Unexpected Blessings

Our day started with the sun. We walked to the Church on the Rock and experienced something none of us have ever seen before. In the best way possible. You could feel God's presence before we even walked through the door. The church was the size of an airplane hangar and there were people of all ages walking up and down the pews raising their hands and praising the Lord. Pastors took turns leading worship and preaching while a worship band played along. Before we were even settled into our row an elderly woman came and greeted each of us with a hug and smile so warm our lack of common language didn't matter. As the pastor asked each person to pray for their neighbor several of our team members were brought to tears. We walked back to the guesthouse through the streets during morning rush hour to meet up with the rest of our team for a nourishing breakfast to head out for what would turn out to be a most amazing day.

We were sad to leave two of our team members behind who weren't feeling well but armed them with prayers and headed to Carrefour Home for Sick and Dying Adults. To get to our destination we had to drive an hour through winding streets in thick traffic in our tap tap. During the drive we saw cows, goats, chickens, a pig tied to the front of a bus, a man on the back of a motorcycle holding onto a car windshield, three guys breaking into a car. As we moved toward the city center our surroundings got nicer, the streets got wider and we saw signs of civilization that we have not seen to this point including stop signs and street lights. As quickly as we were able to appreciate the beauty of the downtown we were plunged back into an overwhelming tapestry of outdoor street vendors, whizzing motorcycles, and piles of garbage on the side of the road. Streets barely wide enough for one car serve as two lane games of chicken with blaring horns and close calls. At last we caught a glimpse of the ocean quickly followed by a petroleum plant and then our turn off for the home we were visiting.

The bright blue buildings and crisp vegetation felt more like a college campus than a home for sick and dying adults. There was a large green space, an outdoor chapel and nuns in full habit bustling about their business. We walked up to the second floor and entered the first room of patients. We were given a plastic bin of lotion and nail polish. We all spread out throughout the room with instructions to massage the women, paint their nails and pray for them. Our two Haitian interpreters joined us to play guitar, lead worship and help us communicate with the patients. It's safe to say many in our group were stretched beyond their comfort zone. Slowly it became apparent that it was not our individual hands at work but the collective hands of Jesus sharing love with each and every patient. We moved from one room to the next singing with the women, painting their nails and massaging them with lotion. With hand gestures and simple words and phrases we were able to share meaningful time with each group even though our time was short with them. Our team has proved this week that we will come together to complete the work God has put in front of us. Today was no exception. We were all looking out for each other and jumping in to make sure everyone who needed our attention got it. I think it is safe to say that none of us who were there that day will ever be the same again. There were three interactions today we would like to share individually:

Elle and Bailey: We came on this trip with a heart for children and babies. We loved every minute of the water truck day, the orphanage visit and every opportunity to hold and care for little ones. When our leaders announced we would be going to the home for sick and dying adults we did not expect to get much out of it. When we entered the room full of sick patients we chose a frail woman and began to rub her with lotion and we quickly realized that she didn't have the strength to sit up. She fell over Bailey while Elle rubbed her back and then fell back against Elle as Bailey massaged her arms and trunk. Both of us were overcome with emotion as Emmanual played the perfect worshp song at the perfect time every time. That is when the tears began rolling down our faces as we realized our visit could be the last time she experiences physical touch and prayer before going to meet the Lord.

Katie: I started working with my prayer partner Kelly but looked up and saw that one woman at the back corner of the room did not have anyone with her yet. I quickly walked over and she unbuttoned her gown and pointed to her stomach. I started rubbing her with lotion as she sproadically spasmed with pain and grimaced and moaned and writhed on her bed. Only by the grace of God was I able to sing to her, pray for her and cry with her in her time of need. As our interpreters signaled that it was time to move on I had to say goodbye as she curled into a fetal position. My only hope is that my ten minute visit brought a small measure of comfort in her difficult journey.

Kelly: As I walked into the home I was terrified. I didn't want to be there. I didn't want to rub lotion on strangers and I was worried about how I would be able to communicate with them. We entered the first room and we buddied up to get started. I sat with Jen and we took a collective deep breath and got the lotion ready. My hand was trembling as I reached for the ladies hand. My eyes filled with tears and I felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of what we were there to do. Her hand was trembling too as I started with lotion on her hands and arms. As the worship music began to play I observed myself almost from a distance and truly felt my hands being guided by Jesus. He led me to patients that I could handle working with and helped me communicate with each of them in any way that I could.

After we left Carrefour we headed out to a history museum and learned about how Haiti was formed and their history up to today. It was a very interesting opportunity to learn about the country we have all fallen in love with over the last several days. From there is was on to Laloo, an orphanage in Port au Prince. We arrived and were greeted by 30 smiling children. We shared the Easter story with them, sang songs, did a couple crafts and gave them a snack. The kids enjoyed playing with us and laughing at our attempts to speak their language.

On our way back to the guesthouse we stopped at the grocery store and had the opportunity to buy some Haitian goodies to bring home. Our team is now fully outfitted with hot sauce and spicy peanut butter.

We pulled into the driveway just before 4pm and were greeted by the smiling faces of our two sick team members who were both feeling much better. We enjoyed a delicious meal of spaghetti and garlic toast while talking over the details of our day. After dinner several people headed to the pool while others took the opportunity to relax and unwind from the day.

Pit time was especially impactful as we shared our word for the day. The floodgates of emotion opened as we shared the deep and profound ways we felt the prescense of God at Carrefour.  We spent time in extended worship as a way to continue processing all the sights and sounds of the day.

We were reflecting today how refreshing it has been to disconnect from technology. Screen time is almost nonexistent here. There is no TV and Wifi is sketchy at best which means we have had a lot of quality time to really get to know each other and spend time reflecting on our time here. It will be a challenge to get back into the routine of checking emails and following a schedule in just a few short days.

As we wind down for the night we're looking forward to a second water truck day and an opportunity to visit Apparent Project and Rebuild Global.

Kelly & Katie

Grace Village and Elder Visits

Our first stop today was Grace Village in Titanyen. As we stepped out of our taptap, the beautiful view of the mountains and ocean welcomed us. While touring Grace Village, we got to see what God is doing there through Healing Haiti and all the hands and feet of Jesus. There are four family style homes that house orphans and give them the opportunity to grow up in a family, a medical and dental clinic, church, food center, school, and a soon-to-open bakery that will create jobs for Haitians in Titanyen. A cool thing we got to witness was the unpacking and preparation of the Feed My Starving children Manna Packs. Seeing the food that many of us have packed before arrive at its final destination was a heartwarming experience. We also got to play with the children of Grace Village during their recess time. The children were glowing with smiles and eager for our attention.

Our second stop was visiting three elder's homes that Healing Haiti sponsors. Both of us had the opportunity to rub and massage one of the elder's feet, hands, and face. Her face was overcome with delight as we showed her our love with a simple touch. We were also able to worship with them in both English and Creole. Before we left each elder's home, we asked them what they would like prayer for and then we prayed over them.

Our last stop of the day was a visit to the mass grave of the Haitians who were killed in the devastating earthquake in January 2010. We got the privilege to hear one of our interpreters, Emmanuel, share his experience on the day of the earthquake. He said that the people of Haiti were not educated on how to handle earthquakes, resulting in panicked chaos and hundreds of thousands of deaths. The memorial above the mass grave is big and beautiful. With the loving quotes on the walls, shiny marble floors, and flowers, the memorial was a celebration of the many lives lost.

We finished our day with a salsa lesson from Jean, one of the Haitian leaders. There is nothing quite like ending a busy day dancing in the moonlight on a balcony in Haiti.

We cannot believe that we are already halfway done with our trip, but we are excited to see what else God has in store for us the rest of the week. #GlwaPouBonye!

Yours truly,

Veronika and Cora

God's Love for His Children

Today we actually split up as a group. As some were at Dare the other 10 of us went to Home for Sick and Dying Children and Babies. I have a heart for babies so I was very hesitant going into it as everyone else was. When we got there there were babies crying in cribs in multiple rooms. Every time I'd walk by all the children would reach their arms out and wail in attempt to get you to just hold them. The second I'd pick one up I was never letting go...they literally latched on and you couldn't set them down without them crying. This was heartbreaking and very difficult to see. Something I thought was cool was that I got to feed some of them! They all suffer from malnutrition and most of them TB as well so this was heartwarming. The hardest thing I saw was a 4 month old 1/4th of the size of my 3 month year old cousin back in the US, his mother was sitting next to his crib (in a separate room) and he was hooked up to a machine. At first when I walked in I thought the baby had passed away because he was so still, but his eyes rolled back a little and his chest rose a little bit. I had our translator ask what was wrong and the baby had a terrible fever. I just comforted the mother and looked at that baby with such a broken heart. It was like nothing I've ever felt before and I hope to never see again. This day was very moving for me.

Bailey


Going in to our visit to Dare, I was really afraid. I think it was mostly the feeling of not knowing what to expect. I had never spend any time with disabled children, and I had no idea if I would be able to handle what we were walking in to, but I just trusted that I was there for a purpose, and God would use me through it. As we got off of the tap-tap, we could hear LOTS of noise from inside. There was grunting and clapping, and a few screams. As we walked inside, we were greeted with warm smiles from the caregivers, who were clearly very happy to see us coming in to spend time with the children. There were probably about 15 kids altogether, with a mix of different disabilities. Some of them were running around, smiling, screaming, and expressing themselves through whatever means possible. Others sat or laid on the ground quietly, with blank expressions on their faces. It only took a few minutes in that room for all of my fears to dissipate. I know that the Holy Spirit took over to lead me in the best way to love the kids. I sat down and a girl came up to me right away to hug me and put her face in my lap. Many of the kids just wanted nothing more than to be held and touched. A few of the livelier boys loved to clap and play hand games. The clearest thing was that for each of these children, all that mattered was for them to be seen and acknowledged by someone. Just looking into their eyes and smiling, taking the time to learn their name, help them blow bubbles, clap along to worship songs, made a world of difference. One of the older residents who was blind loved to clap (louder than I have ever heard before) and he along with a few members of our team led the most powerful, joy-filled session of worship I have ever heard. By the end of the day, tears streamed down my face as I held a boy whose arms and legs were the width of two of my fingers put together. I knew in that moment that God's heart was beating wildly for these kids, and their songs of praise in the worst of circumstances were perfect in his sight. Seeing my tears, he put his hand on my face and kissed my cheek, and I will never forget that feeling.

After Dare our group came back together and we went to La Phare's orphanage, run by Pastor La Phare and his wife. We put on a faith lesson about the Easter story, helped the kids with a craft, and gave them a snack. When that was finished, we toured Pastor La Phare's church next door, and we were able to pray for him and the future of the children he cares for. It was so clear through the smiles on the children's faces, through the words of Pastor La Phare, and through the joy we all felt that there is much hope for their futures. Even though we struggled leaving the kids behind (some of them wrapped their legs around ours and asked us not to leave, others tried to climb on to the tap-tap with us), we could see that as we pulled away, the love of God stayed with them.

Maggie

Persective

Perspective is everything. Monday perspective was looking out an airplane window as it glided over Cite Soleil from thousands of feet up, sitting in climate-controlled comfort, munching on snacks and checking the temperature at Port-au-Prince airport. Below us was a patchwork quilt of rusting corrugated metal and old canvas, an untouched world that was out of touch with where we were.

And then there was Tuesday perspective. Tuesday found us standing in the middle of this now very tactile patchwork quilt, looking up at the airplanes gliding over us at thousands of feet, oblivious to the lives in the balance, lives in which God was now calling us to bring His grace and mercy, calling us to be His presence in a city in need.

As children of God, perspective is everything, the point of view that sees God's leading as the way to truly living, to being vitally involved in extending His kingdom as He knows to best. It means rejoicing in the smile of a child who finds joy in the midst of much want, rejoicing in the church that now stands where a mountain of trash once stood. It means selling out completely to the Lord God Almighty who gave up His life to save ours.

May our perspective come into line with our Lord, seeing people in need, meeting them where they're at and expending our best to glorify our God. Perspective is indeed everything!

Paul

Travel Day

It was an early start to the day, as per usual, for our travels to Haiti. We all met at the airport at the not-so-bright, but very early time of 3am and it was easy to feel the different emotions in the air as we began our day. For many on our team, this was the first time making the trek to Haiti and for some, even out of the country. After uncharacteristically making it through airport security quickly, we had plenty of time to settle in and even grab some breakfast before boarding for the first leg of the journey.

By the time we landed in Miami, I could barely contain my excitement to get back to Haiti and after a few hours of a layover it was time to go. As we made the final descent into Port-Au-Prince, my heart was so elated to almost be back in the place that changed my life and relationship with God a year ago. We landed and went (again, uncharacteristically) through customs, onto baggage claim, and made our way with Brunet to the tap-tap. It was awesome to see the first timers' faces as they realized that all of us and our luggage were going in there. After a very cozy ride to the guest house, and a phenomenal dinner, the team was pretty much done for the day.

It really didn't take too far into the day for everyone to realize that the Lord was clearly protecting us from anything that tried to come against our travels. It was amazing to see his power before we even stepped foot on land in Haiti, which gets me really excited to see what he'll do while we are here. There was truly nothing throughout the day that could stop us from getting to where God ordained us all to be at this very time of our lives, doing his work in Haiti. 

Many people have made their way to bed now to be ready for water truck day tomorrow, which has given me extra time to reflect on this day. It is almost exactly a year since my first trip to Haiti and as the cliche goes, it truly feels like it was only yesterday. I love it when these moments happen because I get a glimpse of Heaven, an experience where this life seemingly operates outside the constructs of time, and it is such a gift. So as I'm sitting here in the guest house, experiencing my own little piece of heaven, I cannot wait to see what else God has in store for our team this week.

God's all surpassing peace and love to you.
Erin

Hamilton/Loween Sunday May 8th

Wow, What a week we have had! I am struggling with all the emotions and thoughts running in my head.  I have been told by my leaders, that I am processing and I think I will be for a while….  God broke me on this trip and now I have to go home and figure out how to not lose the impact of what I saw in Haiti in returning to my everyday life while becoming unbroken.  As my new friend Laura said she was “beautifully broken.”

I ended the week on a high attending “tent” church this morning.  This church was literally started in a tent and now they have a huge building where hundreds of people come to worship God seven days a week.  Even though we don’t speak the same language it doesn’t matter: worship is worship, prayer is prayer, giving is giving.  The service was half in English and half in Creole and to me it was just a reminder that all over the world church services are being held in every language and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.  It was a great feeling.

After church, we headed up the mountain to do some much anticipated mountain shopping.  The views were truly breathtaking and many of us found treasures to bring home to loved ones.  It felt great to boost the Haitian economy.  We also got a great treat-ice cream and espresso.  Thanks Marcia, Trent, and Carlos! 

After returning to the guesthouse we had some team bonding time playing soccer with the neighbor boys, going to the pool, dinner, communion, worship, prayer, and word of the week.  I struggled with word of the week even though I have been thinking about it all day it is too hard for me to pick one word to sum up this last week.  All I know is that I am more blessed by this trip than what I gave to the Haitian people and will never forget this experience the rest of my life. 

-Kim

What a family in Christ this team is.  I think God hand-picked this team to come and experience Haiti together and after this journey, comes a new start for all of us.  We are different than what we were when we arrived. This trip marks a new beginning for all of us in our walk with the Lord.  If you are reading this blog and haven't been here yet I encourage you to pray and see if God is calling you to come.

Thanks to our families and friends for all of the support, we can't wait to get home and share with you what we have experienced here, but I have to say that our hearts are breaking because we are leaving beautiful Haiti, which in just a few days captivated our hearts.

My fellow 14 new brothers and sisters, I love every single one of you.  Thanks for all the love that you gave me. Haiti was only the first stop on this friendship journey for us.

-Carlos

As I sit here and add to the blog, my thoughts are more about the week, not just today. We will be coming back to what “WE” perceive as reality on Monday, but there is more “Reality” in this world that is never experienced and brought to light.

I only pray that I will be able to remember the smells, sounds and sights vividly enough to remain humbled by the experience.

I do see hope and future for the poor in Haiti, it will take time and lots of work. I pray that Healing Haiti will continue down the path they have chosen to support the people of Haiti.

I would like to thank all those who offered up prayers and financial support. It is something that I will never forget.

God bless my teammates! They are an exceptional group.

-Allen

Hamilton/Loween Saturday May 7th

Today was yet another amazing day!  Earlier this week, we had started preparing for Plan B for Saturday.  Our original plan was to take a group of children to the beach, but due to the detour for the collapsed bridge, a trip to the beach could have taken up to three hours one way, so we made alternative plans.

We woke this morning to the sound of falling rain, and that rain continued all day long.  This is a first for all of us that have been to Haiti on previous trips.  We even rearranged our Plan B for the day and formulated a Plan C – just in case. 

Plan B, started with a slightly soggy drive to an orphanage where we had a fun morning playing with the kids.  Some of the team played soccer in the rain, while others held, played hand games, sang with the children and some of us were even treated to new hairstyles!  The smiles and laughter were so wonderful.

We then headed up to the top of the mountain to tour Baptist Haiti Mission.  The drive was again a little soggy and foggy, but the views that we were able to see on the drive up were truly beautiful.  No one from our team had previously been to this place and we all agree that it was a pretty amazing place. 

When we arrived, we started our tour in the museum.  There were items in cases detailing Haiti’s history along with items from many different countries, which have played an influential role in what Haiti is today.  Next we walked further into the compound and found that they have a hospital.  Earlier in the week, our team had been looking forward to going to General Hospital and handing out care packages.   Due to a strike, we were unable to go.  We did happen to bring some care packages with us this morning in case we had to resort to Plan C for the day.  We ended up being able to give out the care packages to many of the patients at Baptist Mission Hospital!  Also during the hospital tour, a few of us (the lab ladies on the trip) were able to tour the lab.  It was a very nice lab with very modern testing equipment. 

Next up on the tour was a “Zoo” and a “Noah’s Ark” playground.  The zoo had an alligator, peacock, bunnies, ducks and goats.  We were all quite surprised to find a “Zoo” in Haiti.  There was a very neat picture of Noah’s ark and all the animals around it – including dinosaurs.  We spent a little time on the playground – some of our team relived their younger years and used the slide, teeter-totter, monkey bars and more!  Keep in mind, it was raining during all of this tour and some of us were actually getting pretty chilled!

After that we stopped by the on site restaurant and gift shop for lunch.  While there, we had the privilege of meeting two AMAZING people.  Wallace and Eleanor Turnbull.  They are the founders of Baptist Haiti Mission (founded in 1948) and at the young age of 92, still live on site.  Many from our team spent time visiting with them and found that many on our team had connections.  Three of us attend a church, where one of their former missionaries is the Mission’s Pastor.  Another one of the team members graduated from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia – the University where the Turnbull’s sent a sponsored Haitian to attend college.  This college will also be giving college credits to students that spend eight months at Baptist Haiti Mission.  This adorable couple inspired so many of us by their many years of service and their passion and love for God.

As we reflect on our day, it is so evident that what was plan B for our team, was truly God’s plan A for our team.  He fulfilled many of our prayers for the trip in ways we did not expect.

Trent and Marcia