Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 7

 💑 Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 7 🙏

Here's a little word from our sponsors... aka the people who went on this trip.

(in alphabetical order by first name)

A Word from Ali

"Who you callin' a pinhead?"- Patrick

 

A Word from Amanda

This last two weeks have been filled with so many ups and downs. When I arrived in Haiti, I felt like my heart was going to burst with so much excitement. I couldn’t wait to see her (Fannie not sure if it was her name but it was what Wilbert told me when I couldn’t say her name in 2019), the little girl who touched my heart and soul and had such an impact on me. I could see her in my dreams and thoughts like it was yesterday. I never stopped thinking about you Fannie I think of you often I wonder how you have grown; I wonder if you are still that sassy loving little girl I remember. I wondered if you would remember me. I pray that you still love Jesus, I pray that your circumstance hasn’t hardened your heart. I pray that somehow by God’s grace I will see your smiling face again. I truly believe you have given me so much more than I can or could ever give you. When we were told that there would be no city soleil and that it was unsafe my heart broke, but I prayed for God to make a way but sadly there was no way. But I put my faith in God that he had a plan and quickly my weeks filled up with water trucks, babies, elderly, and lots of loving on kids. It has been an amazing two weeks and God had a plan it wasn’t my plan, but it was his. It was awesome to experience Haiti with a separate team it was good to see things through a different perspective, but it was also awesome to be back with Team Texas OG. I do believe that Haiti has so much more for me in the future and that I will see my Fannie again, but until then please pray for the people of Haiti especially the people we love in City Solei. Pray that they can see Gods love in the most hopeless of places. Pray that Healing Haiti can return to love on and bring resources to the beautiful Haitian people there and that the violence will end. When peace like a river attendeth my wayWhen sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul It is well (it is well)With my soul (with my soul)It is well, it is well with my soul We all need to remember that no matter our “lot” because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross it is well with our soul. Haiti has taught me much and their lot in life is so very hard, but their love for Christ is incredible. To love God like a Haitian is what I want to strive for, for then I can truly say it is well with my SOUL!!!!! It is not Goodbye it is only until next time. #HaitiStrong

 

A Word from Andy

There are a lot of things that make me who I am, but there are also a lot of things that I have put in my own way that prevents me from realizing everything that I have been created to be and do. I believe that I am a teacher first and foremost with a mission to teach about God so that people can know more about Him and in that know Him more. One thing that I have learned very quickly here in Haiti is that information is hard to convey to people when there is a language barrier. The first day that I got here I learned that I would not be teaching people with my words. This realization was the first step in my entire thought of myself being shaken to its core. I learned very quickly that there are other ways to communicate outside of spoken language which are shown through action. The other part of my view of myself being shaken was that I had not yet experienced true problems in life, that most of my problems I had experienced were surface level things that are easily dismissed. On the first day, I helped deliver dinner to a man in a brick house no more than 10ft x 10ft, laying in the dark, deaf and blind, and unable to walk laying on a matress on the floor. He had a smile on his face and began eating the dinner we brought him immediately because he was hungry. He never once complained while we were there. In his world problems we encounter like someone "not treating us nicely" or "someone saying something about us falsely" didnt exist. Those weren't even remotely problems in his world. He was thanking God for his blessings and asking us to pray to the Lord for healing rather than things. These were real problems and it blew my world up. I still am struggling with this thought because this situation was hard for him, but he had joy in the situation and loved and thanked the Lord. He also had faith that God would provide through His people and His church. He also didn't fear the day when he would be united with his Loving Savior in eternity. I taught this man NOTHING in this room. Had I even been able to speak I do not believe there was anyting I could offer him that would benefit him any more than the faith he had in God. I left that little house as the person who learned. He taught me so much and will never know. His faith and love of God dug out rotten peices of my perspective of life that needed to be pruned all by the grace of God. God truly was glorified that day in many ways. A couple of days later, while still tossing around these thoughts and emotions in my mind and heart, I encountered a room full of toddlers who were being taken care of at a local orphanage. They could not speak and could not understand my words. I couldn't teach them either. I loved on them, snuggled them, changed a diaper, and played with toys. While I was holding a beautiful little boy, I noticed another little boy laying on his stomach throwing a fit by bumping his head against his hands on the floor crying tired cries. I put the other little boy down and scooped him up and began saying "shhhh, shhhh, shhhh" while doing the butt pat and hair stroke that puts babies to sleep. I taught this little boy nothing. No information was given to this beautiful baby boy as he fell deeply to sleep in my arms. I learned so much, that love is able to be given without lecturing or giving a 3 part study of theology and doctrine. Where study like this has its place, it had no opportunity in this situation. The next night me and the rest of the missionaries sat on a beautiful evening on the balcony of the compound we stay on. I was blessed with the opportunity to play my guitar and sing with my friends. As I listened to their voices I realized something I had not realized before. My distrust in my own emotions had made me ignore most of them and through all of this week I was being taught that love was a gift through the grace of the Lord. Emotions can be a response to these situations that glorify the Lord. I have learned that what I thought I is actually not exactly what I was created to be. I am Andy Kumor, a teacher, a musician, a father, a husband to a wonderful wife, and am being given so many opportunities to love people in action. I pray God gives me the faith I need that I learned here in Haiti. I will be back next year and am eager to love like I learned this week. I am also excited to get back home to share this love with my church family at my home church. Thank you Haiti.

 

A Word from Candice

I've lost count of the number of times I've been to Haiti. I'm thinking it's between 5 and 6 but I honestly don't remember. Regardless, it changes me every time. God always speaks to me regarding the exact struggle I am having when I arrive. This time I heard loud and clear:

"You are a part of the plan, not the Planner."

For those who know me, I am all about checklists and schedules and keeping up with the details. While in Haiti, our schedule changed constantly but it was exactly what was supposed to happen each day. We were given opportunities to serve or rest or praise Him. God is good, not just when things are good but because HE IS GOOD. This was only reinforced at the church service this morning. We can't expect anyone else to fix our situation, we can only put our faith and hope in Jesus Christ. 

Many of the experiences we had this time were similar to previous trips but it's always neat to experience it with new people, through their eyes, through their perspective and to learn about it through their hearts and words. COVID added an extra layer of fear and complexity to everything we did but it was no different than being back home right now. 

We are called to serve others, it can be done in Haiti, it can also be done at home with our own families, our neighbors, and even strangers. Every person you meet is worthy of being served. Jesus served the sinners and so should we, not just because He said so but because we are sinners too. 

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10

Every year God and I, prepare my heart for Haiti. Every year I learn from and envy the Haitian people. We might have more material belongings but their relationship with Jesus Christ is something I will continue to strive for. 

#LoveGodLoveGods(Haitian)People

 

A Word from Dan

How do I describe a place that has nothing for itself but gives everything in return. I have been visiting my Haitian brothers and sisters for close to 10 years now. Everytime at some point, I have a joyous cry... everytime my heart is filled with a child's wanting eyes... everytime my sides ache with laughter... everytime I make new life long friends.... everytime I am covered in mosquito bites... everytime I have tired and aching bones but most importantly EVERYTIME I am changed!

 

A Word from Ed

This mission has gladden'd my heart in the way people have been receptive to our efforts... giving us the opportunity to show God's love and receive the love from them. I do hope to return to Haiti and continue on what Healing Haiti has done here. I have seen growth and rebounding in the country. It is a credit to the Haitians' resilience from the devestation that has occurred here. I ask God to continue to bless, watch over, guide and continue to give strength to the people of Haiti.

 

A Word from Jenn

Just as Christ is always faithful to complete what he has started, So are we called to be diligent servants who can be counted on to honor the commitments we make. Our commitments to ministry aren't just to people but, more importantly, they are commitments to God. Today is our last full day in Haiti and I feel blessed to have had this God given opportunity to serve. My experience here has been life-changing. Being able to provide water to several areas & pray and love on sick and dying children, children full of joy and innocence, and the elderly. I am not sure I can pick a favorite because everything we have done here has been rewarding in its own way. Jesus said that I did not come into the world to be served but to serve. Because serving is atmosphere changing, serving is miracle working, serving changes everything. It breaks down barriers and walls. It allows you to minister and share and testify the goodness of God. Tiffany, thank you for stepping out and asking me to be apart of Team Texas. Because of you I have now experienced a mission trip with an amazing team that happens to include my wonderful husband and sister! This entire team has been so encouraging and uplifting. Because of what we have shared on this trip we have built bonds that are unbreakable. Daddy, thank you for watching over Kevin and I during this trip. I hope we have made you proud! Jezi Renmen Ou!

 

A Word from Kevin

One morning we went to church at 6am in a creole speaking church. We were there for about an hour but time really seemed to fly. When the creole music started, there were several memorable parts; this little old lady, maybe 60-70 yo, was walking/dancing shuffling around with her cane kind of close to our area where we were sitting. She was wearing bandana-like rag on her head, like most of the women, and had in oversized dress bottoms and top. She also had on a wrapping around her R lower leg, looked off white from the dirt. Looked like a wound covering of some sort, what instead of being wrapped with New dressing, was just layered over with more wrapping. She has a peaceful and joyful smile. She eventually made her way to us, and got us up from our seats to dance. You couldn’t see the smile because her mask was covering it, but you could sense her happiness in her eyes when she looked at you. I was halfway shifting my body from L to R and she patted my low back firmly and danced, looking at her hips, with more enthusiasm, insinuating that I do the same. I began to get my whole body into the little dance and only then did she peacefully walk away. She walked very slowly with her worn cane that lost its rubber tips and had a different handle, but she walked with a musical sway, each step to the beat of the music.

Almost every song they did was in creole, but we still danced and clapped to the music they were wanting to televise to share on what looked like Facebook live. Then they did Our God is Greater in English, but Haitian style. I’ve never really teared up to praise music before, only some worship songs, but it hit me suddenly without notice. I felt a holy presence. Usually to feel something like this, I have to be intentional about trying to seek His presence. But it seemed like this time, His presence came to me, which hasn’t happened before. Seemed to hit me when I saw the people around me and noticed they were showing their hearts so truest and vulnerably. I could help but feel like I was experiencing a part of heaven. Like this is how well worship all together when we’re in heaven. Even though their quality of life is different from ours, they were so happy to be there together, praising God. This is just speculation but seems it is due to the lack of distraction and increased dependence they have on God, that they can be closer to Him, or feel a greater need to be closer to him.

I wonder if God birthed each of us in certain countries and time periods based on what our hearts needed to pursue and believe in him. Maybe the people in Haiti wouldn’t have accepted Jesus if they were born with the lifestyle or distractions of a more developed country like the US. And maybe our hearts in the US should be less difficult to soften. I also was very moved with a pastor singing in the public “Haiti for Jesus, Jesus for Haiti”. He was very outspoken and had a heart for God that you could tell was just genuine. These Christ-filled individuals I’ve encountered in Haiti display the purest form of genuineness that I’ve ever seen, they don’t even have to try extra to encourage/motivate others (although some newly re-born Christians do need this extra motivation). They simply shine in a way that hits a seasoned Christian like me in a different, more profound way. In the last 2 decades of being in American church, I haven’t felt this level of Christ’s love shine from Christians the way it illuminated from these beautiful people. Their degree of praise and worship surfaced in the most pure and raw form, teaching me my level of adoration with God has much room to deepen. I’ve already made up my mind, when I meet these people again in Heaven whenever God call us, I’m gonna find the old lady and get her to dance with her hips to the worship music, and then I’ll find the pastor and together we’ll sing “Haiti for Jesus, Jesus for Haiti”.

 

A Word from Tiffany

In the beginning of this trip, my first word of the day was rocky, rushed and rest. By the end of this trip my word has gone to reflection. It is Sunday and it is the day of rest. It will be our day of rest and I am thankful for it. Being able to come to Haiti is a treat. I do get tired physically.... emotionally it can leave a toll... I get hot... I get sticky and yet while I am here I count all these things as good. I was asked what my favorite part of this trip was. That is hard to describe but I think for this trip, it was having new people to experience Haiti for the first time. Seeing their expressions, learning their feelings... it's like experiencing Haiti again for myself for the very first time.

This trip was definitely different than previous trips so I guess in reality it was actually new for me! I am glad we were able to make the trip to Titanye once this week. It is amazing how the area has changed. You see more commerce and more people. Some of the Elders' homes have improved and their health seemed better too. HH has done an amazing job looking after these people. I enjoyed the new areas we served in Port-au-Prince. The kids were a ton of fun! These children just want to feel a connection. I know many have mothers and fathers that love them. Their love shows as you see older siblings caring for their younger ones. I think these kids have to grow up too fast in Haiti and maybe us coming to play with them, hold them and rock them... just maybe they feel more like a child again. Innocence returns and the brutality of their life disappears if only for a moment.

Even though I enjoyed the new areas of serving, I find myself thinking of Cite Soleil. This area is the poorest of the poor and we were not able to visit this trip. There is much unrest with gang activity and it was not safe. Word from one of our Haitian team members was someone did something REALLY... REALLY... BAD! Since then the school remains quite and the clinic has been closed. No Healing Haiti Staff is allowed in except the few members of staff that live there. I am unsure if water is getting through.... how the people hurt when there is disagreement and chaos between acting leaders. (It makes me reflect on the chaos in America) Healing Haiti has worked many hard years developing a relationship with this area. They were creating a feeling of community among an area ruled by different gangs. They brought their leaders TOGETHER to design a school, church and clinic for their community. The actions of one or a possible few have brought that crumbling down. Healing Haiti's mission is to teach to fish and not supply the fish. They strengthen families and communities to help themselves. Maybe perhaps God has shut this door to turn Cite Soleil to itself. Exodus 36:6 reminds us God decides when enough is enough.

"So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp; Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing, for the materials they had was sufficient to do all the work and more."

God always provides "just enough"! I will keep Cite Soleil in my thoughts, I will continue to keep Haiti in my prayers. May God hear your cries and bring rest to you!

 

A Word from Yvette 

This being my first mission trip, I didn't know exactly what to expect. I knew we'd be doing water truck days (I didn't know what that meant), hanging out with kids and elderly but that's it. We didn't have a schedule or any details to go off of. But God had a plan for us and even though we didn't have control or direction, He is sovereign.

We can learn a lot about the people that live here. Although the majority of the Hatian people aren't blessed with all of the material things we have in the states, they are rich in other things. They value the simple things in life, they are better at sharing, and they are rich in love. They are happy with what they have, and we complain about the silliest of things. We complain about the heat while they live in it every day and don't have air condioning. We leave the water running and they gather in lines to fill buckets on water day not knowing when they will have another chance to refill. We waste food and they might get a meal a day. 

It has made me thankful for what I have, and has also made me realize the material things-they don't matter very much. It's better to be rich in love for God and for other people. 

 

Words of the Day: fathers, church, day of rest, relaxation, peaceful, abandon, soccer, worship, Holy Spirit, unexpected

🙏"Haiti for Jesus, Jesus for Haiti, America, America, America" 👏

 

Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 6

💖 Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 6 😍

Before we get started on todays log.. I want to tell a funny story from yesterday. Lets talk about soccer. Soccer is not just a fun sport in Haiti. Soccer is THE SPORT in Haiti. Every evening, children and adults line the street outside the Healing Haiti gate. There may be a league playing or just neighborhood kids playing for fun. These kids are good! Some are playing barefoot. Other are playing with slide shoes on. You know the ones... Nike Wide Band slide ons... I can hardly walk in those much less run and play soccer. We have a team member this year and I won't call him out (Kevin) who plays soccer. Energetically he grabbed a soccer ball from the HH guest house and a few of us took to the streets to watch. He was ready to "teach" these guys about soccer. Hmmm.... I'm not sure if he was ready to play or be played but it was fun to watch. Now Kevin is a good soccer player... these kids were good too! Unfortunately time was not on the side of our team mate. I don't think he realized we were about to be called for dinner when he started playing. His team 0-2, we were called to go. He had to grab his ball and go home. Now we know it was legitimate but I'm pretty sure the Haitians have a different perspective. They GROANED as he took the ball and said he had to go home! Way to be a sore loser! :) 

Usually it's a year between trips to the same location but we were lucky enough to get to go back to Hope Center today. It is like a Boy's and Girl's Club in Haiti, investing in kids to get them off the streets and taken care of by loving adults. The excitement on the kid's faces when they saw us was heartwarming. To say the least, they were VERY excited to see us again. They ran out of the building and jumped on us, giving high-fives and hugs and smiles all around. It makes you feel good when you are welcomed like this. We got to play games like soccer, paper folding cootie catchers and of course, dancing. These kids have skills that we could never even dream of. It's like every kid is a professional dancer here in Haiti. 

We left Hope Center for a little while to go deliver water just around the corner. I'm not sure if it was because we were tired from doing water truck three days in a row OR if it really was a never ending supply of water BUT the truck never seemed to run out of water. Was Jesus there turning trash into water? Probably not, but it did feel like a 5 fish and 3 loaves kind of thing. It should be noted that delivering water is not an easy task, you have to control the high powered hose, fill up as many buckets as possible, waste as little water as possible and deal with people cutting the line. In the past few days we have worked out a pretty good system. It became more like an assembly line.. moving buckets up, filling buckets and pushing buckets out the side. Small children would try to cut in line or be sent to cut in line by an adult... everyonce in a while instead of a bucket flying out... a child would fly. Of course we did not throw them out, but I think the kids thought it was fun to be picked up and set out with the buckets....quite a site if you were watching from the sidelines. It was exhausting and our Haitian members put us in time out for a break. After a quick lunch on the Tap Tap, we were back to Hope Center. 

Once back at Hope Center, we played some more, passed out juices and crackers to the kids. There were no complaints about having such a plain snack as crackers. Many said "Merci" or "thank you", and many more helped younger siblings or children in the program eat their snacks and open their drinks. It seems to be an unspoken rule that older kids need to help out the younger kids when in large groups. There is no room for selfishness in Haiti. 

Next we were off to the airport for our mandatory COVID testing to return home. Has it been a week already? The time has gone quickly here. We paid our money, got things stuck up our nose, then got the results a little too quickly. While we were waiting, a preacher was speaking to the people awaiting their test results. He was quite entertaining and we sang a little song together though some of the team didn't understand his accent and the words he was saying. He was singing Jesus is for Haiti and Haiti is Jesus.. Amanda heard... Jesus is for the A Team and the A Team is for Jesus. LOL! I heard 80 is for Jesus and Jesus is for 80.... we finally caught on! Turns out when you are waiting for a CoVid test in a foreign country, there is just a little fear inside it may be positive keeping you from returning home... everyone was able to breath a sigh of relief... We are all "negatif" and will be able to return home to the States. Now it's just up to the airlines and Jesus, and all the other things that might happen between now and then. 

Our plans have changed many times since we have been here. There are days that we wake up and the plan changes 3 or 4 times before we leave. But that's OK, it reminds us that we are just a part of God's plan, NOT the Planner. 

Words of the Day: cooperation, flying kids, "negatif", aggravation, arm wrestle, negative COVID test results, "Haiti for Jesus and Jesus for Haiti", "A-Team for Jesus and Jesus for the A-Team", reflect, Snoopy, fun, goat nuts, Captain Jean, welcome

 

Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 5

🚰 Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 5 👪

This morning the team was lucky enough to be able to attend a Haitian church service, at least part of one. They are rumored to be about 12 hours long. The gratefulness of the Haitian heart is something to be applauded. They arrive at church early and walk through the aisles thanking God for all the things they have; they say "merci Jezi" for my house, "merci Jezi" for my clothes, for the pot I cook in, for my family's health. Can you imagine this kind of thing happeing in the States? Or people even getting to church on time? One of our team members (who is originally from Texas but now lives in Ohio) has been in Haiti for two weeks. She said last week at the Friday church service, they specifically prayed for peace in America. This gives a little more insight into our Haitian brothers' hearts. Their country is full of corruption. Most people are just trying to feed their families. Many have no running water.... and yet they still pray for peace in America. Now I know that not all churches are alike but I would venture to say that most American church services do not specifically thank God for their clothes or pots to cook in. It's not that we are not thankful for these things... we tend to blanket all these things under "thank you for my blessing". But is that specific enough? Someting to ponder I think.

Next we attended another area in Port-au-Prince and delivered water. It was more organized than the day before because we had more experience. The water was still precious but people seemed to be less angry and frantic when the water ran out. The kids were playing in the large buckets of water until they were towed off or corrected by an adult. Kids are still kids, even in Haiti. There is definitely a silent pecking order, some people were allowed by others to cut in line or dip into other people's buckets. I assume they had some kind of presence there that allowed them to break these "rules". We were not there to question things, we were just there to serve. 

Towards the end of the day, we were able to attend Mother Theresa's, a home for children that needed additional nourishment or medical care outside of what their families could provide them. When we asked one of the workers for the name of a child, she said that they didn't have one because they were just dropped off there. I can't imagine not having a name, it's the most precious word that ever belongs to us. We were able to hold babies and play with them. I will never forget the sound of the room when we all left. They were screaming and crying and general angriness at us for leaving them. It's very difficult to walk away from a bunch of small children sitting on the floor with only one person in the room. The babies coveted the one on one time, especially with one team member who was a daddy and a master at calming children with butt pats and head rubs. The kids were just little people at their core, just wanting to be loved by someone else, but without a voice to say it. 

None of the locations we visited today allowed pictures. So we are including some that are outside of the people we were blessed to encounter. 

The more time we spend in Haiti, the more time we want to spend in Haiti. Our perspectives are changing and all of our experiences have been arranged by God. Little things seem to be just not as big, here in Haiti, the big things are the big deal, providing food, water and shelter for your family are what's most important. We already have those things in the States, so why are we so stressed out all the time?

Words of the Day: babies, Lu-Lu, switch, embrace, nap time, name, struggling, interaction, blue stone tree, joyous, Haitians young and old 

Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 4

 Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 4

On a side note... if you are wondering why our Texas Team has been called Texasabetes  on the blog... it's because we have 3 diabetics on our team. That can be challenging for these people... how great it is though that they have each other for support. Hats off to you guys... now lets get down to business.

Water, agua, H2O... whatever you want to call it... it is a necessity!

Today was mostly about fufilling this basic human need - water. In the States we generally take water for granted. Most people don't even like water - we prefer our sugary soda pop and specialized drinks in comparison to water. Before CoVid we could easily drink water in any location with water fountains. We even have a larger than necessary selection of bottled water in our stores... I prefer Smart Water myself but I digress. In Haiti, access to clean drinking water is a constant struggle. It is NOT taken for granted. Today we delivered water to 3 neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince. This was our first time in these neighborhoods as we are unable to travel into our beloved Citi Solei. I find it a bit comical that we didn't know what to expect at these stops since we were not familiar with the neighborhoods. They were different people of course but they all carried the same look in their eyes.... happy to get fresh water and willing to fight for it if needed. We made a total of 4 stops and it went from moments of calm to moments of chaos then back-and-forth several times. We don't think about how much we use water for until it is no longer available. The need for water can cause chaos, as I mentioned before, when people thought that the water was possibly running out, they began to push and shove to make sure they got the water they needed. Children are expected to be a part of this process trying to claim water for their families. Even smaller children, no older than 5 or 6 were carrying huge buckets of water that I could barely pick up myself. It is necessary to fill as many jugs as possible because there is always uncertainty as to when the next water truck would come. Showering, a thing that we do every day, is such a big deal and provides so much enjoyment, especially for the children. 

We also took part in a favorite thing of Team Texas today... Haitian Baptism. This takes place at the water station. See picture - pretty self explanatory and it was a great refresher!

Another new adventure we had today - was eating lunch at a Haitian restaurant.  This isn't just any restaurant.  This one is owned by a beloved Healing Haiti team member Max. The food was the diggity diggity! Fried chicken, pikliz (spicy Hatian cole slaw), plantains, fries from heaven and sauce that was out of this world. Thank you Max!

Words of the Day: water, Haitian baptism, french fries and 'dat sauce', misconception, 

liy souple (line please), laughter, blame Ed, sign language, lost?, one

Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 3

 Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 3

You haven't lived until you have been turned away from a Mother Theresa Orphanage...

but more on that later....

If we had one word to describe today, I think it would be FUN... but I guess we should back up even a little more.

Our plan was to visit a place called Hope Center. It is a local community center for a neighborhood where children are welcome to spend the day. It helps keep them off the streets and their goal is to give the children activities to do, show them about a loving community and teach them about God. We needed to provide them with a sandwich to eat so off the the grocery store we went. Going to the grocery store is a treat these days for any missionary in Haiti. The unrest has caused a lot of change for the daily rountines of people here. Our guides are keeping us safe and we are unable to visit some of the regular places we visit on these trips. It is a little disappointing not being able to serve in areas we have always been welcome before... but like we said yesterday... we must be super "Gumby" and go where we are led. Today was Hope Center and man oh man... did we have fun! 

After purchasing peanut butter and making ALOT of sandwiches... we set off on our adventure. This place was small and held 50 kids easily but adding 11 more adults made it a little crowded at times. We had soccer going on outside while inside we colored pages, painted nails, drew with sidewalk chalk and danced.  And then after we danced... we danced some more... It was HOT, it was STICKY, the smell of SWEAT filled the room and we couldn't have been any HAPPIER!

The team shared many precious moments in this. The kids wanted our attention. They wanted us to hold them. They wanted connection! My most precious moment was holding a little boy, his head rested on my shoulder as we slow danced and I was praying that he felt a mother's love from me. The program was run by 1 man and 4 staff members and you could tell that the men loved the children but individual moments were most likely few and far between so the children cherished these moments where the world revolved around them and only one other adult. 

Individual possessions are rare so the sharing or giving away of something is very significant here. Another precious moment was when a team member received an earring from a child. It should be noted that this was the only earring she had. Despite the language barrier, there was so much love established that the little girl felt obligued to give her this special gift. The receiver felt extremely special. The desire to give something back was overwhelming but not possible. 

Then the music got hopping and a dance off was on. These kids could DANCE! Standing in a circle...cheering each one on... the room was HAPPY!

Now here is when it gets a little real. We made these peanut butter sandwiches and every child got at least one. We asked if we could pass out seconds and we were told no, we could feed more children.  While we were inside doing these activities, other children began to line up outside the center in hopes of getting fed. Let that sink in a little... children were lining up outside the center in hopes to score a meal!  

We all left that center with our hearts a little more full. We left thankful for being able to serve these kids, we left happy and TIRED!

We ventured on to Mother Theresa's orphanage next. Turns out another group of missionaries were already at the orphanage. No worries! We are Super Gumby and we will be coming back for you Mother Theresa later in the week!

We experienced a lot of ups and downs today but we know that GOD IS GOOD!

Words of the Day: plethora, dance, "that was NOT a good idea", grateful, jungle gym, dance party, maturing, laughter, "fun, change, connection", volleyball

Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 2

💓 Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 2 👵

Team Texas has a saying when we are in Haiti... the rule is to be like "Gumby". For those who have no idea who Gumby is... look up the green claymation figure that bends every way. When you are in Haiti, you have to learn to be flexible.  The schedule can change at a drop of the hat. So far this trip has proved to be no different. What was supposed to be our schedule lasted for 15 minutes and then we were diverted to another task. No matter - whatever we are supposed to be doing - it is in God's timing and not ours.

 Today turned into Elder Visits. To define "elder" in Haiti would require the explanation that the average life expectancy is 64 years, compared to 79 in the United States. We were privileged to visit 4 of the local elders in Titanyen. In some cultures, elders are revered for their knowledge and understanding of the world. In Haiti, most elders are no longer able to contribute to the household therefore are often forgotten about. We visited these 4 residents, bringing them food, juice, water and washing their feet. It is a very humbling experience to wash a stranger's feet, just as Jesus washed the disciple's feet. To be allowed in their homes is a honor. Some local children gathered with us at one of the houses while we were there. Their smiles bring joy. They were quick to braid a couple of our team mates hair too. Our last elder left a few of us with a troubled mind. He was blind, deaf and layed on a mattress on the floor. He was happy and ready to eat the food we brought for him. It raised questions in one of our team mates mind- did he have more expectations in life? When asking all these Elders, what their prayer requests were.. they didn't ask for "things". They asked for health, they asked for their children to be cared for, they asked for them to make decisions pleasing to the Lord, they asked to walk again and one even asked for death.  Visiting these elders is a special time and it is a reminder that we are all God's people and we are called to serve each other. 

“ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

John 13:14-17

Titanyen seemed busier to us this time. It was actually a market day and people came from surrounding areas to buy fruit, bread, rice, etc... There was an area of "parked" donkeys awaiting their owners to carry their goods home. I think one donkey has a Mercedes emblem on it's butt but don't hold me to that. Curious Hatians stared as we walked through a small sea of people. We have never been to their market before so we welcomed this experience.

You don't have to travel to a foreign country to do God's work. Can you imagine washing strangers feet in your hometown? The Bible tells us how to live. It seems so simple. Why does it seem so simple here but so much harder back home? We know these things, we, more often than not, we know what God wants us to do and we will always be blessed when we do them. 

Words of the Day: happiness, "goo-bye", comfortable being uncomfortable, humanity, compass, innocence, spirtual warface, "getting out of self, self understanding, accepting self", feet, hidden

Team 1 = Texasabetes - Day 1

👍 Team Texasabetes - Monday, June 14th ❤

Today was a travel day!

One team member described it as an adventure.... I would have described it as a scene from the classic movie Vacation.  This trip to Haiti has been an adventure in the making from the very beginning.  June 2020 was our original travel plans and like the rest of the world, our 2020 plans were cancelled by the CoVid. 

2021, our trip was back on but we had many hiccups along the way.  Has anyone flown lately?  We bought our tickets EARLY... wanted to get a good price! Turns out, early doesn't mean easy.  After our flights changing what seemed like a million times... spending several hours of our lives we will never get  back trying to fix those flights.... the day finally came to travel!

Some of our team left from Wichita Falls... others left from DFW. We had a very quick exchange when we landed in DFW. Spent only 20 minutes on ground and then were off again.  Turns out our next layover would be worse.  Diverted due to "weather"... our plan was delayed landing. The run was on!  I didn't realize Jennifer could run so fast. Three of us made it to stop the plane from leaving while the others caught up. That was a scene!

Yay God - we made it!

It is good to be back in Haiti. Smells and sounds bring back memories for the ones returning.  New ones are learning all about the lay of the land.  The Haitian ladies had an awesome meal waiting on us. We have excitement on the team and can't wait to start serving tomorrow.

This evenings word of the day was a good one.  Alot of insight and anticipation discussed... and as always ALOT of laughter with Team Texas! 

Words of the Day:

Rocky - rushed - rest

Adventure

Proud

Happy

Relief

Control

Sausage - don't ask!

Water

Excitement

Anticipation

     

“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world.

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.

Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

~ Teresa of Ávila