TG gets ready to return home

It's our last day in Haiti- whew!!- what a week. This morning we traveling up to Grace Village for church service--lots of great singing, praising and praying . . . we have a lot to be grateful for.

After church, we traveled to Wahoo Beach for Haiti-style break.  The Caribbean waters were breathtaking--and most of the team took advantage of the $5 snorkel special to see some underwater life near the reef. It was a day of relaxation, sunshine and play--much needed in order to rejuvenate after our very heavy, amazing week.  It was awesome to see Haiti in this light too--the blue waters, the gorgeous mountains, the clear skies.  The dichotomy of the two Haiti realities did not go unnoticed--it's part of the complexity of this country that we have all come to love.

This evening, the students (and leaders) from Holy Family came by, as did the other Healing Haiti group. It's Jeff Gacek's birthday today, so we had a pizza party and cake!  Jeff reminded us that we were chosen to be in Haiti at this time--that God has a plan for our lives and we are called to serve.  How awesome to be called to serve and to be served by the people we met in Haiti.

This final post is being written by the two brave chaperones--Mrs O'Neil and Mrs Lienau. It has been an honor to journey with the students from TG in Haiti--they have blown us away! They have shown such compassion and passion, interest and love to the Haitian people--the old, the children, those that are disabled and those close to death.  They jumped in--quite literally--with both feet, and definitely in the deep end.  They have demonstrated what is best about our community--a genuine desire to serve and to be the feet and hands of Christ to others.  Thank you for entrusting your children to our care and for sharing their wonderful spirits with the people of Haiti.  We trust this is an experience that no one will soon forget.

We ask that you be patient with your child as they may have a difficult time explaining all that they experienced.  Pictures will soon follow, but we end this week with love for the Haitian people and for our students who journeyed with us.  We look forward to our return to snowy Minnesota!

TG dominates the day

P.S Happy Birthday Mom – Love Hannah banana

To start the morning we started with team breakfast and a letter from Mrs. Wysocki, which included a beautiful acrostic poem. After the breakfast we went up the mountain to Grace Village. Arriving at Grace Village we were greeted by some Transition Program children who were learning a valuable skill in cleaning and packaging fish from the aquaponic tanks. After that we taught and made Rainbow Loom Bracelets with the children of Grace Village. (Shout out to the parents and families who donated the supplies.) Then after making bracelets with the children from Grace Village, and few Transition Program kids, we then dismissed the Grace Village children in order to talk with the Transition Program kids about teamwork and communication through many tasks. First, we all sat in a circle and went around saying our name, how old we were, and our favorite food. It worked well in breaking the ice and making the kids more comfortable with the missionaries from TG. After the ice breaker we embarked on playing a group game called “Human Knot”. The Haitian children thought it was silly at first and that it looked difficult, but after the students of TG did an example game they quickly understood and we broke up into four groups. Even though it was hard to communicate with them due to the language barrier, our translator Bo Bo and Kayleen did their best job to help explain everything and help move things along. After a few different games, we all went outside and played soccer together. Next we went to visit a few more elderly people we had missed on Thursday. First, we visited Marie who is about 104 years old and still strong as a bull. We washed her feet, gave her lotion, and then sang and prayed for her. Then we visited Jud John Paul who is 22 years old and was paralyzed after a seizure at a young age. He is not able to speak, but we talked with his mother who takes care of him. She asked that we would pray for him and keep him in our thoughts. Our next and final visit was to Edmond who was blind in both eyes and couldn’t move well due to his old age. We washed his feet but were unable to give him lotion or a food package because we had given them all away previously. However, a team visited him earlier in the week and gave him supplies that we were unable to. After swimming we had a splendid taco dinner and then the best part of the night was next. Jean who is the director of the Guest Houses took us up to the patio and taught us to salsa dance. Tomorrow we have church in the morning at Grace Village and then we will be off to a spring break “surprise”. Thanks to our prayer partners and all of you back home supporting us.

Love,

Joleen Johnson, Sarah Lindstrom, and Jake Beckman

TG dominates the day

P.S Happy Birthday Mom – Love Hannah banana

To start the morning we started with team breakfast and a letter from Mrs. Wysocki, which included a beautiful acrostic poem. After the breakfast we went up the mountain to Grace Village. Arriving at Grace Village we were greeted by some Transition Program children who were learning a valuable skill in cleaning and packaging fish from the aquaponic tanks. After that we taught and made Rainbow Loom Bracelets with the children of Grace Village. (Shout out to the parents and families who donated the supplies.) Then after making bracelets with the children from Grace Village, and few Transition Program kids, we then dismissed the Grace Village children in order to talk with the Transition Program kids about teamwork and communication through many tasks. First, we all sat in a circle and went around saying our name, how old we were, and our favorite food. It worked well in breaking the ice and making the kids more comfortable with the missionaries from TG. After the ice breaker we embarked on playing a group game called “Human Knot”. The Haitian children thought it was silly at first and that it looked difficult, but after the students of TG did an example game they quickly understood and we broke up into four groups. Even though it was hard to communicate with them due to the language barrier, our translator Bo Bo and Kayleen did their best job to help explain everything and help move things along. After a few different games, we all went outside and played soccer together. Next we went to visit a few more elderly people we had missed on Thursday. First, we visited Marie who is about 104 years old and still strong as a bull. We washed her feet, gave her lotion, and then sang and prayed for her. Then we visited Jud John Paul who is 22 years old and was paralyzed after a seizure at a young age. He is not able to speak, but we talked with his mother who takes care of him. She asked that we would pray for him and keep him in our thoughts. Our next and final visit was to Edmond who was blind in both eyes and couldn’t move well due to his old age. We washed his feet but were unable to give him lotion or a food package because we had given them all away previously. However, a team visited him earlier in the week and gave him supplies that we were unable to. After swimming we had a splendid taco dinner and then the best part of the night was next. Jean who is the director of the Guest Houses took us up to the patio and taught us to salsa dance. Tomorrow we have church in the morning at Grace Village and then we will be off to a spring break “surprise”. Thanks to our prayer partners and all of you back home supporting us.

Love,

Joleen Johnson, Sarah Lindstrom, and Jake Beckman

TG's Old and New Experiences

Our days start off with our usual routine, waking up at 7 to get ready for breakfast and the day. But today was a little bit different. The girls tied the boy’s door knob handle of their room to the door knob of the bathroom so they could not get out of their room.  After a while of struggling, Jim finally gave in and decided to untie the rope holding the doors closed. After the boys got out, we got ready for breakfast and headed to the water station for our second day of water runs. We did two runs today. Our first stop of the day was new and the second stop we were at the day before in tent city. Both were equally as rewarding and humbling.

After getting back from our water runs, we changed and headed up the mountains to two different markets. The drive was long and a little scary, but we made it safely and purchased many souvenirs for our loved ones and friends back home. We were able to travel all the way to the very top of the mountain and got to see an amazing view of Port Au Prince and City Soleil. Debbie was attempting to point out the different landmarks but some were not so quick to catch on… While buying our souvenirs, we experienced the art of bartering. The sellers were extremely persistent and it was an interesting process to say the least.

 We headed back down the mountain to the guest house and had some free time which was spent at the nearby pool. Mrs. Lienau surprised all of us with her unusual talents underwater. It was a good way to wrap up the day and to recover emotionally from the weight of yesterday.

We thank you for praying for us and keeping us in mind. It has been an unforgettable experience and we acknowledge that the support from families, sta


ff and friends made it all possible. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers as well. God bless!      

  ~Amber and Marie

Amber with a baby at tent city.

The group at the city overlook.

Marie with a child at the first water truck.

TG's Turning Point

Today started out with the buzz of our alarms going off at 5:30 this morning. Quickly popping out of bed changing into our church clothes we were quickly off to a prayer service at Church on the Rock. The Hatians worship God by pacing back and forth, singing loudly, and waving their arms. This was a different experience for most of us because we are so use to being quiet and sitting still during mass. We couldn’t understand what the preacher was saying in Creole but we could feel his emotion.

After a quick breakfast we took the 45 minute journey to Grace Village. At Grace Village we took a tour and met the children and staff. Throughout our tour we learned that these children not only need food, water, and shelter to survive but they need love. For example, Jake Pederson explained how he picked up a little boy and the boy never let go. Jake explained his hug as if it were a hug he would give his father.  As a whole group we felt that we brought this love to them.

Next we were off into the slums of Titanyen to visit the elderly. We visited 5 different elders and their families in the community. While we were there we washed their feet, rubbed lotion on their hands and feet, sang with them, and prayed with them.  These visits were emotionally draining for most of the group. Being able to see firsthand what a Hatian’s home looks like was very unnerving. Most of their homes are the same size as an American’s bedroom. The most amazing part was when we prayed, the elders didn’t want us to pray for them rather that God will provide for their families after their passing.

Then we were off to visit the mass grave site. This is a place where about ten thousand people were buried after the earth quake in 2010. While we were there, Brunet “Bo Bo” one of our translators shared his story of the quake with us. He talked about the 47 seconds of fear that he experienced, and the pain that followed with the loss of his fiancée, and the watching of several people dying in front of him.

Our last stop of the day came at Juno’s Orphanage. Here we got to play soccer and tops with the 20 kids. Similarly to the kids at Grace Village, these kids at this orphanage desired our love and attention, and never left our side or let go of our hands. Before we left the kids took us into their home and showed us where they sleep. At the end, the children sang for us several songs that they also danced along with. The song then concluded with a frenzy of hugs and some tear filled goodbyes.

When we got back, we shared words of the day after eating an amazing Haitian meal. When we were done we read the letters that our families wrote to us. These letters were beautiful leaving most of us in tears after such an incredibly long, emotionally taxing day.

We would like to thank all of you for your continuing prayer and support as we continue our journey here in Haiti. Love you all to the parents, friends, grandparents who sent letters from everyone here! We are constantly thinking and praying for you daily as well.

The group with the kids at Grace Village

Jake washing the feet of one of the elders.

Gabby with her new friend Jeanie.

Love always,

Jacob Pederson and Gabrielle Schauer

TG Laughter and Tears

Today we began the day by heading to the home for the sick and dying adults.  Much to our surprise, when we arrived we found out we would spend our time rubbing lotion and painting nails of the residents.  These people were extremely fragile, yet their hearts were huge.  From belting out worship songs with the Haitian workers while doing laundry to attempting to overcome the language barrier with the patients, all would agree that the experience was moving.  To be in the presence of people so overcome by disease and illness, it was amazing to make such strong connections with them.  We also learned that saying "adios" to Haitians means goodbye at the time of death, not the typical goodbye.  Sarah was devastated after she wished many people "adios."

It was nice to spend the afternoon back at Healing Haiti.  We all enjoyed tanning, napping, journaling, and laughing.  Soon we loaded up the tap-tap and headed to Gertrude's orphanage.

Gertrude's orphanage homes children with disabilities.  Children with disabilities are often looked upon as a burden in Haiti, and many are left for death.  We all came in with mixed emotions: fear, excitement, and hesitation.  The small play area we entered into was chaos!  Partially functioning, homemade wheelchairs flew all over like a race track, with other children as their drivers.  Each kid was totally different; some wanted to play a game of soccer while others wanted the touch of a person.  This experience was quite heavy, leaving a few in tears.  Seeing children deprived of the necessary attention was heartbreaking.

None the less, we ended the day together in laughter.  Thank you for all of your prayers, and know you all are in ours.

Love,
Katie and Bridget

Totino-Grace leaves their mark.

Our school wide theme this year is “Make your mark” and that is exactly what we did today when we traveled to Cite Solei for 3 water runs, all of them different from the one before.  We left our guesthouse around 9am and after a short time stalled in the middle of the road, we were able to finally get to the water delivery site and wait for our truck to fill up before we headed into the heart of Cite Solei.  Here we were greeted with what seemed like hundreds of young children, yelling “Hey you” with their arms wide open waiting to be picked up.   There was a definite language barrier since the spoken language is Creole, but the smile and hugs that we were able to give them broke down any walls we may have had.  It was incredible to drive through this city, to see the conditions that these people live in.  Never have any of us experienced poverty in such a way.  Shack upon shack, garbage everywhere-yet these people seem to live each day asking for little beyond food and water.  Many lessons for all of us today.   After  the third delivery, the tap-tap ride home was pretty quiet.  Dinner was even more so as we all tried to put the sights, sounds and smells of the day in perspective. 

After the third water truck delivery, our team made a stop at Haitian Initiative Soccer Fields. Several of these young teens traveled to Minnesota last year for the Schwan’s Cup. We were fortunate enough to challenge their team to a game. Keep in mind that these teenagers play soccer every single day! And we… well we have Danny. Other than him, really the only other time that our team made contact with the ball was when Hannah was the target of a powerful shot in the side while dodging out of the way from one of the boy’s kicks. But hey, we only lost 0-2, so we would say we did pretty well.  Oh yeah-Joleen did the splits trying to kick the ball.  It was quite a sight!  That’s why Hannah plays lacrosse and Joleen plays tennis. 

In all, we would say this day far exceeded any expectations any of us had.  There will be a lot to talk about tonight during prayer and even more for us to reflect on in our everyday life. 

Thank you everyone for the prayers, notes and thoughts that we know you are sending our way.  Know we are all safe and sound and are excited for an even better day tomorrow!

All our love-

Colleen and Hannah (the lacrosse player).

The Haiti airport is our first Haitian experience...everyone wanting to help us with our total of 46 bags...even arguing amongst themselves...apparently all wanting a tip. Some couldn't believe our team AND our luggage would fit in our TapTap! The bumpy ride to our home for the week was an experience,  too. So much to take in. Glad our driver knows what he is doing! We had a relaxing evening with beautiful Healing Haiti staff hospitality.  Our team likes our accommodations, too. Blessed to sleep in air conditioning...when just outside our door are childen in makeshift homes.  The15 minute nap on the plane helped..but it was wonderful hitting the sack at 10:30 last night.

My devotions today encouraged us to be the sweet fragrance of Christ. Will you pray that our team will be that today? Thanks!

Our first day in Haiti has officially begun. Although the 3:45 A.M. meeting time as MSP airport wasn't ideal, it was made far more bearable by the excitement and energy found in our friends' faces. Our flights went nearly as smoothly as possible; besides some turbulence and an incredibly traumatic experience of losing Kathleen (she was fine, but the rest of the group was in shambles), everything went well. Flying over Haiti was mesmerizing, but as we approached the ground, the devastation and poverty became increasingly evident to the newbies in the group. Our excitement was inhibited a bit by the shock and disillusionment brought on by what we saw from the plane, as well as what we witnessed on the drive to our rooming complex. We we both exited and saddened by the faces we passed on the street as we drove by- the joy present in the people was heartening, but knowing those same people likely went back to ramshackle homes and poor living conditions broke our hearts.
Although we are tempted to say that we hope this week will be life-changing for us, we know that what is needed is not our aspiration to change our own lives, but rather the lives of the people present in this country. We're going to try our best to be with these people, rather than being here for these people. We are, of course, hoping to be there for any need we might be able to satisfy, but our main goal is to show the people here as much love and respect as we can provide. Throughout our time here, we hope to establish a connection with at least a few of the Haitians we meet and show them that although we're only here for a short time, we really do care about them in a significant way. We ask you all for your prayers; anything you can offer up to God is greatly appreciated.
-Danny Larson and Kathleen Leuty

Sunday Recap (Grace Church & Wahoo Bay)

This morning we woke up to another amazing breakfast oatmeal, eggs, fresh squeezed cherry juice, fresh fruit and pancakes then loaded the tap tap to head up to Titanyen.  The church at Grace Village has been finished since my trip June 30 2013. The inside was elaborate concrete painted purple and yellow and the colors of sunset. To be built by hand in that short of time is truly remarkable. The church was filled with 2/3rd children and Matthew 19:14 rang through my head. Some were from  Grace Village but a large majority walked alone or with others. There were also lots of children outside rolling hollowed bucket lids with a wire, fetching water from the well and gathering to hold the hand of a "blanc".

The service starts out with dedicated time to prayers praising and thanking Jesus, the ushers help keep people out until a break in prayer so we do not disrupt their time of honoring God. Over an hour dedicated to prayer and worship with hands high, arms open, smiles, and persons sitting close to the front not at the back.

God laid on my heart during the singing that a majority of the people in the church were hungry and after 2 hours of service would leave with increased hunger pains. During worship, with singing in 2 languages. I could not help but think we should feed the church. This is the next generation, these children will be leading, serving, and transforming their countryside for Christ. Jesus fed and so should we.

Pastor Gary started the sermon, as he spoke to the congregation in Creole I kept my thoughts to myself. How amazed I was when he started translating and he told how God had put a desire in his heart to start feeding the church after the service. He said he wanted to not say "God told me, but he felt a strong, turning in his heart that he should eat with his church family" and that not to ever say God told me unless you are certain, but he knew this burning on his heart was from The Lord. When he spoke my heart thoughts aloud, it was unbelievable! I really felt God speaking to me saying this was not just an idea in my head, this was Him opening my eyes and heart to His Will. He read Psalm 91 a personal favorite and followed with John 10:10, John 14:11-14, and James 4:3. Asking God in His name with the right intentions, living life to the fullest through Him. I prayed on my knees during the altar call/invitation and cried tears of joy, hope and passion.

After church our team traveled to the beach, a contrast from what we had seen this week. Haitians enjoying leisure in a breathtaking atmosphere of Gods creation.  Emmanuel and Brunet, two of the guys who had served us so hard this week had some time to enjoy the sand and water.  The evening was followed with rice, veggies, and grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches.  After word of the day, Dave challenged us to verbalize how we were going to "take action" when we returned and how we would hold each other accountable.  We then each wrote ourselves a letter with our thoughts, feelings, and personal challenges to receive at a time to be determined.  God gave each of us the courage to go and we strongly encourage each of you to step out of the boat.

-Joy W.

Saturday (Grace Village, Apparent Project & Mountain Shopping)

Today (Saturday) we had the opportunity to go back to Grace Village, something I was really looking forward to since our last visit.  Today’s activities were centered a craft and a skit.  The skit was to teach the children hand signals to help remember the 10 Commandments, but as a surprise to us all, each child already had them memorized!   Well it was still cool to see them shouting out the Lord’s Commandments to us, and at the very least, provided a reminder to some of us - I know I needed a one!

After the skit, we did a craft with the kids, the same necklace craft we did with the children at Juno’s.   The kids all seemed to really like the craft and it was cool to see them all helping each other.  Some of the older boys went out to play soccer during this time and I’m sure they schooled the American guys!  After the craft we shared snacks with the kids and it was a great difference to see that they didn’t scarf them down as quickly as all the others - we took this to mean that they are well fed at Grace village and that is a beautiful thing.

After some more playing and hanging out, it was time to get back on the Top Top for our journey up the mountain – an exciting journey with Max at the wheel.  Our first stop on the way was the Apparent Project – a shop that sells Haitian goods to tourists.  The Apparent Project was started by an American Missionary in 2009 in her living room and now it employs more than 200 people of Haiti in a beautiful shop on the mountain.  They sell beautiful items and it feels great to be able to support them and their hard work. 

Next we began the long journey up the mountain, and what amazing sights we saw along the way - a stark contrast it was to the streets of City Soleil.   God’s beauty is so awesome and I’m so thankful he opened my eyes to see it, because if you’re not paying attention it can really be missed. 

At the top of the mountain, we were expecting a spectacular view but what we got instead was a cloudy sky.  We were all a little disappointed but while we were up there we started to see the clouds break and we were able to see some of Port-au-Prince below so we were very thankful for that.  Next the shopping began!  I think some of us were overwhelmed by the intensity of the salesman but it was worth it for the great prices we got on some things!  For a true shopaholic, this was a great time J

As we started our adventure down the mountain, we were again reminded of the beauty of Haiti  - from the breathtaking views to the flowers in bloom.  On the way, we made a stop at the Giant supermarket and were able to get a taste of America so far from home.  There was a lot of similar foods and even a delicious Boulangerie (bakery) where we all enjoyed some sweet treats.    Then it was back in the Top Top, with the Guest House as our final destination.

A delicious dinner, a swim in the pool for some and a relaxing evening around the kitchen table rounded out the evening after another great day spent in Haiti!   Our time is almost at the end here and I am sad to be going home but overwhelming thankful for the opportunity to serve in this beautiful country. 

-Shelby S.

Friday (Tent Church, Water Truck, General Hospital)

I think all of those who have been to Haiti would agree that one of the best things you could do to prepare for your trip is to learn Haitian Creole. Being able to speak to the locals is so uncommon that it opens them up in a way many will never experience. However, being that most of us are not able to pick up a new language all that easily a few choice welcoming words are a good start. More importantly though are your actions.

In a word, yesterday was full. We finally had a full healthy team. We had a full group of HH guys, we had a full schedule and we were full of actions. Actions that really showed the Haitian people we were not there to “save” them or make them better but to love them and support them and just be human with them.

Our first event of the day was 6am Haitian church. Unlike any church I’ve seen this was a huge warehouse looking building that just a year ago was a tent! It was bright and open and welcoming and we spent the next hour in prayer and worship. People were walking back and forth down the aisles praying, singing, hands wide open praising God and it was amazing. A smiling older woman came up to us and gave us all hugs then happily went on her way walking down the aisles joyful as can be. A great action w/o words. They do this every morning and we felt their desire and love for God in the short time we were there.

Church was followed up by another yummy breakfast of nutella and spicy peanut butter pancakes and then we were off to day two of water truck. First stop was good. Typical with lots of kids and a line of buckets but fairly tame. We had 5 HH guys with us and they kept it all in order, keeping us safe and keeping the line moving. We moved away from that stop feeling good and ready for stop two.

Those that had been on a trip before were excited to be introduced to a new stop. It was a tent city just a block from the water truck station. We saw right away that this stop had a great need as the line of buckets was very long before we even jumped out of the truck. I personally found a little girl that I held onto the entire time. She was maybe 2 and I have no idea where she came from, where she lived or who she belonged to. We hung out for a bit smiling and singing and then the need to move buckets filled with water began to pile up so with her in one hand and a bucket in the other we began going back and forth. One older woman needed a bit of help so I carried her bucket to her home and a gentleman in the home next to her shooed me away. I just smiled and headed back unsure of his meaning. I brought another bucket with me and again he shooed me away. This time I wasn’t gonna have it so I smiled at him gave him the shoulder shrug as to why are you shooing me and walked right up to him. I used my broken Kreyol to say hello, how are you, my name is Stephanie what is your name. His demeanor immediately changed and he replied that his name was Vincennes and in English he said nice to meet you and we shook hands. No more shooing from Vincennes. Some words, but a lot of action showing care for him united us and that felt pretty cool.

When the truck ran out of water we saw the line still waiting and we decided we must come back. So the guys told them we were going to get more water and we’d be back soon. An hour later we returned. I don’t know how the people felt but we really hope that they saw we felt their need and wanted to show them love by coming back. Driving in I saw my sweet little one standing on the side of the road and we immediately found each other again. This time she had a friend, about the same size and so we became a trio.  We hung out a bit and then the bucket need came again so I set them down assuming they would move on to other people but shortly after beginning my trek into the maze of tent city I felt two little tugs on the back of my shirt. They were following holding on tight and my heart just melted right there on the spot.  Their action made my day. I delivered my bucket scooped them up and we accompanied some others from our crew delivering buckets.

When we got back I got to see my hubs being the awesome dad he is back in MN. He had about 15 older kids surrounding him and they were playing an intense game of tickle tag. Kids were rolling on the ground with laughter, running around, just getting to be kids. I don’t think they get a lot, if any, of that from their own dads. His actions were truly the highlight of my day and I’d guess the kids too. We felt good seeing the last couple buckets of water being poured over heads. This group had enough water for now and were even able to enjoy it a bit.

A quick trip to the house to shower and change and we moved right on to the next stop. General Hospital. Oh my gosh you guys, this was tough. We went to the children’s “wing” and I will never forget the first child I saw. I pray that Jesus either immediately heals them or brings them home. I pray that it has already been done. They had been abandoned and GH was in no way prepared to handle their needs. At GH we handed out bags with infant diapers and packs of wipes. Most kids had a parent or relative with them but a few others were abandoned as well. It was a quiet and short trip. Lots of actions and very little words used here.

We were all exhausted and ready to be back at the guest house. Little did we know our evening was not over. Our HH team had a surprise action of their own. They took us out for dinner! A missionary family opens up their home a couple days a week as a pizza parlor called Pizza Amore. After a long ride in the Tap Tap we arrived to find a full house. Missionaries from all over including a ton from Minnesota filled the outside patio. It was a great ending to a great, mentally physically and emotionally exhausting day. I’m going to try and embrace my new perspective on action and use it more on the trip but more importantly at home. I’m tired of hearing myself speaking and want to show my family and friends and even complete strangers how I feel thru actions and not words.

-Stephanie H.

Thursday (Grace Village/Elder Visits/Juno Orphanage)

What an event filled day in Haiti! Today started with another perfectly prepared breakfast from our Haitian staff including all of the essentials (French toast, oatmeal, scrambled eggs) and my personal favorites, fresh papaya and pineapple. Afterwards, our team packed up and embarked on our journey to Grace Village. It was a short thirty-minute drive to the compound and I sat eagerly waiting to see the complex in which God was connecting with so many children of Haiti.

Once we arrived I was completely shocked at magnitude of this place. Attention to detail was put into every square inch of the village. From the aquaponics system irrigating the crops, to the 5,000 fish tiles in the cafeteria representing Jesus feeding his people, it was clear to me that God was working wonders in this place. There weren’t many children at the school when we got our tour due to carnival holiday, so I left excited to return Saturday and connect with the kids.

Following our tour we left Grace Village to go meet with the elders in the surrounding area. This was a very special part of the day for me. To see the joy in the elders eyes as we sang songs and massaged their body left me with an emotion that words couldn’t describe. They possess hardly any material items yet maintain such a positive attitude about life, and feel extremely blessed that Healing Haiti is spending time with them. Emmanuel, one of our Healing Haiti Guides, brought a portable piano to each house and played gospel songs. This resulted in countless village kids peaking over fences/bushes to get a glimpse of action. For me, I couldn’t help but smile at the fact that just a simple keyboard could bring so much joy to a group of people no matter the situation or environment they were in.

After visiting the elders, we shuttled to Junos orphanage to play with the kids. Megan, one of our team members, prepared crafts for the kids and together we built necklaces out of beads, two washers, nail polish and colored string. The kids loved all the activities and for me it was just a blessing to get to spend a couple of hours with them. Most of the kids were extremely polite and had a genuine respect for each other as we went about playing in the compound. The overall experience at Junos was one that I will remember forever!

Finally, our team ended the day with some salsa lessons from Jean. He schooled us in steps of salsa and said with a smile that we needed “a lot of practice”. Haiti has been such an eye-opening experience for me so far. I am humbled by the sites I have witnessed and have by overwhelmed by emotions on a daily basis. I can’t wait for what the rest of the trip has to offer and look to God for guidance as our team continues on this amazing journey.

-Morgan P.