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" 👏