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