Yes, he is risen! Does it get any better by starting a Sunday morning with worship in a dynamic praise-filled environment. Both the Healing Haiti teams attended Rendezvous Church today. The music was incredibly joyful. You could just feel the Holy Spirit circling around the room as we felt the excitement of His presence! The pastor shared a message on believing the invisible or just the visible. Can you see beyond your view? Or do you know that God is with you at all times? Unseen, but speaking into us through the Holy Spirit. It was truly a wonderful experience worshiping at Rendezvous with our brothers and sisters in Haiti. One that I want to do again and again in the years to come!
The rest of our Sunday was spent sharing meals together, celebrating with yummy cake in honor of birthdays and anniversaries, shopping, and having our precious team time. At the close of each day we gathered together in a circle and shared our "Word of the Day" and reflected upon it, prayed, and laughed A LOT. This group varied from ages 17 to 61, which was a blessing, for it provided a rich team culture full of beautiful insights and unique perspectives. Each team member exhibited courage, internal strength, and got out of their comfort zone throughout. But isn't that what God calls us to do? He stretches us and encourages us as he whispers to us to do good works in His name.
It has been truly an honor to be the leader of the team. Go in peace and serve the Lord! Glwa pou Bondye (Glory to God).
With all my love,
Tammy
Monday, July 1, 2019
Saturday, June 29, 2019
Haiti scores. Port-au-Prince explodes - Jun 29th
We awoke to the sounds of crowing cocks, bleating goats and barking dogs as we began our Saturday at the HH guesthouse. Our team is now a mighty force of newly formed friendships, united in purpose and empowered with a sincere desire to share the love of Jesus with every one of the Haitians we meet and serve today.
After another chaotic ride through the streets of Port-au-Prince, we arrived at DIOS orphanage for special needs children. We didn't know what to expect, but as soon as we jumped off the tap tap we were greeted by the huge smiles of children determined to embrace life despite living with the challenges of disabilities. The color books, nail polish, chalk and balls we brought were a big hit, but when our Haitian guides busted out their boom box, the dance party began. All the children joined us for the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle under the shade of the mango trees. Wheelchairs were no obstacle to bust a move. Sheer joy.
Next stop: Cite' Soleil outside the gates of Hope Academy. More ebony faces to hold and love on this blazing hot afternoon. Basketball, jump rope and nail painting - all intense activities in Cite' Soleil.
Last stop: SAKALA Community Center. More basketball and soccer with older children in the over 100 degree heat index. The teens on our team were absolute rock stars at Sakala. The children here were gentle and so well-behaved. They wanted to practice their English with us. Sakala is Creole for "being in the moment." No cell phones. No social media. No watches to know the time.
Our time here in Haiti has taught us the meaning of Sakala. Will we be able to take Sakala home with us to America? Hopefully so.
After another chaotic tap tap ride home filled with a Tap Surfing contest and "Roll Call" led by one of our teens, we arrived back home. The adults walked up to the pool at the nearby hotel to cool off. The young folk showered and conked out for a nap.
Team Tam Time was up on the roof again tonight for word-of-day. The peaceful hot breeze was punctured with the shouts of two million people in the streets of Port-au-Prince celebrating Haiti's soccer victory over Canada. Three massive explosions of human voices and fireworks - one for each goal and of course, the final victory. Amazing and unforgettable.
Goodnight BANANAS. Tomorrow is our final day in beautiful Haiti.
After another chaotic ride through the streets of Port-au-Prince, we arrived at DIOS orphanage for special needs children. We didn't know what to expect, but as soon as we jumped off the tap tap we were greeted by the huge smiles of children determined to embrace life despite living with the challenges of disabilities. The color books, nail polish, chalk and balls we brought were a big hit, but when our Haitian guides busted out their boom box, the dance party began. All the children joined us for the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle under the shade of the mango trees. Wheelchairs were no obstacle to bust a move. Sheer joy.
Next stop: Cite' Soleil outside the gates of Hope Academy. More ebony faces to hold and love on this blazing hot afternoon. Basketball, jump rope and nail painting - all intense activities in Cite' Soleil.
Last stop: SAKALA Community Center. More basketball and soccer with older children in the over 100 degree heat index. The teens on our team were absolute rock stars at Sakala. The children here were gentle and so well-behaved. They wanted to practice their English with us. Sakala is Creole for "being in the moment." No cell phones. No social media. No watches to know the time.
Our time here in Haiti has taught us the meaning of Sakala. Will we be able to take Sakala home with us to America? Hopefully so.
After another chaotic tap tap ride home filled with a Tap Surfing contest and "Roll Call" led by one of our teens, we arrived back home. The adults walked up to the pool at the nearby hotel to cool off. The young folk showered and conked out for a nap.
Team Tam Time was up on the roof again tonight for word-of-day. The peaceful hot breeze was punctured with the shouts of two million people in the streets of Port-au-Prince celebrating Haiti's soccer victory over Canada. Three massive explosions of human voices and fireworks - one for each goal and of course, the final victory. Amazing and unforgettable.
Goodnight BANANAS. Tomorrow is our final day in beautiful Haiti.
Friday, June 28, 2019
XXX XXX - Jun 28
Bright smiles, lifted hands, and joyful spirits were the sights and sounds of the day!
The group headed out bright and early to attend a local sunrise church service. The community did not let the fact that there was not electric this morning stop them from offering praises to God through spoken prayers, raised hands, and the shared Word. While we may not have understood everything that was being said, it was apparent that the Holy Spirit was present and what an incredible blessing it was to be a part of a communal celebration of our Amazing Heavenly Father!
We had the privileged of delivering water to various locations in Cite Solei. It was truly an indescribable experience. To get off the tap tap and be instantly greeted by warm, loving, and happy children who are simply grateful to see you and spend time with you was incredibly precious and moving. We helped to deliver water, held children, played games, and spent time talking to those in the community.
We were able to tour the 28 acre Fleri Farm and hear about the vision and plans of expanding the already growing polyculture approach to farming which includes various produce such as bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, papaya, limes, eggplant, and cherries. In the near future, there may be plans to develop a collaborative project with the students of Hope School to teach them the basics of farming and agriculture.
We ended the day with our Haiti "family" in laughter and boding as we shared our experiences of the day, told funny stories, and showed some of our talents. Did you know that we have a professional Irish dancer on our team? We will leave it to you to figure out who:)
God Bless!
The group headed out bright and early to attend a local sunrise church service. The community did not let the fact that there was not electric this morning stop them from offering praises to God through spoken prayers, raised hands, and the shared Word. While we may not have understood everything that was being said, it was apparent that the Holy Spirit was present and what an incredible blessing it was to be a part of a communal celebration of our Amazing Heavenly Father!
We had the privileged of delivering water to various locations in Cite Solei. It was truly an indescribable experience. To get off the tap tap and be instantly greeted by warm, loving, and happy children who are simply grateful to see you and spend time with you was incredibly precious and moving. We helped to deliver water, held children, played games, and spent time talking to those in the community.
We were able to tour the 28 acre Fleri Farm and hear about the vision and plans of expanding the already growing polyculture approach to farming which includes various produce such as bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, papaya, limes, eggplant, and cherries. In the near future, there may be plans to develop a collaborative project with the students of Hope School to teach them the basics of farming and agriculture.
We ended the day with our Haiti "family" in laughter and boding as we shared our experiences of the day, told funny stories, and showed some of our talents. Did you know that we have a professional Irish dancer on our team? We will leave it to you to figure out who:)
God Bless!
All Over the Place - Day 4
Day 4, Thursday, June 27
Today we experienced the highs and lows of emotions. We started our morning off at the girls Haiti Teen Challenge. Over 80 young girls have applied, but only 12 get chosen to follow the 18 month program. At first, it was somewhat intimidating because we did not know what to expect and these girls seemed to have a guard up. Once we sat down the girls started to sing "Oceans" by Hillsong, They sounded angelic. Then, two of the girls had the courage to share their amazing and powerful testimonies. After the time we spent together, we left with full hearts, new relationships, and sweet memories.
To take in more of Haitian culture, we visited Papillon, which means butterfly in creole. It's an amazing organization created by an American missionary trying to adopt from Haiti. This organization focuses on orphan prevention and job creation! We had the opportunity to tour the restaurant, production area, and store. This gave us an insight into one of the most influential organizations in Haiti. We saw the brightly colored walls, hard-working artisans, and beautiful pieces of art and jewelry.
Last but not least, we visited a local orphanage. There we were able to bring joy to kids, and gain much more from them in return. Through soccer games, coloring books, balloons, and temporary tattoos, we got to share lots of laughter and smiles. Even the Healing Haiti staff joined in on the fun!
All five of us can agree that Haiti Teen Challenge has impacted us the most throughout our trip. We are so grateful to have experienced this, and especially to have experienced it together.
Audrey, Abby, Katie, Jack, and Grace
Today we experienced the highs and lows of emotions. We started our morning off at the girls Haiti Teen Challenge. Over 80 young girls have applied, but only 12 get chosen to follow the 18 month program. At first, it was somewhat intimidating because we did not know what to expect and these girls seemed to have a guard up. Once we sat down the girls started to sing "Oceans" by Hillsong, They sounded angelic. Then, two of the girls had the courage to share their amazing and powerful testimonies. After the time we spent together, we left with full hearts, new relationships, and sweet memories.
To take in more of Haitian culture, we visited Papillon, which means butterfly in creole. It's an amazing organization created by an American missionary trying to adopt from Haiti. This organization focuses on orphan prevention and job creation! We had the opportunity to tour the restaurant, production area, and store. This gave us an insight into one of the most influential organizations in Haiti. We saw the brightly colored walls, hard-working artisans, and beautiful pieces of art and jewelry.
Last but not least, we visited a local orphanage. There we were able to bring joy to kids, and gain much more from them in return. Through soccer games, coloring books, balloons, and temporary tattoos, we got to share lots of laughter and smiles. Even the Healing Haiti staff joined in on the fun!
All five of us can agree that Haiti Teen Challenge has impacted us the most throughout our trip. We are so grateful to have experienced this, and especially to have experienced it together.
Audrey, Abby, Katie, Jack, and Grace
Thursday, June 27, 2019
My First Time In Haiti, And Definitely Not My Last; Day Three
Heartbroken, humbled, loving, and thankful...these four simple words captivate my experience here in Haiti so far. Being in this foreign country is already a step out of my comfort zone, a daring one at that. Traveling to this gorgeous place all on my own has definitely been a challenge (eighteen years old with no family or friends and having to fly alone from Pennsylvania), but without a doubt the best decision I have ever made in the span of my life. It was a difficult task to so openly say "yes" to God's calling and take this leap of faith. I was hesitant at first, but knew that this is where God wanted me.
After distributing water to the families of Cite Soleil on Monday, we started Tuesday by visiting Grace Village. A community so focused on bettering the lives of the children within Haiti. A community that cherishes the gift of education and providing it to those kids in need. For someone who is currently studying to be a teacher, it profoundly moved me to see how much these kids loved going to school and enjoyed learning. Which, in America, is rare to see, especially among older students. It is striking to see how education can impact the lives of these children so tremendously. Only consisting of tight quartered classrooms of 20-30 students with a single chalkboard and a library with a small number of books, these students and staff of Grace Village viewed their education with so much importance and reverence. The students who are days away from graduating have pride radiating from their smiles as they exclaim that they have made it this far, which is rare for many Haitian children. It is an accomplishment like no other, and truly changes their lives for the better.
The most impactful part of the day for me, to say the least, was visiting the elders. Initially, I was expecting to see a small congregation of older Haitian citizens who lived in a building similar to the ones back in America. Ones that cared for them daily. I was surprised to find that instead, we were visiting the individual homes of these elderly people. My heart broke as we walking into these homes that consisted of nothing more than a cement wall, broken and dirty, with a single tin plate covering the top. It was the most shabbiest shelter that someone could be living in, with minimal protection from any sort of weather. And even though it was nothing in our eyes, it was everything to the elderly woman and her family that lived there. We began by singing worship music with this woman and engaging in conversation (with the help of Smith for translation, of course). Paullette then extended an invitation to anyone who would be willing to wash the feet of this elderly woman. Apprehensive at first, but realizing that God was asking me to do this, I quickly volunteered myself, along with Ava (another team member). As I bent down on my hands and knees to wash the feet of this woman, I instantly was covered in goosebumps. This specific word, in fact, was the word I used to describe this entire day. Why? Simply because with everything that I did today, I constantly felt goosebumps all over my body. In past experiences, when I felt goosebumps, it was a sign to me that God was present and the Holy Spirit was pouring grace over me. This act of service was not just to clean the dirty feet of this woman, but instead was to signify the same actions that Jesus did, when he washed his disciples feet only a day before his sacrificial death. It was an action that mimicked the selfless giving of Jesus and radiate his love to them. It was amazing to see how overjoyed and thankful this elderly woman was to me and Ava for taking the time and effort to care for her tenderly and love on her. I will forever remember the gratitude on that woman's face, as well as the goosebumps that spread across my skin as Jesus was working through me.
This was yet another day where I was unable to wipe off the smile from my face. I could undeniably feel God working within me and the other group members. He used our individual gifts in order to touch the lives of the Haitian people, while also impacting our lives at the same time. I am learning so much more about sacrifice, love, joy, and faith within these experiences. Coming here has already begun to open up new relationships with people and open up new opportunities for the future. Only day three into our trip and without a doubt I know I will be coming back. God has put it on my heart to potentially come back to Haiti and teach the children here. Many years back this was a tiny idea I had, and was something I never imagined actually formulating into a plan. However, this country and these people are things that I do not want to part with. God has called me to come on this mission trip, and I truly believe that it was to lay the building blocks for my future here in Haiti. I now view life a little differently. With more vibrance, passion, and understanding than ever before.
I look forward to what else God has in store for me and all of the group the rest of this week. As we embark on day four of this trip, I am excited to see how God continues to move within us and within the Haitian people to spread love and joy to all.
After distributing water to the families of Cite Soleil on Monday, we started Tuesday by visiting Grace Village. A community so focused on bettering the lives of the children within Haiti. A community that cherishes the gift of education and providing it to those kids in need. For someone who is currently studying to be a teacher, it profoundly moved me to see how much these kids loved going to school and enjoyed learning. Which, in America, is rare to see, especially among older students. It is striking to see how education can impact the lives of these children so tremendously. Only consisting of tight quartered classrooms of 20-30 students with a single chalkboard and a library with a small number of books, these students and staff of Grace Village viewed their education with so much importance and reverence. The students who are days away from graduating have pride radiating from their smiles as they exclaim that they have made it this far, which is rare for many Haitian children. It is an accomplishment like no other, and truly changes their lives for the better.
The most impactful part of the day for me, to say the least, was visiting the elders. Initially, I was expecting to see a small congregation of older Haitian citizens who lived in a building similar to the ones back in America. Ones that cared for them daily. I was surprised to find that instead, we were visiting the individual homes of these elderly people. My heart broke as we walking into these homes that consisted of nothing more than a cement wall, broken and dirty, with a single tin plate covering the top. It was the most shabbiest shelter that someone could be living in, with minimal protection from any sort of weather. And even though it was nothing in our eyes, it was everything to the elderly woman and her family that lived there. We began by singing worship music with this woman and engaging in conversation (with the help of Smith for translation, of course). Paullette then extended an invitation to anyone who would be willing to wash the feet of this elderly woman. Apprehensive at first, but realizing that God was asking me to do this, I quickly volunteered myself, along with Ava (another team member). As I bent down on my hands and knees to wash the feet of this woman, I instantly was covered in goosebumps. This specific word, in fact, was the word I used to describe this entire day. Why? Simply because with everything that I did today, I constantly felt goosebumps all over my body. In past experiences, when I felt goosebumps, it was a sign to me that God was present and the Holy Spirit was pouring grace over me. This act of service was not just to clean the dirty feet of this woman, but instead was to signify the same actions that Jesus did, when he washed his disciples feet only a day before his sacrificial death. It was an action that mimicked the selfless giving of Jesus and radiate his love to them. It was amazing to see how overjoyed and thankful this elderly woman was to me and Ava for taking the time and effort to care for her tenderly and love on her. I will forever remember the gratitude on that woman's face, as well as the goosebumps that spread across my skin as Jesus was working through me.
This was yet another day where I was unable to wipe off the smile from my face. I could undeniably feel God working within me and the other group members. He used our individual gifts in order to touch the lives of the Haitian people, while also impacting our lives at the same time. I am learning so much more about sacrifice, love, joy, and faith within these experiences. Coming here has already begun to open up new relationships with people and open up new opportunities for the future. Only day three into our trip and without a doubt I know I will be coming back. God has put it on my heart to potentially come back to Haiti and teach the children here. Many years back this was a tiny idea I had, and was something I never imagined actually formulating into a plan. However, this country and these people are things that I do not want to part with. God has called me to come on this mission trip, and I truly believe that it was to lay the building blocks for my future here in Haiti. I now view life a little differently. With more vibrance, passion, and understanding than ever before.
I look forward to what else God has in store for me and all of the group the rest of this week. As we embark on day four of this trip, I am excited to see how God continues to move within us and within the Haitian people to spread love and joy to all.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Grace Village, Elders, Fleri Bakery - Wed Jun 26
Blessed. Proud.Hope.Fear.Comfort.Patience. These are just a few of the words that our team used to describe Day 3 of our time here with Healing Haiti. We arose to a bountiful feast again prepared by our wonderful staff which included delicious eggs, french toast, oatmeal and sweet bananas. The feast would provide us for a full day of ministering and serving to those most in need.
We started the day with a 45 minute drive and bumpy road up to get a tour of Grace Village. Grace Village provides schooling as well as housing for students at Grace Academy which opened its doors in 2011. We were fortunate to have Caleb who has been at Grace Village as a long term missionary with his family (wife and two daughters and their dog Annie) for the last year. It was even more special to have him lead the tour as this was his last and final tour. Come Sunday...he and his family would be relocating back to Minnesota.
Caleb walked us through the school showing us the classrooms and sharing with us a bit about the curriculum and also informed us that school there goes to Grade 13 and that the students need to successfully pass each grade with a test in order to move on, there is no "social promotion' to move to the next grade. We then were taken to the school library which was impressively filled with many children's books with titles we all would recognize but they were in their native languages of French or Creole. From there we were shown their gardens where they grow many crops such as Amaranth, carrots, radishes that are used to feed the students at Grace Academy. Farm to Table at its best.
Those with soccer skills (cue, our younger team members) indulged in a friendly game of soccer under the beautiful canopied shelter on the Grace Village grounds. While the score may not have been being kept, it was a great time to interact with the kids in a sport they all love.
The next stop proved to be perhaps the most impactful part of the day. We had the amazing opportunity to visit 4 Elders in the Tetayan community, each with their own challenges, struggles and stories. Our visits included singing, washing/cleansing/moisturizing/massaging their feet/hands/arms and providing loving human touch to those who can't do for themselves. We were greeted by one elder with a smile that would light up a room and who hugged each and every person on our team before we could bless and serve her. While another elder we visited, we simply sang and prayed over her while she is on her journey to be with the Lord. Each of our visits ended by asking for prayer requests and then praying as a team over them and blessing them. What was most amazing about this experience was the ability for people to get out of their comfort zone and provide human touch in a deeply personal way to a complete stranger. Equally transformative, were the tiny moments that individual team members experienced as well that will never be forgotten. The gift of serving is ironic in that while we are serving those most in need, we truly are the ones being served.
Finally, we finished the day at Fleri Bakery and restaurant which was built by Healing Haiti in 2015. Fleri Bakery employees people from the community and in turn gives them the ability to provide for their families and provides a service to the community, bringing it full circle. The bakery provides baked goods to schools, hotels, restaurants and fulfills a need that has grown beyond what they ever could have imagined.
After an informative bakery tour by Jake we were able to gather as a group and enjoy a feast of delicious home made Fleri Bakery pizzas that certainly satiated all of our tired, weary and hungry team members.
We left with full bellies, full hearts, full spirits with joy and hope for another day of blessings.
We started the day with a 45 minute drive and bumpy road up to get a tour of Grace Village. Grace Village provides schooling as well as housing for students at Grace Academy which opened its doors in 2011. We were fortunate to have Caleb who has been at Grace Village as a long term missionary with his family (wife and two daughters and their dog Annie) for the last year. It was even more special to have him lead the tour as this was his last and final tour. Come Sunday...he and his family would be relocating back to Minnesota.
Caleb walked us through the school showing us the classrooms and sharing with us a bit about the curriculum and also informed us that school there goes to Grade 13 and that the students need to successfully pass each grade with a test in order to move on, there is no "social promotion' to move to the next grade. We then were taken to the school library which was impressively filled with many children's books with titles we all would recognize but they were in their native languages of French or Creole. From there we were shown their gardens where they grow many crops such as Amaranth, carrots, radishes that are used to feed the students at Grace Academy. Farm to Table at its best.
Those with soccer skills (cue, our younger team members) indulged in a friendly game of soccer under the beautiful canopied shelter on the Grace Village grounds. While the score may not have been being kept, it was a great time to interact with the kids in a sport they all love.
The next stop proved to be perhaps the most impactful part of the day. We had the amazing opportunity to visit 4 Elders in the Tetayan community, each with their own challenges, struggles and stories. Our visits included singing, washing/cleansing/moisturizing/massaging their feet/hands/arms and providing loving human touch to those who can't do for themselves. We were greeted by one elder with a smile that would light up a room and who hugged each and every person on our team before we could bless and serve her. While another elder we visited, we simply sang and prayed over her while she is on her journey to be with the Lord. Each of our visits ended by asking for prayer requests and then praying as a team over them and blessing them. What was most amazing about this experience was the ability for people to get out of their comfort zone and provide human touch in a deeply personal way to a complete stranger. Equally transformative, were the tiny moments that individual team members experienced as well that will never be forgotten. The gift of serving is ironic in that while we are serving those most in need, we truly are the ones being served.
Finally, we finished the day at Fleri Bakery and restaurant which was built by Healing Haiti in 2015. Fleri Bakery employees people from the community and in turn gives them the ability to provide for their families and provides a service to the community, bringing it full circle. The bakery provides baked goods to schools, hotels, restaurants and fulfills a need that has grown beyond what they ever could have imagined.
After an informative bakery tour by Jake we were able to gather as a group and enjoy a feast of delicious home made Fleri Bakery pizzas that certainly satiated all of our tired, weary and hungry team members.
We left with full bellies, full hearts, full spirits with joy and hope for another day of blessings.
First amazing day in Haiti - Tue. June 25
Tom and Debbie Rice here sharing words for the entire Tammy Porto group. Our first amazing day in Haiti! There are 17 people in our group and 14 people in another group that is staying in the same guest house. It is a mix of ages that only God could choose. Teens with so much energy and us the grandpa and grandma with just a little less energy!
We traveled to Cite Soleil to provide donated water to the poorest of the poor. How to even put into words what our eyes saw, what our noses smelled, the sounds of the chaos and of course the feeling of our breaking hearts. So much garbage, so many people, so much need....yet the JOY of the people when they saw us was what we will remember the most! The children, the children, the children...so many...so much JOY to just touch us and be held! Each one so precious and wonderfully made in His image. He knows each one just like the stars...
It was obvious at our evening meeting that everyone was most impacted by the children...pictures will be provided at a later date. Please continue to pray for our team (that we will continue to follow God's leading) and of course for the precious people of Haiti (that the impact between us and them will be GREAT and always glorify God).
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