Chaveneau Water

Here are some more photos of the installation and stuff.  Well pump submerged right before dark yesterday so we are praying to have water pumping and going through the system by noon.  :)  :)

The Montero sitting in Chaveneau- trying to air it out cause the carpet on the floor is WET still from crossing Mirogoane Lake.  

Redgi helping with the installation

Gephtay helping with the installation (he lives on the church property and will help with maintaining the system as well as training the community.

We took a walk to another site so test their water and I got BURNT to a crisp but this is the view of the mountains as we walked.... just so pretty here!

Ezekiel watching us work.... :)

The system is getting ready to try!!

Holding the well pump before we submerge it!  He took his "job" so seriously!

Here is the view as you approach the school/church from their driveway.  Looks soooooo good!

MONTERO/CLEAN WATER

God is amazing!  First of all, we HAVE the Montero in Haiti!  Took a lot of prayer from many of you and we literally got it, drove it to the airport and the team was walking into the parking area to load up- couldn't have been any closer!  This team is the one coming from Pittsburgh, PA to install a clean water system in Chaveneau as well as another town near Les Cayes (where we are staying).  We spent our first night in Carrefour and headed out to Les Cayes area at about 6 am Wed.  On the way we had to drive THROUGH Mirogoane Lake and water leaked into the doors of the Montero (it was about 6" up the doors- exhaust making "blub blub" sounds out the back) and yet that beautiful SUV made it up ALL the hills/mountains like a champ.  Not one problem and only about 1/2 tank of gas (which is good considering it took us about $100 US to fill it!)  We arrived in Chaveneau at about 2 pm. and worked until about 5.  They were soooo excited.  So many people from the community showed up to help and/or watch.  They were asking if they would have clean water to drink that day.  They are so excited to have this available.  GOD IS GOOD!  Here are some photos from the first day and such.  Will do my best to keep you updated.  :)  :)  Thanks for your continued prayers.

Everyone wanted to see what the team was doing inside the building... no room to stand/move!

Our papers and license for the Montero!  :)  :)  :)

Flat tire on the Kia on the way into Chaveneau- one of TWO that day!  Argh... such wasted time....

While waiting for the Kia to bring the rest of the items needed for install the team had the kids put the Living Waters for the World stickers on the bottles!  Brilliant!

Another shot of the community and the water building!

Inside the building- hooking together all the batteries-  :)

Chris was showing the children a video of his dog licking a lollipop- they thought that was SOOO FUNNY

Working on the giant solar panel!

Another shot of the site.... just so you can get a feel for all of it!  :)  

Why not help in the USA?

Before reading the following blog understand that I live on the East Coast.  I am about 2 hours from New York City and the Jersey Shore where Hurricane Sandy did MAJOR damage as it came ashore a little over a week ago.  Though I have not been to see the aftermath of that storm first hand I did go to New Orleans six weeks after Hurricane Katrina and saw there what this type of disaster does not only to a home, but to the lives of the people it has impacted.  I sat with people, prayed with them, listened to their stories as we took all their waterlogged belongings and threw them on the curb.  I held them in my arms and cried with them as they went through family photographs and mementos and tried to salvage what they could and grieved the loss of so many cherished items.  But, through that I learned a LOT about what's really important in life.  What matters most is faith, family, health... not THINGS though it still hurts just as much to lose those things-- mostly because of the memories and stories we attach to them.

I am writing this blog because I am truly saddened that lately I have received a barrage of "attacks" from people in my area asking, "Why are you spending so much time/energy helping Haitians when we have people HERE in the USA who are in need, hurting and going through so much?"  (this is usually in regard to the Hurricane aftermath since that is so close to home and has impacted so many we all know/love)  I have always tried to answer this question with kindness and love, but honestly lately it has become more and more difficult to respond in that manner.  So, as I often do, I turn to this blog to pour out my heart and to hopefully address this question as well as prompt some of you to think about what matters and where/how YOU can do your part as well.

First, in response to, "Why aren't you helping here in the USA?", let me tell you some things about my personal life.  For many years I went to Philly (and still do occasionally) to serve in Kensington which is one of the worst areas, I have been to the Gulf Coast 12 times after Hurricane Katrina (over three years) and my oldest daughter was a missionary there working with post-Katrina victims.  I have been to Denver, Colorado which is the homeless capital of the USA to work with the homeless there- at shelters, a soup kitchen and to work with an AIDS awareness group helping them with a large fund raising event.  I have also done work in Reading, PA at Hope Rescue Mission and Opportunity House and have made sandwiches and taken blankets/sleeping bags to the homeless in our area living on the streets and under bridges.  I have quit my full-time job and have had no income for the past 18 mos. so I can travel to Haiti (which is paid for by a friend by the way)- relying only on the money my husband makes as a self-employed landscaper.  We have never had many of the "luxuries" that many Americans do- I have never had a dishwasher, only got cable TV three years ago, I don't have a smart phone, my car is desperately in need of repairs, etc..  So, as for helping here in the USA?? Been there- done that and I continue to do so when able.  

Second part of that question is, "Why THOSE people?" as if Haitians were any less deserving just because their birth certificate doesn't say United States of America on it.  My response to that is, "What makes an American any more entitled to care?"  Yes, there are MANY people in the USA who are hurting.  Many have lost jobs, many don't have opportunities to just move somewhere and get another job, many are hurting.  I understand that and I DO care about them.  But, it is honestly not where God is calling me right now.  Our ministry in Haiti is NOT a ministry that believes in going and giving handouts.  We do take things to Haiti- usually because they are cheaper to purchase here, they are donated to us or because they are more difficult to find and purchase in Haiti.  We believe in working WITH the Haitian people to help them become LESS dependent upon others and help them become contributing members of their local community.  That being said, there are literally VERY FEW opportunities for them to do that.  There is a huge unemployment rate simply because there are no jobs available.  Many want to work and help their families but they do not have the chance to do so. Yes, we are seeing that more and more in America but at least we still have a society where there are opportunities.  Yes, I have met those who are literally "stuck" here in the USA- who can't afford to move from the city and find a job, who are one or two paychecks from being homeless, etc.. I do feel for them and understand and I do care. 

Finally, I have been accused of taking finances from the people in the USA and other organizations by constantly putting things on facebook and my blog about ways to donate.  To that I say, "Yes, we do give people the opportunity to donate, but we do not intend to pressure anyone nor do we imply that they should donate to our ministry rather than one that serves the local community or those in the USA."  It is up to the individual donating to choose where they will allocate their finances- we are merely letting people know of our needs and the opportunity they have to contribute and support our ministry.  I have never intentionally made anyone feel guilty for donating to another organization rather than ours nor would I ever do that.  The only time I have ever said anything even somewhat similar to that is when saying something about the THINGS we as Americans spend our money on when asking people to give something up for a period of time and instead take those funds and use them to bless someone.  (ie:  give up going out to dinner one time and take those funds and donate them)  But, ultimately they can choose where to allocate their donation.

Usually those who ask me the questions above are not doing anything themselves here in the USA to be part of the solution. Often they are too busy pointing their fingers to take time and evaluate things with an open mind. They usually don't understand what we are doing in Haiti and they look at it as just wasting money to go help people who don't care to help themselves.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  There are both Americans and Haitians who have no desire to improve their lives.  Who have no desire to work.  Who have no desire to change the situation they are in but instead to complain about it and wait for someone to come along and give them a handout.  Those are NOT the people we work with!  

I feel honored and blessed that God has chosen Hearts United with Haiti to work with the people of Haiti!  To encourage and empower people so that they can take the necessary steps toward independence and to be able to provide not only for themselves, but for others and then to take what they have learned and teach others to do the same.  To teach them to fish rather than just giving them fish.  

Are we all called to work and minister outside the USA?  NO!  But please do not judge me because I am.  I have done (and will probably continue to do) plenty of ministry here in the USA, but for now God has called me to Haiti and for that I will not apologize or make excuses.  Instead, I will praise Him and thank Him for this amazing opportunity.  

** Stepping off the soapbox now- thanks for letting me "vent"!  PLEASE take this message in the tone it was written- not to scold or offend, but to explain my position and to give people something to think about.  We, as Americans feel so "entitled" and often don't look beyond self.  We are all God's people and none is more or less deserving of love, care, compassion and a helping hand from time to time.  

Serving Him in Haiti-  Crystal Funk   :)

God is moving!

The most common question I am asked when speaking to a group about Haiti is, "Are they making any progress?  Is there any change since the earthquake?"  Most people know of Haiti because of the earthquake or at least that's the first thing that comes to mind when they think of the country.  Since Hurricane Sandy impacted the East Coast of the USA I have also gotten a lot of people who ask how Haiti made out since Sandy visited there first.

My answers to each of these questions and ones that are similar are usually the same.  "Haitians are amazing people and they are very resilient.  They will pull together and repair/rebuild what they have the resources for, they will encourage one another and they will continue to trust that God has a plan for them and seek to continue to honor/serve Him."   That is true for the majority of the people I know and work with, however, there is a side of Haiti that I sometimes don't often talk about to those asking general questions.  There are many Haitians who still do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  There are many who are angry/bitter/frustrated with the years of empty promises from their government (and others).  There are many who are still grieving the loss of jobs/family members/friends in the earthquake.  There are many we meet who just need the peace and love that only comes from salvation.  It is a blessing to go to Haiti and serve, but ultimately if we do not share the love of Jesus with people and help those who are searching accept Him as Savior we have failed.  Redgi likes to laugh at me because we once tried to shoot a promotional video for Hearts United and one of the lines we shot over and over was, "If we feed them, clothe them, give them medical care, and educate them we have succeeded only in creating a community that is heavier, better dressed, healthier and more intelligent, however they are still going to hell."  How true.  We need to remember the primary  reason for our service in Haiti is to share the gospel message.

We ask that you pray for our upcoming teams who will be ministering in Haiti in the end of November and December.  We have 31 people between three teams who are coming to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to not only tell the Haitians about Him but to model Him as well.  Pray that their witness will impact many as will ours.  We have seen how God is moving in Haiti and using His people to show His love, mercy, compassion and heart to the lost and the hurting.  We pray when the Haitians see us working and ministering among them that they will see Him as well because without Him we can not do anything.   :)  :)

the outstretched hands of children as our team prayed for them - March 2011

ONE YEAR...

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.." Genesis 9:13-15 NIV

October 21, 2012 marks one year since Son of God orphanage in Carrefour was closed.  One year since the girls (and boys) were loaded onto a UNICEF bus and taken away from the only "home" many of them had known for a long time.  When relocated the children were malnourished, infested with scabies/parasites, sick, dirty, etc..  I am sure they were scared - not knowing what the future held for them.  Were they headed to an even worse fate?  Were they going home to family?  Were they finally going to be somewhere safe?  Were they ever to see the Americans who had come to love them (and they had come to love in return)?

You can look back at these posts from 2011 to read the stories and some of my old blogs. You can see how many never gave up on the children. MANY were praying for them.  We held a prayer vigil and personally were fasting until we heard of their safe relocation.

http://heartsunitedwithhaiti.blogspot.com/2011/10/ok-to-finally-share.html

http://heartsunitedwithhaiti.blogspot.com/2011/11/home-again.html

Though things did not turn out as WE planned, God did not forget these children and He will not forget them ever.  That is what gets me through when I find myself missing the girls at Life is Wealth Orphanage where the girls are now located and where we have our sponsorship program for them.  It is difficult being away from them and sometimes when I get frustrated because things at Life is Wealth are not being done the way we would prefer, I have to remember that God is the one in control.  He has brought these beautiful girls through much.  He has protected them and healed them physically. They are now fed regularly, most attend school (we are still working on that), they are clothed, and we visit them regularly. Emotionally I know there are still scars but with time and love I pray those heal as well.

These past few days I have been remembering the days leading up to the close of Son of God, the months prior to that when the investigation was going on and the children's health and physical status was failing, and the days after they were moved- when Emily and I were in Haiti with those assisting them and were caring for the girls ourselves.

Like God told Noah when He placed the rainbow in the sky, He will remain faithful to what He has promised.  And He has promised to care for the widows and orphans.  He commands us to be His hands/feet to do that work.  Will YOU consider being part of His work here with these orphans?  We still have 41 in need of sponsorship.  Contact us at huwh.orphansponsorship@gmail.com and we will be happy to match you up with an orphan.  Please pray for these precious children- HIS children!

been BUSY

The past two weeks have been crazy busy but amazing just as well.  I have included some photos of my latest adventure- taking the Montero to Florida and leaving it at the shipping company to send off to Haiti.  I will call tomorrow to see how things are going- it is being reviewed by US Customs right now to determine if everything is OK to ship.  Then, it goes onto the boat from West Palm Beach, Florida and once the boat leaves it takes about 2 to 3 days to get to Haiti.  From there, it has to get into the country (this is the tricky part from what I hear).  We have no idea what the assessed value will be of the Montero and the contents but anticipate it being around $2000 US.  We also have a guy we can pay to stay with it and keep it safe as it sits in port once unloaded.  It is VERY common for them to get broken into and to have things stolen.  What is inside does not have great monetary value but it is full of items we will use for our house (base) in Haiti as well as donations for the orphanage and school.  Please pray with us that the SUV will just slide through this process with no trouble.  Thank you!  (and a very very special thank you to those who donated items to ship inside the Montero- if all arrives in Haiti safely it will save us a LOT of money to not have to buy all those things for the house)

View from the back- almost packed!  It got a lot more "cozy" inside there-

took a photo at every state I could on the drive to Florida

South Carolina!  

Georgia

Finally in Florida!

At the holding yard at port!  :)  :)  

The company that is shipping the Montero.  Their boat is the Monarch Queen and it is HUGE!!

God's blessings!

I had dinner last night with a good friend I have known a long time and we were talking about ALL God has blessed Hearts United with these past months and in the past year. Since I have been working on my "end of year list" of all God's blessings to us I was acutely aware of some of these things. I shared with her how humbled I am to be part of God's plan to reach the people of Haiti, those who come to minister and those who (like many of you) join us in prayer and support this ministry. Sometimes I just have to stop, look back and realize that.....

- in January of 2012 we were approved for 501c3 status

-we had a truck donated but then decided it was cost prohibitive to ship it so it was sold and the money used to purchase another vehicle which we are planning to ship to Haiti the week of Oct. 8th

- over 300 hygiene kits have been handed out to orphans, school children, people in the community, etc... and people were educated on proper hygiene and the spread of disease (as well as wound care, puberty/growing up, women's health issues, etc...)

-many donated supplies were handed out such as pillowcase dresses, shoes, soccer balls (and hopefully uniforms if they get there by our Dec. trip), etc..

-fruit/milk and food given out monthly to the orphans

-Jean Bernard's surgery for two hernias (this was life-threatening) was very successful and there's now a little orphan boy in Haiti who is alive thanks to the combined generosity and efforts of many

-school supplies/uniforms/tuition/books/etc. have been purchased for all sponsored orphans at Life is Wealth in Port au Prince

-clean water is coming SOON to Chaveneau (well is dug, building is being constructed to house the system)

-a roof was put on the outhouse in Chaveneau, water pipes were repaired there, the roof on the host home was painted, etc...

-we were able to rent an apartment we will use as a base for teams who come to Haiti!

** This list could go on and on.  These are just highlights but they are also things that would NEVER have happened this past year without those willing to GO and those willing to SEND/SUPPORT.  I know I get to be on the front lines and get to be the one who seems to get the recognition but this is a group effort. And without God NONE of it would be possible.  He has blessed us with working in spite of some of our mistakes/failures.  He has blessed us with opportunities to become involved and made connections between people that have no other explanation except that God ordained those meetings. (like a nurse examining Jean Bernard at the perfect time when his surgery was urgent- and then her advocating for him like she did)  Yes, working in Haiti has it's share of frustrations and disappointments but it's FULL of blessings and excitement if we stay focused on Him and His love for us and for the Haitian people.

If you are feeling led to come to Haiti with one of our groups, please contact us.  We promise you will be forever changed and if you are willing to step out, God will bless that far beyond what you can imagine!

The same is true for those of you considering supporting our ministry- God will use your support to bless so many.  Without the financial and prayer support from people we could not do most of the things listed above.  A base or applying for a piece of paper from the IRS may not seem glamorous or exciting to donate toward, but the fact remains that they are needed and are important foundational items for the ministry.  With a means of transportation, a place to live while in Haiti and other things such as that, those who come to serve can minister much more effectively.

So, God is good and we need to take time occasionally to reflect upon what He has done to bless us ALL.  This was my time of reflection on the way He has blessed Hearts United and therefore, blessed others and blessed me!  To be able to do this ministry and share it with others is beyond exciting for us!  THANK YOU once again for allowing us to be part of change in Haiti and in those we serve.  - Crystal Funk