Day 5 - Elder Visits/Grace Village

Today we set out on the 45 minute drive to Grace village. On the way, we were able to listen to music that Cole had brought, making the long drive more enjoyable. When we made it to Grace Village, we started with a tour of the grounds. We started at the feeding center and from there, went to the dorm rooms and finally to the technology room. From the small tour we had, we were able to see the change God made in the small village. From there we left to visit the local elders of Titanyen. We made three stops, first of which was the house of Adre, an elderly man who was bedbound. When we arrived we made our way to his house where he was laying in bed. We started by washing his feet. He was longing for prayer for his children and for continued health. After that, we went off to the second house. We met Marieloude who was very grateful for our visit. Schneider prayed for her and she was so grateful that she teared up. The final stop was at the house of an elder named Mericia. She was so thankful for us coing to visit and serve, and she hugged us all with a joyful heart. As we bathed her feet, she was beaming with a smile. When we left the last elder we would visit that day, we were filled with hope and joy. Our final activity was a stop at Fleri, in Haitian meaning flourish. We were able to go on a tour of the factory where they made bread and other bakery items. After the tour, we were then able to order and eat pizza made on site. We had a good time and were able to get to know our group more. We then drove the long drive back to the guest house, did devotions, and played night games.

Day 3 - Water Truck Day

Dear friends and family,
   
      Today was water truck day 1. The first thing we did was pick up our water truck at the truck stop, and from there we went to Hope School, Church, and Clinic. There, we were able to tour their school and said hi to some of the kids. After that we made our way to our first stop in Cite Soleil. There we delivered water to the people and played with the kids. We were able to see some kids that we recognized from last year and some of them recognized us too.
 
       After our 1st stop we went back to Hope and toured their new technology and sewing pods. In the technology pod there were TV's, iPads, and Mac Books. The staff there explained to us their new methods of teaching the kids and their vision for the future. In the sewing pod there were multiple sewing machines and other supplies to create clothes and other useful items. Many Haitians only know a traditional style of teaching and these pods are a new way of teaching.  At Hope, they want to continue to build more pods elsewhere to give the Haitians the chance to have the same opportunities that we would back in the states.
 
       Then we went to our 2nd stop and delivered more water. At this stop there was one little girl in particular that I remembered from last year. She came up to me right when we got to that stop and didn't let me go until we shut the door to the tap-tap. At our 3rd stop we went to the fishing docks with the kids and played with them there. Then we went to where the water truck was and helped people carry their buckets of water to their houses. Our favorite part of today was playing with all the kids and seeing so many familiar faces. It was an amazing day and one that many of us will remember.

                     Love, Lawna & Molly (Leanna & Mallory)

Day 2 - March 13th. 2019

Hey guys! It's the Healing Haiti team. Today we went to a place called Peace Cycle. They recycle used water bags and make them into bags sold around the world. From there, we went to a metal shop, filled with unique handmade pieces made from scrap metal.  We then went to a school of the deaf children and played with them for the afternoon.  The kids loved playing basketball while others painted faces, jumped rope, and braided hair.  We had a bonding experience while learning new ways to communicate. We ended the day with a devotional and worship up on the porch. All in all, it was a very good day of bonding,

Marcus and Shiloh

.

Dream Small

We can't believe it was our last day of service in Haiti! We spent all day with children.

We started with Croatian Relief Services. This is an orphanage with young people aged 5-21. We had a wonderful time sharing the Easter story, doing crafts, and playing games. We were so impressed as they all stood up when we arrived and sang to us!

Dio's was our other stop. This is an orphanage for special needs children. We were overwhelmed with joy during our visit here. The children loved the story and crafts but most of all loved the music and dancing. We couldn't help but dance for joy with them! There were so many smiles and we all know smiles are contagious.

As we wrapped up our team time this evening we are leaving with "small dreams". This come from the song Dream Small by Josh Wilson. We leave you with part of the lyrics which are meaningful to us:

So dream small
Don't bother like you've gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live Well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
So dream small
Keep loving, keep serving
Keep listening, keep learning
Keep praying, keep hoping
Keep seeking, keep searching
So dream small
Dream small

Mesi Jezi! Thank you Jesus!

What a mix of physical and emotional activities today! We began our day with 6:00 worship at Church on the Rock. It was so inspiring to see the Haitians worship with so much passion and love for our God. And they do this every day! Even with so many needs their thanks to Jesus is endless!

After being inspired we began our day with 2 water truck stops. We found the water truck stops particularly challenging with a small team of just 6 people. There was such demand for help carrying the water but also so many children that wanted our attention.

We were able to take a break at Hope and saw the new technology pod, sewing pod and clinic. What amazing facilities and new resources for Cite Soleil. The people of Cite Soleil are being blessed by these additions and slowly but surely they can improve their lives.

Our day ended with a visit to the Home for Sick and Dying Babies which primarily serves children in all stages of malnutrition and the medical complications that results from that. We were blessed to be able to feed some of the toddlers and spend time playing with them. The most difficult part is the leaving. We shower them with love and then we leave so soon! Our hearts break as they cried when we left.

We haven't mentioned it in our blog yet, but each day ends with "pit time" when we come together as a team to reflect on our day, share how God is working through us during this experience, and just laughing together. With only 6 people on our team, we may be small but we are mighty in His name!

Mesi Jezi! Thank you Jesus!

Compassion and Friendship

We traveled to Titanyen today. We began with our visit to Grace Village. We could clearly see God's work at Grace Village through their orphanage, school, clinic, church and Fleri Bakery! They are truly flourishing which then allows families and community to flourish.

We also did 4 elder visits in Titanyen. This is a time full of compassion and being God's eyes, voice, and hands. Looking into the eyes of the elders we felt so connected and felt God's love for them and for us. Washing their hands and feet, giving them massages, and painting some of their nails was such a joy.

Our theme for today was friendship and we are so blessed and grateful to see friendships developed, blossoming, and lasting among the Haitians, between us as a team, and between us and the Haitians. One of the most touching moments was to see our team member, Pauline, reconnect with the student she has sponsored for 4 years and the love between them!

Rosie's was a new stop for snacks and shopping and then on to Fleri Bakery for pizza! Fleri Bakery continues to grow and provide opportunity for employment as well as bread and restaurant for the community. We were thrilled to be part of Jake's live Facebook video while we were there! (See link belowhere: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=779373419123013&id=67620373906)

Water Truck Day - Palms Up

It was water truck day so we began our day with a "palms up" prayer. Palms up means "you are strong enough to be vulnerable" (Love Does by Bob Goff). We prepared ourselves to be mentally and physically strong for our 3 water truck stops.

The Haitians have no clean water so all of their water is delivered to them. The first stop is to fill the water truck then travel behind them in the "tap tap" (the truck we ride in) and then on to Cite Soleil. As we traveled to City Soleil the team members who have been here several times saw the many changes that give them hope that things are changing! For the ones on their first trip it was overwhelming, chaotic and awesome! Max, our driver, gives a thrill ride that won't be forgotten!

At the stops every team member had to physically work hard to help with the hose, haul water buckets, and have children clamoring to be held and loved. There were times when we were carrying a bucket of water in one hand, had a child on the other hand, and 2 more tugging our shirt from behind. Although we had our "palms up", they were never empty!

Although we were drained, filthy, and tired, we finished the day with a tour of Healing Haiti's new farm.

After showering and having dinner, we are now refreshed and ready for another day!