Due to the heightened security around the protest, we stayed on the compound today. I know this day was a big day of worry for our family back home. I can assure you that we were in the very best care, and even walked to the local hotel for a dip in the pool.
In the morning we gathered to hear the Word from Melissa and Kate. Melissa shared about the parable of the mustard seed.Then Kate shared how important it is to be in the front of Gods cupboard (like your favorite cup is to you) so you can be used many time over for multiple tasks. Both sermons shared how important it is to strive to grow in Christ and have His Word rest in your heart. When that happens, You can be used in this life so much more than you ever imagine.
Below are our Words of the Day
Mike - Family
Melissa - Journey
Steve - Mission
Mel - Bittersweet
Eryka - Anxios
Becca - Grateful
Amanda - Encouraging
Nancy - Rest
Zach - Fullfilled
Laurie - Home
Tara - Friends
Rebecca - Reflection
Sam - Prepare
Kate - Silent
Monday, November 19, 2018
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Central Church Day 6 - Hope Rising
With all of the political tension surround us this week our plans have changed multiple times. Today however God Blessed us, not only with safety, but with beauty and joy, as we served an area in Cite Soleil with fresh water.
Words truly can't describe our experience, but a video (coming out Monday) can merely give you a glimpse at the hope Healing Haiti gives to these regions of Haiti. Regions where many water trucks wouldn't dare to go, and if they did it's only to sell their water, not give it freely. This organization does 7 stops a day, six days a week with 40 territories in Cite Soleil.
We worked hard to love on the community and focus on the joy and beauty in such a misunderstood place. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of rubble, hostility between territories. Yet underneath all the dishovel lies intricate cobblestone brickwork that, "someone at one time took the time to make and lay" for the future. Behind the unclean appearance, lies such an amazing joy and happiness that shines through in their smiles. So amazing to witness with this team.
Afterward, we rested int he sanctuary of Hope. Hope compound rests on top of generations of trash and remains. Hope is solar powered and home to an adult education program, church, schooling, Innovation Center, Sewing Lab, Feeding Center, and future home of a clinic. Mel said it best that Healing Haiti is very much helping Cite Soleil be the Phoenix, "The one that rises".
Below are our Words of the Day
Eryka - Humbled
Amanda - Happy
Nancy - Vision
Kate - Brilliant
Zach - Mustard Seed
Sam - Blessings
Tara - Faith
Melanie - Phoenix
Mike - Teamwork
Melissa - Reflection
Steve - Aprehension
Laurie - Laughter
Becca - Home
Rebecca - Family
Words truly can't describe our experience, but a video (coming out Monday) can merely give you a glimpse at the hope Healing Haiti gives to these regions of Haiti. Regions where many water trucks wouldn't dare to go, and if they did it's only to sell their water, not give it freely. This organization does 7 stops a day, six days a week with 40 territories in Cite Soleil.
We worked hard to love on the community and focus on the joy and beauty in such a misunderstood place. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of rubble, hostility between territories. Yet underneath all the dishovel lies intricate cobblestone brickwork that, "someone at one time took the time to make and lay" for the future. Behind the unclean appearance, lies such an amazing joy and happiness that shines through in their smiles. So amazing to witness with this team.
Afterward, we rested int he sanctuary of Hope. Hope compound rests on top of generations of trash and remains. Hope is solar powered and home to an adult education program, church, schooling, Innovation Center, Sewing Lab, Feeding Center, and future home of a clinic. Mel said it best that Healing Haiti is very much helping Cite Soleil be the Phoenix, "The one that rises".
Below are our Words of the Day
Eryka - Humbled
Amanda - Happy
Nancy - Vision
Kate - Brilliant
Zach - Mustard Seed
Sam - Blessings
Tara - Faith
Melanie - Phoenix
Mike - Teamwork
Melissa - Reflection
Steve - Aprehension
Laurie - Laughter
Becca - Home
Rebecca - Family
Central Church Day 5 Full of Grace
Today was a day for Grace. We started with honoring the lives lost in the earthquake of 2010. On the outskirts of Titanyen, overlooking the ocean lies a hillside (St. Cristophe) that is the resting place of over 300,000 men, women, and children. There was such a beautiful silence as our interpreter searched for the words to respectfully describe where we were. The pain is still very raw to many.
There were so many who died that there wasn't enough room in the cemeteries to bury them all so the government decided to dig a mass hole and deliver them there. They then filled the hole and for 8 years have been slowing working on the memorial sight. After he finished sharing with us. The only thing we really wanted to do was pray with them surrounded the center square of the site. So that's what we did. Even though the site was very much unfinished (as many buildings are in Haiti), you can plainly
envision the memorial they want there for their loved ones.
We then went to Grace Village. A light of hope in the heart of Titanyen, this almost 50 acre lot is the home of over 60 orphans, 400 school children, and 3 missionaries and their families. There's an up to date innovation center donated by our very own Central Church, a beautiful playground donated by a city in Minnesota that's centered in the middle, a vegetable and herb garden, and the only local medical and dental clinic that is the lowest cost within a 4 hour radius.
Down the hill, in town, lies a local church, alongside the bakery and cafe. Fleri Bakery has 25 employees, all locally run. They sell their bread to hotels, shops, and to locals so they can sell it on the streets and get the profit to support their families.
Grace Village also manages many local programs to include an elder care that brings a warm meal to some of the elderly int he congregation of the church. If they need a ride to church, help getting to the clinic, or maybe some other practical needs. Healing Haiti through Grace Church walks alongside them to make sure they are cared for. During their daily trips today we got to sing, provide the meal, pray for, and wash the feet of 4 ladies in the community. We were honored and humbled to be able to share this memory with them. There is so much more to this beautiful city, but you will have to come see for yourself.
Below are the Words for the Day
Laurie - Commitment
Rebecca - Vulnerable
Sam - Community
Nancy - Healing
Steve - Expression
Eryka - Uncomfortable
Kate - Life
Melissa - Reverent
Zach - Charactorics
Amanda - Real
Melanie - Impact
Tara - Love
Becca - Inspired
Christa - Restoration
Michael - Intimacy
There were so many who died that there wasn't enough room in the cemeteries to bury them all so the government decided to dig a mass hole and deliver them there. They then filled the hole and for 8 years have been slowing working on the memorial sight. After he finished sharing with us. The only thing we really wanted to do was pray with them surrounded the center square of the site. So that's what we did. Even though the site was very much unfinished (as many buildings are in Haiti), you can plainly
envision the memorial they want there for their loved ones.
We then went to Grace Village. A light of hope in the heart of Titanyen, this almost 50 acre lot is the home of over 60 orphans, 400 school children, and 3 missionaries and their families. There's an up to date innovation center donated by our very own Central Church, a beautiful playground donated by a city in Minnesota that's centered in the middle, a vegetable and herb garden, and the only local medical and dental clinic that is the lowest cost within a 4 hour radius.
Down the hill, in town, lies a local church, alongside the bakery and cafe. Fleri Bakery has 25 employees, all locally run. They sell their bread to hotels, shops, and to locals so they can sell it on the streets and get the profit to support their families.
Grace Village also manages many local programs to include an elder care that brings a warm meal to some of the elderly int he congregation of the church. If they need a ride to church, help getting to the clinic, or maybe some other practical needs. Healing Haiti through Grace Church walks alongside them to make sure they are cared for. During their daily trips today we got to sing, provide the meal, pray for, and wash the feet of 4 ladies in the community. We were honored and humbled to be able to share this memory with them. There is so much more to this beautiful city, but you will have to come see for yourself.
Below are the Words for the Day
Laurie - Commitment
Rebecca - Vulnerable
Sam - Community
Nancy - Healing
Steve - Expression
Eryka - Uncomfortable
Kate - Life
Melissa - Reverent
Zach - Charactorics
Amanda - Real
Melanie - Impact
Tara - Love
Becca - Inspired
Christa - Restoration
Michael - Intimacy
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Central Church Day 4 - We all Bleed the Same
Bonjou,
I don't know about you, but I just love dogs! They are cuddly, energetic, loveable furballs of happiness; always staying in the present, and keeping us safe. For some dogs are not so loving or loved. In Haitian culture they are deathly afraid of dogs. The only reason they have them is for protection. The fear has been passed down from generation to generation, much like Americans pass down a favorite recipe or clothing. The fear comes from when Christopher Columbus came to this island and aided the spanish in wiping out the natives. The people were tortured, mutilated and fed to the dogs. During the late 18th century, when slaves out numbered their masters 10 to 1, dogs were used as a scare tactic. We learned this and many more facts as we toured the Haitian Pantheon Museum (MUPANAH).
Haitian history is rich in agriculture and strength. Their rich crop of sugar cane and coffee were more desireable than the Americas were. Their fight for independence and freedom in 1804 is the largest revolt for their freedom against slavery with almost a million slaves (local and African born). As we walked around I was reminded that every person has a name and every name has a story. There were art exhibits that had descriptions written in french so Amanda and Eryka walked the hall brushing up on their reading, while Nancy and I saw an interactive exhibit that bore a taste of home on a post it reading, "Tom Brady-GOAT!".
As the gentleman giving the tour described the brutal past of the living conditions he stated how today Haitians use words like "blanc meaning white", and "neg meaning black" not as racial pain, but merely for what it is, measures of descriptive format. He also gently reminded us that, "We put too much emphasis on the differences between races. Don't we all come from one family from Noah? When the Lord our God flooded the earth?". Although the museum is small in comparison to many in the U.S., it is packed full of knowledge, cultural evidence, life, and talented art. There were many stares from the locals as the "blancs" walked around.
Next stop was to deliver some love to a recent addition to the Healing Haiti family, Lalu Orphanage. The partnership has been able to provide beds for the kids, monthly water delivery, weekly food delivery for essentials like rice and beans, and the opportunity for a future water filtration system for clean drinking water.
The kids were absolutely wonderful. This young man (about 12 years old) named "Jr." stole the hearts of many as he guided us through a group interactive dance. With his electric smile and lively tone, he called out commands from the middle of the human circle that surrounded him. Afterwards, him and Zach bonded over the "Coo Coo Dance". We absolutely loved it. We also colored, drew pictures, jumped rope, tried double dutch, and once again played soccer. They knew games like tic tac toe, rock paper scissors, and many more.
We had to pick up some groceries so we stopped by a local Giant Grocery. There were two stories; Downstairs the groceries, while upstairs had the toiletries and household items. Due to security, we used the buddy system as we freely walked around the store. Every morning at the compound we are given this spicy peanut butter which we fell in love with. Many of us were on a mission at the store to find THAT peanut butter. I found mine and said to myself, "Mission Accomplished!". Throughout our time you would here us holler to our leaders that we were "headed upstairs". Finally we lined the counter with our items and spicy peanut butter. As the store got busy and the lack of comprehension of gouds currency the cashiers patience wore thin. As I left I heard the cashier and the man bagging our groceries talking and the only word I heard them say was "blancs". I understood their frustration and, without them knowing who we were, the only way to describe us was with the obvious difference.
After dinner we convened to the roof for reflection. We all reminisced about our time at the orphanage and the desire to be able to sponsor a child in order for them to have uniforms, and help them with provisions. Then as we discussed our "Word for the Day" we also discussed the tension some of us were feeling the past couple of days. Eryka said it perfectly that, "That's how I feel every day living in Maine". When I go to the store, or out with friends.". We shared how important it is to make all feel loved regardless of the color of their skin or even how "they make us feel", because the absolute ONLY thing that matters is they know Jesus' love. Jesus loved everyone regardless of where they came from or the color of their skin.
We talked The Samaritans and Jews rival in the old testament and Melissa brought it back to scripture in Proverbs 22:2 "Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all." It is important to remember that the color of our blood is the same and that we are all sinners and need Jesus.
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend"
-Martin Luther King Jr-
What do you think?
Below are our Words of the Day
Zach - Coo Coo
Rebecca - Compasion
Steve - Commonality
Amanda - Reminder
Sam - Name
Melanie - Energy
Becca - Beauty
Laurie - Patience
Melissa - Questions
Nancy - Fellowship
Eryka - Connections
Tara - Amazed
Michael - Fullfilling
Kate - Balanced
I don't know about you, but I just love dogs! They are cuddly, energetic, loveable furballs of happiness; always staying in the present, and keeping us safe. For some dogs are not so loving or loved. In Haitian culture they are deathly afraid of dogs. The only reason they have them is for protection. The fear has been passed down from generation to generation, much like Americans pass down a favorite recipe or clothing. The fear comes from when Christopher Columbus came to this island and aided the spanish in wiping out the natives. The people were tortured, mutilated and fed to the dogs. During the late 18th century, when slaves out numbered their masters 10 to 1, dogs were used as a scare tactic. We learned this and many more facts as we toured the Haitian Pantheon Museum (MUPANAH).
Haitian history is rich in agriculture and strength. Their rich crop of sugar cane and coffee were more desireable than the Americas were. Their fight for independence and freedom in 1804 is the largest revolt for their freedom against slavery with almost a million slaves (local and African born). As we walked around I was reminded that every person has a name and every name has a story. There were art exhibits that had descriptions written in french so Amanda and Eryka walked the hall brushing up on their reading, while Nancy and I saw an interactive exhibit that bore a taste of home on a post it reading, "Tom Brady-GOAT!".
As the gentleman giving the tour described the brutal past of the living conditions he stated how today Haitians use words like "blanc meaning white", and "neg meaning black" not as racial pain, but merely for what it is, measures of descriptive format. He also gently reminded us that, "We put too much emphasis on the differences between races. Don't we all come from one family from Noah? When the Lord our God flooded the earth?". Although the museum is small in comparison to many in the U.S., it is packed full of knowledge, cultural evidence, life, and talented art. There were many stares from the locals as the "blancs" walked around.
Next stop was to deliver some love to a recent addition to the Healing Haiti family, Lalu Orphanage. The partnership has been able to provide beds for the kids, monthly water delivery, weekly food delivery for essentials like rice and beans, and the opportunity for a future water filtration system for clean drinking water.
The kids were absolutely wonderful. This young man (about 12 years old) named "Jr." stole the hearts of many as he guided us through a group interactive dance. With his electric smile and lively tone, he called out commands from the middle of the human circle that surrounded him. Afterwards, him and Zach bonded over the "Coo Coo Dance". We absolutely loved it. We also colored, drew pictures, jumped rope, tried double dutch, and once again played soccer. They knew games like tic tac toe, rock paper scissors, and many more.
We had to pick up some groceries so we stopped by a local Giant Grocery. There were two stories; Downstairs the groceries, while upstairs had the toiletries and household items. Due to security, we used the buddy system as we freely walked around the store. Every morning at the compound we are given this spicy peanut butter which we fell in love with. Many of us were on a mission at the store to find THAT peanut butter. I found mine and said to myself, "Mission Accomplished!". Throughout our time you would here us holler to our leaders that we were "headed upstairs". Finally we lined the counter with our items and spicy peanut butter. As the store got busy and the lack of comprehension of gouds currency the cashiers patience wore thin. As I left I heard the cashier and the man bagging our groceries talking and the only word I heard them say was "blancs". I understood their frustration and, without them knowing who we were, the only way to describe us was with the obvious difference.
After dinner we convened to the roof for reflection. We all reminisced about our time at the orphanage and the desire to be able to sponsor a child in order for them to have uniforms, and help them with provisions. Then as we discussed our "Word for the Day" we also discussed the tension some of us were feeling the past couple of days. Eryka said it perfectly that, "That's how I feel every day living in Maine". When I go to the store, or out with friends.". We shared how important it is to make all feel loved regardless of the color of their skin or even how "they make us feel", because the absolute ONLY thing that matters is they know Jesus' love. Jesus loved everyone regardless of where they came from or the color of their skin.
We talked The Samaritans and Jews rival in the old testament and Melissa brought it back to scripture in Proverbs 22:2 "Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all." It is important to remember that the color of our blood is the same and that we are all sinners and need Jesus.
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend"
-Martin Luther King Jr-
What do you think?
Below are our Words of the Day
Zach - Coo Coo
Rebecca - Compasion
Steve - Commonality
Amanda - Reminder
Sam - Name
Melanie - Energy
Becca - Beauty
Laurie - Patience
Melissa - Questions
Nancy - Fellowship
Eryka - Connections
Tara - Amazed
Michael - Fullfilling
Kate - Balanced
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Central Church Day 3 - LaFleuri Farm
Greetings from Haiti,
Koman ou ye? Nou se bon!
How are you? We are good!
Today was an amazing day at LaFleuri Farm in Cite Soleil. LaFleuri is approximately 23 acres of land used to produce coconut, sugar cane, basil, plantain, mango, green peppers, and many many more. This land was developed almost 2 years ago with the goal to produce the ability to sustain and feed 1000 people.
Through planting and developing crops that are already growing there while helping them flourish through planting beneficial ones around them will help Healing Haiti not only succeed their goal, but surpass it. LaFleuri helps provides produce for a local cafe in town. We were truly blessed to be able to learn about the plan for sustainability and their vision for the land that God has given them.
Below is a list of our words of the day.
I encourage you to ask the team about them and what their thoughts were because there is so much more depth to the word for each of us than the obvious (or the questions it creates):
Laurie - Protection
Rebecca - Salvation
Zach - Impressed
Amanda - Comforting
Becca - Joy
Mel - Sustainability
Eryka - Plan
Nancy - Awe
Melissa - Flexible
Michael - Amazing
Sam - Vision
Steve - Training
Kate - Grumblings
Tara - Trust
Please continue to pray for our team.
Many Thanks & Blessings.
Koman ou ye? Nou se bon!
How are you? We are good!
Today was an amazing day at LaFleuri Farm in Cite Soleil. LaFleuri is approximately 23 acres of land used to produce coconut, sugar cane, basil, plantain, mango, green peppers, and many many more. This land was developed almost 2 years ago with the goal to produce the ability to sustain and feed 1000 people.
Through planting and developing crops that are already growing there while helping them flourish through planting beneficial ones around them will help Healing Haiti not only succeed their goal, but surpass it. LaFleuri helps provides produce for a local cafe in town. We were truly blessed to be able to learn about the plan for sustainability and their vision for the land that God has given them.
Below is a list of our words of the day.
I encourage you to ask the team about them and what their thoughts were because there is so much more depth to the word for each of us than the obvious (or the questions it creates):
Laurie - Protection
Rebecca - Salvation
Zach - Impressed
Amanda - Comforting
Becca - Joy
Mel - Sustainability
Eryka - Plan
Nancy - Awe
Melissa - Flexible
Michael - Amazing
Sam - Vision
Steve - Training
Kate - Grumblings
Tara - Trust
Please continue to pray for our team.
Many Thanks & Blessings.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Central Church Day 2 - Similarities, Hope, and Communication
Today was all about being aware of our similarities, learning how to communicate and finding hope in a hopeless time. We started out our at the Sweet Home Orphanage who is home to approximately 45 children ages 2 - 17. All of the children go to school, either on the compound, or are sent out for the older kids. They are in the middle of construction to be able to house 50 more children and more schooling buildings. To learn more click HERE. We played soccer (futbol), colored, jumped rope and many more games, with the children. We also learned new words and ways to communicate.
Team members Zach and Steve were playing with the kids when one little boy (about 6) hid behind Zach with fright as three older boys yelled at the boy and ran to get him. That's when Steve stepped in between to stop them. The whole ordeal only lasted a minute and they, but as Steve said it best, "You didn't have to speak creole to know what those boys were saying.". Bullying is bullying in any language.
Next we went to Papillion where we were able to support a local business that provides job and daycare to single parents so they can take care of their families. They train these men and women to be craftsmen and amazing ones at that! Check them out HERE.
Lastly we served in the hospital for the sick and dying children where they also were an orphanage. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly nun who gave us instructions. there were two areas. One for the infants, and one for the toddlers. When you walk in you notice that there are cribs lined up classroom style. Over a dozen in each room. Inside some babies needed an IV, Some coughing, or had rashes, and some were so weak a emotionless that you couldn't tell. The older kids were a little different. They were vocal and able to play a bit more.
When we brought some of them outside on the playground their demeanour changed. They were engaging, inquisitive, playful. Though this change was not right away, the smiles on their faces were worth the wait. We fed them, changed their diapers, played with them, and more.
The ride home was more somber than before and we started to process all we experienced. At reflection time we used words like, "innocense, support, standards, heavy, eye-opening, WOW, grateful, real, desire, vulnerable".
Nancy used hope as her word because, "There's hopelessness all around us, but we have a choice to see the hope in all situations". While Kate, who is training to be a leader shared that her word was emotions because while she is tends to be "closed off" by her emotions in situations, she also gets uncomfortable when others are experiencing profound emotions. She prayed for God to get her our of her comfort zone, and throughout the day, she was able to provide emotional support to some members on the team.
At the end of the day we were extremely thankful for three gentle reminders;
1. That we are all similar in some way and it's important to find out what it is.
2. To remember to see the hope in any situation so you can continue to shine His light for the world.
3. Remember to always work on your communication with others, no matter what that looks like.
Tomorrow is water truck day so stay tuned
Central Church-Arrival Day
Todays focus was all about introductions. Introductions to one another, a new organization (for many), a new culture, and overall a new way of living for Jesus. Let me start with me.
Bonjou, mwen rele Samantha.
Hello, my name is Samantha.
With the expertise and assistance of my leaders, Michael and Melissa, I will be your virtual guide to the teams experience here in Haiti. Everyday you will be able to get a glimpse of this beautiful country and share in our experiences of all things new. Please be engaging. Share this link, comment, ask questions. Would love to do this together.
DAY 1
If you've ever traveled with kids you can relate when I start by describing our 2:30 am gathering. We started out very much like we were about to take a very long drive with a bunch of school kids (at least I felt like one). As the team of eleven of us (plus family members and friends) gathered around the lobby of Central Church, excitedly sharing about our sleep habits of the night, what we packed or didn't, emotions, and lots of bright, and awake, eyes eagerly awaiting to get in the car. For our two leaders, however, it was all about logistics. Passing out folders, getting our bags together, packing and repacking, asking about bathroom runs before we go. Then there was the call to gather for prayer and everything changed.
The 10 team members (and family and friends) were mature, and focused. Our leaders relaxed a bit, smiled, and looked around at what will be their closest family for the next 8 days with excitement. There was balance and joy. We received our final instruction, emptied all of our individual thoughts, and prayed together as One mind, One voice, and One Spirit for our trip. We said our goodbyes and were off. Off for a wonderous adventure and a sparkle in our eyes for the unknown.
This is my first trip out of the country (as it is for many of us), and Melissa, Kate, and Michael were fantastic! They guided us through every process. We were presented with an outline of what to expect, then provided more detail as it was happening, so to not inundate us with a lot of information up front. When we arrived at the Port au Prince Airport it was exactly how they described it. A lot happening, in a small area, with a lot of people. We were in a large room with a beautiful view of the mountains for customs, then guided through narrow hallways with maze-like turns to be in a smaller area (with the same amount of people), then approached by many to "help" us, or to keep the "flow" going in the room. I state it like that because one was only for their own gain, and none of us seem to understand the method to that madness that was supposed to be their flow process.
We were not there, however, to "fix" any process or tell anyone what we might think can help make their process better. We later came to the understanding that none of us knew, at that point, what we were really there for individually. All we knew is that we wanted out of the chaotic process and be free. Which were were, finally, and met with a great big warm smile from a man that took us to what will be our home for the next week.
After about a 20 minute drive in the tap tap (I'll describe later) we approached two large purple doors. They opened and introduced us to the beautifully colorful Healing Haiti homes. The staff, along with 4 well trained loving dogs, welcomed us and introduced themselves. We were lovingly given an overall directional of the place along with an outline of what was about to transpire. All of us eagerly entered the doors and, as if it was the first day at summer camp, picked out our bunks and sleeping arrangements.
We were then given a couple hours of free time to process and explore the grounds. After about an hour the team gradually convened in the living room and got to know one other. We were all given journals that will be written in by everyone (except ourselves). These journals are for others to encourage, share knowledge, reflection, and thoughts to you through this journey.
Dinner was incredible. We all sat down at the 16 person table covered with a muted fuchsia tablecloth with our plates on top of laminated flash cards. Afterwards we worked as a team to clear the table, do the dishes and set it up again for breakfast.
As the evening came to a close we gathered to do our devotional and reflection. Our devotional was on John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you"
We focused on the first half of the fact that we were chosen. As each of us answered the question, How does it feel to know that you are chosen? One of the answers was that it raised another question for them, "Why did you choose me for here-Haiti?". This was enlightening to the group. Some answered about changing their comfort zone, or mindfulness-to stay present with God more (You need to do a lot of adapting here), maybe to find their purpose in missions, or to be less controlling.
For reflection, we got to pick a word of the day. These words of the day are the lessons Jesus shared with us throughout our daily walk. Below are the answers given:
Amanda - Trust
Eryka - Grace
Tara - Excited
Laurie - Relieved
Steve - Servitude
Melissa - Finally
Melanie - Strength
Michael - Exhausted
Rebecca - Why
Zach - Team
Nancy - Faithfulness
Kate - Lens
Sam - Presence
Each one's reasoning behind their answers was wonderful to hear and very relatable. I encourage you to reach out to someone on the team and find out what their reasoning is. Not all posts will be this long, but as I sit here with everyone fast asleep resting for the next days adventures, I am an awe at how organic the communication was today.
Now with introductions coming to a close (for now), reflect on your own day (or morning) and ask yourself what your word of the day is (or will be) and just be open to the possibilities of greatness, one small task at a time.
Bonjou, mwen rele Samantha.
Hello, my name is Samantha.
With the expertise and assistance of my leaders, Michael and Melissa, I will be your virtual guide to the teams experience here in Haiti. Everyday you will be able to get a glimpse of this beautiful country and share in our experiences of all things new. Please be engaging. Share this link, comment, ask questions. Would love to do this together.
DAY 1
If you've ever traveled with kids you can relate when I start by describing our 2:30 am gathering. We started out very much like we were about to take a very long drive with a bunch of school kids (at least I felt like one). As the team of eleven of us (plus family members and friends) gathered around the lobby of Central Church, excitedly sharing about our sleep habits of the night, what we packed or didn't, emotions, and lots of bright, and awake, eyes eagerly awaiting to get in the car. For our two leaders, however, it was all about logistics. Passing out folders, getting our bags together, packing and repacking, asking about bathroom runs before we go. Then there was the call to gather for prayer and everything changed.
The 10 team members (and family and friends) were mature, and focused. Our leaders relaxed a bit, smiled, and looked around at what will be their closest family for the next 8 days with excitement. There was balance and joy. We received our final instruction, emptied all of our individual thoughts, and prayed together as One mind, One voice, and One Spirit for our trip. We said our goodbyes and were off. Off for a wonderous adventure and a sparkle in our eyes for the unknown.
This is my first trip out of the country (as it is for many of us), and Melissa, Kate, and Michael were fantastic! They guided us through every process. We were presented with an outline of what to expect, then provided more detail as it was happening, so to not inundate us with a lot of information up front. When we arrived at the Port au Prince Airport it was exactly how they described it. A lot happening, in a small area, with a lot of people. We were in a large room with a beautiful view of the mountains for customs, then guided through narrow hallways with maze-like turns to be in a smaller area (with the same amount of people), then approached by many to "help" us, or to keep the "flow" going in the room. I state it like that because one was only for their own gain, and none of us seem to understand the method to that madness that was supposed to be their flow process.
We were not there, however, to "fix" any process or tell anyone what we might think can help make their process better. We later came to the understanding that none of us knew, at that point, what we were really there for individually. All we knew is that we wanted out of the chaotic process and be free. Which were were, finally, and met with a great big warm smile from a man that took us to what will be our home for the next week.
After about a 20 minute drive in the tap tap (I'll describe later) we approached two large purple doors. They opened and introduced us to the beautifully colorful Healing Haiti homes. The staff, along with 4 well trained loving dogs, welcomed us and introduced themselves. We were lovingly given an overall directional of the place along with an outline of what was about to transpire. All of us eagerly entered the doors and, as if it was the first day at summer camp, picked out our bunks and sleeping arrangements.
We were then given a couple hours of free time to process and explore the grounds. After about an hour the team gradually convened in the living room and got to know one other. We were all given journals that will be written in by everyone (except ourselves). These journals are for others to encourage, share knowledge, reflection, and thoughts to you through this journey.
Dinner was incredible. We all sat down at the 16 person table covered with a muted fuchsia tablecloth with our plates on top of laminated flash cards. Afterwards we worked as a team to clear the table, do the dishes and set it up again for breakfast.
As the evening came to a close we gathered to do our devotional and reflection. Our devotional was on John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you"
We focused on the first half of the fact that we were chosen. As each of us answered the question, How does it feel to know that you are chosen? One of the answers was that it raised another question for them, "Why did you choose me for here-Haiti?". This was enlightening to the group. Some answered about changing their comfort zone, or mindfulness-to stay present with God more (You need to do a lot of adapting here), maybe to find their purpose in missions, or to be less controlling.
For reflection, we got to pick a word of the day. These words of the day are the lessons Jesus shared with us throughout our daily walk. Below are the answers given:
Amanda - Trust
Eryka - Grace
Tara - Excited
Laurie - Relieved
Steve - Servitude
Melissa - Finally
Melanie - Strength
Michael - Exhausted
Rebecca - Why
Zach - Team
Nancy - Faithfulness
Kate - Lens
Sam - Presence
Each one's reasoning behind their answers was wonderful to hear and very relatable. I encourage you to reach out to someone on the team and find out what their reasoning is. Not all posts will be this long, but as I sit here with everyone fast asleep resting for the next days adventures, I am an awe at how organic the communication was today.
Now with introductions coming to a close (for now), reflect on your own day (or morning) and ask yourself what your word of the day is (or will be) and just be open to the possibilities of greatness, one small task at a time.
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