On my fourth day in Haiti, we rose early to attend a Haitian church not far from our guesthouse. Five AM, pitch black, everyone in the house scrambling to get out the door. As can happen frequently here, the electricity goes out. Out come the flashlights and cell phone lights to complete the process to make the walk of several blocks to the tent church. The smells of small fires, goats crying, roosters crowing, the sights and sounds of a Haitian dawn. As we walked the day was transformed from dark to light and the city started to come alive.
I was surprised by the size of the tent church, it could seat more than a
thousand. When we arrived there were a few Haitians milling around, but
before long the church filled with neatly dressed school children, working
adults and grandparents pacing up and down their row and filling the aisles.
Preachers inspired the crowds, music lifting spirits, hands and arms raised to
the heavens praising God. We too became transformed from respectful
observers to very willing participants!
On our way to Titanyen we stopped where vacant land was hastily used as a mass grave for an estimated 100,000 Haitians after the devastating 2010 earthquake. It has since been transformed with a stone and cement marker and dozens of hillside crosses into a solemn memorial where locals and visitors can come to reflect and remember.
On our way to Titanyen we stopped where vacant land was hastily used as a mass grave for an estimated 100,000 Haitians after the devastating 2010 earthquake. It has since been transformed with a stone and cement marker and dozens of hillside crosses into a solemn memorial where locals and visitors can come to reflect and remember.
Back on the rode......destination Grace Village, which is located about an hour from Port au
Prince high on a hill above Titanyen. What was once a huge mound of sand, stone
and boulders has been transformed in a place for orphaned children, with colorful
buildings, a playground and feeding center. It has been transformed into a home
full of care, joy and love.... where children play, learn, watch out for
each other, and sing at the top of their lungs praising God for all his
blessings.
Change is good! Being transformed by God is truly a blessing!
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