Our last day on Haiti

Today we made the difficult trip back to Port Au Prince.  It was difficult because we were leaving the kids and the time we have had the last four days.  It was an adventure getting up to Desire after a large rain last night made us get stuck once.  The time with the kids was great, but it was hard to leave them.  Tomorrow we fly back to home, but we know we will be coming back changed for the better as God has worked in us.  

Tonight we shared the verse from Matthew 25, "And the King will answer them, Truly I say unto you, whatever you did to the least of these my brothers, you did unto me."  While we came to serve, we have all been impacted by these beautiful people.

Last day in Desire

This was a group picture taken before we left. There were a lot of tears. Now the long journey back home.

Sunrise on the rooftop

For the last morning in Gonaives, my daughter and I went up on the rooftop to watch the sun rise. This is looking to the north at some nice views.

Last full measure

Today was our last full day in Desire.  We changed our plans a bit so that we can visit a friend tonight.  We stayed up there for an extended time rather than making two trips.  We shared the story about David and Goliath, read to the kids and just played with and loved on them.  They enjoyed the jump ropes and frisbees we brought, as well as coloring sheets.  Our team really emptied their tanks and gave it their all to love these kids.  I asked our translator, Volcy, what do the kids enjoy most about us coming down.  He said, they just love you spending time with them and holding them.  Enough said.

What did we eat?

One of the things I look forward to on our trips is the food.  It is an unwritten rule, that when in Haiti, eat as the Haitians do (although I think they go a little easier on us "blancs").  Well, one of those delicacies is goat.  It is one my favorite dishes and is so tender. Well last night she tried it!  And, I must say she finished her meal before me.

Another favorite is spaghetti for breakfast!  I don't know how they make it, but is Bon ampiel!

One world, one language

One of the greatest challenges we have on our journeys to Haiti is the language barrier.  While we can learn a little Creole just to be polite, it ends about the time we figure out names.  But, the one thing that is universal in any language is a smile.  It transcends cultures and barriers and opens up a world of possibilities.  When we show that one person that we genuinely care about him or her, they begin to open up.  And while we may might not be able to understand the words each of us speaks, in that moment we have touched each other's life.  

Sunday in Desire

I stayed  back today with my daughter since we both weren't feeling well.  Today the team had the chance to worship in Gonaives and Desire today as well as have lunch and spend time with the kids.  They had a full day and their biggest "highs" were spending time in church and hanging out with the kids.  They had a bit of adventure coming back as Pastor Jeannot's truck broke down.  But like all good resourceful Haitians, our driver was able to put it back together for him

quickly!  In all, it was a good day for the team and tomorrow we have a full day with two times at Desire and going to visit Jan Thompson's home and learn about her work with orphans here in Gonaives.

Are you rich?

Last night in our debrief, the question was asked:  "What does it mean to be rich?  And, are you rich?" Our team is working the through this question and sees the answer in the God's word when it says: 

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,  that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations." Psalm 67:1-2 ESV

Watching our team wrestle with seeing how much we have been blessed with in comparison to what we see here is an awesome experience.  In the end, it is about being rich in faith and content with blessings.  

A new trick

Today we spent two times at Desire. One of the things that we did this time is to have one of our team members perform some magic with the kids. The kids and adults were enthralled with Phil and his talent. At one point, we thought we might lose all the kids sitting on the rest of us to Phil's show! In all, it was a really good day. We loved on the kids, practiced English, played games, and shared the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho. Our team did really well with engaging kids and letting them hang all over them. Tomorrow, we go to worship the kids and community at Desire.

First day in Haiti

Despite traveling a lot in the last 12 hours, we are thankful that we made connections and had a safe journey.  It was so encouraging to see the improvements to the airport and, most importantly, our orphanage in Desire.  Since I was last here 15 months ago, homes for the boys and girls have been built, new offices, security fence and gates, kitchen and other improvements.  It is amazing to see the transformation of this place by God's hand.

While the improvements are big encouragers, the best part of today was watching our team members new to Haiti  and listening to how excited they are to be in the place and with these kids.  When we pulled in to the orphanage, kids were clambering over each other to cling to our team. It was great to see the familiar faces and how much they have grown.  Our team did really well with just loving on and hanging with the kids.  Watching our young team

members engage with the kids was a real encouragement too.  In all, it was a great day and we are all going to rest well tonight.

Took this picture yesterday. The well is working again and is a great source of encouragement to Desire!

In Haiti!

We just arrived in Gonaives!  Getting checked in and hope to get up to the orphanage soon. It is definitely hot here!

Tropical Storm Chantal dissipates

Well, we had our first big trial as we have waited to see how Tropical Storm Chantal would impact our trip.  After watching and praying, we are "good to go."  Getting up to the orphanage would be a problem if there was too much rain as we need to cross a river bed and go over some steep terrain.  There is still rain, and we still need prayer for safe travels, but everything seems okay to get up to the orphanage at this point.  Worst case scenario, we hike in.  Either way, we will be able to see those bright shining faces!

A new journey

This week, I will be traveling back to Haiti on a short mission trip with my church, Faith E Free.  This will be my fifth trip to this beautiful country.  I am most excited about taking one of my daughters with me to experience the wonderful people and see how God will work through and in us.  

We have an awesome team of eight people from our church and plan to spend time with the children at the orphanage in Desire, Haiti.  We will share stories from the Bible, teach English, and play some games.  It should be a great time seeing how God is going to bridge two cultures as we grow together for his purpose.  More to come later this week!