Slumberland Team - Day 4 (Part 1)

Today was a different kind of day, but a day with purpose. Part of Healing Haiti’s strategy is to expose people to the positive things that are happening in Haiti. So many people ask, “Do you see any change?’ I would answer a resounding yes! To come down year after year and do things the Haitians could be doing would be a shame, our desire is to empower and encourage the Haitians by coming along side of them. Today we visited several different enterprises that are creating jobs for Haitians to care for their families, send their children to school and to provide a home for them. It goes along with our culture at  Slumberland, to provide for our families just as the Haitians and people all over the world want to provide. It was a privilege to see these hard working people creating jobs for so many. This is the new Haiti!  

Barb Larson

Slumberland Team - Day 3 (part 2)

A funny thing happened on the way to the forum to meet Ophane.  Ophane is a 75 years young buddy of mine who I have visited twice before. He is a victim of leprosy and has lost his left leg below the knee and half his right foot.  The purpose of our visits to the Elders is to offer comfort by washing their feet and applying lotion.  Our driver dropped off the team and we headed to Ophane's house. As we approached, he was sitting in a shady area waiting for us. Much to our surprise he had both legs and both feet.  We looked to the heavens for guidance, but received no answer!   The dilemma was solved by teammate Barbara exclaiming, "This isn't Ophane!"  Gerno, our interpreter, told us that  the man we came upon was Lindor, who reported that Ophane lived down the street and pointed out the way.  It was decided that God has sent us to Lindor to bless him albeit accidentally.  A very grateful Lindor very much enjoyed his wash and lotion and the team enjoyed a surprise blessing.

We went back to the TapTap and resumed our journey to find Ophane.  A short distance down the road we found Ophane and his goats.  I was exceedingly pleased to find that Ophane recognized me.  We embraced and laughed and I spoke the only Creole I know, Bondye Beniou, which means God Bless You.  We went inside where Ophane and his sister received our blessing of washing and lotion.  I did his feet and hands while teammate Brian did his shoulders.  Ophane cried.  Teammates Karen and Jolene cared for his sister in the same way.  I asked the interpreter to tell Ophane that I still think his goats are better looking the he.  Ophane laughed heartily.  Our last step is to pray over them.  Teammate Lisa said a very wonderful and appropriate prayer for and about them.  They both cried and many of the team joined them.

It was a beautiful experience for them and for the team.

Paul

Slumberland Team - Day 3 (part 1)

Another amazing day with the Slumberland crew in Haiti!!  We spent our morning touring Grace Village.  Enough cannot be said about the work that they are doing to heal Haiti.  I was blown away by the magnitude and organization of their mission.   In addition to a family style orphanage and a full-blown K-13 school, Grace Village is also home to a clinic providing most basic medical care and a dentist.  There is also a bakery and restaurant where they train Haitians in trades they can use, a garden, and a library/media center for the school students to use. Of course they have an amazing church with several services for the Haitian people to attend.  It was incredible to see all of the awesome things that they are able to do that will sustainably help the people of Haiti.

The second part of our day was spent serving elders in the Haitian community.  These elders are a part of the Healing Haiti church community.  We visited them in their homes and brought them gifts of food provided by donations collected by the Slumberland team.  We were able to serve these elders through foot washes, light massages, and comforting words.   We sang hymns to them while they received our love and we ended our visits with a group prayer for whatever they requested prayers for.  We were able to visit Pierre, Lauremise, Jude Jean Paul, Ophane, and a surprise visit to Lindor.  

It was a humbling and uplifting day in Haiti.  We pray that tomorrow will be as full and blessed as the first few days of our journey!

Jessica

Slumberland Team - Delivering Water to Cité Soleil / Part 2

Day one has been truly amazing. Even after multiple people tried preparing me for what was to come while serving on the water truck, it just wasn't enough.

We pulled up to a "district" to deliver the water to the community and what seemed like 100 kids came rushing up and jumped in our arms. And they just wanted affection. So, affection is what they were going to get. We danced, we laughed, we tickled, and we sang....they were so happy! Happiness in its most raw state, as we were providing them with something that we all take for granted....water.

Then Hope Church....WOW! This place was a true spectacular, especially given the back story of what the property once was. I stood in awe. I even found myself wondering what the church service and worship would be like there. 

The day is almost over now and I find it easier to just sit and embrace the world around me. GOD is good and I am SO thankful that he gave me the opportunity to serve here.

Kevin Peak

Slumberland Team - Delivering Water to Cité Soleil / Part 1

The two main reasons I came to Haiti were to serve and gain perspective.  Our first full day hit home on all accounts.  Our Healing Haiti team did a wonderful job of collaborating, getting out and making a positive impact, & touch those who were struggling.

At the end of a hard day, I find myself feeling great about being able to witness so many wonderful Haitian's here.  So many happy, loving, children, so many appreciative mothers--, all helping and doing the best that they can with what they have.

I was however overwhelmed by a number of powerful troubles glaring & obvious here.  The garbage and waste issue is enormous.  I was completely blown away.  It litters nearly every road and alley, and is heaping, as well as burning constantly.  My initial hope (as I continue my week here) is to understand more about why this has grown to such a terrible level and what steps can be done to make a difference or at least understand more about possible change.

Secondly, the housing and infrastructure in the areas we toured was absolutely awful.  Tiny block or tin shacks, dirty, dirty conditions and equally overpowering.  Impossible in words.  Having delivered water to many of them, I felt so much sadness in my heart for what they have to endure, but glimmers of hope at every turn too.

This was a powerful emotional day for me, and I think it was the perfect way to start our week off, to be better prepared to start to help!

Brian Brisky

Slumberland Team - We arrived!

The Slumberland team of 15 arrived today ready and willing to serve.  We have a full week planned.  Check back often to read stories and see pictures of our team!