Zach's Blog

What a beautiful day today! Today we sadly had the last day of Vacation Bible School, and we also got to celebrate all of the orphans’ birthdays! We had 5 stations for the birthday party; which were a temporary tattoo station, games/sports, cotton candy, crazy pictures and at the last station they got to pick their own clothing. It was very funny to watch the orphans try cotton candy for the first time. After the stations we got to treat the orphans to a huge meal and some birthday cake. It was so uplifting watching how happy the orphans were, going through their presents and eating their food. It’s so amazing how happy they can be with so little compared to what we have. I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for us this week!

Zachary Christie

Photos- Day 3

Buying a LOT of food for the party on Wednesday! 

The children got a cube puzzle at craft time. Really tough but fun to do. 

Once Zach taught one the solution, they taught one another. 

At sports time we used the new parachute. 

And, of course, there was lots more singing and dancing. 

Rylan's Blog

     The exhaustion is real ya’ll!! It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s uncomfortable, and it is very foreign.  Beyond all that there are some things that are familiar.  This comes down to the people.  I have not met a single person who does not think or feel the same things we do at home. They have the same fears, doubts, questions, comforts, desires, hopes, dreams, reactions and basic functions of life.  For example I got to opportunity to be a part of a conversation one of the pastors Hearts United works with. In that conversation he asked Josh (our pastor) what denomination he was and Josh answered, “I’m a follower of Jesus.” The translator with us explained that denominations are very big in Haiti and that what denomination you belong to means something.  We experience the same core desire and outward manifestation of it in the States.  The core desire being, wanting to belong to something that matters, and the outward manifestation being that the denomination you belong to matters to make you someone.  We in the States fight the same battle that the Haitian pastors are fighting to help people understand that only belonging that really matters is belonging to the Kingdom of God.  Your denomination doesn’t save you and won’t ever give you a true feeling of purpose.  No, only Jesus and his sacrifice can do so the only true belonging that is belonging to is being a Child of God.  Your pastor, denomination, family, spouse, school, church building, car, friends or short-term missions trip can give you True Belonging like Jesus can.
           - Rylan

Julia's Blog

        Today was the second day of VBS at Life is Wealth Orphanage and it was awesome!! The orphanage sits on the top of a very steep hill, and today a tap-tap truck broke down on the road, blocking our bus from driving into the orphanage.  Our team hopped off the bus and trekked up to the entrance. The walk was only about 100 yards long, but the road was so steep that I ended up all sweaty and out of breath by the time I saw the girls. I realized a few things in that short time: Haitians are the strongest people I’ve ever met(!!!!) and also that we are so lucky to have Johnny as our driver. He is so skilled. Even though the walk wore me out, I was re-energized by the excited chatter of the girls. I don’t think I can accurately describe in words the warm feeling in my heart that came with the girls wanting to spend time with us. God especially laid one of the girls, Francesca on my heart. She introduced herself to me in English and rarely left my side. Francesca taught me how to count to 10 in French and a new hand game. She’s a really patient girl because it took me a really long time to catch on. I asked Stephana, one of our translators to come over and help me hold a conversation with Francesca. I asked her what her favorite part of the day was, and she replied that the Bible study was her favorite part! YES!! The love of God is so strong and so attractive for everyone, everywhere, in any situation. God is good all the time.
     -Julia

Photos-Day 2

VBS opening songs

Lesson time

Crafts

Glasses out of pipe cleaners. 

Closing songs

Hand games are always fun

Jon's Blog

         Today was our second day at the orphanage but our first day of VBS. It was a lot easier to interact with the children because I knew what to expect. I was helping with the Craft station, and it was amazing for me to see how creative they could get with nothing but three pipe cleaners. Glasses were a very popular choice among all the age groups. All of the translators did an amazing job during VBS, and it was interesting for me to here where some of them learned English. It was humbling for me to see how happy and content the children could be with not having many possessions, and I feel guilty that I’m sometimes not happy back home even with all of my luxuries.
      - Jon

Molly's Blog

            Today was the first official day of VBS and the kids were super receptive and the turnout was over 60!! Praise the Lord. It was neat to meet Mama (one of the orphans sponsored by my family) and Jesula (4 days post op). Meeting the girls that I have prayed for for weeks was truly amazing. It was better than meeting celebrities to see their smiles and play games with them. Praying for continued blessings over each of the children and that God will work through the team and I. Please pray for strength and sleep for each of us as it is only Monday and we are all feeling it.

Love & Blessings to All!  - Molly