April 25, 2017

Day Two in Ayiti (Haiti)

Today was our first full day in Haiti.  Our driver Valery was soooo amazing!  Many of the streets we were on were chaotic, full of cars, motorcycles, bikes and pedestrians and he managed to get us from point A to point B without any complications!  We made our first stop at the Home for Sick & Dying Adults where we rubbed lotion and gave massages, along with applying nail polish to the women's fingers and toes.  Although we couldn't speak their language (Creole), it was enlightening to see the connections we could make just buy non-verbal gestures and touch.  

Our next stop was a Haitian History Museum where we got to be indoors with some air conditioning and hear about the history of this country dating back to the 1400s.  

Our final stop for the day was at an orphanage where we did a simple art project, played soccer and did lots of jump roping.  Within 5 minutes of arriving, kids were lifting their arms in an innocent attempt to be held and loved.  It was hard to deny them any affection.  

We came with a mission to love and support these people today and it really felt like the mission was accomplished.  Even though we are just one 12 person team here in Haiti, it's comforting to know that teams are coming back here week after week to continue the love and support.  Our awesome Healing Haiti leader, Angela, spoke at supper tonight about the story of the starfish.  (Eventsforchange.wordpress.com). Its true that at times you can doubt that you are making an impact, but that the reality is that each person here being the hands of God is making a difference, one Haitian at a time.  

April 24, 2017

Greetings from Port-au-Prince, Haiti! Despite a very early morning wake-up (~3am), our travels were seamless and God provided extreme provision. Our drivers greeted us in Haitian style with the tap-tap (pronounced top-top) and whisked us through the busy streets to our Guesthouse. It has been refreshing to the soul to see green palm trees and bright flowery backdrops, although the heat required a bit of acclimation for us Minnesotans. The gracious staff cooked a hearty meal to meet the taste buds of us wary travelers – Shepherd’s Pie with Coca-Cola and 7-Up. As a group, we are experiencing an array of emotions – from anticipation to confusion to gratefulness. The final details for our first day of field travel tomorrow are underway. As Day 1 comes to a close, this group is anxiously watching the clock until bedtime.

Creole Word of the Day: Glwa Pou Bondye (Gwah poo bone-jay): Glory to God