Scott/Wayne EBC Team: The Forgotten

In Haiti, the average mortality rate is an incredible 52 years of age. Unfortunately, for those who outlive their children and have no one to care for them, life can be very lonely and difficult. They are often times “forgotten” by their community. Today, we had the opportunity to visit four of the elderly who are supported by Healing Haiti’s Elder Care program…and remind them that they are truly cared-for and far from being “forgotten.”

Our first stop was to the home (concrete room with a tin roof) of a 91-year old, who absolutely loves visits from the Healing Haiti teams. Although she is almost too weak to walk and struggles with dementia, the pure joy and happiness on her face as we washed her calloused feet and massaged her frail limbs with lotion would have melted your heart.  She just closed her eyes and smiled as our team poured out compassion, prayer, love, and lots of tears toward this amazing woman.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon visiting an elderly gentleman (63 years old), who is still recovering from a hip replacement surgery, and two incredible sisters (63 and 65 years old) full of energy and life who considered our visit a “gift from God.”

Although our visit and time spent today was meaningful and impactful, the elderly were the true “gift from God.” God has been challenging us this entire trip to stretch ourselves and expand our love and compassion to those who need it most. Today, we made sure that these amazing individuals understood how much they were loved, and how they were most certainly not “forgotten.”

Wayne

Matthew 25:35-40

 “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”

Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?”

And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Scott/Wayne EBC Team: Curious George in Haiti?

Incredible to find Curious George at the Grace Village orphanage in Titanyen, Haiti!
Thanks HMH! Great to see amazing things happening to strengthen education for these children.

Elaine

Scott/Wayne EBC Team: A Day at Grace Village

What another amazing day! It is so great to watch this team grow in their faith and understanding that something as small as a touch, can have such a tremendous impact on someone. Today, we travelled to Titanyen which translates to ‘less than nothing’ to see Grace Village where we visited the site where Alyn Shannon’s (founder of Healing Haiti) vision became real. 

Grace Village is a beautiful compound on the side of a hill that overlooks the ocean.  We were able to take a tour of the facilities, on the way to see the aquaponics area.  They are growing fish, not only to eat, but also to use the waste to mix with compost that will eventually make black dirt.  This dirt will be used to further educate the students on agriculture practices and make them more self-sustainable by growing their own produce. Next we walked into the library and saw where the classrooms are set-up.  Both the kids that live in Grace Village and kids from the area attend classes here. We next saw the homes that the kids live in. Healing Haiti Mission: The world is a better place when families are strengthened. This is witnessed as the houses are set-up differently than other orphanages.  The houses are smaller and are structured like families, one or two adults are living with the kids.  The kids have chores and tasks to accomplish to teach responsibility and other family relationship concepts/communication. Next we saw the hospital clinic that treats local people. Today there was another mission group that was performing surgeries. Lastly we played with and loved on the kids that are staying here, coloring, playing with bubbles and trying to keep up with a friendly soccer game.  It’s obvious to see the work that is getting done here is truly incredible and so good!

Upon leaving Grace Village, we made our way down the hill to the Flueri Bakery and restaurant. The members who had been here before have noted the how large of a task this has been. What started as a vision and a prayer is now growing and equipped with ovens and utensils, and they are making some baked items.  The goal of this building is to continue to hire and employee Haitian community members, they hope to employee 70 people when it is fully operational. Of course we tried a few cookies, croissants and cinnamon rolls…all delicious!

Chris