Hendrickson/Severson - Day 1 Travel Day

Good Evening from Haiti! We are happy to report that we are here in Haiti and all settled in! There are 9 of us from MN, 1 from TN, 1 from SC, 1 from CO/NV and 1 from NC. Only a couple of our team of 13 know each other. God has put together a very awesome team and we are excited to begin serving tomorrow! For now, good night from Haiti! Marni and Colleen

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 7

We started the day with anticipation of a church service full of Haitian worship and movement of the Holy Spirit. We went to Grace Church in Titanyen. We didn’t understand most of what was being sung, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of worship for us. Some parts were written side by side in Creole next to English which helped us not only in understanding what was being sung but with our continued practice with our Creole vocabulary. There were also a couple of songs that we knew the tune of the music and could sing side by side in English and Creole together mixed. Oh, the sound of the children singing was just beautiful. It does something inside you when you hear the children sing in one accord with voices raised to the one true Savior. We had taken a vote with the majority to win what our Sunday afternoon was going to consist of. It was a unanimous vote to go to Wahoo Bay and spend the day playing in the ocean. We drove for about 45 minutes to get there from Grace Church. We got to see the terrain, landscape, trees, and houses. The closer we got to the ocean the differences became very drastic. We had been used to seeing the congested traffic and loud noises. Granted, it was Sunday so it may have been different during the week but this was the impression of today. Tin shacks that now changed to 2 story brick buildings with balconies, smooth streets, and less road rubble and trash. Did I mention trees, lots of trees and GRASS, I don’t recall seeing much grass at all this week. Coming up to the resort was breath taking! To see the mountains on one side of you and the opposite end seeing ocean so clear going as far as the eye could see to meet with the skyline of blue with clouds dipping down. BEAUTIFUL. It's something about the ocean that took the heat from our mind. The day was just perfect. We got to talk with several other guests there also. Did you catch that, we spoke to several others because they were able to speak English well, instead of listening to our choppy Creole. That was another big difference from the areas where we had been serving. Beauty, trees, grass, cooler temps, AND English would have made for a memorable day alone, but that isn’t the kind of team/family that we are. We each tried new things or encouraged others in facing and overcoming fears as we went jet skiing, banana boating, kayaking, and swimming to the ocean trampoline. There are stories inside those adventures that will be told directly from the team, just not today. We went to an area grocery store to buy some coffee, plantain chips, vanilla and almond extract. It would be considered comparable to Walmart with a Haitian slant, but it puts the slogan for Hy-vee to shame with “there’s a helpful smile in every isle” because there was literally someone at each end of every isle, and throughout the store watching the shoppers, helping also if needed! It’s raining tonight which is a welcome sound and smell. This land is so dry and thirsty we can’t help but be happy for the water. The flip side of that as I’m sitting under the porch canopy typing is that I’m dry. Many that we served this week are not that fortunate. Though they may have a make shift roof over their heads, their walls aren’t secure and weather proof, their doors don’t go to the ground and if they have any windows they don’t have glass, only bars or cloth and their floors are dirt. Those also are where their beds are but many don’t have them either so the dirt floor is their bed for them and their children. So as the rain is good, my heart hurts. These Haitian people are so beautiful. They struggle so to take care of basic needs and yet when you have conversations with them and ask what specifics can we pray for them, they aren’t grumbling for what they don’t have but instead they ask for strengthened faith. They aren’t grumbly! We have so much to learn from this part of the world. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day. We all just skirt around what it will bring because we don’t want to start the swell of emotion in saying goodbye. Goodbye to the all those that have touched our hearts as we served and also to our family that we have become, both from the states and those that the Lord uses walking with and amongst us, using us, molding us, teaching us and drawing us closer to you! Our God IS an awesome God. He reigns! – Teri

Today is the “eve” of our leaving. What a wonderful Lord’s Day we have had! We went to Grace Church for the morning worship. On our way we saw people on the way to Church – man, woman, and child all on one “moto.” Haitians are so respectful of entering God’s house. I saw a man bent over wiping the dust off his shoes. The Creole language is so beautiful, and we listened to them worship in song. After Church we drove out to the ocean…lush mountains a backdrop for our fun at Wahoo Bay Resort. Our day of rest consisted of listening to the lapping of the waves, paddle board, and jet skis. To top it off, the American missionaries have now proved wrong their theory that the banana boat is un-flippable. We managed to flip it twice! God is good and no one was hurt or sunburned! It is bittersweet to think of going home. We all miss family, but know how hard it will be to say goodbye to our new friends. -Sharon

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 6

Greetings from Haiti…Today we visited 2 orphanages, Dios and Monfort. Dios is an orphanage for special needs children and Monfort is for deaf children. As always, we think we are going to go and bless the children, which hopefully we do. But in reality, it is both them and US who are blessed! Whenever we are obedient to Christ and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, we can rest-assured that the blessings WILL flow…I especially liked communicating with the deaf children using the dry-erase boards. I played tic-tac-toe and complete-the-square with several of the children. A lot of the children wrote their names on the boards and knew English. They absolutely LOVED having their pictures taken, and of course, we HAD to show each one of them their picture! The special needs children did not seem to let their disabilities hinder them in any way…They enjoyed kicking the soccer ball around, wheel-chairs and all!!! One little boy really went to town on the maracas. Huge smiles and hugs prevailed in both orphanages. Before visiting the orphanages, we went to Kwadebouke Metal Mart. Here local artists specializing in metal created beautiful art. We were able to support them by buying our families and friends Christmas gifts. The verses that came to my mind today were Matthew 25:44-45 which says “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” That tells me I need to be deliberate in my obedience. I guess my challenge tonight for both myself and anyone reading this is the following: who is “the least of these?” and what can we do to be obedient? -Ramona

Today was absolutely AMAZING! We got to visit the metal mart, a deaf orphanage, and a special needs orphanage! The artists that sold the metal were extremely talented and so excited to see us. The orphans at the deaf orphanage were so smart and spoke very good English. We took white boards to write on, and I had multiple conversations with different orphans in English! I was very excited to see God answer my prayer about language barriers. At the special needs orphanage, everyone was so excited to see us and interact with us, it was amazing! Today was a phenomenal day and I am so blessed to be here this week doing what God has called me to do! Thank you for all your prayers and support! -Sidney

It never ceases to amaze me the relationships that can be built in such a short time! Ramona and Sidney did a fabulous job of summarizing our day. We did have a wonderful time at the metal market and at the deaf orphanage. When we arrived at the special needs orphanage, I immediately remembered my previous experience and really wanted to duplicate that. The previous experience included singing and playing guitar and experiencing worship. It was beautiful and wonderful. This time we did not bring a guitar or a keyboard. We brought many other activities so I knew my experience would be different. For the first ½ to ¾ I truly wondered what I was doing. I was not drawn to a child and didn’t have one latched on to me. I wandered and spent short amounts of time with several. The next thing I knew, there were 2 children coming down the wheelchair ramp. One was pushing another in a wheelchair. The moment my eyes saw her, they were drawn to her. I wandered over and started interacting with her. I would tickle her and her face would light up. I decided to pick her up out of her wheelchair and sit down on the ground with her. When I did that, little did I know that she could walk! I lifted her to her feet to do a little weight bearing and she started turning circles. When her legs became fatigued, she would sit on my leg. She would stand and lean into me and we would rub cheeks. It was a beautiful thing. Another team member, the only guy on our trip, came over and sat down. The precious little girl stood up and began walking (truly almost running) to him. Her face lit up with a huge smile and their cheeks would rub. She would turn back around and walk back to me with the same routine and excitement as before. At one point and time, we locked foreheads and the beautiful moment of true connection happened. She stole my heart right then and there! She did several more “laps” back and forth and at the end had the hugest smile. The male team member wandered off and I picked up this precious gift from the Lord. We danced and sang and played together. The time came to put her back in her wheelchair and she became stiff as a board. The connection that we had in such a short time was absolutely beautiful and so strong. I called our driver over and he helped me to put her back into her wheelchair. I made sure to tell her I loved her and that Jesus loved her. My time was done with her for this trip. I am so grateful for the blessing of getting to know this precious child of God’s. The impact that she has made on my heart is one I will never forget. Her beautiful smile and signs of affection have impacted my life in so many ways. The Lord is good and faithful, and I am so blessed by this beautiful girl. Keep your eyes open as you never know what God has in store for you and who you are to bless! Don’t underestimate the power of a shared smile or laughter. You may just change the life of a person for eternity! -Stephanie

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 5

Today, we started out our day by going to “Church on the Rock.” It was awesome how they praised God and how you can see the joy of the Lord on each of their faces. I was able to hold hands with a Haitian and pray over each other. Every member of our team also prayed with a Haitian. After our morning routine of breakfast and devotion, we went to the Mass Graves as we were headed to Grace Village. It is such a beautiful memorial to the devastation caused by the January 12, 2010 earthquake. We spent some time walking around and heard the experience of the earthquake from one of our Haitian guides. After that, we went up to Grace Village. We met Don and Carolyn Pugh and enjoyed a wonderful tour by Don. It was a tour that told us the history of Grace Village as well as what is current. He also took time to point out some of the landmarks across the ocean, such as Cite Soleil and the airport. After the tour, we sat and chatted with Don in the missionary guest house and enjoyed learning more about Grace Village. The most interesting news was that the water at Grace Village is drinkable for anybody due to a new filtering system combined with the fact that it is directly from a well. I drank some of the water, and it was good. After our tour, we headed into Titanyen and visited 4 elders. We were able to wash the elder’s feet, massage their arms and necks and backs with lotion, and spend some time worshiping with them and praying for them. I was stretched out of my comfort zone by massaging and applying lotion to one of the elder’s arms. I am glad that I did it and definitely grew in service. After visiting the elders, we headed back to Grace Village. I was then able to have time to fellowship and enjoy playing with the children there. I was surrounded by children as I sat at the bottom of a slide. Even though I couldn’t understand a word they said, we still had lots of fun. I even tried to play tag with them! To end our day, we went to Fleri Resto and ate delicious pizza (probably the best I have ever had!). We also received a tour of Fleri Bakery. Fleri means flourish and it is amazing to see how they are impacting the community. We rode home on the tap tap with full bellies dodging lots of traffic. Overall, it was a day filled with God’s mercies. Today, I grew in so many different ways with the elders, the children, and with the team. -Austin

Today was a busy day, but a successful day. We got to visit the memorial of the earthquake, Grace Village, and see the elders. The memorial was overwhelming, as there were between 150,000 and 300,000 bodies buried there. Grace Village is an absolute miracle! God has really used the land and the people for His glory and for His purpose. Visiting the elders was truly amazing, as we got to wash each of their feet and pray over them. I am amazed at their strong faith in the Lord, and the hope they have that something better is coming. It has sure shown me how my thinking needs to change! Please continue to pray for our strength to continue these next few days! -Sidney

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 4

Today we woke-up to a delicious meal prepared by the ladies here, and man can they make eggs taste good with peppers and onions and garlic powder. We delivered water again. We went to 2 different places. The children came running and wanted to be held, so OF COURSE we accommodated! Delivering water reminds me of John 14:10, 14. Jesus offers a Samaritan woman living water/eternal life. This is our prayer for the Haitian people that they will accept Christ’s offer of this life-changing water. We got to go to the pier as well. This is where we were told that the men catch the fish, and the women clean’em up. It was neat to see the ladies in action. The water was such a pretty blue. There were a lot of boats with big fishing nets in them. Before going back to the house for the day, we stopped at an orphanage. We got to go play with the children. We shared the salvation message with them, did a craft, jump-roped and blew bubbles. I am convinced that children far and wide are the SAME. They want to be loved! I will finish this with a challenge. Do you know where YOUR mission field is? If you know, GO! You will be glad you did. -Ramona

My inner prayer this morning was to be strong and full of love! (thinking about water delivery). Every morning and evening we have a devotion led by Stephanie who continually inspires and encourages us through God’s word. Today was our second day of delivering water in City Soleil. City Soleil is three square miles with 300,000 people!! Places with poverty have a low suicide rate because they see hope in everything especially gifts from God such as clean water. It seemed easier to me, probably because I knew what to expect. I was stricter with the children, and I often got a partner to help carry water! Also, today I was more aware of parents watching us and correcting their children. They love their children very much! When children wanted help carrying water they yelled “Hey You!” We enjoyed the children and would call back “Hey You!” (We also helped them carry their water!) In between the two water deliveries, we went to the Pier where we saw men fishing and women cleaning fish. The ocean had boats on it and had mountains in the back ground which reminded us of Bible times. Also, the homes on a hillside looked so much like Jerusalem! After delivering water, we went home changed clothes. We took the tap tap to LaPhaere Orphanage where we met the children in an outdoor patio area. Ramona shared the gospel tract and Morgan told the candy cane story. The children have big brown eyes and very white teeth. So beautiful! I am very thankful for my team. We share lots of emotions both good and bad. We’re praising God and giving thanks in all things for He is Good! -Helen

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 3

What a Blessed and Beautiful day we have had today. We began by visiting an Orphanage “No Place Like Home”. I had the privilege of teaching the children through an Interpreter, how to work the craft we had provided, which told of the Plan of Salvation. As the children were coloring this craft I had the greater privilege of going through the Plan of Salvation with one of the staff members while showing him how the craft worked. Another staff member came over and joined us while I was speaking and each kept the craft to color themselves. We were able to provide one for each teacher there as well. While traveling in our Tap Tap, you recognize that there are no stop signs or lights and that turning left has the right away. Each bump we hit and turn we make is quite an adventure and much like a ride at an amusement park. Lots of talk and laughter along the ride. We visited Papillion, where we enjoyed food, fun and fellowship and a bit of shopping for friends and family (and self). Wherever you travel on these rough and bumpy roads you see evidence of Christ everywhere. Merci Jesus on many trucks, the Blood of Christ or God Bless painted on walls and vehicles. You can truly see the Lord working in this beautiful land. I have been blessed to travel with a team that you continually see the love of the Lord working in their hearts. Our final visit today was cut short in our hearts. We were all disappointed to leave early and no one wanted to leave at all. This was the home for sick and dying babies. We tried to hold each one but sadly there was not enough time, however we were able to feed many. Some will get better and go home someday, some may be there because they cannot be cared for in their homes, and yes, there were some that were so weak and emaciated that you felt they may be the ones that were dying. Yes, it is emotional for all of us. It breaks your heart in a way that you cannot put to words, but I find comfort in knowing that although they will not be in my arms, or in the arms of the Sisters, they will someday be in the arms of the Lord. I am so grateful to God that he has entrusted me to be the hands and feet of Christ. -Teresa S.

Today was one that showed us both ends of the spectrum…the hope of the wonderful Home Sweet Home orphanage and the Papillion organization, whose motto is “Orphan Prevention thru Job Creation” then the heart wrenching visit to the Home for Sick and Dying Babies. Our team together experienced highs and lows that knit us closer together. We’ve laughed and cried today and it has been wonderful. We all see God at work in Haiti, in us and through us, for His glory! -Sharon L.

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 2

Wow! What a day! The Lord has shown our team so much. Today was a water day in which we went to three different areas to deliver fresh water to the beautiful, Haitian people. We also visited Haitian Initiative which is an outdoor space for children to play soccer. Our hearts have become so tender, the children here crave our attention and we crave the Lord’s guidance. It is hard to see such kind-hearted people under these circumstances; however, we know the Lord cares deeply for each one of them and will see them through their hardships. Continue to pray for mercy and guidance as we continue this opportunity we have be given to serve. -Morgan

My word, today was BUSY, but very rewarding. The Haitian people, especially children, are overwhelmingly in need of water and love, which we got to provide today in Cite Soleil (Site So-Lay). We stopped at three different locations, and at each one there were endless lines of people with buckets, barrels, and bowls to get water in. While some got the water into the buckets, the others played with the children. We practically had to peel the children off of us in order to leave! All of our hearts are so filled with compassion for these communities, and while it was sad to see, we have seen the Lord working through us and bringing more happiness to these people. To finish our day, we visited Haiti Initiative, which is a soccer club for boys and girls that make a certain grade in their school. They are a competitive soccer club and the most talented boys and girls travel to Minnesota for the World Championship! We attempted to play soccer with them, but they mostly giggled at us in our efforts. (: We are all exhausted and ready to get some rest, but our hearts are thankful and hopeful for the rest of the week! Thank you for all of your prayers! -Sidney