Today we got to again do one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences we have done here in Haiti - deliver water to Cite Soleil, the second poorest slum in the world. You're probably saying "how could that be enjoyable?". It is one of the most physically demanding jobs we do here . You get dirty, soaking wet, exhausted carry buckets of water to people's simple homes made of tin an maybe concrete blocks.. But what really happens is God provides us with strength and teamwork to fill hundreds of water containers from 5 gallon buckets to 50 gallon drums (even gallon pails that 3 year olds carry). At each step, we share responsibilities:
- running the hose
- organizing the line of buckets
- moving the buckets off the line
- carrying buckets
- entertaining 2-3 kids on your hips and shoulders giving them simple love and attention.
Our team rotates from step to step so we all experience the journey. One of the toughest jobs is holding back the crowd "in line" Pressure to get your buckets filled is real because when the truck is empty, access to more water could be days. Supplying water to Cite Soleil is one service that Healing Haiti does as a gift to the Haitian people. Water tanker trucks deliver to Cite Soleil, three times a day, six days a week to an approximate population of 265,000 people in 8.5 square miles. So being in a position to keep order and get Haitians to "Respekte Liy - Respect the Line" is challenging. We tease in our group each one's ability to manage this. Needless to say, we have the bell curve on the team: from Mary and Kate riding the high end of the curve to me being at the lowest end (Mike). [How do you deny access to a four year old girl tapping you on the shoulder from behind while you are managing the line, staring at you with big gorgeous brown eyes holding a 5 gallon bucket? Oh well...]. But it all works out. God maximizes our strengths and challenges our liabilities.
The human interaction with the Water Truck cannot be measured in words. It is a privilege to honor God in these acts of love, again being the hands and feet for his children.
Our team debriefing this evening brought forth the following reflections:
- The Haitian people thriving despite their situations
- The teamwork demonstrated with God's grace
- A bitter sweet day as the last of our "water truck days" ended
- A rewarding day with lots of laughter
- New friendships with Haitian children
- Continuing to build friendships with team members,
- Making new friendships with strangers
- Continued experiences placing people out of their comfort zones
- Feelings of renewal: our cups are full
- Opportunities to carry water for individuals and visit their homes.
These truly are humbling days. We are blessed to share our lives with these Haitian people and God. The guidance and strength that he has provided to us is simply indescribable. We appreciate your willingness to join in our journey so that you may try to understand the power of our mission. Thanks be to God for all we have.
I am a friend of Suz and Manny and appreciate reading your reflections daily. Your account of the experience has an impact in my life as well. Please know that you are all being covered in prayer. Bless you as you serve the precious people of Haiti.
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