Bonswa, friends and family!
At the end of each day, we have something called "Pit Time". During this time, all of the girls (leaders included) chose one word to describe their day. Tonight, we all joined together for our last Pit Time. As the girls finished sharing their words, it was time for us leaders to share our word of the day. Our words (Erin and Haley) were 'one' and 'family'. We are going to explain to you why we chose these words to describe our last full day in Haiti.
Our day started off like any other day; it started off with all of us joining together for breakfast. However, there was something slightly different about this second to last morning. As we were sitting at the large table seating 18 of us, we noticed how everyone seemed to be in sync with one another. We were no longer looking at one another as merely acquaintances, but as family.
After breakfast, we left for Grace Church to attend their Sunday morning service. As we entered the church, we joined the congregation in worship. They wove both Creole and English together throughout worship. It was an incredible experience for everyone to come together to praise our God. In that very moment, we were experiencing a piece of heaven.
Our last adventure of the day was to drive up one of the mountains in Haiti. There were many twists and turns along the ride, as well as some places to stop and shop. Once we reached the top of the mountain, we were all able to experience one of most beautiful views God created. We are certain that no pictures will do justice to what we experienced. We were able to have a complete overview of everywhere we went this last week. It was a beauty that only God could create. We were able to see Haiti how our Heavenly Father sees it, beautiful and complete.
Throughout our week here, we have been so welcomed by the Haitians we have encountered. When we would visit an orphanage, they were so grateful for us to spend time there, and would pray over our team. When we would see a child, they would run to us with open arms wanting to be held. We have seen first hand that this is what it means to all be a part of God's family. There are no barriers and no borders and each of us have something in common, our Creator, God. He remains the same across languages, cultures, and the physical miles between Minnesota and Haiti. His love for His people is deep and unending. We are made one in Him. Though this team may have began our trip as merely acquaintances, we are leaving with a deeper understanding that we are indeed, one family.
Haley and Erin
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Hosanna Youth Team - Day 6
Hello friends and family!
We started this day off with yet another incredible breakfast. We left around 9:30, but we barely got out the gates of the guest house before we got stuck in the mud. Again. Luckily, we were pulled out by the construction crew. Off to a rocky start, we headed out to the metal market, which was about an hour away from the guest house. Many of us might have gone a bit over board on spending there because the things that they created were incredible. After our little shopping spree, we headed out to our last orphanage, which was an hour back towards the guest house (so lots of time to think and process this trip as we traveled in the tap-tap). When we arrived at the LaPhare orphanage, we were greeted by about 20 smiling children and the man who runs the orphanage. We told them the faith lesson and then played with lots of chalk. The man who runs the orphanage was full of gratefulness and smiles the whole time we were there. He continually wanted to bless us for blessing him and his children. He even gave a few of us some bracelets that the kids had made. Even though Kara insisted that she pay for them, he would not accept any money. Later, we walked over to the community church that was run by the same man in charge of the orphanage, which was absolutely gorgeous and simple, and we sang the song "Holy Spirit" over his church, and prayed a huge blessing over him and his church. After leaving the orphanage, we headed to a Haitian grocery store where many of us bought ice cream, and Kara also bought a cake for Audrey's birthday today. We finished the day off with a delicious meal of pasta, and later lit candles on the cake and sang to Audrey for her birthday. Now, off to play some bananagrams and get some sleep before our last full day tomorrow!
God bless!
-Jaiden and Rachel
We started this day off with yet another incredible breakfast. We left around 9:30, but we barely got out the gates of the guest house before we got stuck in the mud. Again. Luckily, we were pulled out by the construction crew. Off to a rocky start, we headed out to the metal market, which was about an hour away from the guest house. Many of us might have gone a bit over board on spending there because the things that they created were incredible. After our little shopping spree, we headed out to our last orphanage, which was an hour back towards the guest house (so lots of time to think and process this trip as we traveled in the tap-tap). When we arrived at the LaPhare orphanage, we were greeted by about 20 smiling children and the man who runs the orphanage. We told them the faith lesson and then played with lots of chalk. The man who runs the orphanage was full of gratefulness and smiles the whole time we were there. He continually wanted to bless us for blessing him and his children. He even gave a few of us some bracelets that the kids had made. Even though Kara insisted that she pay for them, he would not accept any money. Later, we walked over to the community church that was run by the same man in charge of the orphanage, which was absolutely gorgeous and simple, and we sang the song "Holy Spirit" over his church, and prayed a huge blessing over him and his church. After leaving the orphanage, we headed to a Haitian grocery store where many of us bought ice cream, and Kara also bought a cake for Audrey's birthday today. We finished the day off with a delicious meal of pasta, and later lit candles on the cake and sang to Audrey for her birthday. Now, off to play some bananagrams and get some sleep before our last full day tomorrow!
God bless!
-Jaiden and Rachel
Friday, July 21, 2017
Hosanna Youth Team - Day 5
Hello everyone!
Today we started our day off at 5:30 am. We walked to church at 6am, and found ourselves slipping in disgusting mud. When we were at church we were very surprised when the Haitians started to say a blessing over us. After church we came back for breakfast, and most of us took a little nap before it was time to leave again. It was a beautiful but long drive along the coast of Haiti, to the city of Titanyen (which means less than nothing). First we stopped at the mass grave cite from the 2010 earthquake. It was a beautiful memorial, although it was sad thinking that we were standing over (around) 200,000 bodies. After that we visited our four elderly homes of the day. There we brought them a warm meal and worshipped with them. They were very excited for us to be there to wash their feet and rub lotion on their arms and legs. It was truly humbling to be able to serve them, especially being out of our comfort zones. Some of the elders had no toes, only one leg, and many of them were in pain. Because the homes were only the size of a bathroom, many of us took turns playing with the neighborhood kids as well. After the elder visits, we toured Grace Village. We were amazed at the program they had going on with the orphanage transition homes, school, and medical clinic. The view of the ocean and mountains surrounding us was incredible. We traveled down the hill to a restaurant and bakery called Fleuri for dinner. There we had amazing pizza, and learned more about the job creation program at Grace Village. At that time it was time to go back home, around 7 o'clock. While sitting in the front seat the driver taught Tyanna and Angie how to drive a stick shift, but then he warned us it was going to get a little "bumpy". All we saw were cinder blocks mixed with mud, and we soon were seemingly entering Jurassic Park. Everyone in the tap tap was soon flying around and screaming, until the left side slowly started to sink.. the tap tap went tip tip. Our driver calmly said, "One second.." We all got out safely and luckily we were right outside the guesthouse gates. Thirty minutes later we heard the beeping of the tap tap getting pulled out. It was a very long day but also very humbling. It was definitely worth it. ~ Angie and Tyanna
Today we started our day off at 5:30 am. We walked to church at 6am, and found ourselves slipping in disgusting mud. When we were at church we were very surprised when the Haitians started to say a blessing over us. After church we came back for breakfast, and most of us took a little nap before it was time to leave again. It was a beautiful but long drive along the coast of Haiti, to the city of Titanyen (which means less than nothing). First we stopped at the mass grave cite from the 2010 earthquake. It was a beautiful memorial, although it was sad thinking that we were standing over (around) 200,000 bodies. After that we visited our four elderly homes of the day. There we brought them a warm meal and worshipped with them. They were very excited for us to be there to wash their feet and rub lotion on their arms and legs. It was truly humbling to be able to serve them, especially being out of our comfort zones. Some of the elders had no toes, only one leg, and many of them were in pain. Because the homes were only the size of a bathroom, many of us took turns playing with the neighborhood kids as well. After the elder visits, we toured Grace Village. We were amazed at the program they had going on with the orphanage transition homes, school, and medical clinic. The view of the ocean and mountains surrounding us was incredible. We traveled down the hill to a restaurant and bakery called Fleuri for dinner. There we had amazing pizza, and learned more about the job creation program at Grace Village. At that time it was time to go back home, around 7 o'clock. While sitting in the front seat the driver taught Tyanna and Angie how to drive a stick shift, but then he warned us it was going to get a little "bumpy". All we saw were cinder blocks mixed with mud, and we soon were seemingly entering Jurassic Park. Everyone in the tap tap was soon flying around and screaming, until the left side slowly started to sink.. the tap tap went tip tip. Our driver calmly said, "One second.." We all got out safely and luckily we were right outside the guesthouse gates. Thirty minutes later we heard the beeping of the tap tap getting pulled out. It was a very long day but also very humbling. It was definitely worth it. ~ Angie and Tyanna
Hosanna Youth Team - Day 4
Bumpy, Sticky Thursday
To start things off... yes, it was a bumpy, sticky Thursday but we are all safe :) The day started off as it always does eating breakfast. Things got delayed when our tap-tap was half an hour late as it was being used to pick up "American Rice" (Gravel). We made our way to our first orphanage at around ten o'clock. The ride was too bumpy and long. When we arrived the pastors wife, who is in charge told us that she didn't know we were coming so all of the older kids left for an adventure in the mountains. The only kids that were there were about nine of the little tikes. The owner spoke really good english as she was telling us about the grounds and their expansion. She is hoping to expand from having thirty kids to about fifty or sixty. She look us into a shady gazebo where all of the kids were playing. As soon as we walked in, most of them started to cry and clung to the Haitian staff. This surprised us because most of the kids we had met previously jumped all over us. It took until we started to sing that the kids calmed down. Most of the kids sat with one of us and listened quietly to the music (except one). By the time we were getting ready to leave almost all of them were sleeping in our arms. Next, we made our way to the Apparent Project. This is a company founded by an American lady who went to Haiti around 2009 to adopt a child. When she got here she found out that the family didn't actually want to give up their child but they needed the money. She decided to start a business providing stable jobs for Haitians so that they could keep their families together. It opened in 2011 and they now have 201 employees along with a separate production and distribution center. We shopped and got to tour the production center. Our last stop was to 'La Loo' another orphanage with younger kids. Once we were there we gave a faith lesson in the form of a skit. Georgia was Jesus. After the skit, the kids made friendship necklaces and enjoyed a snack!¡!¡ Once we were finished visiting the children, we made our way back to the compound. It was rocky, bumpy, sticky, hot, sweaty and a long ride. At dinner Haley broke out the dance moves to 'JuJu on that Beat'... surprisingly amazing. Later tonight we attempted group worship on the deck but quickly were rained out. Instead, we broke out in song in the kitchen in front of two men just trying to eat. Currently we're watching people sing and dance to Michael Jackson, Hannah Montana and the electric slide.
Have a blessed evening
Juju and Bebe
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Hosanna Youth Team - Day 3
Bonswa Friends and Family,
This morning we started of the beautiful day by visiting an orphanage called Croatian Relief Orphanage. We were greeted by the lovely children as they sang us a song while trying to supress their giggles. At the orphanage, we formed a huge circle while Kara and Erin taught a faith lesson incorporating games and funny props. After finishing the lesson, the older boys, our driver and interpreter, and some of us girls immediately jumped into an intense game of soccer. The rest of the girls played with hula hoops, jump ropes, bubbles, and chalk with the kids. After saying goodbye, we had a quick snack and headed out to our next stop. On our way, Emmanuel our interpreter, Kara, and Erin broke out into song and convinced the rest of us to join. In the afternoon we visited a special needs orphanage called Dios Orphanage. We interacted with the beautiful children through music, art, and especially jump roping. We met a little boy who constantly persuaded all of the girls to jump rope with him. We sang multiple songs and each child broke out with a smile when they heard the beautiful noise. Each one of us had a special connection with these kids, even more than a physical connection. At the end of our exhausting, yet fulfilling day, we headed home, and later enjoyed tacos for dinner. Now we are off to play some bananagrams and apples to apples!
Much love from Haiti!!!
-Nicole, Sheridan, Kylie, Jaiden
This morning we started of the beautiful day by visiting an orphanage called Croatian Relief Orphanage. We were greeted by the lovely children as they sang us a song while trying to supress their giggles. At the orphanage, we formed a huge circle while Kara and Erin taught a faith lesson incorporating games and funny props. After finishing the lesson, the older boys, our driver and interpreter, and some of us girls immediately jumped into an intense game of soccer. The rest of the girls played with hula hoops, jump ropes, bubbles, and chalk with the kids. After saying goodbye, we had a quick snack and headed out to our next stop. On our way, Emmanuel our interpreter, Kara, and Erin broke out into song and convinced the rest of us to join. In the afternoon we visited a special needs orphanage called Dios Orphanage. We interacted with the beautiful children through music, art, and especially jump roping. We met a little boy who constantly persuaded all of the girls to jump rope with him. We sang multiple songs and each child broke out with a smile when they heard the beautiful noise. Each one of us had a special connection with these kids, even more than a physical connection. At the end of our exhausting, yet fulfilling day, we headed home, and later enjoyed tacos for dinner. Now we are off to play some bananagrams and apples to apples!
Much love from Haiti!!!
-Nicole, Sheridan, Kylie, Jaiden
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Hosanna Youth Team - Day 2
Hello family and friends!!!
Today was our first full day in the beautiful country of Haiti. We woke up this morning to a great breakfast: toast, french toast, oatmeal, fruit and eggs. After breakfast we piled onto the tap-tap along with our snacks and abundance of water. We drove for about 20 minutes and arrived at our first stop in City Soleil. As soon as the truck entered the slum, we were swarmed with children and adults carrying empty buckets, eager to receive the water we had brought for them. With no caution and full trust, the children (naked and clothed) threw themselves onto us and clung onto our arms. We didn't hesitate to catch them either. We were all so involved with everyone we met, whether that was holding the hose the water was coming out of, lining up the buckets, interacting with the kids and even bringing water from the hose straight to their homes. Lots of emotions were felt today but the one that was clearly experienced by everyone was joy. Before we left for our second stop, we were able to go inside Hope Church. It opened up only one year ago and is considered a miracle since it was built on top of 25 feet of garbage. At our second stop, we were once again consumed in a sea of children begging for our affection. For the mot part things were going great, and got more interesting when Tyanna was led by a child to her family who sat her down and tried to communicate with her in creole (luckily we had interpreters with us). For the most part, that seems like something you might expect to happen, but things really picked up when the family handed her a baby and pointed to what looked like a toy, but turned out to be a sting ray on the floor. They picked it up by the tail and proceeded to swing it in front of her face. Not once did quiver-she was calm the entire time. As the water truck was leaving, one of the Haitian women thought that we were leaving without her (we weren't) and rushed her through the crowd and said her goodbye. Our third and final stop was by far the most interesting. We were asked for our phone numbers by Haitian boys, Kylie was given a picture of a boy who looked nothing like the guy giving the picture, and the children kept touching Julia's eyebrows (side note: when we returned to the guesthouse an open safety pin was found in her hair). Along with their interest in us alone, the children also were fascinated by braces, headbands, ponytails, and braids. We also played tug of war (literally) with a determined Haitian boy who had taken over the water hose, and wanted to only give the water to his friends. We finished the day with cooling off in a pool, devouring an AMAZING dinner, and having pit time along with worship lead by one of the long term missionaries, Grace.
-Breanna
Today was our first full day in the beautiful country of Haiti. We woke up this morning to a great breakfast: toast, french toast, oatmeal, fruit and eggs. After breakfast we piled onto the tap-tap along with our snacks and abundance of water. We drove for about 20 minutes and arrived at our first stop in City Soleil. As soon as the truck entered the slum, we were swarmed with children and adults carrying empty buckets, eager to receive the water we had brought for them. With no caution and full trust, the children (naked and clothed) threw themselves onto us and clung onto our arms. We didn't hesitate to catch them either. We were all so involved with everyone we met, whether that was holding the hose the water was coming out of, lining up the buckets, interacting with the kids and even bringing water from the hose straight to their homes. Lots of emotions were felt today but the one that was clearly experienced by everyone was joy. Before we left for our second stop, we were able to go inside Hope Church. It opened up only one year ago and is considered a miracle since it was built on top of 25 feet of garbage. At our second stop, we were once again consumed in a sea of children begging for our affection. For the mot part things were going great, and got more interesting when Tyanna was led by a child to her family who sat her down and tried to communicate with her in creole (luckily we had interpreters with us). For the most part, that seems like something you might expect to happen, but things really picked up when the family handed her a baby and pointed to what looked like a toy, but turned out to be a sting ray on the floor. They picked it up by the tail and proceeded to swing it in front of her face. Not once did quiver-she was calm the entire time. As the water truck was leaving, one of the Haitian women thought that we were leaving without her (we weren't) and rushed her through the crowd and said her goodbye. Our third and final stop was by far the most interesting. We were asked for our phone numbers by Haitian boys, Kylie was given a picture of a boy who looked nothing like the guy giving the picture, and the children kept touching Julia's eyebrows (side note: when we returned to the guesthouse an open safety pin was found in her hair). Along with their interest in us alone, the children also were fascinated by braces, headbands, ponytails, and braids. We also played tug of war (literally) with a determined Haitian boy who had taken over the water hose, and wanted to only give the water to his friends. We finished the day with cooling off in a pool, devouring an AMAZING dinner, and having pit time along with worship lead by one of the long term missionaries, Grace.
-Breanna
Monday, July 17, 2017
Hosanna Youth Team - Day 1
Disclaimer: This was written by two very exhausted girls who can barely keep their eyes open.
Hello friends and family!
Today we all woke up (or stayed up) dark and early (haha) to get to the airport by 3am to catch our 5:30am flight. After many trials and errors we figured out how to check in as a group and eventually made it through a very empty security line and to our gate with time to get LOTS of Caribou coffee and water. We boarded late but took off in a timely manner, landing in Atlanta for our layover. After getting fueled up on Subway and more coffee, we awaited for our next flight to Port-au-Prince. When the time came to board, the flight attendants asked for volunteers to take the next plane because of an overbooked flight. After no volunteers, an hour delay, and everyone boarding the plane, the flight attendants decided to "shift" around some luggage. With several anxious and nervous girls, we took off and landed safely in Haiti!!! When we landed in Port-au-Prince, we successfully found ALL of our suitcases and went through customs. Then it was time for us to step outside and experience the Haiti heat! We made our way through the crowd and got to the "tap tap" (our ride for the next week) where we had all of our luggage put either on the top of the tap tap or on top of our laps. After getting situated, we drove for about 20 minutes through the crazy streets (with no stop lights or stop signs) and arrived at the Healing Haiti compound! We were greeted by seven guard dogs and some of the staff that work as long term missionaries. The guard dogs consisting of two puppies Rosie Rascal and Mocha Frappe. Our evening at the compound was filled with failed attempts at Spike ball and Julia destroying everyone at bags. As we wound down and we ate delicious Shepherd's pie and accidentally spilled 7 Up everywhere (thanks Julia). All in all, God was on our side today as we maneuvered our way through numerous airports and arrived here safe and sound with all our belongings. Although it is only 8pm we have all slowly made our way to our rooms and mellowed down.
Good Night and God bless,
Megan and Sheridan
Hello friends and family!
Today we all woke up (or stayed up) dark and early (haha) to get to the airport by 3am to catch our 5:30am flight. After many trials and errors we figured out how to check in as a group and eventually made it through a very empty security line and to our gate with time to get LOTS of Caribou coffee and water. We boarded late but took off in a timely manner, landing in Atlanta for our layover. After getting fueled up on Subway and more coffee, we awaited for our next flight to Port-au-Prince. When the time came to board, the flight attendants asked for volunteers to take the next plane because of an overbooked flight. After no volunteers, an hour delay, and everyone boarding the plane, the flight attendants decided to "shift" around some luggage. With several anxious and nervous girls, we took off and landed safely in Haiti!!! When we landed in Port-au-Prince, we successfully found ALL of our suitcases and went through customs. Then it was time for us to step outside and experience the Haiti heat! We made our way through the crowd and got to the "tap tap" (our ride for the next week) where we had all of our luggage put either on the top of the tap tap or on top of our laps. After getting situated, we drove for about 20 minutes through the crazy streets (with no stop lights or stop signs) and arrived at the Healing Haiti compound! We were greeted by seven guard dogs and some of the staff that work as long term missionaries. The guard dogs consisting of two puppies Rosie Rascal and Mocha Frappe. Our evening at the compound was filled with failed attempts at Spike ball and Julia destroying everyone at bags. As we wound down and we ate delicious Shepherd's pie and accidentally spilled 7 Up everywhere (thanks Julia). All in all, God was on our side today as we maneuvered our way through numerous airports and arrived here safe and sound with all our belongings. Although it is only 8pm we have all slowly made our way to our rooms and mellowed down.
Good Night and God bless,
Megan and Sheridan
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