“Ayiti Pap Plyie”

“Haiti Will Not Forget”

The middle of the road and the week has gone by quickly as the “A Team” set off to travel to side known as “Less Than Nothing”. As the tap tap set off to this country oriented side of the Haitian side of the island there was time to take in scenes from the bay as well as the numerous mountain ridge lines that make up the natural borders of this once beautiful countryside. We knew that today we’d visit an orphanage, Grace Village, a bakery, four Elders from the village and potentially the Haitian earthquake memorial. The trip was about an hour and thirty minutes outside of our headquarters in Port Au Prince and would take us through to the middle of this mission.  Although from the outset it seemed like a fairly benign day, much would soon become far more complicated with terms like “grace, hope, family, trauma, death, and relationship” getting thrown around. 

“Do this in remembrance of me” said our Lord Jesus Christ. “When you fed me, gave me water, clothed the naked, visited orphans, took care of widows - when you did this to the least of these you did this to me”, He stated in passages during His life. One could easily convince him/herself that by coming from the United States to Haiti that the least of these are in Haiti. We can assume quickly that because we have malls and orphanages are masked by foster care that we are in a much better place than they who live here. Surely we are here to validate their efforts and tell them how to do things better and maybe, shed some of Christ’s love on someone. I’m gracefully humbled to report that this is not the myth we lived today. 

When we arrived at Grace Village we were given a powerful tour from Kiki, a 25 y/o missionary who will spend another two years of her life serving under the Haitian leadership of an orphanage serving children from about three to about 19 through educational programs that lead to learning a trade. Although we were exposed to “misbehaving children” we were also exposed to the fact that many of these kids came from places where families harbored within them generations of trauma that was not forgotten when families were taught how to deal with difficult behaviors. As a social worker myself, in our own country, we would simply label a child and discard them. Not in Haiti. We looked on to a mini farm ran by a wise farmer who has been refining the process towards one day creating a sustainable farm. Albeit, this may turn into other efforts, the process of trying is one that is not in vain and will not go into the night quietly as the school will not abandon it’s efforts to continue to try something.We traveled through a clinic serving the families that use the orphanage to provide education in a safe environment, to which, it’s but one small part of the overall effort to promote employment so that families do not have to give their kids up, but provide for them a home with loving parents and hardworking people in their community. 

To show off a little bit, we visited “Fleri” which is the social enterprise of Grace Village within which some of the first graduates submitted resumes, interviewed and were employed which culminated in the truest graduation - when they served their families within the very restaurant - the fruits of their labor. Haiti knows that employment will reduce the orphan situation. Haiti has not forgotten it’s orphans. 

As we left the bakery knowing that we’ll return after hearing the mouth watering menu items, we traveled into the village names, “TiTian”, or, “less than nothing” where we were honored to enter into the homes of four of not just Haiti’s Elders, but our Elders as Children of God. I personally tried washing the feet of one of two sisters who was too embarrassed at how dirty her feet were to let me wash her feet. “Mademoiselle, couple”. “Please, misses” I said looking into her wrinkled face and sage, dark eyes. I had forgotten who I was, but knew that I was washing the feet of my Lord. I took one foot, Tim took another, someone else got started on her sister. Someone else put lotion on her. Her prayer at the end of the experience was for her children and grand children, that they may be able to find employment so that they can provide for themselves. Her grandchildren listened on as they surrounded the group huddled in prayer. There was not enough time to sit at their feet, in fact, I think I could have spent all day sitting on the ground and asking to hear their stories. “Teacher, tell me again so that I don’t forget.” Alas, it was time to go.

The trip back required of us a stop at the Haitian Earthquake memorial. Brene, our driver brought us into the shrine. I removed my hat along with a few others who realized we were stepping onto sacred ground. Over 300,000 people died in the earthquake on January 12, 2010. “We, in Haiti, have not experienced anything like this since 1942, so none of us were ready for this. We were not educated to not hide in buildings. . . and right before me, a whole building disappeared. I lost my uncle, some friends, and a girlfriend who was living in a basement. Her family paid some people to have her found, but her body was never found.” The sentiment across the group was noticeably pensive, thoughtful and for some, tear jerking. This was a mass grave where the Haitian people were asked to wrap the bodies of the dead in linens as they found them and place them in the street so that the government trucks can come by and pick them up to bring them to this place, and burn them. Six angel statues face out into the mountains where the fallen were cremated. There was no more running water in the moat around the original memorial as resources were no longer available, but the words, “Ayiti Pap Pliye”, Haiti will not forget” reminded us as we left, that memory is timeless and emotion accompanies it’s strength. 

I’m not certain that I was the giver of grace, hope or any more love than that which I received today. I can’t speak for the whole group, but speaking for myself, I will not forget what I learned. I rode in the front with my wife and Brene and we spoke for the next hour or so about our countries. With hearty laughter amongst the three of us, Brene said, “I think Haiti is winning!”. I think you’re right Brene. 

Bonswa! Today was a very busy day for A Team in Haiti, we began our morning brighter and earlier than yesterday, waking up at 5 am. As a group, we went to a local church called Church on the Rock. We were amazed by the passion and the very obvious love shown for God. The experience was powerful to witness, the church here was not held in the traditional way that we as Americans would visualize. The churchgoers here rarely sit in chairs and listen, many of them would walk around and talk to God on their own and all of them were very invested in their faith.

The next part of the day, we split our team into two. One team went to the Home for Sick and Dying Babies, the other went to a special needs orphanage. The Home for Sick and Dying was spent holding and loving up on the babies, feeding them, and changing their (cloth) diapers. All of the members on this team were open and enthusiastic and gave as much love as we could to every baby possible. We also spent time talking to some of the parents that were there to visit their children and it was fun to get their story as well. Overall, it was a profound experience. At the special needs orphanage we were greeted with faces of joy. The little kids ran to greet us and to lead us into the door. We brought bubbles, balloons, and stickers. We couldn't even get the supplies out of our bag before all of the little hands were grasping for what we brought. They were so happy to have a bottle of bubbles or a sticker on their shirt! We spent our time playing with the kids and holding them tightly in our arms. Before we left we sang songs and prayed over the kids. God was working in all of us today as we each shared our God given gifts with the kids. 

The second half of the day was spent at Apparent Project. This organization was started in an effort to keep the "orphan" children with their parents (some children are given up because parents can't afford to keep them). We were given a tour of the production side of things and all products were hand made from recyclable materials. We were also given an opportunity to buy goods made right in Haiti. Goods included were jewelry, decorations, pottery, etc. It felt great that God gave us the opportunity to invest in these families and help them to support their families. 

See you tomorrow!

-Megan and Missy

Tuesday water truck day

Good evening from Haiti! We made it safely.

Tuesday Day Two 4.4

We started the day off with lots of energy from a great nights sleep. We enjoyed a nice breakfast of french toast, eggs, oatmeal (Andrea's favorite) and homemade juice. After eating we cleaned up dishes and boarded the tap tap (the open bus we take) for our first stop- the elder's school! When we walked in we were greeted by Elder himself, who started the school for the children of Haiti. He welcomed us with open arms and was very thankful that we came to visit. We walked through a classroom of young boys and girls as they sang us a song. We then walked upstairs and spent time with some of the "older" students along with some younger. The younger kids enjoyed playing "bloody knuckles" while the older kids loved asking us questions about our English. We hopped on the tap tap and traveled to Hope Church which was recently built by Healing Haiti. We received a tour from Valerie our translator/driver and ate lunch. From here, we went to water truck location one of 3. Immediately children ran up to the tap tap yelling "hey you!" in excitement. We could not walk anywhere without children wanting to be held and loved! Overall, we delivered approximately 6,000 gallons of clean water for the people of cite solei to use for drinking, bathing, and cooking. This was a great time to bond with the Haitians and put our work into perspective. After the last two stops we went to tour Haiti Soccer Initiative, another place Healing Haiti supports. This is a place where they can get sponsored and eventually make a living out of the work that they put in. We ended the night with a few of us getting ice cream at a local grocery store and team bonding. The weather has been hot but with an occasional nice breeze. We are excited about what God has in store for all of us tomorrow! God bless!
Love, Mady and Jess ❤


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EBC Woodbury team update

Good evening all! We've had a wonderful day serving with the Water Truck in Citi Sole and visiting H.I. and Elders School.
Our internet has been a little off, so hopefully we can post more tonight from the crew. Keep those prayers coming❤



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Haiti

Last Day - The Beach

After an intense few days of service and eye-opening cultural experiences, the group spent the final day of the trip at the beach. It was a relaxing conclusion to the week, and highlighted the beauty of the Haitian coast.

The entire group took boats to a nearby coral for snorkeling, and many of us saw a variety of caribbean fish and jellyfish. 

Many of us had wrestling matches on the water trampolines, drank tropical smoothies, tried fresh crab, and most importantly enjoyed the incredible view with minimal sunburn.

After a beautiful and relaxing day at the beach, the group took the tap-tap to the famous Fleri (aka McFlurries). We indulged in pizza and amazing mango creme brûlée. 

On our tap-tap ride home, we shared our best riddles, told our dumb stories, and laughed all the way back to the guest house.

Later in the night, we reflected on our unforgettable week in Haiti. We built relationships with each other and the Haitians, experienced a new culture, and served those who needed it most.

We are enjoying our last night in Haiti and getting ready for church in the morning with the Sisters of Charity and a long day of travel.

Hey Lund family, Sorry for not writing in my previous blog post. I am having a great week and I am looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow! Love, Gracie

Hi Seifert family! Experiencing Haiti has been so amazing and I have made so many memories here. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow and tell you all about it! Love, Mary

Day 5 - Mother Teresa's Home for the Sick and Dying

This morning, the group woke up at 5:45 to experience Haitian culture through a service at Church on the Rock. The morning service is open to all who wish to participate in praise and worship. This being said, when we all arrived and sat down, it was clear that we stood out among the normal participants. The morning walk home after the service was very beautiful and we saw the sun rise over the city. 

Breakfast at the compound was a little different than usual- Nora and Olivia helped the cooks to create a meatless meal, due to it being Friday in Lent. We all ate scrambled eggs, french toast, fruit, and juice.

After the Livesay family came and spoke to us last night, we all were unsure what to expect at Mother Teresa's Home for the Sick and Dying. After an adventurous ride to the Home, we were happily surprised with a beautiful environment and warm smiling faces. 

The crowded city on the way to Mother Teresa's was quickly forgotten when we saw the peaceful atmosphere and light blue walls of the Home. The group split into the men's and women's floors and were greeted by the Sisters of Charity.

We were asked to meet with patients who were very ill or dying and confined to their beds. Because of their conditions and the dry and dusty air of Port-au-Prince, the patients' skin often becomes extremely dry and painful, so we were asked to help put lotion on them. Walking into the rooms, the small groups were met by eager faces who were eager for our assistance.

At first there was an air of awkwardness within the group as we spread out to each person, but the people put us at ease. Soon, intimate connections were formed through prayer and sense of loving touch. 

After assisting a young girl around our age, Molly Garin sat and prayed with her to comfort her through her struggle. Many of the men and women at the home have formed bonds with each other. In the men's quarters, one of the patients (who himself was in bad shape) comforted a dying man by using his only good arm to hold a small tape recorder to the man's ear so he could be comforted by his favorite Bob Marley songs.

Despite the sadness that the home holds, the group left surprised by the comforting atmosphere created by the Sisters of Charity. The people within shared their peace with us all. This experience quickly became one of the most memorable of the trip. 

After being warned about the crazy Haitian traffic, the group decided to continue with the plan and drive up to the mountain market. In total, the drive there took about three hours (on bumpy Haitian roads with stifling heat). The cool mountain breeze at the top was a huge relief and we all enjoyed the view looking out over Haiti. 

As a whole, the group more or less learned how to barter, after being bombarded by the salesmen. A number of us purchased paintings, bracelets, wooden objects, and Mark even purchased a walking stick! 

When we arrived back at the compound, we ate a delicious meal of spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. The night air was very pleasant and we all enjoyed nightly prayer together accompanied by Grace's life story- the mission director at Healing Haiti. 

One bonus to the night was the great amount of water pressure in the showers! We are all excited for beach day tomorrow.

See you soon family! Love you :)

Emma and Alexis 

Day 4 - Grace Village

Third day in, us Minnesotans are starting to get comfortable with Haiti. We thought we had seen it all, until today.

We started the day off by hopping in the Tap-Tap and starting our 45 minute journey to Titanyen. Fortunately our driver was very experienced with the roads in Haiti, and our 45 minute journey soon turned into 30.

With extra time, we visited the mass grave memorial site. The mass grave site is a place where a large unknown amount of people were buried from the 2010 earthquake.

It covers a large plot of land in the mountains of Titanyen and it is a place for families to gather in remembrance of the country's huge loss. Created shortly after the earthquake in 2010, it provides closure for many families and the memorial is still being added to today. This site proved to be very emotional.

After that, we experienced one of the bumpiest and craziest rides in the Tap-Tap, farther up the mountains. The road ended with Grace Village- a beautiful clinic, school, farm and orphanage. This place provides education for 360 children, and houses 48 orphans.

Once we arrived, we got a tour of Grace Village. It overlooks the mountains and sea. Our first part of the tour offered something close to home. Turns out Punch Pizza, from Minnesota, donated a brick oven to teach people how to make bread and pizzas. This developed into a bakery, which is now a restaurant just down the mountain.

This restaurant is named Flieri, which means "flourish" in both French and Creole. At the restaurant we enjoyed many handmade treats, and met a few recently-trained Haitian bakers.

Back at Grace Village, we got a tour of the kitchen, the lunch room, and the playground. Furthermore, we got to see their garden. The garden is special because they use aquaponics. This included tubs of Tilapia fish that they use to water and fertilize the garden and feed the kids. The water that the fish live in is filled with their feces and filtered into the garden to help give nutrients to the plants. This was a major advancement that helps the village thrive.

After the garden, we walked to the library of the school and the clinic. The clinic allows education and help for deeper understanding of local's health. They recently hired a OB/GYN and a dentist. They are very excited for this advancement, so they could continue to help serve more people.

After arriving back to the compound, we sat down for dinner, and ate a traditional Haitian meal. This meal consisted of chicken wings, goat meatballs, plantains, rice and beans, potatoes and beets, and broccoli.

Soon after, we had a family visit us from Heartline Ministries. This is an organization that helps pregnant mothers through their prenatal-care, pregnancy and first months of motherhood. The demand is so high that out of the hundreds of women that apply for help, they can only accept 33%, as of now. They typically help around 90 women at a time.

The family that visited us were natives of Minnesota that felt compelled to serve the people of Haiti after the adoption of three kids. They soon moved here and decided to help with Heartline. Their main focus is providing a safe and healthy birth for Haitian women and kids. Most commonly, Haitian women give birth without any medical help in their own homes, resulting in the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the western hemisphere.

This organization has now grown considerably over the last decade or so. They wish to help more people, but a close relationship with the mothers is of the utmost importance, and it is difficult to manage the many difficulties they encounter, thus limiting their size.

This talk shed some light on the process of adoption and importance of health for newborns and their mothers.

Today was a very special day, not only because of the new knowledge we gained, but it was Mary's 18th birthday. After the talk, we surprised Mary with cake, balloons, and decorations.

Personally, Molly and Nora learned new things about life in Haiti, and we are very excited for our next adventures.

To Nancy and Kevin: I'm doing fine and having fun, while remembering to smile. Love you. Nora

To Kay And Coach: I'm having a great time and learning things that will stay with me forever. Excited to share stories with you when I get back. Love you both so much:)<3 Molly