Day 5 - Elderly Visits, Grace Village and Fleri Resto

This morning began a little earlier than usual, as a majority of the group decided to attend a local church down the road, Church on the Rock. The sun was just beginning to rise around 6 a.m. as we walked to church, so the weather was cool and breezy which made for a nice walk as the Delmas neighborhood began to wake up. Speaking from personal experience, the service was incredible and moving. There is something extra special and beautiful about worshiping God in a new environment and experiencing a different culture in a new way. In addition to this, our group as a whole felt so welcomed by the Haitians in their church. It was wonderful being united as Christians with just one purpose, despite our different backgrounds and stories.

After church and a delicious (as usual) breakfast, we loaded up onto the tap-tap to visit the elders of Titanyen. Healing Haiti does an amazing job of pouring into and supporting the elders of Titanyen. We were able to make four different stops – Eliphet, Vertilia, Viergelie, Dieufort, and Pierre and Lauremise, and all of the elders were gracious and welcoming as our group came to their homes. With each visit, we were able to wash the hands and feet of the elders, sing songs, and simply enjoy their presence. What a humbling experience to be able to serve some of the strongest, most faithful people I have ever met!

      Following the visits with elders, we took a tour of Grace Village, an amazing initiative started by Healing Haiti in order to promote education, healthy lives, and the love of God in the lives of children in Titanyen. We then finished off a very hot day with a relaxing evening and delicious dinner at Fleri restaurant. Fleri means “flourish” in French. The passion and joy of everyone working at Fleri is so obvious, and it made the experience that much more enjoyable. Fleri focuses on job creation in Titanyen and has been successful in doing so. It is also a growing business that is supporting Haitians through sustainable means.

     Overall, today was incredible from start to finish. As the week winds down, we are beginning to reflect on the week and are realizing personal growth through serving other people. This is just an added bonus to the joy that comes from making connections with Haitians daily and serving God through serving His people. We just ended our night with amazing team bonding and an adventure involving a mouse in the guest house.

That concludes day 5!

-Moriah

Day 4 of Service

Hello again from Haiti! Today we had a great opportunity to visit and support three small businesses that are making a large impact on Haiti's economy and the lives of their Haitian workers. We began our fourth day with a tour and shopping opportunity at Peace Cycle. Peace Cycle is an organization that takes trash off of the streets and creates good-quality, useful products. Many Haitians drink their water out of small, plastic pouches. They are very convenient, but end up polluting the streets and ocean. I was blown away when we were informed that approximately 8 million of these pouches are left as trash on the ground daily. Peace Cycle acknowledges this as an issue, but optimistically views this problem as an opportunity. Through the process of gathering these bags, washing, cutting, ironing, and sewing them, they are transformed into a variety of items such as bags, wallets, pouches, Christmas stockings, passport pouches, and even aprons. The woman who started Peace Cycle, Rose, really stresses that the employees walk away each day with dignity for what they do. All of the employees are learning to speak some English and were able to introduce themselves. Afterward, each person from our team did the same. When we are able to make a connection, the relationship between our team members and the employees changes. We are able to be on common ground and they do not feel as if they are on display. After we were given a tour, I was able to join Kevin and our translator to communicate with the workers a bit more. They really are proud of what they do at Peace Cycle. It warms my heart to see how impactful this place is to the lives of many Haitians.

Next we stopped at an organization named Papillon. This company is a retail store that makes all of its own products onsite, and a yummy restaurant upstairs. Part of the tragic history of this poverty-stricken country is that many families cannot support their children. All too often this results in orphanages packed to capacity with kids who have living parents. Papillon's mission gives 250 Haitian parents a job that pays enough to keep their families together.  During a tour of their facility we learned how they make pottery, fun clothing, metal art, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Their commitment to Haiti's long term economic health provides a wonderful promise to the future Haitian families.

After Papillon we made a short trip down the street to SaVoix, a small company which translates to "Her Voice".  They are a small start-up business owned by an American woman making high end baskets, bags, and key chains displaying their own art work. SaVoix employs women to help empower them with competitive wages and educational opportunities.  Their products certainly caught the eye of a number of people in our group.       

Our last visit of the day was at the For His Glory Orphanage.  This is where parents have historically surrendered their children hoping that they will have a better life. Oddly, being in an orphanage in Haiti is a coveted position because it almost guarantees the children will be fed and educated, and this orphanage was a fine example of that.  The children were happy to see us but there was a difference in their neediness.  They were freshly bathed and dressed in nice clothes.  Our visit started organically by playing peek-a-boo and tickle the tummy.  Our team was charmed by the fun loving kids who often smiled and giggled with delight.  We eventually worked our way to an upstairs classroom for reading bible verses about how Jesus has known them since before they were born.  The kids then had a chance to make bracelets with their names on them that would remind them that Jesus loved them.  They reacted so enthusiastically to this activity smiling broadly and hanging on to them proudly when finished.  One of the most endearing children was a special needs teen named Mima. She had her beads in hand but wasn't clear about what needed to be done next.  With just a small amount of direction she completed her bracelet on her own.  We will never forget Mima's bright smile as we congratulated her on her wonderful accomplishment. She vigorously threw her arms around necks giving hugs to everyone nearby by as we said Jezi renmen ou (Jesus loves you) Mima!

-Danielle and Kevin

Living Water

After a great breakfast and devotion, we boarded the Tap Tap and headed to Fleri farms. We took a tour of the plantation and enjoyed some fresh coconut water. It was exciting to see and hear about the future of farm and job creation through Healing Haiti. Big plans still come.

The day we've all been eager for, water truck day. We proceeded to Cite Soilel to deliver clean water to the hundreds of Haitians at three different locations. At our first stop, we all experienced the overwhelming desperation of the children. Many of us had multiple kids trying to fight for their attention and touch. We all gave as much as we could to share God's love. Additionally, there were women and children desperately trying to obtain water for their families while the men stood behind in the background observing. A few of the first timers were curious as to why very few to almost no men help to carry these heavy buckets to their homes. This is an example of how status can still exist in the most poorest slums in the world. By far, this was the hardest stop of the day.

Close by was Hope School where we "thought" we were going to take a break but ended up getting bombarded by hundreds of children attending vacation bible school. As soon as the kids heard us coming they stopped their crafts and activities and stampeded through the gate and began to again, aggressively fight for our attention. We were exhausted but ready to show our strength by loving as many children as we could.  No rest for us! We continued and walked to the second site to start again. This stop was a completely different experience. People were helpful, gracious, and children were aware of boundaries, respectfully walking along side us if our hands were full. Furthermore, there was more order with the buckets along the line. Despite being desperate for something we take advantage of daily, they were able to find order and structure in the process of filling and delivering buckets. By far best stop of the day! Then we got to experience the water filling where trucks line up to refill their tanks. We got a break and had some snacks. Some people decided to clean up a bit by running under the huge streams of water that fill the trucks. How refreshing!

On to the third and final stop of the day. Upon arrival, children  were chasing us yelling with big smiles, "Hey You! Hey You!" Once the locals cleared the street for our trucks to park, people quickly came out of their homes with their buckets ready for the water. Desperation quickly arose again as they know there is only so much water to go around. Working the line at this site was difficult. The line is where we hold the hose, get the buckets in line, fill the buckets and get them out of the way as quickly as possible so the least amount of water is wasted. One tough job. We had to battle being strict with people trying to budge and being sympathetic to their desperate needs. I mean water is life. The team actually had to turn the water off multiple times to get some structure with the line. On another note there were great conversations with the people throughout the day. For example, one experienced a conversation with a Haitian English teacher that wanted to learn more about Healing Haiti. We shared how we love God and love all people. The team recognized that ministering to teens and adults is just as important as to the children, we all need God's love. Its amazing how those with little personal items find a way to put God first in their lives. "There is big difference between spiritual poverty and material poverty." These people are not lacking spiritually.

To finish off our day Cite Soleil we drove and walked to the pier where young boys swam in the mucky ocean water. We sat and enjoyed the ocean and mountain views while we processed all the emotions and thoughts we experienced today.

-Molly, Nikki and Savannah

Day 2 - First Day of Service

This morning, after a delicious breakfast complete with eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, and oatmeal, our team went to our first serving opportunity of the week. Dios is a orphanage for special needs children. We got off the tap-tap and were immediately greeted with children with varying levels of mental and physical disabilities. With it being our first time serving this week, there was a lot of uncertainty and reservation from the group as a whole. The smiles, easy nature of the kids, and genuine desire for connection quickly melted any anxiety on the end of our group. The kids at Dios wanted so badly to be seen by, and to connect with, our team, that they did not care how we did it. For most it involved Play-Doh, bubbles, singing, playing ball, or simply being held. Though many of the children were non-verbal (not that the language barrier would have let us speak a lot with them anyway) our whole team remarked how deeply we were able to connect with the kids at Dios. 

After leaving Dios, we spent some of the afternoon at Haiti Design Co., a shop that features jewelry, clothing, and leather goods from local artisans. In total Haiti Design Co. employs about 100 Haitians, training them to become the best in their craft. The artisans are able to work for 2x minimum wage with health coverage (!!!!). Our team was able to tour their workshops, learn to make bracelets, eat and shop, and connect with some of the Haitians. This company is doing great work to help create jobs and livelihoods for those in Haiti, and if you are interested in supporting that check out their shop at http://haitidesignco.org/.

The last leg of our day, our team split in half to serve at two different locations. Half of us served at a family style orphanage called LaPherre. Our group enjoyed unplanned organic connection with the kids. We spent the first portion of our time playing a ball game that the kids invented, singing, having our hair braided, and simply sitting with the kids. We were surprised how easy it was to communicate with the kids as most of them spoke English. They shared tidbits about themselves- their names, how old they were, their favorite color. We led a group craft in which the kids made a keychain with their name on them. We shared verses with the kids (Psalm 139:13-14, Psalm 147:4-5, Isaiah 43:1) about how God planned for us before He created the world, He knitted us together in our Mother's womb, and He knows us by name. We enjoyed sharing a little bit of God's love for the kids we were with, and reminding them how important their name is. 

This afternoon, while half of our team was serving at LaPherre orphanage, the rest of us were able to experience a much different atmosphere at The Home for Sick and Dying Babies. Our time serving here was a roller-coaster of emotions to say the least. The Home for Sick and Dying Babies was not all how it sounds. We were holding a lot of severely sick children, but pure joy surrounded the room with genuine smiles and tummy giggles, and that is what filled our hearts with hope for them all. After spending those two hours giving endless amounts of hugs and kisses, helping with feeding time, changing dirty diapers, and so much more, it was hard to say our goodbyes but those are moments we will never forget. Although it was one of the most difficult experiences we have been part of, and I think the rest of our team would say the same, being able to give all of that love and affection those babies needed will hold a special place in our hearts. We will forever be grateful! There was a quote said by one of our team members, Kevin, we thought was a really good summary of the emotions felt today and really wanted to share it with you all "I never felt so needed yet so inadequate". With that said, we wish we could have given more, but we hope we were able to touch some of those lives today.

-Rachel & Sydney (Home for Sick and Dying)

-Kelsey & Chelsey (LaPherre)

Exhuberance

Philippians 4:6  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."

"Dad, will you go to Haiti with me".  My daughter Kelsey had invited me three times over several years to join her on a Healing Haiti service trip. Each time I found my excuse, all sounding valid enough to me as the words fell from my mouth.  My work schedule wouldn't allow it, I had planned out all of my vacation days for the year, or the heat and humidity wouldn't be something that I would deal well with. Convinced enough to say no, there was still something that rattled around in my heart as Kelsey would return with stories of incredible fulfillment and grace returned in much higher volumes than was given.  God was working on softening my heart.

Several months ago while sitting in church, words came faster than doubts could stop them.  Kelsey was happy to hear me tell her that this year I would finally join her.  However, there was a catch.  The trip was full.  True disappointment hit me, but she just looked at me and said "let's leave it in God's hands".  An hour later while leaving church we ran in to one of the trip leaders.  Volunteering my story to Alicia made her eyes light up and she told me a spot had just opened on the trip through a wide smile.  God was on the move!

The days passed quickly and this morning at 5 a.m. we boarded a plane in Minneapolis destined for 10 hours of travels including two connections.  God is with us and we arrived safely without any of a myriad of problems occurring that could have. Our group consists of 14 with a good mix of vets and rookies to Healing Haiti.  After dinner we discussed our day with each of us offering a word of the day.  Two words caught my attention. 

The first word is anticipation.  Political turmoil had caused the two Healing Haiti trips immediately ahead of ours to be cancelled, yet here we are.  Anxious anticipation was exactly what I felt in the weeks leading up to our trip.  But in the days just prior to leaving peace and joy began to creep in.  Second, connections.  Not the airport kind, but rather the spiritual kind.  Connectivity is something we all need in our lives.  It's good for the soul and the mind.  The age range in our group is 16 - 61... almost poetic.  Different ways of approaching our trip and how God works through us have been shared and connections are already starting.

Suddenly I realized that my anxious anticipation had turned into joyous anticipation.  My reservations had turned into exuberance.

Philippians 4:13  I have the strength to face all conditions through Christ and the power He gives me. 

-Kevin

Arrived safely in Port Au Prince!

Schauer/Kittleson Team Day 6

Good Evening!

You all may be hearing about what is happening here in Haiti. It sounds like things are settling down and starting to get cleared out. Our Haitian staff is keeping us very safe and is continuing to be on contact with others outside of our area of the guesthouse. Today, we spent the day at the guest house as some streets were still blocked. We were able to spend time as a team and continue to process and understand what we have seen this week through our work. As of now we are unsure of our plans for the morning and will wait to get official confirmation from our Haitian Director in the morning, his main concern is always our safety. We are all safe and well and feel that we will continue to be safe here in Haiti.

Thank you for all of your continued thoughts, prayers, and messages.

-Gabby and team

Schauer/Kittleson Team Day 6

Good Evening!

You all may be hearing about what is happening here in Haiti. It sounds like things are settling down and starting to get cleared out. Our Haitian staff is keeping us very safe and is continuing to be on contact with others outside of our area of the guesthouse. Today, we spent the day at the guest house as some streets were still blocked. We were able to spend time as a team and continue to process and understand what we have seen this week through our work. As of now we are unsure of our plans for the morning and will wait to get official confirmation from our Haitian Director in the morning, his main concern is always our safety. We are all safe and well and feel that we will continue to be safe here in Haiti.

Thank you for all of your continued thoughts, prayers, and messages.

-Gabby and team