To start
the day off we had a devotion about filling each other’s buckets describing how
there are many ways to fill other’s buckets. Our first mission of the day was a
water truck stop, physically filling the Haitians buckets. As soon as we got
off our tap tap, kids were at our feet waiting for us to give them attention by
holding their hand or carrying them. As the previous water truck stops, some of
us were on the hose line filling buckets and pushing full buckets aside for the
people to take to their homes. Others spent the time playing, holding, and
occupying children and helping carry buckets to people’s homes. As the water
was coming to an end, the Haitians become more desperate to fill their buckets.
We not only filled their physical buckets we also filled their hearts with love
and compassion.
Our next stop was visiting elders in their homes. We went to
four different homes of elders in Cite Soleil. At each stop we got to learn
about their lives, like how long they have lived in Cite Solei, what their
favorite activity to do when they have free time, and about their families. We
also sang the doxology. The best part about visiting the elders was praying
over them. We asked for prayer requests that the elders had and prayed for
them. At each home during the prayer, everyone felt the Lords presence. We got
the privilege to witness to someone who has never been to church. As soon as we
prayed over him, he soon broke down in tears. Being able to pray over the elders was such a
powerful and moving experience for all us to witness and be able to share with
others. Praying with the elders helped us and the elders filled our spiritual buckets
overflowing with the spirit.
After we got back from Cite Soleil we went to Papillon,
a restaurant and gift shop. We were able to relax and unwind from the emotional
and fulfilling day. Each of us enjoyed a chilling smoothie and some delicious french
fries. After enjoying our snacks, many of us went shopping in the gift shop. We
hung around awhile playing games and hanging out with each other. Getting to
relax and unwind filled our buckets with joy and comfort from laughter from
getting to spend time with each other.
Towards the end of the day, we had time
to reflect on today and how it has impacted us. Many team members brought up
how different it is here in Haiti compared to back home; How the streets are
filled with trash and children are found playing in it, but at home that is
unseen for us to have even a couple pieces of trash on the ground. Being here
in Haiti has opened many of our eyes to how blind we are to different parts of
the world. We may think what we know but don’t know the severity of it. It has
been eye opening and we have all gained a new perspective through the
experiences we have had so far. We look forward to what is in store for us
tomorrow.
