Water Truck Day!

     To be honest, I wasn't sure I even wanted to come to Haiti. Leaving the comfort of my own room, the air conditioning, the long showers... How could I leave all of the things in my life that I take for granted in exchange for helping the people in need in our world?
     This morning our team headed out to Cite Soleil, which is one of the poorest areas in Haiti. We met our water truck there and started to walk out of the gates; out into the open. Before I had even looked up, there was a little boy clinging onto my shirt and begging me to pick him up. I couldn't understand him very well because he spoke a different language, but he told me his name was Onelson. The whole time we were at the first station he refused to let me go. If another kid tried to come close to me, Onelson would try to push them away.
     I helped carry the water buckets, and I was amazed how some of them could carry the big buckets on their heads all by themselves. They allowed us into the privacy of their own  homes for us to help them. I was struck by their living quarters, and became aware of how much I have to be grateful for in my own life.
     We went to three stations in total to deliver water; each very different than the one before. I noticed two things at each one. The first being that some would become very violent for the water. One of the leaders pointed out later on the fact that if they didn't get water then, they wouldn't have any water for the whole day. For them, it's a matter of survival; life or death. The second thing I saw was the joy on the younger children's faces. They would laugh, and bathe, and splash around. I was touched by how happy they are with so little. I think in our lives it is hard to remember that less is more.
      Today was filled with many memories that I will surely never forget. I loved the hands on work and even though I, as an individual, cannot save Haiti, I can put a smile on these children's faces. And even though I cannot understand their language, and really even the struggles and desperation of their world, I get to be a part of it for a week. And I am truly excited for what the rest of this week has in store for me and my team! I have had a change in heart already, and there is no place I'd rather be.

-Riley Butler

Ever since my friend and now team leader (Emily) told me about this parent-child mission trip, I have heard about, wondered about, and even worried about water truck day. While pictures and descriptions can try to convey what it is, being on the tap-tap truck that transported us into the heart of Cite Soleil forces each of us to face what we cannot expect.

This morning, I was feeling excited and ready for the people and the work. I rode up front with one of the team leaders and got a glimpse into the absolute poverty that we would encounter. Admittedly, I got teary eyed when we stepped off the truck at the first of our three stops. Suddenly, that sadness quickly transitioned into joy as we were all so warmly greeted and welcomed by swarms of smiling children, each eager to be held, hugged, and loved.

The sights, the smells, the sounds, and the touches of water truck day will be used to transform one's perspective but nothing prepares you as much as the personal aspect of it all. To supply a precious commodity to a portion of the 300,000 people who reside in this region of Port-au-Prince is humbling and an honor. It will break your heart.

Maneuvering a hefty hose to direct water into an overwhelming quantity of varied containers at a fast pace, helping transport those heavy containers - each hand-in-hand or alongside an owner - toward its household, glimpsing into the scarce living conditions, seeing thirst quenched and bodies cleansed, and communicating in simple ways (smiles, hand shakes, fist bumps, some creole or English, songs, dance, and hand claps), makes it all deeply personal. Man-made boundaries dissolve.

I'm not sure who was more blessed today.

- Kelly Butler

NC/MN Parent & Child Team Day #1

Good evening all!  Our team made it to Haiti....we are so grateful for all the love and support.  So grateful for this opportunity to serve in such a way that we GET to be the hands and feet of Christ.  We GET to step out in our faith and be obedient to the call that God wrote on each of our hearts.  Here's a quick snapshot of our day.....

Early morning airport at 4am, met up in Atlanta with the crew and landed safely in Haiti to the beautiful HOT weather, greeted by some lively airport musicians and snaked our way through the crowds to our taptap.  A quick short drive to our "home away from home" for the week and we were greeted by a few other members of our team who arrived early.  Unpacking and claiming our bunks for the week, we started the journey of getting acquainted with our new surroundings.  Ate a DELICIOUS meal of tacos, caught some gekkos and talked about our activities for the next day.  

Graciously here to serve, and love...hoping to LEARN and GROW in our relationship with the Lord.  Hearts and minds completely open to what God is ready to show us and palms up in His name....may this week be one filled with His blessings with lots of opportunities to just be in His presence.

Tomorrow is a new day...we thank our families for allowing us this opportunity. 

Northgate In Haiti (Day 6)

I am sitting here in the guest house as everyone cycles through the showers after another wonderful day! This is the ‘same old same old’ by now. Our team has fallen into the routine of working with Healing Haiti. A couple of people volunteer every morning to help prepare breakfast, pack our snacks for the day, and load up the water bottles. We eat around 8:00 am and are out the door 1 hour later to start our day. We get back around 5 pm, shower up, and sit down for dinner together. We end the day with ‘circle time’, enjoying a special treat, and praying with our prayer partners. Cassy told me today, “I’m finally used to it! The heat that is.” It seems that everyone has settled down, gotten used to the busyness, the serving, and the sounds and smells of Haiti. Now, it is time to come home.

My prayer is that we all take the servant hearts we had here, home with us. Even though there are many differences here in Haiti, the people we encounter back home are equally in need of God’s love and forgiveness. It’s easy to love here, because we know what our purpose is. Serving on a mission trip is often easier than serving at home, but our purpose is the same no matter where we are; to help people become who God purposed them to be. Looking forward to continuing that purpose together back at Northgate.

-Dan Thorson

Well. . . it’s our last day in Haiti. What a blast! Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and support. We’ve had a wonderful time meeting and serving alongside the people here. The adults and the kids especially have stolen our hearts.

Also, I can’t say enough about our mission team. Great kids! Great leaders and adults! Beautiful attitudes.

Today was our last day, so we played a little. We went to church! The same Jesus here as we worship at home! Jesus is so, so good! He transcends culture, race, socio-economic status, gender, language, everything!

After church, we spent the day at the beach. The feels-like temperature was a 107, so most of us are nursing sunburns tonight.

A guy on the beach offered to take us snorkeling for $4 each, so not being able to pass up a bargain, six of us hopped in his boat. He rowed (yes, rowed) us to a distant reef and we explored Haiti underwater. Brain coral, sea fans, one octopus, a crab, and lots of colorful fish. Unfortunately, like I said, the guys who went snorkeling (including me) ended up matching the crabs in color, thanks to the sun.

I’m enjoying having my fifteen-year-old son, Isaac, along with me. It’s fun seeing this place through his eyes and I’m not without a kid on Father’s Day.

Haiti is a different world, but similar is so many ways. We’re all looking forward to getting back to the States tomorrow, but many of us will be back. We already have another Northgate trip planned for next June. Pastor Linnea and Pastor Dan will be leading that one. I think I’ll stay home next year and enjoy the air conditioning in Minnesota!

Seriously, I hope you’ll consider coming! It’s a powerful experience.

Grateful for Northgate and it’s many partnerships throughout the world! Thank you for the opportunity!

I’m more convinced than ever that Jesus IS everything! And his church is the hope of the world! Haiti, and our world, would be a mess without the church! We need him and we always will!

--Steve Perkins

Wow. What a trip! From the first orientation last June to the finish of this trip this year—it’s been an awesome experience. Last night we spoke about any fears we had about the trip before we got here and how all those fears have just melted away (lol…literally).

So many highlights for me…visiting and praying with the elders, signing with the children at the deaf academy, holding and praying for some very sick babies, and, most of all, seeing our team share their hearts with Haiti and with one another. Love this team!

And, today…going to the Haitian Teen Challenge Church where the MN Adult & Teen Challenge staff often visit was awesome. Spirit-filled. Inspiring worship. Challenging message…and our tech team would be envious of all the AV equipment.

Can’t wait to get home to share more and to start planning with the trip already on the calendar for 2019!

- Linnea Grey

Northgate In Haiti (Day 5)

I started the day at the Fleri bakery and restaurant in Grace Village, located in Ti Tan Ye. After traveling to Grace village in the tap-tap, the whole group toured the bakery section of Fleri first. The smell of flour and fresh baked bread reminded me of cooking with my nana at home. This was one of the first experiences that helped me easily connect the Haitian culture to American culture. 

There are so many different things here in Haiti, and it makes it hard to find ways to relate to the people. Other than the common love for Jesus, I was feeling so different from the Haitian community. Throughout the day I was feeling more and more connected to the children we were serving and Haitian staff from Healing Haiti. At dinner all of us were joking around with our interpreter and driver, so I yet again felt a connection with the people from Haiti. But I met the most impactful person before dinner at the Fleri restaurant. 

Around noon, we toured the rest of Grace Village which included a school, clinic, farm, and several large houses for the children. Grace Village is run like a family organization, so each house has a Mama, Papa, or both, with around 5 to 8 kids per family. During the tour I met a five-year-old girl named Manika. She instantly latched onto me and stayed with me through most of the tour. Manika was sweet, sassy, and curious to learn about me and the braces on my teeth. Manika and I continued to walk around, pretending to teach in the classrooms, tickle our other friends, and count in French and English. She also taught me how to say some colors in Haitian Creole by pointing at the colors and then pronouncing them for me. After the tour we continued to play and color with the kids. Manika impacted me in a way I never thought a five-year-old could. 

Thank you Manika! 

Mia Cich

This week has been such an experience for me with water truck day, Deaf academy day, and finally getting to know all the different drivers and translators. This whole week there were two things that really hit my heart. 

First water truck day changed my whole view on poverty I previously thought that the impoverish were sad and knew all that they did not have. But that was not the case in Cite Soleil, where everyone wore a great big smile even thought they did not have much. All the kids were so excited just to be held. This changed me so much because it made me realize that God will always provide whether you live in America or Haiti. Whether you are rich or poor, He will always be there. Also playing at the Olympic stadium with the Deaf children and being able to use my ASL (American Sign Language), taught me that Gods love is a universal language. 

The second thing that had a great affect on me was Jonas. He was one of our translators who loved Jesus. Jonas was such a joy to be around and he was so interested about learning cultural things we have in America, like prom. Today we went to the mass graves from the 2010 earthquake and Jonas was giving the tour; we learned that Jonas was in Port Au Prince the day it hit, which was one of the places most effected. He lost a lot of people that day. He also took the time to talk to me so I could teach him Jesus loves me in ASL. He just inspired me to think that even in the worst the best can come out. 

Thank you Jonas for teaching me to be resilient.

Cassy McMahon

Northgate In Haiti (Day 4)

So today we did three things. First we went to church. It was so cool. The people here just love Jesus with all their hearts and you can really tell Jesus is here in Hati. The second thing was going to see and play with the children in City Soleil. The kids there are so fun and just want to be loved. When we went the first time this week I really didn’t like it. I thought it was just crazy. Then this time I felt so comfortable and had such a fun time. I just really enjoyed it. The third thing we did today was go to an orphanage for children with disabilities. They may look, talk, or walk different but they are just the same as you and me. They are some of the nicest sweetest smartest children we have met all week. I think that was probably the best thing I have done this week. Those kids were so amazing. This whole entire trip is also so amazing. We are experiencing so many awesome things that I thought I would never see. So just thank you Jesus for this amazing trip and all the amazing times and friends I have met here.

Isaac Perkins

We started the day by attending Church on the Rock. It was really humbling to see these people who do not have much, dress up in there best and attend church every day. Walking around, pacing, and praying with each other, the Haitians were not shy about there faith. It gave me a feeling of inadequacy as I observed their extreme faith. During the afternoon, Healing Haiti visited a special needs orphanage to interact with the children. Although the children may be mentally or physically disabled, they were very happy and content with their plight.  Amazingly, they can still play stunning soccer and beat me at throwing/catching balls, which, unfortunately, does not take much. I played with a girl, Somali, who just wanted to be hugged and touched. Touch is such a valuable thing in Haiti, and the children here love hugs! Yes, the children are different from us, but we still all need the same things to survive. This experience has been life changing, and I thank Jesus for giving me this opportunity.

Eliana Kuehn

The Church on the Rock, is a worship service that I wish every person could experience.  The Haitians start every day by walking, singing and praising the Lord.  Unhinged worship and praising the Glory of God.  Can you imagine worshiping without hesitation, just giving your all to God in every moment of the day?  As I watched and admired members of the congregation, I couldn’t help to think about my own faith.  Why do I hold back?  Why don’t I publicly show God my faith?  I heard a message once, if a stranger walked into your home would they know you are a Christian?  We attend weekly mass and may hang crosses on our walls but if a stranger walked up to you on the street, would they know you are a Christian?  In Haiti, you do know.  Throughout the week, we have been greeted with Bone-Jay Benny oo (God Bless You).  It doesn’t matter which city, orphanage, or person we have had the honor to meet, each one pronounces their Faith with passion.

Before coming, people told me this trip would change my life.  It is hard to even put into words, how this trip opens your heart, your eyes and pushes you to get uncomfortable with discovering your own true passion for God.  Washing the feet of the elders yesterday, humbled me.   

Pastor Steve, Sarah, and Mary accompanied an interpreter and two Pastors from Hope Church to visit the elders in Cite’ Soleil while the rest of the group and I played with the children.  They danced and wanted to be loved.  We also were able to serve the children of Hope Church School lunch.  The school lunch is not like the American school lunches.  Students are served Haitian food, containing rice, beans, chicken and Haitian sauce. These beautiful children in their purple checkered uniforms would greet us by chanting “Hey You, Mama, Hey You, Papa”. 

This afternoon we had the privilege of visiting an orphanage for those with special needs.  The children had a variety of disabilities.  All were amazing beautiful souls.  Sierra had created a craft that all the children loved.  We chalked, played tic-toe, soccer etc. 

We spent a relaxing evening cooling off the pool.  Beware parents, your children just bought a bottle of hot sauce… 

Bone-jay benny oo (God Bless You) all!

Regan Skaare

Northgate In Haiti (Day 3)

Thursday, June 14, 2018

This morning, the Northgate Church team went to the Haiti Olympic Training Center, where we played with students from the Haitian Deaf Academy.  The Haitian Deaf Academy brought about 50 students, ages 4 to 18, and they were full of energy!  They loved playing basketball and soccer and were quick to show us their talents.  Even though there was a language barrier, it was a great reminder that smiles, laughter, and kindness translate to every language.

Kiz Gorham

 

Our afternoon started with a stop at Rosie’s Boutique for ice cream, milkshakes, iced coffee, and frozen lemonade.  After “playing hard” this morning, a banana split milkshake tasted divine!  After spending some time at Rosie’s, we visited four elder women in their homes.  We washed their feet, dried them, and put lotion on their feet and hands.  We asked them if there was anything that they would like us to pray for, and they responded with “diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and stomach issues, that their family would accept Christ, and that God would be with them and would continue to provide.  Max and Isaac played the guitar, and we sang to them.   Because Emmanuel, a Haitian minister, was with us, we were able to ask the ladies questions and Emmanuel could interpret for us.  One of the ladies, when asked how old she was, said she didn’t know.  One of my favorite memories of the afternoon was walking on a steep path to the next house and singing Reckless Love while we walked.

We were reminded again today of all the blessings that we have.  The children from the Haitian Deaf Academy and the four elder women were indeed blessings to us.

Mary Gorham

The day’s activities were truly a blessing. I loved being able to play with the deaf kids from the academy. I know very little ASL, but I knew enough (plus what Cassy McMahon taught us) to be able to understand them. One of the kids there even gave me my own name sign! I never get tired of seeing any of the kids here, they are so full of life and light for the lord!

Going on through the day was exhausting. By no means do I regret it, but I surely enjoyed the nap I got on the tap-tap ride. Plus, the cold showers we had at the guest house felt… amazing. I guess my Minnesotan body still isn’t used to this tropical heat.

For our dinner tonight, we had the pleasure of enjoying a beautifully made Haitian meal. Up until this point, we had had mostly American-ish food. The Haitian food was absolutely phenomenal! I am a very picky eater as all my parents know, but there was almost no aspect I didn’t like from tonight’s meal!

I really cannot wait to see what else God has in store for us the rest of the trip. There’s so much more to see and learn. Je t’aime Ayiti (I love Haiti).

Sierra Kearns

Northgate In Haiti (Day 2)

Today the group took the tap-tap down to City Soleil to help with the water truck. When we entered the first place, it was amazing to see all the people grabbing anything that could hold just a little bit of water. The water holders ranged from huge jugs that were almost as tall as some of the team, to tiny little mugs that didn’t hold much.

When we all stepped off the tap-tap we were greeted by all the children. They all just wanted to be held. The first little boy I was holding wanted to play with my hair the whole time and he gave me so many kisses. We all held so many kids and carried so many buckets. It was so cool to see how excited all the kids were to see the water truck. When we were filling the buckets some of the kids would pour the water on their heads and rush to get back in line. It was super cool to experience.

At first, today made me sad to see how all these people lived, but by seeing how all the people interacted with each other and us at the end of the day, I didn’t see anyone acting negatively to us. It made me realize how thankful they were just to have us there and that was the coolest thing I saw today.

Mya Skaare

Today we explored all over Delmas, Port au Prince and City Soleil. We helped with the water truck and providing water to the communities in city Soleil. It was impactful seeing all the little kids and adults alike fighting over water which is something that we take for granted in the U.S.  Holding all the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces was really cool.

It was crazy how the kids in City Soleil literally have nothing and how they are still happy to see us. All of the people around us have super happy attitudes no matter their situation and it really makes me realize how much we need to change our attitudes. Another thing we did was, we went to the farm that healing Haiti recently purchased and the farm that our church helped raised money to build the fence around it.

Mara Janiak