Home Safely

Our team made it home safely to Greensboro tonight after the decision to leave Haiti early because of the pending Hurricane scheduled to hit late this evening.  While we are certainly grateful that we were able to get home, our hearts are heavy for the friends we had to leave in Haiti.  Please pray for the people of Haiti; many of whom have nowhere to go for safety and have merely a tent for protection as the Hurricane approaches. 

We did not have continuous internet connection at our home in Haiti, so we were unable to maintain the blog.  We will update the blog with our many adventures and how God was able to use us in unexpected ways.

Sincerely,

Haiti Team #2
Randy, Steve, Arenice, Linwood, Ingrid, Lisa, Onique, Amy and LaToya

Faith Renewed

As we approached the concerete building that appears to be under construction, we can hear the sound of voices singing, hands clapping and drums beating. There was no sign, parking lot or even front door, but the sound of praise let us know that we had reached the Valley of Hope, the church where we would worship today.

We had the honor of worshipping with Pastor Maxeau who has so graciously served as our host here in Haiti.  The story of how the church was founded is amazing.  Every Sunday, he drives two hours through inner city traffic, dodging animals and people,  while motorcycles weave in and out of traffic in order to get to a place called Bernard.  Bernard is situated in the mountains near the Dominican border.  Bernard is rural farming community and the people living there are miles away from any stores, schools or hospitals. Vodoo is commonly practiced there and prior to Pastor Maxeaus efforts, there was only one Catholic church and no protestant churches in the area.

His church was started after God told him to go to a place called Bernard, which he didn't even know existed.  One day, as he was traveling through the contryside, he was sharing his vision with a friend.  As he was sharing his vision, his friend said, "My brother, if God has sent you to Bernard, then you should build your church right here, because this city is Bernard."

So, he went door to door to spread the gospel.  That very day 15 people accepted Christ as their Savior.  And that is how it all began.  He now has approximately 250 members worshipping in a newly built sanctuary, where six months ago once stood merely chairs and palm branches.

Although they had no electricity, no windows and concrete floors, today we were priviledged to celebrate our Father in one of the most powerful, pure and sincerest worship experiences that any of us have ever had. Hallelujah!!!

The people there welcomed us unconditionally as their brothers and sisters in Christ.  What they didn't know is how much their faith, hope and love impacted us.  Seeing their passion for Christ restored and renewed our own faith and helped us go back to the basics of what it means to be a Christian...unadulturated love for Christ and others.

Tomorrow we will be visiting a school in City Soleil, described to us as the poorest slum in the Western Hemisphere.

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we both give and receive hope here in Haiti.

In His name,

Haiti Team #2

Dancing for Jesus

Today we visited the Afka orphanage. Afka is a NDI feeding site and while there, we had the opportunity to actually share a meal with the girls and the workers. This orphanage is home to 18 girls, all under the age of 16.  Some of the girls are there because their parents died…some in the quake, some before.  Other girls are there because their parents had to make the humble decision that they did not have the means to provide adequate food, water and shelter to their child.

When we arrived, we were honored to be a part of a Pastor’s bible study group.  Together, a group of 10+ Pastors meet weekly to discuss their readings of “Experiencing God”, an English bible study series that has been translated into French just for them.  These men travel long distances just to be in the presence of one another for the equipping and encouraging of the saints.  It reminds me of the early church described in the book of Corinthians.  Once these men finish their study, they have made a pact to go and find 12 others to lead in this same discussion.  Here in America, we think we have everything figured out… these men seem to have found the true way of growing and developing disciples.

The rest of our time there was spent playing games and developing relationships with the girls.  We colored, read books, played cards and games.  The most popular game was music freeze.  Although we did not speak the same language, the universal language of dance brought us together for a fun-filled afternoon.

Only God knows what tomorrow will hold…we know there will be bumper to bumper traffic, we know there will be the smell of diesel fuel in the air, but what we don’t know is how God is going to shape our lives as a result of the interactions we have with the people here in Haiti.  We will be worshipping with Pastor Maxeau and his newly built church in the mountains.  Will we have a face to face encounter with a voodoo priests?  They say it’s a possibility… all we know is, if God be for us, who can be against us?!

- Haiti Team #2

The House

Late Friday evening, we were welcomed in a home on the countryside that is rented only to believers.  We had a great dinner made by the wife of one of the Pastors that is hosting us.  The house is beautiful: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, dinning room, living room and a media room… not to mention the balconies that adjoin every one of the upstairs bedrooms.  This place is most certainly a blessing…an oasis of sorts.  Lest we forget we are here on a missions trip, the cold showers quickly bring to our remembrance that we are not here for pleasure.

- Haiti Team #2

Merci Jesus - Day 1

Praise the Lord we arrived safely; we entered the airport and got our first glimpse of the destruction that is a result of the earthquake in January.  The terminal itself was destroyed; they are now using a warehouse to process people going through customs.

On our way to our home for the next 7 days, Randy encouraged us just to observe our surroundings.  The evidence of the earthquake is overwhelming.  There is debris everywhere; multi-level buildings pressed down to the size of a one story home.  In the midst of this destruction, though, there is hope.  You see hope in the faces of kids dressed formally in their uniforms.  You see hope in the eyes of women walking proudly down the street with goods for their families balanced ever so skillfully on top of their heads.  You hear hope in the words of a street corner preacher proclaiming the gospel to any and all who will listen.

The quake did cause destruction and countless lives were loss; but the hope of Haiti lies in its future.  It was the tilling of the soil in order to prepare the ground to receive the seed of the gospel of Christ.  A revolution is most certainly on the rise.

- Haiti Team #2

Haiti Team #2 Ready for Take-Off

Haiti team #2 will depart GSO at 7:10 am tommorrow (Friday) We will be working in support of schools and orphanages as they care for their children.  Please pray for the safety and good health of this team.  Times are tough where we  are going!    Our 9 team members represent 4 churches (Westover, Mt. Zion, Calvary Christian, Forest Hills Presb)  and spands an age range of at least 40 years.  Some are first timers (newbies as we call them) others are " old pros. "   We will blog as we can and we count on being covered in prayer as we know we will.     Well that is all for now,  GOD CALLED we got to go.   Randy

Journal - Day 8

Day 8:  October 8, 2010

Today is our last day in Haiti.  The team is tired and recognizes the day as being bittersweet.  We have seen so many things, felt so many emotions, and have each experienced God is many different ways.  We look forward to going home, but feel that our hearts could stay & serve for another few days.  We will leave Habitation Hatt with much more than memories.  We will live with the picture of a broken country permanently engrained in our hearts.

Our team is no longer a team.  We are a family.  We love each other as if we have been together our entire lifetime.  We trust each other with our finest belongings and our rawest sentiments.  We depend on each other to love us through difficult experiences.  And we share an experience that changed all of our lives.  Together forever in Christ. 

Although the ground in Haiti is shattered, the people here remain hopeful.  The broken structures may not ever be repaired, but the joy brought to Haiti from the missionaries that come, heals many broken hearts. 

On our way to the airport, we passed a billboard with a picture of Jesus and a kreole statement beside His picture.  This was the most fitting way to leave Haiti in our hindsite.  The saying was:  “ Jezi se embwa ou”  Translation?  Jesus is our hope.

Amen.

- Fran

Journal - Day 7

Day 7:  October 7, 2010

Today is our last full day in Haiti.  We are in a routine now…up at 6—breakfast at 7—departure by 8 (well the departure time may vary a little).  Today we were returning to the Baptist Mission.  The Baptist Mission is what I would call a visitor’s center for Christians.  It rests on a steep hillside which consequently offers a breathtaking view for its guests.
 
Today, our transportation offered a bit or relief for our fellas.  Pastor Maxo was leading our crew, so we actually had TWO vehicles to get us to our destination.  Shelly, Barbara, Adam and I rode with Thierry in his truck, while Sean, Scott, Tom and Randy took a seat with Pasto Maxo.  As we drove up the long, twisting roadway, the temperature began to decline.  We turned off our AC, rolled down our windows, and were able to breathe in the mountain air.  We took notice of the local residents lining the streets selling their goods to anyone who would be brave enough to stop and shop.  Per typical practice in Haiti, we were continually passed by motorbikes zipping around corners at a very fast speed.  We could hear discussions of the riders fade in and fade out as they sped up and quickly passed.  We could see the local pedestrians hop on the back of a tap tap as it slowly made its way around the curvy street.

We reached the Baptist Mission, and the first thing on everyone’s mind was BATHROOM!!!  Yay!  We had toilets that actually flushed!  We were here to each lunch, so we quickly ordered our American meals, and waited at our tables overlooking the mountains.  It truly looked like we were in a different place.  We were at a high elevation, almost eye level with the surrounding clouds.  The mountainside was decorated in patches of dark and light green, with the occasional dark brown plots that were used for gardening.  We saw things from a distance, so the beauty of our surroundings was magnified.  Although they were tiny, we could make out the figures of several farmers minding their gardens.  You could see the rushing river miles below.  It was brown, but it helped to define our surroundings.  It was truly a beautiful place.  A reminder that God made Haiti for His liking. 

After lunch, we tooled around the complex looking at local art, reading books on Hatian proverbs, and inquiring about cookies and homemade bread.  On our way down the mountain, we stopped at a guest house offered by Pastor Maxo to see if it would be appropriate accommodations for future mission teams.  The house was beautiful.

When we arrived back in Port au Prince, Pastor Maxo took us into an area we had not been before.  It felt like were driving into the heart of a community, where we could see and hear the heartbeat of this slum.  We parked our cars, grabbed our belongings, and began to walk towards our destination.  Unlike City Soleil, this slum was extremely wet.  The moisture enhanced the smell of wilting garbage and soiled earth.  The waste was our landscape.  We did muddle through an occasional break in the muck to slide through grey sludge made of who knows what.  There were people in every direction, dogs and goats muffling through debris.  There was rotten food, single shoes, plastic bottles, food containers, paper shreddings…there was just litter everywhere.  It was truly like walking on top of a garbage dump. 

We hiked until we reached a small metal gate surrounded by a broken cement building.  When we crossed through the gate, we were greeted by 19 adorable little children.  It was hard to believe there could be an orphanage in the middle of this landfill.  The beauty of these children was a complete contradiction to their backdrop.  Much like the outside neighborhood, the smell of rubbish filled the air.  Due to the enclosed quarters, the odor was overwhelming.  It was obvious that these accommodations had no running water (aka-no septic system).  The floors were very wet, and stained with childhood destitution.  Even the children wreaked of sewage.  It was very dark.  Everything seemed to be the same color, almost like a black and white film.

As you entered the orphanage, you saw three of four laundry lines hanging over your head.  Each one was covered with very dirty laundry that had just been cleaned    There was a rectangular table off to the side encircled by the children...all 19 of them.  

When we came inside, the keeper of the orphanage had the children sing songs for us.  They sang “Jesus Love the Little children”.  They sang it English, and they sang it with pride.  It was very touching.  The children were very well behaved, but it seemed to me that they were sad.  Before the earthquake, there were only 12 kids living here.

My impression of our presence was that we brought color back into this room.  Not just because our clothes were bright and clean, but also because our spirits were light and loving.  We were wearing smiles that were genuine and had arms that were there to offer love of sincerity.  We were also there to play, and a child at play is a child indeed.  It was humbling to see these children light up simply because they got to play with us.  We played Simon Says, River and Bank, and I told the story of the Little Nutbrown Hare (formal title:  Guess How Much I Love You).  We also gave out our “JEZI” bracelets, and you know any child loves to get a gift.  The kids seemed to be a bit more contented than when we first arrived. 

As ½ of our team continued to play, the rest of us took a tour of the orphanage.  It was contained in the broken cement building I mentioned before.  It was three levels.  The top level had only a half of a roof, as it was destroyed in the earthquake.  Pastor Williams, who started the orphanage, mad a makeshift roof out of scrap metal.  This was torn apart in the tornado-like storms the weekend before we arrived.   The kids slept in a room on this level in an area that was still protected by ceiling.  Sean and I took a peek at this room.  There were about 10 crib-size mattresses covering the floor.  A couple of them had sheets, most of them were torn—stuffing coming out of the corners.  There was a broken bookshelf on the far wall housing dirty piles of miscellaneous items.  Sean picked up a huge piece of broken mirror off of one of the mattresses and set it on the bookshelf.  The remainder of the building was much the same.  The difference was that the space in the building was unusable…it acted as storage for donations.  So really, the kids had only the main room and their bedroom to go between.  They never left the orphanage, so that teeny tiny space is all they know. 

On a positive note, Pastor Williams is in negotiations with a French non-profit engineering firm that has agreed to repair the school.  Their agreement is to do the work for $10,000.00 which the Pastor can pay back, interest free, over a 4 year span.  If the plan comes to fruition, the children just might get an education and be able to leave their slum.  The Pastor works through NDI (New Directions International) and has high hopes of getting the $300/month he will need to complete this project.  That is God at work.
We left the orphanage a changed team.  This place just might have been the worst we have seen.  The kids are so small.  For me, it makes me think of home.  I have two young children.  When you think about your own family living in these circumstances, your outlook comes full circle and you change.  I can’t explain it, you just change.  Randy told us before we left on our trip, that we would all get to a place where the line was crossed.  A place where you said to yourself, no more, my heart is broken.  This was that place for me.  When we returned to the car, I cried for these children.  I cried for the people here, the poverty, the devastation, this uneducated and unprotected society.  No one said a thing because they were all in the same place.  Barbara lent me her shoulder and off we went.

We returned to the hotel, made ourselves clean, gathered, loaded ourselves back into the truck and headed into Delmas to have dinner with Pastor Diesel.  This was an evening of grand enjoyment, as Pastor Maxo and his family joined us all for dinner.  It was like everyone we had worked with during the week was gathered under one roof to celebrate what God is doing in Haiti.  It offered reinforcement that our mission trip could get marked in the book as being successful.  We gained a perspective on life here, and gained knowledge of plans to make Haiti grow as a Christian people.  Simply put, “mission” accomplished.


-Fran

Journal - Day 6

Day 6:  October 6, 2010

It is hard to believe we are on our sixth day in Haiti.  The sun has been hot, but so has the Holy Spirit.  He has blessed us with humble hearts that allow us to truly grasp the desolate life of the Haitian people.  God’s plan is so amazing.  Just when you reach a place where you feel there is no hope, He takes you where His presence is apparent, almost robust.

Today was spent with Pastor Maxo.  He has built a church in an area outside of Port au Prince called Bernard.  Although it is only a 25 mile drive to our destination, the drive time was 2 ½ hours.  The drive began the same as all of the others…down a bumpy terrain…into the city where the streets are kind of paved, but very crowded.  We continued past the airport, to the edge of town, driving until the noise of the city began to dissipate.  Although the scenery was improving, there was still not a place on the street that  wasn’t covered with trash. 

As we drove through the countryside, the scenery began to change.  The air grew clearer, the sky went from grey to blue, the honking horns and scores of vehicles turned into an actual act of moving forward.  The streets were lined with trees, and the housing revolutionized from tent cities to cement domes with actual walls and roofs.  It was refreshing.  We did puddle through some of the biggest water holes I have seen in a road.  There was a heavy rain last night, and many of the roads had been washed out.  Although we had to slow down, we did not have to stop.

We were on the main thoroughfare for most of the ride, and then we turned onto a rock road.  The rocks were big and white, and the surrounding terrain was plush green shrubbery.  The mountain range was growing bigger as drove deeper into the village of Bernard.  The sound of Third Day filled our ears sealing in the certainty of our change in surroundings.

We drove on the rock road for about 25 minutes.  We passed small houses way back in the woods, old men walking down the road with their work-mule reined in close behind.  There older kids zipping around us on motorbikes, goats, chickens, horses, and pigs all calling this place their home.  We arrived at the church, and our immediate reaction was “WOW”!!!  The building was beautiful.  The first thing we notices was the beautiful cross looking over the church.  There were three oval steps at the front of the church that led to a small foyer.  The inside was floored and there were windows on all sides.  The pulpit was elevated and behind it was a large wall covered in fresh cement.   The one room church was filled corner to corner with smiling faces…children of all ages.  There brand new babies, toddlers, kids from age three to 12 or 13.  There were mommies and grandmothers and even a couple of daddys.  The teacher was neatly dressed and the kids had an obvious respect and adoration for him.  They were sitting in pews—probably 15 kids in each row.  There were 200 people in school today.  We were greeted with song and clapping and we were asked to walk to the front of the sanctuary.  The music ringing from their voices was an old familiar tune and one quite appropriate for our location and circumstances:  “Jesus loves the little Children”.  And, oh yes—He does. 

When the singing stopped, Pastor Maxo invited each of us to join him, 1 at a time, in front of the kids.  We gave a quick introduction and then we jumped right into our activities.  We sang songs, played Simon says, and handed out our “JEZI” bracelets.  Barbara told a story and Thierry translated, and the kids seemed to love it.  It may seem that our day was comparable to our days in City Soleil, but today was actually quite different….the children were different.  There seemed to be a sense of self efficiency in these kids.  They were very well behaved, and quite respectful of their guests.  They appreciated the attention, but did not seem to be starving for the hugs we were wanting to give.  We got them buttered up pretty quickly, but I did find it interesting how self-satisfied they were.  In the city, we worked very closely as a team…always making sure we were together.  But here, we had to divide and conquer.  Shelley played medic as she doctored up some cuts and bruises out by the truck.  Adam entertained 25 kids all at once with his barking and arm wrestling tricks.  Scott and Tom were helping to make cement.  And Barbara…well she was being Barbara and a group of 10-12 girls by her side everywhere she went.

After a morning of goodness, we helped the church with lunch.  This too seemed to be a little more controlled.  Every single one of these munchkins sat back in their seat….all neatly side by side, and waited, quite patiently for us to bring them their eats!  Today was mana…delicious rice.   As three ladies spooned the rice onto plates, we were there to take the plates to the teacher, who would then serve the children….little ones first.  There was a lot of food.  So much in fact that we ran out of plates and spoons.  As the kids were finishing their lunch, one of the cooks would take the used plates and spoons to the well behind the church.  She would wash them and bring them back for reuse.  It was a process, but it worked.  Everyone had plenty to eat.

After lunch, many of the children said their goodbyes and went home.  Pastor Maxo was very gracious and brought a hot bowl of mana for us.  Our lunch included creole sauce and hotdogs and was accompanied by yummy Coca Cola.  He even gave us cups of ice.

After we finished eating, the Pastor shared his story.  He told us how he awoke one night with an echo from God.  God told him he needed to work and bring His message to an area called Bernard.  He had no idea where this area was.  One day he was hiking and came across a man with a mule.  The man offered to give him a ride.  On their journey, Pastor Maxo shared his story with the man, and the man told him that he was in the area of Bernard.  Truly amazing.

Now…three years later, there is a community of Christ.  There is a church, with a steeple, and 78 members.  There is a handful of houses that now worship the only God instead of hundreds of voodoo idols.  There are people actually working together to make their village one of prosperity and opportunity. 

Pastor Maxo also shared his vision with us.  He would like to move to the area to be closer to his church.  He would like to offer an opportunity with his school on three levels:  1 for primary education (grades k-6), 1 for secondary education (high school), and 1 for vocational education.  This would help bring industry to this area, creating jobs and generating money for family support.  He also said he would love to have a medical clinic in the area too, making healthcare an option for people who-right now-have no choice.

After our meeting, we walked behind the school down a path to a neighboring family’s home.  The walk was about ¼ mile long, and the path was guided by the same large white stones we saw on our way into the village.  We passed what appeared to be ears of corn growing.  It turned out to be cornmeal.  There was an aged woman in one of the fields hoeing the crops.  Pastor Maxo told us it was a community garden.  Along the way, Pastor Maxo shared the story of the family we were going to visit.  He told us it was a family of 17 people.  When they met-they all practiced voodoo.  He witnessed to the family, and all but 1-a beautiful girl who appeared to be about my age-came to Christ.  She said she was not ready to accept our Jesus.  She said she had a husband who was very ill, and that she was praying to her voodoo gods to heal him.  He died soon after.  She is now very close to loving God because her false idols were that indeed—false.  When we arrived, we met the entire family.  The grandparents, the parents, the children, and the grandchildren.  They were all there…and guess what-they were wearing clothes given by folks in Greensboro.  That is a moment that won’t soon be forgotten.

After we returned to the school, we decided to take a walk in the opposite direction and visit a missus named Mary.  Pastor Maxo found Mary when he first began to establish this community.  She was middle-aged and had a family of seven.  They were all naked, and living under a large metal sheet that leaned up against a tree.  When he tried to tell her of Jesus, she said she had no hope, and did not need his Jesus.  Pastor Maxo okay for now, but told Mary he still wanted to help her.  She and her family now live in two bedroom house with a metal roof.  They all have clothing and shoes and have food on their table.  She and five of her children are believers.

Pastor Maxo is truly making a difference in Bernard.  His passion is real and his efforts are evident.  I felt privileged  to have experienced this.

The ride home was long.  We arrived back at Habitation Hatt around 6pm, and we were all famished.  The boys had a hard ride back, as they were on the tatt tatt and had carbon monoxide and gas fumes for their appetizer.   Mmmmm.  We ate dinner together as a family does and enjoyed the luxury of hot food and clean clothes.  It rained again tonight, so the temperature settled on a cooler note.

With full bellies and tired minds, we gathered together for our evening debrief and devotional.  It was the best one yet.  We talked about why God would bring havoc to this society.  We talked about our role in this crazy place and wondered what kind of difference we were making.  Two points were made:  1:  Our goal is not bring God to Haiti.  God is already in Haiti—we just have to be here to do what He wants us to do.  2:  We are making a difference.  Sean gave a great example—he said it all came down to a dress.  If the women do not have a dress, they will not come to church.  And if they don’t come to church, the will not hear the word, and Christ would be lost.  We brought 7 suitcases full of needed items on this trip alone.  Now that will make a difference for a lot of people.

We read from Isiah 58:  True Fasting.  It was the perfect message to end our day.

We are so thankful to rest with a peaceful heart.

Goodnight.

- Fran

Journal - Day 5

Day 5:  October 5, 2010

Once again, we were up with roosters.  The morning came quickly and we found ourselves worn and weary from a short night’s sleep.  The experience of yesterday was still fresh in our minds, trying to find a place to settle in our heart.  It’s funny, when you wake up in a hotel room that is cool from air conditioning, and you can go to the bathroom, and brush your teeth…life seems kind of normal.  You may not have slept in your bed or kissed your kids goodnight, but life is still relatively normal.  But all of that changes when you open up your door.  The sunlight fills your room, but it also illuminates life on the other side of the cement wall.  The view is breathtaking, in a poignant manner.  The hillside is a reminder of real life for the Haitian people.  It is covered with meager housing that barely offers shelter to hundreds of impoverished families.  The sound of muffled discussion echoes in the air, and on occasion you can filter out the sound of a child laughing.  As you look at the horizon, you see a little girl in a bright red smock that sees you right back.  She waves, and runs to hide behind one of the broken walls in her house.  In the patio below, there are 10 little hands reaching thru the opening in the cement wall asking for food.  You cannot see their faces, but you know what they look like.  This is when you realize how far away from you home you truly are.

We met for breakfast and headed out by 8am…back to City Soleil.  The ride into the city was not quite as overwhelming as yesterday.  The sights were becoming typical…crazy traffic, loud horns, and an ocean of people doing their best to maneuver their way thru town.  We passed the same street signs, the same market place, and went to the same location we had been the day before.  However, there was one thing that was new.  Our hearts.  We had knowledge of life in the slum.  God had given us the gift of experience in an area so poverished that you have to see it to believe it.  We were blessed with God’s compassion, which is a required prerequisite to a day in City Soleil.

When we arrived at the school, both classrooms were in session, but there were still many children filtering in.  We received smiles and giggles of acceptance from everyone.   Our activities for today were planned:  Singing “This little Light of Mine”, coloring, giving out “Jesus loves me” bracelets, and of course play, play, play.  Remember—our mission statement says “be Christ, Be Joyful, Be FLEXIBLE”.  Being flexible always seems to come into play.  Instead of us singing to the kids, the kids sang Jesus Love Me to us.  Coloring was the perfect idea, except all of the crayons kept breaking and some of them wouldn’t show up on the paper.  The bracelets were a huge hit, but they were a little too big and everyone wanted one at the same time.  It was a little chaotic, but we indeed adhered to our mission:  we were flexible, joyful, and full of Christ!!!

When our planned activities were completed, we gathered again in the courtyard and the games began.  We played hopscotch, the hand-slapping games (again, like 1000 times), rhythmic games with our hands, and we jumped rope.  The kids were all proudly wearing their “JEZI” bracelets and were squeezing on us as much as we were squeezing on them.  It was truly wonderful.

Today, school seemed a little bit different.  The teacher Maurice was in and out of the locked gate, which allowed the children spare room to act a little more wildly.  They seemed to hang on a little more tightly, and there appeared to be more kids wrapped around you than usual.  In addition to that, the kids from the city that were not students of the school began to sift inside.  This was a bit disruptive, as they all wanted the watch from your wrist, the shoes from your feet, or the shirt from your back.  Sometimes the reality of your circumstances is hard to swallow.  It was amusing to see the reaction of the 200 students when Maurice would return back inside the school.  They scattered, and quickly.  It looked like a herd of deer running from a hungry lion. 

Today was also different for the kids because today they were getting lunch.  They actually got to eat.  Right around noon, the aroma of spices and beans drifted through the air, creating an anxious group of watering mouths.  Our team formed a single file line—going straight from the kitchen to the classroom with  the younger children.  Three, two, one…here come the plates, two at a time, steaming hot, and overflowing with food.  ALLELUIAH!  We worked like an assembly line, delivering the food and filling the tummies of these sweet, precious and hungry little sweetpeas.  After we delivered food to the little ones, we repeated our routine to the 2^nd classroom.  We served 250 children-probably the only meal they will get today.

I was surprised to see the kids waiting for everyone to be served before they ate.  It wasn’t until I heard them saying their blessing that I realized the reason for their delay.

It’s peculiar—you would think that if these children were so hungry, they would have eaten their plate of food with great haste.  On the contrary, they ate very slowly, some picking out the black beans and tossing them aside.  After everyone had finished, it was time for dismissal.  As the kids began to file out, we noticed that the majority of them had a half plate of food.  It was to give to the rest of their family.

The courtyard cleared, but there were a remaining 9-10 kids.  I found myself sitting with a sweet little princess.  She was 11 years old. Although  I could not pronounce her name, we loved on each other like we belonged together.  I asked her if she had any sisters, and her answer was “yes—I have 7 sisters”.  Whoa.  I then asked her if she had any brothers.  Again her answer was “yes—I have 12 brothers.”  I could hardly believe what I was hearing.  I wanted to make sure my understanding of her answer was correct, so I asked Meshaa to ask her again.  I was right, she had 19 siblings.   Meshaa then went on to tell me that the Haitian people prefer to have a large family, and that often the women will have up to 27 children.  Shocking.

We left City Soleil with several escorts from the school, including the sweet princess I spoke of before.  As we loaded our van and climbed in as a group, I took a long hard look at my surroundings.  This is their life.  This is what these people know to be normal, safe and okay.  It was almost hard to feel comfortable in the luxury of the air conditioned vehicle that was stuffed to the rim with all the water we could hold.  As we drove away, the kids from the city ran beside the van with enormous smiles and waved us farewell. 

 - Fran

Journal - Day 4

Day 4:  October 4, 2010

This morning came quickly, although we had a long night’s sleep.  We were up at 6:30-breakfast at 7…and tried to be off by 8.  When we realized our driver Thierry was not on time, we gathered in Randy’s room for a little preparation and a devotional to start the day.  We knew this would be needed because of where we were going.

Scott led the devotional.  He read from Psalms 9.  We discussed our purpose for being here…not to make judgements, not to move mountains. We are here to move people from a place of sadness and despair to hope and promise of God’s love and grace.  Everyone shared a little of what they were feeling.  We talked about how the suffering we are seeing is allowed by God so that we can see the sin in the world.  The earthquake brought recognition to Haiti so that more people will pray for this country, come to this place and bring God’s greatness to a place so desperate.

This was the most appropriate discussion, because our direction for today was City Soleil.  An alternate name for the city is “the slum”.  And that is for a very good reason.  Only having expectations is not enough to prepare you for the poverty of the city. 

Thierry arrived by 9am.  We loaded the truck and the car and headed out.  The drive into town was a little quicker than usual.  Because we were headed INTO town, the streets were paved and traffic was moving.  Driving in town is only explainable in one word:  CRAZY!!!  We darted around trucks, speeding up and slowing down, maneuvering our way thru a maze of drivers.  There were motorcycles zipping by, horns beeping every second, and three girls in Thierry’s car holding on for dear life.  Glad it wasn’t me behind the wheel.

As we drew closer to the school,  the air grew thick we the smell of septic drains.  The streets went from a market place to a place where thousands of people had homes.  And by homes, I do not mean houses.  I mean, and to put it candidly, shelters.  There were cardboard walls topped with tarps held on by rocks.  There were rusted dividers with tin roofs that had no doors or means of support.  There was a water source nearby, but it ran a dark grey throughout the center of the town.  There were people everywhere.  I saw elders, mothers, daddy’s, brothers and sisters, babies, dogs, goats, and pigs…all sharing the same living space.  The stench in the air took my breath away…and I quickly thought how I hadn’t brought my Vicks vapor rub to put beneath my nose.

We exited the vehicles, and gathered closely to assemble our things.  We walked in a line down a small rock covered path surrounded by disarray.  We got a lot of looks, most of which were smiles.  I couldn’t believe I was so warmly greeted from a people so stunted by progress.  Our crew—10 people carrying backpacks, bottled water, coolers of ice, a suitcase of surprises…we were clean, we weren’t hungry, and we were white.  We were welcomed.

The school, if you can call it that, was located about 100 yards from the main road.  It was a still-standing cement building that had a metal gate at the entrance.  There was no floor.  There was no roof.  There were no bathrooms, no electricity, and no running water.  There was a lot of nothing, but there was also a lot of happiness inside.  When we entered the school, we heard the children.  There were two classrooms, both located to the right of the building.  The first room was for the older kids…ages 5-13/14.  The second room was for the smaller children…ages 1-4.  The office, which was the only place the kids could not enter was to the left. 

Upon our arrival, we dropped our belongings in the office, and headed towards the classroom.  Initially, we entered the classroom for the big kids.  When we walked in…there they were.  100 adorable faces, sitting in desk chairs repeating words given by there teacher.  They all looked at us with anxious eyes, chomping at the bit to come and hug our necks.  It was amazing.  We entered the classroom, and within seconds, these kids, these perfect, sweet,  precious little kids, were holding our hands, asking our names, and laughing with excitement. 

The teacher called order to the classroom, and the kids in perfect synch and harmony loudly sang Jesus Loves Me.  It was a joyous moment.  And guess what…Jesus was there.  In the slum, in the sludge, in the school with no ceiling or floors…Jesus was there.  He was with us.  He was our arms, our tongues, our smiles and our heart.  He was there.  

After the music, the big kids got back to learning their French, and we went to the second classroom to visit the babies.  There were probably 30 tots in this room.  There was no teacher, but they seemed pretty controlled.  Before we could even get in the room, they were on top of us.  They would look up at us with reaching arms begging to be held.  They would smile at us and take a hard look at our earrings and watches.  And although they were so eager to be loved, I was absolutely astonished at how well they took care of each other.  They were so little, and so self efficient. 

Within minutes, the big kids had been released from class, and we all gathered in the courtyard.   Now typically, when one hears the word courtyard, we think of a grassy knoll with beautiful pink flowers and kids running around playing ball.  But in Haiti, the word courtyard has a different meaning.  The courtyard at this school was so opposite of the typical it is hard to explain.  Again…there are no floors in this school.  So the courtyard was a cement slab in the middle of the school, with sky on top, and rocks on bottom.  The floor was wet with urine and spilled water, and the air was heavy with stench.  The kids did not know the difference.  Some of the children had no shoes, and some of them had no pants.  But all of them had a heart for God and the rare opportunity to be in school.  And you know what we did?  We played.  We played the hand-slapping game (like 1000 times), we played ring around the rosies, we held, we squeezed, we kissed, we loved these children.  Some of them kept asking for water, or for our watches, but most just wanted our affection. 

It was quite apparent how “lucky” these kids were.  When we looked at the gate that opened into the city, it was lined with feet.   There were so many children outside of the gate that wanted to be in.  It was quite eye opening.  As it turns out, school is truly a privilege here….it is not free.  As a result, 80% of the Haitian people are illiterate.  That is pretty hard to comprehend.

Towards the end of our visit, we gathered the candy lolly’s we had brought to hand out.  The teacher had the kids line up in four rows, and we walked down the line handing them each a lollipop.  I was glad to give a treat, but my heart wanted to give them so much more.  If I could, I would give them the clothes on my back or the shoes from my feet.  Even a bag of Hanes would make a difference in this place. 

The kids grabbed a cup of juice, said “au revoir”, and off the went. 

The team was hot, tired, smelly, and standing in feces.  We were surprised at the quiet calm that took over the school when the kids left.  We picked up lolly wrappers and stems and any remaining trash from the cement floor and took a moment to breathe.  The quiet did not last long.  Within minutes-people from the city began entering the school.  There was a water barrel in the back of the school that was apparently for local families to use.  They were coming and going with buckets of water balanced atop of their heads. 

Just before our departure, a few of us gathered on the roof of the school.  This put things into a more realistic perspective.  For as far as you could see, there were these tin roofs.  There were naked babies everywhere.  There was black smoke from burning trash filling the sky with a trail of soot.  The waterway, which is their source of food (fish) was surrounded by trash.  So much trash, so much pollution, so much poverty…I just can’t explain it. 

We walked back down the rock-covered path to the car.  The girls left, the boys stayed to work on the foundation of Pastor Diesel’s new school.  I will never be the same.

- Fran

Journal - Day 3

Day 3:  October 3, 2010

Awake at 6—breakfast at 6:30--& off to Pastor D’s church for a morning of worship.  The drive up the mountain was bumpy, but calming at the same time.  We were so excited to see God at work—feel his presence and see the smiles He delivers with his love & grace.

The church, in its physical sense, was broken.  The three-story cement building was in a crumbling pile—with only the bottom level solid enough for people to gather.  There were probably 50-60 people present—including Pastor D and the choir.  Our team quietly gathered in the back of the church—hoping to add no distraction to our fellow Christians.  We received many glances—all holding smiles—the atmosphere was obviously God.

The sermon was from Esther:  chapter 4 verses 15-17.  It was delivered by an 89 year old elder who has been a Christian since his early twenties.  Although it was delivered in French, we were able to read our own Bibles and be engaged in the message.  It was truly amazing.

Now—when you take such a powerful sermon and couple it with a wall-trembling choir—the end result is an emotional connection thru Christ with 50-60 new brothers and sisters.  It was pretty awesome.  The choir was composed of both men & women—but there was only one holy spirit—and He rocked it out!  The congregation was completely engaged—all singing as loudly as they could.  There was an echo--& with Lord’s help—I am certain it was heard down the mountain and throughout the city.  I just can’t say enough about how impactful, how moving the worship was.  Simple, heart-felt and sincere.

In my opinion-although their buildings have crumbled, the spirit in the Haitian people has not.

After the sermon had ended—the congregation stood up and began to filter out.  We received many handshakes, kisses on the cheek, and winks and giggles from the adorable little kids.  The crowd was dressed to the nines—many of the men in a full suit.  Many of the little girls wore lacy girly frocks—and they all had on shoes with socks covered in ruffles and lace.  Too cute!  The boys in the churchwere very well manicured wearing pressed khakis and clean popo shirts.  Everyone was in bright colors and happy to look their best in God’s house.

A little over half of the people made their exit and went on their way.  The remaining crew sat down for another small sermon—and then communion.  We stood up one row at a time and made a line to the front of the church.  We each took our body and blood (some of us took more than others, Scott) and returned to our seats.

As we waited to take communion, Barbara noticed the female ushers and was able to identify their true role in the church…and that would be to bust people (jk).  These ladies would nudge the sleepy heads back to consciousness.  They would tell the little girls to be quiet, quit playing and to pay attention.  They even took away a ringing cell phone that went off during the service.  HEEHEE.  Kind of funny! 

Pastor Diesel spoke again in French, but we all understood the message:  we were at the Lord’s table giving thanks, asking for forgiveness, and celebrating the love of Christ.  It was moving and a truly unique experience for all of us.

After church in Haiti (I love saying that—church in Haiti)—we began making our way towards the Baptist mission.  We drove thru the center of town—which was a hustling market place.  There were so many people in the streets-our truck was more like a passerby than a mode of transportation.  The goods for sale varied from one vendor to the next.  There was jewelry, engine oil, sticks, mops, bread, raw chicken, live chickens, fried fish, clothing, furniture and more.  It was very busy.  It was very impressive.

We stopped for lunch at a Domino’s Pizza.  How crazy is it that in the middle of a dirty, deficient, needy society, there would be a Domino’s Pizza…and it was G-O-O-D!  We ate, climbed back into our vehicle and headed up the mountain.  We drove around the curvy hillside, passing vehicles…speeding up and slowing down.  As the elevation grew, the temperature grew cooler, and the poverty grew to be less and less.  About ½ way up the mountain, it started to rain, and rain, and rain.  This wouldn’t have been too big of a deal had the boys not been in the back of the truck.  They were getting pelted with rain, which can be quite painful when you are traveling 45 miles per hour. 

When we arrived, there was no complaint from the guys, and excitement from all of us.  The ride, the rain, the trip was worth it.  The view was amazing.  You could see all of Port au Prince.  You could see the ocean.  You could point out the different parts of town…see the tent villages from a topical view.  It was almost like the devastation was gone, and this beautiful place was just there…wrapped in a beautiful mountain range.  Breathtaking.

After 20 minutes of oohing and ahhing…we bartered for braclets and got back in the car.  Back to the luxury of our home for the week, the Habitation Hatt.

Our evening was spent back at Pastor Diesel’s house.  Once again, Magda prepared an amazing meal:  lasagna, BBQ chicken, regular chicken, mashed potatoes, grilled bananas, slaw…and believe it or not….sweetened iced tea.  They have truly been so welcoming and made us feel so loved when we are so far away from home.

All in all, it was a wonderful day, a wonderful evening, and another testimony to God’s good work.

-Fran

Journal - Day 2

Day 2:  October 2, 2010

We are here, in Haiti, and now Haiti is in us.  The poverty in this place is blatant and in your face, but the people are seemingly satisfied.   Today is Saturday, and there were people everywhere.  It was hot, but not overbearing.

Let’s just start at the beginning…

We gathered for breakfast here in our hotel:  Habitation Hatt.  Breakfast was very American—eggs, toast…and DELICEOUS coffee.  We talked about our duties for the day and reminded each other of our mission statement:  “Be Christ, Be joyful, Be flexible”.  Pretty good advice in Haiti.

The team split up—Randy, Scott, Tom & Adam went into City Soleil to do construction, while Barbara, Sean, Shelly and I went into Afca Village.

The trip into Afca was truly enlightening.  We were driven by Pastor Maxo.  We traveled down broken roads—rocks and rubble not only created holes and trenches, but also gave life to large mounds and speed bumps.  The air was filled with dust and smells of devestation faded in and out throughout the entire 30 minute drive.

There were people everywhere—people of all kinds—young, old, boy, girls, some laughing, some crying…all kinds of people.  Every inch of the street was lined with vendors…people selling whatever they had.  There were men carrying wrapped wood on their heads—women carrying huge bags of rice.  There was even a alday carrying a basket of chickens on her head-not missing a step.

I can’t explain the feeling…the desire I have to help.  I am so glad God brought me here.

The devastation from the earthquake remains.  The families here reside in tent villages.  The tents are different-but all very much the same.  Some families had material coverin their entrances—acting as a door.  I saw one tent that used large white window shutters as their door.  The tents were side by side—leaving no privacy--& no peace and quiet.  There were children in and out of the tents, dirty, but not complaining.  There were dogs running about in the streets, and random goats baaaing and chewing on whatever they could find.

I saw buildings that had collapsed—with only metal rods and broken cement remaining.  I saw people living on top of those remains in tents or cardboard boxes.  There is no running water—no electricity—but thousands of people.

We arrive at the Afca Orphanage to find its exterior to be no different than many others.  It was behind a large cement wall with a large metal gate at the entrance.  The 1^st thing I saw was three little girls curiously spying us from behind the gated entrance.  They were smiling from ear to ear—obbviously excited to have visitors.

We were greeted with smiles—kisses—and overwhelming gestures of “glad to see you”.  No time was wasted as the precious little girls adhered to their guests.

Deborah walked across the room and immediately took my hand.  She gave me many hugs and wouldn’t let me out of her sight.  She gave me a tour of the orphanage and proudly explained her way of life in here in Afca.  With my broken French—I was able to learn about her.  She is 12 years old and has lived here in the orphanage for a while.  I do not know what happened to her parents.

We had so much fun playing with these girls.  There are 18 girls ages 8 to 18 living here.  We gave them a party with party hats, blow horns, cookies, and lot of presents.  Barbara read a story & Pastor Maxo gave the translation (Barbara is good)!!!.  After things settled-Theresa (the Mami of the girls) came in.  She got all of the girls ina group…and they sang.  It was absolutely beautiful, truly bringing tears from my heart.

After a three hour visit, it was time to leave.  We gave tight squeezed and heart-felt kisses to our new friends.  So innocent—so sweet—God’s perfect children.

We returned to Habitation Hatt with an awkward feeling of contentedness.  Content that we spent time with young girls needing love?  Content that this is Haiti, and NOT home?  Or perhaps just contentedness inknowing this is all part of God’s perfect plan.

Barb, Shelly and I spent the rest of our day sorting thru donations.  We had FIVE SUITCASES full of give-aways.  AMAZING!

Dinner was spent at Pastor Diesal’s house.  His wife, Magda, spoiled us with an authentic Haitian meal:  pork ribs, black rice, spicy salad, green beans, and rolls.  One word:  YUM!!

When we returned to our hotel-we debriefed as a team and had a small devotional.

Now—it is 11pm, and I’ve been writing for an hour.  This story is to be continued…

Goodnight!

-Fran

Journal - Day 1

Day 1:  October 1, 2010

Well here we are…in the Miami airport…1/2 way to Haiti.  We’ve made thru the 1^st leg of our journey.  Me, Barbara, Sean, Adam, Tom, Scott & Shelley.  Our flight into Miami was short-approximately 2 hours.  But our wait for export is the total opposite-4 hours long.

We all gathered this morning at PTI…the team, our spouses, & our 14 bags of luggage.  The sunrise was timid-not showing its face until we boarded the plane.  The airport was calmly hustling with the few traveling patrons darting here and there.

After our initial greetings to each other, & our hug-filled farewell to our families, we decided we should get the trip on its way.  Barbara (a.k.a. “boss”, “big mama” & “sweet thang”) led the way to the ticket counter.  When the American Airline ticket agent saw our approach (remember, we had 14 bags), she asked if we were going on a missions trip.  The answer?  YES!!!  I wonder what gave us away?

Sweet Diana, patient, kind, giving-hearted Diana, delivered us our first blessing.  By not charging us the $60/person baggage fee, she saved our team $420.00.  AND…she also gave us a handful of well-packed toiletry bags to be distributed where needed.  I tell you-God’s grace is everpresent!  Who knew we would encounter one of His angels within the 1^st forty-five minutes of our trip!

Once our bags were well on their way, God’s 2^nd angel showed up:  Pastor Lynn!  He walked into PTI (looking very well-pressed, I might add) wearing a smile and handing out hugs and well-wishes.  We held hands, prayed as a family and off we went.

Now, as I said—here we sit.  Waiting for the call to oard our plane…anxiously waiting to start our mission…serve God…and love others.  Let the 2^nd leg of our journey begin!

HERE WE COME HAITI!  HERE WE COME!!!

-Fran

We have arrived!

The team arrived safely this after noon and reunited with Randy.  Tom said they were taking in all the sites, sounds and smells that comes with entering a country such as Haiti.  No doubt the team is in sensory overload.  The hotel is, as one person put it "a little tropical paradise", very clean and comfortable considering the conditions out side the walls of the hotel.

Randy is working hard with our contacts there to work out details of the construction portion of the relief efforts.   Please pray that God will show them what He would have them do while they are there and long term how to best come along side NDI and the nationals.

Continue to pray for the team, that they would be unified, healthy and seek God's heart in all things.

Please also pray for the family that was left behind. Pray that all the details of the "day to day" would be worked out and that they would sense God with them daily.   I told Tom this evening that it has been a humbling experience for me to be on the other side so to speak.  I have been the one to travel the past 2 years and he has stayed home, knowing the only comfort he had was to trust God completely for my safety.

Hopefully by Saturday they will have the computer working and the team will be able to post updates.

God is good all the time!

Posted for the team
by Sharon B.

Team Departure

 The team left this morning for Haiti and all went well in Greensboro. Actually better than "well".  God is blessing the team already.  The ticketing agent for American airlines that check them in has been to Haiti and her heart was broken for the people there.  She told Barbara that she wanted to be sure and check the team in personally as she would not charge for the checked bags since it was a mission trip, the other agents would charge.  The team was able to check 14 50# bags at no cost! She also gave the team personal hygiene care kits to give out while there... God is always going before us and paving the way!

In my devotion time this morning I read from "Jesus Calling".  The following is an excerpt from today

"WORSHIP ME ONLY".
I am King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in unapproachable Light.  
I am taking care of you! I am not only committed to caring for you, but I am also absolutely capable of doing so." 

Sharon B. for the team

Almost Time

Hey Team,  This is my first ever blog entry. Just want you each to know how much I am looking forward to your company in Haiti next week.  I will email you as soon as I can after arrival with contact numbers etc. See you all on Sunday 3 pm.   Randy