Radiant Life - Michigan and Minnesota
We began the day around 9:30 planning
on going to deliver water, well that was changed rather quickly when we got to
the fill station and one of the pumps was broken. So we just moved right along
and went to Fleri Farm, all of us being from either Michigan or Minnesota we
had in our heads what we were sort of expecting for a “farm” and we all were
pretty surprised to what we were shown. Plantain, mango, coconut, and pomegranate
trees along with various plants were everywhere. None of what we saw looked
like a farm to any of us but then Kenny (the Fleri Farm general manager) showed
us and told us what God’s image was for this place. He didn’t need to have a
crop that sold for big money quickly or the highest tech to get the job done
quick and ready, he was experimenting for the future. Putting in more work than
any of us probably could imagine, he was building for the future. Not wanting to
drive out the business and overtake the market for Fleri Farms crop he was
talking about even having example plots that farmers could come in and see what
worked and how they could grow food to support their family. I can only imagine
what it will look like in the future with Kenny following God’s direction with
the farm.
Then we jump to delivering water for the last time. It was something
you can’t understand until you have done it.. The first time this group delivered
water we didn’t know what to expect, it was new. It was one of the things we
were called to do and the second time around, I think if you were to ask the team
members, they would say that this time it was a lot easier. We sort of knew
what to expect, and because of that we were able to just jump right in. The
water truck pulls up behind the Tap Tap (I still don’t understand how in the
world they drive and get the places they do in Haiti) but anyways, people anywhere
from a young toddler age to someone to way older past adulthood were dragging
buckets and drums and getting in a line. From there nothing stops moving until
you hear Shelly start rounding us up. Whether we are filling buckets or holding
children, we are doing the best we can to serve in any way possible. I cant
tell you how many buckets of water I have put on children’s heads because it is
simply how they get their stuff around. Let alone all the other group members,
I even saw Paul carrying a bucket on his head at one point. But it truly was an
experience, the way it can humble you is outstanding. The basic need for water to
these people is mind blowing. Then comes the moment that the truck has emptied
and we have to go. Sadly having to tell them we have to leave, not knowing if
they are even understanding what we are saying you just want to help.
The last thing we did for the day was visit Dios Orphanage
for Special Needs children. Having lived my life surrounded by Special
Olympics, Project Unify, and helping coach Special Olympics basketball for
years I had an idea what to expect and so did Brad because he has been blessed
with a son that has special needs. But as for the others I don’t think they
have had a whole lot of interaction with special needs children but something taken
into perspective as we were unloading from the Tap Tap was that we all just
jumped in. Regardless of how new it was to us. Wes, Paul, and I playing soccer
with kids that were unbelievably good at it, Brandi playing tic-tac-toe or drawing
with them, Mackenzie sitting down and just being with the kids, Michelle, Shelly,
and Smith doing the Cupid Shuffle, Carol and Julia taking the time to just listen
to the kids and let them know that they are loved, and last but definitely not
least, Brad pulling a little kid around in a wheelchair with a rope connected
to him while the kid yelled “Peres Noele”. We all just played, were there with
them giving them something to do and some joy and excitement to have. So how do
you sum up a trip that has truly can’t be put into words? I don’t know but
everyday we have been serving God and breaking barriers, all while growing closer
and closer as a family. It truly is amazing to just stop and see what God is
able to do.
Drew
