Northgate In Haiti (Day 1)

Today is our first full day in Haiti and I am loving it. We arrived safely to Port-au-Prince yesterday late afternoon and had plenty of time to learn our way around our temporary home before we had a wonderful dinner, courtesy of Healing Haiti staff. The guest house we are staying in is a part of a gated property owned by Healing Haiti. It features 2 guest houses, a group gathering building and a courtyard. Healing Haiti employs only Haitian people who serves as cooks, tap tap (open air buses) drivers, and translators. 

We started off by visiting an orphanage called Sweet Home. We played with the toddlers for a while and then met all of the school aged children. We sang with them, played games with them, and learned about life as an orphan in Haiti. Many of the children we visited with had been at the orphanage since birth or close to birth. It’s heartbreaking that there are so many children here who are in orphanages, but it’s a blessing that there are places for them to go to be taken care of.

Next we went to Papillon, which is a large store that was started by a women who came to Haiti as a missionary. She saw how many people weren’t able to provide for their families, and was inspired to start a business to provide jobs for Haitian people. There is a cafe that has smoothies, pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream. They also have a shop that has many things that are handmade by employees. They make all kinds of jewelry, clothing, and home decorations. We were given a tour of the production space by Tricky and then got to go shopping and order smoothies.

Our last serving opportunity today was going to Mother Teresa’s. It is a home for sick and dying babies and toddlers. When we’re there all we had to do was love on kids. We can hold them, play with them, and pray for them. It was a hard place to be because so many of the kids are sick and some might not make it. It was inspiring to see how even though the kids we saw were sick and did not speak our language, most of them were smiley and laughing.

So far this trip has been very eye opening and I’m so happy that I could have this experience. The biggest thing that I have learned is that God truly is everywhere. No matter where we go there is love, there is hope, and there is happiness.

Love from Haiti,

Ellie Kriewall

When I arrived yesterday in Haiti I didn’t know what to expect or what to prepare myself for. I didn’t know how the moments I will make, or the people I will meet, would impact me. The first thought when I walked off the plane was how different their community was to ours. It was a real shock to walk off that plane and to have everyone notice us because we looked different than everyone else. Heading out of the airport, we arrived to our vehicle that would be driving us around, it’s called a Tap Tap. The driving in Haiti makes me laugh as everyone is using there horn every 5 seconds, but nobody ever seems to crash even though they are basically inches away from other vehicles. 

We arrived at the guest house and I instantly felt at home with how nice the healing Haiti personnel was to me and the group, and it also helped that the facility had air conditioning. Our first stop the next day was an orphanage called Sweet Home. I had never experienced the love and compassion that some of these kids gave me. They didn’t know me, I didn’t know their language, and I’m bad at soccer, but somehow, they wouldn’t stop hugging and playing with me. It really showed me that you don’t have to know someone to love them in Christ. 

The second stop of the day was Papillon, there I got to witness how they made bracelets and necklaces out of cereal boxes, made mugs and other things that helped provide jobs for Haitian people. The last stop was an orphanage called lefairre where I ended up making crafts and playing soccer. So far I am loving Haiti and the people in it, and I feel that god is working through me and my group to help and show the word of Christ through our actions.

Max Johnson

Last day - we are blessed!

This has definitely been a spirit filled week here in Haiti.  We started by delivering water to the underprivileged Haitians in Cite de Soleil.  Amazing that we take water so much for granted and they have to struggle so hard to get enough for the basic needs of life.  We got to visit the handicapped orphanage and play with the kids.  It fills your heart to see the smiles on their faces.   

I think my favorite part of the week was when we visited the Haiti Deaf Academy and got to play soccer and dominoes and some of the ladies got to have their fingernails painted.  It was almost sad to think that when someone came and took them to a regular store which they had never seen before they asked if they were allowed to go into the store.  They marveled at the doors which opened automatically and the soap dispenser which you just pushed a button and out came the soap.  You pretty much have to be here to experience the wonderfulness of serving those less fortunate.  My wish is that you all may have the blessing of coming on a trip with Healing Haiti.  This was my first but I can guarantee you it will not be my last.  Thank you Lord for allowing me to be a part of this team. - Roy Cleveland

Today as I walked your streets I prayed that someday we would walk the streets of gold together. 

Today as I looked into your eyes and saw my reflection I prayed that when you look at me you see a reflection of Him. 

Today as I painted your nails I prayed that as the paint fades away  that you would still feel beautiful. 

Today as I held your hand and walked with you I prayed that as you walk through life that you would never be alone. 

Today as I tried to learn to speak your language I prayed that our language of love would be received and understood. 

Today as I heard your laughter I pray that your life would be filled with joy and happiness. 

Today as I prepare to leave I pray i never forget all the memories I have of you and I smiling knowing just how  much He will never forget you and will always love you.  

Ashley 

Smiles not words

So it’s day 5 into the most eye opening, heart breaking, wonderful week of my life.  If you have ever prayed/sang “LORD, break my heart for what breaks YOURS” Haiti is where HE will show you.  You will see poverty like nothing you’ve probably ever seen.  It will crack your heart through and through.   But our great GOD doesn’t take you into hopelessness and leave you, HE shows you so much more.  I have seen what it truly means to be the hands and feet of GOD… to be the church as GOD meant us to be.  

I have seen the body of CHRIST work TOGETHER here in a way I have never seen back home.  Here the different groups and organizations of CHRISTians support each other with one common goal…  to share the love of GOD.  It’s beautiful.  I don’t want to go home.

  Today we went to the Haiti Deaf Academy.  One of the many places we saw this week where the Body has made a difference.  We played soccer and made tiny stick tents with the boys.  It was so much fun and I pray I never forget the smiles and joy we were flooded with. - Danneda Long

            Haiti is nothing and everything that I imagined. Early on the trip I felt heavy frustration because I saw the direct impact of grief and poverty. What true impact could God use me for in seven days? What am I even doing here? 

Jesus is so faithful and gentle to redirect my focus and remind me; there is no amount of time, funds, jobs, or opportunity that will truly impact— what I didn’t see was: Haitians are strong, capable, and under the providence of Jesus Christ. He sees them, hasn’t left them and is a faithful father to His children. Jesus, only Jesus brings true impact for exactly what His children need, I am here to be a link in a chain of obedience. Obedience in my seven days, as the brother/sister was obedient before me, and the brother/sister who will be obedient after me.

            Understanding I am not responsible for the impact of Haiti has freed my soul to love recklessly, I love this this country and the souls that dwell here. Day 5 was beautiful. - Sierra Schroff

Special Friends

This whole week has been so amazing and every day I am reminded of why I absolutely adore this country. The beauty that I see at every place that we stop is more than I could ever imagine. Today has been one of my favorite days of the week because we went to an orphanage for special needs children. I have always loved being around this kids and love to see the joy that they have all the time. The laughter and love they bring to every person they encounter fills my heart so much. I would spend all week with children if I could. Today and yesterday I have been focusing on just stopping to look around and appreciate the color and bliss that is seen everywhere here.

The country of Haiti is definitely one of my favorite places to be in whole world. The beauty of the land and the people is so undeniable. Since the day I got home last year I have been looking forward to coming back and I couldn't be happier that I came!      -Madison Munger

There have been so many inspiring experiences this week in Haiti. Today we started bright and early worshiping God at The Church On The Rock at 6AM. We got a glimpse of what celebrating God means in Haiti. People would be walking around dancing, shuffling, pacing, lifting hands high in the air while the pastor would shout truths and prayers. Intermingled between the spoken word, the band would lead us in singing. It was such an amazing experience praising in the Holy Spirit while having no clue what was being said.

            From church we voyaged out into Cite Soleil to do our second water day. Basically the people come out of the woodwork to line up/crowd around the water truck. We have two people man the hose and fill the 5-gallon buckets, tubs, or barrels. The containers get swooshed to the side for the next bucket to get filled. The rest of the team is hand selected by kids or women to get help carrying the water to their house. There are so many precious little children who will walk up and lift their arms out for you to pick them up and love on them. I tend to get the biggest kids who want me to hold them. Most of the time I have two kids in my arms and another one to two holding my hand walking by my side. All the boys and girls want to touch my hair and compare how strong our muscles are. It is so endearing. Today there was this most adorable little girl who gave me a huge smile and handed me her prized possession. The kids are so desperate to own something to call their own that pick up any random piece of trash and protect it with their life.

            We also had the opportunity to see the 28-acre farm in progress Fleri, which means “Flourish”. They are testing which crops grow the best. Some are bananas, mangoes, lime, avocado, sugar cane, and papaya. The day ended with a trip to a special needs orphanage called Dios. It was such an uplifting feeling walking in and having kids just greet you with the biggest hug. We had chalk, crayons, and bubble machines. One boy named Emerson took some chalk and wrote his name on the ground and asked me to write my name. He instantly recognized that our names started with the same letter. The kids were so smart, full of joy and curiosity. The fish bubble machines were also a hit. I helped the kids hold the machine and spray bubbles all around. They loved to press the button to turn it off and on. So many hugs and smiles that would melt your heart. What a blessing!   Eric Muras

Titanyen & Fleri

Today our mission team visited our ministry in Titanyen, Haiti. Grace Village meets the pressing needs of orphans and the families of the area. There is a church, a school, “family” housing for the orphans, and an amazing clinic, all of which employ many adults in Titanyen. The clinic has a Haitian staff, providing medical, dental and obstetric services. The joy on the faces of the children and staff makes it evident that God’s hand is providing for these precious people through Grace Village.

The highlight of my day was our visit to four elders in the community. We delivered hot meals and cold beverages, and we were able to wash their feet. Katie led us in worship followed by prayer. These seniors are just a few of the elderly that receive hot meals six days a week, with monthly health visits and regular social worker visits. Many live alone and are at risk, so God watches over them through Healing Haiti. Praise the Lord!           Kristie Stafford

Another blessed day here in Haiti! God seems so much closer here than back at home in Texas with all of the noise and distractions.  His people, though they have so little, have so much! The children may not have a thread of clothing on, but they have the biggest hearts and smiles.   It was such a privilege today to take the water and meals to the elderly, wash their feet and pray over them.  I can only imagine what they have seen and experienced in their lives here.  Their gratitude and joy is evidence that their faith has been stretched and strengthened over the years.  We also visited the mass graves from the earthquake in Port Au Prince in 2010 which took the lives of about 2% of the Haitian population.  There are no words. God is seriously at work answering prayers, humbling hearts and bringing people together each and every day.

It’s so cool that even though we don’t speak the same language, we can communicate with LOVE. My heart is so full and God is revealing more each day as we seek Him and how to better serve His people.  The leaps and bounds that Healing Haiti has made in just a few shorts years is nothing short of an act of God! Building trust and relationships with the least among us as we are called to do while equipping them with skills and creating jobs to provide for families and the generations to come.  I know I will leave this beautiful island a changed person and I pray to be more grateful for basic necessities.  Yesterday I bought a handmade doll for my daughter who turned seven today.  The doll is a Haitian girl with a huge fruit basket on her head.  I am in awe of the strength and grace of these ladies.  We truly live a life of convenience in the states and these families work so hard for the most basic things.  Pray for them! This has been the most amazing experience! – Jessica Fields

Today, the beautiful people of Haiti continued to bless our team as we toured Grace Village, Fleri, and visited elders in the community of Titanyen, which is about 45 minutes north of Port-au-Prince. Our tap-tap, piloted by one of our wonderful translators braved the bumpy roads, and we were able to catch a glimpse of the Haitian countryside. For me, this was so eye opening. In Cité Soleil, the people live close together, but they have more access to services than the people in the countryside. The Haitians that live in the countryside tend to be poorer, many of them subsistence farming or selling items in small shops. Even though the wind roared through the back of the tap-tap as we drove, my eyes were glued to the road.

Our tour guide Jake in the bakery near Grace Village told us that Titanyen, the name of the city, actually means something equivalent to “the least of these” in Creol, and that was a large portion of the reason that Healing Haiti wanted to build some facilities there. The people in Titanyen should not have to internalize the sense of being the very least, because they are amazing creations of God that should be treated with as much love and dignity as everyone else.

After our tours, we washed the feet of four elders in the community, and brought them hot meals and water. This was my favorite part of the day because the joy, wisdom, and life experience of the beautiful elders was palpable, even across the language barrier. The elders were so happy to see us, to ask for prayer, and to show off the accomplishments of their children. I was so grateful that they allowed us into their homes and sang worship music with us. I am so grateful to God for this day and for the amazing team that I have had the opportunity to travel with! Pray for us as we continue to serve and be served by the wonderful Haitian community. We all send our love to family and friends back home.  –Moriah Weir

New Friends

Today was a day full of growth for me. Being my fourth time in Haiti, I have been a little desensitized to all the hurt and hardship. And while of course I’m not wishing for heartache, I do want God to continue to move my heart for these people and think and pray for them when I go home. So I am continually praying for growth and the Lord to open my eyes throughout the rest of this trip.

Another area of growth for me today was not going to the hospital for sick and dying babies. The past three years, you couldn’t have stopped me from going for anything. But this year, God really put in on my heart to sacrifice my spot to someone else and opt to go to Le Faire, an orphanage we frequently visit. We went last year, and I got to hold the cutest little meatball (what I call the Haitian babies) in my lab the whole time. This year, I got to see her again, and she was walking and talking and just had the cutest, sassiest personality. It is so amazing to see all these children grow up and be loved, and to see God move and grow in me. In the end, I am so incredibly grateful to be able to sit on a chalk--filled floor, playing tic-tac-toe with kids and sit in love with them.

I will always love Haiti and I feel so incredibly blessed to continue to grow my relationships with the many people here. Au’revior, cheri.   Dani

Just Breathe….

After 2 days of travel and minimal sleep, today was my day to soak it in and just breathe. Such a beautifully well-rounded day.

My day began with a play date with the children in the city. We played with bubbles, learned Haitian games, and made friends with some amazing teens. As Sarah came to get me to go on elder visits, a teen girl pleaded with her to leave me there…I was tempted to stay.

I am so thankful I resisted the temptation. I was able to meet 3 elders of the community that were a part of a new pilot program Healing Haiti just started. We brought them a hot meal and prayed for them. Pastor Jocelin has such a heart for the elders. He told then that he promised them that he would come with visitors and he keeps his promises.

Our next stop was to Le Faire Orphanage. Mama and Papa have 17 children that they love and care for. The children were so polite and loved well. I made eye contact with a young man, about 8 years old, that reminded me of my son Jonathan. He was bashful and stayed away from me the entire time---I might have scared him with my coaxing. As we were saying our goodbyes, I was hugging 3 little girls at the same time, he ran to me and busted through the girls and squeezed me. My heart melted.

My Haitian experiences today brought about such a peace that God never leaves or forsakes us. We are His hands and feet. HE loves the Haitians and I was blessed to see it today. --Michelle

Day 1.5

Hello Friends and Family.  I called this one day 1.5 because we were supposed to arrive in Haiti on Monday afternoon and have a leisurely dinner before serving Tuesday.  However, after 29 hours of flights, unplanned hotels, full airport gates and general testing of the patience our team arrived this morning at 9:35 am.  But they rallied and had a great day of serving.  Here are some highlights.  Craig

At the close of each day in Haiti, we are challenged to come up with a word that sums up our experiences in the last twelve hours or so. Yesterday, my word was “timing,” as we spent most of the day fighting seemingly in-numerous battles against weather systems and flight delays, yet miraculously arrived in Haiti at 9 am this morning. Today, as we sweated out our first water truck day, I was thinking about what my word of the day would be.  “Endurance” kept popping up. We work with the poorest of the poor in Cite Soleil, what the Bible would call “the least of these,” and yet these beautiful people conquer mind-boggling poverty and hardship every single day. They don’t complain. They don’t wish aloud that it was different. They endure. My endurance today was challenged on probably the fiftieth trip carrying water to a house. I had been helping an 8 or 9-year-old girl (also named Katie) carry around fifteen various containers of water to her house several hundred yards from the truck, and I was tired. The sun was brutal, and I couldn’t wipe the sweat off my brow fast enough. My little friend looked up at me, scooped some water out of the bucket that we had just carried to her house, and splashed my face. Over and over, we laughed and splashed our faces with the cool, clean water that Healing Haiti brings daily to Cite Soleil. She didn’t see my discouragement and exhaustion as a “teaching opportunity,” but she did teach me a lesson on how to not only endure but thrive.  Katie

Precious moments with precious people. That describes my day. It’s my fourth trip to Haiti and I fall more and more in love with this country every time. Yes, there is hardship and despair but there is always joy. The joy of a child dumping a small pale of water over themselves, the joy of a mother when you hold her child, the joy of seeing God’s people connect in unexplainable ways.

Today I spent some time with a very sick little girl. I didn’t speak her language and I couldn’t even hear her when she said her name. After sitting with her for five minutes I began to pray over her; for healing, restoration and opportunity for this sweet girl. As I prayed I thought about how God knows her name, he knows her future and he is in control. Haiti has taught me so much and today I learned to cherish the small moments.   Moranda