Pictures

Haiti Day 2 and 3

Haiti Day 2: Water Truck

The last two days have flown by in a whirlwind.  On Wednesday we had the opportunity to deliver water to Cite Soleil.  Cite Soleil is the poorest city in the Western Hemisphere with an estimated population of 200-400 thousand people.  Haiti does not take a census, making it difficult to get accurate population totals.  In Cite Soleil, we saw so many people in what we would consider great need.  There were “homes” fashioned from anything and everything the owners could acquire, sewage and garbage nearly everywhere you looked, and kids with not only no clothing, but no parent or adult in sight.

While it would be easy to look around and feel saddened, it’s actually quite the opposite experience.  Again at the end of our day, we all chose one word to describe how we were feeling, what we had seen, or thoughts for the day.  As we went around, everyone spoke of hope, joy, and contentment.  Never in my life had I witnessed the sheer joy of the water truck arriving.  Fortunately for all of us, we’ve never been in need of basic necessities such as water.  Having the opportunity to be a deliverer of such a precious commodity sure makes you appreciate the immense abundance and access to not only water, but so much more that we are all afforded, simply because of where we were born. 

Throughout the day, so many of us experienced a moment that will forever change us.  At our second stop (we had three total) a little boy was standing on the roadside watching the commotion.  He was naked and looked to be 10-14 months, but it’s really hard to tell just how old the children are.  I went over and scooped him up and just snuggled him in close.  I told him he was precious and so sweet and just swayed with him.  Moments later he was asleep in my arms.  Safe to say I did not put that baby down until the absolute last moment possible.  When it came time for us to go, I looked around – surely someone was missing this tiny, sweet baby – but there was no one.  I found an adult and in my best sign language/simple English, asked who could take this baby, she took him, and set him over on the side walk, groggy from being woken from his slumber and just looking around.  We pulled way and I just looked at him… what a tiny life in a big world, seemingly all on his own.  This is an everyday reality in Cite Soleil, but those tiny lives are resilient. They are brave and hang with the older kids (when I say older, I mean 4-5 year olds).  They find their way and for a brief moment, I could snuggle him close and let him know he was loved, so sweet, and pray God would watch over him.

In between our first and second stop, we had the chance to go to Hope Church.  I think back to November of last year, sitting in the worship space in Blaine, watching a video of our Pastor Jason in an almost finished Hope Church.   In that video, they showed a small Haitian boy playing with a truck he had made from a water bottle and jug caps.  I still see that boys face, and my love for the country of Haiti was born in that moment.  When the opportunity presented itself to come to this country, I knew I couldn’t pass it up.  When minutes before we had been surrounded by rubble, behind a giant gate, on top of what used to be 8 stories of trash, sat the most beautiful church and school.  Hope Church has three kindergarten classes and represents its namesake – the hope of the Haitian people to have access to education, employment and empowerment for their families.  It was remarkable to see the contrast of children dressed in their purple school outfits, and the sweet little faces with no clothing on, just on the other side of the gate.

At all of our stops, there was heartbreak, but more present was joy and laughter.  It was loud.  When the horn of the water truck sounded, people clamored with their buckets.  We were rookies with the hose but we did our best to fill them up and push them along.  We let little kids budge in line with their tiny buckets, only to look over and see them chasing each other and dumping it on their heads, making make-shift slipNslides, and fitting as many tiny, naked buns into a basin as possible.  Their smiles were huge, and one thing was evident – kids are kids in every corner of the earth.  Water makes them giggle, they crave love and attention, and their joy is infectious.  We will go back into Cite Soleil on Friday to deliver water again.  I can’t wait.

Haiti Day 3: Grace Village, Elder Visits

“The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning,

It’s time to sing Your song again,

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me…

Let me be singing when the evening comes.”

Today (Thursday) had God’s hand written all over it.  I sat in the front of the Tap Tap (bus) today.  We snaked our way through paved and unpaved roads, dodged goats, cattle and motos, and Brune (our driver) poked fun at me when I had a few nervous moments wondering if we would sneak by in the crazy traffic – I’m happy to report we made it through every traffic snafu and  Brune is an excellent driver.  He and I chatted from our Guesthouse all the way to Grace Village.  He is a native Haitian and proud of his country – and with good reason, the people and countryside are beautiful.

As we worked our way from the guesthouse to Tetanyan where Grace Village was, we saw everything from roadside stands, to women with huge baskets on their heads filled with every merchandise imaginable.  We saw industrial areas, rivers, and piles of garbage that pigs were riffling through.  On the left was the beautiful ocean side, flat lands similar to the Midwest, and on the right were rough, mountainous terrain… and on every inch of it, Haitian life was happening.

As we pulled in closer to Grace Village, you could see this beautiful structure erected high on the hillside.  The roads were bumpy and we slowly pulled up to the giant purple gate, the guards opened it, and it was as though every sad or heartbreaking experience we had felt previously left.  Grace Village is an orphanage, school, and medical/dental clinic built by Healing Haiti – and it is astounding.  KeKe, our tour guide for Grace Village is exactly where God has placed her – she is phenomenally invested in Grace Village and overseas 62 orphans.  If ever there was a woman who deserved a super Mom award… it would be her.  She lead us through Grace Village, showing us the meal room, where they have grown from providing bread and juice, to a full hot meal.  We walked through during lunch time and saw the cutest little students in their purple uniforms.  They ate there meal with the occasional “hey you!” peppered in between.  We were then shown the transitional housing they have available for emergency situations where an orphanage in Haiti may need to be closed down.  They are the only orphanage in the country that has the ability to take in an entire orphanage as not to displace the children from the family they are used to.  Furthermore, Grace Village does everything in its power to reunite these children with some form of biological family – maybe it’s a grandma, aunt, mom or dad – but they ensure the child can be taken care of and they provide resources, support and check ins for the family.  It’s nothing short of remarkable that these children make it back to their families.

At Grace Village we were shown the library, playground and clinic – all of which were beautiful, modern, and so well taken care of.  Seeing Grace Village really represents the progress and hope of this country.

After Grace Village we went out into the city of Titanyen to visit four elders.  Healing Haiti has a program that provides meals and comfort to the surrounding elder community.  These are individuals who may or may not have family, but are in need of assistance. 

Because I have not been to Haiti before, and very accustomed to the Western ways, I assumed we were going to visit the elders in some fashion of a retirement/elder home.  I was not prepared for finding these sweet souls, mostly alone, in their make shift homes.  They were simple, with a bed inside, and maybe a table or chair.  Most did not have food, and were in need of assistance to move around.  Despite all of this, there were two very clear things – They were SO thankful for our presence and their faith in Christ is rock solid.  We visited with them, sang with them, washed their feet and massaged their worn bodies.  Through all of this we heard, “Merci, Merci, Merci” over and over again.  “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.”  While we were with them, we asked what we could pray for them.  Most asked for healing for their ailments, some asked for protection for their families and provision, but all of them talked about their faith in Jesus and how good he has been to them.

Again, we sang the song with the line “God is so good to me” and I had to take a moment outside of Edmunds home.  As I stood there, seeing a man with so little sing, “God is so good to me”, the same as Andres had… the emotions overcame me.  We live in a world of plenty, and so often forget to thank God and acknowledge that he is so good to us.  Yet, here in a shack in Titanyen, God was so present, and so praised, and our elders are so loved.

We came back to our guesthouse, all humbled by the experience.  We shared our thoughts over dinner, looked at our pictures from the day and raised our voices in worship together.  We have so much to be thankful for, and as much as we are doing this week while we are in Haiti… we have yet to realize the gifts that will continue well into our lives from being here.

One of our worship songs tonight had these lyrics… may we all be this faithful:

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders,

Let me walk upon the waters, wherever You may call me.

And take me deeper than my feet could ever wander,

And my faith would be made stronger, in the presence of my Savior.

Day 1

Today was our first full day in Haiti.  I have to say our team is extraordinary.  There are twelve of us on Team 2: Lauren, Tiff, Corrine, Pam, Sean, Gina, Nikki, Julie, Joni, Jaci, Julie and myself.  We also have an amazing Healing Haiti team member Jaci which brings us to 13.  In addition, the staff here at Healing Haiti has been so gracious - Amazing breakfast, delicious dinners, clean house and friendly smiles.

For some of us this is our first trip here, myself included.  For others, they have been here multiple times.  Regardless, today brought a range of experiences and emotions for our entire team.  We started our day with a great breakfast and a devotional time.  After that we loaded up in the Tap Tap (bus) and went to The Home for Sick and Dying children.  I was anxious as we approached, not knowing what I would see or feel.  We were welcomed by the sisters and quickly put to work.  Our team dispersed into every corner of the home and sounds of laughter, playing, crying and soothing filled the air.  A number of the gals and I headed to the infant side of the home to care for some of the more sicker babies at The Home for Sick and Dying Children.  It was busy!  There were roughly 40 babies in need of care – changing diapers, clothes, blankets, but more importantly hugs, kisses, caring words, prayers and smiles.  Before going, I was anxious about whether I would be able to be of any help – I didn’t want to be just a spectator.  That fear quickly disseminated as big brown eyes looked up at me, and all I had to do was reach out.  Instantly babies were in my arms and the feeling of just wanting to be loved was so evident.  We were there for about 2.5 hours, I lost track of how many diapers or bedding I changed.  What I do remember though, is looking down at the nametags on the baby’s ankles, and being surprised at how light the sweet baby in my arms was, compared to how old they were.  I remember Henri, 14 months, a sweet smile, and a warm snuggle.  The overwhelming awareness that love is the same in any language.  That Jesus loves us so much, and that this week we get the opportunity to show that overwhelming love to so many children.

After The Home for Sick and Dying Children we came back to the guesthouse for a quick lunch and loaded up to go to Dari’s Orphanage, which is an a home for children with disabilities.  When I started the day, I was certain The Home for Sick and Dying Children would be the most emotional part of the day, but walking into Dari’s I hit this wall of feelings.  There were about 12 children at the home who were sitting there eating lunch.  We were welcomed with warm hellos and the team went and sat amongst the kids.  I found my way over to a little boy, who later I would learn his name was Andres. Andres had on a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shirt and the biggest smile.  That was all.  He patted the ground and I sat down next to him.  He leaned over and kissed my cheek and said, “How are you”… my heart was filled with emotion and I fought the tears.  I didn’t know much French, and he didn’t know much English, but I kissed his cheek and we became pals.  We finished lunch with the kids, and the highlight of the afternoon was loading them up into wheelchairs for a “Race”.  Andres looked at me, pointed to the wheel chair and said “Beep, beep!” and we were off!  The smiles, laughter and “vroooom vroooooom” filled the air… the sun was hot, and we all laughed as we ran around.  It was something so simple, but every single one of us loved it.  When our races were over, one of the Haitian men picked up a guitar and played “10,000 Reasons”.  We all joined it.  Something about lifting our voices in worship brought a peace and closeness to this group.  After that song, the man started playing a song that I didn’t know, but Andres did.  The simple line said, “God is so good to me”.  This sweet little arm, reached around my back and just started patting it as he sang in my ear, “God is so good to me.” Tears started rolling down my face instantly.  I couldn’t process it all in that moment, but it was extraordinary and is a gift this trip has given me.  Here we were, in the middle of a very poor country, he lives at an orphanage, only has a shirt on, he has disabilities and yet he can pat my back and sing “God is so good to me.”  My heart cracked and I just held him close.  God is so good to us, and sometimes in our everyday we get so wrapped up in our to-do lists and our own needs and wants.  Andres, thank you.

After Dari’s we went to the Apparent project, which is a manufacturing and distributing company that was started by a woman from the United States who wanted to adopt a Haitian child.  She came here to adopt that child, but quickly realized that child had parents who loved them and wanted to keep them, but had no financial means to support their child.  This was the founding idea behind the Apparent project, which now employs 191 Haitians, has an on sight daycare and is a thriving business.  We got a tour of the facilities, met the staff, and had the opportunity to go shopping in the gift shop.  It was a great way to end the day.

We came home and had a delicious dinner the Haitian Ladies had prepared.  After dinner we went outside to enjoy the comfortable night time temperatures and we circled up to discuss the day. Each person had to pick one word to describe their day.  Some of the words the group chose were: Full, Emotion, Strength, Thankful.  My word was Andres.

Asper/Loween Day 7 – An Amazing End to an Amazing Week

It is hard to believe that our week is already coming to an end.  Today our team did a great job of being ready a little earlier so that we could make the trek up to Grace Village for church.  On the way we had a little excitement due to a flat tire.  Our driver did an amazing job of keeping the tap-tap under control.  He ended up changing our tire near the mass graves.  The other team was also going to Grace Village, so their driver came back and picked up our team and we arrived at church fashionably late.  We were however, still able to participate in some of the amazing worship.  It is such an experience to worship with our Haitian friends at Grace Church.  It is an experience like no other.  Beautiful music soared out from the church, greeting us and inviting us to worship together.

After church, we returned to the tap-tap and drove to Croix De Bouquet for some shopping.  Team members bought a variety of paintings and metal or wooden art.  We were encouraged to barter…so we did.

When we arrived home, some of the team members decided to play football with the neighborhood boys.  From there they went swimming to cool off and then to the showers to clean up.



Because of all the above activities, we ate our last meal later than usual. We ate spicy pumpkin soup…a new treat for some of us.  All of our meals have been delicious!

Our final group time was special because Grace sang and played favorite praise songs.  Our team talked about what we may experience when we return home.  We closed with our ‘word of the day’, our thoughts and comments and finally, our prayers.  Joan

This week has come to an end.  We as a team have accomplished so much, as you have read in our previous blog entries.  What we have learned though is that Healing Haiti’s network reaches far beyond what we thought.  Plus there is a web of supportive organizations, both big and small, located all around areas of need.  These networks cover people from the cradle to the elderly. 

We are all blessed to be a part of this.  Thank you for your support and prayers over the last week.  Jim