Nativity Day 7: Church & Metal Market

Due to our leaders being so fantastic, we had a very busy yet relaxing day. It started with our usual 8 AM breakfast and preparation for the planned activities. First on the itinerary was us heading off to a traditional Haitian church service. It was two hours of loud singing, children napping, and a passion-filled sermon. The congregation was moved by the Lord; with their eyes closed and arms raised. It was shocking how one can feel so uplifted by the words being shared, while not even knowing what was being said (the entire service was in Creole).
   
After the service, we had a quick snack then zoomed off in the tap tap for another adventure at the Croix De Bouquet Metal Market. It was about a 30 minute ride, which was maybe the craziest drive of the week! At the metal market, artisans lined the streets with their shops. The shop owners were very eager to welcome us into their livelihood. They were not shy and would come up to us making us promise to visit their place. For most of the group, it was our first time bartering. Even though we had a bartering 101 lesson the night before, some of us still struggled to get the hang of it! Despite this, we had a splendid time exploring the marketplace.

On our way home, we also got to take a trip to our first Haitian supermarket. We were greeted by a gust of cool air from the A/C, which was probably the best part of the grocery store visit. Our group wandered the long aisles filled with both Haitian and American food. Most of our group stocked up on spicy peanut butter. Team member John A. even bought some candy juice (update: 0/10 would drink again). After a long morning, a trip to the pool was a must. We enjoyed the refreshing water and each other's company.

We have been blessed by having a great week! Our team has bonded immensely over the last week and we already know that transitioning home will be difficult at best for our group. We ask for your continued support and prayers. In a few days from now, ask a team member how they are feeling.  In a few weeks, be sure to check in again.  In a few months, we will still need you to keep us talking. Emotions are complicated and there is not a set time to know how long it will take our hearts to heal, if ever.  We also ask for your prayers and support for Haitians, and all those who live on the fringes of society, that we remember to love and care for all, as we are called to do by Christ.

It has been such a joy to share our daily adventures with you all at home! Thank you for your support from the day we first registered for this trip ... all the way to the day it comes to an end and we return back home. We can't wait to see you all at midnight at MSP! Hopefully you'll recognize us ... even with our sunburns. :)

Paige, John A., Sophie A., Emily E.

Team Photo with Pastor Wesley of Grace Church

Metal from the Metal Market

Haitian artisan working on metal

Nativity Day 6: Beach Day

Today, our team had the opportunity to take all of the Grace Village orphans and their house parents to the public beach ... that was 80 extra people!! A school bus was rented to transport the families, and the children were super excited. They only get to go to the beach once or twice a year, so this was a big deal for them. Our whole group managed to find a place to gather under the beautiful palm trees, which provided much needed shade. The beach was surrounded by establishments playing upbeat music and vendors selling their products. The ocean water was crystal clear and warm, yet refreshing. You could see the backdrop of the beautiful mountain view. We made peanut butter sandwiches the night before for lunch for everyone. Overall, it was nice to have a day of relaxation after a week full of service and other activities.  The joy the families experienced was priceless!  A special thanks to Nativity Lutheran Church ... because of your generous giving, we are loving courageously.

~ Zoie & Emily H

God's awesome creation

Nativity team with some of the children

Beautiful Palm Trees

Nativity Day 5: Grace Village & Elders

This morning, our team woke up at 5:30 AM to attend a local "tent" church service. Despite being extremely tired, the experience was amazing. Immediately, we were struck by the differences in worship. Throughout the large open church space, the majority of Haitians were pacing and dancing to the worship music. Our group sat in the corner watching ("as good Lutheran's do" - per Team Leader Heather), but gradually began to get more and more into it. The energy throughout the room showed on all of the Haitian's faces in addition to our own. We left early to start getting ready for the rest of our day.

We drove around forty minutes to Titanyen to visit the Mass Grave, created after the 2010 earthquake. Our translator answered questions and shared his overall experience of the tragedy. We were able to walk around the new memorial and had an amazing view of the ocean. The short stop gave us time to reflect and learn about the history of Haiti, allowing us to better understand the country we're serving.

Shortly after, we were FINALLY able to tour Grace Village and learn about the incredible programs they are providing for the community. Our group was impressed with the family-style living. Although the kids don't live with their biological parents, they are broken into four large families and treated by the caregivers as their own children. In addition, we were able to see Grace Village's school, medical clinic, kitchen and library. After our tour, we were given an opportunity to play with some of the kids. Just like every other day, some of us also got some cool new hair dos. :)

Afterwards, we headed out of Grace Village to visit four of Titanyen's elders.  Our team was equipped with food, water, lotion, soap to rub feet, and a lot of nail polish! Each Elder we visited started off timid, but as soon as someone approached them, they started to smile brightly. They were all extremely gracious welcoming us into their homes. It was probably one of the hottest experiences, yet we were really grateful for all the connections made.

After we were done visiting the elders, we headed back to Grace Village to eat at their very own pizza restaurant. We were happy to support the small business as they help the local economy through job creation. In addition, we got to tour the bakery and eat some cookies!!!! Due to the long ride back to the guest house, we arrived late, but still found time to enjoy each other's company ... except team member Makayla only danced once today for the team, which was sad. :)

With each day, we're appreciating all of the opportunities we've been given and relationships we've gained. We're so touched and there's no way blogs can justify the joy we've been able to receive. Thank you for keeping up with us!

- Jacqueline & Emily E.   

Nativity Day 4: Orphanage Visits

This morning, we left the guest house at 9 AM to visit two different orphanages. The first orphanage, called Sweet Home, was filled with bright colored buildings, a playground for the kids, and an open gazebo for us to play in. The children at Sweet Home ranged from ages 2-6 years old. When we arrived at the orphanage, we introduced an interactive sock puppet skit that told a Bible story. The sock puppets were created by the children with supplies we provided, and we had a translator help tell the story. We then colored with the children and played with a parachute. After spending two hours with the children at Sweet Home, we headed to our second destination of the day.

Parachute Fun at Sweet Home

Sock Puppets at LaPharre

We arrived at LaPharre orphanage around 12 Noon. The orphanage is run by a local pastor and the children there ranged from newborn to 18 years. At this location, we also decorated sock puppets, put on the skit, sang songs, and colored. One cool thing about LaPharre orphanage is that the children and teenagers make bracelets and sandals to raise funds for their education and the orphanage. We were lucky enough to see the bracelet creation process and we were able to support their small business. Although the experiences were fun and happy, it was also heartbreaking to take a step back and think about the reality of these children's lives. We were informed at Sweet Home that most, if not all, of the children's parents are present and visit at least once a month. It is very common in Haiti for parents to give up their child to an orphanage due to lack of resources, but to still stay a part of their children's lives. Today's experiences pulled on our heart strings and taught us a lot about the children in Haiti.

Sophie & Emily E

Nativity Day 3: Water Truck Day

Today in Cite Soleil, we delivered 10,500 gallons of water to three different stops. What that means is we brought a water truck with us and parked on a street in the city while the citizens lined up to get buckets full of water. When we got to the site, we would step off the tap-tap (bus) and were thrown into action until the water ran out.  Immediately, we were swarmed by the children begging for attention.  When the water started flowing, two of our team members would hold the hose over buckets and the Haitian women would direct others to lift up water buckets onto the heads of women and children and also carry water to homes; with a constant stream of children grabbing, talking and climbing on us.  Each stop and community had different characters and occurrences.  What really made it difficult was the emotional aspect of it all.  Nothing could have prepared us for what we experienced.  Although Cite Soleil is the poorest city in the western hemisphere, among the sewage, trash and malnourished children, we saw laughter, dancing, splashing in the water, beautiful smiles, and many thanks.  Cite Soleil is not just a statistic, it's a living, breathing, vibrant, loving community with beautiful children and families.  It will take us a long time to process what happened today, and we may never be able to put it all into words, but it will be an influential experience for a lifetime.

Julia & Elena

Carrying Water

At the Guest House

Nativity Day 2: Tuesday

I apologize for our inability to post recently! Our internet has been sketchy at best.  We've experienced multiple power outages, so we'll be writing and post when wifi is available!

Thank you to everyone who helped get us out here! Our delayed flight landed in Haiti around 3:30 PM on Monday ...  prayers for safe travels really came through. Our first ride in the tap tap was a shock to most, but is soon becoming the preferred mode of transportation. It's surprising to see the amount of vendors selling familiar goods to passing cars! Need a Coke? There's probably a curbside cooler for that. Settling into the guest house is great! The food is great, the staff are beyond helpful, and the dogs are friendly (don't worry, they're pets).

Today, we started our work by visiting the Home of Sick & Dying Adults and experienced the first challenge of language barriers. We used the assistance of a translator and limited facial expressions to show our love for being here and our desire to help. The group split up by gender and massaged the elders and painted the ladies' finger nails, kids were outside waiting for long, caucasian hair to braid. The experience was an impactful way to start the service,  Most all of us were asked to step outside of our comfort zones in order to share a little comfort with the people we encountered.

After the Home for Sick & Dying, we headed to the Haitian History Museum to learn more about the culture and get a deeper understanding of the place we were visiting. The museum was educational and nicely air conditioned. Afterwards, we headed to the high of most people's day and visited Papillon aka Apparent Project. In summary, it's an organization that pays Haitian parents double the average wage to make jewelry and other handicrafts ... it's a way to guarantee the children are fed and educated. The goods are distributed through Trades of Hope and similar markets, check out their awesome products! The tour was very riveting and got us excited to spend too much money in the gift shop.  Plus, our team had sold jewelry from Papillon as a fundraiser for our trip back in Minnesota so it was awesome to see the artisans making the jewelry that we sold.

Our evening in the guest house has been low-key.  A surprise rain came and we enjoyed the relief from the heat and danced and splashed in it. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers!

Makayla A

Pappilon Cafe

Beach & Sunburn

Today, we woke up earlier than usual. We went to Grace Village Church. It was a very empowering experience being a part of Haitians as we worshiped together. Along with us for the ride, were 15  neighborhood boys. As we attempted to sing along to the Haitian songs, we sweated through our nice Sunday clothes, with the fans not helping much. The live band filled our ears as the pastor chanted loud prayers to God. Our team managed to recognize some of the songs, so we sang along in English (and occasionally Creole).

After staying through one of three hours of church, we took a long, hot ride down to the beach in our tap tap. As the boys were rolling into the parking lot, we followed closely behind. With smiles and excitement on everyone's faces, we grabbed all of our goodies and painfully walked on the rocks down to the end of the beach, and right into the Caribbean Sea.
Astonished by the beautiful view of the mountains, palm trees, and very blue ocean, we noticed that despite the poverty of Haiti, it is a beautiful, tropical country with lots of potential. In the 100ish degree weather, we lathered on lots of suntan lotion-even though through endless applying, most of us still got burnt. All the boys thought our lotion was funny, as they waited for us to join them in the water. As we got in, the salt water began to burn our throats and eyes, but it did not effect the boys at all. They showed their appreciation and love to us girls by picking us up and carrying us around in the water, while playing catch with our boys.
After some time had passed, we paused our games and took a lunch break. Everyone gobbled up 85 peanut butter sandwiches- apart from Arianna, who is allergic to nuts. She ate lots of bread and beef sticks, yummmmm. Next, was prayer and picture time. Each neighborhood boy left with polarized pictures that said "Jezi ❤ __(name)__."
As we parted from the boys, we began our bumpy tap tap ride back to our house with our favorite driver, Valery. Once back everyone enjoyed a nice cold- since that is your only option- shower, and started packing.

During our last devotion session, we all reflected on the life changing and powerful week. We can't wait to return to all of our family and friends back home: see you all soon. :)
Please be praying for our safe travels back. Thanks for all your support.

-Elie Starfeldt and Tabitha Cornes