EBC Day #6 - The Mountain!

1/11/20 - Day #6

Hello from Sophie, Christian, and all of house dogs (they wouldn’t leave us alone),

We both can definitely say that this week has been a whirlwind of emotions. Each day we were physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually challenged. As many of you have read the previous blog post we started off at Cite Soliel, which broke our hearts because of the conditions we saw the people living in. Today was different, we were taken to a community further out of the city, way up in the mountains. This opened our eyes to a different side of this country.

            The morning started off early for us, leaving out promptly at 8AM or you were going to be left, we were on our way to the luscious green mountains of Haiti. This, however, was no quick 15-minute trip to the next city over, this was a grab your snacks and backpacks, let’s go “road trip”. The ride in the tap tap was so long we needed to stop halfway for a bathroom break. The generous pastor welcomed us into his home to use the restroom. Immediately when walking in, you could see the difference in housing. None of the houses in the busy city have a kitchen, much less a bathroom. We knew something was different about this community and could sense that “no one was left behind or forgotten” (Stitch, Lilo and Stitch). 

            After the quick bathroom break, we hopped back into the tap-tap and headed up the mountain to the community meeting space. The space is a safe place for the kids to come after school, or during the times when their parents are at work. We were broken up into three groups. Two went off to assist with the elders, and one team stayed back to hang out with the kids. 

            I (Christian) stayed back with the kids. Right away I noticed these kids were not running up to us to want to be picked up and given attention to. What was made known from the president of the community committee is the leaders were very much involved in making sure the community was supporting each other. The kids were very well behaved, which allowed us to perform a little skit. Thanks to our translator Maxime (Maxi Taxi), we were able to let the kids know that they were loved by Jesus, and His Father created us differently for His Purpose. After the skit, the kids were off to coloring their picture frames, which they would be able to hang with a Polaroid photo of themselves in the middle. 

            As I mentioned earlier, these children were well behaved, really respected each other, and the adults in charge. While they were coloring, my team and I make sandwiches and took lots of photos with the kids as well. While they were eating, this allowed me to take a step out of the ministry moment to take in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of the mountains. It almost seemed unreal that I was still in the same country of Haiti. Before coming I never would’ve guessed these views existed in Haiti. Seeing the mountains for me seemed like another reminder from God to me of Mathew 17:20, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

            I (Sophie) had the pleasure of serving at the hands and feet of Jesus today (literally). My group went out and walked through the city to two elder homes. As we arrived at the first home we were immediately greeted by the wife of one of the elders who Healing Haiti sponsors. She then left us momentarily on this beautiful little enclosed porch near her house as she went to the garden to get her husband. When he arrived, we had him sit down on the bench, let him take his jacket off, and jumped right into washing his feet, hands, and giving him a back rub. As we were taking care of this incredible strong man, we began to notice his wife in the distance covering her head with her hands. She said to us she was ashamed of how dirty her feet were. We immediately offered to wash her feet as well. We saw her walls break down as she took off her jacket and other layers. She became unashamed of who she was and accepted how beautifully she was created in Gods image. We were all in awe of how strong and hardworking these two individuals were. At the age of over 60 they still go out daily and work hard to provide for themselves and their families. 

            Next we made the trek to the next elders’ home. As we entered, we let her settle in her chair and take her socks off. She only wanted lotion, so we began massaging her hands and feet. She was so thankful to have us there with her, as she was also surrounded by her daughter and grandchildren. Her daughter politely asked if we could also massage her as well, without a thought we began massaging her hands and feet. We prayed over her and her family and asked God to provide them with what they need, including access to church each week. It was so humbling to be able to meet these wonderful people today and even get to be Gods servant to two people we weren’t expecting to meet. I could see Jesus’s love pouring out of this community. Since these people live in the mountains they do not get visited often, so it was an exciting opportunity to be able to serve them. 

            For the both us, and our entire team, the serving opportunities were just the beginning of the adventures for the day. It was time to hop back into the tap tap for another 30-minute extra bumpy ride up the mountain for our hike. The younger Haitians lead the way to the waterfall that was in the mountains. The both of us can say, that although the terrain was rough and Sophie came out with a splinter, the views made up for all of it. It was very cool to learn that the people who live in the mountains really take advantage of the land and grow their own produce, such as pineapples, bananas, potatoes, lettuce, beans, and coffee beans. The coffee drinkers of the team were much more excited to know that there was fresh, straight from coffee tree, coffee being brewed up for them at the end of the hike. We will just say that all the coffee drinkers in the group bought all the coffee the Haitians produced. 

            After a tough hike and a coffee tasting, it was time to get back into to the tap-tap for our long (two hour) ride back home. The mood inside during the ride was like no other. Just about everyone was asleep, and a few got a little motion sick. In the end as we gathered around for the word of the day, this was the only day in which all the words were positive. We reflected on the beauty of God’s creation through the mountains, to the people we interacted with today. We look forward to our last full day in Haiti with the wonderful team we were able to be apart of.

With love, Sophie and Christian (oh and the house dogs)

EBC Day #5 - Elders, Grace Village, Fleri

1/10/20 - Day #5

Through the eyes of Jim:

Our day started at Church on The Rock, a local Haitian Church close to our guesthouse.  We were inspired by the way this country worshiped. Everyone was on their feet or down on their knees giving praise to our Father.  Even though the songs were in Creole, we were pulled in and felt God’s presence. I was anxiously excited to see what this day would bring and no better way than this to start a day!

Today we are going love the elders of the community, this is truly the meaning of doing God’s work. The Elder program provides care to individuals who have no family members to take care of them and when they have serious problems, they are taken into the Healing Haiti’s Grace Village Clinic. It’s like a special spa day for elders. It’s a day where our team provides messages, worship, paint their nails, wash their feet, love them and most importantly pray over them. 

Our First stop was with Mr. Dieufort.  We met him sitting outside his house where he greeted us with a smile and handshakes.  Our team immediately, with no doubt or hesitation, went to work. We began removing his flipflops and gently washing his feet in clean water.  We massaged his hands, shoulders and head. Before we prayed for him we asked him about his family, what his needs were and any prayer requests.  His answer immediately put me in tears, “I only have me and Jesus.” Mr. Dieufort told us the last time he was in the hospital thieves took all his belonging from his house. We haven’t been into a Haitian home until now, and we all felt so much emotion as we entered. Seeing his living conditions was heart breaking and all agree, it wasn’t fair. Our team prayed over him with unconditional love. Leaving here many of us had our own personal stories to associate with this experience and we knew we were in for an emotionally challenged day.  By God’s Grace I have been so blessed to know this group, who has been supporting and uplifting me this whole trip. His Spirit continues to strengthen us through the day.

Our second visit was with Pierre and Lauremise, a couple who have known each other since their childhood. A strong couple and I am sure if we had more time, both could have shared with us so many life lessons and advice. We were humbled and proud to provide them with a our version of a couple’s spa day J.  Feet, hands, massage, nails painted and prayer for the challenges they face.  This couple brought us so much joy even with their unfortunate living conditions. We always finish with a word of the day. The word that describes this couple would be UNSTOPPABLE! 

Our third visit was with Mr. Edmund and his brother, who was his caregiver.  Upon our arrival we were told Mr. Edmund may not want visitors because his health had deteriorated.   Eventually we were invited into his home to play some worship music.  A special thanks to Dane and Joel (Amy almost there) for their musical talents.  We filled Edmunds home with worship and a powerful prayer led by Christian which opened his heart to healing and our love. This encounter was an experience we will never forget.  Powerful! When we left, Mr. Edmund sat up and wanted more.  We praised God after we got back to Grace Village because we saw Mr. Edmund get carried into the Medical clinic. He will now get the care he needs to continue living in comfort with his brother. 

Our last stop was with Mrs. Telicia. This stop was similar to the first one. We learned that she cared for a family of 7. After her spa like treatment we asked what she needed us to pray for. She wanted proper shelter for her family and good health until she meets her savior. Her faith is so strong even when her conditions are less than ideal. 

The Elder experience was humbling for all of us.  Emotionally and mentally draining but yet fulfilling with more love and appreciation for our older generation.  Love can never be given enough and tomorrow is never promised, so love now!

Through the eyes of Drew:

One of our leaders mention on day 4 that this was the time where we would feel exhausted physically. How true he was. Our physical strength is taking a beating with the heat, constant play with Haitian children and traveling from one location to the next. However as the week goes on our mental and spiritual fortitude has increased drastically through our connections with each other and those we serve. 

Next stop is Grace Village school. Grace Village sits on one of the highest points in Titanyen. It reminded me of a light house guiding ships in the dark. As we drove up a steep dirt road, we pass the main gates into a large courtyard. We all slowly climb out of the Tap Tap; gathering our thoughts and feelings from what we just experienced with the elders. Some grab snacks, some shade to nap, while others sit in silence processing. Then the school bell goes off and a rush of Haitian kids come running out in adorable purple uniforms. Its GO TIME TEAM! Spread out and grab as many kids as you can get your arms around. The smiles amplified our energy as we give bear hugs, play basketball, get our hair braided and give long piggy back rides. Grace Village is beyond impressive. Not only do the kids get 3 meals a day, a room with state of the art technology, learn 4 languages by the time they graduate, but most importantly they have teachers that demonstrate what it looks like to love like Jesus. “God chose those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him” James 2:5. How often do we look over the poor and lower class as having less value than ourselves? Answer is: Often. However, our Heavenly Father sees them as the most important and first to inherit the kingdom. Grace Village is a change agent in a country that has been shaken and beat down. It’s a place that raises up the next generation of spiritual warriors that will infiltrate Haiti, healing those they deem valued in the eyes of God. 

What is the best reward for a hard day of work?........ PIIIZZZZZZA! Next Stop, Fleri Bakery. Fleri, just like all Healing Haiti partnered businesses, stands by one main focus…. Christ centered local job creation. Fleri employs 38 Haitians and bakes bread and pizzas to sell into the local community. It’s time to decompress and have fellowship over amazing food. Some more team members share their stories while others chat of the day’s events. As we wrap up dinner, I can’t help but look around at this crazy group, I now call family. In only 5 days we have made bonds that are beyond describable with my limited arsenal of vocabulary. What I can say is that the connection we made is most definitely Holy Spirt inspired. One of our leaders shared a quote from Mr. Rogers, “Wouldn’t this world be an amazing place if we took the person in front of us and made them feel like the most important person in our lives?” Each person on this team is valued, cared for and loved dearly.  

Amy closes out the day:

The day got off to a slow start and there were many points that each one of our team members felt the fatigue continuing to set in. The Tap Tap ride back to our home would reflect otherwise. It was one of our longer travel days, spending an hour cramped together with not much room to even move in the Tap Tap with 17 sweaty and exhausted people. The mood and energy completely changed once we were all sardined into our spots for the longer trek back. One of our team members started singing “Let it go” from Frozen. Despite all of us being drained from the last five days we all pumped each other up through singing and dancing to songs (most of which were pretty horribly sung) the ENTIRE drive home. What a way to finish a day with a team with is without a doubt now family!

See ya back tomorrow,

Jim, Drew and Amy

EBC Day #4 - Haiti Teen Challenge, Papillon, & Orphanage

1/9/20 - Day #4

Bonswa from Nick and Christa! That means good afternoon in Creole. Neither of us were too keen on writing the blog so we decided to co-author one together! Day 4 started off to a sleepy, slow start. The activities, lack of sleep, and general craziness of the week had finally caught up to us. It’s also the midpoint of the trip and I think it’s knowing our mission as a team is quickly coming to an end.

Our first stop of the day brought us on the tap tap (bus/taxi) to Haiti Teen Challenge. We visited the young ladies and we listened to two brave young women share their stories while two of our volunteers shared theirs in return. There was a bridge that was gapped today when the Haitian girls realized that other people struggled and have dealt with some of the same things as them. After we prayed together as a group we were given a tour of the housing area which was simply furnished and clean. Once we were done we had a group picture taken, some hugs were given, and we were on our way to the next stop.

After we visited the women we made our way over to the men’s center. One young man was able to share his story since we were short on time, but it touched everyone and we were changed by his testimony and all the others’ who had shared before him.

We made our way to the next stop at Papillon, a café/gift shop. The food and smoothies we were delicious!! Every bite and sip were amazing and so were the workers. In the gift shop they sold homemade ceramic mugs, stuffed animals, art, and beads. Every piece is lovingly handmade by the workers. If you feel led to do so, I highly recommend going to their website at papillonmarketplace.com and making a purchase to help the Haitian economy. Every dollar, every smile, every hug helps serve God’s purpose through each of us.

After we finished our food and shopping we were given a tour by one of the workers. We were able to see how they made handmade beads out of clay. Each worker makes 2,000 a day! They use cereal boxes cut in long triangle strips to make very colorful and very unique earrings, bracelets and necklaces. We were shown the kilns where the pottery was heated in a three-step process. Each of the 7 skilled workers have the ability to craft 70 of these amazing pots a day. Then we went where the women were making stuffed animals, games and purses with Singer sewing machines.

It was a bumpy ride as we made our way to the next stop. No one has mentioned it yet but there are minimal rules for driving in Haiti compared to the U.S. There’s lots of honking horns, swerving, hopping up on curbs, and avoiding motorcyclists who swerve in and out of the smallest of spaces where you wouldn’t think one would be able to fit. But we have some very talented drivers who get us to our destinations safely!

Once we got to our final stop for the day we made our way into a small orphanage that partners with Healing Haiti. The men were able to communicate with the kids and started to play a basketball game called lightning, even with the language barrier. While half the kids played basketball the other Haitians turned on some music and danced away! One little girl wouldn’t stop dancing! The other kids were either playing soccer, some were playing instruments with the music, a handful were coloring, and a face painting station started in the cafeteria. We even had one team member really connect with a 12-year-old girl who was teaching her Creole. That same girl was encouraged to end our time together by praying for our whole group. Much too soon, as usual, we had to make our final goodbyes. We said our goodbyes to the kids and took some pictures. As usual it was another wonderful, memorable day in Haiti. 

In closing, as in every night on our trip, we end with a recap of the day. We start by going around the group and each person describes their day with one word. It may sound easy, however, it is so challenging only being able to choose oneword. Until you come and see what a mission trip is all about, one word doesn’t completely explain all the emotions you feel during the day. You experience things you couldn’t fully imagine before. Going from teens who’ve experienced things that nobody should ever have to go through, to seeing the Haitians incredible creativity with everything they make with limited tools and resources, to visiting children or young teens in an orphanage who don’t have a family. As a group we were able to come up with 17 words that still might not fully capture the moments. We continue the discussion by sharing words of wisdom, thoughts and moments only God brings out of each individual. As they say at the Haitian team challenge, we come as guests, we leave as friends. However, I think many of us came to Haiti as strangers and leave as family.

EBC Day #3 - New Hope, Rebuild Globally, & Home for Sick & Dying Babies

1/8/20 - Day 3

Hello all, from Liz and Joel - naturally we were too afraid to write this blog post alone.  Day 3 started with sunrise yoga on the upstairs patio, led by Christian, a trip goer who is apparently in much better shape than anyone else here. Yoga didn’t last very long because patio needed to be mopped (the real reason was because we were struggling hard).  Following yoga, breakfast was served and we left for one of the many markets.  I (Joel) really helped support Haiti’s economy this morning, by buying allllll the paintings and now all my spending money is gone.

I (Joel) had the best experience at our second stop of the day to New Hope Activity Center.  Our crew walked into an open area where we saw 3 classrooms, filled with kids about 45 in total.  Dane (the Pastor leader) brought a guitar and I brought a cajon (a percussion instrument that looks like a wooden box).  We were ready to jam for the kids!  Little did we know that what we were about to experience was much more than playing some music for the kids.  We started playing in a room with kids who were about 6-10 years old and the room immediately filled with energy.  The kids, without hesitation, started pounding on the tables in perfect rhythm.  Once they grabbed some instruments the sounds multiplied and soon the whole complex was filled with music.  It was amazing to me - these kids who had never taken a music lesson or class in their lives had talent I couldn’t believe.  

The next room was filled with 10-14 year-olds.  In this room, I started on the cajon, but was quickly and respectfully booted off so those real musicians could perform.  This was an absolute treat to watch, as these kids who had never seen this instrument played it better than me, who has had one for years.  I couldn’t stop smiling watching these kids take turns absolutely jamming on this thing, with the rest of the class accompanying.  The connection I made with all those kids was immediate.  Music is all about a feeling.  I could look at a kid, they would look back, and we both knew where the music was going. It is truly an international language and I can’t find the words to describe how real and strong that connection felt. Stevie Wonder said it best, “Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.”

After the impromptu band was done jamming, we gave hugs too all of the kiddos and hopped back on to the tap tap. We came back to the guest house for a quick break before heading to the next stop, Rebuild Globally. This is a women-owned business that turns local leathers and repurposed tires into beautiful products. It was AMAZING to hear the origin story and learn about the impact that their business has had on their employees and the local Haiti economy. Throughout their 10 years of existence, they have grown from a hope and a dream to now employing 38 full time Haitians, becoming a solar powered manufacturer (meaning they don’t need to be reliant on the local energy sources and continue to work and provide paychecks even during an energy crisis), recycling around of 12,000 locally sourced tires and making countless beautiful products. After the tour and meeting some of the staff, we had an opportunity to purchase the hand made goods for about 20 minutes. In that small amount of time, the staff shared that the purchases we made, our team provided a full week’s worth of payroll for the company! We couldn’t believe that our purchases (which seemed so small) would have such a profound impact. It just goes to show that every little thing does make a difference and no action can be too small. 

Our last stop of the day was The Home for Sick & Dying Babies…and I’ll be honest, I’m not quite sure how to properly describe the experience during our time there. We arrived in the tap tap to a seemingly random door on a road. We were greeted one of the nuns who quickly brought us to the lobby and let us know we would be spending time with these children, possible feeding or changing them, and just holding them to show them love. We were all a bit apprehensive, unsure of what to expect and how the afternoon would go. Within minutes of entering, all 17 of our team members had picked up a baby from their crib and were doing our best to show these children as much love as we could. It was an extremely humbling experience and many of us were overcome with emotion. For a group of pretty strong personalities, the room quickly fell quiet as we took each of ‘our kids’ into our arms and from their cribs. Many of the kids were just happy to be held and someone to snuggle up with. It’s crazy to think of all the things that we take for granted in life and all these kids are looking for is someone to hold them and make them feel loved. The hardest part of the day was definitely having to put the children down and walk away, not knowing what their future held. We do know for sure that they were loved today and those moments will always be with us.

If there are any lessons to take away from our day, I’d say:

1. Big or small, every action has an impact that can make a difference in someone’s life – don’t be afraid to do what you can!
2. Hug the ones you love, even if you don’t have a reason
3. A little jam sesh never hurt nobody J

EBC Day #2 - Water Truck!

1/7/20 – Day 1 (Water Truck)

I am exhausted from the previous travel day, but have a nice restful night of sleep. I wake with excitement and energy for the day. We enjoy a nice breakfast prepared for us by our Haitian team members. The best oatmeal I have ever have! During breakfast we learn that it’s a Water Truck day in Cite Soleil! Everyone is cheerful and excited! From what I have heard in the past – this day is the best! Our fearless leader gives us our jobs to get prepared for the day and we are all outside prepped and ready to go. We enjoy a quick time of instruction and prayer before we climb into the “Tap Tap” and depart the guesthouse.

As we approach Cite Soleil, I notice the conditions turn worse and worse, more trash appears in the roads, less concrete buildings and more tin made houses I see. As we arrive in Cite Soleil, and begin driving down the road – I see children naked and my heart is absolutely crushed. Again, unlike anything I have ever seen – the conditions in Port-Au-Prince were nothing compared to Cite Soleil. All of sudden as my heart has been touched and filled with mourn I hear “Hey You!” I again look outside and it’s a child yelling “Hey You”, waving with smile while on the side of the road. The “Hey You” turns from one child to many children running on both sides of our Tap Tap and while my heart is still hurting I can only smile! Smile with joy as these kids have nothing, but know what is coming and are so excited! 

We arrive at Hope School and it’s an amazing facility! Again, there is a quick introduction of who will be helping us during the day. We go over the what to expect while we deliver water and its time. The first stop is just outside the school. The children surround our Tap Tap yelling “Hey you” as I step out all I can see is the Tin Sheds staring me in the face, while children with arms stretched out wide looking for someone to pick them up. The first child I pick up I ask what his name is in Creole – which he responds with James. I give him a high-five as his face is shining with a smile! The water begins to come out of the truck and I dive into help carrying buckets to the Haitians houses. Children continue to surround us all – chanting, jumping, smiling ear to ear while enjoying our company and the water. I help carry buckets for a while until a child jumps on my back and another jumps into my arms. I am going to have to hold off on carrying water for a little bit. They are both hugging me and speaking in Creole – which I cannot understand at all, but I hug back and am overwhelmed with love. Time flies by as I take it all in – my surrounding, the children’s smiles, laughter and joy – it has been a great afternoon for this community. We head back into Hope School as we wait for the second water truck. We are given a tour of the school – which is unbelievable. We get to see the lunchroom, the classrooms, and the schoolyard. In addition, we see the “Sewing Room” – where ladies are being trained on how to sew. Last but not least, we walk into the “Innovation Room” – which is a room full of TV’s, Ipads, and a variety of technology. I believe for our whole team this was a monumental moment to understand how Healing Haiti is changing this community. Considering just 300 feet from these doors there are families living in tin sheds with no water.

Water truck 2 arrives and we are off. During the second stop – we all have experience now as a team and know what to expect and how to handle the situation. The children are all full of smiles and joyful we are there. We finish Water Truck 2 and as a team we have grown closer, made some new Haitian friends and are excited for our final stop of the day. Our final water truck of the day is next to the ocean on a pier – it is an unbelievable view of the mountains, however, as your eyes sink closer to ground level my eyes set on the people of Cite Soleil and the conditions they live in – my heart sinks again until….another joyful child jumps on my back and starts singing the ABC’s! Unfortunately, it’s time to go again. I give high-fives and hugs and climb into the Tap Tap filled with a heart full of joy as these children are the strongest and most joyful kids I have ever met. So full of joy and love for others while still living in the worst of worst conditions from my perspective. 

To wrap this up as I could continue to write forever about our first day I am going to conclude with a quick thought. I came down to Haiti to have my world shifted upside down and to have the country I see on my computer or TV back home in my face. I can tell you from this first day that I saw God out there and how he loves us. There was a brief moment when I was holding two kids in my arms - they looked at each other smiled and then both turned to me, smiled, and hugged me looking for that love they deserve. In that moment I felt the love of Jesus. No matter the circumstances we are facing – we can always find joy in the moment and love on others. That is what Jesus did and what he wants for us. To love one another. I am so excited for what is to come tomorrow. Our team has now had a whole day of serving together. We are strong and ready to bring love to the rest of the Haiti community we touch!

-      Jadde Rowe

EBC Day #1 - Travel!

1/6/20 – Travel Day

2:00am and I arise for the day. At 3:15am we arrive at the airport and are united with our team. For myself most of the team are strangers. We navigate through security and depart for our flights to Port-Au-Prince. As we fly over the city while arriving we get a quick glimpse into the place where we will be serving for the next week. It’s unlike anything I have ever seen! I see tin sheds, concrete buildings, and tarps for roofs. Next thing I know we have our luggage, meet are Healing Haiti Haitian team members who help us navigate to one of our trucks known as the “Tap Taps” We leave from the airport. As I look out all I can see is backups on the road and from my perspective no real traffic system. There is trash on the side of the road, people who are running barefoot, and others carrying water and food in buckets on their head. 

We arrive at our guesthouse for the week. We get a quick introduction from our hosts and our shown our bedrooms. There are house staff making dinner for us already and it smells AMAZING! I settle in, our team has some time outside together playing bean bags and exploring the rest of the guest house. We pray as a team before our first dinner together and I can feel we are already coming together, opening up, and starting to be more comfortable as a team. We have a quick meeting and are informed that tomorrow’s agenda is up in the air. There is no hesitation as we are here with open hearts, and ready for whatever God plans for us. We end the night in a prayer and although we were all strangers this morning – we are now friends united for what the Lord has in store for us tomorrow. Time for bed! Good Night!

-      Jadde Rowe

A Day of Rest

Today started with a wonderful worship service at a church I have never attended, Rendezvous Church. The songs were both in Kreyol and English. The sermon was in Kreyol and we were given headsets to listen to it being interpreted live in English. I hope to go there again. It was amazing!

Today is a day where we are done serving "in the field", it is a team day or a day of rest. Some of us went to the pool, some read a book and some soaked up the sun on the balcony of the guesthouse. Mid-afternoon there were naps happening and a great game of cards. Then..... we watched the VIKINGS game! It was pretty awesome.

Sunday night is a time where we talk about re-entry, coming home and what that might be like. We talk about continuing to support each other in the days, weeks and months to come. Going home is not easy. We long for our loved ones at home but our hearts are not ready to leave this beautiful place that has stolen a piece of our hearts. We are a family now and in 24 hours we will no longer be together. It is a very lonely place to be when no one understands what you just experience and why you don't have words for what you saw, only emotions and tears. If you are reading this, please be gentle with your loved ones who are returning home. Give them space and a place to "just be". Allow them time to get back to their "normal" and don't be surprised if they want a new normal. You see, we will never be the same. We can't unsee what we saw and we can't forget, nor do we want to. The experiences are here to stay and they make us better versions of ourselves. Maybe these experiences are guiding us to be the person God intended us to be. All of our "stuff" gets in the way and doesn't allow us to grow in our faith.

There was a lot of heaviness tonight as we talked about leaving, but more-so, there was a lot of thankfulness. Thankfulness for the time was got to spend here in Haiti, thankfulness for the team we love so dearly, thankfulness for how we got to serve and be served and thankfulness for a magnificent God to put all of this together.

Thank you for following our blog this week - Marni