For all you mom's out there--we. are. alive. All nine of us. Kevin might be a little sick of all the girl talk, but let's be honest. He is WINNING by a landslide for MVP this week. We started our morning just like the last with a wonderful pancake breakfast by the Haitian women. We had a really good conversation last night which led a couple of us to struggle to get up--whoops! When in Haiti--right?! After our breakfast we went to a small market where we got to shop some of the homemade items from our Haitian friends to take home! It was such an awesome experience, but definitely reminds us of all the hard work these people do.
Secondly we loaded our tap tap and head to Cite (City) Soleil (Sol-lay). This is home of the largest slum in the Western Hemisphere and Hope Church (Healing Haiti's church). We got there and drove through this town, I wish I could put into words for you what this looked like, but I thought of adjectives all day and none really fit, but these are the ones I thought best represented what we saw. It is dirty, there is trash virtually everywhere and at least a foot high. There was some progression such as a backhoe cleaning a stream out and moving it. However, there is SO much trash that this really isn't making a dent. It is smelly, it smells like burnt trash and sewage, but you can really see the hope in this place and the way God is working. We then took a small tour of the Hope church grounds, we got to see some of the classrooms (but not many as we didn't want to disturb the school children), and we got to talk to Alicia at the clinic about all the work they have done in a short amount of time. They see anywhere from 70-100 patients a day.....Avera totally needs to step up their game or get out of the way. We finally saw the water truck and that meant it was time to snuggle some babies (some naked babies) and get wet. We all took our turns snuggling babies and carrying water for the women. We only got to do one stop with the water truck as we had to get back to shower to go to the home for the sick and dying babies.
However we did get to take a tour of the Fleri Farms outside of town. Here we got a tour from our interpreter, Val, we got to see many different types of tropical fruits. We all then got to taste and sample coconuts--we all learned we are not candidates for survivor we do NOT like the coconut water and the texture of the coconut. We then came back and all had to quick shower. I know what you are thinking, 8 girls-3 showers- 30 minutes. It was like a reality show, but we got it done and were in the Tap-Tap waiting. Really, you all should be impressed.
We then took an adventure to the home for sick and dying babies. This was the hardest emotionally, although we could not go into the super sick room because of the diseases and the poor immune systems, we did get to feed the small children. It is so hard for me to write on this blog what we did, but I'm sure if you talk to any of us we could explain this situation through our eyes much better. After feeding them we did have a little time to take them out to play or just cuddle and love them up. We came home, had supper, and then had our team time.
We are all super exhausted tonight and are all showered and heading to bed. We are alive, well, and ready for another day doing God's work in this beautiful place.
With Love from Haiti,
The Coo Girls (and Kevin)
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Landing & First Full Day in Haiti
Yesterday was slightly crazy flights--no worries mom, we made it. Had a little bit of turbulence coming into Haiti (small drop out of the sky, again we just started with some great stories). Once we got to the guest house, we moved in, said a few prayers that we actually got here, and enjoyed a delicious supper made by the Haitian women. Some of us went to the pool (let's just put it out there that we are not accustomed to the humidity quite yet, it is hot.), while others of us went to the grocery store/pharmacy (we all learned a little about Haitian medicine--if you can say it, you can buy it). Then we did a little team bonding and most of us were ready for bed (and the air conditioner) pretty early last night.
Today we got up and enjoyed breakfast together and got ready for the day. As we loaded up the Tap-Tap (our transportation and bus) we headed out to visit the elders. We stopped along the way and bought our 4 elder friends a hot meal, cold pop, and two packages, yes, packages of water. In Haiti they package water in plastic pouches. We then went and picked up our healing Haiti partner, Katie, who played the guitar and sing for us. We are SUPER thankful as most of us can sing, but need some guidance. We visited 4 elders today, each of them a different living situation and prayer request. With each stop we handed them their food, but then we had the opportunity to wash their feet and hands, then lotion them, and finally pray with and over them. It was truly an experience like no other. We then got to go to Rosie's boutique for some ice cream or frozen lemonade. However, Grace scoped out the baby and held that little sweetie while her mom worked. We then returned to Grace Village and the kids were just getting out of school and it is safe to say that our hearts all melted when we heard "hey you! hey you" coming from the cutest little kids you have ever seen. They embraced us with open arms and open hearts. One little guy named Peter remembers Kevin from his last trip and came to give him a hug (it was so sweet)! We then took a tour of Grace Village and saw all the ways our awesome God was working in the school there, we had the cutest tag along, Jameslee. He has stolen our hearts for sure. We then headed to Fleri's for food and a tour of the bakery. Jake gave us a wonderful tour of the bakery and explained to us how Haitian people now have the opportunity to financially help their family due to the production of items at the bakery. We also ordered pizza there and we have all decided we are staying for the pizza (sorry mom!). We headed home and really got to experience traffic here, honestly makes me feel a lot better about my driving, I seem semi-controlled now! Once we got back, some of us took advantage of the pool, and then we sat around for some team time.
Team time tonight was very deep and truly made me realize just how special each one of these ladies (and Kevin) on this are. It takes a special person to come down here and lead a group of college girls. However, I know we will all come back home with a changed perspective and the capacity of our hearts to serve will be much larger because God has called us deeper into service. We can't wait for tomorrow and to see the ways the Lord will us to be his hands and feet.
With Love From Haiti,
The Coo Girls Team (and Kevin)
Today we got up and enjoyed breakfast together and got ready for the day. As we loaded up the Tap-Tap (our transportation and bus) we headed out to visit the elders. We stopped along the way and bought our 4 elder friends a hot meal, cold pop, and two packages, yes, packages of water. In Haiti they package water in plastic pouches. We then went and picked up our healing Haiti partner, Katie, who played the guitar and sing for us. We are SUPER thankful as most of us can sing, but need some guidance. We visited 4 elders today, each of them a different living situation and prayer request. With each stop we handed them their food, but then we had the opportunity to wash their feet and hands, then lotion them, and finally pray with and over them. It was truly an experience like no other. We then got to go to Rosie's boutique for some ice cream or frozen lemonade. However, Grace scoped out the baby and held that little sweetie while her mom worked. We then returned to Grace Village and the kids were just getting out of school and it is safe to say that our hearts all melted when we heard "hey you! hey you" coming from the cutest little kids you have ever seen. They embraced us with open arms and open hearts. One little guy named Peter remembers Kevin from his last trip and came to give him a hug (it was so sweet)! We then took a tour of Grace Village and saw all the ways our awesome God was working in the school there, we had the cutest tag along, Jameslee. He has stolen our hearts for sure. We then headed to Fleri's for food and a tour of the bakery. Jake gave us a wonderful tour of the bakery and explained to us how Haitian people now have the opportunity to financially help their family due to the production of items at the bakery. We also ordered pizza there and we have all decided we are staying for the pizza (sorry mom!). We headed home and really got to experience traffic here, honestly makes me feel a lot better about my driving, I seem semi-controlled now! Once we got back, some of us took advantage of the pool, and then we sat around for some team time.
Team time tonight was very deep and truly made me realize just how special each one of these ladies (and Kevin) on this are. It takes a special person to come down here and lead a group of college girls. However, I know we will all come back home with a changed perspective and the capacity of our hearts to serve will be much larger because God has called us deeper into service. We can't wait for tomorrow and to see the ways the Lord will us to be his hands and feet.
With Love From Haiti,
The Coo Girls Team (and Kevin)
Monday, May 6, 2019
God's creation
On Sunday, our team worshiped alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ at a church welcoming to English speakers and Creole alike. The style was similar to Eaglebrook, and we recognized some songs whether they were in English or Creole. We felt exuberantly right at home, worshiping our Lord.
Next, our team was able to enjoy God's beautiful coastline of Haiti at a beach, with mountains in the background. We got a taste of their music and dance. Some of us took a trip snorkeling for a very mild price, while all soaked up the sun either in the water or on the beach. Then we debriefed for the night and prepared to go home.
See you soon!
Aly, Wayzata EBC team
Next, our team was able to enjoy God's beautiful coastline of Haiti at a beach, with mountains in the background. We got a taste of their music and dance. Some of us took a trip snorkeling for a very mild price, while all soaked up the sun either in the water or on the beach. Then we debriefed for the night and prepared to go home.
See you soon!
Aly, Wayzata EBC team
Saturday, May 4, 2019
The joy of the Lord
Today the Wayzata EBC team enjoyed the opportunity of visiting two orphanages. The first had children with special needs. We had the pleasure of including all of them in either toss, jump rope, painting nails and so on. Their love is so pure. The children at the second orphanage welcomed us with song. A variety of games were played with more children here, including volleyball, jump rope, hand-stand contest, and parachute. A few students were even interested in testing our team members on speaking creole with available flashcards to English. It was a comfort to see the children and teens act the same way any healthy child and teen would act during recess. May our faith be restored to that of children and God bless them.
Aly
Aly
Friday, May 3, 2019
Early Mourning
Beginning our day with worship at "Tent Church" we hear praises to God in Creole. Haitians walk through the church led in constant prayer by their pastor. They dance and are so animated! "you're alive, so dance!" a women said to us. A fellow goer who is from Haiti originally, translated for us. So much joy so early in the mourning. We were encouraged to dance, clap, wave our arms to God along with the Haitians. Following this worship, our team took off for our second water-truck day, not knowing what today would bring.
God gives you difficult circumstances so that you lean into him.
Upon arrival at the first water-truck stop today, it was apparent the desperation and need for love and a healing hand was much greater than our stops on the first water-truck day. In one instance, a team member was handed an infant who was clearly needing urgent medical care. The infant was brought to the Hope Clinic for care. Medical care is accessible for Haitians to receive and at a reasonable cost at the Hope clinic, but they rely strictly on donations.
The second water-truck stop, showed us another emergency medical situation upon arrival, before any water was dispersed. A boy, eight, had a gruesome accident where his leg was deeply wounded. He was quickly whisked to Hope clinic. In the emergency room, his wounds were cleaned and re-bandaged. His pain was so great he was screaming. He needed a shot of antibiotics and pain relief. Most likely never having received a vaccine or shot, the boy was terrified. His mother arrived and doctors explained that he needed more intensive care at the hospital. We prayed over him for healing, peace and comfort.
Lastly, our team visited the Home for the Sick and Dying. Several children needed to be fed. Many were in recovery but many were also still very malnourished and sick. More help is always needed here. We pray that they recover.
Among all the tragedy, we were grateful for the joys that most all children have in common across cultures. Our heart breaks for what breaks God's heart in this imperfect world.
If you feel called you may donate for supplies at the clinic at the following link:
https://healinghaiti.reachapp.co/donations/new Simply select medical care in the "preferred purpose" section. Any amount will greatly impact many lives.
In His name,
Aly and Caitlin
God gives you difficult circumstances so that you lean into him.
Upon arrival at the first water-truck stop today, it was apparent the desperation and need for love and a healing hand was much greater than our stops on the first water-truck day. In one instance, a team member was handed an infant who was clearly needing urgent medical care. The infant was brought to the Hope Clinic for care. Medical care is accessible for Haitians to receive and at a reasonable cost at the Hope clinic, but they rely strictly on donations.
The second water-truck stop, showed us another emergency medical situation upon arrival, before any water was dispersed. A boy, eight, had a gruesome accident where his leg was deeply wounded. He was quickly whisked to Hope clinic. In the emergency room, his wounds were cleaned and re-bandaged. His pain was so great he was screaming. He needed a shot of antibiotics and pain relief. Most likely never having received a vaccine or shot, the boy was terrified. His mother arrived and doctors explained that he needed more intensive care at the hospital. We prayed over him for healing, peace and comfort.
Lastly, our team visited the Home for the Sick and Dying. Several children needed to be fed. Many were in recovery but many were also still very malnourished and sick. More help is always needed here. We pray that they recover.
Among all the tragedy, we were grateful for the joys that most all children have in common across cultures. Our heart breaks for what breaks God's heart in this imperfect world.
If you feel called you may donate for supplies at the clinic at the following link:
https://healinghaiti.reachapp.co/donations/new Simply select medical care in the "preferred purpose" section. Any amount will greatly impact many lives.
In His name,
Aly and Caitlin
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Miraculous-Wayzata EBC
Miraculous. Simply miraculous, Each new day shows us more miracles that God has restored hope in Haiti. Today we took part in the Elder program through Grace Village. We rode out towards the mountains and on our way up a hill we visited three different elder homes. God called us to wash their feet and give them food and drink. The first was an 85 year old man and his brother, which is a miracle in and of itself since 50% of Haitians are 25 years and younger. He was blind and half deaf but the evidence of his appreciation and love was in his smile and touch. The next stop was a women so gracious, beaming with contagious joy. The final stop was with a married couple, deeply needing prayer for their pains and son's sickness. During all these visits, the team joined in song while a Healing Haiti staff translated to Creole verses and interpreted our prayers. Other members were also called to play with the neighborhood children in these places, who were clearly positively impacted. After this we were pleased with a tour at Grace village, which was hopeful to see growth in care of the community for taking in children for family style homes, education, a clinic, and church. We were especially welcomed by a two year old who the community is raising together and has blessed us with his youth. Next, we toured and dined at Fleri bakery/restaurant. We listened to Jake, a long term missionary, testify to the greatness of job creation. He shared his experience working hand in hand with Haitians to bring more jobs to the community for them to flourish in their environment. It was awe-inspiring and delicious! Tomorrow brings another water-truck day and a visit to home for sick and dying babies. God is good.
Bon nwi (goodnight), Aly
Bon nwi (goodnight), Aly
Reflection EBC Wayzata
Bonju (Good Morning),
As the week progresses, each morning another person joins me at my "secret" spot to watch the sunrise. We awaken at 5:30 am, coffee starts to brew and we begin our day in the darkness. In the complete silence, the first rooster begins to crow. A glimpse of light. Then then there are two, three, four roosters and they join a systematic breathtaking medley, a beautiful medley, I call, Awaking Our Community.
Yesterday was amazing. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, each woman and Cory pushed themselves selflessly, to serve. I don't want to minimize the word amazing by using it excessively, however each team member was amazing. Seeing the pure joy in each person as they loved on our children, carrying 5 gallon buckets of water over and over until their hands were sore, not complaining. Raw, that is the reality of Cite Soleil, the poorest slum in the Western Hemisphere. I am truly humbled. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this team, I am humbled by the resilience of my Haitian friends. Humbled, just ponder that word for a moment, humbled. When was the last time you were truly humbled?
In His name,
Kristine
As the week progresses, each morning another person joins me at my "secret" spot to watch the sunrise. We awaken at 5:30 am, coffee starts to brew and we begin our day in the darkness. In the complete silence, the first rooster begins to crow. A glimpse of light. Then then there are two, three, four roosters and they join a systematic breathtaking medley, a beautiful medley, I call, Awaking Our Community.
Yesterday was amazing. Being filled with the Holy Spirit, each woman and Cory pushed themselves selflessly, to serve. I don't want to minimize the word amazing by using it excessively, however each team member was amazing. Seeing the pure joy in each person as they loved on our children, carrying 5 gallon buckets of water over and over until their hands were sore, not complaining. Raw, that is the reality of Cite Soleil, the poorest slum in the Western Hemisphere. I am truly humbled. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this team, I am humbled by the resilience of my Haitian friends. Humbled, just ponder that word for a moment, humbled. When was the last time you were truly humbled?
In His name,
Kristine
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