God graced us with another beautiful day!
Our original plan was to visit the home for sick and dying adults and Mother Theresa’s (home for sick and dying children). So, we hopped on the tap tap around 9:30 this morning to head toward Carrefour only to find that traffic was BAD. Like, try four different routes and exercise patience for two hours, bad. Come to find out that there was a crane stuck on the power line; it made sense why traffic was a little crazy! I’m going to do my best to not complain about traffic back home ever again.
After realizing that we weren’t going to make it to Carrefour, we decided to go to Papillon. Papillon was created about seven years ago by an American who initially visited Haiti in 2007 to adopt a child who was put up for adoption by a family who didn’t have the financial means to care for them. This inspired her to create a place that created jobs for people so they can provide for their families - how cool is that!? Papillon is a restaurant/shop that started out with 40 employees and today now has 250+ Haitian employees on site and 50 offsite. Men and women who work there are provided with free childcare and preschool for their kids while working, which is also super amazing.
Once we had fueled up (on yummy pizza and frozen lemonade/smoothies), we got back on the tap tap and went to Mother Theresa’s. Our group was able to spend time with a lot of kids who were looking for a little love, which is exactly what they got! We were able to feed them lunch, play outside, read, and hold the babies/children, which was a really impactful experience for us. It didn’t matter that we didn’t speak the same language; love is a universal language that can break down many barriers.
Blessings!
Amanda
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
April 24th, 2018: Water truck, Farm and Hope Church and School
God has blessed us with an experience we will never forget!
Today was water truck day so we made three stops in Cité Soleil, one of the poorest cities, to deliver clean water. We carried buckets, held the water hose and played with kids. There are few words that can be used to describe what we saw and felt today. The Haitians line up buckets before we arrived and the kids flocked to the tap tap before we even opened the door! They were grateful for the water and for our help carrying the water buckets back to their homes. The kids were full of joy, many of them running to us to be held, play a game or be in a photo with us. The joy that spilled out of them, despite their circumstances, warmed our hearts.
In between water truck stops, we visited Healing Haiti’s farm. They grow bananas, limes, coconuts, egg plants and more. We played with the puppies, went on a tour of the farm and drank coconut water right out of the coconut; it was sweet and refreshing!
We also visited Hope Church and School, a beautiful church and school built on land that used to be piled high with garbage. The kids, all matching in their purple and white uniforms, were happy to see us and we were happy to see them getting the opportunity to go to school; it made us hopeful for what the future could hold for Cité Soleil.
Blessings!
Kaylin
Monday, April 23, 2018
April 23rd, 2018: Our First Day!
Joy, gratitude and peace are just a few of the words we can use to describe our day. We united as a team for the first time in Atlanta, Georgia; that is where we started to form a team bond that will undoubtedly last for many years to come.
Unfamiliarly smells filled our noses as many of us stepped into Haiti for the first time. We made our way through the lively crowd of people outside the airport and loaded our luggage onto the tap tap. After arriving at the guest house, we took a tour, played a little bean bag toss and ate dinner (tacos!). After dinner, several of us went to play and talk to the kids in the lot next to the guest house. We talked, laughed, sang and danced with them, which left them and us smiling from ear to ear! They were so inspiring!
As we reflected on our day, we realized how blessed we are to be here; God called us to be here and we are excited to see how He uses, changes and challenges us throughout the next week.
Blessings!
Kaylin
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Thursday, April 12
"Glory to God!''
These were among the words sung in Creole and English--exaltations lifted up to heaven from the homes of the Healing Haiti elders today. Our team, guided by Jonas and Valery, visited these precious people and sang hymns with them such as Amazing Grace, Praise Ye the Lord, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, and Glory to God.
We also washed their faces, arms, and legs. We massaged their shoulders and their hands. We laughed with them and danced with them. But it was the songs that I'm humming tonight, remembering the looks of joy on the faces of the elders who have come to think of Healing Haiti as Jesus' hands and feet.
Earlier in the day we visited Grace Village where Jake talked with us about how God has blessed the efforts of Healing Haiti with the success of Fleuri bakery and restaurant.
After visiting an orphanage where we played four-square, hopscotch, and colored in coloring books, with the children we got back in the tap tap to make our way home.
We shared dinner, devotionals, and prayer time with our leaders Lisa Olson and Barb Larson. We are now heading to our bunk beds where we'll fall asleep talking about the highlights of our day. We'll each have our own special moments to which we'll drift off to sleep. Mine will be the beautiful voices raised in perfect harmony giving Glory to God.
These were among the words sung in Creole and English--exaltations lifted up to heaven from the homes of the Healing Haiti elders today. Our team, guided by Jonas and Valery, visited these precious people and sang hymns with them such as Amazing Grace, Praise Ye the Lord, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, and Glory to God.
We also washed their faces, arms, and legs. We massaged their shoulders and their hands. We laughed with them and danced with them. But it was the songs that I'm humming tonight, remembering the looks of joy on the faces of the elders who have come to think of Healing Haiti as Jesus' hands and feet.
Earlier in the day we visited Grace Village where Jake talked with us about how God has blessed the efforts of Healing Haiti with the success of Fleuri bakery and restaurant.
After visiting an orphanage where we played four-square, hopscotch, and colored in coloring books, with the children we got back in the tap tap to make our way home.
We shared dinner, devotionals, and prayer time with our leaders Lisa Olson and Barb Larson. We are now heading to our bunk beds where we'll fall asleep talking about the highlights of our day. We'll each have our own special moments to which we'll drift off to sleep. Mine will be the beautiful voices raised in perfect harmony giving Glory to God.
Wednesday, April 11th
Patt Haroldson
Today was water truck day- we ventured in to Cite Soleil, 1 mile square in which 300,000 Haitians reside. No trees, no sanitation, no water. and all manner of shelter. It is divided in to districts which are neighborhoods of sorts. The debris that life generates is evident, the smell of dust and smoke is in the air and the clamor of people is every where. Despite the tough conditions, there is a sense of organization and desire to create a home. Healing Haiti (HH) brings water in to each of the districts of Cite Soleil 6 days a week- free, clean and precious. People, including very small children, gather with every imaginable container to be filled and taken back to their homes: barrels, buckets of every shape and size, bowls, tubs....
On days when a Healing Haiti team of volunteers comes, the people know they will have help carrying their water and the kids come in droves to be held, played with and today, just wanted some of us to sheta/sit with them. Being part of this team of women, several of whom have never been to Haiti or any 3rd world setting, worked together and dove right in. I spent most of the day under the water spout pulling buckets in to place and passing the filled ones out to the waiting people. At 1 stop I immediately noticed a very pregnant lady patiently waiting with 1 bucket. People had formed a line but many tried to squeeze in to the front - she just waited. The midwife in me could not help but go and take her bucket. I filled her bucket and we left together to carry it to her home. As we traveled back among the homes we came to a large puddle of water and debris and she stopped me, smiled and said 'no". She did not want me to have to cross the puddle. Kindness. Without words, we communicated much with smiles and "merci" and parted ways.
The truck refilled and returned to a 3 different areas times. We filled bucket after bucket until the entire tanker is empty. Water is life here. It is hard to actually describe in words. You'll have to wait for the pictures to understand.
Healing Haiti has built a trust based on a steadfast long term relationship. This legacy of trust made us immediately accepted. I marvel at the opportunity to be in places that give me an intimate view of Haitian life and to be allowed to serve there. I came here with an attitude that God has a gift, a lesson for me. I arrived open to what ever comes my way.- no expectations except that my life will be enriched, blessed. There is a joy in living a life open to God's touch and leading- no fear.
I have been to Haiti several times before but this is different. I have not spent time in the Port au Prince area before. I am with some really special women here and I am learning from them and laughing with them and know I am surrounded by encouragement and affirmation. Each of us has a story and being sisters in Christ and serving together has made us instant friends. We start the day with prayer and song and end the day, reflecting on what we've experienced
Haiti gets in to your heart, it is a hard place, yet I love being here. Life can be amazing outside of your comfort zone.
Patt Haroldson
Today was water truck day- we ventured in to Cite Soleil, 1 mile square in which 300,000 Haitians reside. No trees, no sanitation, no water. and all manner of shelter. It is divided in to districts which are neighborhoods of sorts. The debris that life generates is evident, the smell of dust and smoke is in the air and the clamor of people is every where. Despite the tough conditions, there is a sense of organization and desire to create a home. Healing Haiti (HH) brings water in to each of the districts of Cite Soleil 6 days a week- free, clean and precious. People, including very small children, gather with every imaginable container to be filled and taken back to their homes: barrels, buckets of every shape and size, bowls, tubs....
On days when a Healing Haiti team of volunteers comes, the people know they will have help carrying their water and the kids come in droves to be held, played with and today, just wanted some of us to sheta/sit with them. Being part of this team of women, several of whom have never been to Haiti or any 3rd world setting, worked together and dove right in. I spent most of the day under the water spout pulling buckets in to place and passing the filled ones out to the waiting people. At 1 stop I immediately noticed a very pregnant lady patiently waiting with 1 bucket. People had formed a line but many tried to squeeze in to the front - she just waited. The midwife in me could not help but go and take her bucket. I filled her bucket and we left together to carry it to her home. As we traveled back among the homes we came to a large puddle of water and debris and she stopped me, smiled and said 'no". She did not want me to have to cross the puddle. Kindness. Without words, we communicated much with smiles and "merci" and parted ways.
The truck refilled and returned to a 3 different areas times. We filled bucket after bucket until the entire tanker is empty. Water is life here. It is hard to actually describe in words. You'll have to wait for the pictures to understand.
Healing Haiti has built a trust based on a steadfast long term relationship. This legacy of trust made us immediately accepted. I marvel at the opportunity to be in places that give me an intimate view of Haitian life and to be allowed to serve there. I came here with an attitude that God has a gift, a lesson for me. I arrived open to what ever comes my way.- no expectations except that my life will be enriched, blessed. There is a joy in living a life open to God's touch and leading- no fear.
I have been to Haiti several times before but this is different. I have not spent time in the Port au Prince area before. I am with some really special women here and I am learning from them and laughing with them and know I am surrounded by encouragement and affirmation. Each of us has a story and being sisters in Christ and serving together has made us instant friends. We start the day with prayer and song and end the day, reflecting on what we've experienced
Haiti gets in to your heart, it is a hard place, yet I love being here. Life can be amazing outside of your comfort zone.
Tuesday, April 10
First full day,
This is team member Willi Pederson. It was wonderful to start this day seeing all of our team members finding little corners to do their own personal devotions. I love the hearts of my team members and it is a privilege watching them living out their personal time with the Lord. After breakfast we headed out in the TapTap to Teen Challenge. Riding the TapTap is an experience in itself! We all pile in the back of a Fed Ex size truck that has benches on the side and wire mesh up to the roof & hang on for the ride! Roads are very rough and bumpy and we are hanging on for dear life as we look out and see the Haitians "doing life". I saw a woman balancing 8 dozen eggs on her head walking up a steep hill. The physical strength and balance of Haitians is amazing!
At Teen Challenge we were introduced to the students and the programs. It is a 18 month program for teens who have come out life challenges hard to imagine. Most have been sexually abused and many orphaned. They grow up in an environment impossible for us as Westerners to comprehend. At Teen Challenge they learn what it is like to live with a roof over their head, protected physically, and learn to know Jesus learn life skills. They will stay there for 18 months and then go back to their communities to be the light of Jesus. Their joy was undeniable. I gave my personal testimony of redemption through an interpreter. The girls were on the edge of their seats & applauded when if finished. I wanted them to know I had made plenty of bad decisions in my life and how redeemed we all are. We are all, indeed, sisters in Christ.
Afterwards we treated the girls to manicures, pedicures & facials and the braided our hair. It was a sweet time of international sisterhood we will take into eternity. My heart was full as we left.
In the afternoon we went to orphanages where we fed & held babies and played with the older children. They had health issues - many very malnourished and so small for ages. Most are orphaned or abandoned. Touch is universal and all of them longed to be held. One particular little girl attached herself to me and called me mama. It made me weep - I physically could not be a mother, so to be called mama was a bigger gift than that little girl will ever know. At one point she crawled up my back & just wanted to play with my blonde hair. When I became overwhelmed, this sick little girl patted me on my back to comfort me. A moment in time etched in my memory forever.
At evening devotions we each shared memories of the day. Journeying with these sisters in Christ is another indescribable memory. For the first time since arriving, I slept soundly tonight after my cold water shower. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams.
First full day,
This is team member Willi Pederson. It was wonderful to start this day seeing all of our team members finding little corners to do their own personal devotions. I love the hearts of my team members and it is a privilege watching them living out their personal time with the Lord. After breakfast we headed out in the TapTap to Teen Challenge. Riding the TapTap is an experience in itself! We all pile in the back of a Fed Ex size truck that has benches on the side and wire mesh up to the roof & hang on for the ride! Roads are very rough and bumpy and we are hanging on for dear life as we look out and see the Haitians "doing life". I saw a woman balancing 8 dozen eggs on her head walking up a steep hill. The physical strength and balance of Haitians is amazing!
At Teen Challenge we were introduced to the students and the programs. It is a 18 month program for teens who have come out life challenges hard to imagine. Most have been sexually abused and many orphaned. They grow up in an environment impossible for us as Westerners to comprehend. At Teen Challenge they learn what it is like to live with a roof over their head, protected physically, and learn to know Jesus learn life skills. They will stay there for 18 months and then go back to their communities to be the light of Jesus. Their joy was undeniable. I gave my personal testimony of redemption through an interpreter. The girls were on the edge of their seats & applauded when if finished. I wanted them to know I had made plenty of bad decisions in my life and how redeemed we all are. We are all, indeed, sisters in Christ.
Afterwards we treated the girls to manicures, pedicures & facials and the braided our hair. It was a sweet time of international sisterhood we will take into eternity. My heart was full as we left.
In the afternoon we went to orphanages where we fed & held babies and played with the older children. They had health issues - many very malnourished and so small for ages. Most are orphaned or abandoned. Touch is universal and all of them longed to be held. One particular little girl attached herself to me and called me mama. It made me weep - I physically could not be a mother, so to be called mama was a bigger gift than that little girl will ever know. At one point she crawled up my back & just wanted to play with my blonde hair. When I became overwhelmed, this sick little girl patted me on my back to comfort me. A moment in time etched in my memory forever.
At evening devotions we each shared memories of the day. Journeying with these sisters in Christ is another indescribable memory. For the first time since arriving, I slept soundly tonight after my cold water shower. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams.
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