we each shared our word of the day. A few of the words were unexpected, awkward, unqualified, touch, healing, connection. We all felt God's presence during this difficult but wonderful day!
Mary Lou and Lori May
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Beauty is in Changing Lives- Day 4
Hello,
This is Manda from the Minnesota Healing Haiti team. We came as two groups, one from Minnesota, and another from California. We were two groups that just met on Sunday, but on this day four of our trip here together in Haiti, we can no longer pretend that we are not on this mission from God as one whole group. We are now one! We have formed a strong bond from our first meeting at the Miami airport to today. We have prayed together, we have cried together, we have seen the unimaginable together, and because of that, our hearts are bonded as one strong unit forever.
Today, God led us on a trip to see and to do things that help me to think that there is beauty here in Haiti in many forms. Beauty can be seen in the laughter of the children, in the art created by their talented hands, in their long dark eyelashes and peaceful eyes and the hugs of their thin arms around your shoulders.
We started our day by visiting the Elder School in Cite Soleil. It was very interesting to walk into this school and to see how it was set up. The children were divided by grades. Each grade was in their own room. The preschoolers were in the first room and by the time we walked up the two stories, we were on the roof to see where the high schoolers studied. We were informed that the children in this school almost always walked to school, were granted an uniform, and a lunch meal if a sponsor or family member helped to pay for their tuition. We saw lunch cooking in a big pot. The pot contained the familiar contents of the ingredients from the Feed The Starving Children mixture. The classrooms were rudimentary and full of 40 or more children. They contained chalkboards and long, thin, wooden desks. I did not see many books. The Elder School visit brought a lot of hope to my heart. I witnessed a place where children who live in poverty can go and learn about language, math, history and the world. Education can be powerful. I can imagine and hope that these talented and fortunate children who are getting the chance to go to school can and will go on to do powerful things with their education. Perhaps they will start a business and increase job possibilities in their own neighborhoods? This would be so wonderful in a country that has a 40% unemployment rate and is regarded at the poorest in the Americas. Perhaps they will go on to travel or be the next pastor or teacher to help inform their own children of the possibilities that exist in the world? This just hope! I am proud to know that Healing Haiti supports several schools like Elder School by assisting with the teachers's salaries.
Next, we distributed water in Cite Soleil. We had first been there on Tuesday and that day was shocking in so many ways for me. I saw for the first time, the reality of life for many of the Haitians who live in the poorest area of this country. Children and women by the hundreds lined up with buckets of all sizes to have them filled up so that they could carry them back to their homes. I had never seen homes like this before. They were mostly rectangular shaped structures with flimsy roofs and most without any windows. The rocky streets were full of humans and animals. Goats, pigs, chickens and stray cats and dogs roamed the streets freely. The open gutters were full of sewage and garbage that flowed along the road. I soon realized that due to the open gutters and pot holes, that I would have to be very careful about where I stepped. The smells of the city were different. For me, the one that stood out the most was one that was similar to the one of something burning. When we arrive at the stops, you are immediately inundated with the presence of beautiful children. These children often are not fully dressed, and or not dressed at all. They have hard callouses on their shoeless feet, and they often have a soft yellow hew around their eyes. I know that they were probably all hungry and of course thirsty too as they were there to pick up water, but they were most obviously in the need for some love and attention and that is what my wonderful team members and I did, we showered as much love on them as possible! Many of them would outstretch their arms and we picked them up and hugged them tight. We also tried to bring as many smiles and giggles as possible to them. We popped bubbles with chewing gum, we played hand games, we sang songs, we helicoptered them around until they laughed aloud! Being in Cite Soleil and distributing the water almost seemed unreal for me. I witnessed desperation that was felt from the clingy hugs of so many children and was
seen in the hurried placement of the buckets for the fast moving water from the large hose to fill. It almost felt like I wasn't there. For me, what I was seeing and smelling seemed unimaginable. Could I really be here doing this? Was I really witnessing this type of desperation for water that freely runs through my kitchen and bathroom sinks at home in unlimited amounts? I left the water runs emotionally and physically drained. Being there and helping to love on the people of Haiti was God's plan for me and the whole group. I know that we all did our best there and thank you God for giving us the chance to make an impact there!
We also got to visit the most amazing place today called The Apparent Project. The Apparent Project has a boutique that contains a lot of beautiful handmade items. The items are made by Haitian moms and dads. I was told that the organization was started by a women from the U.S. who wanted to go down to Haiti after the earthquake and adopt. She realized when she got down here that a lot of Haitian children in the orphanages are actually just there because their moms and dads cannot afford to take care of them. The Apparent Project gives them a place to work and the director today said that the employees receive a salary that is almost triple of what is usually received in a factory job within the city. They get paid by each finished project. The projects are all beautiful pieces of art. Some are hand made pottery cups and plates, some are beaded necklaces and bracelets from handmade beads, and there's also t-shirts, bags and hand pounded metal items. These items are all amazing and a lot of us purchased them for gifts to take back home to our friends and family. I felt wonderful about these purchases. I knew that by buying them, that I was helping to support a mom or dad that just wanted to keep their own child from living in an orphanage. With their salaries, they are coming home at night to be with their own child. I couldn't imagine a life without my children and/or the knowing that they could not be with me because I was unable to provide food and shelter for them. I thank God for a such a wonderful place as The Apparent Project.
Signing off and heading to bed now. We are going to go to church early in the morning and will be able to see the sunrise during our worship service. How amazing! Love, Manda
This is Manda from the Minnesota Healing Haiti team. We came as two groups, one from Minnesota, and another from California. We were two groups that just met on Sunday, but on this day four of our trip here together in Haiti, we can no longer pretend that we are not on this mission from God as one whole group. We are now one! We have formed a strong bond from our first meeting at the Miami airport to today. We have prayed together, we have cried together, we have seen the unimaginable together, and because of that, our hearts are bonded as one strong unit forever.
Today, God led us on a trip to see and to do things that help me to think that there is beauty here in Haiti in many forms. Beauty can be seen in the laughter of the children, in the art created by their talented hands, in their long dark eyelashes and peaceful eyes and the hugs of their thin arms around your shoulders.
We started our day by visiting the Elder School in Cite Soleil. It was very interesting to walk into this school and to see how it was set up. The children were divided by grades. Each grade was in their own room. The preschoolers were in the first room and by the time we walked up the two stories, we were on the roof to see where the high schoolers studied. We were informed that the children in this school almost always walked to school, were granted an uniform, and a lunch meal if a sponsor or family member helped to pay for their tuition. We saw lunch cooking in a big pot. The pot contained the familiar contents of the ingredients from the Feed The Starving Children mixture. The classrooms were rudimentary and full of 40 or more children. They contained chalkboards and long, thin, wooden desks. I did not see many books. The Elder School visit brought a lot of hope to my heart. I witnessed a place where children who live in poverty can go and learn about language, math, history and the world. Education can be powerful. I can imagine and hope that these talented and fortunate children who are getting the chance to go to school can and will go on to do powerful things with their education. Perhaps they will start a business and increase job possibilities in their own neighborhoods? This would be so wonderful in a country that has a 40% unemployment rate and is regarded at the poorest in the Americas. Perhaps they will go on to travel or be the next pastor or teacher to help inform their own children of the possibilities that exist in the world? This just hope! I am proud to know that Healing Haiti supports several schools like Elder School by assisting with the teachers's salaries.
Next, we distributed water in Cite Soleil. We had first been there on Tuesday and that day was shocking in so many ways for me. I saw for the first time, the reality of life for many of the Haitians who live in the poorest area of this country. Children and women by the hundreds lined up with buckets of all sizes to have them filled up so that they could carry them back to their homes. I had never seen homes like this before. They were mostly rectangular shaped structures with flimsy roofs and most without any windows. The rocky streets were full of humans and animals. Goats, pigs, chickens and stray cats and dogs roamed the streets freely. The open gutters were full of sewage and garbage that flowed along the road. I soon realized that due to the open gutters and pot holes, that I would have to be very careful about where I stepped. The smells of the city were different. For me, the one that stood out the most was one that was similar to the one of something burning. When we arrive at the stops, you are immediately inundated with the presence of beautiful children. These children often are not fully dressed, and or not dressed at all. They have hard callouses on their shoeless feet, and they often have a soft yellow hew around their eyes. I know that they were probably all hungry and of course thirsty too as they were there to pick up water, but they were most obviously in the need for some love and attention and that is what my wonderful team members and I did, we showered as much love on them as possible! Many of them would outstretch their arms and we picked them up and hugged them tight. We also tried to bring as many smiles and giggles as possible to them. We popped bubbles with chewing gum, we played hand games, we sang songs, we helicoptered them around until they laughed aloud! Being in Cite Soleil and distributing the water almost seemed unreal for me. I witnessed desperation that was felt from the clingy hugs of so many children and was
seen in the hurried placement of the buckets for the fast moving water from the large hose to fill. It almost felt like I wasn't there. For me, what I was seeing and smelling seemed unimaginable. Could I really be here doing this? Was I really witnessing this type of desperation for water that freely runs through my kitchen and bathroom sinks at home in unlimited amounts? I left the water runs emotionally and physically drained. Being there and helping to love on the people of Haiti was God's plan for me and the whole group. I know that we all did our best there and thank you God for giving us the chance to make an impact there!
We also got to visit the most amazing place today called The Apparent Project. The Apparent Project has a boutique that contains a lot of beautiful handmade items. The items are made by Haitian moms and dads. I was told that the organization was started by a women from the U.S. who wanted to go down to Haiti after the earthquake and adopt. She realized when she got down here that a lot of Haitian children in the orphanages are actually just there because their moms and dads cannot afford to take care of them. The Apparent Project gives them a place to work and the director today said that the employees receive a salary that is almost triple of what is usually received in a factory job within the city. They get paid by each finished project. The projects are all beautiful pieces of art. Some are hand made pottery cups and plates, some are beaded necklaces and bracelets from handmade beads, and there's also t-shirts, bags and hand pounded metal items. These items are all amazing and a lot of us purchased them for gifts to take back home to our friends and family. I felt wonderful about these purchases. I knew that by buying them, that I was helping to support a mom or dad that just wanted to keep their own child from living in an orphanage. With their salaries, they are coming home at night to be with their own child. I couldn't imagine a life without my children and/or the knowing that they could not be with me because I was unable to provide food and shelter for them. I thank God for a such a wonderful place as The Apparent Project.
Signing off and heading to bed now. We are going to go to church early in the morning and will be able to see the sunrise during our worship service. How amazing! Love, Manda
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Day Trois (Day Three)
Patrick and Tarynn here, two of the California team members. We're saying what's up from Haiti! It's been an eventful day, full of lots of God's love and emotion. We were blessed with two batches of wonderful scrambled eggs this morning full of ingredients that made our mouths smile (none of which we knew) to start the day off :) Due to the size of our group we had to split into two teams today. We had the opportunity to go where we felt led, either The Home for Sick and Dying Babies, or Dary's Special Needs Orphanage.
Tarynn felt called to visit the Home for Sick and Dying Babies, while Patrick on the other hand, felt led to visit Dary's Special Needs Orphanage. Each proved to be an eye opening and fulfilling experience. Even though the children in both places weren't necessarily aware of what was going on, God's presence and grace was evident. Whether they were sick and dying infants or children with disabilities you could see they were aware of God's love and grace. That's something I think we forget about in the states because we have so much, always wanting more, and forgetting that God is there for EVERYONE in every situation.
One story in particular, included Patrick and a young girl with limited abilities. She suddenly started crying out, sitting in the corner with tears in her eyes, looking as if she were about explode in desperation. Come to find out her only desire was a cup of water. A simple cup of water. It takes us back to our basic need of survival. Water is life. In the eyes of Patrick, he instinctually compared the situation with the water to the representation of water in the Bible. As if when she drank the water down her parched throat she was cleansed and made new.
Another story that stood out to Tarynn at the Home for Sick and Dying Babies included the basic instinct of comfort. She was sitting on the floor surrounded by a minimum of 10 babies with one leaning against her leg, grabbing on for dear life. Another sitting on her right side with her arms wrapped around her body, and an infant cradled in her left arm. A clearly distraught mother had to leave her baby for the day due to visiting hours. Tarynn watched the mother set her child down on the play area, the child instantly began screaming so the mother came back and picked up her precious little girl once more. Then she brought her over to Tarynn and held the little girl by the arm next to her, wanting her to take her screaming baby. Conveniently, the infant in her left arm was in a milk coma so Tarynn laid the baby down on the play mat and swooped up the screaming child. After what seemed like forever of rocking the baby and soothing her with soft words she began to slow her cry. She felt comforted because at this point she felt safe and had all she needed. Tarynn was able to provide that for her in the same way that Jesus provides us with the comfort and feelings of security that we desire when we need it and seek this through prayer.
Overall, there were so many powerful experiences of God's work throughout the day for all team members involved these are simply just a few examples. We are blessed to have the opportunity to follow God's calling and do His work here in Haiti.
Peace and Love,
"West Coast Best Coast"
Tarynn and Patrick
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.
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.
Monday, February 22, 2016
First Day!
We're here! The Healing Haiti Alleluia team met in the Miami airport this morning and had about two hours to hug "Hellos," get some food for lunch, and get ready for our flight to Port au Prince. We five from California were pretty beat from flying all night (arriving in Miami at 5:45 a.m. - which was 2:45 to our tired bodies!) but it was wonderful to meet our Minnesota team members, finally, face to face. Before we boarded our plane, we drafted a Haitian to take our first all-team photo. It felt really good to all be together.
It was a beautiful day for flying and we made it to Haiti in just 90 minutes. As we flew over the dry mountainous northern part of the island, then across the bay, circling around to land at the airport, I thought back on some of the experiences I had in 2013 during my first mission trip with Healing Haiti. I remembered the places we visited (Grace Village, Cite Soleil, the Mass Grave site), the staff at the guest house, the many children I had held and hugged (I still have them on my prayer list at home), and the wide range of emotions that each day had brought me as I handed out food, played with kids, encouraged the elderly, and just gave personal attention and love to both young and old wherever we stopped to minister. All of this reflection filled me with anticipation at what the Lord has for our team in the week ahead.
Our team navigated passport control and headed for the baggage claim area. The Minnesota team had donation suitcases full of supplies and contributions, one bag for each team member. They were mighty heavy! The California team had opted to solicit a monetary donation from our congregation. A door offering after worship one recent Sunday brought in over $4000! Which we simply mailed to Healing Haiti in Minnesota, and spared us having to lug more suitcases to Haiti. Once outside the terminal, we were greeted by Healing Haiti staff members, loaded everything in to two tap taps, and experienced our first bouncy ride to the guest house.
As we entered our accommodations for the week, there was the supper table, all ready for our first meal together: Shepherd's Pie! Our team got settled in our rooms, then had a beautiful time gathered together in a circle outside on our patio. Carol had us tie a continuous string around each of our wrists, symbolizing our connection to one another and serving as a reminder that we need to be connected to Jesus as we serve in His name this week. It was early, but because we were so fatigued from our long day of travel we opted to eat as senior citizens, sitting down to our delicious feast at 4:30! This gave us plenty more time to get acquainted and share laughter.
Following our meal, we met with our prayer partners to talk about how we were feeling, now that we're actually in Haiti, and to discuss various concerns and need for prayer. Patrick and I are very well acquainted from serving together in Hilmar, but Al is new to both of us. As we did the dinner dishes, we learned more about Al's journey and his huge heart for ministry, both at home in Duluth and around the world. Our Healing Haiti host, Grace, then gave us our group orientation, taking us through the myriad of details that go with living and serving at various locations here in Haiti. These were all helpful reminders that will make us even more effective as "the hands and feet of Christ" this week.
Now it's free time. People are unpacking, taking showers, chatting, getting ready for bed, and the guest house is cooling down and slowly quieting down. There is a rather reflective, pensive mood here as we all settle in for our first night in Haiti. Pray that we get a good night of rest so we will wake up refreshed and ready to hit the road in the morning, distributing water in the neighborhoods of Cite Soleil. We are eager to get started! Thank you, God, for calling together this team to minister this week in Haiti.
Dan
It was a beautiful day for flying and we made it to Haiti in just 90 minutes. As we flew over the dry mountainous northern part of the island, then across the bay, circling around to land at the airport, I thought back on some of the experiences I had in 2013 during my first mission trip with Healing Haiti. I remembered the places we visited (Grace Village, Cite Soleil, the Mass Grave site), the staff at the guest house, the many children I had held and hugged (I still have them on my prayer list at home), and the wide range of emotions that each day had brought me as I handed out food, played with kids, encouraged the elderly, and just gave personal attention and love to both young and old wherever we stopped to minister. All of this reflection filled me with anticipation at what the Lord has for our team in the week ahead.
Our team navigated passport control and headed for the baggage claim area. The Minnesota team had donation suitcases full of supplies and contributions, one bag for each team member. They were mighty heavy! The California team had opted to solicit a monetary donation from our congregation. A door offering after worship one recent Sunday brought in over $4000! Which we simply mailed to Healing Haiti in Minnesota, and spared us having to lug more suitcases to Haiti. Once outside the terminal, we were greeted by Healing Haiti staff members, loaded everything in to two tap taps, and experienced our first bouncy ride to the guest house.
As we entered our accommodations for the week, there was the supper table, all ready for our first meal together: Shepherd's Pie! Our team got settled in our rooms, then had a beautiful time gathered together in a circle outside on our patio. Carol had us tie a continuous string around each of our wrists, symbolizing our connection to one another and serving as a reminder that we need to be connected to Jesus as we serve in His name this week. It was early, but because we were so fatigued from our long day of travel we opted to eat as senior citizens, sitting down to our delicious feast at 4:30! This gave us plenty more time to get acquainted and share laughter.
Following our meal, we met with our prayer partners to talk about how we were feeling, now that we're actually in Haiti, and to discuss various concerns and need for prayer. Patrick and I are very well acquainted from serving together in Hilmar, but Al is new to both of us. As we did the dinner dishes, we learned more about Al's journey and his huge heart for ministry, both at home in Duluth and around the world. Our Healing Haiti host, Grace, then gave us our group orientation, taking us through the myriad of details that go with living and serving at various locations here in Haiti. These were all helpful reminders that will make us even more effective as "the hands and feet of Christ" this week.
Now it's free time. People are unpacking, taking showers, chatting, getting ready for bed, and the guest house is cooling down and slowly quieting down. There is a rather reflective, pensive mood here as we all settle in for our first night in Haiti. Pray that we get a good night of rest so we will wake up refreshed and ready to hit the road in the morning, distributing water in the neighborhoods of Cite Soleil. We are eager to get started! Thank you, God, for calling together this team to minister this week in Haiti.
Dan
Sunday, August 16, 2015
"How Great Thou Art"
There are some things that transcend the brokenness of humanity.
This past week has been filled with reminders of the walls that divide us. More times than I could count I've had to shake my head and shrug helplessly in paralyzing inability to respond to the Creole of the six year old child standing in front of me. The desperate struggle of members of the Cite Soleil community to get to the front of the water-truck line was in stark contrast to the long hot showers and cold ice-water most of us are accustomed to having readily available anytime we desire. The wounded children and tired mothers crammed into The General Hospital with flies swarming, cardboard mattresses, and hardly any staff sat in silent resentment of the contentious conversation that continues to surround the Affordable Care Act. There is a lot more than distance that separates us from the Haitians.
Still, this morning we shared the church at Grace Village with the Haitian people as we gathered to worship together. As the band led "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" and then "How Great Thou Art" in Creole, I sang along in English. There was something exceptionally beautiful about this communion of differences: "Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee: "how great thou art, how great thou art".
Our souls sang in a shared tongue that transcended language: "How great thou art! How great thou art!"
This soul-song continued as the congregation continued with prayers whose words I couldn't understand. Only "Jesus" and "Alleluia" made sense to my ears, but the soul-song: "How great thou art!" transcended words. For this Jesus suffered and died: even the most desperate and suffering are my brothers and sisters in Christ.
More than race, language, or economics can ever divide us, Christ unites us.
To be "in Christ" is to claim these brothers and sisters as my own. To "take up the cross" is to share in their pain and claim it as my responsibility.
(Pause in the writing)
I paused because it was pouring outside and we went out to dance in the rain. After a little salsa dancing we went up to the veranda to dive across the water-covered tiles like a slip and slide. We were hot and dirty and the rain was glorious. I imagine the kids (maybe the adults too) in Cite Soleil were out in the streets playing in the rain as well. When the floodgates of heaven open up the rain falls on the rich and poor alike. This is the way of God's grace; it's poured out on all of us.
It would have been beautiful to dance with them in the streets of Cite Soleil. I imagine that's what heaven will be like.
The walls of race, nation, language, politics, and economics are washed away as we dance in God's grace, every voice singing together: "How Great Thou Art! How Great Thou Art!"
Haiti is filled with things that should cause us to despair, but we've also seen plenty of reasons to hope. Faith is the confidence that the God in whom we hope will overcome the reality that could lead us to despair. The people of Haiti have faith. In spite of everything, they have a powerful, passionate faith. They have a faith that transcends everything in the world that could lead us to despair. They have faith in Christ who has conquered the world.
I pray that you and I might grow into that same faith.
Erik
Still, this morning we shared the church at Grace Village with the Haitian people as we gathered to worship together. As the band led "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" and then "How Great Thou Art" in Creole, I sang along in English. There was something exceptionally beautiful about this communion of differences: "Then sings my soul, my savior God to thee: "how great thou art, how great thou art".
(Pause in the writing)
I paused because it was pouring outside and we went out to dance in the rain. After a little salsa dancing we went up to the veranda to dive across the water-covered tiles like a slip and slide. We were hot and dirty and the rain was glorious. I imagine the kids (maybe the adults too) in Cite Soleil were out in the streets playing in the rain as well. When the floodgates of heaven open up the rain falls on the rich and poor alike. This is the way of God's grace; it's poured out on all of us.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Day Six - Our Final Service Day
Day Six - Our Final Service Day
Today was our final day of serving in Haiti, and it was an incredibly busy day. We started the day at the Haitian Initiative Feeding Center. This is a program by which boys and girls can get one meal per day if they participate in the soccer program. The children that we met were so polite, and so excited to talk to all of us. They spoke a bit of English, and liked to play thumb wars and slap hands with us. It was actually really cool to see many of the boys in soccer jerseys from many Minnesota area youth soccer teams. After we saw the feeding center, we walked over to the soccer fields. The soccer fields were not the traditional soccer fields we are used to seeing in the US. The fields were completely gravel - the picture of us is actually on the soccer field. It was really hot, and the players did not get a water break. This was yet another example how incredibly resilient the Haitian children are. Immediately following the soccer fields, we went to our first water stop. This was very close to the soccer field, and was a very fun stop! As is typical, there were many children there that wanted to be held and to play games. This was also the stop that is very near to Venel's house. He is an exchange student that has been with Carol and Marni's families this summer. The girls pictured here is the female soccer team that came to Minnesota this summer! More on that further down from Marni.
The second water stop was at a location named "Four Coffins". This was a stop that we were supposed to go to on Tuesday, but the schedule was changed. Because of this, the people at this stop were severely in need of water as they hadn't received any in at least a week. Think about that for a moment - what would you do if you didn't have access to any fresh water for a week? As you can imagine, there was a sense of desperation at this stop. Much more urgency to get the water. Many people were immediately bathing in the water as soon as their buckets were filled. At this difficult spot, amid the pushing and yelling - there were also the sweet moments. One of our translators did a wonderful job keeping everyone in line and making sure there was no "budging" in front of anyone. He is extremely careful to ensure that the system is fair, and that everyone gets the water. However, he made exceptions for the elderly - and would allow them to come to the front of the line. There were also children at this stop that still just wanted to be held, touched and love.
Today was our final day of serving in Haiti, and it was an incredibly busy day. We started the day at the Haitian Initiative Feeding Center. This is a program by which boys and girls can get one meal per day if they participate in the soccer program. The children that we met were so polite, and so excited to talk to all of us. They spoke a bit of English, and liked to play thumb wars and slap hands with us. It was actually really cool to see many of the boys in soccer jerseys from many Minnesota area youth soccer teams. After we saw the feeding center, we walked over to the soccer fields. The soccer fields were not the traditional soccer fields we are used to seeing in the US. The fields were completely gravel - the picture of us is actually on the soccer field. It was really hot, and the players did not get a water break. This was yet another example how incredibly resilient the Haitian children are. Immediately following the soccer fields, we went to our first water stop. This was very close to the soccer field, and was a very fun stop! As is typical, there were many children there that wanted to be held and to play games. This was also the stop that is very near to Venel's house. He is an exchange student that has been with Carol and Marni's families this summer. The girls pictured here is the female soccer team that came to Minnesota this summer! More on that further down from Marni.
The second water stop was at a location named "Four Coffins". This was a stop that we were supposed to go to on Tuesday, but the schedule was changed. Because of this, the people at this stop were severely in need of water as they hadn't received any in at least a week. Think about that for a moment - what would you do if you didn't have access to any fresh water for a week? As you can imagine, there was a sense of desperation at this stop. Much more urgency to get the water. Many people were immediately bathing in the water as soon as their buckets were filled. At this difficult spot, amid the pushing and yelling - there were also the sweet moments. One of our translators did a wonderful job keeping everyone in line and making sure there was no "budging" in front of anyone. He is extremely careful to ensure that the system is fair, and that everyone gets the water. However, he made exceptions for the elderly - and would allow them to come to the front of the line. There were also children at this stop that still just wanted to be held, touched and love.
One of the many great things about Haiti, is the many organizations that have been started to create jobs for the Haitian people. This afternoon we were able to spend time at The Apparent Project. The Apparent Project is a non-profit working to preserve Haitian families and prevent kids from being orphaned. The artisans (employees) create jewelry and home decor. All of the pieces are made out of recyclable material such as thin cardboard (cereal boxes, soda boxes, etc.), 55 gallon oil drums, aluminum cans and clay. Again - this is just one of the many organizations working to create jobs for the Haitian people so they will be able to support themselves and their children. Each night we have had to say one word that summed up the day. Today my word was hope. Each day I have been able to witness something that shows so much promise for Haiti and the Haitian people. Thank you Haiti for sharing your beautiful country and people with us this week.
-Christene (first timer)
Today was a big day for Carol and myself! Many of you know that we have been hosting Venel, who is our Haitian Initiative Soccer Exchange guest that came to stay with us on July 2nd. We got to meet his mom and sister today. It was beyond anything that we can explain in words and we feel so incredibly blessed to know that he has a wonderful family waiting for him at home when he returns. Many happy tears were shed today as we have come to love Venel very much. We are so grateful for the experience, it is one we will cherish forever! ~ Marni
Friday, August 14, 2015
Near to My Heart
Today (day #5) started at 5:30 as we arose to attend the early morning service at Church on the Rock. As the Haitian attendees raised their hands in praise, we were in awe of this powerful worship experience.
After breakfast we had a last-minute change of plans and learned we'd be visiting "Jehovah's" - an orphanage for special needs children. I was thrilled. There is a special place in my heart for the mentally and/or physically handicapped since I have a special needs brother.
Visiting this wonderful place was a first for Healing Haiti and I believe these kids had the time of their lives.
We put on an a little, unplugged concert of Christian worship songs. I was on tambourine duty while Danny played the guitar and Erik dazzled the kids - singing and playing. He even threw in "The Hippo Song," which was a favorite for the kids.
Today, I felt pure joy praising God and entertaining these children. I'm hopeful it's a day they'll never forget. :)
Next, we visited Rebuild Globally - a unique company purposely built in Haiti by an American after the earthquake in 2010 to provide jobs for Haitians. They make the coolest sandals out of tires!
LaLou Orphanage was the next stop. Again, we played music, provided a snack, and with the help of the kids we created a personalized tie-dye shirt for each child. Some of our team members have the ink-dyed fingers as souvenirs from this endeavor!
This mission trip has been incredible for me. I've seen things that totally break my heart. I don't want to just go back home and continue living my same-old life. How can I? I want to do more for this country and pray that God will show me His will as to the next step.
On Monday we met 8 strangers at the airport who became this fantastic team whom I now call friends.
If you ever have the opportunity to be part of what Healing Haiti is doing here in Haiti, I highly recommend that you jump right in.
Michele – first-time team member
After breakfast we had a last-minute change of plans and learned we'd be visiting "Jehovah's" - an orphanage for special needs children. I was thrilled. There is a special place in my heart for the mentally and/or physically handicapped since I have a special needs brother.
Visiting this wonderful place was a first for Healing Haiti and I believe these kids had the time of their lives.
We put on an a little, unplugged concert of Christian worship songs. I was on tambourine duty while Danny played the guitar and Erik dazzled the kids - singing and playing. He even threw in "The Hippo Song," which was a favorite for the kids.
Today, I felt pure joy praising God and entertaining these children. I'm hopeful it's a day they'll never forget. :)
Next, we visited Rebuild Globally - a unique company purposely built in Haiti by an American after the earthquake in 2010 to provide jobs for Haitians. They make the coolest sandals out of tires!
LaLou Orphanage was the next stop. Again, we played music, provided a snack, and with the help of the kids we created a personalized tie-dye shirt for each child. Some of our team members have the ink-dyed fingers as souvenirs from this endeavor!
This mission trip has been incredible for me. I've seen things that totally break my heart. I don't want to just go back home and continue living my same-old life. How can I? I want to do more for this country and pray that God will show me His will as to the next step.
On Monday we met 8 strangers at the airport who became this fantastic team whom I now call friends.
If you ever have the opportunity to be part of what Healing Haiti is doing here in Haiti, I highly recommend that you jump right in.
Michele – first-time team member
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Joy and Gratitude
As this is my third trip to Haiti, I often get asked what we do while we are here. I generally explain that we deliver water to Cite Soleil and visit orphanages and hospitals and then describe those in more detail if people show interest or ask questions. However, I rarely talk about elder visits or explain why we visit these particular elders. Still, every trip, I have left with elder visits at the top of my most treasured moments list! Today was no different...
Today we had the absolute honor to visit and serve Marie who is a well-loved member of the elder program by all who meet her. She is expected to be around 104 years old and is so completely full of joy that you can't help but smile from inside your soul to just be in her presence! The team washed and lotioned her feet and hands and gave her a new coat of nail polish that matched her joyful smile. All the while, Marie sat with her hands raised, eyes closed, and smiled as she praised the Lord in Creole! Pastor Jacqui held her hand as tears flowed and the team worshiped and praised together. This was such a humbling moment for me...as I imagine the hard hard life this woman has lived for 104 YEARS, and then watching the passion with which she still praises God for all that she has! I will never understand all the devastation here, but I am constantly in awe of the faith and grateful hearts the beautiful Haitians have...in spite of it all.
We also had the joy of visiting Aloude who has been blessed with 16 grandchildren, all of whom she is raising on her own because her children have either passed away or are unable to care for them. She, along with many of us, shed many tears while listening to her granddaughter share her beautiful voice singing praise about our merciful Lord in Creole. We were also able to paint the nails of three of her granddaughters...and their smiles were priceless as they showed their Grandmother how beautiful their nails were!
The team struggled to see that Edmund, our third elder visit, was not feeling well and was only up for a short visit. However, return goers were excited to see his new home and to see his brother visiting and helping to care for him while he is ill. It is never easy to watch elderly grow ill, but it was especially difficult to see this typically joyful man struggling to get out of bed or eating.
After our visits, we toured Grace Village....another place that fills us with such hope and joy for the future. Healing Haiti and the vision created so many years ago has become a reality and the children are so well cared for there. I am constantly in awe of the new ways in which Healing Haiti has found to serve and create self-sustainability for the Haitian people, from the aquaponics gardens to the brick ovens, bakery and community church. Grace Academy is providing education to over 400 children and the clinic was busy with patients, both of which are open to the community of Titanyen. What an amazing blessing Grace Village is for this wonderful community!
We completed our day of service by visiting the Mass Grave Site...another extremely humbling place of sadness and loss. All those who were present during the 2010 earthquake that forever changed Haiti have their own story, and we were blessed to hear Jonas, our interpreter's account of such a tragic day. He estimated that around 300,000-400,000 people died on January 12, 2010 in a massive earthquake that completely shook the land of Haiti. It is impossible for me to fathom this experience or understand the magnitude and numbers of friends & family that were lost, nor to understand how those that lived through this tragedy were able to cope and find hope for their future. Yet...the faith of these people remains!
Although devestation and poverty have struck this country with a vengeance, we have a lot we can learn about finding JOY in the life we have and all that we have been blessed with from the smiles and sparkle that still remains in the Haitian people. I needed this reminder more than I even like to admit, but today has renewed my JOY and GRATITUDE for God's abundant blessings in my life!
Sara Mosher
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Holy Ground - August 12, 2015
"Then The Lord said to Moses, 'Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.'" Exodus 3:5
For the past two days I have been standing on holy ground.
It hasn't always looked like it, but it is true nonetheless. I first realized it yesterday in Cité Soleil, one of the poorest places on the planet, much less here in Haiti. After our first water stop where we delivered clean water for free (don't ever take your clean, accessible water for granted!), we made our way to the site of Hope Church, the church that Healing Haiti is building in the midst of the city. It is being built upon 12 feet of garbage as well as the grave sites of poor Haitians who couldn't afford any other burial. It is transforming a former garbage dump into a place of hope. It is indeed holy ground.
This morning we spent time at the Home for Sick and Dying Babies. With around 30 children in each of four rooms, it serves primarily children whose parents have brought them there because they are malnourished. Our job was to simply love the children and help feed them lunch. As we walked among the rows of cribs, we were indeed standing on holy ground.
In the afternoon we spent time at the National History Museum of Haiti, where we learned not only about the history of Haiti, but also about the resiliency of the Haitian people. Our guide took great pride in his country and as he shared Haiti's story, we found ourselves traversing upon the holy ground of the history of an amazing people.
Then it was off to General Hospital, the government-funded hospital in the middle of Port-au-Prince. We delivered water and small care packages and held hands. It was hot, crowded with parents and sick children, with flies among the patients and seemingly short on staff -- and it was indeed holy ground.
Looking through the eyes of our American abundance it would be easy to look at all these places and see only a trash dump, malnourished children, a troubled history or overcrowded hospital. But when you realize that God is present and calling us to do something, just like God called Moses, then you see that you are indeed standing on Holy Ground. It would be easy to look at the magnitude of the problems and make excuses like Moses did for not going. But that would be to underestimate God's ability to work through even the smallest of actions to bring hope and healing to a hurting world. It would be to misunderstand our role in making things right. We aren’t the ones who can "fix" the problems of the world - only God can do that.
But, just like God promised Moses that he wouldn't have to take on Pharaoh alone, God promises us that we don't have to take on the big challenges of the world alone either. All we have to do is respond to the people that are right here in front of us and do what little we can. Because God can take a water hose, a hug, a willingness to listen to someone else's story, and a small care package and use them to change the world.
Because you see, it's all Holy Ground if you're open seeing it. I am grateful for this opportunity to stand upon the Holy Ground of Haiti. And I can't wait to see what God has in store for the next several days.
Jacqui Thone—first-time Team Memberå
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Water Delivery – Cité Soleil, August 11, 2015
Once In Lifetime Experience
Weeks of preparation for this trip did not emotionally (or physically) prepare me for my first full day of service in Cité Soleil. Seeing the photos of children clinging to Healing Haiti missionaries doesn't do justice to the overwhelming joy of having three young boys climbing up and holding on like you're their father or big brother. Here I am a complete stranger from Dallas, Texas and these kids immediately bonded with me – pulling and clamoring to be picked up and held, played with, or just be affirmed and loved as a fellow human being.
After the physical demands of the first stop, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to give the second group of kids the same level of attention. That fear abated quickly as I switched to "hose duty" on the second stop. My wife was filling the buckets as I held the hose on one shoulder and a young Haitian girl on the other.
Our third stop, near the ocean, was the most intense as there were more people and we were at the mercy of the afternoon sun. Clouds passed by, providing some relief, and I thought "the Lord is blessing us with some shade". We filled many buckets while the children bathed and splashed in the clean refreshing water.
As we boarded the "tap tap" for the trip back I was relieved and saddened at the same time. Relieved now that the physical work was over but already missing those smiling faces and playful hands, stroking (and sometimes pulling) the hair on my arm. Saturday is our next scheduled water delivery and I'm sure that letting go will be even harder.
During our group time tonight we shared a "word of the day". Hope, resilience, spirit, conflicted, walls, and joy were just a few that encompassed the feelings and thoughts from this amazing experience. Some of the new-timers, present company included, had perhaps different words than those who have been to Haiti numerous times. But even the veterans were touched in new ways it seems.
It's only our first full day and already we agreed that today was like "one week rolled into one". Some might say that "God has forgotten the people of Haiti"; but my hope is that God is doing something in each team member that will inspire us to seek Him more fully and never forget Him...or the precious people of Haiti.
Danny Jaco - First Time Team Member
Weeks of preparation for this trip did not emotionally (or physically) prepare me for my first full day of service in Cité Soleil. Seeing the photos of children clinging to Healing Haiti missionaries doesn't do justice to the overwhelming joy of having three young boys climbing up and holding on like you're their father or big brother. Here I am a complete stranger from Dallas, Texas and these kids immediately bonded with me – pulling and clamoring to be picked up and held, played with, or just be affirmed and loved as a fellow human being.
After the physical demands of the first stop, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to give the second group of kids the same level of attention. That fear abated quickly as I switched to "hose duty" on the second stop. My wife was filling the buckets as I held the hose on one shoulder and a young Haitian girl on the other.
Our third stop, near the ocean, was the most intense as there were more people and we were at the mercy of the afternoon sun. Clouds passed by, providing some relief, and I thought "the Lord is blessing us with some shade". We filled many buckets while the children bathed and splashed in the clean refreshing water.
As we boarded the "tap tap" for the trip back I was relieved and saddened at the same time. Relieved now that the physical work was over but already missing those smiling faces and playful hands, stroking (and sometimes pulling) the hair on my arm. Saturday is our next scheduled water delivery and I'm sure that letting go will be even harder.
During our group time tonight we shared a "word of the day". Hope, resilience, spirit, conflicted, walls, and joy were just a few that encompassed the feelings and thoughts from this amazing experience. Some of the new-timers, present company included, had perhaps different words than those who have been to Haiti numerous times. But even the veterans were touched in new ways it seems.
Danny Jaco - First Time Team Member
Monday, August 10, 2015
We're Here!
We're here. We're in Haiti. Port-au-Prince, Haiti to be exact. It's warm, muggy, ok, it's hot. But we're not here for vacation, we're not here for a good time, we're here to help, spread the word of the Lord, deliver fresh water, deliver supplies to all those in need.
Traveling today was pretty uneventful, no one was left behind, we didn't have any major incidents other than the Texas duo oversleeping :) we certainly were blessed with beautiful weather to make for safe travels to Haiti today, our first day of many to come.
So with that being said, it's time for rest. More tomorrow.
Bònn nui (goodnight)
1st Time Team Member
Brandie
Traveling today was pretty uneventful, no one was left behind, we didn't have any major incidents other than the Texas duo oversleeping :) we certainly were blessed with beautiful weather to make for safe travels to Haiti today, our first day of many to come.
So with that being said, it's time for rest. More tomorrow.
Bònn nui (goodnight)
1st Time Team Member
Brandie
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Remembering....
Our final day here in Haiti and we are all thinking about what it is we want to remember. This is exactly what I blogged about on our final day here last August and it is exactly what I need again tonight.
Wow! What a wonderful week with a wonderful team. I am so incredibly happy that I continue to be consumed with emotions while I am serving. As we left the Haiti airport, I was so happy to hear that familiar sound of the tap tap....I loved it! As we follow our water truck into Cite Soleil, I listen in anticipation for the children to start chanting "Hey You, Hey You, Hey You", you can then look out the back of the tap tap and see them come running after us, still chanting. Running as fast as they can and their arms are stretched just waiting for us to step out and pick them up. I LOVE grabbing the little kids holding and loving them. Because I knew what to expect, I was able to watch new members come off the truck and was able to witness their first experience - how amazing! I will always remember the pier that we walk out onto - it's significance. I love signing and dancing with the children there.
Another favorite experience and one that I want to remember is also a very hard one....our second water truck day and our final stop this trip to Cite Soleil....Alex....a 12 year old boy. He stole my heart and I am afraid a piece of it will remain there until I return and can find him. Until you realize how old a child is, you don't fully realize the effects of malnutrition over time. If I can digress for a moment, this became apparent to me this summer as I watched the Haitian Initiative Soccer Team in Blaine playing for the Schwann's Cup. The boys from Haiti were playing a team from Mankato - all the same age range. What became very apparent to me was the size difference. The boys from Haiti were a head shorter than the boys from Mankato....it became apparent to me in that very moment what the long term effects of malnutrition looked like. Going back to Alex....he seemed to be "watching out" for our team members. As we would help the women and children carry their very heavy buckets full of water, Alex would run after team members and tell us we had gone far enough. I believe this was for our protection. He would tell us to set the bucket down and go back to the water truck. Alex spoke pretty good English so we could communicate just a bit. I learned he is not able to go to school. I also learned his age, Alex is 12....Alex is NO taller than my 7yo boys - my heart broke in that very moment. Alex saw me crying and quickly went to get one of our interpreters to check on me....I was fine, just broken hearted. We did not get a picture of Alex, but he is etched in my mind forever.
Another very memorable (hard) moment was General Hospital. This is a county run hospital that truly is for the poorest of the poor. There were many sick children there, the bright spot in our visit was our interpreter, Emmanuel - he brought his guitar and sang at the bedside of a very sick child for a good portion of our visit. Beauty beyond belief and one I will want to remember.
Visiting the Elders is an absolute favorite day of mine. I was able to witness a team member have nearly the same experience I had last year on my 1st visit with an elder - moved beyond words, again so very beautiful! A highlight from this day, again, is the singing we do with our interpreters and also witnessing the respect the Haitian people have for their elders. This experience fills my heart beyond measure - incredible!
The visit to the Mass Grave is always a favorite of mine....being retold the story of that day, the earthquake that created mass destruction. I, again, feel blessed to have been able to walk around that area and climb the mountain to the crosses (last year). Now there is a wall around the area and we are not allow in. It is still very powerful and evokes many emotions. Very heartbreaking!
We were able to visit the Haitian Initiative in Site Soleil - something I was looking forward to on this trip. The kids weren't there that day, but it didn't matter. We got to meet one of the coaches who came to MN last month with the boys to play in Blaine. We also got to see the field that they play/practice on - all rubble. Could you imagine our children learning to play that way? WOW!
On Saturday we took an orphanage to WaHoo Bay to swim - it was simply awesome. We all had so much fun together and the children's smiles were such a blessing.
Today was our "team day", we did not serve. It was a fun day of worship at Grace Village - with amazing music and a wonderful sermon about Daniel and the Lion's Den. From there we had a drive through downtown Port-Au-Prince and were able to see where some of the damage occurred from the earthquake in 2010. There is lots of rebuilding going on, but still looked pretty devastated, at least to me. We drove up the mountain and stopped along the way to do some shopping and just spend time together as a group.
I am, of course, looking forward to seeing Dana and the kids....but I feel no where near ready to be done with Haiti. I am so thankful for this experience with this team. Two other very, very favorite memories that I will treasure is having one of our leaders be able to experience this journey with her father and one of her sisters. I am desperate to share this experience with Dana or my dad....I hope that can one day happen. The last one I will mention is a boy named Gerno....he is an 18 year old boy from Grace Village. He is in their transition program due to his age. He stayed in our guesthouse with us for most of the week. He is working to (I think) become a translator. He came with us a few days and helped out. He is such a sweet boy who shared just a tiny glimps into his life that I wonder about. Where did he come from, what was his life before Grace Village, what will happen to him once he is done there. He ate meals with us, played the guitar and sang for us, prayed with us - we grew to love him! We were able to say a proper goodbye today after church. A picture of him is included below.
Thank you for all of your prayers, support, thoughts and well wishes during this journey.
Marni Severson
Wow! What a wonderful week with a wonderful team. I am so incredibly happy that I continue to be consumed with emotions while I am serving. As we left the Haiti airport, I was so happy to hear that familiar sound of the tap tap....I loved it! As we follow our water truck into Cite Soleil, I listen in anticipation for the children to start chanting "Hey You, Hey You, Hey You", you can then look out the back of the tap tap and see them come running after us, still chanting. Running as fast as they can and their arms are stretched just waiting for us to step out and pick them up. I LOVE grabbing the little kids holding and loving them. Because I knew what to expect, I was able to watch new members come off the truck and was able to witness their first experience - how amazing! I will always remember the pier that we walk out onto - it's significance. I love signing and dancing with the children there.
Another favorite experience and one that I want to remember is also a very hard one....our second water truck day and our final stop this trip to Cite Soleil....Alex....a 12 year old boy. He stole my heart and I am afraid a piece of it will remain there until I return and can find him. Until you realize how old a child is, you don't fully realize the effects of malnutrition over time. If I can digress for a moment, this became apparent to me this summer as I watched the Haitian Initiative Soccer Team in Blaine playing for the Schwann's Cup. The boys from Haiti were playing a team from Mankato - all the same age range. What became very apparent to me was the size difference. The boys from Haiti were a head shorter than the boys from Mankato....it became apparent to me in that very moment what the long term effects of malnutrition looked like. Going back to Alex....he seemed to be "watching out" for our team members. As we would help the women and children carry their very heavy buckets full of water, Alex would run after team members and tell us we had gone far enough. I believe this was for our protection. He would tell us to set the bucket down and go back to the water truck. Alex spoke pretty good English so we could communicate just a bit. I learned he is not able to go to school. I also learned his age, Alex is 12....Alex is NO taller than my 7yo boys - my heart broke in that very moment. Alex saw me crying and quickly went to get one of our interpreters to check on me....I was fine, just broken hearted. We did not get a picture of Alex, but he is etched in my mind forever.
Another very memorable (hard) moment was General Hospital. This is a county run hospital that truly is for the poorest of the poor. There were many sick children there, the bright spot in our visit was our interpreter, Emmanuel - he brought his guitar and sang at the bedside of a very sick child for a good portion of our visit. Beauty beyond belief and one I will want to remember.
Visiting the Elders is an absolute favorite day of mine. I was able to witness a team member have nearly the same experience I had last year on my 1st visit with an elder - moved beyond words, again so very beautiful! A highlight from this day, again, is the singing we do with our interpreters and also witnessing the respect the Haitian people have for their elders. This experience fills my heart beyond measure - incredible!
The visit to the Mass Grave is always a favorite of mine....being retold the story of that day, the earthquake that created mass destruction. I, again, feel blessed to have been able to walk around that area and climb the mountain to the crosses (last year). Now there is a wall around the area and we are not allow in. It is still very powerful and evokes many emotions. Very heartbreaking!
We were able to visit the Haitian Initiative in Site Soleil - something I was looking forward to on this trip. The kids weren't there that day, but it didn't matter. We got to meet one of the coaches who came to MN last month with the boys to play in Blaine. We also got to see the field that they play/practice on - all rubble. Could you imagine our children learning to play that way? WOW!
On Saturday we took an orphanage to WaHoo Bay to swim - it was simply awesome. We all had so much fun together and the children's smiles were such a blessing.
Today was our "team day", we did not serve. It was a fun day of worship at Grace Village - with amazing music and a wonderful sermon about Daniel and the Lion's Den. From there we had a drive through downtown Port-Au-Prince and were able to see where some of the damage occurred from the earthquake in 2010. There is lots of rebuilding going on, but still looked pretty devastated, at least to me. We drove up the mountain and stopped along the way to do some shopping and just spend time together as a group.
I am, of course, looking forward to seeing Dana and the kids....but I feel no where near ready to be done with Haiti. I am so thankful for this experience with this team. Two other very, very favorite memories that I will treasure is having one of our leaders be able to experience this journey with her father and one of her sisters. I am desperate to share this experience with Dana or my dad....I hope that can one day happen. The last one I will mention is a boy named Gerno....he is an 18 year old boy from Grace Village. He is in their transition program due to his age. He stayed in our guesthouse with us for most of the week. He is working to (I think) become a translator. He came with us a few days and helped out. He is such a sweet boy who shared just a tiny glimps into his life that I wonder about. Where did he come from, what was his life before Grace Village, what will happen to him once he is done there. He ate meals with us, played the guitar and sang for us, prayed with us - we grew to love him! We were able to say a proper goodbye today after church. A picture of him is included below.
Thank you for all of your prayers, support, thoughts and well wishes during this journey.
Marni Severson
Saturday, August 16, 2014
A Heart for Haiti
Alo from Haiti to all of our friends and family back
home. We think of and pray for you
often! Today was a very good day. It began in a very meaningful way. On our way to Shalom House we saw one of
Haiti’s mass grave sites. The one we saw
is about the size of a football field.
Our interpreters told us their stories of what they went through when
the earthquake hit Haiti in January 2010, and they described to us how the mass
graves were created. It’s a very sad
story, but one we will be happy to share with you when we return. Even though we felt sad we all agree that the
mass grave site had a very Holy and reverent feeling to it. After that we were on our way to Shalom House,
one of the orphanages Healing Haiti sponsors.
We were blessed to take 12 children and 2 helpers from the house to the
beach at Wahoo Bay. It was a Haitian
field trip! It is very difficult to put
into words how beautiful this beach is.
Picture jewel toned water surrounded by beautiful rocks and stones, blue
sky, and lush trees and flowers with majestic mountains in the background. I spent a moment by myself by the edge of the
water just soaking it in. I was on a
beach in Haiti – unreal! We were,
however, mostly excited for the children.
This was only the second time they have ever been to the beach. It was fun to observe them and compare them
to the children at my preschool back home.
We are worlds away but so similar.
Some children dove in right away while some held back and just watched
for a while. There was one little boy
who spent a lot of time on the edge. At
one point he had a sand sifter on top of a mold and he was dipping a sponge in
the water and squeezing it into his contraption and watching the effect. I saw the same eagerness towards natural
learning and discovery that I see back home and it just made me feel like all
would be well. Suffice it to say, we
were in the water all day! It was just
the blessing our team needed today after our morning on the water truck and
afternoon at General Hospital yesterday.
We were weary so God provided the rest and restoration we needed. Our leader, Carol, told us that Healing Haiti
carefully maps out the week of serving to create the best experience
possible. I can attest to this. On our first day, as we pulled up to our
first water truck stop my heart grew so big as I went to step out of the Tap
Tap truck. I looked down at a sea of
beautiful faces and saw them all reaching up for me to hold them and my heart
grew so full. Then, as I picked up two
beautiful kids and started walking forward I noticed all of the broken glass on
the ground and the kids running around with no shoes. My full heart immediately shattered like that
glass. But, bit by bit, through
different service opportunities throughout the week God has rebuilt my heart. He’s putting it back together the way He
wants it to be. And as we continue to
serve any time my heart starts to feel comfortable, or needs to be humbled God
will start taking it down again. At this
point I have no idea what my heart will look like as I end this wonderful trip,
but I know that by God’s grace it will be a heart with different priorities than
when I first began this journey. It will
be a heart filled with love and service towards others. And it will be a heart for Haiti.
In His name,
Joan
Friday, August 15, 2014
A Heart to Serve
Our day started bright and early as our team attended an early morning Haitian church service. It was inspiring to see how they worship with such spirit and praise to God. We came back to our guesthouse to another big breakfast that filled us right up for another morning of serving on the water truck.
Once again we enjoyed spending time playing and loving all the little children while providing their precious water to fill their buckets. Between our water truck stops we were able to visit the Haitian Initiative and see their soccer fields and feeding center. This organization provides over 600 Feed My Starving Children meals a day. It was wonderful for many of us to see the meals that we package back home in Minnesota be used to feed the children of Haiti.
Our afternoon was spent at General Hospital, which is a large government run hospital. We visited the babies and children in the pediatric unit. We delivered some medical supplies and care packages with needed items for the patients and families for their personal use and care.
On a personal note, I feel very blessed and glad to be here on this trip to witness this part of the world and how they live. I am so thankful that I have been able to share this experience with my two daughters at my young age of 77 years old. I have been so impressed by the three young teenage girls that have been on this trip with me and I would encourage that more young people and people of all ages could have this experience and have the heart to serve. What an eye opening experience it has been.
Leo
Once again we enjoyed spending time playing and loving all the little children while providing their precious water to fill their buckets. Between our water truck stops we were able to visit the Haitian Initiative and see their soccer fields and feeding center. This organization provides over 600 Feed My Starving Children meals a day. It was wonderful for many of us to see the meals that we package back home in Minnesota be used to feed the children of Haiti.
Our afternoon was spent at General Hospital, which is a large government run hospital. We visited the babies and children in the pediatric unit. We delivered some medical supplies and care packages with needed items for the patients and families for their personal use and care.
On a personal note, I feel very blessed and glad to be here on this trip to witness this part of the world and how they live. I am so thankful that I have been able to share this experience with my two daughters at my young age of 77 years old. I have been so impressed by the three young teenage girls that have been on this trip with me and I would encourage that more young people and people of all ages could have this experience and have the heart to serve. What an eye opening experience it has been.
Leo
The Children
On the way to the home of sick and dying babies a few days ago, I started to notice how different some areas were from others in the places we visited while bringing water to people, you could just see how poor they were and how terrible the places they lived were. Seeing the kids run up to us with bare feet broke my heart, they ran over garbage and broken glass not caring at all, and in other parts you could see that some people were better off. They had homes(small ones), better clothes and food. You could see they were not struggling as much, they had a nicer life. And then there were people who had cars, and big houses protected by big walls, and it kind of makes me sick. They are living in nice big homes while there are people not that far away living in terrible conditions.
When we got to the home for the babies, it was nice, the parents were there, and I got to play with the kids, and I was happy. But when the parents left, the babies started to scream and cry. I had no idea what to do, I felt so helpless, I wanted to help them all, I wanted to hold them and I wanted to make them all feel better. And all I could do was stand there holding a baby and try not to cry, and I finally couldn't hold it back anymore and I couldn't stop crying, my heart was completely shattered as I looked at all of the crying babies.
Yesterday was a much better day for me. My favorite part of that day was going to Grace Village. All the children were so happy to see us. They ran up to the Taptap and helped us get out and held our hands. At one point while we were there, I made a new friend, a young boy who was around 6, when we were sitting down he laid down on my lap and fell asleep. I felt so special when he did that, I felt my heart melt, I was so happy for him and all of the other children there. They got to live in a safe place with food and clean water and a comfortable place to sleep compared to other children in Haiti, who lived in conditions far more horrible than I could have ever imagined. I recall seeing huge amounts of glass, human and animal waste, and garbage everywhere you looked, and children ran around barefooted in that not even caring or noticing the poor conditions they were living in.
-Kennedy Keller
When we got to the home for the babies, it was nice, the parents were there, and I got to play with the kids, and I was happy. But when the parents left, the babies started to scream and cry. I had no idea what to do, I felt so helpless, I wanted to help them all, I wanted to hold them and I wanted to make them all feel better. And all I could do was stand there holding a baby and try not to cry, and I finally couldn't hold it back anymore and I couldn't stop crying, my heart was completely shattered as I looked at all of the crying babies.
Yesterday was a much better day for me. My favorite part of that day was going to Grace Village. All the children were so happy to see us. They ran up to the Taptap and helped us get out and held our hands. At one point while we were there, I made a new friend, a young boy who was around 6, when we were sitting down he laid down on my lap and fell asleep. I felt so special when he did that, I felt my heart melt, I was so happy for him and all of the other children there. They got to live in a safe place with food and clean water and a comfortable place to sleep compared to other children in Haiti, who lived in conditions far more horrible than I could have ever imagined. I recall seeing huge amounts of glass, human and animal waste, and garbage everywhere you looked, and children ran around barefooted in that not even caring or noticing the poor conditions they were living in.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Memoriable moments
Where to begin? Well, we were up early and very well fed by the time we left for The Home for the Sick and Dying Children this morning. The hustle and bussel of life here in Haiti was well underway and I have to say that rush hour traffic at its worst on Highway 94 or even down town Minneapolis does not even compare to what traffic is like here..AT ALL!! As a matter of fact, I don't even think their lightest rush hour looks as tame as 94, heading North on a Friday afternoon in the summer! Going the wrong way down a one way street?? No problem, just use your horn..a lot. Oh and note to self..the bigger vehicle always gets the right of way, especially if it's coming at you fast and just as important..invest in good breaks for those quick and unexpected stops. I'm just saying.
We of course arrived safe and sound at The Home for the Sick and Dying Children. Many in our group had not been here before, so I was curious as to what their experience would be like. The responses were as different as the day is long. All were eager to see and interact with the children though.
I seemed to have been watching Joan a lot today and she of course always had a baby in her arms. Joan being the best preschool teacher EVER, would have a baby in her arms as she stood under the shade of a large leafy tree and entice a baby to grab on to the leaves hanging down. I watched as they pulled at the leaves with their little hands, mesmerized by what I am sure was their first experience with such strange shadows created by the branches and leaves in addition to the strange tactile experiences with the small and green leafy textures. It made me smile and I appreciated the fact even more that my son, Ben had her as his preschool teacher.
My daughter Kennedy, had a much different experience today. I think I will have the site of her burned in my memory forever, as she stood alone holding a baby in her arms with tears rolling down her cheeks in the mist of a room full of cribs filled with baby's crying out for their parents. Many stood with their arms stretched out, desperately wanting to be picked up and held again by them. My heart ached to see her with the pain so evident on her face. Sadly, trying to comfort her myself just made it worse for the both of us, as we both by then were crying. Each of us with tears for a different reason. It truly is heart wrenching to watch your child grapple with difficult and unfair life circumstances. I hope seeds have been planted in her today. Like for gratitude. I hope she can appreciate and understand what it is to have gratitude for what she does have or for what she has been given in her life. Not to make her feel guilty, but because I believe to have that, you can turn what you have into enough and you learn that having more does not mean you have it all. In fact, I believe that having gratitude is what brings you happiness in life because you discover its the people in your life not the things that are important.
Jennifer Keller Sirianni
We of course arrived safe and sound at The Home for the Sick and Dying Children. Many in our group had not been here before, so I was curious as to what their experience would be like. The responses were as different as the day is long. All were eager to see and interact with the children though.
I seemed to have been watching Joan a lot today and she of course always had a baby in her arms. Joan being the best preschool teacher EVER, would have a baby in her arms as she stood under the shade of a large leafy tree and entice a baby to grab on to the leaves hanging down. I watched as they pulled at the leaves with their little hands, mesmerized by what I am sure was their first experience with such strange shadows created by the branches and leaves in addition to the strange tactile experiences with the small and green leafy textures. It made me smile and I appreciated the fact even more that my son, Ben had her as his preschool teacher.
My daughter Kennedy, had a much different experience today. I think I will have the site of her burned in my memory forever, as she stood alone holding a baby in her arms with tears rolling down her cheeks in the mist of a room full of cribs filled with baby's crying out for their parents. Many stood with their arms stretched out, desperately wanting to be picked up and held again by them. My heart ached to see her with the pain so evident on her face. Sadly, trying to comfort her myself just made it worse for the both of us, as we both by then were crying. Each of us with tears for a different reason. It truly is heart wrenching to watch your child grapple with difficult and unfair life circumstances. I hope seeds have been planted in her today. Like for gratitude. I hope she can appreciate and understand what it is to have gratitude for what she does have or for what she has been given in her life. Not to make her feel guilty, but because I believe to have that, you can turn what you have into enough and you learn that having more does not mean you have it all. In fact, I believe that having gratitude is what brings you happiness in life because you discover its the people in your life not the things that are important.
Jennifer Keller Sirianni
How do you recap a day like today?
We started out our day with a wonderful breakfast to help nourish us for the tasks of the day. Today would be a morning of serving at either the Home of the Sick and Dying or Gertrudes Orphanage.
I, Stacey, came on this trip with the idea that I would be bringing love to those in Haiti. What I didn't expect was to receive so much love in return. I was one that went to the Home of the Sick and Dying Children. I expected to see so many sick children, but what I saw were kids who were just wanting that human touch, someone to hold them. These babies gave so much love, they wanted to hold on to us. They wanted us to know we were wanted. Ironic when it is little ones who seem to have been left for someone else to tend to. I also noticed how when it was time for those parents who were there visiting their child to leave, they sought out one of us volunteers to help console their child and ease the pain of both being separated again. These aren't bad parents, they just want the best for their children like we do. I am grateful they have a place to seek out to fill that void that may be in these kids lives.
I found it interesting that while there we noticed a few other ladies volunteering. It never ceases to amaze me to find other people from Minnesota there helping out. I have to give a big shout out to this wonderful state for being filled with people who have big hearts and are willing to serve.
I think that is why this team is able to do so much in such a little time. We are a group willing to be open to what God wants us to see, who he puts in front of us and what it is we are to do for serving.
The other half of our group went to Gertrud's Orphanage and helped with the kids who were there. At our group time tonight I was in awe at listening to the stories of their day and seeing the growth in my team members. Seeing the photo's that were shared helped let us see that those kids too appreciate the TIME that is spent with them.
That leads me to our afternoon trip to LaPherre's Orphanage. Our whole team was able to go. No one from the group had been there. Once again, we had thought we would be going in to bring love to these children, and once again they gave to us! Right away they lined up and wanted to sing for us. And sing they did. To see a small group of kids who wanted to do something for us when we are there to do for them I will never tire of. When we tried to organize activities, they jumped in and showed us what they wanted to be done. We were also reminded that no matter what the activity or items we brought to play with it was the gift of time and touch that mattered the most.
Love knows no language barriers, love has no price. Love costs nothing to give and you can never give enough. I believe the Holy Spirit is alive in Haiti and with this there is hope for us all. I have restored hope that we can be people of faith. I have faith in this thing called hope.
Faithfully Y
ours,
Stacey
We started out our day with a wonderful breakfast to help nourish us for the tasks of the day. Today would be a morning of serving at either the Home of the Sick and Dying or Gertrudes Orphanage.
I, Stacey, came on this trip with the idea that I would be bringing love to those in Haiti. What I didn't expect was to receive so much love in return. I was one that went to the Home of the Sick and Dying Children. I expected to see so many sick children, but what I saw were kids who were just wanting that human touch, someone to hold them. These babies gave so much love, they wanted to hold on to us. They wanted us to know we were wanted. Ironic when it is little ones who seem to have been left for someone else to tend to. I also noticed how when it was time for those parents who were there visiting their child to leave, they sought out one of us volunteers to help console their child and ease the pain of both being separated again. These aren't bad parents, they just want the best for their children like we do. I am grateful they have a place to seek out to fill that void that may be in these kids lives.
I found it interesting that while there we noticed a few other ladies volunteering. It never ceases to amaze me to find other people from Minnesota there helping out. I have to give a big shout out to this wonderful state for being filled with people who have big hearts and are willing to serve.
I think that is why this team is able to do so much in such a little time. We are a group willing to be open to what God wants us to see, who he puts in front of us and what it is we are to do for serving.
The other half of our group went to Gertrud's Orphanage and helped with the kids who were there. At our group time tonight I was in awe at listening to the stories of their day and seeing the growth in my team members. Seeing the photo's that were shared helped let us see that those kids too appreciate the TIME that is spent with them.
That leads me to our afternoon trip to LaPherre's Orphanage. Our whole team was able to go. No one from the group had been there. Once again, we had thought we would be going in to bring love to these children, and once again they gave to us! Right away they lined up and wanted to sing for us. And sing they did. To see a small group of kids who wanted to do something for us when we are there to do for them I will never tire of. When we tried to organize activities, they jumped in and showed us what they wanted to be done. We were also reminded that no matter what the activity or items we brought to play with it was the gift of time and touch that mattered the most.
Love knows no language barriers, love has no price. Love costs nothing to give and you can never give enough. I believe the Holy Spirit is alive in Haiti and with this there is hope for us all. I have restored hope that we can be people of faith. I have faith in this thing called hope.
Faithfully Y
Stacey
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