I spent a few days in Haiti a week or so ago and will head back there on March 9th with a team of 10 people to work at Mission of Hope. My mind always knows that when traveling in a developing country, it is best not to get to attached to my own agenda and yet, when my agenda goes haywire, I get tilted off base. Such was my last trip. It took me a day or two to realize that God was working, even though my agenda was not falling into place. By the end of the trip, of all the tasks on my list, only one went undone and it was probably the least important.
I stayed at Children of Hope in Thomazeau and got to meet the new children who now live there and be happy for the 3 that are in the last stages of adoption. School was in session, so the children were busy most of the day. I was traveling with representatives from The Joseph School and we looked at two pieces of property. Each was so different. One piece of land was lush, fertile and nestled up in the mountains. The other was outside Thomazeau and had the look and feel of central Texas scrub land. Each had its benefits and its drawbacks. Be praying we make a good choice for the site of the school.
As I look forward to the trip in March, I am particularly excited about the team. Six of the ten are first-timers and the excitement is high. We will be going to an orphanage that has been established for many years. After the earthquake, they established a second campus further north into the mountains. It has many outreach programs into the surrounding communities. To learn more about Mission of Hope, go to http://www.mohhaiti.org/ or visit them on Facebook. What is really different on this trip is that we will be joining many other volunteers and integrating together to complete the work set before us.
Our team has so many skills that will be useful. Some can do plumbing, electrical and general construction. Others are teachers and evangelists. We will be able to each experience the work in Haiti within the context of our own skills and be open to having God use us in ways we cannot imagine.
The thrill and fear of the unknown always seem to run parallel for me. I have fear, but at the same time I am excited about the opportunity to serve and the adventure of reaching out to others in the name of Jesus.
So, look for more entries in the next few weeks to see how God works in our lives and in Haiti during the March trip.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wrap Up at Church
Saturday and Sunday, the team spoke about their experiences at our church services. It was moving to listen to their stories, share their emotion and see Haiti and ourselves with new eyes. I love these people! No way I can tell you what they said, so you will just have to listen. Here is the link.
http://www.acityonahill.com
Click on sermons and then Mission to Haiti
http://www.acityonahill.com
Click on sermons and then Mission to Haiti
Day Seven, Going Home
It was so hard this morning to get up and pack and know we were heading towards the final good-byes. We got up at 4:30AM and were across the street to catch the bus by 5:30 AM. Lots of tears. I managed to hold it together until the older children lined up and sang "I Am Not Forgotten, God Knows My Name." 
There is no way anyone could listen to the song and see their faces and not cry. It was even hard watching the young people say goodbye to the kids. Marisa could hardly let go and get on the bus. I think Betty cried all the way to Port Au Prince. So many hugs. Enough to last me until I get home and hug my own grandchildren.
Travel home was without incident except for Davi's devotion in the Ft. Lauderdale airport. Nothing could have been more meaningful to me personally than to know how deeply God touched her on this trip. On all the mission trips I have taken over the years, her's and Roger's personal stories have touched me the most. It confirms for me that God uses mission work to grow us as much as to help others.
So many people, both in our church, and in our personal networks, supported us and the work in Haiti. Each shares in this journey and I pray God blesses them with this knowledge. I am thankful to God for my family and their willingness to let me go and grow. I know they worry for my safety yet they send me off with smiles and hugs.
I feel like this adventure is not really over and now just wait for what God has next for me in Haiti.
Travel home was without incident except for Davi's devotion in the Ft. Lauderdale airport. Nothing could have been more meaningful to me personally than to know how deeply God touched her on this trip. On all the mission trips I have taken over the years, her's and Roger's personal stories have touched me the most. It confirms for me that God uses mission work to grow us as much as to help others.
So many people, both in our church, and in our personal networks, supported us and the work in Haiti. Each shares in this journey and I pray God blesses them with this knowledge. I am thankful to God for my family and their willingness to let me go and grow. I know they worry for my safety yet they send me off with smiles and hugs.
I feel like this adventure is not really over and now just wait for what God has next for me in Haiti.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day Three, June 13, 2011
God sure was working today! All the walls are up in the house and VBS went off well. Even Davi's running accident is on the mend.
Mike, Davi and I went to see where Mama Sophie is currently living. It is a small 6x 8 room (at best it is that large) made from mud and sticks. The bottom is eroded away and they have put up a couple of lean-tos to provide more space. I had all I could do not to cry when I met Mama Sophie's daughter and granddaughter at their current home. The baby is so small, just months old, and is at risk in this home. We take so much for granted in the U.S.
The two groups have merged well and Marisa did her parents proud when she lead our devotion this morning. She is a brave young woman, just 15. She came to Haiti, lead a devotion to a group of adults and keeps on going despite bug bites, heat and lack of running water.
Bobbie and Lovee shared their personal story with us tonight. It was too wonderful. They could have slid through life carrying on with the family business, but chose to risk it all for God to start an orphange.
I enjoyed teaching in VBS today and the lessons are speaking to my heart probably more than they are to the children. I thank God for Lucia and his interpretation skills. He mimicks my intonation, hand motions and every once in a while gets caught up in the Spirit and starts to preach to the children himself!
I saw a Haitian pig today. It is a cross between the indiginous species and the American pig.
Not sure if I am just in Haitian overload or too tired from lack of sleep or what, but I can barely journal this evening. I am not getting any solid sleep, too much noise in the neighborhood and about the time it stops, a couple of hours later, the roosters start crowing. I get overwhelmed with sadness when I view the conditions most people have to live in this town. So much poverty and unsanitary conditions. I saw some outdoor toilets today that are nothing more than an hole in the ground, no vents, no door or sides to speak of, and no privacy. The public bathing area outside the house I am staying in is nothing more than an irrigation ditch/sewer. They are prevalent in all parts of this country for open bathing, washing of clothes and dumping of dirty water.
A joy experienced early this morning before VBS was catching the boys working on the puzzles. On Sunday, Roger and Davi were showing the kids how to work puzzles. They kept stealing pieces and hiding them. It was frustrating. And yet this morning, they were sharing their pieces and working at putting the puzzles together. What a God thing!
The two groups have merged well and Marisa did her parents proud when she lead our devotion this morning. She is a brave young woman, just 15. She came to Haiti, lead a devotion to a group of adults and keeps on going despite bug bites, heat and lack of running water.
I enjoyed teaching in VBS today and the lessons are speaking to my heart probably more than they are to the children. I thank God for Lucia and his interpretation skills. He mimicks my intonation, hand motions and every once in a while gets caught up in the Spirit and starts to preach to the children himself!
I saw a Haitian pig today. It is a cross between the indiginous species and the American pig.
Day Six, June 16, 2011
Today was a very different day. Jim B and I took off for Port Au Prince with Bobby to pick up supplies for the build and spend time getting to know each other. It is easy to forget with all of the week's activity that part of our mission here is to figure out the where and how of The Jospeh School and get clarity on what God has planned. We did a lot of talking and sharing and I continue to be impressed with Bobby's honesty and vision for his orphange.
Our visit to the Haitian version of a Home Depot was an eye opener. Supplies have the same price tag here in Haiti as back home. Some things were even higher. Demand runs the market and right now there is plenty of demand. It was strangely familar to be walking around a superstore, though. We also visited a supermarket that primarily caters to foreigners. While it did not have the same extraordinary number of choices as in a U.S. supermarket, it was enough like one, to be fun! We bought lots of coffee to take home.
Port Au Prince, itself is a very busy city. Evidence of the earthquake is still present everywhere and the large crowds, honking horns and jammmed vehicles on the street reminded me of Nairobi, Mumbai or San Salvador.
The VBS team reported the kids were totally out of control today and no interpreters were there to help. The children know we are leaving in the morning and that added to the chaotic energy floating through the compound today. Many of the supplies disappeared never to be seen again and the children just ran from activity to activity at will instead of waiting and going as a group to the next activity. God blessed our team who worked in the chaos. They survived! The house is moving along and they have put on stucco in two rooms. Everyone is so grateful to know Mama Sophie and Papa Tikepe and their family will have such a fine house. This is house number 5 Bobby has helped to build in the community. One of our team members has already identified a second house for us to build. 
There is land for sale outside of Thomazeau and the team went after lunch to dream about The Joseph School and possible partnerships. The land sits in a beautiful valley between mountains and the lake is clearly visible.
For some reason, the weather today is slightly cooler.....what is going on! And, we had cheesebugers for lunch. Bobby picked them up when we were in town and I helped cooked them since he wanted to get to the house build. The Haitian cooks did not know how to judge when a burger was done so I stepped in and helped. Another amazing moment was when I walked into the compound from the trip to Port Au Prince and found Lynne surrounded by children who were tatooing her with washable marker.
I am personally thanking God today that Jon is feeling better. He is such a silent sufferer and it is hard to know how to help him. Davi managed to take a good slide/fall during the sports portion of VBS today and has multiple scraps down her leg and a gash at the ankle. She is such a trooper as well. Bug bites are not quite so red and the exhaustion that plagued most of us on Wednesday seems to have disappeared.
As the mission is coming to a close, I am beginning to think about my involvement in more of these trips and The Joseph School. I feel woefully inadequate and ponder what has God got me into and how will He enable me. I watch Marisa, Nick and Drake interact with the children and pray I can enter into the work with the same ease and confidence they have entered into the play and enjoyment of this moment.
James and Roger commented tonight on the wordless communciation that is going on between the local workers and our building team. In the absence of common language, people find a way whether in work or play. I know God will show the way for The Joseph School and find a way to communicate to us.
Our visit to the Haitian version of a Home Depot was an eye opener. Supplies have the same price tag here in Haiti as back home. Some things were even higher. Demand runs the market and right now there is plenty of demand. It was strangely familar to be walking around a superstore, though. We also visited a supermarket that primarily caters to foreigners. While it did not have the same extraordinary number of choices as in a U.S. supermarket, it was enough like one, to be fun! We bought lots of coffee to take home.
Port Au Prince, itself is a very busy city. Evidence of the earthquake is still present everywhere and the large crowds, honking horns and jammmed vehicles on the street reminded me of Nairobi, Mumbai or San Salvador.
For some reason, the weather today is slightly cooler.....what is going on! And, we had cheesebugers for lunch. Bobby picked them up when we were in town and I helped cooked them since he wanted to get to the house build. The Haitian cooks did not know how to judge when a burger was done so I stepped in and helped. Another amazing moment was when I walked into the compound from the trip to Port Au Prince and found Lynne surrounded by children who were tatooing her with washable marker.
I am personally thanking God today that Jon is feeling better. He is such a silent sufferer and it is hard to know how to help him. Davi managed to take a good slide/fall during the sports portion of VBS today and has multiple scraps down her leg and a gash at the ankle. She is such a trooper as well. Bug bites are not quite so red and the exhaustion that plagued most of us on Wednesday seems to have disappeared.
As the mission is coming to a close, I am beginning to think about my involvement in more of these trips and The Joseph School. I feel woefully inadequate and ponder what has God got me into and how will He enable me. I watch Marisa, Nick and Drake interact with the children and pray I can enter into the work with the same ease and confidence they have entered into the play and enjoyment of this moment.
James and Roger commented tonight on the wordless communciation that is going on between the local workers and our building team. In the absence of common language, people find a way whether in work or play. I know God will show the way for The Joseph School and find a way to communicate to us.
Day Five, June 15, 2011
The routines of the day are firmly established. Our morning devotions as a team have been very meaningful. Each person who has led has shared not just scripture, but personal stories that embody the Bible verses with new meaning and emotion. I am so impressed with this team. Awesome is hardly adequate to describe them. Our Bible themes are knowing, sharing, loving and forgiving. This group is living them.
Our gathering at day's end is also moving. We re-visit the days highs and lows, award beads to individual members for service, courage, compassion and enthusiasm. Usually, just as the gathering ends, the children's night time ritual begins. Such a lovely way to end a day!
VBS has had the best craft programs this week. Lynne has been providing the leadership and creativity. Her ability to enter into play with the children is amazing. Betty and Marisa have taken turns helping her with the children and the crafts. We have seen beautiful butterflies and oragami.
What this team can do with some crepe paper and paper plates is amazing. I am glad I got the easy job of teaching. Mike, with help from Marisa and Davi, has not had an interpretor for most of the week and it is a zoo out there in the courtyard. I think Mike has surrendered to the momemtum of the children and relaxed in the knowledge, the sports program is not controllable in any way, shape, or form!
The construction is moving along very well. We will not finish the house, but Bobby assures us it will be done by Wednesday next week. Roger, Nick and the local crew continue to receive praise from the rest of the team for their consistent efforts and can do attitude.
Our group has not been without problems, mostly medical. Marisa and Betty are allegeric to mosquito bites and are covered in red spots, Davi has sprained her ankle, but, thank God, it is weight bearing at this point without pain and Jon has had bouts of vertigo and nausea, mostly likely from dehydration. All in all, small hiccups in comparison to what could go wrong. Thank you, God.
Tomorrow is our last day. I am sad and glad all at the same time. It is our church's first group experience, at least since I have been attending, and I pray everyone can rejoice in their accomplishments, take the passion for missions back with them and be able to share it in our congregation. My personal thanks for today is that God finds ways to use me. I like being useful.
Other highlights include a ride out to the lake between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It has been overflowing for a while (since before the earthquake) and it has literally spread a flood plain that has swallowed up houses, hotels, water irrigation systems and who knows what else. No one seems to know when the flow of water will ebb or where. Part of the journey back to our afternoon jobs included some of our group sampling their first taste of sugar cane.
Our gathering at day's end is also moving. We re-visit the days highs and lows, award beads to individual members for service, courage, compassion and enthusiasm. Usually, just as the gathering ends, the children's night time ritual begins. Such a lovely way to end a day!
VBS has had the best craft programs this week. Lynne has been providing the leadership and creativity. Her ability to enter into play with the children is amazing. Betty and Marisa have taken turns helping her with the children and the crafts. We have seen beautiful butterflies and oragami.
Our group has not been without problems, mostly medical. Marisa and Betty are allegeric to mosquito bites and are covered in red spots, Davi has sprained her ankle, but, thank God, it is weight bearing at this point without pain and Jon has had bouts of vertigo and nausea, mostly likely from dehydration. All in all, small hiccups in comparison to what could go wrong. Thank you, God.
Tomorrow is our last day. I am sad and glad all at the same time. It is our church's first group experience, at least since I have been attending, and I pray everyone can rejoice in their accomplishments, take the passion for missions back with them and be able to share it in our congregation. My personal thanks for today is that God finds ways to use me. I like being useful.
Other highlights include a ride out to the lake between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It has been overflowing for a while (since before the earthquake) and it has literally spread a flood plain that has swallowed up houses, hotels, water irrigation systems and who knows what else. No one seems to know when the flow of water will ebb or where. Part of the journey back to our afternoon jobs included some of our group sampling their first taste of sugar cane.
Day Four, June 14, 2011
The day started as all days in Thomazeau do, with the roosters crowing at 4:00 A.M. My pattern has also fallen into place. I lay awake listening to the roosters, doing a little stretching, and saying my prayers. By 5:00 AM, more sounds are emerging on the streets and in the house where we are staying. Women are beginning the cleaning and cooking for the day, vendors are on the street starting to set up and those folks travelling to other areas are already on the streets moving by foot, motorbike or truck. Davi is up brushing her teeth before my feet hit the floor.
I get up and brush my teeth, wash up a little with a tiny container of water, get dressed and take the wash water out to water the vinca plant in the back of the house. Slowly everyone else stirs and begins the same process of getting ready for the day. I am so tired at night from the day's adventure, that I cannot finish my daily Bible reading, so I have taken to doing the second half in the morning while the others are getting ready. I am sure God does not mind I break it up in two parts. Besides, it is almost a comfortable temperature between 5 and 7:00 AM. It really starts getting hot around 8:00 AM and steadily just gets hotter all day.
June is not the best month to take a mission trip to Haiti. Heat and humidity combine to sap all energy quickly and there is no amount of water that can be consumed that will keep a person from some level of dehydration. An added bonus today was a delicious rain that lasted about 10 or 15 minutes. Unfortunately, it was just hotter and stickier afterwards.
After our morning VBS (which went great - yeah for interpreters!), housebuilding, and a lunch of tuna salad, we took a walk to the local swimming hole. There are several natural springs in the Thomazeau area and this one has been dammed up to create a swimming pool. The water can escape to the stream through an overflow area. It was so refreshing just to wade in the stream, at least until I blew out my flip flop. Those stones were killers! Several of group went in the pool. Drake and Nick jumped in right away. Marisa got in after Lynne did. It was awesome to see our youth in a water splashing contest with the local youth. Laughter was the common language.
The ingenuity of the Haitians is enviable. I just figured I would have to walk back to the orphange barefoot, but Lucia and Marcuson, two of our interpreters, decided to try and fix them. Bless them. Marcuson took a stick and jammmed the parts back together so at least it held for the walk back.
Our English classes in the afternoon went well. Today we used story books as a way to encourage conversational English. The children were very responsive.
In my travels to Central America and Kenya, I have seen poverty and suffering up close many times. And yet, God blesses me by helping me to see it fresh again today and still know that even in poverty there is joy and laughter. I am reminded to use eyes of compassion that lead to action as I spend my time here. Service is blessed both to those I serve and to me. Strange how God continues to grow me in ways I never imagined possible.
I look at the bright children at the orphanage and know that The Joseph School is needed to provide a solid secondary education process in a Christian environment. If Haiti was populated with more folks like Lovee and Bobby Trouissant, who take an active leadership role in solving problems when they see them, Haiti could emerge out of its extreme poverty.
The meals the women are preparing for us, with Bobby's help, are a combination of American and Haitian. We had some delicious pumpkin soup one morning and the tomato gravy for rice and potatoes is sooooo good.
I get up and brush my teeth, wash up a little with a tiny container of water, get dressed and take the wash water out to water the vinca plant in the back of the house. Slowly everyone else stirs and begins the same process of getting ready for the day. I am so tired at night from the day's adventure, that I cannot finish my daily Bible reading, so I have taken to doing the second half in the morning while the others are getting ready. I am sure God does not mind I break it up in two parts. Besides, it is almost a comfortable temperature between 5 and 7:00 AM. It really starts getting hot around 8:00 AM and steadily just gets hotter all day.
June is not the best month to take a mission trip to Haiti. Heat and humidity combine to sap all energy quickly and there is no amount of water that can be consumed that will keep a person from some level of dehydration. An added bonus today was a delicious rain that lasted about 10 or 15 minutes. Unfortunately, it was just hotter and stickier afterwards.
The ingenuity of the Haitians is enviable. I just figured I would have to walk back to the orphange barefoot, but Lucia and Marcuson, two of our interpreters, decided to try and fix them. Bless them. Marcuson took a stick and jammmed the parts back together so at least it held for the walk back.
Our English classes in the afternoon went well. Today we used story books as a way to encourage conversational English. The children were very responsive.
In my travels to Central America and Kenya, I have seen poverty and suffering up close many times. And yet, God blesses me by helping me to see it fresh again today and still know that even in poverty there is joy and laughter. I am reminded to use eyes of compassion that lead to action as I spend my time here. Service is blessed both to those I serve and to me. Strange how God continues to grow me in ways I never imagined possible.
I look at the bright children at the orphanage and know that The Joseph School is needed to provide a solid secondary education process in a Christian environment. If Haiti was populated with more folks like Lovee and Bobby Trouissant, who take an active leadership role in solving problems when they see them, Haiti could emerge out of its extreme poverty.
The meals the women are preparing for us, with Bobby's help, are a combination of American and Haitian. We had some delicious pumpkin soup one morning and the tomato gravy for rice and potatoes is sooooo good.
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