Healing Haiti-Friends: 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.