Bonswa, friends and family!
Lexi here. Today is our last full day in Haiti, so we piled into the cars and drove out to spend the day at Kaliko beach. The drive was long (about two hours) and we endured some crazy Haitian traffic along the way, but when we finally got to see the beach it made the whole drive worth it. The water was clear and a beautiful teal color, and it was a huge relief to jump off the dock after a long, hot car ride. We got to swim for a while, and also had the opportunity to barter with the vendors for some souveniers. We were treated to a delicious buffet lunch, and got to enjoy a relaxing day with each other after a week of hard work.
There were some struggles today, however. It's a little humorous that I'm the one writing the post, seeing as I ended up having the worst luck out of anyone today. I got badly sunburnt sitting in the back of the truck, stepped on a sea urchin, and got cut by a soda bottle that fell and exploded on the ground at dinner (yes, in that order). Most of us are fairly sunburnt, and it took us about five hours to get back to the house after leaving the beach, thanks to even more crazy Haitian traffic. It will no doubt be a late night packing and getting ready to leave tomorrow morning.
We ended the day by having pizza for dinner with pastor and his family and the security guard. We debriefed after that, and talked about the ways we can incorporate the lessons we learned during our time here in Haiti into life back in the states. We each picked a specific lesson we learned or gift we discovered to focus on bringing home, and wrote notes to our future selves which will be sent to us later. Overall, today was a great way to end an even better week.
While there were some struggles today and all throughout the trip, I think I speak for the whole team when I say that we wouldn't have had it any other way. Leaving tomorrow will, without a doubt, be difficult. But we are very grateful for the impact we got to make on the people of Haiti, and more grateful for the impact that they made on us. We can't wait to share our stories with you all!
Bonwit!
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Monday - Work Day 5
Salutations,
Today we got a running start on the day when we headed out to meet the children at a local private school. Apon crossing the threshold of the facility, the children immediately ascended apon us like a swarm of locusts on a fall harvest (but in a good way). At first we felt overwhelmed by trying to spread our love to so many eager little hearts but the pure joy displayed by the children made the task seem effortless. If I had but one wish at the moment, it would have been for a doppleganger so that I could double the amount of love I was able to give and recieve.
We gave a brief visit to Odinel's family and were pleased to see the fruits of our efforts in the form of a retaining wall that was well on its way toward completion. We were happy to help the family and we have faith that God will protect them until the wall's completion.
The evening concluded with a riviting futbol contest where we Americans mixted teams with our Haitian counerparts. The Haitians certainly had worthy foot skills, but in the end, all pailed in comparison to Alyssa's athletic prowess; every time she had the ball at her foot, magic seemed to ensue. There were brief moments of comic relief by the bearded bafoon who seemed to spend more time on the flat of his back than on his feet. The most noteworthy moment was when Audrey absolutely shelacked a Haitian gentleman who tried to dribble around her, sending him flailing perilously to the turf below. The Skins beat the Shirts 8-3 for what it's worth.
Colin
Today we got a running start on the day when we headed out to meet the children at a local private school. Apon crossing the threshold of the facility, the children immediately ascended apon us like a swarm of locusts on a fall harvest (but in a good way). At first we felt overwhelmed by trying to spread our love to so many eager little hearts but the pure joy displayed by the children made the task seem effortless. If I had but one wish at the moment, it would have been for a doppleganger so that I could double the amount of love I was able to give and recieve.
We gave a brief visit to Odinel's family and were pleased to see the fruits of our efforts in the form of a retaining wall that was well on its way toward completion. We were happy to help the family and we have faith that God will protect them until the wall's completion.
The evening concluded with a riviting futbol contest where we Americans mixted teams with our Haitian counerparts. The Haitians certainly had worthy foot skills, but in the end, all pailed in comparison to Alyssa's athletic prowess; every time she had the ball at her foot, magic seemed to ensue. There were brief moments of comic relief by the bearded bafoon who seemed to spend more time on the flat of his back than on his feet. The most noteworthy moment was when Audrey absolutely shelacked a Haitian gentleman who tried to dribble around her, sending him flailing perilously to the turf below. The Skins beat the Shirts 8-3 for what it's worth.
Colin
Monday, May 9, 2016
Sunday - Church Day & Work Day 4
Hello friends and family!
Today has been a very special day. We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to go to church this morning and share in the word with fellow believers. Walking into church, we were amazed by the beautiful and passionate singing by the entire congregation. We were soon introduced to the congregation by the pastor that we met at the orphanage yesterday. We were welcomed to the stage to sing two songs and present a testomony. While Sam played the guitar, we sang "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" and "Amazing Grace"... (Compared to the Haititans, we just sounded like a couple of broken records)! They still clapped for us though, which was really sweet of them. Then, I was up to give a testamony. I spoke of how we didn't fully know what to expect on our journey to Haiti, but after being here, and getting to know the people, we have all been so inspired by their strength, trust in God, the way they love their neighbors, and their hope. For me, it was so emotional to hear the Haitians sing as we came in, and then speaking proved to be just as emotional. I said those things about the Haitians because they are so faithful to God, even after the earthquake that hit only six short years ago. The number one thing that comes to my mind when talking about this, is that, though the earth is totally broken beneath our feet, the people of Haiti are not broken. I shared Romans 5:1-8 with them, which ended up being a prelude to pastor's message about laying the foundation of being faithful to God. (He spoke from James chapter one). The whole service was creole, so we didn't understand much of anything (other than what our translator was able to provide in the pews with us), and it was so hot, but it was an amazing sight, and a beautiful sound.
After service, we went back to our Haitian home to rest up and eat lunch before heading back out to the work site that we have been serving at for most of our time here. We spent the whole afternoon and early evening hauling rocks down the rocky hill, which grew very slick after it started raining... Actually, it was more like pouring. Many of the children we have been growing close to helped us with the rocks, even in the rain. Some went home to put on jackets to come back, and others just shook it off like we did. It ended up being so fun, getting drenched and completely muddy from head to toe. It was surely special to know that the children who didn't need to help by any means, wanted to, and not only that, they were trying to hand us the rocks to bring down the hill, and then take them from us at the bottom of the hill to put them down for us. We really lucked out with a hard working and helpful team. Everyone was constantly checking in on how each other was doing and encouraging each other to keep going. Soson Odenel's son) was so sweet to take a sponge and a bucket of water to wipe the dirt off our arms and necks when we finished working.
When it was time to leave, it was a hard goodbye, but many hugs and kisses were passed around, and many photos were taken. We got back to our home again to shower and eat dinner with the pastor, his wife, some of his brothers and a security man. It was such a blast listening to the family joke with one another and joke with us as well. We were also able to celebrate Brenna's (up and coming birthday - on the 14th), through a suprise put on by pastor and his wife, which was a special cake made with figs and whipped cream and Haitian ice cream in many flavors. Everything was so delicious, and it was so nice to finally share a meal with everyone. Afterwards, pastor and his wife shared their testamonies with us, including how they met and how they were effected by the hurricane, and the programs they run to help support many children.
The day was so emotional and unique - I know that many of us are sad that we are leaving soon. For myself, I've found that Haiti feels like a home away from home, and I know that I will be back for a much longer period of time. All is well and we will see you guys soon!
XOXO, Audrey
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Saturday - Work Day 3
Saturday
Hello everyone it's Sam. So today started out a little differently than the rest of the days so far. Today was the last day that we were supposed to helping out Odenel’s family on the wall project but it turned out a little differently than intended. If you have been following the weather of Port-au-Prince over the last few days you will see that thunderstorms have been on the agenda, well today while the lightning still evades us we got the rain and a lot of it. Well who would have thought that even though it is so warm Haitians don't like working in the rain. Because of this our day turned out to be different than we had expected. Until lunch this morning the team was able to catch up on some much needed rest and heal up our sore bodies. Our translator Vanessa came over and hung out with us in the morning time and even taught a few of the girls Haitian card game. After lunch we all loaded up into the cars and zoomed in crazy Hatian driving fashion on out to an orphanage that's sponsored by Pastor Louighins. When we arrived there were about ten kids sitting all quietly together but soon that was broken by the sound of laughter from the children as we pulled out bubbles. The kids faces were so happy and joyous. So many things happened all at once. Lexi and Kierra were over at a table paitining kids faces, Audrey and Colin were playing futbol with the kids in the rain, D'Anne was playing singing games and reading with the kids, and Alyssa was letting some of the older girls cornrow her hair. The kids were so filled with joy just to play with us and interact with us. God has given the people of Haiti such an amazing joy. The place we were at today was created after the quake in 2010 and many of the kids were orphaned because of it. To me it's just crazy that no matter all that they have been through there is still unexplainable joy and love for life that they have, which is something you rarely find back home. Today just warmed everyone's hearts and a great reminder that God is good.
Bonwit
Hello everyone it's Sam. So today started out a little differently than the rest of the days so far. Today was the last day that we were supposed to helping out Odenel’s family on the wall project but it turned out a little differently than intended. If you have been following the weather of Port-au-Prince over the last few days you will see that thunderstorms have been on the agenda, well today while the lightning still evades us we got the rain and a lot of it. Well who would have thought that even though it is so warm Haitians don't like working in the rain. Because of this our day turned out to be different than we had expected. Until lunch this morning the team was able to catch up on some much needed rest and heal up our sore bodies. Our translator Vanessa came over and hung out with us in the morning time and even taught a few of the girls Haitian card game. After lunch we all loaded up into the cars and zoomed in crazy Hatian driving fashion on out to an orphanage that's sponsored by Pastor Louighins. When we arrived there were about ten kids sitting all quietly together but soon that was broken by the sound of laughter from the children as we pulled out bubbles. The kids faces were so happy and joyous. So many things happened all at once. Lexi and Kierra were over at a table paitining kids faces, Audrey and Colin were playing futbol with the kids in the rain, D'Anne was playing singing games and reading with the kids, and Alyssa was letting some of the older girls cornrow her hair. The kids were so filled with joy just to play with us and interact with us. God has given the people of Haiti such an amazing joy. The place we were at today was created after the quake in 2010 and many of the kids were orphaned because of it. To me it's just crazy that no matter all that they have been through there is still unexplainable joy and love for life that they have, which is something you rarely find back home. Today just warmed everyone's hearts and a great reminder that God is good.
Bonwit
Friday - Work Day 2
Alyssa Here!
Today Team Awesome continued work on building the wall for Odenel’s family, but instead of carrying sand bags we were lugging rocks down the hill. It was hard work, but not as hot as yesterday. Despite some minor bumps and bruises I can confidently say we all survived this task and are looking forward to continuing this project tomorrow. Now to the people of the community. Naftalie, Dafka, Kenzia (spelling is best guess sorry families) these are names that I want to remember, these are names I will remember. I feel like all the kids of the community joined in today. They carried rocks as big as their heads right alongside us while simultaneously holding onto us. We got to play with them, laugh with them, and smile with them. Audrey got all the boys to start racing up back the hill to the rock pile and pretty soon they were all racing back up the hill. Very tiring, but so fun. Specifically talking about my three girls now, I think I latched on to them more than they did to me. Their joyous presence was infectious. They are all so full of life and love. I loved every second of my time with them and I can’t wait to see them tomorrow. We ended our work day with some soccer, songs/songs, and pictures before Pastor picked us up. Colin may have ended up on the ground during the soccer portion resulting in many laughs. Don’t worry he’s fine. I’ll end with a few thoughts. Today was beautiful. I feel like I felt/saw God in every second and every face. I am filled with awe, love, and thankfulness. I love Haiti, I love this community, God is so good!
Much love, Bonwit!
Today Team Awesome continued work on building the wall for Odenel’s family, but instead of carrying sand bags we were lugging rocks down the hill. It was hard work, but not as hot as yesterday. Despite some minor bumps and bruises I can confidently say we all survived this task and are looking forward to continuing this project tomorrow. Now to the people of the community. Naftalie, Dafka, Kenzia (spelling is best guess sorry families) these are names that I want to remember, these are names I will remember. I feel like all the kids of the community joined in today. They carried rocks as big as their heads right alongside us while simultaneously holding onto us. We got to play with them, laugh with them, and smile with them. Audrey got all the boys to start racing up back the hill to the rock pile and pretty soon they were all racing back up the hill. Very tiring, but so fun. Specifically talking about my three girls now, I think I latched on to them more than they did to me. Their joyous presence was infectious. They are all so full of life and love. I loved every second of my time with them and I can’t wait to see them tomorrow. We ended our work day with some soccer, songs/songs, and pictures before Pastor picked us up. Colin may have ended up on the ground during the soccer portion resulting in many laughs. Don’t worry he’s fine. I’ll end with a few thoughts. Today was beautiful. I feel like I felt/saw God in every second and every face. I am filled with awe, love, and thankfulness. I love Haiti, I love this community, God is so good!
Much love, Bonwit!
Thursday - Work Day 1
Allo (or Hello in Creole) blog readers! Kierra here!
So today was our first day of work. While we all knew that we would be working hard while we were here, I don’t think we were prepared for how hard we had to work today. The project we have been asked to help with is helping a family whose house is built right in the middle of where two rivers meet when it storms. This means that the rivers are slowly eating at the land where their house is built. If nothing is done, soon their house will be washed away by the rivers. So what we are going to do to help is build a wall to block the rivers from washing away their land. Today’s task?: carrying sand down a very steep hill. The sand will be used to make cement to build the wall strong. This job was so hard because we were carrying very heavy bags of sand down a very steep hill, in very hot weather. And just when you got to the bottom and were relieved, you realized you still had to climb back up the hill. However the whole team was so awesome about doing this task, and no one complained at all! Even Brenna with a healing foot, or Colin whose foot is technically supposed to be out of service. While we were doing this hot and heavy work, a large number of kids came home from school and joined us who were resting at the top. The Haitian people living in the community where we were working were so curious about us, and many of them came to watch. The kids were so happy, and they loved playing with us and just sitting with us. Just having the kids around made the work so much easier, and the joy they brought to our day was one of the things that kept us going. All in all it was a long hard day and we all came home quite tired, however the relationships that we were able to start building with the people in Meyotte was so incredible that there was no way we wont be rejuvenated to go back tomorrow.
Bonwit!
So today was our first day of work. While we all knew that we would be working hard while we were here, I don’t think we were prepared for how hard we had to work today. The project we have been asked to help with is helping a family whose house is built right in the middle of where two rivers meet when it storms. This means that the rivers are slowly eating at the land where their house is built. If nothing is done, soon their house will be washed away by the rivers. So what we are going to do to help is build a wall to block the rivers from washing away their land. Today’s task?: carrying sand down a very steep hill. The sand will be used to make cement to build the wall strong. This job was so hard because we were carrying very heavy bags of sand down a very steep hill, in very hot weather. And just when you got to the bottom and were relieved, you realized you still had to climb back up the hill. However the whole team was so awesome about doing this task, and no one complained at all! Even Brenna with a healing foot, or Colin whose foot is technically supposed to be out of service. While we were doing this hot and heavy work, a large number of kids came home from school and joined us who were resting at the top. The Haitian people living in the community where we were working were so curious about us, and many of them came to watch. The kids were so happy, and they loved playing with us and just sitting with us. Just having the kids around made the work so much easier, and the joy they brought to our day was one of the things that kept us going. All in all it was a long hard day and we all came home quite tired, however the relationships that we were able to start building with the people in Meyotte was so incredible that there was no way we wont be rejuvenated to go back tomorrow.
Bonwit!
Travel and Arrival to Haiti
Today is the big day, we are off to Haiti. On our way to the airport we stopped and got dinner and then headed to the airport. We got checked in and to the gate pretty quick so some of us hung out and played card games while a few of the others went and got milkshakes. Once we were all together we played a game of cards and just sat around talking. Our flight had a slight delay from Portland to New York, which is where our layover was. For the most part everyone slept on the plane to try and get some rest so that we could fully take in the culture once we got to Haiti. Once we got to New York we had to grab a quick meal so that we could board our next flight. As we were boarding, we stood out because we were some of the few white people on the plane; the rest looked to be Haitian. We got boarded and then sat on the plane for about an hour and they didn't really tell us what was going on. Later we found out that they had to reroute the plane and by doing so we were delayed plus the new route added an hour to the flight. We landed in Haiti around 1pm on Wednesday.
The minute we stepped off the plane you could feel the heat. We went through immigration and that was quick and then about half of the group recieved their first stamp on their passport. We go to pick up our checked bags and, as we were warned, a lot of people wanted to help us. We tried telling them 'no' but they didn't listen, so in return they wanted money. Once we had our bags we were able to make our way on out where we met Mike (Forward Edge Leader), Pastor Louighins (our Haitian host) and some of his brothers. We made our way out of the airport and to the cars. On our way out the entrance area was lined with Haitians who were there as taxi drivers. At first, it was overwhelming because there was so much to take in; all the poeple, the number of cars, the honking of horns for communication, and the smiles among some of the faces. From the airport we went to our home, which is in Vivy Mitchel. As we were driving through the town there was people everywhere selling food or clothing to make some money for their family. The driving was also really crazy because there doesn't seem to be much structure. There are no stops signs, people just pull out and they know that the other person won't hit them. The motorcyclists also drive between the cars and on either side of the road. Driving through the town you could tell that there had been devisation but all of the people look so joyous that you can't help but smile. We pulled up to the outside of a gated fence and when the door opened there was a very nice house behind it. We get inside and there is 3 rooms filled with bunks and a main room for Mike. The house was way more than what we were expeting because it had electricity and toilets and running water, and air conditioning. Pastor told us that we are in the more wealthy part of town.
Shortly after arriving we had lunch which Pastor Louighins' wife, Kenya, and Rosemary prepared. We had rice and beans, plantains, beats, carrots, chicken, and a sauce they had prepared. Boy was it delicious!!
For the remainder of the day we all settled in and played outside with one of the soccer balls and the frisbee. There is also a rooftop and you are able to see a lot of the town and it is gorgeous. To finish off the day we went to a local grocery store and looked around and some of the team bought some foods to bring home. Overall it was a great way to start the trip. We all went to bed early so that we can get well rested and prepare for the task for Thursday.
Goodnight!
D'Anne
The minute we stepped off the plane you could feel the heat. We went through immigration and that was quick and then about half of the group recieved their first stamp on their passport. We go to pick up our checked bags and, as we were warned, a lot of people wanted to help us. We tried telling them 'no' but they didn't listen, so in return they wanted money. Once we had our bags we were able to make our way on out where we met Mike (Forward Edge Leader), Pastor Louighins (our Haitian host) and some of his brothers. We made our way out of the airport and to the cars. On our way out the entrance area was lined with Haitians who were there as taxi drivers. At first, it was overwhelming because there was so much to take in; all the poeple, the number of cars, the honking of horns for communication, and the smiles among some of the faces. From the airport we went to our home, which is in Vivy Mitchel. As we were driving through the town there was people everywhere selling food or clothing to make some money for their family. The driving was also really crazy because there doesn't seem to be much structure. There are no stops signs, people just pull out and they know that the other person won't hit them. The motorcyclists also drive between the cars and on either side of the road. Driving through the town you could tell that there had been devisation but all of the people look so joyous that you can't help but smile. We pulled up to the outside of a gated fence and when the door opened there was a very nice house behind it. We get inside and there is 3 rooms filled with bunks and a main room for Mike. The house was way more than what we were expeting because it had electricity and toilets and running water, and air conditioning. Pastor told us that we are in the more wealthy part of town.
Shortly after arriving we had lunch which Pastor Louighins' wife, Kenya, and Rosemary prepared. We had rice and beans, plantains, beats, carrots, chicken, and a sauce they had prepared. Boy was it delicious!!
For the remainder of the day we all settled in and played outside with one of the soccer balls and the frisbee. There is also a rooftop and you are able to see a lot of the town and it is gorgeous. To finish off the day we went to a local grocery store and looked around and some of the team bought some foods to bring home. Overall it was a great way to start the trip. We all went to bed early so that we can get well rested and prepare for the task for Thursday.
Goodnight!
D'Anne
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