The Bridge Team - Day 3

We began our morning today in Cite Soleil, one of the most impoverished cities in the world.  300,000 people live there.  Today was "Water Truck Day." The water trucks deliver clean water to the neighborhoods of Cite Soleil on routes similar to the way our trash is picked up throughout the week.  The women and children of the neighborhood come from every corner and alleyway to retrieve water to drink, eat, cook, and bathe in.  At least 2,500 gallons of water is delivered and carried in buckets by hand and head.

At the head of every Tap Tap (bus) it says, "Be the hands and feet." We had the privilege of literally being Jesus' hands, feet, arms, back and even some of our own heads to carry water alongside the people of the neighborhood today.  We have been taught that we cannot live without water for more than a few days.  But stepping into Cite Soleil, immediately we learned that physical touch, smiles, loving connection and help, we can't live without either.

The unspoken bond we speak through touch casuses a deep, sweet connection that has no words but both know a deep bond.  There have been times during the past few days in which one of our team members has been holding a child who is leaning in and yearning for their desire for love and affection to be met.  In those moments, in the most unlikely places, time stops.  The chaos that ensues around you seems to stand still.  Nothing else matters!  There is a giving and recieving that can touch the core of us and bring the most meaning.  It's a hard thing to describe but it seems to be an experience that is a knowing of a Jesus-like love.

To be completely transparent, this day has been a challenging one in many ways.  From manual labor to emotional hardship we have all had our own responses to what we witnessed today.  But because we have bonded together as a family and communtiy here in Haiti and we have allowed God to take over in our hearts and our minds, challenging days don't seem so difficult and the good moments seem much sweeter.

Following Cite Soleil, we came back to the guest house to prepare for a family reunion.  We went to the orphanage that the girls were adopted from over ten years ago.  The smile on El's face was brighter than the sun in Soleil when she recognized the door, squealing with anticipation she jumped off of the Tap Tap to meet Josette who was riding shotgun and they both ran up the steps to the front door like two children coming home to play.  Greeted at the door by their previous nannies as we all looked on glowing with joy filled hearts, children began to poor out.

We were welcomed into the orphanage by a doctor that Natalie, El's mother, had been in contact with throughout the trip and were given a tour.  In the backyard of the orphanage where El and Josette spent time learning and growing, a medical team traveling with the doctor had begun a new project.  A young man named, Mo had decided to rehab the playground.  He and his team had cleaned the entire playground of trash, large rocks and tree limbs.  They filled in the area with new sand and were beginning work on a border to keep the sand in.  They had been working all day and are leaving tomorrow, they were digging a trench by hand and filling it with cement blocks, hand mixing concrete, and then adding sand to hold the wall in place.

Our team, women dressed in skirts and men in nice khaki shorts, picked up shovels and a pick axe and began working.  Breaking through tree roots and concrete we were able to dig a 60 foot trench and placed as many blocks as we had on site.  Mo and Tommy began mixing concrete while Todd began digging on the other side of the playground. Toni, Megan, and Jess were pouring the mixed concrete as the guys rested.  Since the concrete was mixed and trenches dug, we were only waiting for the men to return with more blocks to complete the project.

El's family soon arrived and as in every other encounter here this week we were welcomed into the family, a few of us privileged to be asked to join in a family photo.

As El reunited with her birth family and Natalie found peace and assurance of the joy and heartfelt gratitude from her family in Haiti, the world seemed to be at shalom.  At that time little did we know, a story similar to the beginning of El's story was unraveling just behind us.  Starting over in a different family, a story all too familiar in Haiti.  A mother unable to provide food and education for her children; praying, hoping, wishing for a loving woman to come along and be her children's "new mother," someone who could give them more than she could fathom.

As the sorrows of this story are overwhelming and heartbreaking, the joy in knowing that one day these children can be reunited with our Father in heaven, where money can not withhold dreams, and tears are only shed in happiness is greater than any peace known.  As true as this is, there is no explanation or understanding for the pain this mother has for her children.  Our team prayed today with this woman that God would met her practical and deep emotional needs. It's a sobering encounter that causes us to seek God's heart in what he wants us to do for her and her children. 

This has been our prayer and our mission this week; to learn how to better serve the people of God, through God.

Jessica Varner and Karen LaBoube

"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"

James 2: 15-16

The Bridge Team - Day 2

Just as shalom has 70 different translations in the NIV Bible, so can Haiti to each of us individually.  Haiti is unfolding before us to mean so many different things.  The deeper we look, the more beauty, need, complexity, and compassion there is.  As its beauty unfolds, we are being taught, and are learning as a team.  The Holy Spirit is moving in, around, and through us.  We see events happening before our eyes that can only be explained by God's presence.

Our team continues to bond as we share and work together.  We visited an orphanage called La Phare which housed about 20 children between the ages of a one year old baby to an 18 year old young man.  From the moment we stepped into the courtyard where the children played, we were greeted with smiles, hugs, and open arms.  Jesus teaches us to treat others as we would treat him.  With this in and on our hearts as we strive to connect with each individual, we are immensely blessed from receiving the gifts the children and staff behold.   Everyone immediately started working as a team using their spiritual gifts. Karen gave a massage and served the woman that ran the orphanage.  Natalie helped with laundry. Jessica, Lori, and Todd played soccer with the teenage boys.  Erika, Josette, Lisa, and Dianna played duck, duck, goose with the girls.  Toni, Meghan, and Eliana played jump rope with the older girls. Tommy played the guitar and overall entertained all of us.  Megan from SC drew pictures, played sidewalk chalk, and sang.  The joy and laughter of the kids was infectious, but we all agree that we don't know who had more fun--the kids or the Bridge team.  Team time explored Shalom and how just the discussion around it was a perfect fit for the day we experienced a peace and completeness as a team that some have admittedly not felt since their last trip to Haiti one year ago.  We are thankful for our Lord and Saviour and the amazing day he laid out for us.  As we write this our team is singing, "I am a child of God."  We are all children of God.  We cannot wait for tomorrow!

"May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, The Lord be exalted who delights in the shalom of his servant."  Psalms 35:27.

By:  Lori Kinder and Lisa Finn

The Bridge Team - Day 1 (PM)

This afternoon we visited a place of extremes.

Gertrude's is a special needs orphanage in Port-au-Prince.

It's tucked in amidst concrete structures - some partially finished, many left unfinished - in the heart of a neighborhood. Nearby were pigs roaming about piles of garbage. We pulled up in our trusty blue tap tap, unloaded, and a teenage boy with special needs waited for us at the gate. We hugged and walked through the house into a courtyard void of children. We were told the children were coming home from school soon, and evidence of their existence was all around us: a plastic yard chair-turned-wheelchair, other wheelchairs of various sizes, and a sensory wall out back.

Dozens of children arrived soon thereafter, but I mainly remember one: Rosemarie.

Rosemarie is nonverbal and in a wheelchair. I'm not sure about what happened to her to leave her in this state. Many of the children at Gertrude's were found on the street, uncared for, alone, and underdeveloped. Rosemarie's story is likely similar.

But boy, can she smile.

I mean, she can SMILE.

My first interaction with Rosemarie went like this: I sat down at a picnic table next to her wheelchair. She sat at the head of the table, and I sat at the corner next to her. As I leaned toward her to tell her how beautiful she was, she leaned forward, locked her eyes with mine, and placed her forehead snug against mine. And we sat for what seemed like forever.

And as we did, she smiled...a wide toothy grin that surpassed language. Dimples that spoke volumes.

She possesses unbridled joy and gifted it to me...in the midst of sadness and brokenness.

It wasn't all roses.

We had to say goodbye. Her smile became stoic when she realized what was happening. My heart broke. And just as quickly as I had been filled with joy, I too was filled with sadness.

You know what's beautiful though?

I believe I'll get to see Rosemarie again one day. Or at least I hope this is true. One day Rosemarie won't be nonverbal and in a wheelchair. One day she will be in glory, and she will run freely on her own two feet. She'll have a full family that loves her perfectly. Jesus will enjoy her everlasting smile. No doubt He already does.

I long deeply for that day. The groanings of this world and the brokenness of humanity are hard to take sometimes.

But today, I got to enjoy the smile and her spirit of a fellow human who bears the image of God. I got to spend time with a beautiful daughter of the King who has a gift of radiating His joy. I experienced previews of the coming attraction of eternity, in which language won't be a barrier, and joy and love will flow freely. For this preview, I will always be thankful.

This doesn't negate our responsibility to Rosemarie here and now. People with special needs living in severe poverty are among the most vulnerable people in the entire world. They need our love, advocacy, and support. Jesus cared and cares for them beautifully. We need to as well.

Admittedly, I forget about them. When they're not in front of me, gifting me with their beauty and joy, I forget that there are children like Rosemarie trying to survive in our world.

I guess the moral of the story is this: let's be aware. Let's be sensitive. Let's seek out the people in our neighborhoods and cities who are vulnerable. Let's offer a better way. And let's love them.

Thanks to a group of Haitian Christians doing this in Port-au-Prince, Rosemarie has a home where she is cared for. She has people who love her...who treat her with dignity.

Let's bring the kingdom to earth friends. It's what we were made for; it's what we were redeemed for. There's a bigger story. And I'm really, really glad Rosemarie is in it.

With love and great joy,
Erika

The Bridge Team - Day 1 (AM)

On the one hand grief, on the other hand hope. This morning we visited an orphanage where nearly all of the children had been voluntarily placed there by parents who were unable to care for them. The parents are able to visit the children monthly, and each child is well cared for by nannies and teachers. It was a true joy to visit with the children and their caretakers today. It is a sad reality that many of the children who reside in orphanages in Haiti are not "true" orphans, but rather live there because the lack of employment here makes it difficult for parents to provide for their children. My heart aches for parents who feel they have no other option.

This is one of the reasons, I am so passionate about Apparent Project/Papillion Enterprises and the work they do in Haiti. Apparent Project employs 267 Haitians who are able to support their families and keep their families intact. We were able to shop at  the Papillion Enterprises store...and spend nearly all of the money we brought with us! There is also a restaurant with pizza, smoothies and lattes above the store. After shopping, we were able to take a tour of the facility and watch the artisans at work. Apparent Project has an on-site daycare for all of the employees to utilize as well as a training center where employees can learn computer skills and English. 

You guys, I have so much joy at the work that is happening here in Haiti through this ministry and one woman's vision to transform a community through job creation. While it is a special gift to serve at an orphanage, and make a child smile, knowing that a mom can rock her own baby tonight because I bought a pizza in Haiti, or you bought a bracelet from my Apparent Project party- that thrills my heart. Thank you to each one of you who have purchased jewelry from this awesome company. I hope these pictures make your heart happy, and fill you with hope at the work God is doing here.

Natalie

This is Viola. She is sewing dresses for Haitian Friend dolls, which represent 12 of the larger cities in Haiti.

Haitians understand community. It permeates everything they do, from home to work. 

The Bridge Team - Arrival Day

The plane's arrival at the gate marked not only my first time in Haiti, but my first time on a mission trip. Suffice it to say I was incredibly excited. And more than a little bit unsure of what to expect. Walking through the airport and navigating customs was easier than expected, thanks mostly to the smiles and directions I received along the way. Being a bit of a control freak, this experience should've stressed me out...but instead, I felt an overwhelming peace that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Almost like God's hand was literally guiding me along.

I waited outside baggage claim for our Team Leader to pick me up, again feeling a sense of peace that God was going to move mightily during my week in Haiti. The streets were alive with people and laughter and color, matching the excitement that continued to bubble up inside me. I don't think I stopped grinning once as I met the rest of the team and we enjoyed our first meal together. My first taste of Haiti was, quite literally, incredible.

As we get ready for bed, the team seems just as excited as I am to head out tomorrow morning. I'm not sure exactly what God has in store for us, and for His people here in Haiti. But that's the beautiful thing: we don't have to know. Or understand. We're just called to love. To pour His love on every single person we encounter and learn from each interaction. So that's the plan! And I think I speak for all of us when I say bring it on!

Megan

Hamilton Team - Saturday

Philippians 2:4 “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Good evening from Haiti!  

The day started with a traffic jam at the market on our way to the Home for the Sick and Dying Adults, but we finally made it!  When we arrived the men separated from the women to visit the residents. When we split up we found that many of the residents were attending Mass and visiting family, while others were being seen by the doctor. For those who were unable to attend the Mass we were able to apply lotion as the patient directed, apply nail polish, give massages, fellowship, and offer prayer.

Our next stop of the day was to the General Hospital.  While we were there we visited the various pediatric units.  We had previously assembled care packages consisting of diapers, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, wash clothes, snack food, and a toy.  As we visited with the children and their parents we delivered the care packages, offered prayer, and fellowship.  We were able to see the construction of the new building where patients will stay once completed.

From there we headed off to our final stop for the day…La Loo Orphanage.  This is a busy place and another group was also on their way in so our visit here would be a short one.  We were greeted by a beautiful song from a group of about 20 - 30 children. We brought lots of string and beads for the children to make beaded bracelets and necklaces.  We teamed up with the kids to string the beads and create beautiful jewelry. We shared hugs and love with many and when the visit was done and we prepared to leave there was one more departing song.

Unlike our late arrival to the guesthouse on Friday, our early return today allowed for a swimming break for the entire team at the pool at the nearby hotel.  We laughed and bonded over fried plantains, french fries, and a cold beverage.  This was the perfect way to end the day!

Ashley and Judy

Hamilton Team - Friday

Happy Friday from Haiti,

Before I go into some detail, I will sum up the day in a few words that were spoken by the team: special, blessing, intimate, and heaven. Our day started bright and early at 5:45; thankfully Tom made us some nice, strong Haitian coffee (as he always does). Our amazing security guy on duty dropped us off about a mile down the road at a local baptist church where we got to spend an hour or so singing, shouting, and dancing in worship to our Creator. It was a very special experience, yet very different than what most of us where used to, but beautiful that we were so welcomed in, as foreigners, to worship as one Church. 

Next we took a very bumpy drive across Port-Au-Price, to a desert-like town by the sea called Titanyen. Here we visited four elderly adults to bring them some food and drink, wash their feet, sing worship songs, pray, and provide whatever other basic care we could give. I will never forget one man in particular, Lindor, the joy of the Lord in this man’s being is inexpressible. I can name on my two hands the items that he can claim to his name and the meal we brought him was quite possibly the only meal he would eat that day, and yet he had everything-the presence of the Lord was so clearly alive in him and all he wanted from us was prayer for his eternity.

The rest of the afternoon we spent in Grace Village (a 50 acre gated plot of land in the mountains neighboring Titanyen). Grace Village consists of a school that educates over 400 children ranging from 3 years old to mid-twenties, an orphanage of 41 children, Grace church, a  bakery that supplies the community with up to 50 jobs, and a restaurant with some great pizza. 

Rejoining our team tonight was a really beautiful few moments-everyone a little worn out, yet so at peace and so much joy. As we shared the joys of the day, JoAnn reflected on the beauty that heaven will be when we will reunite with our fellow brother’s and sister’s from around the world in worship our great and awesome God. 

Jezi Renmen Ou (Jesus Loves you)

Anya