Sunday- Last full day in Haiti....
We traveled this morning back to Grace Village and attended a truly inspiring faith filled worship service. Our team was welcomed warmly by ladies of the village who came to shake our hands and give hugs to us as their way of welcome. The joy and appreciation in their eyes as they did this was evident to us all. It was clear that not only were we welcome there but were very appreciated as well.
Many of the current Christian songs rang out over speakers from the band and people gathered. As the children entered, select children found a member of our team and sat with us and wanted to be held or rocked. We sang with them and they were with us as a family through out the service. The excitement of individual attention and the way the kids help each other is amazing. The smiles and sparkles in their eyes are something I will always remember. The older ones help the younger ones and they all take care of each other. They are family. God's family. Our family as the body of Christ. Grace Village is definitely an amazing place for these children.
After worship service we were able to spend a day at the Beach. We traveled to Wahoo Bay beach Resort/Club. The water was amazing. We ordered fresh coconuts and drank the milk before having them cut open and the meat separated out for us. Some ordered fresh crab and lobster on the beach. It was delivered by boat straight to our chairs. Many had the opportunity to go out in a wooden boat and go down the coast to snorkel. The fun and relaxation for all was so nice. It was a very nice way to see the country side. The time on the road allowed us time to process all that has happened this week.
There were so many things to remember, to share and to hold dear from this week. We have all been touched by being here. The Lord breaks us in this process to see the world through His eyes. He holds all of His children dear no matter where they live. It is beautiful. There is hope here. We have witnessed it first hand. The healing is a process that will take time and there is more to be done. Healing Haiti continues to come along side, teach, care, and assist in the ways that they can.
We all have gifts and talents special and unique. There is a place here for all of them. God wants us to work together as His Church. Being the hands and feet of Christ is the very least we can do. I believe that in doing so this week, all of us have come away changed. I truly believe that in blessing Haiti, we have gained the blessing...changed hearts...
We wrapped up our evening with a wonderful evening out at Kokoye Restaurant. The music and outside atmosphere was relaxing and fun. It was memorable and bonding for the whole team. It will be hard to leave tomorrow. The next teams arriving will be amazed.... There are no words to explain all that there is to see, do and love. It will be hard though, that we are not that team...
~Sherri
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Day 6: Water Truck day and La Phare orphanage
Today in Haiti was our second water truck day, and we were ready for it. As soon as the doors swung open we were swarmed by young children wanting our undivided attention. Ready to serve, our team found their way through, managing to pick up a few stragglers on the way. The kids would always have games that they wanted to play, from slap hands to arm wrestling tournaments a dull moment never passed. Often, kids would also want you to help them carry their heavy buckets of water back to their homes. When doing this you'd get a glimpse of what it was like inside their homes, and the way they lived. For example, today while doing so I got a chance to greet a busy mother with a crying baby girl, After setting the bucket down I made a gesture to the mother asking if I could pick up the child. She gave me a smiling nod and I proceeded to pick up the baby. She looked into my eyes and was fascinated by my appearance. She stopped crying and mirrored the smile that I was giving her. This was my favorite moment of the day being able to ease the stress of the mother.
Our next stop was the La Phare Orphanage. We had plenty of activities planned out for the 17 kids living here consisting of making little toy cars, face painting, soccer, paper basket weaving and balloons. The kids were overjoyed with everything that they could do. A small group of boys rushed to me when I brought out the brand new soccer ball. They were very talented and started a mini pickup game with me. After a short game the boys wanted to join the rest of the kids and do arts and crafts. Surprisingly many of the kids were skilled artists and with the help of our team they were able to complete many of the projects. The best part of the orphanage in my perspective was seeing the smiles and excitement on the kids faces after completing one of the art projects and wanting to show it off to everyone.
After getting back from the bumpy tap-tap ride a little gecko came to my attention. The speedy little guy was difficult to catch but knowing that he couldn't bite made it a little easier. The little things in Haiti amaze me, how in such a distraught looking place some of Gods greatest gifts of a crying baby or even the chase of capturing a gecko exist. Today showed me the beauty of finding the diamond in the rough.
~Alex & Emily
Day 5: Carrfours, General Hospital, Haiti history tour
Friday, May 1st 2015
Today in Haiti it is a holiday. Most workers were given the day off of work (similar to Labor Day in the States). Due to the National holiday, there were many Haitians out at market, and going to spend time with their families. The dedication and commitment of the whole staff here at the Guest House is amazing. The team really works hard behind the scenes taking care of the teams, cooking, cleaning, washing and taking such amazing care of all of us here. Special people are involved who sacrifice their time for us. It doesn't go unnoticed by our team.
Our plan for today was to go to Carrfours, which is a home for the sick and dying adults. We planned to go in and give them supplies along with comfort and care. The plan changed due to the holiday today. We arrived at Carrfours and were unable to go in to serve because they let many of their staff have the day off to be with their families. While we were outside their gate, we did serve many families and children with the pampering of lotion, nail polish, jump roping and taking pictures of the teenage girls as they loved doing silly poses while waiting by the gate. It amazes me how smiles and just the most basic of items when given with caring hands, bring such joy to so many.
We met a woman being helped to the Carrfours gate by her husband. She was very ill. She was feverish, dehydrated, could barely hold her head up and was being helped to walk the long way there. We were able to attend to her need with some shade, fanning her with a plastic tub lid, and were able to convince her to take a water bottle with electrolytes from us. We gave her some very basic snack food and stayed with her until we were able to have the gates opened for her admittance. We did not take any pictures of our encounter with the ill woman.
Our next stop was to go to the General Hospital and distribute care packages we had assembled the previous night. The packages consisted of lotions, soap, wash cloths, granola bars, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other basic necessities were included in these packs that our team spent time assembling last night. Many of the staff where I work collected and bought medical supplies to bring down to meet this need for the sick.
At general hospital we entered to a long line of sick children awaiting care. There were many cribs inside lining the room. The space was very tight with crib upon crib and only enough space for one to walk between or for a mother to sit and hold a child. Some children didn't have beds and these were held on a mother's lap between cribs or in a walkway. Each child brightened and many reached up to be picked up when we entered. Many, however were to ill to be held. Many had diseases that have been eradicated in the US including Typhoid Fever, Tuberculosis, Elephantitis and another with a possible yellow fever. The mother's and family members were present and they were so attentive to their children. The staff of the hospital were working hard. The numbers of children present, we estimated would fill all of the Children's ICU's in the Twin Cities. There were primitive and sometimes ill-fitting supplies present.
A child was pointed out to us who was having difficulty breathing. The mother was distraught, limp and desperately resigned to allow anyone present to help her child. This child was not moving and had a diminishing heart rate and was breathing shallowly and ineffectively. The team did initiate CPR and were able to revive her. However, after obtaining her history, it was clear that she had an underlying condition of spinal cord abnormality. She is unable to receive the care she would need over her lifetime.
The people surrounding this child were extremely touching. The other mother's and family members surrounded this mother and child while the team worked on her. They began a cultural hum of support and it was clear to us how much the Haitian people love and support their fellow neighbor.
This was a very difficult departure for our team. The people and children were so gracious and will forever be remembered in our minds. God was truly at work making sure that we were at the right place at the right time to intervene. And while we aren't always able to intervene with more than our very basic gifts and talents, He is still in control and directing our steps.
The Haitian History Center was the tour we were able to take on the way home. It added to our knowledge of this amazing country. From the Indians and Christopher Columbus's arrival throughout history up until the present Heads of State, we were able to see and clearly understand the history and culture of the island. One artifact that was present in this museum was the anchor from the Santa Maria. There was also a moon rock from the US Apollo 11 moon mission.
We came back to a home made Haitian meal which was delicious. We were very thankful for this amazing glimpse into the Haitian culture. The staff worked very hard and we were very appreciative for all that they do to serve us.
Team meetings, slide shows and reflection closed the day. Many had insight into how we are being used on this trip
..... What so ever you do to the least of your brother, that you do unto me.......
~Sherri & Ann
Our next stop was to go to the General Hospital and distribute care packages we had assembled the previous night. The packages consisted of lotions, soap, wash cloths, granola bars, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other basic necessities were included in these packs that our team spent time assembling last night. Many of the staff where I work collected and bought medical supplies to bring down to meet this need for the sick.
A child was pointed out to us who was having difficulty breathing. The mother was distraught, limp and desperately resigned to allow anyone present to help her child. This child was not moving and had a diminishing heart rate and was breathing shallowly and ineffectively. The team did initiate CPR and were able to revive her. However, after obtaining her history, it was clear that she had an underlying condition of spinal cord abnormality. She is unable to receive the care she would need over her lifetime.
The people surrounding this child were extremely touching. The other mother's and family members surrounded this mother and child while the team worked on her. They began a cultural hum of support and it was clear to us how much the Haitian people love and support their fellow neighbor.
This was a very difficult departure for our team. The people and children were so gracious and will forever be remembered in our minds. God was truly at work making sure that we were at the right place at the right time to intervene. And while we aren't always able to intervene with more than our very basic gifts and talents, He is still in control and directing our steps.
The Haitian History Center was the tour we were able to take on the way home. It added to our knowledge of this amazing country. From the Indians and Christopher Columbus's arrival throughout history up until the present Heads of State, we were able to see and clearly understand the history and culture of the island. One artifact that was present in this museum was the anchor from the Santa Maria. There was also a moon rock from the US Apollo 11 moon mission.
We came back to a home made Haitian meal which was delicious. We were very thankful for this amazing glimpse into the Haitian culture. The staff worked very hard and we were very appreciative for all that they do to serve us.
Team meetings, slide shows and reflection closed the day. Many had insight into how we are being used on this trip
..... What so ever you do to the least of your brother, that you do unto me.......
~Sherri & Ann
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Day 4: Grace Village, Elder visits in Titanyen, Shalom Orphanage, & Mass Graves
What a busy and productive day. What did God want me to see today? He wanted me so see hope. We went to Grace Village and saw so much hope for all the children who are getting educated. Grace Village started new homes where children live in a house within the village to learn what a family looks like, what are each persons roles in order to go out into adulthood knowing what to expect and to be successful outside the orphanage.
What did God want me to see during our elder visits. He wanted me to see humbling acts of serving people. I watched young adults wash the dirty feet of elder people with such humility that it was if I were watching Jesus wash the disciple's feet. They were so appreciative of any gifts of food and water brought. They have toiled their whole lives but expect nothing. They show such faith that amazes me.
At Shalom orphanage, what did God want me to see? He showed me that children react to love shown them. They are orphaned but trust you when they jump in your arms that they will receive love. They smile when you bring an art project that allows then to express themselves. And they write I love you on these art projects.
At the Mass Graves, God wanted to show me that all people matter. After the earthquake in 2010, so many Haitians lost there lives. Approximately 300,000 or more. During the after effects of the earth quake, the need arose to have to bury many people quickly, so a mass grave was dug and now this site is being made into a memorial that is a sad reflection on the many people who lost their lives during this tragedy . It is very humbling to stand on the holy ground in this nation.
Then what did God what me to see when we started handing out water and Feed My Starving Children food "manna" packs to some very thirsty, hungry children who just ran out to see if there would be any food given out. How desperate they were. Some tried to hide what you had given them in order to try to get more. God wanted me to see this desperation in order to break my heart for what breaks His and to act. Feed as many as you can with what you can and then to allow God to fill them with what they really need...Jesus Christ as their Savior.
~Carolyn
What did God want me to see during our elder visits. He wanted me to see humbling acts of serving people. I watched young adults wash the dirty feet of elder people with such humility that it was if I were watching Jesus wash the disciple's feet. They were so appreciative of any gifts of food and water brought. They have toiled their whole lives but expect nothing. They show such faith that amazes me.
At Shalom orphanage, what did God want me to see? He showed me that children react to love shown them. They are orphaned but trust you when they jump in your arms that they will receive love. They smile when you bring an art project that allows then to express themselves. And they write I love you on these art projects.
At the Mass Graves, God wanted to show me that all people matter. After the earthquake in 2010, so many Haitians lost there lives. Approximately 300,000 or more. During the after effects of the earth quake, the need arose to have to bury many people quickly, so a mass grave was dug and now this site is being made into a memorial that is a sad reflection on the many people who lost their lives during this tragedy . It is very humbling to stand on the holy ground in this nation.
Then what did God what me to see when we started handing out water and Feed My Starving Children food "manna" packs to some very thirsty, hungry children who just ran out to see if there would be any food given out. How desperate they were. Some tried to hide what you had given them in order to try to get more. God wanted me to see this desperation in order to break my heart for what breaks His and to act. Feed as many as you can with what you can and then to allow God to fill them with what they really need...Jesus Christ as their Savior.
~Carolyn
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Day 3: Church, Home for the Sick & Dying Babies, Christian Light School, Gertrude's Orphanage & Apparent Project!
Today was a pretty packed day for our group as we started very early and attended our first church service at 6am. Although it was mostly in Creole, it was still a very powerful service, all the people there praising with so much passion, you could feel what they were saying and singing in your bones.
We were able to go help out at Home for the Sick and Dying Babies, which is a Catholic based charity here in Haiti, and were just beside ourselves that we got to hold all the little babies there. Being able to just love on them and have them love on us too, in just the simplest way, by just gently resting their hand or their head on you, relaxing into your arms. It was a very emotional time to interact with all the babies and just to know that for that hour or two, you made a huge difference to that baby. Being a representative of God's love and showing that God loves all his children.
We all knew it wouldn't be easy when it came time to depart, putting any of them down is difficult enough, let alone walking away. My personal experience was with this little girl, I'm always going to remember she was wearing a yellow dress and had the biggest eyes. She could tell it was time for me to go and tears just started to roll down her cheeks. I wiped her tears away, gave her a hug and a kiss on her head, then I had to go. Honestly, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, I had to hold back my own tears. You can walk away from that knowing in your heart you made a difference to a child, but I'm not just walking away with that, all those children made a difference in my life, I am forever changed by those children, by their smiles, their eyes, this whole experience.
The visit to the Christian Light School and Orphanage was a special part of our trip. The school serves pre-school aged children through twelfth grade. Since the school is new they are currently graduating their first class with 4 very high achieving students who are expected to go on and do well. The hope is that some day they will give back to others within the Haitian community. Their education process involves continuous testing to to assure the children are achieving up to the high expectations of the school. The children we saw seemed excited to be in class and eager to learn. The 350 students may represent a small portion of the Haitian children population, but with God's help can be the future leaders and bring hope for the future of Haiti. Small changes make a big difference over time and in their future. (Wayne & Candi)
The next place we were serving in was a special needs orphanage where we were able to help with feeding the kids lunch and playing with them afterwards. What a rewarding experience to love on those kids that were excited by such simple joys as swinging on the swings, being held, and strolled around in their wheelchairs. We were all very moved and humbled by serving and loving on the kids here. For some of us this was a new experience, for others it was reconnecting with kids that we have loved on in the past. Wayne was a genuine expression of God's love as he reconnected with a little boy with a big zest to laugh, walk and love. Neither of these two encounters we could take pictures at due to the facilities request.
The last thing we did today was we got to go to the Apparent Project, which is a store where Haitians are employed to make all sorts of things like mugs, jewelry, and tin art. By being employed they are able to keep their children, send them to school, and purchase a house with a lock on their door. Everything they make is out of recycled material found here in Haiti from clay to steel drums to cereal boxes. Back in the U.S. we have all these fancy materials we use to make jewelry and crafts, well here in Haiti they make jewelry out of the clay and out of cereal boxes. They pound out steel drums to make beautiful wall hangings, candle holders, little figurines, all sorts of things. It's just so incredible how they can make all these beautiful things out of such simple materials, honestly it's an art form.
~Josey & Julie
We were able to go help out at Home for the Sick and Dying Babies, which is a Catholic based charity here in Haiti, and were just beside ourselves that we got to hold all the little babies there. Being able to just love on them and have them love on us too, in just the simplest way, by just gently resting their hand or their head on you, relaxing into your arms. It was a very emotional time to interact with all the babies and just to know that for that hour or two, you made a huge difference to that baby. Being a representative of God's love and showing that God loves all his children.
We all knew it wouldn't be easy when it came time to depart, putting any of them down is difficult enough, let alone walking away. My personal experience was with this little girl, I'm always going to remember she was wearing a yellow dress and had the biggest eyes. She could tell it was time for me to go and tears just started to roll down her cheeks. I wiped her tears away, gave her a hug and a kiss on her head, then I had to go. Honestly, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, I had to hold back my own tears. You can walk away from that knowing in your heart you made a difference to a child, but I'm not just walking away with that, all those children made a difference in my life, I am forever changed by those children, by their smiles, their eyes, this whole experience.
The visit to the Christian Light School and Orphanage was a special part of our trip. The school serves pre-school aged children through twelfth grade. Since the school is new they are currently graduating their first class with 4 very high achieving students who are expected to go on and do well. The hope is that some day they will give back to others within the Haitian community. Their education process involves continuous testing to to assure the children are achieving up to the high expectations of the school. The children we saw seemed excited to be in class and eager to learn. The 350 students may represent a small portion of the Haitian children population, but with God's help can be the future leaders and bring hope for the future of Haiti. Small changes make a big difference over time and in their future. (Wayne & Candi)
The next place we were serving in was a special needs orphanage where we were able to help with feeding the kids lunch and playing with them afterwards. What a rewarding experience to love on those kids that were excited by such simple joys as swinging on the swings, being held, and strolled around in their wheelchairs. We were all very moved and humbled by serving and loving on the kids here. For some of us this was a new experience, for others it was reconnecting with kids that we have loved on in the past. Wayne was a genuine expression of God's love as he reconnected with a little boy with a big zest to laugh, walk and love. Neither of these two encounters we could take pictures at due to the facilities request.
The last thing we did today was we got to go to the Apparent Project, which is a store where Haitians are employed to make all sorts of things like mugs, jewelry, and tin art. By being employed they are able to keep their children, send them to school, and purchase a house with a lock on their door. Everything they make is out of recycled material found here in Haiti from clay to steel drums to cereal boxes. Back in the U.S. we have all these fancy materials we use to make jewelry and crafts, well here in Haiti they make jewelry out of the clay and out of cereal boxes. They pound out steel drums to make beautiful wall hangings, candle holders, little figurines, all sorts of things. It's just so incredible how they can make all these beautiful things out of such simple materials, honestly it's an art form.
~Josey & Julie
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