Lane’s Blog Star 12/31/2015 Carrefour Haiti

               Today started out with a beautiful sunrise and the sounds of dogs barking and roosters crowing at an early 5:45 am.  Thankfully we had electricity so we were able to make a fresh pot of coffee to enjoy with our breakfast. Breakfast here is not your normal breakfast. It usually consists of tomatoes and lettuce paired with spaghetti. Well plain spaghetti which we put mayonnaise and ketchup on it if you are brave enough.

                After breakfast and getting ready for the day we all headed up the hill to walk around the community. The farther we got up the hill the more beautiful the view got. The view was not the most amazing part though. Walking around the  community you meet all kinds of people, but they all have one thing common and it is impossible not to notice it. They all have beautiful smiles as you approach to talk to them. Even though there is a huge language barrier there is no hesitation on their part to walk up and start a conversation.

                While talking to the people we would ask if they had any medical needs that we could help them with. One lady wanted us to take her blood pressure and sitting her down was all it took to tip the iceberg.  As surely as we were done with hers there was already a line of people ready to have theirs tested as well.  After about 20 minutes and many people later all of our nurses had a chance to test someone’s blood pressure.  We continued to walk around and even the people with some of the worst conditions were just filled with joy and blessed to be alive.

                We eventually made it down to a community soccer field unfortunately we had no soccer ball. We did however have a Frisbee. We attempted to teach the kids the concept of Frisbee, but they thought it would just be more fun to run around with it and play keep away from us. We were outnumbered 5 to 1 and had no luck at succeeding at the game of keep away.

                We went to back to base for lunch which consisted of homemade bread to which we made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from. We spent the next couple of hours preparing for the next couple days. We put together all of our hygiene kits to give out at our Christmas party and at the doctor’s office we will be visiting. We also divided out all of the school supplies that we brought down to be taken to the Christmas party as well.           

                Me and Theodore (he prefers Ted) went down the street and attempted to keep up with the, locals in a friendly game of soccer. We started out scoring the first three goals, but after that the Haitians scored 5 in a row and we called it a game. We walked back home and showered and prepared for dinner. We learned a new game today that the Malone group taught us called Dutch Blitz. It is more less the same thing as nertz but with colors instead of suites. Me and my teammate Savannah dominated.

Now after having a wonderful dinner  consisting of chicken  pasta salad two forms of fried plantains and a local dish called picilis(Haitian coleslaw with a jalapeno vinaigrette) we sit out on the porch reminiscing of good times and learning about all of our  new friends  that we are forming down here.  With no electricity it is completely dark as await the ringing in of the New Year, exciting to start of the new year  by spreading Gods love mercy and grace with this wonderful country.

P.S.  Some kid named Cody finally arrived safely with no troubles. J 

Feel free to comment or ask questions I am here all week. Well more like 8 days but you understand.

                                                Lane (Aka Lame) Salsbury

Cody here

Cody has arrived safely and joined the team, gotten organized and we are ready for debrief soon. Tomorrow Grant comes and then the team is complete. 

Day One

Here are some photos from the first day...

2nd group arrived

The Malone University students have arrived now too (except a few that missed flights and will join us in a day or so). Eating a YUMMY dinner..... Update later

Arrived!!

The first part of the group has arrived at the base safely. Kelsey, Mike and Lane are sitting on the porch eating spaghetti before bed!! 

Center

Here is a photo taken inside the new training and discipleship center.... Excuse the mats and little bit of furniture. There are still people living in it, but this large community area will be used as a classroom! This is beyond exciting for us to have this right next door to our mission base. (team members and staff can walk over for ministry) If you are still thinking of making an end of year donation, this is a GREAT way to help us reach out better to those in our own community. We still need about $3000 to have this project fully funded. We also need people to come and guest teach once things are up and running- hint hint.  #heartsunited #haiti #discipleship #outreach #orphanprevention #excitingnews #donate #missionarylife 

UPDATES

Sorry I have not kept up again... there are just too many social media outlets to manage (facebook and instagram get the most attention because they are easily accessed on my cellphone).  Anyway, here are updates from the last time I wrote....

-Upcoming mission trip (Dec, 30, 2015- Jan. 9, 2016)  WILL be happening.  There was some question due to elections and potential for unrest, but things are calm here in Haiti (at least in and around Carrefour).  Also, it was just announced last evening that elections will be postponed until January 10th so this makes the trip just like any other.  We have medical (nursing) students coming as well as some others who have been here to Haiti before.  We plan to do clinics and observations in other health settings, but also to hold a pretty in-depth young adult Bible Study for a few days and visit the orphanage quite a bit (even holding our annual Christmas Party with gifts and a HUGE meal for the children there).  Follow this blog to see daily updates from the team starting Dec. 30th.

-Training & Discipleship Center HAS BEEN RENTED!  This is very exciting news and the house God picked for us could not be more perfect.  Now we just need to get in there, clean, and set it up to use.  We have already talking to someone and will be meeting again early January. She has a small business and is looking to expand her production line.  She needs a new location where a few locals can be hired/trained to make pieces of her products- they will then either be sent to the main location to be finished, or possibly even finished here in Carrefour.  This is RIGHT in alignment with our vision of creating jobs for our neighbors, but also for cleaning up our community (she uses recycled trash) and for being able to mentor/disciple those who come to the center.
     We are still trusting God for the rent money for this house.  We still need $3000 US to rent the building for a year and get it ready, but the opportunities for outreach and impacting lives for Christ is well worth that investment!  This is SO EXCITING!  (if you would like to help toward the costs associated with operating this facility, please let us know or send a donation noting that it is for the Training & Discipleship Center to Hearts United with Haiti  PO Box 55, Morgantown, PA 19543- thanks)

-Orphanage-  Pastor's family is still in "crisis mode".  It has been quite a year for them.  First, his illness in the beginning of 2015, and now his wife is ill so there have been many financial hurdles for them as well as many physical/emotional ones.  We have been over there visiting and trying to help in any way we can with the children.  New chickens (30 of them) have been purchased and delivered to replace those that stopped laying eggs.  Food, fruit/milk, and other supplies have been delivered and donated to them.  The Nannies have been paid (including a Christmas bonus) and have started their Bible Study which I will continue to lead until one of them assumes the leadership role for this.  The children are well and look great when we go visit.

-Bas-Citronniers;  Goats are doing well and they are actively seeking to sell them during this Christmas season when the price is high.  The school children had a Christmas party I was not able to attend, but I got LOTS of photos from the committee there.  The children are making progress in school and test results have shown that.  We were able to repair some areas of the roof where there were holes (from wear) and replace some rotting boards holding the structure together.  They were rotted due to water damage from the holes in the roof.  We are still VERY pleased with the progress out there and the decisions/leadership initiative that the committee has taken.  They are WELL on their way toward sustainability which is exciting.

That's about all the battery life I have time for today.  Keep looking for updates from the team starting December 30th and I will try to post again prior to that.  God bless!

MINISTRY NEEDS 2016

I know we put a list of the Christmas ideas, but here's God has given us for 2016 and beyond.

     -we have the opportunity to rent a building (right across the
             street from our existing mission base) to start the
             Discipleship & Training Center again.  It is an
             amazing opportunity, but we will need funds to build
             desks, put up chalkboard(s), and get things up and
             running.  Also, the rent will be $3500 for the first year.
   
     -we feel led to help the community school in Bas-
           Citronniers (very remote) with some of the needs
           they have there such as adding to their goat raising
           program (they need land, shelter, etc... for the goats
           they already have been raising to sell and they will
           eventually need a new roof for the school building).  We
           recently helped them with repairing the existing roof, but
           that was only a temporary fix.  The supporting structure
           for the roof is really rotted and needs replacing in the
           next few years (if not sooner).   We would also like to help
           them invest in solar power too since they currently rely on
           a generator for power but that requires gas. These will
           help insure they are able to be self-sustaining in the future.

     -God is leading and directing us to continue to look for land
          to purchase once our legal status in Haiti is finalized ( we
          were told it should be done by MARCH- yay!).  This land
          will be used to build our mission base and Training &
          Discipleship Center where we will do many types of
          community outreach (Bible Studies, classes in English/
          literacy/nutrition/etc. as well as various seminars for
          pastors, to teach job skills, and to reach our local
          area through education and discipleship).  In Haiti it is
          difficult to find someone to finance land, so we will need
          to have the bulk of the funding to purchase the land, then
          we will raise funds to build.  Land we have been seeing
          for sale that will serve our needs will be about $5000 US
          per acre.

Please consider one of these opportunities when thinking about your end-of-year donation.  God is moving in mighty and FAST ways lately in the ministry.  We are blessed to be part of His work in Haiti (and stateside).  **there are other aspects of the ministry that are in need of continued funding (ie:  the former orphan girls who have left Life is Wealth -- we help support them with education and occasional food/supplies and discipleship) but these three are the biggest ones.  A donation to "greatest need" will be put into a general account to be used as needs arise within the ministry.  We would LOVE for you to come to Haiti yourself and see first-hand the ministry in action.  Until then, continue to follow our blog, facebook and instagram for photos and updates.  Thank you and GOD BLESS this Christmas season!

Roofing 101

One of the reasons Ron came during this trip was to help with some construction on the new base if we rented it. We decided to stay in our current location which needs no construction work done, BUT the school roof in Bas-Citronniers is having some trouble with leaking. It was done in a very unique and interesting way- bug/window screening covered with a mixture of latex and cement. This turned the screening into a kind of canvas-type canopy covering the school building. This is lightweight and flexible and was a really neat idea (plus it really looks cool- lol). 

Unfortunately, there were some unforseen design issues- one being that water runs down the roof, but kind of curves back under the edges if the rain is not heavy or it is just dew from the roof. This is rotting some of the supporting boards. 

There is also a problem with the latex-concrete mixture cracking in some spots and this has caused the roof to leak. 

Sooooo we are in the process of working with the locals who originally helped with construction (the designer/builder used all local labor) to repair and replace sections where there is water damage before this thing becomes an even bigger problem. 

As is typical in Haiti, supplies needed are limited and we must travel all the way to Port au Prince to find them. When we do, they are quite pricey!! A five gallon bucket of the latex that we mix dry cement into is $150 US!! We blew through one of those yesterday and need two more to complete the job but dont have funds to do so.... The first bucket about broke our budget!! We have also had to buy 2 x 4's to brace the roof and replace the rotted ones, cement mix, screws, etc. The local labor (giving jobs to five men) costs $14 per day per man.... so $70 per day in labor and we anticipate a week of work so close to $500 in labor!!  

The entire project should be about $1500 to $2000 when done but the roof should then be good for a while. We may eventually have to replace the roof with a more traditional one, but this should postpone that decision for quite a while. 

If you would are touched by the story and would like to help toward our expenses, that would be great. Any funds we dont have to put toward this roof will be funds we have available for other worthwhile projects. God bless and enjoy some of these photos from the work we did yesterday. 

Donations can be made from the website heartsunitedwithhaiti.org or checks can be mailed to Hearts United with Haiti, PO Box 55, Morgantown, PA 19543. Note Bas-Citronniers on your donation.  They are tax deductible and MUCH appreciated! 

Three of the workers (with Ron and Redgi) putting down new screen over holes or cracked spots. That was then covered by the latex mixture like painting. A second coat will be applied in a few days once this completely dries. 

Ron painting on new latex to hold the screen- note how we constructed a little overhang now with the screen to divert water from the boards. Also note how BURNED we all got out in that hot sun..... And to think these guys worked from 8 am to 4 pm with only a short lunch break... all for $14/ day!!

You have to carefully walk out on the beams to lay screen and repair the roof. One step to the side and you would fall through the canvas-like roof. My job was offering up LOTS of prayers as the guys moved about up there over children having classes below. 

Mixing up the latex-cement to paint over the screening. 

A view from down below. 

And THIS is why we do it!! 140 little children can now go to school in their own community in this building thanks to those who came before us to build it and follow the vision they had for quality, local education. We are blessed to continue upon the work they started and help maintain the facilities before the problems get worse! 

-Crystal

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING??

For a long time God has given us the dream of reaching out to our local community in Carrefour in the form of a Training and Discipleship Center (we desire to use this facility for education such as English classes, literacy classes, nutrition classes, etc as well as outreach such as medical/dental clinics and other community type events). We have always thought it would be nice if this building was located right by our mission base so that those staying with us in the base can be more involved with hosting short seminars or assisting with the teaching we have on our regular schedule. 

As we have prayed about this for the past few tears, God kept giving us direction and always this vision of a location on the mountain.... but that has not happened yet. What HAS happened is that a house across the street is available for rent. We went to look at it yesterday and though it is set up as a house, the community areas are large enough for us to make desks/benches and start holding classes there. There are also three small bedrooms and two baths if needed when hosting groups AND parking for the bus! So, though not on the mountain, it would be a start and a place to begin our own outreach ministry that groups could help with and help us establish. All this right about the same time that we should finally get our legalization completed here in Haiti. This means in the spring we could be ready to start outreach!! How exciting is this possibility??

So..... We are asking you for prayer about this. First, we want God's plan to be clear about this move. We would also need the rental funds of $3500 and extra to set up the building and are praying God will send these (that would be great confirmation). 

Here are some photos of the house.....

Looking down the hallway toward the bathroom - one bedroom on each side to the right and left. 

The big room for classes (the house is being renovated)

Front (reception) area-looking in from outside the house. 

Global Orphan Sunday

November 8, 2015 is Global Orphan Sunday. A time to stop and remember those considered orphans- whether true orphans or economic orphans (parents place children in the care of an orphanage because they feel they can not provide the basics of food, clothing, shelter and education). There are an estimated 360,000 orphans in Haiti and another large number of children living with families not their own as domestic servants in exchange for promised lodging, food and education. We know some of these children personally and to hear their stories can be heartbreaking and overwhelming. BUT... God knows them too. He sees. He hears. He cares. And we are blessed to be used by Him to reach out to some of these children on a regular basis due to the generosity of people like YOU!

As this Orphan Sunday approaches would you pray with us and consider the following needs? 

1.  Sponsor an orphan monthly. $32 per month provides education (uniform, books, tuition), clean water, food, medical care and other items. We currently have about 15 children in need of monthly sponsors. 

2.  A one-time donation or monthly donation toward Nanny salaries at the orphanage in Port au Prince we partner with? Monthly salaries are just under $800 per month for all nine women combined. These women are invaluable in the ministry they provide to the children. 

3. Sponsor a delivery of fruit/milk to the orphanage (this is done twice per month) so the children get fresh items and variety in their diet. $75 providea milk and a piece of fresh fruit (or two).

4.  Donations toward helping those trying to keep their children at home and not put them into orphanages. We work on job creation and skill training with these older children and parents so they can provide for their own needs rather than resort to orphanage placement. 

5.  Donations toward our sustainable project in Bas-Citronniers. The more sustainable the school can be, the more children they can feed and educate- thus greatly decreasing the liklihood that parents will resort to orphanage placement or sending their children into domestic servitude. They need funds to pay teachers and expenses, but more importantly, to develop their gardens, goat raising project and other things to become self sustaining. 

Donations can always be sent to us at Hearts United with Haiti. PO Box 55. Morgantown, PA 19543. They are tax deductible. You can also donate from the website - there is a donate page that connects you to paypal. www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org. 

THANK YOU for your consideration of the orphans in Haiti and for helping us in our efforts toward orphan prevention. God will combine the efforts of ALL to do His work and bless these precious children. 

Fruit (mangos) delivered twice per month. 

Bracelets the girls in the countryside make to support themselves. 

Working on the business plan for raising goats in Bas-Citronniers (to sell and help supplement the school budget)

Some of the orphans at Life is Wealth Orphanage in Port au Prince. 

Update 10/29

Driving home through Champ de Mars yesterday. It is good to be back, visit the orphanage, see our little artist friend (Richardson), etc..... Today we head back for more time with the orphans, pay a few bills, exchange chicken food that the chickens won't eat, buy some fruit/milk for the children (we missed the 25th due to the election and yesterday the fruit left was not prime so we ordered fresh stuff), and have an important legal meeting in the evening. Busy days, but finally getting out and about! 

Banquet Update

Our annual fundraising banquet held on October 16, 2015 went VERY WELL with an amazing turnout and great program.  Though none of us had set a goal for funds we hoped to raise, we were blessed by the generosity of those in attendance! Here are a few photos to share from the event. 

Astreede Augustin (one of our Haitian translators) and Sophia Charles ( former trip participant) provided special music... In Creole and English. 

Joyce Martin was honored for over five years of faithful service on the Board of Directors. 

Pastor Tim VanDalen psoke and gave testimony about his experiences after bringing two groups to Haiti with Hearts United (one in 2013 and one in 2015)

Redgi Alvarez (Haitian Coordinator for the organization) was able to share a bit about his role as supported missionary in Haiti. Redgi is one of two Haitian nationals who help manage the day-to-day ministry in Haiti. 

Founder Crystal Funk was able to share a bit about the future plans for the organization and the needs within the ministry. 

   **note: photo credit to Jordan Bush Photography- sorry but internet is not good enough to download them, so they are copied from my phone here in Haiti as I viewed them on the screen. Thanks Jordan!!

---We have received MANY e-mails and messages from people asking what needs are still to be met so we will be posting soon to give an update on those needs. Sorry, but time just keeps moving along and it is tough to keep up with it all but we DO value all our donors and those who support the ministry in so many ways. 

Construction Trip & Mission base update...

OK.... Some of you have heard talk about the possibility that we may move the Hearts United base AGAIN this fall. I guess it is time to make an official announcement and ask for prayer about this matter. Bottom line: the current landlord plans to almost triple our rent come November (yes, like many in Haiti, he assumes we are "loaded" after seeing the number of people in and out all summer) therefore, we spent time seeking God's direction for a few weeks before I left Haiti and He led us to this place. The positives: SINGLE home- no one else on the property, huge yard for the dogs and teams, a flat roof we can use (and car port and patio area too) to sleep outside, parking for both the bus and Montero. Negatives: more rent, the rooms are smaller and layout not as nice, and it currently has no hook-up to public electric so we would need to buy a transformer and have wiring done (this could move with us when we finally build, but will cost $1000 to $1500 US) The first year we may spend as much as the current landlord wants in rent next year, BUT some of that money will be for things that will remain with us going forward. We need to decide soon so please join with us... praying God will make His plans clear. Feel free to e-mail us (heartsunitedwithhaiti@gmail.com) with any questions.

ALSO.... We would like to announce an opportunity to serve this fall in Haiti.  We are planning a construction trip.  Ministry will honestly depend on the above..... IF we move locations, we will be physically moving all the things from the old base and putting them into the new one, building outside showers (possibly), putting steps to the roof, etc... depending on who signs up and their skill level.    We might also tear down a home we built in 2012 and use/salvage the materials for projects around the new base.

If we do not move to the new base (and possibly even if we do) we may also do some repair work on a roof that is leaking at the school in our remote community (Bas-Citronniers) outside Leogane.  They also need help building chicken coops and a pen for goats.  Again, this will depend on who signs up.  The details will be posted as we know who is coming to Haiti.

Rest assured- you WILL have things to do!  Ron Funk is leading this trip and he is NEVER idle- lol.  We will also try to get some Haitians to work alongside us- either to apprentice or to lead some of the projects.  You can register online from the website-

 http://heartsunitedwithhaiti.com/Sign_up.html

OOPS-

   This blog post was from July 24 but failed to go through so it was left on the computer.  Sorry so late.  This team left July 25th and had an AMAZING trip.  The whole summer was fantastic and we praise God for His love and faithfulness in this ministry.     

      I can’t believe it is day 6 already. The days in Haiti seem longer but time has flown by and it is our last full day here. I am sad to leave but I am trying to simply enjoy this day. We have done so much during the week we have been here. I have experienced many emotions as I usually do in Haiti. There was so much joy seeing the girls at the orphanage and playing with them. We visited the general hospital pediatrics ward which was a lower point for me. We helped with a medical clinic which was so different than visiting the general hospital. Now it’s our last day we are just going to relax and visit the beach and enjoy Haiti’s beauty for one more day.

                                           -Shelby

          This has been a great trip.  I again will miss the people I have met and be thinking and praying for the children constantly.  This organization just takes my breath away with how dedicated they are to not just contribute things to this country then leave.  They take the time (a lot of time) to walk beside the people of this country and teach them how to be self sufficient.  The people this organization touch will not just have something for now, they will have the skills that last forever and can be built off of.  I have had great pleasure getting to know the people on this team and seeing their talents shine.  I will miss you, Haiti! 

                                        -Chasta 

Wednesday, July 22

Today the group went to the pediatric ward at the general hospital in Port au Prince. I always love going there because the families we meet are always an inspiration and the children are adorable. We take diapers which they quickly hand out to each patient ( yesterday everyone got three). We talk to the families, play with the children, pray with families, encourage them, and give parents a much needed break so they can get out a bit while someone else cares for their child. 

In the afternoon we got to go to a school where Jerry ( one of our translators is director) and got to just sit and practice English with students. This was always the highlight of our English classes when we had our school ( which we hope to start up again soon). The team gets into groups with Haitians who are learning English and they just ask questions of one another, learn about the other culture and practice talking to/listening to different people. It was AWESOME!!!

Then, in the evening we just hung out. This group is really pouring into the staff which makes me soooooo happy. So, they were teaching English to Mr. Alvarez and our downstairs neighbor. Friday morning one person will go to the market with Madame Carole and will shadow her while she then prepares the food. We have also invited hem to join us (Madame Carole and Sherly) when we play cards or games. Exciting stuff!!!!!

Hard to believe that we will be done with summer teams soon. Kylee leaves tomorrow (Friday) and she will be missed sooooo much!! She and Michelle took on a lot of the work involved in hosting teams and made my load lighter but they also poured into teams. It will be strange to have the house back to ourselves after Wed of next week. (Saturday we take the team to the airport and then drive to Mirebalais to pick up Darline, Mimose and Jesula/Melantchy so they can come stay with me Sat-Tues while Redgi is back with family in Delmas). I am looking forward to this a great deal. We will make bracelets and hang out!!

7/21/15

        Today at the orphanage, we distributed girl’s underwear, sandals, and hygienic products. It was our second and last day to visit the orphanage. We hope that even though it was something small, it brought the girls joy. After we played with the girls, did some hair dos, and talked with one another …we had to say goodbye. The experience for us was very heartfelt and we hope that our visit helped bring some love to every child there.

        In the afternoon, we had an English class with students at all levels. We had 12 Haitian students that were beyond eager to learn that some even came an hour early to class! The class was very exciting. Some of the activities involved acting, dictation, and creating stories. It was a joy to see how happy the students were to participate in the activities with some of the American team members. At the end of the class, many asked if they could return tomorrow for another session. 

       Tomorrow we are planning to visit a pediatric unit at the general hospital and offer English classes at a local Haitian school. Overall, we are having a pleasant experience and loving every minute of our time here. The food has been amazing!!

                   July 21^st Liliana Vega from Lancaster, PA 

 

The left over flip flops from Bible school last week were a hit!!!

Nothing like clean, new underwear!!

Kylee handed out letters from a woman in Colorado who wrote to EACH child!!!!!

Group photo with some of the orphans

Advanced English class

Practicing together

Crystal and Mr Alvarez have an amazing connection. 

Staff Update- Kylee

I There are no words for a time like this. It’s a bittersweet kind of moment and I know that it is going to take a lot of time to process this amazing summer of learning experiences. I arrived in Haiti on June 13^th, and I leave this Friday, July 24^th. That’s a total of 42 days that the Lord has broke my heart and pieced it back together again in ways I never knew possible. I have been blessed with experience after experience, and each trial, both good and bad, has led me to lean on Christ alone…always. The phrase “If God is all you have, you have all you need,” became so real to me this summer. It is my desire to come back to my home in America and just be on fire for the Lord, spreading His love in all that I do, and I will continue to pray for the day I return to my second home in Haiti. Until then…I must say my goodbyes…

The goodbyes have been the hardest part. It started Friday night when I said my farewell to the translators. I clearly remember sobbing in Astreede’s arms because I knew that I don’t know how long it will be until I see my Haitian best friend again. Then came Michelle…my “Haiti bae”. I still am in shock that my favorite person from this summer, my other half, the girl that stuck by my side through the past six weeks, is at her home. Again, it’s bittersweet. Today, I said goodbye to the kids I could call my own. Clara, with her sweet voice and constant desire to wrap her arms around me and cuddle; Sandrine, with her chipped two front teeth and beautiful eyes that cause me to love her even more each time I see her; Berry, with her crippled hand and inspiring heart, whose love for me I wish to spread to others; and the list doesn’t end. Unable to process everything, I passionately said to each child, “I love you so much”, “I will be praying for you”, and I wrapped my arms so tight around them I didn’t want to let go. My final goodbyes to my stronghold this summer, Redgi, James, and Crystal are still yet to come. I wish I could continue to write about each experience and the journey I have been on, but at this point, I am filled with too much joy, sorrow, appreciation, blessings, and sadness, to simply type on this document. Maybe one day I will find the words, but until then, Mwen Renmen Ou . Thank you Jesus for your love and for blessing me with a heart for this beautiful place.

With an unending amount of joy,

Kylee <3 (Hearts United Summer Staff 2015)

7/20/15

Today was our teams first time to visit Life is Wealth orphanage.  I have been very excited to go back and see how many faces I recognized and have a chance to play with the children.  The children were the highlight of my trip last time and I was hoping it would be again.  When we first arrived I expected the kids to swarm us as they did last time.  However, it was a slow start this time.  There was not too much interaction at first.  I did noticed a boy from last time right away.  We used to call him “bare-bottom-Berlondo.”  First thing I noticed was he had pants on!  I suppose people change from a year and half to 3 years old.  We soon took out some jump ropes and Frisbees and the fun began.  We played hand games, tickled and held hands for hours with these kids.  They really are models at heart; give them your phone for a few minutes and you will get it back with 101 pictures and at least 10 videos. 

                We needed to conduct interviews with the newer children to be able to tell others about them if they were interested in sponsoring them.  The girls told us things like their favorite color and subject, but it also got very personal.  A girl was brought to the orphanage because her mom had been murdered by her dad and she did not have any family to take her in after her dad ran off with her siblings.  We asked her how she was doing with losing her mom and not being able to attend her funeral.  She said she cries sometimes.  This stuck out to me because I lost my mom about a year ago and not to the circumstances she had to.  I can begin to understand what she is going through, but never be able to fully understand all her trauma.  While the girl was speaking with Crystal I loved seeing the interaction and really asking about her feelings.  You could see how much she cared and the look in the girls eyes reminded me of how I feel when I talk about my mom; sad, but still trying to get the words out.  I feel as if people become so numb to stories such as these because they are so prevalent here.  It was heart- warming to see the genuine love and concern that was displayed.

Chasta  

Photos

Here are a few more photos from yesterday. The internet is too slow to post more.