Encouragement for Haiti!

Since coming to Haiti, I am filled with a new resolve of the hope that comes from God, that He is
Sovereign and in control, yes, in Haiti as well. It is heartwarming to see the determination of the people to press on and do those things which are beneficial to grow and prosper. They have inspired me by their courageous example! God continue to bless you, my sisters and brothers, I love you and will continue to pray for your well-being!

Marilyn

Fun with the team

This is Redgi- I am not one to say much but I wanted to write to say that I am enjoying the team and my first official trip as Haitian Coordinator for Hearts United.  I am excited to drive the group to Chaveneau on Tuesday and spend time there again (I was there in December for a few days with another team).  We have been going to the orphanage almost every day and we also spent Saturday walking around the community of Carrefour.  I am not from that town so it is good for me to get to know the area and the people too.  We got to pray with many people and even though I am very tired cause we have been sleeping on the porch (rain so we can't stay on the roof) I am still blessed to work with these people who come to serve in my country.

photos

Here are some photos from the trip so far... MANY more to follow but thought you would like to see some at least!  :)

Our flat tire!

The city of Port au Prince

dinner the first night

Evelyn and Marilyn with the children who won "prizes" (t-shirts)

standing by the tap-tap with the "broken" tire

teaching the children a lesson

Melissa and some of the children

Having a GREAT trip so far!  Keep praying and THANK YOU for being part of this- God bless.

Day 2

Our second day in Haiti.  Had another interesting tap tap ride.  Spent the afternoon with the girls at the orphanage.  It's so wonderful to see them not "starving"!  Many of them remember me and I remember more names that I thought-Thank You Lord!  Many of the girls bring down letters that my family wrote and show me- they say "you write to me".  Then I say yes and they beam beautiful smiles!  It's crazy how something so small means so much to them.  We toured the new area that the girls will stay in.  It's amazing, big rooms with locking cabinets for the girls personal things; and a very large bathroom with 3 toilets and large shower area.  The girls are very proud to say that soon they will sleep there. There is still sickness but only a few, not everyone.  I am so blessed to see them now and know how much better they are!  -Carolyn

My Adventure of Haiti!

My family had been telling me all about the wonderfulness of Haiti, but I didnt experience it until now. Which I love. This is my second Favorite place in the world right now! I cant even explain why I love this place so much, it could be the many colors or the many people or the language or maybe even the special smells. I have no clue what it is but I love it so much! The orphanage is so fun, the girls taught me how to play jump rope today, we thaught the girls a lesson about how God made you special for the purpose and roads ahead of you. The girls listened wonderfully, they seemed to want to know more. There is a little girl that I have grown so found of, I really want to take her home with me. She is about 2 years old and has the cutest little hair, oh my gosh the girls love playing with my hair. Yesterday they braided it and today they made me look like I came out of the "Hey Micky" music video. The transportation is so much fun! We ride in things called  a Tap-Tap. They are so much fun! The girls just want to be held and told they are loved! they are the sweetest things! Please keep praying for safety and these people in Haiti. They are amazing people! -Marin

Overwhelmed

Just a minute to update while we have internet service.  Overwhelmed is all I can say, I am drawn to this place and I can't explain it.  4 hr. ride in tap-tap from airport to house wh're staying, flat tire on way.  Frustrated with the language barrier, especially when we stopped at the orphanage yesterday and all I could do is smile as kids came running up and hugging.  Already have a favorite "girl" at the orphanage, hoping she remembers me today.  Dinner was great (we had meat- chicken of course- but it was really good).  Slept on the rooftop last night, intermittently, roosters don't crow when it's time to get up, they're at it all night.  People start waking at 4 am to take advantage of the sunlight because they never know if they will/will not have power that day, they are always busy, not too many sit around "lounging", most are in after dark because it's not safe.  Off to get a shower- YES!  we have a shower just need to limit time... then to the orphanage.  Blessed to be here!  (typed Fri. am)

Back from an awesome day at the orphanage- dancing, jump rope (not me!) bubbles, games, bible story and constant hugs.  The older girls liked playing with my hair, "stealing" my sunglasses and posing for photos.  My "girl" did attach to me toward the end of the day! Exhausted and ready to retreat to the rooftop, there is a nice breeze here in the evening that makes for great sleeping.  Please continue with prayers, especially our rides in the tap-tap...crazy drivers!

-Melissa

Team has arrived

Just to let all of you know that the team is all here and safe and luggage is accounted for.  We will update later, but for now know that your prayers are felt and appreciated.  We had a flat tire from the airport, we got stuck in horrible traffic (so they got to see the FUN side of Port au Prince), we visited (briefly) the orphanage so they could see the girls and we just ate dinner.  Time for debrief from the first day and to get to BED... LONG day for most of us!  Keep up the prayers for Marilyn, Marin, Carolyn, Melissa, & Evelyn- the team~   :)  :)  (and Redgi/Crystal as well as our other translators and those we will minister with/to- thanks)......