Final blog for this group

          Today we visited Papillon boutique.  Papillon is a boutique that employs over 240 Haitian men and women.  These men and women are taught skills such as sewing, bead making, jewelry making, screen printing and pottery.  The items they make are sold in the boutique and the money they earn allows them to provide for their families!  The children of these men and women go to daycare free of charge until they are three and then they transition into school.  It is amazing to see these men and women creating these beautiful products!  While there, we had an opportunity to sit in their Clay Café and tap into their free WiFi!  It gave us a chance to send some messages to our families!
          As we wrap up our trip and prepare to leave Haiti tomorrow, we are all going to have a lot to process as we head home.  We have seen God show up in many ways since we began our trip!  He paved the way for a smooth flight here and a very fast and smooth exit from the Haitian airport, he brought around 25 women to our retreat, he gave us the ability to connect and serve these beautiful women and he even allowed us to witness one sweet lady give her life to Christ!  I know all our hearts have been touched by God’s goodness to us and the women of Carrefour!
        We had a very special visit tonight from David.  David is one of Crystals translators.  David’s baby boy, Jake, was born a month ago and we were happy to get the opportunity to pray for him, his wife and his sweet baby!
         As we have served here together, God has formed a very special bond among us women and I know we are all very thankful and feel very blessed to have spent this last week together!  We have all been challenged personally to continue to put our faith and trust fully in the God who knows and loves each one of us! 
        I know I speak for everyone when I say that this has been a very special trip and we cannot wait to share our stories with everyone at home!  We are looking forward to seeing our families but we will each be taking a piece of Haiti home with us!

Mel, for all the Princess Ninja Warriors!  (Mel, Paula, Tess, Annette, Crystal and Stephana)

Annette's 2nd blog

Hello Everyone,
        Everyone here is doing well.  The woman’s retreat was an awesome thing to see.  The Holy Spirit was with us as we worked through the retreat and pampering the woman every day after was so much fun. 
        Today was our beach day.  We got up early and went to church at Pastor Robbie’s church.  I love going to church in Haiti.  To see the Haitian’s worship and pray is amazing, they have such spirit and faith.  They put the worship words up on the overhead, in Creole and in English and they also sing in both languages.  Crystal explained that Pastor Robbie wants them to do both, so if someone speaking English comes to the church they will feel comfortable in his church.  Unfortunately he wasn’t there, but his wife, Madame Pastor was there and she did remember me. 
        After church we sat down with Betty the worship leader, who also did the worship for our woman’s retreat, to hear her pros and cons of the woman’s retreat.  She said that she can’t really think of anything bad, just a couple of little things……maybe next time we could get some younger woman, maybe invite even more woman and invite woman who don’t know Jesus.
        So after church, we got ready and went to the beach!  On the way Stephana and Tess gave their testimony and we prayed for both of them when they were done.  All of these woman that I am here with are amazing and I love them all!  What a Blessing this trip is!  God is good!
        We had the perfect beach day, it was sunny and the water was warm.  Melody and Paula took a canoe ride – pictures will come later!  We all got to try conch, which is a little animal that lives in a sea shell.  They pull it out of the ocean, throw it on a fire, after it is cooked, they pull it out of the shell, dip it in hot sauce and serve.  I enjoyed it, it is a little hot and chewy, but I really liked it.
         It poured on the way home, but God blessed us with a beautiful day of just sharing each others company.  I can’t believe that we only have one more full day it Haiti.  I will be sorry to go, but I will be happy to see everyone.  Many blessings to all of you praying for us.
In Christ,
Annette

Mel's blog

Hello everyone!
       We are all doing well, despite the Haitian heat, lack of electricity and little coffee!!  We had a thunderstorm last evening which did provide a bit of a breeze for a little bit.  Between the heat, the storm, the dogs barking and the neighbors music, I did not sleep very much last evening.  However, Mr. Alvarez came to the rescue and brewed enough coffee in his little perculator pot for Marti and I to share.  We do very much appreciate Mr. Alvarez!! (the groundskeeper)
       Today was our third and last day of our Women’s Retreat.  In today’s session the women were asked to share their personal testimony.  We were praying specifically for women who would be willing to share.  Plan B was for us to share our testimony if none of them would.  God was working in the lives of these women and we had TEN women come up and share testimony!!  They shared struggles from their past, things that had happened to them, things they had regrets over and even ways that they had seen God show up in their lives.  We had one woman who started her testimony by saying she was not a Christian but had experienced God.  Marti allowed her to tell her story and then asked her if she would like to know Jesus.  Her response was YES!  Marti led her in prayer and she accepted Christ into her life!  It was a very moving and powerful moment! 
       One of the things we were praying for was for the women to make connections among each other.  We noticed right away as they were entering the community building today that they were talking and laughing much more among themselves,  Paula asked how many had made a new friend and all the hands went up!  What an answer to prayer!  We also saw real trust and a sense of community among the ladies as testimony was shared.  It was easy to see they were relating to each other and feeling compassion for each other.  We are very excited for the women of this community and are continuing to pray for them to continue to seek each other out and continue to build relationships among themselves.
       Since yesterday was Marti’s birthday , they surprised her with a gift today.  Imagine her surprise when she opened the gift to find two brand new pair of underwear! :)  The ladies were so proud and happy to give her a gift!
       We continued with our pampering treatment and I believe all the ladies felt loved and relaxed when they left.
        After dinner tonight Annette and Crystal did dishes so we could pamper Madam Damus  and MaMa Madam Damus. (the cooks) We gave them the full treatment of massage, pedicure, facial and paraffin hand wax.  We hope they felt loved!  We also treated both Nahomie and Nadege to the same special treatment.  However, we did use peel off facial masks for them and we had enjoyed their expressions as they peeled their faces off!  It was a very fun and relaxing evening here at the base with lots of jokes and laughter!
        With love from Haiti,
               Mel

Paula's blog

       Today was the second day we held the Come to the Well Retreat at the community center. It was also a special day as we celebrated Marti’s 60th birthday, surprising her with the Haitian women singing ‘Happy Birthday’ for her and afterward they all came up to hug and kiss her. It was a beautiful display of love and blessing. We continued the surprise later in the day with Haitian birthday cake, whistles, beads, and glow bracelets. A special lady deserves special treatment.
        In session two I shared more about the woman who came to the well to meet Jesus, and that many of us are like her, hiding our true selves from others. As Marti shared more of her story, the walls surrounding these dear woman started to fall. But I could sense their apprehension as I pulled names out of the bowl to pair them up to share with one another. Many of them did not know each other, but I assured them that we could trust God with every detail of our lives, even this. It was a beautiful sight to see them stroll out of the building hand in hand, and arm in arm. They sat in pairs around the community center, sharing whatever they wanted to. We could see tears, physical touch, and deep care for one another in their faces.
        When they came back, we invited them to spend some time hearing from God and writing or drawing in their journals. After this our worship leader, Betty, led us in singing “What a friend we have in Jesus,” which brought me to tears. He indeed is a wonderful friend. My hope and prayer is that each woman that attended would know this truth. What a blessing it was to me to experience the beauty of their glorious worship to our great God. It was a little taste of heaven on earth.
        After lunch we set up stations to pamper ten more of the women with massage, facials, pedicures, and paraffin hand wax treatments. I believe our desire to make them feel like princesses was met. Many of them could not stop smiling as they enjoyed one station after another.
In the afternoon we went out on prayer walks, half of the team up the mountain and half to the community well area. I really wanted to go to the well to experience that. It was fascinating to see hundreds of people out in the middle of the afternoon using the same source of water, some bathing, some doing laundry, and some washing dishes. We were able to talk to a number of them. One thirteen year old girl seemed to follow us closely for awhile and we finally asked her about herself and if we could pray for her. She said yes and we asked if there was anything specific we could pray for. She said that evil had tried to kill her, but she survived. We asked if she knew Jesus and she said yes, so we laid hands on her and declared that she was safe in His arms, that she was loved, adored, and protected by the One who made her.
        This is why we came to Haiti…to know the One who made us and make Him known.

Prayer request from Crystal

Hello!  I can't tell you how exciting this group/trip has been for me personally.  Our heart as a ministry for the people on the mountain near our mission base has been broken many, many times as we walk among them, talk to them, hear their stories/struggles, and pray with them over the years. My heart personally is that the WOMEN in the community will come to realize (if they don't already) how amazing they are and how much God loves them.  Those women can impact the lives of their children, their neighbors, and their families more than any amount of time we can spend walking and talking among them.  So, it was with great excitement and anticipation that I prayed and waited for this week here at the Community Center. 

For those of you who do not know, Marti is a public speaker who has an organization in the USA called One Step Ministries.  She uses her story and the redemption she has found through Christ to encourage others to do the same.  We all have a story.  We all have struggles.  But, God is there through them all and He is waiting to heal us from any and all guilt/shame/etc. in our past.  The enemy loves to use those things to keep us from being effective for the Kingdom and it is only through the freedom that Christ can give that we are able to reach out and share His story, His love, His forgiveness with others. 

Yesterday, Marti was able to share that message with a select 30 women who God sent as ambassadors from that community.  We put out the invitation.  We walked on the mountain and talked to people.  James called many and asked them to come.  But GOD sent those He wanted to be there. 

Please join us in prayer as we continue to minister to these women.  Especially Marti who is facilitating the journey we are all on these few days. 

We are under attack from the enemy for sure.  We have had power only for about 30 minutes in the past 3 days and that was NOT at night.  No power means no fans, no cold water to drink (the water is tepid and hard to drink), no chance to pump bath/toilet water to the roof (hence the need to really conserve), no way to charge devices, no ability to use some of the items planned for pampering the women (ie:  the paraffin wax dip for hands).  Pray the team will get rest.  Pray they will stay healthy.  Pray they will not be discouraged. 

Mostly, pray for the women who are attending these seminars.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will work in them and that they will be released from whatever bondage they have been under from the enemy.  Pray that they will know their true worth in Him.  Pray that they will accept that as truth.  Pray that He will use them to begin a change on this mountain.  Pray.  Pray.  Pray.   

Thank you!  YOU are as much a part of this team as those who are physically here.  God bless you for your part in bringing us before the throne.    -Crystal

Annette's Blog-

Hello All,

        We are all doing well. We had a big thunderstorm last night and with not having power we were blessed to have all the wind from the storm to keep us a bit cooler.  Today was the first day of the woman’s retreat over in the community center.  So, we started the day out praying for all the woman that would be coming to have open hearts and minds, for Marti to have strength to tell her story, and mostly for the Holy Spirit to show up.  I can’t even begin to tell you about the day that we had!  We had about 22 to 23 Haitian women come.   Betty, the worship leader at Pastor Robbie’s church, lead the worship and it was beautiful the way they all sang together without any music in Creole.  As Marti told her story, our translator Stephana translated the story to the Haitian women.  The woman seemed moved by Marti’s story, some of them crying, some of them with goose  bumps and at some points they would say, “Amen”.  After words, some of the woman asked to be prayed over and some of the woman said that they were blessed to be hearing Marti’s story. 
       The woman were given lunch, then 10 woman were invited to stay for some pampering from us. Melody was giving facials, Paula was doing back massages, Tess was doing foot soak/massage and I was doing nail polish on their feet and/or hands.  We asked most of the woman if they wanted us to pray for them after their pampering.  Marti and I were able to pray with about 4 of them and it was awesome.
           I was told to have your face, nails and feet done in Haiti is a big deal and the woman all enjoyed it very much.  One woman commented that she felt like a princess.  They were all giving us kisses on the cheek as they left.  It felt really good to do it for them and let them know that they are loved.  The most exciting part is that most all the woman said that they would be coming back tomorrow for the second day of the retreat.  I can’t wait to see how God moves in some of the woman tomorrow.  I will be praying again for Marti and the Haitian woman tonight. 
        We want everyone to know that we are so blessed to have all of you praying for us.  I am so blessed to have Trinity Church and my family supporting me.  May God bless you all.
In Christ,
Annette 

Blog from Tess

 Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018
        Today was our first full day in Haiti, as we spent all day yesterday traveling.  Our morning started with a delicious breakfast by Madam Damus.  She served us hard boiled eggs, homemade bread, fresh mango and keylime juice.  The team then met with Crystal & Stephana to talk about our plans for the retreat that will take place over the next 3 days.  We walked to the community center and decided how to set up the room for the teaching and pampering times.  Once back to our base we filled the gift bags (cloth bags donated by MCC) that will be handed out to the ladies on the final day of the retreat (Saturday). 
        After lunch (chicken, rice and beans, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and pikliz) we all took a nap (since the first night was not very restful for most of us) and then we took a walk up the mountain to the lookout point and to meet some women that we wanted to invite to the retreat.  While praying for a sweet, older woman, a crowd of children had gathered around us on the steep hillside.  Crystal noticed one boy in the crowd whose eyes were blood shoot… the whites of his eyes were completely red.  When our translator, Jonny, asked a woman what had happened to him, we were told that his mother had taken a cord and wrapped it around his neck to choke him.  This had happened days before and the boy looked fearful when Jonny questioned him if he felt safe in his home.  It was one of the hardest things that I have ever seen… this young boy was about the age of my oldest grandson.  I was fearful for him, but had no clue how to help.  Marti and I laid hands on him and prayed for him while surrounded my more than a dozen other children.  Marti prayed for healing and that the whites of his eyes would be restored. She also proclaimed that God has a purpose for his life that he would grow to be a godly man and live his life for the Lord. I had to excuse myself from the team when we returned to the base and just sit in the bathroom and cry for awhile.  The sight of this young boy will stay with me and I will continue to pray for his situation.  I also pray if God allows it, that we would have time later this week to go back up that mountain to check on him again.  Please join us in prayer for Fednor and for his mother.
        Thank you all for your continued prayers on our behalf.  We ask that our first day of the women’s retreat goes smoothly tomorrow and that God would bring the women who need to hear Marti’s story of God’s healing power and redemption. 

Notes from Crystal

Final full day!  Hard to believe because this week went by so fast. 

I am writing again (I rarely do the blog, but let the team take turns) to just recap the last few days.  Yesterday (Thursday) we had  VBS again in the morning.  IT WAS AWESOME again!  The church has taken over complete responsibility and it is so encouraging to see.  We started with our team meeting where they talked about some things they had noticed the day before that could use improvement.  Therefore, they had already met and come up with some solutions.  They ran the ideas past us, got our input, and implemented the changes yesterday!  WOW! 

The team has also had some amazing ideas and input for the church on VBS.  It is very difficult to come in and work in the shadow of another group.  There is a group from Pennsylvania that has come and worked with Pastor Robby’s church for the past 3 years on VBS- training up these leaders.  So, this Gateway group has heard a lot of,  “Well, the other group does it this way.” ;  “The other group would be happy to see this.”;  “The other group always **** “.  But, instead of being threatened by those kind of comments, they have embraced them and are impressed with the relationships that “the other group” has with this church.  However, Gateway now has a really special place with Pastor Robby’s church and people too.  I praise God for this and how He uses EVERYONE who is willing in some way for building the Kingdom. (hope that all made sense- it’s 5 am and I am a bit tired from the week)

The afternoon was soccer camp.  We had over 90 children come and quite a few adults too.  Though they played hard and were crazy rowdy and noisy, when Brother Tony gave the message (the plan of salvation), they were very attentive.  They patiently waited for him to be done to eat and drink because we were waiting for more provisions since we had not planned for that many-  but God sure did!  We even were able to give tracts to some of the adults present so they can read and share with others. 

This week has been incredible for me and this group is VERY intentional about looking for ways God can use them and all their talents/resources to bless His people- including me.  They have poured into our staff, our translators, our community, and our church incredibly!  It’s been a GOOD week. 

Today we will go to VBS again and then to the countryside to see some more of the beauty of Haiti.  Then, tomorrow they are off.  I am SO GLAD that they were obedient to God’s call and direction and trusted Him before all else to come to Haiti in the midst of some political turmoil.  They stood against the enemy and the naysayers and trusted the One who called them to this trip in the first place.  What a testimony and encouragement to those we have served this week!  Thanks for YOUR prayers and support in all of this!   

 -Crystal

Gracie's blog

Today is our fourth full day in Haiti and this experience has truly been amazing. We’ve already met so many great people and made some awesome memories that will make saying goodbye extremely hard on Saturday. So far this week we have had a really good turnout at VBS with over 150 kids each day. This is the first year that the Haitian church has organized the VBS on their own and they have done such a great job. To start off we have a worship time filled with singing and dancing and very many smiles. Next, the kids do Bible verse memory and Madame Pastor (Pastor Robbie’s wife) teaches a lesson. After the lesson, the kids break off into different groups and participate in games, crafts, and have smaller, more intimate lesson groups.
         For the first couple days I helped out with games and it is so awesome seeing the kids get competitive and the excitement they have when they win a game. Starting yesterday, once VBS is finished for the day our group heads back to the house for lunch and relaxation before we head up the mountain for the soccer clinic. This time of the day has been my favorite. Bro. Tony has put together multiple drills for the kids and teaches a lesson while the kids eat a little snack to cool down. Those of us who don’t play soccer have an opportunity to get to know the kids and take pictures with them which they really enjoy.
      Each night Madame Damus (the cook) has prepared the best food. Every night we have rice and beans and picklies which is basically a non-creamy cole slaw and it is so delicious.
        Everywhere we go we have five translators that follow us: Gady, Obed, David, James, and Johny. All of these guys are so great and fun to be around. They are all jokesters and enjoy laughing but they also have a love for God and for their people and I find that so special. Once our day is finished we all gather and debrief or talk about how our day has gone and how we have seen God move and it has been so amazing to not only see what I’ve learned but to hear what everyone else is learning. We’ve all grown closer as a group and I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for this week and even as we go home.
Gracie

Tuesday, 7/17 (recap)

The team went to help with VBS today and then in the afternoon held a soccer clinic/outreach on the mountain near our base.  VBS theme is "The Word" this week and today's lesson was about how everything created was through the Word and by the Word.  Madame Pastor Robby taught the lesson and then the team helped with small group. craft and games.  We had about 175 children again! 

We have been blessed to watch the local church learn as they implement their own VBS (we just assist where we are needed).  They have done a great job so far.  Except for time management issues, they are very organized and are reaching the children. 

The soccer clinic/outreach was awesome!  Gary (our Haitian friend/contact on the mountain) was a HUGE help with organizing the drills and encouraging the children.  He translated for us and even helped with lesson time.  He got all the snacks arranged for us in advance too.  The team and children were even blessed to have overcast skies and a cool drizzle of rain as we were doing the actual soccer so it kept us all a bit cool and out of the blazing sun.

This team is GREAT and working hard to follow God wherever He is leading. 

** on a side note-  the bus transmission has been out since Day 1.  Please pray that they can get it fixed tomorrow so we can use our bus for the rest of the week.  This is killing the budget, and making transportation more difficult.  So far we are out about $600 US if you would like to help toward that expense. 

Madi's blog

      Well this year God has blessed many of us at Gateway with the opportunity to be able to go to Haiti! When I first found out about the mission trip I was 100% all in for the trip! I was and still am ready to see what God would do and how he would speak to my heart and many others hearts as well. As the trip had grown closer I prayed God if this would be your plan for me to go would you supply the money for me to go! And He did! When I first arrived in Haiti I was very nervous and scared seeing that it was my first time out of the country it’s what I expected to feel like. As we got to the bus I was just flooded with emotions there were many things that I saw that I have never seen in my life. My family has asked what is it like and my answer is you just have to be here! Despite the living conditions of many people and with some the lack of livable amenities we would consider necessary. We are truly BLESSED and we take so many things for granite in our life.

      As I’m doing this blog this is our 4th day in Haiti and also our 2nd day of VBS and our 1st day of soccer clinic! So many exciting things this week and many more things to come! I have learned many things about almost all the kids! They love to hold your hand, talk to you although I can’t really do a lot of talking to them because I don’t speak Creole but boy do they laugh when you try! Which makes my heart skip a beat!

-Madi

Vacation Bible School- Day 1

    Vacation Bible School here in Carrefour started off with 180 children from the community attending. Many of the children were surprised to see our group there waiting for them to arrive this morning. However, their surprise quickly turned to smiles and laughter as many of them picked out members of the group that became their buddy for the day and most likely for the week.  After the official welcome to VBS from Pastor Robby’s wife the dance team from the church came up to get things started as they performed the five different songs that were to be the songs for the week. The children were divided by age into different groups and moved to the different stations. Game time, crafts and Bible lessons were the three stations that the groups moved through. The lessons this week are centered on the Bible being the Word of God. Our mission team from Gateway Baptist Church assisted with each of the stations because this year the folks from Pastor Robby’s church were in charge. They have planned and organized the entire week of VBS and they have done a fantastic job!

    As the day progressed it was clear that God had his hand on the VBS. The teachers were teaching and presenting the Word of God in such a way that ten children made professions of faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. We had so much fun during craft time as the children made their own necklaces and in the game time where trying to pop balloons tied to each other’s ankles were one of the games.  Seeing them smile and hearing them laugh brought a smile to my heart. After our closing program today, where the children got to once again sing and dance along with the church’s dance team it was time for lunch. As we helped pass out the plates of food to the children I couldn’t help but be reminded of the times Jesus  not only fed people but also said that those who give something to eat or drink to someone in His name are blessed. As I sit here and type today’s blog entry and recall just some of the many things that happened today there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Lord was there with us today. My prayer for this week is that God to be present with us every day at VBS and for many of the children to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Thank you to everyone that are praying for us , for the VBS and for Hearts United with Haiti.

Tony Ivey

Amanda's blog

       We’re here!!  Although everyone from family to stewardesses were wary of our little group from SC going to Haiti during this political storm, I’m glad we were led to brave it. The flights were easy, the streets docile and the people of Haiti, as always, were welcoming. This mission building is in a much more urban area than we were in during my 2012 trip. At first it gave me pause for concern due to our proximity to the capitol, but in reality it gives us more opportunity to be among the people. 
Church with Pastor Robbie was a treat. We got to experience the community feel of the service which acts as both the place for Sunday worship as well as a general neighborhood meeting.

Service included:
• A Dietitian sharing on good food choices and personal hygiene
• A preview from the VBS boys and girls dance troop
• Pastor Robbie’s message on dedicating what is God’s back to Him
• A wedding announcement as a piece of public forum
• Witnessed a baby dedication

      During the service we were able to see how impactful our mere presence was for this community. The fact that we came in this time of political unrest and were all still willing to be here truly touched this group and in turn was quite affecting. I think it is more of a witness to show our dedication to them, to God and the work he has planned than most of the “help” we will lend this week.
       In the afternoon we worked our way up to the top of the little mountain church, quite affected by the earthquake. With nothing but concrete floor, ceiling and pillars the place offers an inspiring panoramic view of Port au Prince, the gulf and the mountains beyond.  On the way down we participated in a prayer walk where we were able to utilize our 5 fabulous translators who are lovely and Godly, funny and informative to interact with the community through small talk and prayer.  We met not only a long time friend of the ministry who happily invited us in and accepted our prayer, but also a voodoo practitioner who was quite nice, but not at all willing to have us pray with her. It was the first prayer walk I had done with a translator. Apprehensive at first, it was a new challenge to share through random friendly conversation despite the speech barrier.
      Ultimately we are gearing up for the rest of the week. Filling up on God, water, bug spray and Madame Damus’ fabulous cooking; we are looking forward to serving the local church with VBS support in whatever way needed.

-Amanda

Rachel's blog

        I cannot explain the incredible anxiety I felt the day of our flight.  Though, I wasn’t afraid of the warnings against going, it was the thought of going somewhere completely new that frightened me to death, but as soon as I stepped foot outside the airport and into Haiti, an incredible peace came over me.  In fact, I felt quite at home as we rode the bus through the hectic streets, as crazy as that might sound.  The people of Haiti are so friendly and it’s very contagious.  I am an introverted person who doesn’t necessarily like getting touched, but I didn’t feel any qualms about their show of love in church this morning.  I was amazed at how many people and children came up to me, hugged me, and told me thank you for coming.  It truly blessed my heart.
        My favorite part of today, though, was our trip up to the lookout that consisted of the ruins of an old church that was built high up on the mountain.  The trek up the last hill almost killed me but the view was worth it.  And on the way back down amidst all the slips and stumbles on the uneven road, we split up into groups and were able to pray with many of the people along the way.
        Even though, the heat is near unbearable, I am still so happy and blessed to be here.  I wouldn’t trade this week for the world, and I cannot wait to see what new adventure God has in store for me tomorrow!  Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement.
-Rachel Mayo

Team coming soon!

We are excited to be hosting a team from Gateway Baptist Church in South Carolina next week! Follow here to see how God uses them as they assist our local church i Haiti with Vacation Bible School and conduct a soccer clinic for the youth from our Center and in our local community.  To Him be all the glory! .

Kylee's blog- Jan 6

Kylee here and as always, I am struggling to find the words to sum up my time here in Haiti. These past 10 days we were pushed, challenged, crushed, and sometimes felt without hope. There were days that were hard, when reality just felt like too much to handle. But God in his infinite goodness reminded me of His beauty and faithfulness, even in the devastation. He filled me with peace knowing that His plans for His children are so good and that is more than enough. The Haitian people are such an example to me. They reflect the joy of the Lord in the most incredible way and that is one thing that I want to bring home with me to the states and I pray it never leaves.

Today we took a visit to Children’s Health Ministries, which is a nutritional / neonatal clinic in Haiti that has such a fruitful ministry that is impacting so many sweet babies’ lives. Their ministry was exactly what my heart is passionate about and it was so refreshing to see the care they are helping to provide to the wonderful people in Haiti. I definitely recommend you all check them out and continue to pray for their ministry- God is on the move!

I’m sorry for this blog being so short but I’m struggling to process what exactly I’m feeling right now. Trusting in the God who will never let us down. Praying you all know how loved you are by the Father and that your worth is found in Christ alone. Be blessed!

Photos- Day 8

The group walking to clinic. 

Pharmacy set up

Pharmacy again (I spent all day here so not many other photos. I will post more when others share) 

Rapid HIV and syphillis tests- both negative. 

Prayer station

Intake

With the doctor

James getting his BP taken

Julia's blog

Last night was rough. If I’m honest, this whole trip has been rough for me. I’ve witnessed so many hard things—so many people hurting. I’ve been wrestling with trying to reconcile the head-truth I know that God is good, while at the same time, my heart is breaking under the weight of what many of these people have to go through. None of it seems fair. None of it seems just, much less the plan of a God who is good and only does good. Last night, the disconnect felt like more than I could bear. I weakly prayed a psalm into my pillow: “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust” (Psalm 43:8). I woke to the sound of rain.

God is good…He has been proven that in countless ways. He reminded me at Church on New Years Eve in the pounding and praising of my brothers and sisters, He showed us in providing for KB, He even made me feel it in the great-heart love of the staff for the Haitian people. He shows His goodness in the fullest moon. He pours His goodness on the earth in the falling rain.

Hope deferred and sorrow and pain in this life are real…but they are not in vain, all because of Jesus. He has the victory over sin and death. He made a way for even the most broken lives and stories to be made whole. He is a God of redemption. He came to bind up the broken-hearted (Isaiah 61). I realized in the sound of rain that my God is able, His arm is not shortened, He is always good. And He has us here to tell and be conduits of His goodness. The doubt I’ve let take root in my heart has eaten away at me all week. Today God reminded me that He is good…even if I can’t see it. I’m thankful He is also a God whose mercies are new every morning. He helps my unbelief. God’s okay with questions. I’m still processing all this…very slowly…but from now on, I’m going to ask God my questions with an intention to trust in His goodness. 

Today we hosted a clinic for the people in our community. We saw around forty-five patients. People came from all around: small ones and big ones, grandma ones and kid ones, and everyone in between. Many got help and medicine, not to mention a bucket load of prayer and even some preaching (shout out to James). I sat in several consultations with the doctor. Before any patients came in, I prayed that God would give me eyes to see these people the way He sees them. A little, strong lady walked in with a solemn smile and a hot pink hat. The hat immediately pulled me back to being home with my mom. My mom wears a hat just like it (only gray) whenever she works in her garden…she folds the front up the same way too. The whole time the doctor talked with the little lady, I kept thinking, “what if this was my mom, sitting here next to me.” My heart went out to her. After the hat lady, a quiet old man shuffled in, his hand trembling as he clutched his call number. It was a sure sign of Parkinson’s disease. I saw in the man an elderly friend I know who has Parkinson’s too. Suddenly, he was more than a stranger from a different culture, a different country, a different life. I looked into his wrinkled face and saw my brother. I felt such a connection to the people we served. Today was a good day to be human.

Taylor's blog

Hi Everyone!

This is Taylor, a Malone Nursing Student. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to serve God and His mission in Haiti. Haiti is a beautiful country that quickly stole my heart. As you know, a couple days ago we visited a general hospital. It hit a lot of us hard to see the poor condition and lack of resources this hospital had. However, today restored my hope for the future of Haiti. We had the opportunity to tour a private hospital ran by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Five of us, including myself, were able to scrub into the OR. The OR team exceeded my expectations. They made sure sterile techniques were implemented and their equipment was advanced just like in the US. I was very impressed and pleased with the condition this hospital was in and was reassured that Haitians were getting above average care here. Some units even made American hospitals look subpar. Tomorrow we are holding a public clinic for the community. I am anxious and excited to see how God will continue to work in the community during our last couple days here.

p.s Mom, I am okay… just really hot. Love you

Cody's blog

Hey everyone,

This is Cody, who is the leader of the Malone nursing students.  Today was an amazing and uplifting day as we got tour a private hospital here in Carrefour.  After touring the public hospital on Monday, everyone’s spirits were down because of the conditions people were being cared for in.  The private hospital was very clean and the patient rooms were amazing.  They were actually bigger than most hospital rooms in America and they each even had their own balcony overlooking the city and the mountains.  After the hospital, we walked around our neighborhood and told everyone about the clinic we are having tomorrow.  This is my second time in Haiti and yet it still blows me away.  There is so much turmoil, poverty, and sickness, yet everyone is so nice and receptive of our presence.  They are always inviting us into their homes and praising God for the New Year.  We continue to ask for prayers as we finish out our time here in Haiti and we also ask for prayers for Lucas as he travels home in the morning. 

Photos- Day 7

Group photo at Adventist Hospital in Carrefour. 

Touring the OR

Patient ward

Patient room (with shower and BALCONY)

Outside of the hospital (we all thought it looked like a hotel)

Going to see the HIV/AIDS center

Physical therapy

Physical therapy again

Meds for sale in the open market place

Items for sale in the market. 

Lucas got to see Fritznel. 

Praise God his hand is completely healed! 

More of the group at the hospital. 

It was another GREAT day! 

Update- Day 7

The team usually writes the blog at night while I am sleeping (I go to bed VERY early cause I rise very early) and I post it in the morning when internet is much better.  HOWEVER, I woke today and can't find where they saved it on my computer.  So.... I will write this update and then post theirs when everyone wakes in a few hours. 

Yesterday we all went to a private hospital in Carrefour to see the difference between a private one and a public one.  The difference was incredible as the team found out.  It was clean and had much more updated resources for patients.  They got to tour the different areas (ortho, pediatrics, med/surg) as well as the lab, OR, physical therapy, HIV/AIDS clinic, and more. 

In the afternoon we walked around our mission base and invited people to our medical clinic we will have tomorrow.  Again, the difference between here in our own community and the community on the mountain is vast.  It is good to walk around and meet people and everyone now feels very comfortable out walking around. 

I will let them share the rest of the stories/feelings.  They are all doing well.  Lucas leaves today so again the team will be a bit different in dynamics.  He did an amazing job leading worship for a few hours last night on the porch. 

Everyone is healthy, well and enjoying the experience.  Many are already making plans and praying to see if God wants them to return because they have come to love the country and culture (as well as seen the needs- especially when related to health care). 

Keep the prayers and comments coming.  Both are an encouragement to all.  :) 

Photos- Day 6

General hospital on Monday

General hospital

General hospital

Praying with patients at the general hospital (pediatric ward)

Community by the mission base (photo credit: Rachel). 

Community near the mission base (photo credit: Rachel)

Health education (burn care)

Health education (fractures)

Health education (head injuries)

Health education (all together for wound care)

Shelby's Blog

Before I talk about our day I have to give a few shout outs:

         1.) DAN COLE would you please comment on this blog because Kylee misses you A LOTTTT and needs to know if all is well!! MAMA or PAPA or MOM in case Dan is not reading the blog please pass this along!!!

         2.) To my parents: I am healthy, safe, and enjoying Haiti! See ya in a few days!

Anyways, today we went to Beehive international to teach their employees about first aide. Beehive international is an organization that supports and trains Haitian carpenters to build furniture out of pallets.  We taught them how to take care of burns, fractures, head injuries, and cuts/scrapes. They were all extremely attentive and thankful for the time we took to educate them about first aide.

After lunch we went up into the mountains to pray for people, talk to people in the community, and take their blood pressures. We talked and prayed with the parents of a small child with microcephaly. It is difficult to see children in Haiti with disabilities that could be given adequate medical care in the States, but rather are unable to receive the necessary care.

As an organization we were able to help a young man, K.B., receive adequate medical care by paying for his medical bills. We met him yesterday at a public hospital and transferred him to a hospital that could give him faster care. He had injured his hand at work by mutilating it in a work machine. We found out today that he had his hand amputated yesterday and is doing well. We are so thankful that God led us to this man yesterday. It would be greatly appreciated if you continued to keep K.B. in your prayers as he recovers from his surgery.

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and for keeping up with our trip. We would love continued prayer as we finish out our week of ministry.
~Shelby Stouffer

PHOTOS- Day 5

The ambulance service that took the man with the infected hand to another hospital. (see the blog Lucas wrote).

Paramedics volunteering with Hero ambulance doing an assessment on the man. (We are calling him KB to protect his identity). 

Touring the General hospital (we took very few photos out of respect for patients).

Ally found a sweet baby with Downs Syndrome and was able to educate and encourage the family since she works with disabled children in the USA. 

The group at night on the porch. They were planning for the health and first aid education training they will give Tuesday at a neighboring business. 

Emily's blog

Hi, this is Emily Gerber and I’m with the Malone group on this trip. Last night we got the opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the church Crystal attends here in Carrefour. Generally in order to go to church in Haiti you have to be dressed in a specific way and unfortunately if people are not able to dress that way they are excluded from church, but at Crystal’s church all are welcome to worship no matter how they are dressed. 

To say that the church service was different from what we usually see in the US would be an understatement. When we first arrived the pastor on stage was speaking in tongues with occasional Creole phrases interspersed – this was something that I have never experienced before. During this time everyone was walking around the aisles praying. Then the pastor instructed the people to find people sitting on the opposite side of the church and give them a hug to demonstrate God’s love for them. After returning to our seats we held hands with the people standing next to us and prayed for them for a long time. For me this was one of the most powerful parts of the service. Everyone in the church was praying for their neighbor out loud, it was amazing to hear so voices mixing together and calling out in prayer. During prayer time the song “His love endures forever” came into my head and mixed into my prayer then later during a scripture reading we read Psalm 136 where every statement ends in “His love endures forever”. It was a really cool God moment for me. Following prayer and scripture reading we began worship. We were able to observe the Haitians dancing and praising and we all joined in soon after. It was a very free, joy filled time of worshiping God together.

I am oh so thankful for the opportunity to worship with our brother’s and sister’s in Christ. Though the styles of service may be different we are all worshiping the same mighty God – how cool! We appreciate everyone’s prayers back home and are so excited to see what the rest of the week will bring us!