"Sabbath is a gift because it is a day for enjoyment" - Michael E. Wittmer
Exodus 20:8-11 says we must rest every seventh day to follow God's example when He made the world.
The Sabath isn't a "requirement" to go to church, it's Gods way of reminding us we need to check in with Him, as any parent would ask their children. He offers us rest and renewal. God knows the week we have had serving the people of Haiti. For some of us it may have been their first experience in any kind of mission work or even their first time out of the country. For others they are returning to serve the people they love and want to walk side by side with on their journey. For me personally I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ in a real tangible way for one week. Today we receive rest and renewal so that we can take what we have seen and experienced back into our homes and lives at home. God needed rest after creating the Earth just as He asks us to rest in HIM so that we can return home renewed.
Today we attended church at Grace Village. It was a wonderful way as we begin to prepare to say goodbye to Haiti. Church began with beautiful Haitian praise music and the pastor spoke in english, "This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad". So we rejoiced and we were renewed. To be in a church filled with a community, dressed in their Sunday best, praising God when they have so little but they have God and they Praise Him. We were joined by many of the children from the orphanage...snuggling for the last time. It was so hard to say goodbye.
After service we journeyed north west to Wahoo Bay. The long journey on the tap tap was filled with the laughter of true friendships made. An opportunity to have Jonas and Valery, two of our guides, enjoy renewal as well. They are truly amazing. They are by our sides translating for us and working side by side with us all week. They are the heart and soul of our team. THANK YOU! As I pause and look back at how much I thought I would be able to serve others this week, I realize I received far more in return. Our time at Wahoo Bay was breathtaking, we saw so much beauty on this island. We are refreshed. Now as we begin to pack our bags and prepare to return to our families at home...we will say goodbye to our family here. We have become a family and for that I will be forever grateful.
Christianity is not a spectator sport. God asks us to go out and feed His lambs... We have lived His request this week as best we could. Thank you Healing Haiti, Jaime and Allison for guiding us along the way.
Good Night from Haiti and Good Bless,
Katey ( aka Mama)
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Another great day in Haiti!
Today we visited Haitian Initiative in Cite Soleil. This is an impressive soccer and feeding program in the heart of one of the poorest neighborhoods this side of the Atlantic. Haitian Initiative (www.haitianinitiative.org) was founded by Tony Sanneh, a pretty successful soccer player? :) I don't follow soccer, but I do love what he's doing with this idea. Children from the surrounding neighborhoods are brought into the program and have an opportunity to train for big games (like the Schwann's Cup in MN...the boys team traveled to MN last year for this!). They are held accountable for getting good grades and are also fed meals from Feed My Starving Children. Healing Haiti partners with HI by providing assistance with meals and clothing. Saw lots of Edina soccer jerseys - pretty fun!
We were able to watch the girls wrap up practice, then moved on to delivering water in the neighborhood right outside of the HI practice field. Very hot, dry days led to long and hectic lines. Lots of kids to be loved on and played with, and buckets/barrels/tubs to be filled. We emptied the truck there, then visited another stop after a brief stay and refill at the well. This was our last stop for the day and this trip, and I heard some lamenting that fact (until next time..!!). Another very, very busy stop and probably more kids in one place than I've seen in a long time. At both stops we ran out of water before buckets, and I pray that those who went without today will be able to get what they need. Our truck visits these areas several times a week - even when short-term mission teams are not around - so that is some reassurance especially as the rain seems to be holding off.
Had a bit of down time back at the guest house, then went to dinner at an authentic Haitian restaurant called Kokoye. Fun, fellowship, and great food!! Now we are all settling in for the evening and preparing for our last full day in-country. Wow, does time fly!
p.s.
Happy to report that our two down-and-out goers are back up and running! Thankfully a short-lived bug that was stomped by fluids, rest, and your prayers!
Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers! Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we prepare to wrap the week, say our goodbyes, and travel home. Ke Bondye Beni'ou!
~Jaime
We were able to watch the girls wrap up practice, then moved on to delivering water in the neighborhood right outside of the HI practice field. Very hot, dry days led to long and hectic lines. Lots of kids to be loved on and played with, and buckets/barrels/tubs to be filled. We emptied the truck there, then visited another stop after a brief stay and refill at the well. This was our last stop for the day and this trip, and I heard some lamenting that fact (until next time..!!). Another very, very busy stop and probably more kids in one place than I've seen in a long time. At both stops we ran out of water before buckets, and I pray that those who went without today will be able to get what they need. Our truck visits these areas several times a week - even when short-term mission teams are not around - so that is some reassurance especially as the rain seems to be holding off.
Had a bit of down time back at the guest house, then went to dinner at an authentic Haitian restaurant called Kokoye. Fun, fellowship, and great food!! Now we are all settling in for the evening and preparing for our last full day in-country. Wow, does time fly!
p.s.
Happy to report that our two down-and-out goers are back up and running! Thankfully a short-lived bug that was stomped by fluids, rest, and your prayers!
Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers! Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we prepare to wrap the week, say our goodbyes, and travel home. Ke Bondye Beni'ou!
~Jaime
Friday, June 5, 2015
Day 5-Home for Sick and Dying Adults and La Lue Orphanage
Today in Haiti, the team visited the home for sick and dying adults at Carre Four. We were able to care for some of the sickest people here, some living out the last of their days. They were so appreciative of us simply rubbing some lotion on their arms, legs and backs-such a simple pleasure many of us would take for granted. Many of the ladies wanted us to paint their fingernails and toenails. We learned a smile can break through any language barrier, and their laughter was able to melt away any of our discomfort. It was an honor to be able to offer some comfort to these people.
After leaving Carre Four, we went to downtown Port-au-Prince to La Lue orphanage. The children there had just gotten out of school, so after a little lunch, we were able to spend quite a bit of time singing and playing with them. We also brought a craft with us to do with us called God's Eyes. The kids had a great time wrapping brightly colored yarn around a cross made of popsicle sticks. They then figured out how many of the young ladies on our team had long hair, and the beauty shop was soon open for business. There were quite the lovely hairstyles going on, with lots of pulling and braiding. After a few more songs and lots of hugs, we were on our way back to the guesthouse.
It was a hot one today in Haiti for sure--like it is most of the time. So several of the team members went and spent some time at the pool to cool down. Then after a fantastic meal, we did some salsa dancing lessons on the balcony. I thing we're ready for Dancing with the Stars.....as soon as we become famous.
~Alli
After leaving Carre Four, we went to downtown Port-au-Prince to La Lue orphanage. The children there had just gotten out of school, so after a little lunch, we were able to spend quite a bit of time singing and playing with them. We also brought a craft with us to do with us called God's Eyes. The kids had a great time wrapping brightly colored yarn around a cross made of popsicle sticks. They then figured out how many of the young ladies on our team had long hair, and the beauty shop was soon open for business. There were quite the lovely hairstyles going on, with lots of pulling and braiding. After a few more songs and lots of hugs, we were on our way back to the guesthouse.
It was a hot one today in Haiti for sure--like it is most of the time. So several of the team members went and spent some time at the pool to cool down. Then after a fantastic meal, we did some salsa dancing lessons on the balcony. I thing we're ready for Dancing with the Stars.....as soon as we become famous.
~Alli
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Mesi, Mesi
Today marked our fourth day in Haiti. It felt like the longest day thus far but was amazing every step of the way. We started off the morning bright and early by loading 26 of us, from both teams, in the tap-tap and heading to tent church around 5:45am. Being surrounded by praise and worship, we found our spots and joined in the prayer. Even though no one knew what the Haitians were saying, their love and gratitude for the Lord was evident. It was a very uplifting morning to be apart of and it was a good reminder of what it means to be grateful. After walking back to the guest house and scarfing down another delicious breakfast, we headed out for another day.
Our first stop, Grace Village in Titanyen. This is my second time visiting Grace Village, the first one being on my trip with Healing Haiti in January. It was even more beautiful seeing it for a second time and also fun being able to recognize some of the kiddos from my previous trip. We were given a tour of Grace Village and got to see all the new improvements from a new pavilion next to the playground to the commercial bakery down the hill by the church. We received a tour of the school, family homes, aquaponics, feeding center, and clinic at Grace Village. The whole time at Grace Village we were accompanied by the boys and girls that live there, some holding hands of our teammates and the others in their arms.
After our visit, we packed in the tap-tap with 5 hot meals ready for the elderly of Titanyen. We visited 5 of Healing Haiti's elderly, delivering them a hot meal, water and a care package. At our visits we took turns washing their hands and feet, applying lotion, painting their nails (if requested) and concluded our visits by singing and praying with them. Visiting the elderly was another eye-opening experience. Most of them were sitting or sleeping on the cement floors in their houses when we arrived, one on a flattened cardboard box and another sleeping under his bed because it was cooler. Marie is 105 years old and had the most "spunk" I have ever seen for anyone remotely close to her age. The elders showed so much joy and appreciation for us serving them, they prayed for us and would not stop saying "mesi, mesi." It was an amazing feeling serving the elders of Titanyen and being able to honor them for hard life. Seeing the joy on their faces is something I will never forget.
Our day ended with a stop at the mass graves. The mass graves is where they buried over 300,000 people after the earthquake in 2010. At the mass graves we had the privilege of handing out Feed My Starving Children food and water packets to the families in the surrounding areas. Once we brought the boxes of food and water out, adults and children came out from the hillside and surrounded us. Eager for the food and water we had them make a line and we handed out the food and water one by one. It was a less chaotic experience than I was expecting and there were again many people saying, "mesi, mesi." It was a great feeling knowing those families were going home with a good meal and water for the night. We finished at the mass graves by admiring the memorial and praying in honor of all of the lives lost in the earth quake.
After a long day of serving the people of Haiti, we loaded back into the tap-tap and headed home to rest up for what tomorrow will bring.
- Ashley Bruber
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Day 3- Water Truck
Hello Friends and Family!
Today was our first water truck delivery into Cite Soleil, one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Haiti. First stop is filling up the water truck and then we bring it into one of the 20 some sub neighborhoods of Cite Soleil. We made three stops and I think it is safe to say that everybody is exhausted as is 9:30 and everybody is crawling into bed.
Water truck is always a crazy day filled with mixed emotions from heartbreak and confusion, to joy and laughter. It never gets old driving into the neighborhood and being greeted by children running after the Tap Tap smiling, waving and yelling "hey you!". Getting off the truck they instantly reach out repeating "Pote m'" which means "pick me up". Everybody instantly has one, two, even three children in their arms. The language barrier is instantly shattered by the love that we can't help but pour out onto these people. Our time there is spent dancing, holding, hugging, singing, and trying to find any way to connect with them. A big group of kiddos loved learning "ring around the rosie" and "the hokey pokey" and hearing their laughter and seeing their smiles is something that is just simply contagious.
The other big part of water truck day is obviously delivering the water and its a process that can get hectic at times which just reminds you of the extreme need and desperation for what we are bringing them. I think personally, my favorite part of the day was at our first stop when we got through filling all of the buckets of water, but still had more water in the truck. The panic and desperation was gone and the kids were now dumping water on themselves, our team members, and standing under the water hose. It was amazing to see the joy on their faces and we all look forward to doing this again on Saturday!
We also had the opportunity to witness the progress happening on Hope church which is being built in Cite Soleil. We brought the kids into here and they all joined us in singing and dancing. It will be amazing to one day have a facility for these kids to go to school for free as well as a church for the people to worship in. Some day soon!
We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
God Bless!
Haley
Today was our first water truck delivery into Cite Soleil, one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Haiti. First stop is filling up the water truck and then we bring it into one of the 20 some sub neighborhoods of Cite Soleil. We made three stops and I think it is safe to say that everybody is exhausted as is 9:30 and everybody is crawling into bed.
Water truck is always a crazy day filled with mixed emotions from heartbreak and confusion, to joy and laughter. It never gets old driving into the neighborhood and being greeted by children running after the Tap Tap smiling, waving and yelling "hey you!". Getting off the truck they instantly reach out repeating "Pote m'" which means "pick me up". Everybody instantly has one, two, even three children in their arms. The language barrier is instantly shattered by the love that we can't help but pour out onto these people. Our time there is spent dancing, holding, hugging, singing, and trying to find any way to connect with them. A big group of kiddos loved learning "ring around the rosie" and "the hokey pokey" and hearing their laughter and seeing their smiles is something that is just simply contagious.
The other big part of water truck day is obviously delivering the water and its a process that can get hectic at times which just reminds you of the extreme need and desperation for what we are bringing them. I think personally, my favorite part of the day was at our first stop when we got through filling all of the buckets of water, but still had more water in the truck. The panic and desperation was gone and the kids were now dumping water on themselves, our team members, and standing under the water hose. It was amazing to see the joy on their faces and we all look forward to doing this again on Saturday!
We also had the opportunity to witness the progress happening on Hope church which is being built in Cite Soleil. We brought the kids into here and they all joined us in singing and dancing. It will be amazing to one day have a facility for these kids to go to school for free as well as a church for the people to worship in. Some day soon!
We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
God Bless!
Haley
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
First Full Day in Haiti
Hello family, friends, and fellow blog readers,
This morning our group had the choice between two amazing places to attend and extend our love here in Haiti. Part of our group ended up going to the Home for the Sick and Dying Babies, while the other group members had the opportunity to attend Gertrude's Orphanage. The experiences that our group had at both of these places were extraordinary. Some of us were able to hold and comfort young children who are not in the best of health, while others of us were able to meet and play with individuals with disabilities. Even though our group was given different opportunities and went to separate places today, we all can agree that our experiences were very similar. We all were able to see the wonderful work of God here in Haiti. While things can seem very hopeless, there is always a light in the darkness. Today, that light was seeing the smile on a sick child's face, or the continuous laughter you would hear coming from the children at the orphanage.
Later on in the day, we were fortunate enough to visit the Apparent Project, which is a business that employs Haitian people and has them use their many talents to make a living for themselves and their families, by creating products made primarily through materials found in Haiti. Many of us bought beautiful jewelry or pottery from the Apparent Project. Having this opportunity showed us the skills and raw talents that the people of Haiti have to offer as well as showed us the importance of helping to empower the people of Haiti.
Lastly, we went to the La Pherre Orphanage and met some more amazing children. Here, we were able to visit with the children and make arts and crafts with them as well. This was another experience that we were all extremely humbled by. The children at La Pherre came from very little, but were some of the most cheerful and joyful children ever. Our group looks forward to many more experiences like the ones we had today. It is safe to say that all of us here in Haiti had a very successful first day.
~ Lindsay
This morning our group had the choice between two amazing places to attend and extend our love here in Haiti. Part of our group ended up going to the Home for the Sick and Dying Babies, while the other group members had the opportunity to attend Gertrude's Orphanage. The experiences that our group had at both of these places were extraordinary. Some of us were able to hold and comfort young children who are not in the best of health, while others of us were able to meet and play with individuals with disabilities. Even though our group was given different opportunities and went to separate places today, we all can agree that our experiences were very similar. We all were able to see the wonderful work of God here in Haiti. While things can seem very hopeless, there is always a light in the darkness. Today, that light was seeing the smile on a sick child's face, or the continuous laughter you would hear coming from the children at the orphanage.
Later on in the day, we were fortunate enough to visit the Apparent Project, which is a business that employs Haitian people and has them use their many talents to make a living for themselves and their families, by creating products made primarily through materials found in Haiti. Many of us bought beautiful jewelry or pottery from the Apparent Project. Having this opportunity showed us the skills and raw talents that the people of Haiti have to offer as well as showed us the importance of helping to empower the people of Haiti.
Lastly, we went to the La Pherre Orphanage and met some more amazing children. Here, we were able to visit with the children and make arts and crafts with them as well. This was another experience that we were all extremely humbled by. The children at La Pherre came from very little, but were some of the most cheerful and joyful children ever. Our group looks forward to many more experiences like the ones we had today. It is safe to say that all of us here in Haiti had a very successful first day.
~ Lindsay
Monday, June 1, 2015
Home!
Greetings from Guest House 1! So excited to be back to a place that feels so much like home to me. I love it!!
We arrived safely this afternoon around 4pm local time and proceeded with the settling-in process. For those of you who haven't gone (yet...), the process involves picking beds, sorting donated supplies (THANK YOU for those!!), unpacking for the week, filling water bottles... and so on... We toured the guest house and had an orientation session with Gates, then dinner. Now just more of settling in, getting to know each other and those who live and work here, and playing with the neighborhood kids.
I have a feeling it will be early to bed for most of us. It was a long but (thankfully) uneventful travel day! Looking forward to our first full day in Haiti!! We're not sure what's on the agenda yet, as we may switch things up a bit with the other team that is here. Stay tuned!!
Thank you for continued prayers! Please continue to lift us and those whom we serve alongside as we get further into this mission.
Love from Haiti!
Jaime
We arrived safely this afternoon around 4pm local time and proceeded with the settling-in process. For those of you who haven't gone (yet...), the process involves picking beds, sorting donated supplies (THANK YOU for those!!), unpacking for the week, filling water bottles... and so on... We toured the guest house and had an orientation session with Gates, then dinner. Now just more of settling in, getting to know each other and those who live and work here, and playing with the neighborhood kids.
I have a feeling it will be early to bed for most of us. It was a long but (thankfully) uneventful travel day! Looking forward to our first full day in Haiti!! We're not sure what's on the agenda yet, as we may switch things up a bit with the other team that is here. Stay tuned!!
Thank you for continued prayers! Please continue to lift us and those whom we serve alongside as we get further into this mission.
Love from Haiti!
Jaime
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