Meyers/Cornerstone Day 5

Today, we started out our day by going to “Church on the Rock.” It was awesome how they praised God and how you can see the joy of the Lord on each of their faces. I was able to hold hands with a Haitian and pray over each other. Every member of our team also prayed with a Haitian. After our morning routine of breakfast and devotion, we went to the Mass Graves as we were headed to Grace Village. It is such a beautiful memorial to the devastation caused by the January 12, 2010 earthquake. We spent some time walking around and heard the experience of the earthquake from one of our Haitian guides. After that, we went up to Grace Village. We met Don and Carolyn Pugh and enjoyed a wonderful tour by Don. It was a tour that told us the history of Grace Village as well as what is current. He also took time to point out some of the landmarks across the ocean, such as Cite Soleil and the airport. After the tour, we sat and chatted with Don in the missionary guest house and enjoyed learning more about Grace Village. The most interesting news was that the water at Grace Village is drinkable for anybody due to a new filtering system combined with the fact that it is directly from a well. I drank some of the water, and it was good. After our tour, we headed into Titanyen and visited 4 elders. We were able to wash the elder’s feet, massage their arms and necks and backs with lotion, and spend some time worshiping with them and praying for them. I was stretched out of my comfort zone by massaging and applying lotion to one of the elder’s arms. I am glad that I did it and definitely grew in service. After visiting the elders, we headed back to Grace Village. I was then able to have time to fellowship and enjoy playing with the children there. I was surrounded by children as I sat at the bottom of a slide. Even though I couldn’t understand a word they said, we still had lots of fun. I even tried to play tag with them! To end our day, we went to Fleri Resto and ate delicious pizza (probably the best I have ever had!). We also received a tour of Fleri Bakery. Fleri means flourish and it is amazing to see how they are impacting the community. We rode home on the tap tap with full bellies dodging lots of traffic. Overall, it was a day filled with God’s mercies. Today, I grew in so many different ways with the elders, the children, and with the team. -Austin

Today was a busy day, but a successful day. We got to visit the memorial of the earthquake, Grace Village, and see the elders. The memorial was overwhelming, as there were between 150,000 and 300,000 bodies buried there. Grace Village is an absolute miracle! God has really used the land and the people for His glory and for His purpose. Visiting the elders was truly amazing, as we got to wash each of their feet and pray over them. I am amazed at their strong faith in the Lord, and the hope they have that something better is coming. It has sure shown me how my thinking needs to change! Please continue to pray for our strength to continue these next few days! -Sidney

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 4

Today we woke-up to a delicious meal prepared by the ladies here, and man can they make eggs taste good with peppers and onions and garlic powder. We delivered water again. We went to 2 different places. The children came running and wanted to be held, so OF COURSE we accommodated! Delivering water reminds me of John 14:10, 14. Jesus offers a Samaritan woman living water/eternal life. This is our prayer for the Haitian people that they will accept Christ’s offer of this life-changing water. We got to go to the pier as well. This is where we were told that the men catch the fish, and the women clean’em up. It was neat to see the ladies in action. The water was such a pretty blue. There were a lot of boats with big fishing nets in them. Before going back to the house for the day, we stopped at an orphanage. We got to go play with the children. We shared the salvation message with them, did a craft, jump-roped and blew bubbles. I am convinced that children far and wide are the SAME. They want to be loved! I will finish this with a challenge. Do you know where YOUR mission field is? If you know, GO! You will be glad you did. -Ramona

My inner prayer this morning was to be strong and full of love! (thinking about water delivery). Every morning and evening we have a devotion led by Stephanie who continually inspires and encourages us through God’s word. Today was our second day of delivering water in City Soleil. City Soleil is three square miles with 300,000 people!! Places with poverty have a low suicide rate because they see hope in everything especially gifts from God such as clean water. It seemed easier to me, probably because I knew what to expect. I was stricter with the children, and I often got a partner to help carry water! Also, today I was more aware of parents watching us and correcting their children. They love their children very much! When children wanted help carrying water they yelled “Hey You!” We enjoyed the children and would call back “Hey You!” (We also helped them carry their water!) In between the two water deliveries, we went to the Pier where we saw men fishing and women cleaning fish. The ocean had boats on it and had mountains in the back ground which reminded us of Bible times. Also, the homes on a hillside looked so much like Jerusalem! After delivering water, we went home changed clothes. We took the tap tap to LaPhaere Orphanage where we met the children in an outdoor patio area. Ramona shared the gospel tract and Morgan told the candy cane story. The children have big brown eyes and very white teeth. So beautiful! I am very thankful for my team. We share lots of emotions both good and bad. We’re praising God and giving thanks in all things for He is Good! -Helen

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 3

What a Blessed and Beautiful day we have had today. We began by visiting an Orphanage “No Place Like Home”. I had the privilege of teaching the children through an Interpreter, how to work the craft we had provided, which told of the Plan of Salvation. As the children were coloring this craft I had the greater privilege of going through the Plan of Salvation with one of the staff members while showing him how the craft worked. Another staff member came over and joined us while I was speaking and each kept the craft to color themselves. We were able to provide one for each teacher there as well. While traveling in our Tap Tap, you recognize that there are no stop signs or lights and that turning left has the right away. Each bump we hit and turn we make is quite an adventure and much like a ride at an amusement park. Lots of talk and laughter along the ride. We visited Papillion, where we enjoyed food, fun and fellowship and a bit of shopping for friends and family (and self). Wherever you travel on these rough and bumpy roads you see evidence of Christ everywhere. Merci Jesus on many trucks, the Blood of Christ or God Bless painted on walls and vehicles. You can truly see the Lord working in this beautiful land. I have been blessed to travel with a team that you continually see the love of the Lord working in their hearts. Our final visit today was cut short in our hearts. We were all disappointed to leave early and no one wanted to leave at all. This was the home for sick and dying babies. We tried to hold each one but sadly there was not enough time, however we were able to feed many. Some will get better and go home someday, some may be there because they cannot be cared for in their homes, and yes, there were some that were so weak and emaciated that you felt they may be the ones that were dying. Yes, it is emotional for all of us. It breaks your heart in a way that you cannot put to words, but I find comfort in knowing that although they will not be in my arms, or in the arms of the Sisters, they will someday be in the arms of the Lord. I am so grateful to God that he has entrusted me to be the hands and feet of Christ. -Teresa S.

Today was one that showed us both ends of the spectrum…the hope of the wonderful Home Sweet Home orphanage and the Papillion organization, whose motto is “Orphan Prevention thru Job Creation” then the heart wrenching visit to the Home for Sick and Dying Babies. Our team together experienced highs and lows that knit us closer together. We’ve laughed and cried today and it has been wonderful. We all see God at work in Haiti, in us and through us, for His glory! -Sharon L.

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 2

Wow! What a day! The Lord has shown our team so much. Today was a water day in which we went to three different areas to deliver fresh water to the beautiful, Haitian people. We also visited Haitian Initiative which is an outdoor space for children to play soccer. Our hearts have become so tender, the children here crave our attention and we crave the Lord’s guidance. It is hard to see such kind-hearted people under these circumstances; however, we know the Lord cares deeply for each one of them and will see them through their hardships. Continue to pray for mercy and guidance as we continue this opportunity we have be given to serve. -Morgan

My word, today was BUSY, but very rewarding. The Haitian people, especially children, are overwhelmingly in need of water and love, which we got to provide today in Cite Soleil (Site So-Lay). We stopped at three different locations, and at each one there were endless lines of people with buckets, barrels, and bowls to get water in. While some got the water into the buckets, the others played with the children. We practically had to peel the children off of us in order to leave! All of our hearts are so filled with compassion for these communities, and while it was sad to see, we have seen the Lord working through us and bringing more happiness to these people. To finish our day, we visited Haiti Initiative, which is a soccer club for boys and girls that make a certain grade in their school. They are a competitive soccer club and the most talented boys and girls travel to Minnesota for the World Championship! We attempted to play soccer with them, but they mostly giggled at us in our efforts. (: We are all exhausted and ready to get some rest, but our hearts are thankful and hopeful for the rest of the week! Thank you for all of your prayers! -Sidney

Meyers/Cornerstone Day 1

We made it to Haiti in one piece.  This whole process has been surreal.  I haven't flown since I was 18 so it was a whole new experience all over again.  I've had more tearful emotions leading up to the trip and the departure than what I was expecting.  I think the surprise was because the tears weren't all because of fear of the unknown or leaving family but because of love for the Haitian people that I've never met.  For the state of living, especially the children and all that entails, and then also the thought of leaving to go back home to so much for everything that we take for granted and they do without.

The ocean getting here was just beautiful.  Seeing the different shades and hues of blues and even some red tones was tremendous.  Being 10,000 feet above the clouds, looking through them and seeing the outline of the island and then the breakthrough of seeing mountains caught me off guard.  The pictures through the plane window don't do the beauty of the landscape justice.  Once we were descending and could see the farming outlines, crops layouts, and clusters of all the close quarter living, it became real.

We got through customs fairly easily.  We did learn that you do not dawdle in line or you get a hurried finger and a look.  No need to speak to us in Creole either because no matter what we thought we knew for words, everything was spoken so quickly that we couldn't tilt our head enough to slow the speech.  Needless to say we were relieved to be in the tap tap...only until we experienced the roads and the other drivers.  We have been warned that we haven't really experienced the fun in the tap tap. That will probably be a more clear understanding tomorrow, with the roads being full with many many other drivers honking and shouting.  We are however very blessed to have the men that help with the bags, conversation, and our safety but the biggest blessing is that we don't have to be nor do any of us wish to be the drivers!  Had a delicious Haitian taco meal for supper and now the team ending our evening together with praise music, more discussion on what to expect tomorrow on our first ministry day of delivering water and prayer.

It's been a good day.  Looking forward to tomorrow and all the Lord has for us.  We have already seen mountains moved!

Teri from Iowa

Day 5 - 10/27/17

Our day started in typical Haitian fashion...we were all ready to hop in the tap-tap and our plans to head to the Home for the Sick and Dying Adults were cancelled. The government recently raised taxes, resulting in demonstrations throughout the city. One of those demonstrations  made our route unsafe and therefore, plans changed. Another way to state it, God had different plans for us today.
Before we knew it, we were headed up the mountain. On the way up, we had the opportunity to stop at a street side vendor. Not only did this allow us to bring home something special from Haiti, but it also gave us the opportunity to support the economy. As we made our way further and further from the city and up the mountain, we slowly began to see a different side of Haiti. God sure created a beautiful country. Once at the top, there was a restaurant where we were able to stand and take in a breathtaking view. From up there, you don't see the  sorrow, the dirt, the garbage, the struggle that the city streets reveal. You see Haiti's absolute beauty.
In the afternoon half of our team went to the Home for the Sick and Dying Babies. Although heartbreaking, our team described beautiful moments from their time there. The opportunity to hold the babies and children. A child, so lethargic that she wouldn't take a bite of food from our team member, but when another young child shared his noodles, she took the food right from him. A nurse, who was so wonderful with her care and love for the children. Listening to the giggles of children lined up to receive raspberries on their arm from one of our team members. Being able to calm the children down with singing "Jesus Loves Me." Moments like these remind us why we're here...to be the hands and feet of Jesus. To love like Jesus loved.
The second half of our team went to an orphanage for children with disabilities. Watching our team scoop the children up, push them in their wheelchairs, push them on the swings, tickle them to bring out their wonderful giggles and show them love with just a simple touch, it was beautiful.

Day 4~ Thursday, October 26th

Thursday day 4

This morning, before breakfast, I looked around at the early reisers. Some were reading things about Haiti. Others were studying English to Creoel flash cards. Yesterday, one of the team members helped me get a Creoel language application for my phone which I have started to study. Today, we are going to visit a place called Grace Village. We were there last year and I am looking forward to seeing the progress they have made in the past year.

The drive to Grace Village was encouraging in its own right because we saw so much new building underway.  Then, as we got close to Grace Village compound, we saw new construction there as well. However, the truly blessed thing was to see the way the methods of housing and educating the children have evolved.  The orphans are housed  in a family environment, where they have a mommy and poppy supervisor.  They eat their meals together and everyone has chores to do.  The point is, they are being taught group dynamics and family life skills in addition to the academic skills.

Another major change was in the quality of their computer room and library. They have many more books in English, French and Creoel.  They are also love books in Spanish.  These children are getting a rich learning environment. One that should prepare them to enter a job market and succeed.

After leaving Grace Village, we drove down the hill to their bakery where we picked up some cookies we ordered the day before.  From there we went to visit one of the 30 or so elders that are supported by Healing Haiti.  We brought a hot meal, washed her feet and rubbed body  lotion on her arms and legs. We asked what she needed. Like batteries for her electronic Bible, padding for her bed etc. Before we left, we  sang a couple of hymns. I can only speak for myself, but the action of washing feet as my Lord did with the disciples, always is a very moving experience for me.