Haitian Jenny

To my Haitian Jenny
Sorry to everyone reading this who is not Jenny, you can gladly skip this post! Jen, I miss you SO much!! You would not believe how different the base looks- it’s like a whole different place from December! I love it so much- never thought we would love this base huh? Last night my water bottle fell on the person sleeping beneath me and it just wasn’t the same to not hear “I hate you.” Sarafina tells me everyday- “Mwen triste. Mwen sonje Jenny.” Don’t worry, she’s taken lots of pictures and videos for you! ALL of the girls are asking about where you are- and I told them we’re coming soon- so don’t worry!! I hope camp is super awesome, I can’t wait to hear about it. I’ll call you AS soon as I get to Miami!! Mwen sonje ou anpil anpil!!! Leave us some comments! You’re slacking! Also, James, Redgi, Crystal, Astreede, David, Jerry, Sherli, and Madame Carol have all asked about you and miss you SO much! I love you more than mangoes and glass bottle cokes!! Love, Ally

Group updates- June 30,2015

Hello to All in Bellevue,
Thank you is somewhat weak to tell you how much your letters, blogs, and prayers are for all of the mission team members. Frank and I spent some of the day travelling about with an Ace driver in a Montero that has AC that works, getting some materials to paint some selves at our Base Quarters. I miss being with the orphan children today.  Chrystal helped me find a young girl, Chee-love, for Marilyn and I to sponsor. It is not totally final yet, because we still need to go through Hearts Unite with Haiti. I know Marilyn will fall in love with this little girl. Frank and I completed our sanding and first coat of paint and we lost a lot of sweat to get this first step done.  We savor every cool breeze that flows by us. I love all of you, and I REALLY LOVE MARILYN and her messages.     Gary

Bonjour from Haiti,
I have not had the opportunity to meet most of you who are reading this. However, those in your church family that I have gotten to know have been such a blessing! Thank you so much for your many thoughts and prayers! The children we have been visiting at the orphanage have shown more love and care than I could have ever imagined. To put all of my thoughts and emotions into words would be merely impossible. It is beyond overwhelming, not necessarily in a negative way, to take everything in at once. It will take me many days, if not weeks, to sort out all the feelings that I have had upon my arrival in Haiti. Until then, thank you again. God Bless! (Mom, if you’re reading this, I love and miss you! Tell my little buddy I said the same!)       Danielle

Danielle with Charles, Junior

Aloha from Haiti (Bonjou or whatever)
To those who know me prepare to be shocked: I have no words. I’ve purposely delayed sharing on this blog. No amount of eloquence could relay the feelings experienced here. I expected the worse and grossly underestimated the truth I found when seeing Haiti with my own eyes. The inadequacy of my words makes it hard to describe the dichotomy of joy and pain that exists here.  I will, however, share the beauties that God has shown me.  Our translators (Astreede, Redgi, Jerry, James, Gady, and David) have quickly become family. We share many similarities including love of music and dance. Today, for example, we sat in the hot sun and sang reggae music with the orphans for hours. It’s so comforting that music and dance are a universal language.
Ally and I have been working with the 14-18 year old girls in our daily bible class. I feel like I haven’t taught the girls a single thing. I don’t know their struggles. I have never been neglected or felt abandoned. We did an object lesson today where we blindfolded a girl and had her try to find me just by listening to my voice. The lesson was that we can overcome difficulties by listening to His voice. Ally asked the girls through our translators, “What are some difficulties that you face?” After a long uncomfortable pause one girl said, “Everything is difficult.” That was a heavy moment. Ally and I just looked at each other.  How do you respond to that? In this moment neither Ally nor I responded.  I whole heartedly believe that God used my voice. I just reacted and let God speak. God prepared our lesson for this moment.  I was able to fall back on our lesson and say, “No matter how difficult things are just listen for His voice.” Our class ended and we moved on through the day, but what touched me was that the same girl who said, “everything is difficult” came up to me later in the day and gave me a hug. I don’t know what she said to me with her words, but her face and hug said, “I trust you.”
Thanks for reading and listening. Someday I hope to have the words to share this experience. Ohana, I miss you. If someone could update me on how Dodger and Jack are doing I would appreciate it.  I’ll see you in a few days.
Aloha,
Christian

Crafts (picture frames)

Haitian morning

Good morning from Haiti,

Ally did her best to prepare the team for our visit to Haiti.  We spent class time at church two times per week for months and I was still taken aback when we arrived.  Being able to use all the senses; to see Haiti at ground level, to take in the smells, certainly all the noises was quite the experience.  I thought I had adequately prepared with my Pimsleur language CD’s.  Once we arrived at the orphanage all that training went right out the window and seemingly out of my brain.  Coming face to face with all these children’s faces I was at a loss to even remember how to say the basic introductory phrases.  Thankfully the translators have been awesome!  Yesterday, (Monday ) was our second VBS day which took place for  several hours in the morning.  After lunch we had the bulk of the afternoon to go outside to play with the kids.  Again, I was hesitant to interact with the children.  Would they be able to relate to me?  Jeff Glassburner was playing soccer goalie on one side of the play area and was giving the kids penalty kicks daring them to get the ball past him.  There was a tree that provided some shade from the sun and I went and sat down there to watch the action.  Shortly thereafter  Berlando came over.  He is five years old and a real cute kid.  He is one of Ally’s favorites.  He came over to me and held his hands up wanting me to pick him up.  The language barrier wasn’t an issue with Berlando.  He didn’t want me to talk to him.  He was satisfied with me holding him.  The heat of the day made him sleepy and he finally went to sleep in my arms.  For a five year old boy he is quite a heavy sack of taters.  Miqui was another child that came over to me when I was still holding Berlando.  She patiently waited for me to pass Berlando over to Roy so I could spend some time with her.  One of the translators was nearby so occasionally I would call him over to answer a question that Miqui had or to ask him  the Creole word for something.  She had a comb in her hand and she took my hat off and started combing my hair.  We had a grooming session for a few minutes  and the next thing I know she is putting a vine around my wrist and weaves a little bracelet for me.  Later she wove a ring for my finger.  Some of the greatest gifts don’t have monetary value.  Miqui gave me what she could offer me and it will provide a special memory from Haiti that I will never forget.  I also got some time to spend with Elena, Miqui’s younger sister.  Hopefully I will be able to interact with her this afternoon.  I  can hardly wait to see how today unfolds.  More memories to make.  I will do a dental screening on 60-70 kids today.  I brought some gum for the children after they let me count their teeth.  Health care is somewhat difficult to arrange but at least an exam can be done and a dental record made for later use.  I will log off now.  Time for another cup of Haitian coffee and to watch the sunrise.  Bye for now.

Rob McIntosh

Multiple Updates

It’s really weird, the orphans are really friendly. They don’t let language barriers get in the way of getting to know us. I played an impromptu game of hide and seek with a girl who nothing more than tagged me and ran away. It’s been humbling, it’s been hot, but more than anything else it’s been encouraging. Thank you for all the prayers. -Anonymous, aka Ford. 

Today we spent our first “normal” day, where we just went to the orphanage for VBS and play.  VBS today was a blast.  As the one of the co-leaders of games, Lexi and I made the decision to change our rotation from games to dancing.  These kids love to dance,  and trying to teach games through an interpreter really is not very effective.  With the first group, the 14+ girls, we taught them the cupid shuffle.  They really got into it, and had a fun time laughing at us Americans and our basic dance skills.  After that they taught us one of their dances.  I made a fool of myself trying to copy them, but they had almost as fun of a time dancing as they did making fun of me.  To wrap it up with them we taught them how to Whip and Nae-Nae, and it was awesome.  They already know how to Nae-Nae, but they took to the whip very well.  The younger groups were the same, except we played J.Biebs song Baby for them, and apparently that is one of their favorite songs.  It was extremely fun with all the groups, and it was the first time this trip I’ve really had the ability to connect with the kids.  While the culture and customs down here are vastly different, there are some things that appear to me as international language.  Sports and music are things that transcend culture, and allow us to connect with these kids in ways that makes it easier to bring them God’s word.  After VBS, some of us used the sport part by playing soccer with these kids, and although we can’t understand them and they can’t understand us, we both understand the game and had a great time while doing it.  Looking forward to the next day at the orphanage to spend more time with the kids for sure.  –Jeff G.

My whole life it has been my dream to go and do mission work. I always wanted to give. Little did I know that they would  give so much more to me. The man walking down the street says “Bonswa” with a smile on his face and love in his heart.  He gives me compassion. The lady on the corner asks us to pray for her children to be fed and to say thank you for what she has. She gives me courage.  The children at the orphanage who run up to me and hug me give me joy. I do not deserve to feel all this love and to feel so much joy. I am so flawed but they see not of that. I am no greater than they are. They have so much joy, joy I cannot even comprehend, but joy that I crave now. I cannot wait to go back to the orphanage tomorrow and do as much as I can. I can’t wait to see and feel their joy. All I can say is language is no barrier for love. Love breaks all barriers and love truly conquers all. Mesi Savior, Mesi Savior. Arevwa for now.                         

-Lexi Weaver

Today was our second day of VBS.  Yolanda and Trevor are co teacher with me in the youngest group.  It is crazy that we have a large language barrier but with our translator and God we can still communicate.  But seeing their love and need for love we all can communicate together without words.   This group my joke around with one another it is all in love and when it is time to work and spread the gospel we get it done and take it super serious.  I do miss my wife and kids and wish they could have been here to experience this with me. (sorry Tiff if this made you cry, I love you and the girls and miss you) 

Just a request,  I was wondering if some of you could reply with songs from the song book with all the lyrics Thank you , Love Roy

  

Today, the barriers started coming down. Classes were a bit more orderly. The art projects (mini canvas paintings) were beautiful.  Trevor, Roy and my class of 10yr olds and younger, impressively  knew the memory verse from yesterday with very little prompting. Even before VBS was over for the day, the children began gravitating to different members of the group. Hair was braided, including one beard… The girls are still trying to figure out my hair, so I’m sitting for daily inspections J It is a little awkward for some when they realize that I don’t speak or understand much of the language when I look like I should.  I was lead by the hand on a tour of an empty school house and church. Then, we sat in a small yard where some team members kicked around a ball with some children, while others held them and sang songs as they took self photos. We huddled up close, one lying on my lap to watch home videos. They love you Ethan. Lastly, the fans are an invaluable blessing! Thank you all.

-Yolanda

There have been many things on my mind over the past few days and there have been many things on my heart as well. Since coming to Haiti the idea of prayer has evolved for me and taken on a different concept. You read in the bible about people crying out to God and asking for his guidance and for forgiveness. In Haiti there have been few indoor voice prayers that have been said, often the prayers that are said are said in full voice, they are crying out to God. Also, I have never seen so many people get emotional during a prayer than I have seen in Haiti. Many people invited us into their house and are asking for our prayers. Although we prayed in English there was one lady who was overcome with emotion that she almost cried in our group. Prayer means so much more to me know and now I never take a prayer for granted, my prayers from now on won’t just be spoken words but they will be deep thoughts that come from my heart because it is my time to come before God and lay upon him what is on my heart. Today was our second day at the orphanage and today I got the opportunity to teach the kids the second half of the story of David. As soon as I got up to speak I almost forgot the story of Joseph and had to take a few moments to think of the story. Luckily the interpreter who was with us did a fantastic job and we were able to recap and tell the story of Joseph. In that same class period I got my first chance to interact with some of the Haitian children. During the class one of the little girls latched onto my back and wouldn’t let me go until I hugged for nearly 10 minutes straight. After VBS when we were playing with the kids the same little girl and a few others latched onto me as well. I had no interaction with them the day before yet they were completely willing to come and give me and hug and sit with me. Words can’t describe the emotions I was filling throughout the entire day. These kids are impacting me in ways that I had not expected. As the week goes on I hope that God shapes my heart and that I can continue to interact more with the children. I know God is leading the group down here and that he guiding everyone in different ways. Please keep us in our prayers!

-Trevor

Making tiles for a craft

Crafts/lesson review

Dancing for game time

Frank handing out snacks

Gary got his beard braided

The finished product

Dancing with the girls

The finished craft project

Morning!!!!

Things are just getting moving here in Haiti. Some are still sleeping and others are up doing devotions. Today we will spend our first full day at Life is Wealth Orphanage. Yesterday we were only there in the afternoon but today we will hold Bible School in the morning and then just hang out, play, minister to Pastor Yves and the nannies, etc.... Thanks for your messages, support & prayers. The team is well, healthy and adjusting to the heat/pace of Haiti. Praise God Kylee is feeling a bit better this morning too. Praise Him for a cool evening to rest. 

Photos

Sandrine doing crafts

Karen praying for Rob

Crafts again

Updates 6/28

We had our first experience going to church in Haiti this morning. As I walked up to a structure covered by torn plastic and sheets, I was humbled. Watching worship unfold had me in awe. Not necessarily at what they were saying (I couldn’t understand most of it), but by how they were worshipping.  The passion they show for God and each other was moving. You can tell they LOVE fully and deeply. It’s inspiring to see people that don’t have much material wealth, have so much joy for God and one another.

After our eye-opening experience at Haitian church this morning, we headed to the Life is Wealth orphanage for the first time. I think we all had jitters not knowing what to expect. Will the girls like us? Did we prepare for VBS enough? Can we relate to them? Will they understand the message we are trying to get across?  All my jitters disappeared when a girl from the orphanage named Micky latched onto my arm within two minutes of walking off the bus. I sat her on my lap and we played with one another. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we still connected. What an amazing thought that where words fail, love speaks. What an amazing thought that God connects us all through his unconditional love.

Jana

Today has been a very full day! We woke to the sound of roosters at 5am which was an interesting way to wake up!  We went to church this morning with the community and following that, we ate lunch and went to the orphanage.  Ally was so excited! As we got off the bus, the girls were chanting “Ally! Ally!”  They were so excited to see all of us and were full of hugs for each of us.  We were all nervous about VBS and excited to see if all our planning was worth it.  Everything went well and were all moved to be with these beautiful children.  We have experienced so much in two days.  It may take a while for me to process it and put it into words.  We are all doing well and everyone is healthy! One of the summer staff is not feeling well so prayers for Kylie would be greatly appreciated!  Continue to remember all of us in your prayers!  We love all of you and miss you so much!!  Lisa

I won’t repeat anything mentioned above, although I haven’t read any of it. After our worship service, I suddenly noticed a young girl, who was probably 6 or 7 years old, burst through all the adults standing up, she grabbed me and gave me the biggest hug. All I could say was, “Merry Christmas!” She disappeared as quickly as she appeared.  Now, I wonder why she did that?—Gary

Jeff, I was surprised by the nice card you wrote and received on my first day here.  You do have the biggest and warmest heart. Thank you for being such a loving Christian attitude.—Gary 

Praying with God's people

IWe attended Haitian church this morning.  What an inspiring experience!  Yesterday we were in the community praying with individuals we came across.  We were amazed at their receptiveness to us – their willingness to open their homes to us as well as share their lives, concerns and wishes.  This morning at church I think I began to understand this community better.  This is a community that constantly talks to God.  We spent the first hour of service back and forth between singing and praying.  Haitian prayers are group prayers – they all pray at the same time.  It can be a little distracting, but it’s also humbling to hear everyone offer up prayers of thanksgiving as well as supplication.  Their desire to pray, and their willingness to share those prayers with one another, is truly a testament of the type of relationship we should have with God as well as one another.  As I said before, it truly was a humbling experience.  -Karen

The group sang for the church. 

Praying with the fathers for Father's day

:) :)

The group got to the base by noon, unpacked, got settled and then had orientation. After lunch of peanut butter and jelly they split into two groups and went on a prayer walk around the community. Many gave testimony to the way God directed them to just the right people. Many got to enter Haitian homes, meet people in our community, and see different areas. Jeff and I got ro go meet with Pastor Robby which was a blessing for him and for us. 

Tomorrow we will go to church and then meet the orphans. 

Group has arrived!!!

The groups from Nebraska and Pennsylvania have arrived safely in Haiti and are on their way home from the airport. It is going to be a BLESSED week for sure. We will be ministering with the orphans, nannies, Pastor Yves and his family daily. So excited ro serve alongside this team...

Last night/day

Today was the last day for the medical group. We started with a trip to the pediatric ward at the general hospital in Port au Prince. Everyone made a friend, or two, or six.... lol. We played with the children, talked with parents and prayed with MANY. 

We then did a little shopping and went to the beach for a few hours.  After dinner we took some beverages to the neighbors who are having a funeral tomorrow and spent time together. 

This group will be missed for sure!! Tomorrow they leave here at 6 am and the next group will be here before noon. Please keep following this blog and praying for the groups and summer. 

June 25, 2015

Bonjour!

                Today was probably the best hands on experience so far! We ran an outpatient clinic today at a local doctor’s office here in Carrefour. In preparation for today, we were able to put together first aid kits with supplies we brought with us. At the clinic today, we passed the kits out and provided education on the proper way to care for wounds, etc. We had four different stations we rotated through: initial intake, waiting room facilitation, assisting the doctor and prayer. Over the 5 hours that the clinic was open, we were able to see 24 patients! Complications ran from allergies to back pain to high blood pressure. Our entire team collaborated so well together to pull the day off! It was cool watching how the Haitian doctor ran his clinic and how he interacted with the patients. Hannah, Sara, and Paige headed up the initial intake of all the patients. We had a translator with us at all times, so it was neat to learn and pick up on the Creole interpretations of the conversation. By the end, we were able to get a feel for the patients’ responses before it was translated! It was a great learning experience, and was a good way to start to wrap this week up.

                                                                   Bondye Beni’ w! (God bless you)

June 24, 2015

Hello everyone!

                Today we had quite an eventful day at the maternity hospital, which also provides a variety of other services, including an urgent care and a dentist office. We arrived to the labor and delivery room just in time to see a birth. It was so amazing! We had the privilege of standing right alongside the mother so she had someone there to support her.  The baby was a perfect, healthy little angel. After this, we went into the post partum room where mothers and their babies laid in beds that lined the wall of a one big room. We were able to talk with some of these new moms and pray for their newborns. We also got the opportunity to spend some time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Lastly, we went to urgent care, where two nurses make the most of one small room and very little supplies. Unfortunately, they were not extremely busy while we were there. However, we did get to help bandage two wounds and learn how the Haitians manage with such little supplies. Overall, it was a very good day. Tonight we are preparing for our clinical tomorrow by separating out Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and children’s vitamins into baggies. Thanks for reading!

              

  Sara, Hannah, & Paige  J

Praying for a new mother!! 

The family planning center. A very exciting addition to the hospital!!

Staff update

Hey all!

Just a quick introduction for those of you who don’t know me: my name is Michelle and I am on staff this summer! This is my third time I’ve been to Haiti and my second time being summer staff for Hearts United.  I just finished my undergrad degree this May and will be starting physical therapy school in the fall. (So this week’s medical-focused trip is extra exciting for me!) J

Today at the hospital I got to meet Sammy, the physical therapist on staff at Bernard Mevs. Listening to him tell us about the patients and the goals he had for them was so encouraging. His genuine compassion was shown in his attention to detail (such as careful positioning with foam and making sure they are moved every two hours to avoid bed sores). Another highlight was meeting an incredibly ingenious man named Thomas and his assistant Wilfred. Originally from Kenya, Thomas came to Haiti in 2010 to make prostheses for amputees. He is a true servant. His assistant Wilfred became a prosthetic technician after he received prosthesis after an injury from the 2010 earthquake resulted in his right lower leg being amputated. He is so full of life and thankful! Wilfred also started “Team Zayen” which is a soccer team made up of all amputee athletes who now travel the world encouraging other amputees by demonstrating their skills and teaching them how to play. 

Michelle

June 23, 2015

To all who are reading this:

                First, thank you for following our story as we are down here! We thank you for your continual prayers. Today, we went to Bernard Mevs hospital in Port-Au-Prince. We walked away with several stories that will always be remembered. I (Paige) got to enter the spinal cord unit, where the patients there suffered either gunshot wounds or vehicle accidents. One particular woman was a paraplegic (paralyzed from waist down) from a gunshot wound. At some point over the last year, she had learned of some confidential information about her brother that is currently in prison. There were some people that did not want her to know. So, two men waited for her since 3 am the day of the accident and shot her down. Her daughter was with her when it happened. This story broke my heart. When talking to her about Jesus, she said that she had made a deal with God. If God allowed her to walk again, only then would she believe. This was so sad to hear. We talked with her as best as we could, and prayed with her as well. She thanked us for doing so. Then, I went over to the pediatric unit. I was immediately drawn to two babies with hydrocephalus. Once again, my heart was broken. I went up to one of them and started talking and smiling. The little one followed me with his eyes, and cracked a smile back to me. This was such a God moment. This small connection with the little boy made my day.

                                                                                                                -Paige J

I (Hannah) got to talk with a few of the patients in the spinal cord unit; I am still becoming more comfortable using an interpreter. I had the blessing of being able to pray over these patients as well.  It was eye opening to see the small room that these patients were in and to see how inventive the nurses were.  I also visited the pediatric unit, which consisted of about 8 beds and cribs. I talked with some of the children. One specific girl had been beaten up and had been there a week, but thankfully she was going home today and in good condition. I then came across a boy, about 7 years old, who was in for ketoacidosis. Thankfully, his mom was there with him and I gave her the opportunity to ask me questions she had about diabetes. It was difficult using the translator, but I think I was able to give her a simple explanation of what diabetes is. I was then able to pray for this mother and her son and hope that she was able to see Jesus in us.

                                                                                                Hannah <3

I(Sara) don’t have much to add to what Paige and Hannah said. I was able to color with a little boy who had come in with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. He was so bored because he was on the mend, but didn’t have any room to run and play. The language barrier was a problem, but it was amazing to see that love is the same in any language. We sat there coloring, not speaking, but occasionally smiling at each other.  It was a precious moment that I won’t forget.  In the afternoon, we packed first aid kits to hand out later in the week when we have a clinic. We put tape, gauze, alcohol swabs, tongue depressors, and band-aids. It is a little basic first aid kit that will be able to meet some needs.

                                                                                                Sara J

Michelle (staff) with this sweet little one. He has been abandoned there and is one month old. 

Note: In the evening the girls all made home medical kits. There is limited access to basics such as items for wound care so these kits will be given to keep at home should the need arise for the supplies inside (band aids, tape, gauze, etc). After a first aid class at our medical clinic Thurs they will be given to all who attend (to take home and have on hand). 

About 75 kits were made!

Also, please pray for Kylee (also on staff for the summer) who is COVERED in bug bites. She is so positive but super itchy. 

June 22, 2015

Hello everyone!

We just completed our third day of ministry in Haiti. The day consisted of amazing experiences.  The morning began with team time where we discussed the importance of serving. We observed and worked with Children’s Health Ministry, where two amazing ladies worked in the community to provide assistance to children with malnutrition. The women had amazing servant hearts, and gave of their time and energy to make sure that the children get help.  The experiences that we had as we observed the way the clinic ran, and playing with the children in the clinic was indescribable. In the afternoon, we walked around the community and prayed with people as we met them. We initiated conversations and played with the children. We were even invited into a Haitian house to meet the family. We also took lots of blood pressures as we wandered around the community. When we took one person’s blood pressure, people began to flock to us for blood pressure checks.  We also were able to hand out some pillowcase dresses that made several little girls grin from ear to ear. The evening was our favorite because we climbed to the overlook, which is basically a church which was destroyed in the earthquake but the frame is still standing. The church was seated on the mountainside with an amazing view of the ocean and Haiti. The moment was so surreal because the sun was setting, and you could really see the beauty of Haiti from the rooftop of the church.

                                                                         

  Sara, Hannah, and Paige

Praying in a Haitian home. 

Group photo at the overlook

Hannah doing blood pressure checks on people. 

Paige at the nutrition clinic. Playing with a little boy (Hannah played with his twin)

Photos- June 20/21

Sara got her hair done by the orphans!!

Today I will be better at taking photos to share. We are going to visit a nutrition clinic on the mountain in Carrefour. This organization is being used by God in GREAT ways and I am blessed to consider the founders good friends. The name of the ministry is Children's Health Ministries if you want to check them out. They have a facebook page they post to regularly. 

June 21, 2015

Hello Everybody!

                We are in our second night here in Carrefour and finished our first full day of ministry. Today, we got to experience Haitian Sunday service. It was amazing to experience worship in another language. Although we didn’t know the words, God’s presence was so evident. It’s so cool to know that they hear God’s voice in their native tongue, and we hear His voice in ours. Yet, we all hear the same voice.  They sang two American worship songs; it was beautiful to sing along with them as they sang in Creole. Later in the day we had the privilege to visit an all girls orphanage in Port-au-Prince. We got to play with them and share many smiles. They loved taking pictures with our cameras too! Besides laughing and playing, we were also able to tend to three different wounds. We brought medical supplies with us in our backpacks, and set up a mini station where we administered treatment. Because of the language barrier, communication was a challenge. We had translators that accompanied us, which was a massive blessing. We also used hand gestures, smiles and hugs – ways to share love with these girls without requiring any words. Overall, it was a great first day! We ended our day with worship, prayer and fellowship. We are so excited for all that is in store tomorrow. One more note: we would like to wish our Dads a HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!!! We Love You!!

                                                                                               

  -Sara, Hannah, and Paige

Flooding

It has been unseasonably HOT here this summer. Most Haitians tell me it is because they did not really get a rainy season in April/May like they normally do. Well, last night I think all the stored up rain came in one big storm and we got a lot of what was lacking. Unfortunately it came all at once causing crazy flooding-at least in our area. 

As I sit here this morning listening to the drops still falling from the roof I think of all the differences I will see with the light when it comes. Gone will be the incredible dust (for a bit) that so often covers everything as people walk or drive on our street. Gone will be much of the trash that accumulates along the roadside ( washed away by the rushing waters). Gone will be the smell that comes with that trash. Gone will be the dead branches from the trees on or around our property ( blown down by the wind). Etc...

This reminds me of how it is with God. When called upon, His Spirit will come and wash away all the nastiness we have in our lives and replace it with His peace, His comfort, His healing, etc. Just like the rain that came last night that cleansed the land, so can His grace come and cleanse our lives. 

So, as I listen to the drops falling I am encouraged. We are looking forward to this week and all God has ro teach us and show us. Praise Him for the cleansing floods. ( please pray though for those here living in poor housing- I can not imagine weathering storms in a shanty or tent..... and in that lies another lesson from Him but that one will wait for now)

Driving home from the airport with the group.

Team is here

The medical group has arrived amid a HUGE downpour. On our way to the base. 

Felony??

Redgi trying to break OUT of the property we rent!! Our landlord got a new lock and didnt leave us a key. Then he left for HOURS!! So, we were locked inside the gate when we had a ton of errands to get done! Two days until the first summer group comes. Yay!!

Woo hoo!!

The first group has landed in Haiti!! They are currently on their way home from the airport and tomorrow will begin ministry. This will be different for me. We are just hosting them. They have their own (seasoned) leader who is in charge of their schedule, devotions, debrief, etc.... Please keep them in your prayers! 

Meanwhile my wind chimes are blowing and sound beautiful. Maybe we will get some much needed rain. (Sky is dark and it is windy) 

Kylee is here!!!

Just to let you all know that Kylee is here and safe in the Montero. On our way to the base now.....