Hello, everyone! Today was a crazy fun day. We first started at Stop #17 in Cite Soleil to play with all the kids. The face paint was a huge success - they couldn't get enough of it. We probably drew about 500 hearts on their arms, foreheads, and cheeks; but we loved every moment of it. After a couple hours of goofing around, we headed to Felri Farms. With 56 acres of land, we toured just a tiny sliver and got to see mangoes, coconuts, dragon fruits, pomegranates, and so much more. We even got to taste raw sugarcane. We held the puppy, ate lunch, and witnessed the miracles of the Healing Haiti farm. On the last stop of Day 4, we went to "For His Glory" orphanage. This was easily the highlight of my day. It was a very nice compound with several classrooms, a big playground, and loving nannies to feed and care for them. The children were so full of smiles and overjoyed to see us. As they played with the soccer ball, or slid down the slides, all I felt was an overwhelming amount of love that filled the air. The children varied in age and there were a couple special needs children that were full of laughter. Overall, it was an amazing day full of unforgettable experiences.
- Addie Sabados
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Journey of Faith Day 4 - Water Day #2 - Bondye beni ou - by Ryan McDowell
Today was water day #2 and in so many ways it felt climactic. It's as though all of the messages, themes, and lessons from the previous three days culminated in today's experience. It was certainly the pinnacle of our physical service!
After a day of acclimating Monday and an emotional day serving in various orphanages on Tuesday, we got our first taste of delivering water yesterday. With the exception of the few who had served in Haiti previously, none of us knew quite what to expect, but needless to say we were all overtaken with various emotions - joy, love, humility, frustration, wonder. Personally, I was moved by the hope and optimism of the children, epitomized by one word: Jeff.
In my quest to practice Haitian Creole, I have been speaking with the children, asking their names, how old they are, and how they are doing. Without fail yesterday, the kids replied "pa pi mal", which means "not too bad". All except one kid. An eleven year old boy finally replied "mwen byen" - I am good. But it wasn't just the fact that he was so upbeat that touched me (despite a serious skin condition which he casually indicated), it was the way he smiled and pointed to Hope Church, saying, "Jeff".
Jeff Gacek is the founder of Healing Haiti and, while I won't go into the story behind the organization, Healing Haiti has provided a church, a school, and soon a clinic to a neighborhood in desperate need. And with all of this, it has brought hope to this little boy and so many others nearby.
In our group conversations and prayer last night and this morning we discussed the role of religion in providing hope and greater purpose and noted the transformation of the neighborhoods in which there were churches and schools. The leaders who have been here before attested firsthand to the progress and development they've witnessed in these neighborhoods over the last several years. Hope Church embodies this purpose and the need for God's presence.
These discussions and observations seemed to segue perfectly into this morning's devotional. Before embarking on our mission today we studied the role of righteousness in our relationship with Jesus, which served as a timely reminder of not only what we are called here to do, but more specifically HOW we are called to do it.
Righteousness ultimately has 3 pillars: legal, moral, and social. Legal righteousness is simply abiding by the commandments and the law. Moral righteousness deals with the heart, mind, and motives from within. But the third pillar, social righteousness, is more complex and deals with spreading God's love and Jesus' message in a way that is not boastful, self-righteous, or self-defeating. For example, rather than lecturing people on practicing Christianity and bemoaning their sins, build them a church, feed them, heal them, and educate them.
Today, in particular, it was our mission to spread the word through service - although we only had three trucks full of water and not enough time to build a church, let alone a school and a clinic :)
Coming off the heels of our experience yesterday, the group was cohesive and well-coordinated. With the additional (and invaluable) help of locals Max & Jonas, it seemingly couldn't have gone smoother. The lines were orderly, the process was refined, and there was not much fanfare; however, that calm was tested during our next two stops.
At the next stop it seemed as though the crowd was a bit more spirited, with some angst growing among the people. A small fight broke out between two young boys, which was quickly broken up, but you could see the forces working against us. By the third stop, those forces were fully palpable.
The third and final stop was far and away the most challenging. As our leader, Ray, put it, there was certainly spiritual warfare taking place. Through it all though, the team remained calm and delivered more than just water. We continued to deliver the message of Jesus and that we were here in his name with love in our hearts. Incredibly, each time we spoke these words anger turned to joy and scowls turned to smiles. Personally, I told every kid I met today "Bondye beni ou" (God Bless You), and I will forever remember the glow on each of their faces.
Today was a day I will never forget for so many reasons. It was physically grueling and uniquely intense, but it was the fulfillment of the mission that will stay with me forever. While our literal purpose was to deliver water, the greater cause was to deliver the message of Jesus' love. And while one can self-righteously and dogmatically profess this message, it is better delivered by service and demonstration. I truly believe that the glow on the children's faces (among so many other signs) was the receipt and understanding of that message. Though today felt somewhat climactic, I think we are just now realizing our purpose and I am excited to build on it these next few days.
Bondye beni ou,
Ryan
After a day of acclimating Monday and an emotional day serving in various orphanages on Tuesday, we got our first taste of delivering water yesterday. With the exception of the few who had served in Haiti previously, none of us knew quite what to expect, but needless to say we were all overtaken with various emotions - joy, love, humility, frustration, wonder. Personally, I was moved by the hope and optimism of the children, epitomized by one word: Jeff.
In my quest to practice Haitian Creole, I have been speaking with the children, asking their names, how old they are, and how they are doing. Without fail yesterday, the kids replied "pa pi mal", which means "not too bad". All except one kid. An eleven year old boy finally replied "mwen byen" - I am good. But it wasn't just the fact that he was so upbeat that touched me (despite a serious skin condition which he casually indicated), it was the way he smiled and pointed to Hope Church, saying, "Jeff".
Jeff Gacek is the founder of Healing Haiti and, while I won't go into the story behind the organization, Healing Haiti has provided a church, a school, and soon a clinic to a neighborhood in desperate need. And with all of this, it has brought hope to this little boy and so many others nearby.
In our group conversations and prayer last night and this morning we discussed the role of religion in providing hope and greater purpose and noted the transformation of the neighborhoods in which there were churches and schools. The leaders who have been here before attested firsthand to the progress and development they've witnessed in these neighborhoods over the last several years. Hope Church embodies this purpose and the need for God's presence.
These discussions and observations seemed to segue perfectly into this morning's devotional. Before embarking on our mission today we studied the role of righteousness in our relationship with Jesus, which served as a timely reminder of not only what we are called here to do, but more specifically HOW we are called to do it.
Righteousness ultimately has 3 pillars: legal, moral, and social. Legal righteousness is simply abiding by the commandments and the law. Moral righteousness deals with the heart, mind, and motives from within. But the third pillar, social righteousness, is more complex and deals with spreading God's love and Jesus' message in a way that is not boastful, self-righteous, or self-defeating. For example, rather than lecturing people on practicing Christianity and bemoaning their sins, build them a church, feed them, heal them, and educate them.
Today, in particular, it was our mission to spread the word through service - although we only had three trucks full of water and not enough time to build a church, let alone a school and a clinic :)
Coming off the heels of our experience yesterday, the group was cohesive and well-coordinated. With the additional (and invaluable) help of locals Max & Jonas, it seemingly couldn't have gone smoother. The lines were orderly, the process was refined, and there was not much fanfare; however, that calm was tested during our next two stops.
At the next stop it seemed as though the crowd was a bit more spirited, with some angst growing among the people. A small fight broke out between two young boys, which was quickly broken up, but you could see the forces working against us. By the third stop, those forces were fully palpable.
The third and final stop was far and away the most challenging. As our leader, Ray, put it, there was certainly spiritual warfare taking place. Through it all though, the team remained calm and delivered more than just water. We continued to deliver the message of Jesus and that we were here in his name with love in our hearts. Incredibly, each time we spoke these words anger turned to joy and scowls turned to smiles. Personally, I told every kid I met today "Bondye beni ou" (God Bless You), and I will forever remember the glow on each of their faces.
Today was a day I will never forget for so many reasons. It was physically grueling and uniquely intense, but it was the fulfillment of the mission that will stay with me forever. While our literal purpose was to deliver water, the greater cause was to deliver the message of Jesus' love. And while one can self-righteously and dogmatically profess this message, it is better delivered by service and demonstration. I truly believe that the glow on the children's faces (among so many other signs) was the receipt and understanding of that message. Though today felt somewhat climactic, I think we are just now realizing our purpose and I am excited to build on it these next few days.
Bondye beni ou,
Ryan
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Day 2: Papillion, Le Phare, and Mother Teresa's
Hi everyone! My name is Ariana and today we visited Papillion, LePhare, and Mother Teresa's. Papillion was founded by an American woman who came to Haiti to adopt a child and during the process realized how many people don't want to give up their babies, but they have to because they can't provide. We received a tour at Papillion and were told about the free childcare the mothers receive and how Papillion employs approximately 250 Haitians. It was neat seeing how the beads are made and we were able to buy a lot of things in the gift shop! After Papillion we went to an orphanage called LePhare where we were greeted with a welcome song from the kids. Knowing they took the time to learn a song and sing it to us was very special. During our time there we painted the kids nails, played with chalk and bubbles, jumped rope, and had a lot of fun with face paint. It was uplifting to see these kids having fun and see the smiles on their faces. We then left the orphanage and went to the Home for the Sick and Dying Babies. Home for the Sick and Dying Babies has two rooms, both of them full of cribs holding sick children that were dropped off by their parents because they didn't have the means to take care of them. A lot of the parents visit and take their child back when they are better, but there are some orphans that are left behind. We were able to hold the children without IV's and could even bring them outside to play with them. It was heartbreaking to see these kids so helpless but also uplifting when we saw kids comforting other kids and helping each other. All of these children were so content to just be held and loved on and it was a very eye opening experience. Leaving the Home for the Sick and Dying Babies was difficult because they all cried when we put them back in their cribs and left, but I know Home for the Sick and Dying Babies will be an experience we won't forget. Day 2 was a success and I hope this week continues to be as great as it has started out!
-Ariana
-Ariana
Journey of Faith Haiti Trip Day 3 - Shannon Maier
Today was our first Water Day of trip!! And what an incredible experience it was!!
To be honest, I woke up with such mixed emotions. I felt excitement and was eager to share in the day that God had in store for us, but also I felt nervous and a bit of fearful. The nerves totally caught me off guard, as the clean water initiative that Healing Haiti has built is one of the main reasons why I decided to come on this trip. God has blessed me with a hospitable heart, so meeting the basic needs of others is something that pulls at my heart strings in intense and emotional ways. This was the moment that I have been waiting for, to live out my God given gifts and to share His love with others, but I just couldn't stop thinking, 'I don't know if I can do this? What if I fail?'
As we embarked out for our first water stop, in our always exciting ride on Tap Tap vehicle, I took a moment to focus my attention on the presence of God and He gifted me with Psalm 73:26 'My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever'. A dear friend shared this wonderful promise with me right before I left on this trip. It is one that I have been meditating on throughout the journey, thus far. When I said the words over and over, I was reminded that I am eternally accepted just as God made me, nerves and all, and it was a reminder that I would fall back on over and over again as the day continued.
The first stop, in City Soleil, was right outside Hope Church and we visited the pier area for our second. At both stops, I was startled with how fast the water started flowing, how many buckets were being filled, and the life felt all around us. Darling kids came running up to us all, asking to be held and have their picture taken, or to help carry filled water buckets to their houses. It was a beautiful whirlwind!
Instantly you could see the joy, hope, and life we were able to bring to so many lives. I think I picked up my first three children and buckets purely on adrenaline! The heaviness of the bucket was definitely felt by bucket number 4 both times. WOW was it heavy!!! I came to find out, at the end of the day, that each bucket probably weighed close to 37 pounds, which is well above my max lifting weight. At those moments, the previous nerves started to flood in that 'I just can't do this'...'I am, obviously, not strong enough, at least physically!' But God, just as He promised, reminded me of Psalm 73:26. It didn't matter how fast or slow I was carrying that bucket, whether water was splashing everywhere or not, the only thing that matter was I was trying to carry that bucket to bring God glory and to share His love with others. He would get me to where I needed to be in His strength. What unconditional acceptance! From there, I was able to carry a few more buckets, with the help of one of my teammates (way easier to work in pairs!...should have thought of that earlier), and pick up a hand full of sweet Haitian children along that way.
Water Day 1 surpassed my expectations on so many levels. The hearts I got to touch, which also touched mine, the act of service I was able to be apart of for the City Soleil community, and just experiencing the beautiful island down by the water with one of the cutest Haitian children was just too much! Water Day number 2 is tomorrow, so I will take the lessons learned from the first day, along with Psalm 73:26 to hold that close to my heart.
One more share...in between both water stops, we had the opportunity to visit the Hope Church facility. One of our leaders, this evening, called Hope Church an anchor for Christ in City Soleil, and it totally struck me cause that description does not fall short of the impact that this place is making on the community around it. When we walked onto the property, I instantly felt an overwhelming feeling of hope that only Christ can bring to life. This place is not only creating and growing hope in the local community, but also for all the missionaries that step onto their grounds. I am looking forward to hear and witness what God continues to do through that property for the Haitian people and His kingdom.
To be honest, I woke up with such mixed emotions. I felt excitement and was eager to share in the day that God had in store for us, but also I felt nervous and a bit of fearful. The nerves totally caught me off guard, as the clean water initiative that Healing Haiti has built is one of the main reasons why I decided to come on this trip. God has blessed me with a hospitable heart, so meeting the basic needs of others is something that pulls at my heart strings in intense and emotional ways. This was the moment that I have been waiting for, to live out my God given gifts and to share His love with others, but I just couldn't stop thinking, 'I don't know if I can do this? What if I fail?'
As we embarked out for our first water stop, in our always exciting ride on Tap Tap vehicle, I took a moment to focus my attention on the presence of God and He gifted me with Psalm 73:26 'My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever'. A dear friend shared this wonderful promise with me right before I left on this trip. It is one that I have been meditating on throughout the journey, thus far. When I said the words over and over, I was reminded that I am eternally accepted just as God made me, nerves and all, and it was a reminder that I would fall back on over and over again as the day continued.
The first stop, in City Soleil, was right outside Hope Church and we visited the pier area for our second. At both stops, I was startled with how fast the water started flowing, how many buckets were being filled, and the life felt all around us. Darling kids came running up to us all, asking to be held and have their picture taken, or to help carry filled water buckets to their houses. It was a beautiful whirlwind!
Instantly you could see the joy, hope, and life we were able to bring to so many lives. I think I picked up my first three children and buckets purely on adrenaline! The heaviness of the bucket was definitely felt by bucket number 4 both times. WOW was it heavy!!! I came to find out, at the end of the day, that each bucket probably weighed close to 37 pounds, which is well above my max lifting weight. At those moments, the previous nerves started to flood in that 'I just can't do this'...'I am, obviously, not strong enough, at least physically!' But God, just as He promised, reminded me of Psalm 73:26. It didn't matter how fast or slow I was carrying that bucket, whether water was splashing everywhere or not, the only thing that matter was I was trying to carry that bucket to bring God glory and to share His love with others. He would get me to where I needed to be in His strength. What unconditional acceptance! From there, I was able to carry a few more buckets, with the help of one of my teammates (way easier to work in pairs!...should have thought of that earlier), and pick up a hand full of sweet Haitian children along that way.
Water Day 1 surpassed my expectations on so many levels. The hearts I got to touch, which also touched mine, the act of service I was able to be apart of for the City Soleil community, and just experiencing the beautiful island down by the water with one of the cutest Haitian children was just too much! Water Day number 2 is tomorrow, so I will take the lessons learned from the first day, along with Psalm 73:26 to hold that close to my heart.
One more share...in between both water stops, we had the opportunity to visit the Hope Church facility. One of our leaders, this evening, called Hope Church an anchor for Christ in City Soleil, and it totally struck me cause that description does not fall short of the impact that this place is making on the community around it. When we walked onto the property, I instantly felt an overwhelming feeling of hope that only Christ can bring to life. This place is not only creating and growing hope in the local community, but also for all the missionaries that step onto their grounds. I am looking forward to hear and witness what God continues to do through that property for the Haitian people and His kingdom.
Day 1: Elder School, Hope Church and Water Truck Day!
We were blessed with an amazing first day in Cite Soleil! First, we stopped at Elder school, where we were greeted by what seemed like a million bright smiling faces. The children ranged from about age 3 to 18. They took us on a tour of their school and concluded with a dance party on the top floor. We joined in song and dance as we got to get a first glimpse of what life is like for a child living in Haiti. After we said our goodbyes, we headed to our first water truck stop. As soon as we got off the tap-tap, a bunch of kids came running towards us. We helped little boys, little girls, mothers, and grandmas carry water buckets to their homes. By the end of the day, all our arms were sore and we couldn't believe how people carry that much everyday! Next, we headed to Hope church, which is a church that also operates as a school. The children literally tackled our group members to the ground when they first saw us. We danced and even did some pushups with them. On our next water truck stop, we ventured to the pier. Again, we were surrounded by tons of little workers. The children were so excited to see us, and some made sure to put us to work! It was amazing seeing how the children's faces lit up when you picked them up. The children impressed us with their working skills, but we were blown away by the amount of joy they displayed, despite the living circumstances. We all went to bed exhausted, but smiles were everywhere to be seen.
-Kristina Collins
We were blessed with an amazing first day in Cite Soleil! First, we stopped at Elder school, where we were greeted by what seemed like a million bright smiling faces. The children ranged from about age 3 to 18. They took us on a tour of their school and concluded with a dance party on the top floor. We joined in song and dance as we got to get a first glimpse of what life is like for a child living in Haiti. After we said our goodbyes, we headed to our first water truck stop. As soon as we got off the tap-tap, a bunch of kids came running towards us. We helped little boys, little girls, mothers, and grandmas carry water buckets to their homes. By the end of the day, all our arms were sore and we couldn't believe how people carry that much everyday! Next, we headed to Hope church, which is a church that also operates as a school. The children literally tackled our group members to the ground when they first saw us. We danced and even did some pushups with them. On our next water truck stop, we ventured to the pier. Again, we were surrounded by tons of little workers. The children were so excited to see us, and some made sure to put us to work! It was amazing seeing how the children's faces lit up when you picked them up. The children impressed us with their working skills, but we were blown away by the amount of joy they displayed, despite the living circumstances. We all went to bed exhausted, but smiles were everywhere to be seen.
-Kristina Collins
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Day 2 Blog by Paul Kawashiri
Healing Haiti Mission Trip | Day 2 | May 29, 2018
-Paul Kawashiri
Jesus. Peace. Touch. Joy. Affection.
"He only who is reduced to nothing himself, and relies on the mercy of God, is poor in spirit"
After a long day catching the red eye and traveling to Port Au-Prince the day before, most of us rose this morning feeling refreshed after a good nights rest, some breakfast and fresh Haitian brew we call "jet fuel". We began the day with our first team devotional and discussed putting all of our trust in God. I thought it was fitting, being in another country, not speaking the language and not knowing what really lies on the other side of the walls of the our residence at the Healing Haiti Guest House. All I knew was that we were going to be visiting two orphanages and a children's hospital leaving everything else up to God.
The first orphanage we visited was called "Home Sweet Home", an orphanage not far from the guest house in Port Au-Prince. We traveled on the graveled roads and some paved roads in what we call a "Tap Tap", more like "Trap Trap" to me since its like riding in a cage in back of a truck. At Home Sweet Home we were greeted by four tiny orphans around the ages of 2-3 years old. One girl and three boys. As we unloaded a box full of rubber and plastic balls, bottles of bubbles, crayons and coloring books, and chalk, the children just stared at us probably wondering who were were, maybe a little scared, and stood almost frigid against the railing of the gazebo. We tried to break the ice with blowing up the plastic balls and bouncing the rubber balls and passing them around. They eventually warmed up to us and began hitting and throwing the balls back to us not long before seeing a flood of children dressed up in bright yellow uniform tops, running and screaming, with big bright smiles. One little boy just came right up to me, a perfect stranger from Southern California, and gave me a big hug on my leg, looked up at me with his bright eyes and smiled. Wow. Just imagining this place, poverty stricken, a far cry from all the comforts we enjoy in Southern California, he had joy in his eyes just to see me. We left after enjoying some play time with about 20 kids there until recess time was over. "Joy" is the word that came to mind as I left. The joy on all the children's faces I saw as we engaged with them. No words were exchanged. Just something simple as giving them attention and acknowledgement gave them joy as it did me.
The next orphanage we visited was called, "For His Glory". This time I did double duty and picked up the camera and took photos between playing with the kids. This place had a slightly different feel. Some kids had on uniforms and but most did not. Again, we played ball games, colored, held hands, carried and held some of the children craving attention and affection. The pay yard was halfway filled with colorful clothes hanging on the clothes line drying in the warm wind. One little girl took off Bruce's glasses and weren't sure he was going to get them back. They looked better on her face than his anyways. haha...The happiness in that moment really spoke to me.
The last place we went to was the children's hospital called "Mother Theresa". We had to put on Healing Haiti aprons since these were infants we were visiting. We entered a room filled with babies in little cribs. There were about 48 infants laying in cribs and we had just arrived for feeding time. I jumped right in and grabbed a bowl of what looked like porridge and began spoon feeding a little girl who was about one years old if not younger. After I fed her, there were other infants around that I also wanted to attend to. I held and comforted a few infants, even though I wanted to hold all of them. One boy just would not let go of me and cried as I put him down. They just wanted attention, affection, love, comfort, and some laughter. It just reminded me that sometimes all we need is a little care and attention. I felt that God sent me there just for that moment for them. To answer that moment they needed for attention and a little love.
Today was our second day, but our first day in the field. What a blessing it is to be here, to serve in whatever capacity I can. I had no expectations coming here to Haiti, but today was all about seeing joy on the faces of the children, a sense of peace, touch, and showing lots of affection. Thank you for sending us your support and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers! ~Paul K
-Paul Kawashiri
Jesus. Peace. Touch. Joy. Affection.
"He only who is reduced to nothing himself, and relies on the mercy of God, is poor in spirit"
After a long day catching the red eye and traveling to Port Au-Prince the day before, most of us rose this morning feeling refreshed after a good nights rest, some breakfast and fresh Haitian brew we call "jet fuel". We began the day with our first team devotional and discussed putting all of our trust in God. I thought it was fitting, being in another country, not speaking the language and not knowing what really lies on the other side of the walls of the our residence at the Healing Haiti Guest House. All I knew was that we were going to be visiting two orphanages and a children's hospital leaving everything else up to God.
The first orphanage we visited was called "Home Sweet Home", an orphanage not far from the guest house in Port Au-Prince. We traveled on the graveled roads and some paved roads in what we call a "Tap Tap", more like "Trap Trap" to me since its like riding in a cage in back of a truck. At Home Sweet Home we were greeted by four tiny orphans around the ages of 2-3 years old. One girl and three boys. As we unloaded a box full of rubber and plastic balls, bottles of bubbles, crayons and coloring books, and chalk, the children just stared at us probably wondering who were were, maybe a little scared, and stood almost frigid against the railing of the gazebo. We tried to break the ice with blowing up the plastic balls and bouncing the rubber balls and passing them around. They eventually warmed up to us and began hitting and throwing the balls back to us not long before seeing a flood of children dressed up in bright yellow uniform tops, running and screaming, with big bright smiles. One little boy just came right up to me, a perfect stranger from Southern California, and gave me a big hug on my leg, looked up at me with his bright eyes and smiled. Wow. Just imagining this place, poverty stricken, a far cry from all the comforts we enjoy in Southern California, he had joy in his eyes just to see me. We left after enjoying some play time with about 20 kids there until recess time was over. "Joy" is the word that came to mind as I left. The joy on all the children's faces I saw as we engaged with them. No words were exchanged. Just something simple as giving them attention and acknowledgement gave them joy as it did me.
The next orphanage we visited was called, "For His Glory". This time I did double duty and picked up the camera and took photos between playing with the kids. This place had a slightly different feel. Some kids had on uniforms and but most did not. Again, we played ball games, colored, held hands, carried and held some of the children craving attention and affection. The pay yard was halfway filled with colorful clothes hanging on the clothes line drying in the warm wind. One little girl took off Bruce's glasses and weren't sure he was going to get them back. They looked better on her face than his anyways. haha...The happiness in that moment really spoke to me.
The last place we went to was the children's hospital called "Mother Theresa". We had to put on Healing Haiti aprons since these were infants we were visiting. We entered a room filled with babies in little cribs. There were about 48 infants laying in cribs and we had just arrived for feeding time. I jumped right in and grabbed a bowl of what looked like porridge and began spoon feeding a little girl who was about one years old if not younger. After I fed her, there were other infants around that I also wanted to attend to. I held and comforted a few infants, even though I wanted to hold all of them. One boy just would not let go of me and cried as I put him down. They just wanted attention, affection, love, comfort, and some laughter. It just reminded me that sometimes all we need is a little care and attention. I felt that God sent me there just for that moment for them. To answer that moment they needed for attention and a little love.
Today was our second day, but our first day in the field. What a blessing it is to be here, to serve in whatever capacity I can. I had no expectations coming here to Haiti, but today was all about seeing joy on the faces of the children, a sense of peace, touch, and showing lots of affection. Thank you for sending us your support and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers! ~Paul K
Journey of Faith Day 2 by Camie Neece
We spent the day loving on kids and it was incredible! We first visited a creche (an orphanage where kids can be adopted in Haiti) called Home Sweet Home. We played ball, blew bubbles, colored, and held the kids. I was really impressed with the care this creche provided. All the kids go to school and are fed. They are building a new building on the property so that they can move from caring for 34 kids to 100 kids and they are also doing job training to help prevent women from needed to give their child up for adoption! It was really inspiring to see these kids and we had a lot of fun.
Next, we visited a second creche, For His Glory. This creche was a bit larger than the first (caring for 60 kids) and here the kids there seemed extra excited to see us! They raised their arms asking to be held and we all spent a lot of time with a kid in our arms (or in many cases several kids in our arms). In some ways holding children seems simple but it was what these kids needed. I broke down in tears leaving this creche as the kids did not want to be put down, but I was comforted seeing their great nannies pick them up, soothe them, and wave good-bye.
Visiting this second creche was especially meaningful for me personally. A while back my husband, Ryan McDowell, and I started the process of adopting a child through Haiti. This missions trip was unrelated to our adoption, and as we prepared for this trip people continuously asked us, "Are you going to go the any of the orphanages you could adopt from?" We always said, "no" as there are over 700 orphanages in Haiti. However, For His Glory is the primary orphanage affiliated with our adoption agency and we had no idea that is where we were going until we arrived! We got to meet the director (Frankie), see the creche we have been sending Christmas gifts to, and see the place where our future child will possibly come from. Moreover, I spent some time this evening with Krista, the Healing Haiti missionary on site here in Haiti, and she said a lot of encouraging things about the creche. This adoption process as been (and will continue to be) messy, unpredictable, and confusing at times, but today, in a very supernatural way, God showed us he hears our prayers, that he will guide us through this process, and he also provided a few answers to our many questions, which we greatly appreciate.
Our last stop today was to a home for the sick and dying children. Here there were about 32 beds with children, some of whom appeared malnourished, some were on IVs, and some of them were getting better. We spent a few hours feeding these children, changing their diapers, giving them water, and holding them. I think for many people on our team this was a very emotional visit, as seeing sick children in a poor country is difficult. While the visit was hard (I welled up in tears as I started feeding my first child) it was also humbling. Many of us felt a great sense of humanity recognizing that we are all love and created by the same God. It was also great to see the care the nuns provided for these children and encouraging to know that many of these children do improve during their stay and they are able to return to their families.
In sum it was a great day! A lot of what I saw today was heartbreaking, but I am confident God is breaking my heart and rebuilding it to be more like his. Tomorrow we are delivering water to Citi Solie which should also be incredible. Stay tuned and keep praying for us!
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