Saturday, December 31, 2016

Robin's blog

     Today we went to Hearts United’s center to do some teaching and speak English with the people that had completed the English class. We went over to the center and set up. Today we learned what it is like to be completely flexible and faithful to what God’s plan was for us today. So by saying that let me explain why; Hannah, Lucas, and I had prepared education on blood pressure and Diabetes. However no one showed up for our classes, but it turned out to be a very good thing. So instead of teaching we sorted Crystal’s packets for the English classes and this was a lot of fun to do with Jack, Hannah, and Lucas. We then had Fritznel (the gentleman was the man who was taken to Dr. Carl who removed the dead tissue from the man’s hand) come in to center to have his hand looked at and we changed his bandage. His hand had started to heal very well and the swelling in the hand had gone down a good bit. After we changed his bandage we then began to talk to him because we saw a cross tattoo on his right arm. We found out that he has four children and 3 of them live in the USA and the forth lives here in Haiti. We found out that his tattoo was for his first son because he does believe in God and did not want to change his life. We then had the opportunity to explain that he is loved and the gospel message. This was a real blessing because we were able to learn from the man and see that God was at work in the healing of his hand and that conversation that we were able to have.
Later on today we went up the mountain to the over look at which we could see that the city and spend time with the team. So a few of the group stayed back with some local kids at the outlook and Hannah, Lucas, Morgan, Crystal, James, and I went to find a young girl that Crystal knows that has down syndrome. On our way up there Gary (a friend of Crystal’s) took us up to see the family. Gary speaks almost perfect English so helped James translate for us. We got up to the family and we met the little girl who sang multiple songs (it was very evident to see the joy that she has and her love of life). We then started taking blood pressures. We found 3 people with extremely high blood pressure. There was one lady that we took her blood pressure and she had a wound on her one hip which Hannah cleaned and I assisted. After we did that Lucas told us about a young girl of sixteen who he taken a blood pressure on and it turned out to be 172/120. So we found her mother which was the lady that had the wound on her hip. So, I then with the help of Gary, explained how this blood pressure was extremely dangerous and something has to be done. So we explained that the mother needs to change her cooking habits and that she needs to take her daughter to see a doctor. So Crystal set steps into motion to help the mother and the daughter.
     Today was not something that I had expected but it did have the hand of God  weaved through out it.
-Robin Mussig

Photos- Day 2

Dressing the hand of the man with the burn. 

Assisting Dr Carl as he cleaned the burn. 

The orphanage.....
Lucas with some new friends. 

They LOVED Robin's hair! 

Morgan with a bunch of the children. She is soooo gentle and patient with them. She literally sat and held a 2 month old baby the whole time the children went "shopping" for Christmas presents. 

Hannah playing hand games. 

Jack with a new buddy too. Taking selfies together, then viewing them. 

Cassandra reunited with some old friends! 

Taking a few minutes from soccer to talk with the children. (one of the few times Anthony was still enough for me to get a photo- he is always playing with the children. )






Friday, December 30, 2016

Hannah's blog

     Today we went to the orphanage to visit the kids. On our way there, we stopped by the local bakery to pick up two cakes for the party that we held for the kids. Once we arrived at the orphanage, all of the children’s faces lit up. We spent all morning playing with them. We got to know the kids better and were able to engage in their games that they like to play which include: soccer, braiding hair, hand clapping games, and taking tons of photos.

     In the afternoon Lucas, Robin, and I taught the kids a lesson. We made bead bracelets in advance and each bead’s color had a significant meaning. There were six colors total, black, red, white, blue, gold, and green. We were able to explain the plan of Salvation to the kids using these. It was awesome because the kids listened and asked us questions after the lesson was finished. After the question and answer session, we asked the kids to bow their heads and to say a prayer to their self if they wanted to be saved. I do not know if any of them prayed the prayer, but I am praying that God will do work in each one of their life.

     After the lesson each child had the opportunity to go shopping and pick out two clothing items of their choice. Also, each child also received a pack of playing cards, colored pencils, hair accessories, and a beanie baby. The older girls could choose between a make-up bag, hair gel, a nail file or a measuring tape. The younger girls got to take their pick of a small water bottle, hair ribbon, or a book. Each child received a bracelet that we made for them to remind them of the lesson that we taught. It was so cool to see their faces light up when they were able to pick out what they wanted.

     To conclude our day at the orphanage we were able to help serve them dinner. Their plates were full of rice and beans and chicken. I could tell that they were all antsy to eat a tasty meal. It smelled so good! Unfortunately, we did not get to stay for cake time, but I am sure that they loved it.  

     I am so glad that I had the opportunity to experience the orphanage today.  I hope that we were able to help the children understand more about the plan of salvation and they realize how much God loves them. I am praying that we can witness to them more if we go back on Monday (which I think we are).

-          
     --Hannah Campbell 

Photos - Day 1

Here is the only photo I took yesterday before we separated as a group and I went with the man (mentioned by Morgan) to try to arrange care. We were able to get our doctor to clean the burn and thankfully there is no infection. The man will have a while to recover but the wound is clean and we will change the dressing Saturday. We also bought him so very strong antibiotics. 

Last night at debrief you could hear how excited the whole crew was. Jack and the 3 Malone students went to the doctor with the man. They got to watch (and even assist) with cleaning it. They have photos but will have to wait to share. 

It seriously feels like this team is on day 5 or 6 already!! They work great together and all are getting to know each other well. 

Here is Hannah checking blood pressure for a lady we met. 

(PS- you can comment on these blogs- it encourages the team)

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Morgan's update

My trip thus far has been the most life changing experience I’ve had in my life and in reality it is only the first full day here in Haiti. Through other missions trips in the past, I have experienced different levels of poverty, tradition, and how people go through their own individual lives daily, but nothing could have prepared me for what has happened and what we have experienced so far here. On our prayer walk today in Carrefour, the group that I was with encountered a man with severe burns on his right hand to the point where it was hot to the touch because of infection. Crystal has such a kind heart and offered to take him to get his burns taken care of correctly and get it properly cleaned and work on fighting the infection that, if not taken care of right away, could his hand or possibly die because of the infection. He said yes but when he was asked where he lived and how to get to his home to pick him up, he started acting a bit evasive. We decided to move on and continue. On the way back through, we decided to stop back in to see if the man had reconsidered and might cooperate with us. Well, God is so good and he answers prayer. The man approached us and apologized for his actions and started to cooperate. He showed us where he lived and explained that he acted a bit odd because he wanted his life to remain private and didn’t want to announce his address to everyone around, which is completely reasonable. He was picked up not that long ago and is on the way to Dr. Carl, a doctor that is known and trusted, to get looked at and ,Lord willing, healed of his injuries. I just ask that you continue to pray for the healing of this man and for our team as we go about the rest of our time here. Thank you so much for your continuous prayer and support.
                         Morgan Carmen


Wednesday, December 28, 2016

"Home!"

Made it home to the base safely but traffic was horrible. We are going to eat and then off to bed. Tomorrow is orientation and then local ministry. Will upate again then. 

Arrived!!

The Malone group of four have arrived in Haiti and are gathering luggage while I wait for the three from Pennsylvania. Will update again when we are all together and on the way! Everyone is super excited!

Our Haitian Missionaries

          (Redgi, James, and Magdiel)

     While I am the one writing blogs, sending messages on facebook and via e-mail, posting photos, etc.  I am certainly NOT the only one doing ministry here in Haiti.  Not by a long shot.  In fact, our Haitian missionaries on the ground are out there daily- meeting with ministry partners, leading prayer groups, making contacts with the community, training/teaching other Haitians sound business practices, etc…  So, I felt it was time to highlight them a bit.  And, of course, to ask that you support them- in prayer and financially if you are able and God puts it on your heart!  Without them, there would truly be no Hearts United with Haiti ministry going on here in this country.

REDGINALD ALVAREZ (Redgi):  Our Haitian Coordinator.  Some of his duties involve regular contact with our ministry partners (visiting sites, meetings, phone messages), delivering items to the various ministry locations (food/fruit & milk/personal items/chicken food to Life is Wealth Orphange; food/budget to Bas-Citronniers; construction materials/supplies/food to Chaveneau; etc), visiting families of children who have left the orphanage (there are 6 locations and 15 of them to keep track of- paying school, monitoring the home situation and needs, coordinating medical care, etc), maintaining our 2 vehicles regularly, managing our monthly budget (Nannies at Life is Wealth, staff at Bas-Citronniers, school tuition payments, base expenses, repairs needed, etc) and filing reports each month to the Board of Directors in the USA, keeping current on needs and ministry opportunities with our partners and within the community around us (and communicating this to the USA as well), and MUCH more.  He essentially IS Hearts United with Haiti and he is the one responsible for daily operations.

JAMES DESROSIERS:  Director of Communication/Media/Outreach.  James is the one who secures and trains our translators for visiting teams.  He runs our ministry Center in Carrefour (and lives there).  He supervises the staff of the Center (teachers, cleaning personnel, PeaceCYCLE workers, etc…), submits reports on each outreach there (financial and general reports), and maintains the building/grounds.  He also leads some of the ministry such as a prayer group that meets weekly.  He is always out in the community talking to people and making contacts – promoting the Center.  Not many can match the enthusiasm James has for sharing the Gospel with others.  His computer skills help since he designs flyers/posters/etc. for the Center and he is our general “fix-it” man around the base and Center.  He has saved us a LOT in repairs over the years and is a real asset to the team.

MAGDIEL ALVAREZ  (“Papa Redgi”):  Though he has not been an official part of the team in the past, we hope to change that in 2017.  Magdiel lives with Redgi at our mission base in Carrefour and he does an excellent job of maintaining our grounds and facility.  He pumps water to the roof when needed, cleans up after our two guard dogs (and trains them), fixes leaks and problems if needed, substitutes as a driver when needed, cleans the whole house regularly (and thoroughly before teams come), takes care of the trash and laundry when needed, and his positive attitude shows in all he does.  If you have been here, you know what we mean!

     There is not a budget item in our ministry budget for these three men (from Hearts United’s general operating budget).  Instead, we have asked for support from YOU toward their monthly blessing in the past and will continue to do that.  They are considered missionaries because that is exactly what they are.  They serve God first and Hearts United (ultimately their fellow Haitians) second.  God has always provided for them.  HOWEVER, as of now, James only has enough support to make it through about 1/3 of 2017 and we have nothing pledged toward Magdiel’s blessing since officially adding him to the team is a new idea for this year.

    If YOU would like to support the amazing ministry these three men are doing, you can send in your donation and mark it for a specific person OR you can specify “Haitian missionaries” and it will be used as needed to fill in their blessing each month.  NONE of them have other jobs- Hearts United is their passion and their ministry as well as providing some sort of income.  They all have families to support- wives and/or children.  Thanks for helping us bless the men who bless us with their service.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Ti Cabrit (Little Goat)

       Last year we asked if anyone would like to buy a goat for a family in need in Haiti.  We received an overwhelming response to that plea and we bought many goats.  Two that we bought were for Chaveneau.  One for Isaie’s family and one for my other friend, Marie-Rose.  This was in April of 2016- six months before the storm.  We just wanted them to know we appreciated their friendship and that they were not forgotten by us even though we didn’t still go to that community as a ministry.

       Each goat was a female and each had two offspring.  In an area where almost everyone lost their livestock, all but one of the goats made it through the storm.  One of Isaie’s baby goats died but here are some photos of the other.  She entertained me all day long- always into something.

(**By the way- both momma goats have been bred again and we THINK they are both expecting.  Soon there will be NINE goats from our original two purchased.  And, two of the baby goats are girls so the cycle will continue.  We would LOVE to buy goats for more families that lost them in the storm.  A pregnant female goat costs about $ 60- $ 70 US at the local market.  If you would like to buy a goat, please visit our website and make a note for “goat”.  We are asking for $ 75 for each to be sure to have enough when at the market.  Extra money not spent will go for feed or veterinary care.)

Some photos of my buddy "ti cabrit".......



PLAY TIME

       Children are children wherever you go and that means Chaveneau too.  They are often blissfully unaware of the struggles around them and the harshness that the world can hold at times.  Their innocence is something to envy but also something to be thankful for.  Their minds will have to process the hard realities of life soon enough.  Let them be joyful while they can!

       Oh how I enjoyed watching the children.  Hearing the laughter (and even the squabbles).  And, they were so patient with me and helpful with my Creole.

       I brought my cards along and a few books (in Creole) as well as some Sudoku puzzle books.  Some things are universal and language doesn’t matter.  We taught each other hand games, card games and how to complete the puzzle book.  I even got to use my internet for about 20 min. to take screenshots of research about Fidel Castro for one young man who was writing a paper.  He then copied the important facts into his notebook to take to school.  Later he told me the teacher was quite impressed with his research.  It was GREAT fun and made the days pass quickly.

       Here are some photos of the children at play (cards)…..
Dorothy and a friend playing cards on her front step.  

This always amazed me!  The creativity!  There were not enough seats available so..... use a metal ring to sit on.  

OR a bucket lid!  


Construction...

       Some of you want to know about the damage in and around Chaveneau.  Let me try to explain the general construction out there so you can understand better.  MOST homes are made with a concrete floor (cement poured over a bed of sand/gravel foundation).  The walls are usually made from larger trees stripped down into beams that hold up the roof which is also made from rough cut lumber/trees nailed together to make trusses.  Between the main beams, there are stones or woven pieces of wood for the walls – these are then covered with a mixture of more cement and sand (kind of like plaster).  The roof was usually tin nailed into those boards making up the trusses.

       When the winds came, the tin on the roof of most homes blew off- sometimes taking the wooden truss along with it.  Often, it also took along part of a wall because the truss was nailed into supporting beams on the wall.  If not, the walls were exposed now to the wind and rain and they just crumbled when saturated with rain water.  The plaster-like stucco turned to mud and fell.

       IF the home was made of block, often that block had originally been constructed using too much sand (to make it cheaper) and was already brittle because of the sun drying it out over time.  When the roof began to shift and blow off, it took those walls down with it as well.  On some homes only the wooden frame remains with the wall/cement in ruins on the ground as it crumbled.  Others have partial walls standing.  Others only had damage to the roof.  It all depends on how well constructed the walls were originally and how old the home was.

       Reconstruction will require going all the way down to the foundation once again on many homes and starting with STRONG blocks on concrete footers to give good support.  This means knocking down what little remains of many homes that are still partially standing but it is the only way to be sure it will last.

       This reminds me of our Christian walk and the stories of how we need to build upon a STRONG and SOLID foundation in order to withstand the storms of life.  As Christians if we do not start with this strong foundation, we are sure to sway, bend, and possibly break when tough times come- just like these homes did in the storm.

       These photos show some of the damage and some different types of construction you see in  and around Chaveneau.
(NOTE:  We would love to rebuild at least three homes for our friends.  Five would be ideal but we estimate it costing about $3000 US each.  Ron is even talking about taking a team to work alongside the locals.  God knows!  And HE will provide if that is His desire as well- maybe through YOU??  Check out the website for info on donating online or by mail- www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org   - the “donate” page)

Wooden frame of a home- all that is left.  

This one has parts of the wall left.  The rest is covered with salvaged tin.  

Salvaged tin- the home was a total loss.  

Part of this home still standing- on the right they have formed a temporary one.  This shows the wall construction well- the rocks and mortar that is then covered with a plaster-like mix and painted.  

Another home that lost the roof.  This one had pretty good construction prior to the storm but still a lot of the house fell.  

Even the well constructed homes lost part (or all) of their roof.  The winds were INTENSE!  

Faces of Chaveneau

Here are some random photos I took of the people (mostly children) in Chaveneau.....

Wideline (my friend Marie-Rose's daughter) with another woman whose name I can not remember right now- oops!  

Junior- he did not leave my side the entire trip.  

Anderson-  he tries to act so tough, but what a sweet young man!

Elizia-  Living in the church because her home was totally lost.  

A random young boy sitting in the doorway to the church.  

Manuel and Jephty returning from working on the road (an organization is paying locals to work on the road so they can have some funds to rebuild).  

Ti Stanley (little Stanley)-  this kid was ALWAYS hanging around.  He is ALL BOY!  (playing in the dirt, jumping off stuff, climbing in trees, etc.... )

Nehemie and little baby Jovani-  I have known her since 2010 too.  She loves to play with my hair.  

Reality (sorry- long post)

       By now you all know that I went to Chaveneau  just to “BE”.  I didn’t really have an agenda.  Yes, I wanted to practice Creole.  Yes, I wanted to visit my friends.  Yes, I wanted to hear stories and see the reality of living life in the wake of the hurricane.  But, basically I just wanted to be there.  With the people I know and have had relationship with for over six years.  I wanted to have some time to pray and to seek some answers from God about our ministry here in Haiti.  I wanted to go back to the place where it all began- this love affair with the country & people that have become such a part of my life.

       And, that I did.

       In the process God taught me.  He stretched me.  He grew me.  And, He showed me HIS heart for people once again.

        One of the lessons that was most impactful was just coming to understand reality for MANY living in Haiti- hurricane or not.  Education is important.  That is one thing that originally brought me to Chaveneau in 2010.  Pastor Duval had wanted me to talk to the community about the importance of getting a good education for their children but that wasn’t a difficult job.  The parents knew that with a good education their children would stand a better chance in life and would have many more opportunities outside of Chaveneau (or even if they remained).

       My first morning in Chaveneau the youngest of Isaie’s children (Dorothy) got up and ready for school .  She looked soooo cute in her little blue school uniform with ribbons in her hair and little black shoes on her feet.   She took so much time ironing pleats in her skirt in the morning before putting the uniform on.  She asked me to take a photo of her before she left and then she was out the door.

       About an hour later I was sitting on the porch at the church when Dorothy came back.  Tears stained her cheeks and I could tell there was a problem.  I asked her brother (who was home because he had exams in the afternoon) what was wrong.  He explained that they sent Dorothy home because Isaie had not been able to pay for school.  Dorothy could not return for exams or to continue with her classes until her past due balance was paid.

       When Isaie returned after working at the school she was told about the situation.  As one mother to another I could just see the pain it caused- and the embarrassment because I was there to see how she was unable to provide for her daughter.  I sat with her and we talked.  She broke down and cried openly telling me how tough it was since her husband left.  She had paid school for her older 3 children but had a small balance for the 4th one, a larger balance for her oldest who is in school in Port au Prince, and this big balance for Dorothy.  When asked how much she told me that it was about 6,650 gourdes (about $100 US).  She explained that if she could not pay for Dorothy that she would be unable to return after Christmas break and would need to repeat this grade next year.
She was NOT asking me for help.  In fact, she was embarrassed to tell me all this.  I could tell.  I know her well.  I explained that I know what a good mother she is and that Dorothy does too.

       Unfortunately, the children understand all too well the impacts this hurricane and loss of property (and need to use funds for things like mattresses or food or fixing the roof) have had on their mom and family.  They were silent as she called them together to pray and talk about the situation.

       When planning my trip to Chaveneau I thought I would need to sleep in the church so I when Redgi left I put all my money into the glove box of the car and away he drove.  I kept only a little spending money just in case someone in the church decided to make a desperate move and go “shopping” in my purse one night while I slept.  But, that was not to be the case.  Instead, Isaie had cleared a small room in her home for me and set up a bed and table.  Anyway-  the point is that I didn’t think I had funds even if I did want to swoop in and help.  But, as I prepared for bed I remembered that years ago Redgi told me that I needed to keep a secret stash deep in my purse in a compartment there just in case we were ever out and had car trouble or anything and needed money.  I knew it was there “for such a time as this”…..

       I called Isiae into my room and explained just that.  How I had an emergency stash for things just like this.  And as tears ran down her cheeks and her lip quivered I knew without a doubt that was what the money was intended for.
 
       The next morning Dorothy ran off to school and afterward Isiae produced a receipt to show that she had used the funds I gave her for paying toward her past due balance.  Not that I needed proof.  I know this woman is so honest.  But, to show that the figure she had given me was true.  The balance that is still owed (about another $40 US) was clearly noted on the paper, but this money I gave was enough to buy them time.

        I called this post “Reality” because THIS is the reality of Haiti.  Daily living is tough enough- much less when something catastrophic such as this hurricane comes along.  I understand the school still needs to pay their teachers.  I praise God it is still open and providing some sort of normalcy to the children in the community.  But, I was sad that these families are still expected to pay their balances with all the losses they have recently had.  But….. what other solution is there?  Sadly, none that I can think of.

          I just thank God that I was in Chaveneau at the time when my friend needed a little boost.  I know how that feels.  I have had people reach out and help our family in times when things were rough.  I praise Him for letting me share a little joy with this family.

        I think of the families who didn’t have their past due amounts paid.  The children who will have to repeat school next year due to this tragedy.  One more ripple effect from this storm.  My heart breaks at the thought of all those parents having to go through the same situation as my friend but don’t have the same ending.   Will they even be able to pay next year with all the loss of crops and animals they usually use to pay for school?  When I look around I don’t know how long it will take to recover or if many ever really will.

         This hurricane came…. like a rock thrown against an already thin piece of glass covering a window.  First there were cracks and you could see how delicate the situation was.  But now, you can hear the creaking and groaning under the weight of the rock.  How long until the glass cracks and the rock falls completely through?  How much other damage will be done in the process?  Will the pieces ever be able to be put back together without leaving scars/signs of the attempted repairs?  How will those scars affect the view of the world outside in the future?  So many questions…… only time will reveal the answers.

       YOU can be part of helping with recovery efforts.  It may not help fast enough like this situation, but you can let the people of Chaveneau know that they are not forgotten.  That they are loved- so much that strangers are willing to come alongside them to offer a little kindness along the way.  That they can continue to move forward toward recovery.  And, maybe someday they can reach out to another in need.  We never know how our actions can impact the future and the ways God can use a little to bless MANY.  Thank you for all your support!
Dorothy -proud to be home from school on the day her past due tuition was paid.  























Isaie - my friend (zanmi'm)






This was taken just before I left Chaveneau   Pictured eftL to Right are......  Ezechiel, Isaie, Dorothy, Me, Jephty (Caleb & Mis-Rose were at school)
       I love many families in Chaveneau but I truly consider my friend Isaie one of my closest friends-in Haiti or the USA.  Not because we have had deep conversations (though now we have- Praise God).  Not because we share the same faith (though we do).  Not because we are both mothers (but we are).  But because I have had lots of time to OBSERVE her.  You see, when you can not speak the language well, you sit a lot.  And, I do not sit still very well.  I am always doing something.  So,… if I can’t talk- I watch.  And watch.  And watch.

       Over the years and many trips to Haiti I have watched this woman raising her children.  I have watched her interact with love.  I have watched her discipline with firmness, but also at times with great tenderness.  I have seen her get up early to start cooking meals for her own children but also for me or my teams hosted at her home.  I have seen her sleeping on the floor in her main room because I was in her only bed in the house.  I have seen her eating a small plate of food while her children are eating large portions. I have seen her so tired at night sitting by the lantern sewing something for  a customer to earn a little money for her family.   I have seen the look of sadness, grief, pride, lonliness, etc… over the years on different occasions when she doesn’t know someone is looking.  I have watched her talk to her neighbors.  To pray with them.  To encourage them.  To listen to them when they sit and tell her stories (when I know she has a ton of work yet to do) And, I have grown to admire and truly love this woman I call friend in Haiti.

       Isaie has seven children-  Nadege, Jephty, Nazaire, Mis-Rose, Caleb, Ezechiel, and Dorothy.  ALL are very respectful and well mannered.  The three oldest live in Port au Prince.  Nadege is a nurse.  The rest are in school.  Isaie is the church secretary, a seamstress and teaches at a nearby school.  She lives on the church property in a home that is owned by the church.  It has three small rooms and lost most of the roof in the hurricane.  Her home & yard is the community hangout area since it is at the church.  Everyone in the area knows and respects her.

        When I saw where Hurricane Matthew was headed way back in October, I knew there would be trouble. I knew what a powerful storm did to well constructed homes after traveling to Mississippi and Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina in the USA.  I could only imagine the devastation that Hurricane Matthew would to and, unfortunately, we all know that those predictions were right.  But, praise God for people like Isaie and her family in the community of Chaveneau- to arrange for and help us with distribution of food, supplies, seeds, plants, etc.  Praise God we know and trust her to know and clearly communicate the true community needs and to guide us as we navigate how to best help these people there.  May He continue to be her strength and may she continue to serve Him and be a light in this community.

       So…. here are some photos of the family so you can put faces with names.
Mis-Rose

Caleb

Dorothy

Ezechiel

Isaie


Ti Mango (Little Mango) and more...

        Thanks to the generosity of a man in the USA who bought them, we were able to pick up and deliver about 130 small trees to the community of Chaveneau.  Most were little mango trees, but there were also moringa, cherry, key lime, avocado, and breadfruit.  These trees will be handed out to the community TODAY (12/18) after church along with a piece of wire fence to keep animals from eating them until they are bigger and stronger.  Each family will also receive some rice we purchased in pouches- fortified with lots of vitamins and minerals.  The quantity will depend on the number of families at church.  We bought 10 boxes (36 pouches per box) to distribute.

        If you look at the photos you can see how many trees in Chaveneau are starting to push growth again.  But, many were broken and severely damaged in the storm.  These will not grow back properly and will be prone to disease, insects, and breaking again under the weight of fruits.  So…. these little trees will be perfect.  By the time they are big enough to produce fruit (about 1-2 years) the others will most likely be showing signs of stress and problems.

         Thank you, DAVID for answering God’s call to help!  What a blessing- photos to follow of the distribution.


Here are some of the mango trees (with a few moringa in the background).  

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Grandpa

I told you of Widelande and her family in another blog.  I was prepared (somewhat) for what I would find when I got to her house.  On the way there we had talked about the experience, losing her home, riding out the storm by hiding under a table as the walls fell, etc....  But, when we got there I saw something I was not prepared for.  You see, her family is now living at the church.  All except for "Grandpa".  Grandpa is not a Christian so he refuses to stay at the church.  Instead, he chooses to stay on their old property- living in an area that used to be a porch.  He has fashioned it into a little room for sleeping by covering it with a tarp and some tin.

I didn't meet Grandpa because he was not there when I was, but I can just imagine this old man laying on an old salvaged door with his little blanket as a cover.  His jeans and a few other clothes lay around in the room he calls home now.  How quiet and lonely it must be at night.

The sad part?  He is TRULY alone out there.  He doesn't know the comfort and peace that only comes from Jesus.  I can't even begin to imagine what that is like.  I can't imagine going through what some of these people went through in the storm, but to do so without faith is beyond what I can grasp.  My comfort comes in knowing that though I might feel alone, I am never truly alone.  I have a God who loves me and will care for me. And, should my physical body perish in the process, I have the assurance that I will be with Him in paradise- where there is no more suffering or pain.  But, this man doesn't have that.  It truly broke my heart for him.

I asked Widelande if I could have a few minutes there- in quiet.  I prayed for him.  I prayed he comes to know God through this situation.  I prayed for his family who can be a witness of God's provision and protection.  Will you join me in praying for "Grandpa"??  (I lost the paper with his name, but God knows)


**Also... if you feel led to give financially to our Hurricane Matthew Recovery efforts we will use the funds to replace animals lost and (if we get enough funds) to help with rebuilding homes like this.
"Grandpa's" room before the storm was here.  This was his bed.  The wall fell and crushed it.  They told me many people were hiding under their beds when walls fell and they were crushed.  

The room where the tarp is used to be a porch.  He has covered it with tin and the tarp and now sleeps in there (behind that little rusty tin door held up by a stick).  The area behind that dresser in the foreground is where his room used to be (see photo above)

Another view of the door into Grandpa's house.  

We removed the door so I could see inside.  There are planks on the ground and an old door.  This is where he sleeps at night.  Here is where I sat to pray for him!  Oh Lord, how I pray he comes to know you who protected him in the storm.  

Another view-  this one shows the new house on the right- made from scraps of tin, trees that fell in the storm and crushed block for the foundation.  TRULY a humbling experience and one I will never forget.  Please pray for this family!  

Jude's family

I have known Jude's family since September of 2010 when I first visited Chaveneau.  Jude was so little at the time but absolutely adorable.  He was also sooooo serious all the time and quite timid.  His mom would come visit when I would stay in the community and he would always be hanging out in the shadows observing me but would never talk or really interact much.  It got to the point where they would tease that he was my boyfriend and the reason I came to Chaveneau (they would mostly say this to Ron to tease him).  As time went by though, Jude warmed up to me.  I got to know his whole family- mom, dad, brother (Wendy), and sister (Widelande).  They were one of the first families I asked about after the storm.

 I heard their house "broke" in the hurricane and that they were among the families living at the church.  Again, this was something my head knew, but my heart didn't understand completely until this past week.  It was only once I stayed for a few days that I saw them coming and going from what used to be the church office.  It is a room about 10 x 10 if that.  I asked Caleb (one of Isaie's sons) who was staying in that office and he told me Jude's family lived there now.  ALL FIVE OF THEM.  In a room about 10 x 10!

But, they are among the fortunate ones.  They can lock up their personal items during the day because the church office has a door that can close and lock.  Others living in the church can not do the same.  Others must pile their belongings in corners of the church and hide them under blankets that turn into sleeping mats or covers at night.  When they leave for the day to go work on rebuilding some sort of shelter they trust that their things will be safe.

So.... when I got to Chaveneau and saw Widelande I asked her to take me to see her home.  Tuesday morning she did just that.  We took a LONG walk through the fields and up/down steep hillsides.  We crossed the river by wading ankle deep in water.  And, when we arrived I got to see where their home used to be.  I got to hear her story of six of them huddled on top of one another under a small table during the hurricane because their home was falling around them.  I got to see where her bedroom (shared with her brother, Wendy) used to be.  I got to see the bits of furniture left among the rubble.  And, as I stood there, I got to pray with her and thank God for his protection over their lives.  We cried together.  We talked together.  I saw sadness in her eyes as she looked around- probably thinking about how I was viewing things for the first time.  Again, there is something about hearing about a situation (like you are now) and standing there in the middle of all the debris and experiencing it yourself.

The beauty?  There was MUCH, but one of the best things was seeing and hearing how their father has gone over to the property every day to salvage what he can.  He has rebuilt them a temporary home - next to the original foundation.  It is from scraps of tin and trees that fell in the storm.  It leaks in the rain.  The walls are not straight.  Some of the tin wiggles and moves if you push on it.  BUT.... it is going to be home soon.  And he is PROUD of that!  So proud!  He did not let his circumstances get the best of him.  He did not sit and wait for someone to show up and do things for his family. Instead, he took what God gave him and has created something out of that.  What a beautiful lesson we can learn.  Sometimes I think I can't do something cause the materials I have to work with are not good enough.  I am a perfectionist.  If it can't be done right, I might not try at all.  But, this man loves his family so much and wants them to be able to get back HOME....  so he has created a beautiful little tin home for them for now.

How I would love to help their family build a new concrete (solid) home- safe from storms and earthquakes and other things that might come their way.  How I would love to replace the four goats, four sheep and many chickens they lost.  How excited I was to see the seeds growing that we handed out about a month ago in their little field/garden area.

Their future here is uncertain.  But, they are a family.  They have strong faith.  This situation has not broken them but you can see the wear in the eyes of this father.  You can see the hurt (and love) if you look into his eyes.  You can see it in the eyes of Widelande as she talks about her former home.  So much for so many to process.

Again, I thank God for having this chance to visit the community.  To live there for a bit again.  To see the homes.  To hear the stories.  To pray together.  I pray He allows Hearts United to be used in some way to bring healing- physically and emotionally to these people I love.

Their home after the storm-  Widelande's bedroom is in the foreground on the left (pink mat).  She shared that room with her brother Wendy.  The room on the right was shared by mom, dad and Jude.  They hid under that blue table (on the left) during the storm and made their way to the church the following morning at first light.  (NOTE:  Grandpa still lives on site- under that blue tarp in the back- more on that in another blog)

This is a photo looking into the "new"house made of tin from the side door.  It has a gravel floor (made from crushed up block left laying around after the walls on the original house blew over).  The boards are trees that fell in the hurricane.  

Widelande holding their only chicken left.  They lost 4 sheep, 4 goats and MANY chickens.  This one was tied up during the storm so it is still there, but it hurt it's leg in the process and can not walk well at all.  

The "new" house made of salvaged tin.  

My buddy Jude!  So tiny to have lived through such an experience. Prayers for this whole family!  

No Words to describe....

IHere I am, sitting in a guest house in Les Cayes, Haiti.  I have a room complete with air conditioning (most of the time), hot and cold running water, food 3 x per day, and a soft bed to sit on.  All things I have not had the past five days when living in Chaveneau.  But, frankly, I needed this time to process and pray about all that I experienced while living in the countryside that has been ravaged by Hurricane Matthew over 2 mos. ago.

I am hoping to share SOME of the stories over the next few days, but please know that the needs are plenty.  There was not a home that was spared from at least some damage to the structure.   Or a family that didn't lose crops or animals-  potential income they would have had toward the future.  The needs are so great that I hardly know where to spend the remaining funds we have available.

So far we have given seeds (beans/corn), food (initial relief kits, boxes and boxes of fortified rice, etc...), medicine, hygiene products, construction materials (tin, nails, hammers, etc...).  We have had water purification tablets and small filters donated and distributed until our water system can be operational again (and donations to get it up and running once the repair team is free to do so).  Small trees were donated and will be distributed by the local church on 12/18 along with wire to keep the trees safe while they grow and begin to bear fruit in the years to come.

Do you continue to do a LITTLE for many or do you focus on doing a LOT for only a few?  I honestly still can't answer that question since I can see pros and cons to both forms of recovery assistance.

What I CAN do is pray. (and believe me, I have- a lot!)

I CAN tell the stories.

I CAN advocate for these people I love.

And I CAN promise that should you decide to donate toward relief efforts, we will see that your gift is used wisely and with complete accountability.

** You can donate online (www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org) or by sending a check to Hearts United with Haiti  PO Box 55, Morgantown, PA 19543.  We would be honored if you would consider us for your end-of-year donation (tax deductible- we are a 501c3 organization)

 (note:   I used personal funds for my stay in the guest house- funds donated for Hurricane recovery go directly to benefit the people who need it most!)

This is the kitchen of a family in the mountains by Chaveneau.  They salvaged what they could and built this little area to hold their cooking supplies.  They sleep under a home that is not much better- repaired from whatever scraps could be salvaged.  Please pray for funding for homes for these people BEFORE the rains start to fall again in the spring (or sooner)