Through the eyes of Jim:
Our day started at Church on The Rock, a local Haitian Church close to our guesthouse. We were inspired by the way this country worshiped. Everyone was on their feet or down on their knees giving praise to our Father. Even though the songs were in Creole, we were pulled in and felt God’s presence. I was anxiously excited to see what this day would bring and no better way than this to start a day!
Today we are going love the elders of the community, this is truly the meaning of doing God’s work. The Elder program provides care to individuals who have no family members to take care of them and when they have serious problems, they are taken into the Healing Haiti’s Grace Village Clinic. It’s like a special spa day for elders. It’s a day where our team provides messages, worship, paint their nails, wash their feet, love them and most importantly pray over them.
Our First stop was with Mr. Dieufort. We met him sitting outside his house where he greeted us with a smile and handshakes. Our team immediately, with no doubt or hesitation, went to work. We began removing his flipflops and gently washing his feet in clean water. We massaged his hands, shoulders and head. Before we prayed for him we asked him about his family, what his needs were and any prayer requests. His answer immediately put me in tears, “I only have me and Jesus.” Mr. Dieufort told us the last time he was in the hospital thieves took all his belonging from his house. We haven’t been into a Haitian home until now, and we all felt so much emotion as we entered. Seeing his living conditions was heart breaking and all agree, it wasn’t fair. Our team prayed over him with unconditional love. Leaving here many of us had our own personal stories to associate with this experience and we knew we were in for an emotionally challenged day. By God’s Grace I have been so blessed to know this group, who has been supporting and uplifting me this whole trip. His Spirit continues to strengthen us through the day.
Our second visit was with Pierre and Lauremise, a couple who have known each other since their childhood. A strong couple and I am sure if we had more time, both could have shared with us so many life lessons and advice. We were humbled and proud to provide them with a our version of a couple’s spa day J. Feet, hands, massage, nails painted and prayer for the challenges they face. This couple brought us so much joy even with their unfortunate living conditions. We always finish with a word of the day. The word that describes this couple would be UNSTOPPABLE!
Our third visit was with Mr. Edmund and his brother, who was his caregiver. Upon our arrival we were told Mr. Edmund may not want visitors because his health had deteriorated. Eventually we were invited into his home to play some worship music. A special thanks to Dane and Joel (Amy almost there) for their musical talents. We filled Edmunds home with worship and a powerful prayer led by Christian which opened his heart to healing and our love. This encounter was an experience we will never forget. Powerful! When we left, Mr. Edmund sat up and wanted more. We praised God after we got back to Grace Village because we saw Mr. Edmund get carried into the Medical clinic. He will now get the care he needs to continue living in comfort with his brother.
Our last stop was with Mrs. Telicia. This stop was similar to the first one. We learned that she cared for a family of 7. After her spa like treatment we asked what she needed us to pray for. She wanted proper shelter for her family and good health until she meets her savior. Her faith is so strong even when her conditions are less than ideal.
The Elder experience was humbling for all of us. Emotionally and mentally draining but yet fulfilling with more love and appreciation for our older generation. Love can never be given enough and tomorrow is never promised, so love now!
Through the eyes of Drew:
One of our leaders mention on day 4 that this was the time where we would feel exhausted physically. How true he was. Our physical strength is taking a beating with the heat, constant play with Haitian children and traveling from one location to the next. However as the week goes on our mental and spiritual fortitude has increased drastically through our connections with each other and those we serve.
Next stop is Grace Village school. Grace Village sits on one of the highest points in Titanyen. It reminded me of a light house guiding ships in the dark. As we drove up a steep dirt road, we pass the main gates into a large courtyard. We all slowly climb out of the Tap Tap; gathering our thoughts and feelings from what we just experienced with the elders. Some grab snacks, some shade to nap, while others sit in silence processing. Then the school bell goes off and a rush of Haitian kids come running out in adorable purple uniforms. Its GO TIME TEAM! Spread out and grab as many kids as you can get your arms around. The smiles amplified our energy as we give bear hugs, play basketball, get our hair braided and give long piggy back rides. Grace Village is beyond impressive. Not only do the kids get 3 meals a day, a room with state of the art technology, learn 4 languages by the time they graduate, but most importantly they have teachers that demonstrate what it looks like to love like Jesus. “God chose those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him” James 2:5. How often do we look over the poor and lower class as having less value than ourselves? Answer is: Often. However, our Heavenly Father sees them as the most important and first to inherit the kingdom. Grace Village is a change agent in a country that has been shaken and beat down. It’s a place that raises up the next generation of spiritual warriors that will infiltrate Haiti, healing those they deem valued in the eyes of God.
What is the best reward for a hard day of work?........ PIIIZZZZZZA! Next Stop, Fleri Bakery. Fleri, just like all Healing Haiti partnered businesses, stands by one main focus…. Christ centered local job creation. Fleri employs 38 Haitians and bakes bread and pizzas to sell into the local community. It’s time to decompress and have fellowship over amazing food. Some more team members share their stories while others chat of the day’s events. As we wrap up dinner, I can’t help but look around at this crazy group, I now call family. In only 5 days we have made bonds that are beyond describable with my limited arsenal of vocabulary. What I can say is that the connection we made is most definitely Holy Spirt inspired. One of our leaders shared a quote from Mr. Rogers, “Wouldn’t this world be an amazing place if we took the person in front of us and made them feel like the most important person in our lives?” Each person on this team is valued, cared for and loved dearly.
Amy closes out the day:
The day got off to a slow start and there were many points that each one of our team members felt the fatigue continuing to set in. The Tap Tap ride back to our home would reflect otherwise. It was one of our longer travel days, spending an hour cramped together with not much room to even move in the Tap Tap with 17 sweaty and exhausted people. The mood and energy completely changed once we were all sardined into our spots for the longer trek back. One of our team members started singing “Let it go” from Frozen. Despite all of us being drained from the last five days we all pumped each other up through singing and dancing to songs (most of which were pretty horribly sung) the ENTIRE drive home. What a way to finish a day with a team with is without a doubt now family!
See ya back tomorrow,
Jim, Drew and Amy
