Day 6

We started our day with some breakfast and immediately went to the tap-tap to head out for the day. Four boys, Luke #1, Ashton, Jack, and Luke #2 (me) sat on top of the truck for a few minutes and talked to each other for a while while we waiting for the team to get ready.  We climbed down and into the tap-tap, and started out 45 minute drive to Titanyen. On the way, we stopped at Mass Graves, and got to walk around on the memorial. It was sad hearing about the earthquake and hearing about the quarter of a million people who died. After that we left to see four elders. Our first stop was at someones house who’s name I cannot remember. We gave her some lotion and rubs. We sang songs and asked for prayer requests. After praying for her, we showed her the things we had brought her. Some food, a flashlight, sweetened condensed milk, and a washcloth we used to wipe her feet with. She was shy, and did not speak much unless asked a question. Then, we headed for a man named Edmund’s house. He was living with his brother, and is blind with an aching back. He is 84 years old. I sat next to him and started to apply lotion to his right arm and back. Jack wiped his face and neck while Mike K. (aka Tim Sr.) lathered the lotion to the other arm. Someone wiped his feet and we rubbed him for the rest of the time and sang. He had whiskers, so we asked if he would like us to shave it for him. He said yes, it it was not an easy task. It took us easily 10 minutes. We then prayed for him after singing two songs. The songs were Ten Thousand Reasons and Glory to God (Glwa pou Bondye). We then headed to another elder home.

-Luke

Immediately she came out with joy in her eyes and hugged and greeted us at the door saying Bonswa (good afternoon).  We asked if we could massage and rub lotion on her and she said yes in a very happy tone.  But her skin was very soft and she seemed very well cared for. We sang songs with her and we painted her nails and seemed very thankful for us being there. Before we left we all prayed for her strength and hope in the future, and headed to the next elders. The next elders were husband and wife and hugged us when we game into the front yard and we played with their granddaughter. Then realizing we forgot the water basin at the last home so some of us ran and got it. So then we gave the elderly couples massages and and talked to them about their lives and found out it was almost their anniversary. Then some of us painted the woman and granddaughters nails and they were so thankful for us being there. Then we prayed for them and gave them food and treats and headed to the tap tap and started to climb up the hill to grace village.

-Jack

We then went to Grace village, where Tim Jr. was staying because he wasn’t feeling well. He had been there since our first elder trip. When we got there, he was asleep. I, along with 4 others, headed to a open tile area to play soccer with some of the kids. Surprisingly we won 9-5, despite multiple balls to the head. In the end, 3 of our shots were made by bouncing of one of our heads or faces.  After, we got a tour of the orphanage clinic, school, farm, and dorms. by that time is was four something, so we headed to Fleuri Resto for a delicious pizza dinner.

-Luke

Now that you’ve read about the purposeful, fulfilling service hours the team experienced, I’ll shift gears to another perspective. I woke up at 3 am, stomach tight and head throbbing, and couldn’t get back to bed for a few hours. Instead of pancakes, I had a antibiotic pill for breakfast. After making the 45 minute drive to Titanyen, I wound up vomiting in the sink of Grace Village. I spent the rest of the day in the clinic, sleeping off the worst symptoms I’ve ever had. The point of this entry is yes, be inspired and motivated by the tales of our week in Haiti's trenches, but be prepared to experience the realities of exposing your immune system to "exotic" things. Expect to experience sickness, expect to witness hardship, but know that the life changing journey to Port-au-prince is well worth the risks.

-Tim

Day 5

Hello everyone, today we went and did the water truck again but this time it was very different. I went into it with a different perspective because I knew what I was going into. It was a very hectic but successful day. During that time there was a little boy at the first stop holding onto me and he didn’t want to let go, he just kept saying hold me and it was adorable, by far my favorite part from the whole day and it just made me happy to see him so happy being carried. 

-Luke

Friends and Family thanks for the endless support of our trip. Friday August 10th we started off the day doing 2 water truck stops in City Soleil where we helped distribute water and give as much needed love to the children as possible. Next we went to an orphanage that was home to older kids than we have saw the rest of the trip. There we did arts and crafts, and played games. To end the day we winded down and the pool at the hotel and it was a great way to cool down. If you could continue to pray for the safety of our group that would be amazing. Thank You!!! -Ashton

Where do you even start to describe what a day here in Haiti looks like but more importantly what if feels like and the emotions that you feel.  Here goes a very feeble attempt.  Most of us got up at 5:30 to get ready for church which started at 6 AM.  It is only a few blocks from the Healing Haiti complex so many of us walked.  We joined the other team that is down here this week too.  It was a great experience to see and be reminded of the fact that the Holy Spirit does not have language or location boundaries.  It was awesome to worship with people far from home and in a different language.  

After we got back from there we had breakfast and then set out to get ready for our next trip into Cite Soleil with the water truck again.  It is a surreal experience to drive into this area where they see you coming and the kids and some adults start yelling “hey you” as their way of   greeting your or getting your attention.  As we drove up to where the water truck was parked the kids start flocking in our direction with “hey you’s” being called out louder and louder to get our attention.  Before I could even get out of the tap tap there were 2 kids climbing up with arms open making it difficult to even get out.  There we were surrounded by a sea of kids with their arms up begging to be picked up and held.  It is hard to wrap my brain around being so desperate for human touch to go to a complete stranger as a little child and beg to be held.  It is such a sweet thing to be able to offer just that, a moment of touch and kindness and love. The words of Jesus instructing to love the little children literally comes alive in front of your eyes.  Here you are in the midst of the open arms of kids, some clothed, some with just a shirt, some with no clothing, and their only concern was human touch and a touch of love.  If you had a pile of clothes to hand out or a bunch of people with open arms you would see every arm full and the pile of clothes still there.  It truly is a blessing to be able to be used by Jesus in this way, to offer a moment of compassion to one of his little children.  Being like Jesus in this way is only one of the things we do while we are there.  There is a long line of people standing with their buckets waiting to get them filled with clean water for them to use.  It is striking to me that they are so eager for water that they come flocking when they hear the horn of the water truck sound.  Poverty is rampant in this area and there that any suitable container (bucket, basin, barrel, etc.) to hold water is enlisted in the task. Today I mostly helped with the process of filling the buckets with the hose from the water truck. There is not a good way to describe the chaos of this process when filling buckets for the people who are desperate for every drop.  Greed and fear are quick to take over.  Greed in that they want as much as they can carry to make it last until the truck comes again, and fear that we will not get to their bucket before the water runs out and their bucket is left empty.  As I was working in this chaos trying to keep things equal I kept thinking about what it would feel like to be standing in line and the water running out before they got to me.  Desperate is the word that comes to mind. The other important thing we do while we are there is to help them bring these heavy filled water containers to their homes.  A majority of the people who are getting the water buckets filled are children who are unable to carry the water themselves.  One of the things I struggled with is why am I helping carry water to their homes when many older kids and adults are just standing there.  Something that has really struck my heart with compassion today is learning about how many of these kids are basically slaves.  Kids who have been sold by their parents who were promised education for their kids, but that was an empty promise.  These kids are left alone and many sleep outside and are untouched and unloved. That unleashed a whole new motivation to get their bucket full to help them bring their water home just to show an ounce of compassion in their lives and make it easier for a moment.    

So water truck day is raw and filled with many emotions and more things to do than manpower or time allows.

After we got back from Cite Soleil delivering water and so much more, we showered and got ready to head to an orphanage called La Phare.  Such a blessing to be able to go to a well run place where the kids were filled with that love they crave and taught about the love that Jesus has for them.  It was great to spend time with them and just hang out with them.  We were able to bring some crafts for them to do and also some games to play.  It was and amazing reminder to me that kids of all ages need love and attention.  There was a 12 year old boy, whose toy was a stuffed Dory, who desired sitting on my lap to going and playing soccer with some of the other boys.  Each child is different and need attention and love in different ways.  What a blessing to be able to offer just that.  As we were getting ready to leave they gathered together to give us a treat. WOW I was not expecting this blessing.   They sang 3 songs for us and they were simply amazing!  I had goose bumps as I stood there listening to them sing with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. Thanks for sharing that special moment with me.  Something I will never forget.  

So that was our day, the important parts anyway.  Thanks for giving us this opportunity!  Life changing is the understatement of the year.

Jeff

Day 4:

Thursday’s Blog:

Good Evening, Today we had the privilege to go to two different orphanages, the first being Sweet Home. This orphanage was a different experience then others that I have visited in Haiti, I was so impressed with the conditions of this place, the kids where very well taken care of with great living and sleeping conditions. This was remarkable to me because it showed what proper funding can truly do for the children, we had the pleasure to play with these children and do crafts with them. The second was Dios which is a orphanage for disabled children, this experience was a heart turner for me seeing these kids living with some very difficult disabilities in conditions that are the best that can be had but so far from our normal in the states, but being able to spend time and play and do crafts was such an amazing experience. Loving these kids up and being part of there day was a heart warming memory I will never forget. As a father on this trip with my two oldest boys I couldn’t be more proud of there hearts and compassion they have showed in ever experience that we have had these last few days how much they are turning into men that I’m proud to call my sons. My heart is overcome with joy to be there father!  

Sam Greenwood

Hello! if you are reading this, thank you for your interest in our trip and the things going on in it. Today was a mellow day, but still filled with the intense love we have brought to every task on this trip. We started with a pancake breakfast, graciously made by our healing haiti staff. Soon came time to get on the tap-tap (our mode of transportation), we set out to “Sweet Home”, which is a orphanage that had kids from age 2-7. We shared our love with the children and it was returned whole-heartedly. Our next stop was “Dios” which was an orphanage for children who are handicapped either mentally, physically, or both. We did many things with the kids such as make bead necklaces, color transparent crosses, and kick around the soccer ball, or as the Haitians would call it, fútbol. The time spent with the children taught the team how valuable expanding your horizons can be. It also taught me personally to remember the golden rule, treat others the way you would like to be treated. 

Austin Greenwood 

Day 3: Wednesday 8/8/18

Today was a mix of sweet, tasty flavors in a light-hearted setting and heart rending emotion as we visited homes for young children.  Breakfast was French Toast, eggs, and fruit; delicious as all our meals have been.  Thank you so much Healing Haiti Staff!

It started at Papillon, a job creation ministry for local Haitians.  We enjoyed frozen lemonade, berry slushies, chicken nuggets, and pizza from their gift shop and lounge.  The lounge is located on the top of the gift shop and has a wonderful view of that part of the city.  Afterward, we enjoyed a tour of the factory were local workers recycle materials  (cereal boxes, glass bottles) and raw materials (clay) into creations of beauty.  Employing over 250 people, they make necklaces, bracelets, pottery (coffee mugs), hand bags, dolls, and many other items.  Most of these things are imported to the USA for sale, supporting Haitian families and keeping young children with their parents by providing steady income to each household.  We were the first tour group led by young man who learned English as a young boy and then learned French when older (the reverse sequence for most Haitians).  His English is excellent and he is clearly very proud of the work they are doing.  He was very humble and modest but did a fantastic job.

Next was an orphanage, “For His Glory” where we played with children.  Jump rope, spike ball, Frisbee, basketball, soccer, and bubbles were just some of the activities.  The joy on the faces of the children was infectious.  There seemed to be something for everyone and no end to the little hands pulling on us (and our hair) or pointing to an object trying to communicate their desire.  While there is a language barrier, it didn’t impede the fun.  

The next stop wasn’t to start until later in the day, so we traveled back to the Guest House for a bit of down time.  I slept as did several other fathers.  The boys didn’t seem to need the sleep.  Several games of KanJam kept them busy even though it was the hottest part of the day.

The last stop was to Home for Sick and Dying Children.  The name alone makes one feel uneasy. Many in our group entered with a mindset against holding sick children but within minutes couldn’t resist. We had the opportunity to feed babies, to hold, and to play with them.  The occasional smile on their faces warmed our hearts. The most difficult part was leaving; having to put a child down in a crib and “say” goodbye, them not understanding but yearning for more affection. 

Water Truck Day In Cite Soleil As Seen By Two Twelve Year Olds

 We started the day with pancakes and fresh mangoes and pineapples. We loaded up on bug spray and sunscreen and boarded the tap-tap. The ride there was hot and muggy. We stoped at the water truck filling station and met the driver and waited for it to fill up.

      When it was full it escorted us out and we bumped down the rugged road. When we showed up at the first water truck station we were bombarded by a mob of little kids saying "Potem" (which means pick me up). So some of us scooped up a kid or two while the rest filled up jugs with water or carried water to the persons home. "Hey you!" is something you will hear often in Cite Soleil as the children are trying to get your attention. when the water truck was run dry we said goodbye or "orevwa"

Then we headed to Hope church and ate snack.  We headed inside where a day camp was being held.  The kids stuck their hands through gaps in the concrete partitions (the gaps allow a breeze) and shouted Hey you! Then some kids wandered out of the classes and greeted us, some spoke english and some didn't. One of the little kids who was about 7 was holding a wooden red ring so we set up our water bottles and he played a game like horse shoe toss. then we set up different ways to play games with the wooden ring like rolling it through the water bottles and bowling. After all that we helped pass out rice and beans to all the kids. And then we just hung around until we got the go ahead that the water truck was full again. We played games and sung songs, the kids loved it and sang and danced to it even when we left. When the truck was ready we jumped on the tap-tap and headed to the next stop,

   After the experience in Hope Church, we walked outside to the road. thankfully, while we where waiting in the church/school, the water truck had fixed a few hose problems and filled the truck with water. So, we immediately went into the field and started holding kids. stop two was the nicest so far. The first stop I felt was more busy with more crowded areas. this was very calm and the kids loved to be held. As we were leaving, something caught my eye. On my first trip last year, there was a kid I nicknamed 'Spider-Man kid' because of his Amazing Spier-Man t-shirt. He had opened my eyes to the kids and the area in an inexplainable, interesting way without intention. He had changed my life and viewpoint in the best way possible. As we, left, I saw him wandering the streets. I thought I'd never see him again, but there he was. It was good to see one of the boys who I'd had a short-lived friendship with. Seeing him made me happy.

Arrival Day

I started the day at 2:30, and headed to the airport almost immediately. as soon as I got to the airport, I met up with the majority of the team. They were on the earlier flight, so after getting through some trouble at Special services, they left and i stayed behind with my dad. We waited for another family who were going on the same flight as we were. We got through security rather quickly, and headed for our gate. once we arrived we got some caribou and food to eat a early breakfast. Soon after, we boarded our plane and started to ascend.

 Our flight was uneventful. watching movies and playing game to pass the time. After a few hours the plane started to attempt to land in Atlanta. The whole team got together and talked to each other  and got some early lunch and soon enough the plane was ready to board. As most of os exhausted from the early morning and long hours sat on a hot plane, we got on the plane and we were set on our way to Port-A-prince in Haiti. we stepped onto the hot muggy tarmac and the serene mountain view made all the heat worth it. We checked into immigration and stamped our passports. Then we rounded the team up and got our luggage and headed to the tap-taps to the guest house.

 On the way to the Guest House, our team noticed many differences between USA and Haiti. For one, the street was very bumpy and wasn't fully asphalt. Some roads were only dirt, and some were blacktop, but no matter what the roads were like there always was trash. In some places a lot and in some a little, but wherever you looked, you would see a water bottle or some paper products. As we arrived at the guest house, the dogs came to greet us and sniffed us all around. We went immediately to unload, and after that, we inflated a soccer ball and went next door. the neighborhood boys were not there, but one little boy was. his name was Maurice. he lived in a small hame with his family and his goat. He loves soccer and running around,  We played pass for about 20 min.

 

   

    Then all of the sudden a rain storm rolled in and forced us inside for dinner, the tacos were delicious. We then when't to the stones in the front yard and passed a soccer ball. and headed inside for a shower, then we set up the Spike Ball net and played games with it. we also sat on top of the tap-taps and threw berries on the tree down. So it was getting dark and we headed inside for devotions, and headed to sleep for the night.

Up the mountain - 8/5

Today was our last full day in Haiti.

We began by attending Rendez-Vous Christ Church. This is a very welcoming congregation and worship is a mix of French, Creole, and English. They pass out headsets so you can listen to a live translation of the sermon into English. In addition to our group, there were folks from the UN there and a scattering of other non-Haitians. The service was celebratory in nature. They had a guest speaker who had been healed after being in a coma. His testimony was moving. At the end, he admonished us to think about whether we had one of these things as a stumbling block in our relationship with God: adultery, lies, gossip, fraud, theft, magic. In a country with a lot of corruption, that is an interesting list.

After worship, we headed up the mountain to shop another metal market and have lunch at Observatoire, a beautiful restaurant with a view of the countryside. The drive was beautiful and it was nice to see more and different things.

We got back to the guesthouse and decided to go to the pool before dinner.  We were omit there about 20 minutes when we heard thunder. We got out and were trying to decide what to do when we saw lightning.  So we headed back. We just made it to our gate as the rain began. The storm knocked out the WiFi for the rest of the night.  But we were fortunate to not have been stuck in traffic in the tap tap as the other teams were.

The kids played in the rain.  The adults started packing. After dinner, we had word of the day, then devotions, and communion. Because the WiFi was out, we had to gather around Angela's tiny Macbook to watch the slideshow. And, for many of us, it was the first time using Goldfish crackers as communion wafers!

The Internet finally came back Monday morning so I  am writing this then.  Today, we plan to stop at Peace Cycle and a coffee place on our way to the airport, weather and traffic permitting.

I have been grateful for everyone's input on writing this blog for our team, especially Lindsey who helped with titles every day.

Anastasia