Ray Team 1 Day 5: Worship His Beauty!

Today was an amazing day of worship, joy, and beauty.  We started our day going to sunrise service at "Tent Church."   The Haitians are worshipful people and Tent Church has a worship service every day.  Although it felt like a sacrifice waking up extra early, once we arrived, we found the experience a powerful one and well worth the lost sleep.  The Haitians have such hearts toward the Lord! The second I walked in the door, my heart was drawn to worship.  The Haitians are so expressive and they worship God in such a way that brings one to humility.  Our hearts were enriched and we were blessed as the worship leader integrated English throughout the worship.  We recognized a few of the songs -- an occasional one in English, while most were in Creole.  It did not matter.  We knew we were among family.  Some of the songs were familiar tunes, but sung in Creole -- songs like "Nothing but the Blood" and "How Great Thou Art," along with some contemporary songs as well.   We were not observers, but brothers and sisters worshipping the same Lord. It's so great to connect with other believers from other parts of the world.  I will never forget this worship experience!

Our next stop was the LaPhare Orphanage to do VBS with the kids.  We first spent time playing with the kids.  They are so fun, sweet, and playful.  They love our affection, so they are always excited to get a hug or for us to pick them up and just love on them.  We represent Jesus to the kids and He uses even the human touch, which can be so powerful.  We have witnessed this again and again throughout our trip each time we are with kids.  Chris taught a Bible story, the story of Noah, of course, with our interpreter, and the kids seemed attentive.  After that we made little beaded bracelets with the kids.  The one sad part of this visit is that several of the kids were sick, so we weren't able to see all of them.  The other sad part is when we had to leave.  These kids are so endearing, sometimes you don't want to leave. 

The last portion of our day, we decided to take a team trip to the Wahoo Beach. It was absolutely beautiful.  Being close to the water in Haiti and looking up at the mountains was truly a slice of heaven!  Even the drive brought in the many facets of Haiti.  We have seen the devastation, but mixed in with the poverty and lack, we saw much of God's beauty--the mountains, the hillside and green country side, not to mention the beautiful weather.  Seeing more of the beauty of God's earth, along with the other activities of the day brought us refreshment and joy.  Thank you Lord for another amazing day in Haiti!

Ray Team 1 day 4 Grace Village

The first stop today was at the school, and the setting was magnificent.  Up on top of the mountain and overlooking the Caribbean blue waters I felt the surrounding love of God. It was absolutely no mistake that Grace Village was a vision of heaven for these children.  Jake from Minnesota was our guide who worked for Healing Haiti and I was absolutely impressed and in awe of the good works that God has planned out for his life.  He was full of passion and extremely confident that this was his calling and purpose in life - to help build-up Grace Village to become the best that God had intended.  So now we tour the building under construction to build a mini-bread bakery for the village and to provide bread for Titanyen.  Along with other food items, did I hear "PIZZA", ok now for sure this was a sign that I am definitely coming back to see the finished work and to have a "slice", if that is God's will for me to come back to Haiti.

So last night knowing that we were going visit the elderly today my heart was thumping!  Knowing what our mission was all about, this is what I was most excited about.  Five years ago I discovered I had a passion for the elders.  I had a GOD shot and that is when my journey began with the elderly. Knowing this on my heart, God's perfect plan for me to meet my new friend Edmond, was near.  Entering into his home, Edmond was 82 years old, blind, and sitting on his bed in his diaper surrounded by concrete blocks that looked like some old war shelter. My eyes lit up, love at first sight!  It was made very clear to me that my mission was answered by God's grace, once again!  Two other ladies from our team sat and stood before Edmond as we lathered him up with lotion and rubbed the majority of his precious little body.  He was so happy and I really and truly believe that he thought he was the "King" of Haiti! The City of Angels had arrived.  I feel so blessed to have met Edmond, knowing that we gave him peace, comfort, compassion, joy, happiness, singing - "Glory to God,"  nourishment, and most importantly - love!  The greatest of all!  Being in acceptance that I had to leave "Edmond" was not on my radar, but acceptance was the answer.  I find so much comfort in knowing that Edmond is not alone, you are never alone if you have God.

Ray Team 1 Day 3 Water Truck - Story 2

Water Delivery Day was intense, good and eye-opening. I'll describe a little of what we did and how it went about (there will be some pics later, taken by our team leaders). Due to the shortage of clean water in Haiti, Healing Haiti water trucks deliver clean water to several sites throughout the area. We visited some of the most poverty-stricken communities and poured clean water from the trucks into buckets brought out by the people living in them. These trucks deliver water almost daily. Whole families including very young children and their parents line up often in a mad scramble to get the clean water. It takes 2 or 3 of us to manage the hose that shoots water into the buckets. The rest of the team helps carry those buckets back to the families' homes or somewhere near. It's all very fast paced and the water comes out fast. Sometimes when there's not a bucket right in front of the hose, kids will pile up at that spot almost like they're under a waterfall. But they're just being kids, some for play and some simply to cool off. This happened at least 2 or 3 times while I was at the front of the hose. It can get very chaotic. Pouring the water into the buckets and even the occasional chaos that happens felt very exciting for me while a little challenging. I enjoyed it. The other times, when I was carrying water buckets, were quite eye opening, just to see the level of poverty, but also the culture and way of life for the Haitians. Compared to them, we have absolute luxury here in America, especially in the South Bay in Los Angeles. Yet it was the only life they know. They were always super excited and welcoming when we showed up. The kids will gather around you and jump right into your arms or on your back–they are excited! I met a young man who introduced himself to me. He was gentle, friendly and curious. He asked me my name, my mom and dad's names, where I was from, etc. I found out he was a student and he said he likes to talk to people who deliver water so that he could improve his English. He was 25 years old. It was good to experience all this; 2 additional things stand out...of course you can get pretty drenched pouring water into the buckets, and Haiti is very warm, so you don’t mind one bit...and second, I have a new appreciation for water shoes–works like a dream. We have one more water delivery day, Saturday, and I look forward to it!

Ray Team 1 Day 3 Water Truck

Today, our team faced one of the most emotionally, exhausting and rewarding part of our mission trip, which involved water deliveries to the slums of Port-au-Prince.  My heart has been anticipating this day, since we arrived in Haiti, I been aching to meet the children and families of Port-au-Prince. One of our team leader's Ray stated that our water delivery represented, "the living water." All morning those words echoed in my mind, "the living water." I kept praying for God to reveal himself to the helpless people in Haiti. I prayed for God to guide our team and to strengthened us through His holy word.

Upon arrival at our first water delivery, my eyes met the eyes of the children. Their eyes lit up when they saw us. I looked into one little boy' eyes and saw that they were bright yellow, but yet his eyes were able to spark a smile towards mine. The children jumped into our arms and onto our backs. I felt weighted down, but yet overcome with joy by their contagious smiles and joyful laughter. 

These children had a sense of hope in their eyes and it gave me hope in seeing that they were able to smile in the midst of their poverty stricken lives. I looked around on the ground and saw the children's bare feet running by fecal matter and trails of dirty water. Along the streets and rivers there was mountains of trash. I kept thinking to myself these children and their families do not deserve to live this way. However, something about our water deliveries gave these people the courage to move forward and keep living. I could never imagined living in a house made out of cardboard, deteriorating bricks, and pieces of metal. The Haitian people of Port-au-Prince, have nothing, but yet their love for one another and their country overpowers the enemy of poverty. As my team was helping the children carry buckets of water back to their houses, I had to remind myself that God is in control. There were endless lines of people carrying empty buckets, barrels and large bowls. I smiled as I saw children refreshed their hot and sticky bodies with fresh water. Children danced as they took buckets of water and dumped it all over their tiny bodies. One child, dumped his face into a bucket of water as if it were his first time tasting water. A few women were throwing elbows and having a exchange of words as they fought to get to the head of the line. I was praying that each bucket would get filled, but deep down, I knew that we would run out of water. Once again,  I had to remind myself that God fills us up with his goodness and love, and HIs well never runs dry.

 I witnessed small girls and elderly women carry buckets of water on their heads, with some much strength and grace. I helped a few children carry their buckets back to their houses, and I recalled my hands beginning to ache, but I reminded myself these children complete this journey everyday, my privilege self only has to complete this journey once. I wanted to be strong for them. Although, many of these children may be independent, they still need encouragement and love from an adult. Most of these children only spoke Creole, but yet we were able to bond through physical interactions and kind gestures. These children gave me more than what I could ever give them. These children were the eyes of God and they shared God's unconditionally love through their laughter, hugs and touches. Before I board the Healing Haiti truck for the last time, a little girl held onto me tightly and did not want to let me go. I told her that it is going to be okay and that God is watching over her from Heaven. She nodded her head and smile, her response reminded me, why God placed our team in Haiti, which is to spread the love Christ to all of His children with compassion and grace.

Ray Team 1 Day 2 Lovin on kids

Okay diapers delivered. Check. Now what? I look around the Home for Sick and Dying Children, staring at a dozen assorted luggage bags full of diapers in the back room of a converted church. Several sisters move about through a cluster of 30 or so volunteers (other people that look like they aren't from here either). Oh. I think. There's plenty of people here, they don't need me. That's fine, because I have no idea what to do with sick kids. I'm not a doctor - I don't even know how change a diaper let alone speak Creole. I'm basically useless. Maybe I'll just go back to the bus and wait. Besides I don't want it to be overcrowded... At that moment a sister motions to our group. She has tan skin, freckles, and a beautiful smile under a blue and white habit. I shuffle along with our group to the room which I later learn is for kids under a year old. The second I walk through the door I'm drawn to a little guy in a Harley Davidson t-shirt. I make eye contact with him to deliver some silly quip about him being too young to ride a motorcycle in a language he doesn't understand. In response, he reaches up his arms to say "Pick me up dummy." I look around the room. Can we just pick up the kids? Aren't they sick and dying? "Just remember what crib they are in," I hear. I go for it. I pick him up and he snuggles into my sweaty arms — I guess all he needs is love.

Two hours later my arms start to get tired. Last night when I prayed for strength I didn't actually mean physical arm strength...God gave me what I needed just the same. A little girl in a jean dress  taps my leg wanting to be held. I can't just put down my fellow motorcycle rider, so I double up. And there I was - dude who was too scared to hold his friends newborn a month ago, holding two kids at once. "You know her story?" I turn to see a Catholic priest with long hair and Birkenstock sandals surrounded by kids. He was from Florida and he spoke Creole. "She was found in a trash can." This beautiful little girl? HOW!? She takes me through the whole alphabet in French before running off to play with someone else. She has an amazing laugh.

The bell rings. Time for lunch. I set Harley down in his crib and get through half a bowl of rice, beans, carrots, and egg before getting a firm "I'm done" head shake. I try again... "Dude I said I'm done!" Finished, he reaches up his arms to be picked up again. I'm told it's nap time and so instead, I offer up my finger for his little hand to hold. Waiting for his eyes to close, I start to slip my hand away and for the first time in hours he starts gearing up for some wet works. Okay, okay. Finger back. I wait, hoping he'll fall asleep before we have to go. No luck. He stares up at me as I pull away, but he isn't the only one that feels like crying. 

Ray Team 1 Day 1 Arrival @ Guesthouse

What is it that makes a team?  Someone that is willing to lay aside their agenda and step out into the unknown.  Someone who is willing to push through adversity and completely open themselves up to the will of God expecting nothing in return other than to do His will by whatever abilities God has given each man and woman.  

Our Journey began at LAX yesterday evening despite construction high security and traffic delays.  Each person, however tested pushed through without complaining.  Conquering TSA screening was finally achieved and we eventually made it to Miami and on to Port-Au-Prince airport.  Up to this point with little or no sleep, hot sweltering heat and a crushing mob of humanity all pressing in to secure a handout.  Finally despite misplacing several documents we were able to burst out into a clearing from the mass of people pressing in on us and out in the distance walked Maxwell to the rescue.  

I am convinced that God personally picked each and every one on our team.  Sure the first day was tough but each of our team jumped in and tackled whatever task was placed in front of them.  We will forget the toil of the heat and the loss of sleep from the first day on our bodies but I will not forget our team's perseverance.  With arms open wide and palms up we will move forward into whatever challenge or task is placed before us tomorrow.  God speak to their hearts tonight and give them strength for whatever tomorrow may bring.

Just before bed you Father brought the cleansing, and comforting rain of a fresh new day.  Thank you that you are in control of all we say and do.   Make us your hands and your feet for your will to be done this week in Haiti.

Presence and Touch

July 8^th 2016 – Today we caught a profound glimpse into the pain of the people of Haiti—both the individual pain and national pain. We began our day at The Home for Sick and Dying Adults. The very name of this place causes my heart to cringe. By admitting that some of these patients are “dying” seems so hopeless, so final, so grim. But death is a reality we will all taste. It is the unavoidable horizon line all of our lives are headed toward. The discomfort we feel, I believe, is our lack of control over this reality. We want to somehow bargain with God so that somehow we can turn back the tide He unleashed the moment our ancestors chose to turn their backs on Him. Serving at The Home for Sick and Dying Adults inevitably requires a resignation of our grandiose plans of bypassing death. We showed up without medical equipment, without any knowledge of the specific sickness which plagued these men and women, and without permission to offer verbal prayers of healing—only lotion and a few bottles of finger nail polish. We were there to touch, to “be present”, and to trust that (despite what seems to be the case throughout Haiti) God is in control.

The men and women split up to serve same-gendered patients. There are only five men on our team, so we had our work cut out for us. After being directed to a large room full of beds and patients, we began pumping lotion into our palms and allowing the sick and dying men to tell us where they’d like us to massage. I hummed an old hymn as I rubbed the shoulders and chest of the first patient I met. Soon I realized my soft hymn humming was being matched by another voice. At first I assumed one of my fellow volunteers heard the tune and joined in, but soon I recognized it was the man whose shoulders I was spreading lotion on who, with eyes closed, was joining in. We hummed together, praising the God in the midst of the man’s pain.

We entered the care center with rubber gloves and expectations that we would need to protect ourselves from open sores and communicable diseases. But when the humming began and our eyes met the eyes of the men lying in beds, emaciated and in agony, the gloves felt like an affront, a statement that we wished to be separated from the pain of our new friends. The gloves remained in our pockets as we knelt down and served our brothers with naked hands. What an honor it was to minister the power of touch! By the time we had sweated through our shirts and each man had had an opportunity to receive a massage, we realized the humility involved in coming not with answers, cures, aloof prayers, but simple and intentional touch.

Our next stop brought us to the Haitian History Museum. So much of what we learned was about the pain which preceded Haitian freedom: colonial oppression and murder. From the time Columbus arrived on the coast of Haiti until the slave revolt in the 1800’s, the name of Jesus was used to justify unimaginable systemic sins. At one point along our guided tour I wanted to shout to our guide, “I’m so sorry…but the Jesus that was presented to you is NOT the Jesus of the Bible.” But the pain of the past cannot be undone. It is there, and it must be acknowledged and learned from. While an apology may be helpful, the best I believe we can do is continue to show up at places like The Home for Sick and Dying Adults and message feet, one at a time, and show the beautiful Haitians the beauty of Jesus.

Whenever I witness pain, the temptation is to devise strategic ways to alleviate it. Certainly, Healing Haiti is going to great lengths to do this. We saw strategic hope at Grace Village and Apparent Project. But what I learned today is that sometimes God isn’t asking us to be the remedy to someone’s pain. Instead, He’s inviting us to simply step into it and offer presence and touch. 

- Bryan M.