This trip had many twists and turns even before we left for Haiti. A team member was hit by a car; another dropped out due to a long forgotten heart problem, a team member critical to success almost dropped out, and it was the largest group we have ever taken to Haiti. It was enough to make my head spin, and yet, God pushed me through and taught me (again) about practicing His presence in the midst of turmoil.
We stayed with the Children of Hope Orphanage in Thomazeau, Haiti. A long time partner in the work of God in Haiti. With the project management team of Bobby Troussaint and Roger Hall, we built a new concrete block home for a man and his family we met on our very first trip to Haiti. He actually worked with us on the first home we built and now, we were helping him build his own home. Sweet.
We also have become friends with the leadership team of the Free Methodist Church in Thomazeau. On a previous trip, we had asked what we could do for them and they asked for a new guitar and keyboard. Never in my wildest dreams did it occur to me, that their simple request would launch a chain of events (through the forward thinking of our own worship leader and the hand of God) that blessed not just the Free Methodist Church but a start up Baptist church right by the orphanage. We ended up taking down an entire new sound system, mixer, guitar and keyboard. We bought a new generator for them and they in turn donated their old equipment and generator to the start up church.
Culturally, no one in Haiti gets rid of anything on the outside chance it will be needed in the future. So, for the Pastor to be so willing to send his old and broken equipment to another church was the hand of God. Even more, God knew before our church made the decision to take the new sound system with us that little church had a need as well. Music is such an important part of daily culture and even more so in worship. Two churches blessed by God that bring glory and honor to Him. Cool, very cool.
I also learned my plan is not God's plan (again). Thanks to Mike Utz for gently leading me to good decisions about what we took down and how we consecrated the instruments and equipment in worship. It was a wonderful time of rejoicing. The church was packed, standing room only inside and out. So much praise.
We had sickness and stress on this trip as well. Everything from queasy stomachs, to rashes, and general malaise. With it came untold blessings and bonding together. We spent time with the children and people in the community. For the first time, we really shopped in the local market. It was amazing what people chose to buy as souvenirs. Handmade metal cups, bags and watches on the cheap! I think someone even bought handmade shoes or slippers for one of his kids. We definitely boosted the economy that day.
Morning devotions and Circle time at the end of the day was very special on this trip. After so many trips to Haiti, I get a little hardened to the sights and sounds of Haiti. It is refreshing to see and hear anew through others. Also, God drew us together in love and we were able to share painful and joyous lessons from our past. Tears were abundant on several occasions. Listening to what team members were learning about themselves and the world around them, touched my heart, mind and spirit.
One team member was inserted by God into a last trek for a dying woman trying to make it home to be with her family. He carried her for part of the way to relieve her son for a short time on the journey up into the mountains. Heart swelling for the kindness and compassion of Mike B, heartbreaking for the family about to lose a loved one.
I am reminded of the generosity of our church family, family, friends and coworkers. Their passion for the work in Haiti enabled us to have two completed projects and to leave behind a generous donation to help feed the children in the orphanage. The work in Haiti is a community event. Some go. Some stay behind to pray. Some give money or time or the sweat of their brow. All are important for the work of God in Haiti.
We stayed with the Children of Hope Orphanage in Thomazeau, Haiti. A long time partner in the work of God in Haiti. With the project management team of Bobby Troussaint and Roger Hall, we built a new concrete block home for a man and his family we met on our very first trip to Haiti. He actually worked with us on the first home we built and now, we were helping him build his own home. Sweet.
Culturally, no one in Haiti gets rid of anything on the outside chance it will be needed in the future. So, for the Pastor to be so willing to send his old and broken equipment to another church was the hand of God. Even more, God knew before our church made the decision to take the new sound system with us that little church had a need as well. Music is such an important part of daily culture and even more so in worship. Two churches blessed by God that bring glory and honor to Him. Cool, very cool.
I also learned my plan is not God's plan (again). Thanks to Mike Utz for gently leading me to good decisions about what we took down and how we consecrated the instruments and equipment in worship. It was a wonderful time of rejoicing. The church was packed, standing room only inside and out. So much praise.
We had sickness and stress on this trip as well. Everything from queasy stomachs, to rashes, and general malaise. With it came untold blessings and bonding together. We spent time with the children and people in the community. For the first time, we really shopped in the local market. It was amazing what people chose to buy as souvenirs. Handmade metal cups, bags and watches on the cheap! I think someone even bought handmade shoes or slippers for one of his kids. We definitely boosted the economy that day.
Morning devotions and Circle time at the end of the day was very special on this trip. After so many trips to Haiti, I get a little hardened to the sights and sounds of Haiti. It is refreshing to see and hear anew through others. Also, God drew us together in love and we were able to share painful and joyous lessons from our past. Tears were abundant on several occasions. Listening to what team members were learning about themselves and the world around them, touched my heart, mind and spirit.
One team member was inserted by God into a last trek for a dying woman trying to make it home to be with her family. He carried her for part of the way to relieve her son for a short time on the journey up into the mountains. Heart swelling for the kindness and compassion of Mike B, heartbreaking for the family about to lose a loved one.
I am reminded of the generosity of our church family, family, friends and coworkers. Their passion for the work in Haiti enabled us to have two completed projects and to leave behind a generous donation to help feed the children in the orphanage. The work in Haiti is a community event. Some go. Some stay behind to pray. Some give money or time or the sweat of their brow. All are important for the work of God in Haiti.
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