Haiti -Day 1

Today, we went to Deux Mains and learned about turning tires into shoes and bags. they also made jewelry and lots of other things. Next, we went to Teach Haiti which is a school that taught from k-10th grade. But, continues on as they get older. Thirdly, we went to the sick and dying, and held kids and played with them for a while but it was sad when we had to leave. we shopped at Papillion where they made mugs, jewelry, and printed shirts. Overall, today was a very impactful day and we appreciated every minute of it.
- Sheena & Danny

Day 6

As we approached our last full day in Haiti, our hearts were filled with the desire to make one last impact. Sad the trip was coming to an end, our group made the best out of the time we had left. Originally, we had planned to go to Gertrude's, an orphanage for disabled children, but as we quickly learned, in Haiti plans can change with no warning. We saw how God works in mysterious ways today, as we were able to visit Dios Orphanage, another orphanage for disabled children. Although the first steps off of the tap-tap felt a bit overwhelming, we soon realized that there was no need to worry. We were able to connect with the children through playing games, drawing, and laughing. Through the barriers of language and their disabilities, we realized that no matter what the situation may be, God helps us to form meaningful relationships with his children. It didn’t take long to realize that though these children live in a third world country, they were all well taken care of and loved very much. 

After we visited Dios Orphanage, we were able to visit Papillon Enterprise, a business consisting of a cafe, gift shop and factory, which aims to both teach parents how to care for their children and provide them with a steady source of income. Papillion Enterprise aims to “provide hope [to Haitians] through the dignity of a job, training, and the ability to create something new out of something discarded and seemingly useless.” After relaxing at the cafe we took a quick swim once again and the boys headed back to play soccer with the local neighborhood kids. They wanted us to tell you that is was “a very very close game” though, the score was 6-8 so we will let you be the judge of that. Playing soccer is yet another way we can connect with others without the ability to communicate through language. Whether it be through kicking a ball back and forth, or through the universal understanding of joy, we know we made an impact in their lives and they made an impact in ours as well. 

Bondye benióu,

Heather and Sage

Day 5 - Water Truck

Day 5 - Water Truck 

Today we had another water truck day. It was more relaxed than the first one because we had the routine down. Nonetheless, it was still very tiring as we were filling water buckets and picking up children. We got to see some of the kids we got to see three days ago which was pretty amazing. In-between our two stops we waited on a dock for the truck to refill. Just sitting by the ocean with the little children on our laps was a needed break from the chaos. Then we went to a restaurant called Fleri and had some very good pizza. Overall today was a little more relaxed and laid back. 

Sincerely, 

Bob and Jack

Day 4 - Titanyen

Day 4 - 

Today was a more relaxed day, but nonetheless, was a blessing for everyone. We started the day with a delicious French toast breakfast. After that, we headed out to the city of Titanyen to visit Grace Village. Grace village is both a home and school for children of all ages. We saw how much progress it had made from the year before! There were many more students then last year, and they also had started a new garden for growing crops. 

 Next, we visited the elders. We brought them a meal and juice, washed their feet, and sung with them. Unaware, while washing the first group of elder’s feet, we applied “wash and shampoo” instead of the lotion we were supposed to be using. (We did find the lotion.)  The elders loved it nonetheless.

After that we went to the Grace Village bakery, which smelled amazing. It was called “Fleri.” And it happened to have perhaps the best cookies we had ever eaten. Their staple product was called the “lengue de boeuf,” or “cow tongue.” It earned this name due to the rough texture of the sugar on top. The cookie consisted of layers of fluffy, crispy pastry, and was topped with *just* enough sweet sugar to add flavor. They were VERY good. We also learned that we were to go there for dinner the next day to eat pizza, and we are all stoked for that.

Lastly, on the way back to the guesthouse, we visited the mass grave site of the 2010 earthquake. One of our drivers told his short story of where he was when the earthquake happened. We walked around and looked at everything, including the little lizards that ran around in the rocks. The monument was a reminder of the terrible events that happened here seven years ago.

And even though we enjoyed nice cookies and nice company, the most important part was how God worked in everyone’s life today. We all agreed that God’s blessing towards others was very apparent today. In Grace Village, hundreds of children receive a home, an education, and daily food, which is more than most Haitian kids get. The elders received much attention and care, and are continually provided for through sponsorship and other Healing Haiti teams visiting them. The bakery provides jobs for Haitians in the community. These things spoke to our hearts, and showed us that God loves us, no matter what physical conditions we are in.

It was a good day, But we still are pretty tired. We thank you for all of your prayers, and we ask that you would continue to pray, that we can glorify God most through our work, and that what we do tomorrow on our Friday water truck day helps as many people as possible.

-Iain and Karsten Anderson

Day 3

Day 3 -
Today we had pancakes for breakfast. They were delicious. Then we went to Dari’s, an orphanage for the disabled, while some people went to The Home for Sick and Dying Children. At Dari’s we had fun playing with children who had disabilities. We pushed them in wheelchairs and gave them toys to play with. The people who went to The Home for Sick and Dying Children played with the kids, held them, and fed them lunch. Our whole group met up and went back to the guest house to relax for a bit. Soon after, we went to Laphere, another orphanage, and played soccer, and jump roped with the kids. Once back at the guest house, we went to the nearby pool. At the pool, we swam and relaxed. We watched Barcelona comeback and score 6 goals after a four goal deficit against PSG(soccer). It will go down in history as one of the greatest soccer comebacks. Later that night, we had tacos for supper that were very delectable. Some kids had the opportunity to go play soccer with the neighborhood kids. The kids were very good at soccer. We came back, and now we are here writing this.

Sincerely,

Levi A. Button and Ben H. Horn 

Day 2: Water Truck Day - Siena & Abi

               Today was day two; we started off with good breakfast and a typical morning to a very non-typical day. The first thing we did was go to the water truck station, once we got there they told us the water truck was broken and in typical Haiti fashion, our plans changed. We headed off to hope church and school and learned a little bit about its history; so far, they provide kindergarten and an adult schooling program and are changing the environment day by day. After that we finally headed off to our first water truck station. As we drove we noticed our surroundings getting worse and worse. Once we had arrived in a very poor spot, we got out and were immediately surrounded by children who were longing to be loved. As others helped pour and carry the water we held as many children as we could. The joy on their faces when we picked them up and gave them attention was indescribably impactful. The more children we picked up the more others wanted to be and it seemed like they were never ending. We experienced the same type of thing at the other two stops. The more time we spent growing attached to the children the harder it was to say goodbye. However, being able to make them happy, just for a small portion of their day, was a beautiful thing. We left exhausted and heartbroken that we could not stay with them, but joyful that we could be a source of love and compassion in their difficult situations. Today was a day that we will never forget; a day that not only humbled us, but truly changed us.

Day 1 - Travel Day

Today was a rather uneventful day for the most part. We arrived at the airport around 4 in the morning full of energy and ready to go! Not really, we were all pretty tired, but it was exciting to start our trip. This is the first time that we, Landon and Ryan, have gone to Haiti. The plane ride had a little turbulence, but overall it wasn’t too bad. When we were preparing to land at the Haitian airport, we looked down over the country and saw the beautiful mountains and the rolling ocean. Haiti seemed like a vacation spot from above. As soon as we landed, we saw just how wrong we were. The airport was nothing like the Atlanta airport. It was hot and steamy and the escalators were rickety. We loaded up onto the tap tap with some unwanted help from the locals. The tap tap itself was crazy and the roads had zero rhyme or reason to them. We arrived at the guest house eventually. We had a great dinner, enjoyed the view from the house and played games until night. We also met some friendly neighbor goats who were very entertaining. We are all running on an hour and a half of sleep and we will be early to bed tonight. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Ryan Grill
Landon Smith

Days 2 and 3 - Touch

My mom took leave from her job to spend the last weeks with her father before he died. She's told many stories of this time she spent with him, but the one the stands out the most is the story of rubbing his feet. At the time, I'm sure I thought this was a strange thing that my mother did - how she spent time washing and using lotion on his feet...cutting his toenails and while doing this, I'm sure having conversations while he was awake. Maybe they told stories of her childhood, maybe of his own, or maybe they just spent that time in silence together just knowing that this would be it in this lifetime together.

I cry as I type this because even six years ago I didn't understand the gift and honor my mother gave to her father before he died. The gift of touch.

For our team, this word - touch. This action - touch. This everything - touch...is what our days have been this week. It's the connection that we can all give to one another so freely - to put a hand on a shoulder to tell someone we are here, to give a hug, to kiss a forehead, to give a fist-bump - it's a universal and beautiful human experience. There is no language barrier to touch, and no special skills needed to make that easy connection.


Yesterday we traveled west to the Home for the Sick and Dying adults. I think we all wanted to believe that this home would be filled with the elderly - dying after fulfilling a long and beautiful life just like my own grandfather. But it wasn't. There were also teens, and young mothers and fathers who came to this place to be loved and cared for before they go to meet God or even for their own miracle of health to happen.  As a non-medical team, I think many wondered what our calling was to serve at here - but it became clear quickly - it was to spend time with them - rubbing their feet, their arms, their backs - holding their hands and just touching them with our love, our hearts, and our hands.

My mother taught me well with how she honored her father. How we can all learn to honor those who need us most in such simple yet profound ways.

This happened again today as we visited the elderly that Healing Haiti supports in the greater Titanyen community. They didn't ask for anything except our time, our love, our prayers, and our touch. We washed their feet, rubbed their hands, and lifted them in songs and love.

We visited an orphanage after leaving the elders. It was a place some of us visited last year - and it was a favorite because of the joy of the children. I told a story tonight about how I spoke to my mother last year after leaving these children that day - and she reminded me that someone else was right behind me giving them love and hugs. I held that close during this year apart - and she was right - they did have love all year, but yet - they remembered our group and the songs we sang! It was a wonder indeed and I know I will see and hug the beautiful children again someday.

I think we all need to remember that we don't need big gifts to make an impact - we just need to give a touch or a hug or some extra time with someone to let them know they are not alone ever in this big world. We need to let them know that for that moment, that minute, that hour - you are everything to them - and are in full service to them through our simple gift of just being human.

xoxo
Tracy

Mission to Haiti - Day 1: Devastation and Hope

This year, God touched my heart to take this trip with Healing Haiti, through a friend of mine with who I have attended weekend retreats. We will be here until next Monday, but I'll just chronicle a little bit of what I saw today on day 1, our first trip into Cite Soleil - one of the poorest cities in the Western Hemisphere.

It was heartbreaking.

In the morning, we left our compound to help deliver water into the city. Once we arrived, and the back of the bus opened, we were met with dozens of little kids, mostly aged between 1 year old and 10 years old. Just about all of them were malnourished - read: underfed. They came with buckets to fill with water for the entire week. I'd say that around 30% of them were half naked from the waist down. And the babies and toddlers typically walked around entirely naked. They also walked though mud, dirty water and sometimes piles of trash to get to us.

(If we take a step back and think about this for a minute, the amount of water that we individually take a shower with each morning is enough to fill several buckets. These kids had on average about 2 buckets to fill. For their entire family. For the entire week.)

We stayed there for about 2 hours, holding kids, helping to bring water to some of the faraway huts, talking with some of the locals on the ground, and visiting a Church that is being built in the midst of this devastating part of Haiti. More on that later.

Thereafter, we took a short break to recollect ourselves at a rest stop. Next up, we visited another site that was more urban than the first location. While the initial site was somewhat rural and highly impoverished, site #2 held both extreme poverty and very tight quarters.

When we got off of the truck at this site, we found that the kids (out of necessity) were quite organized. In contrast to site #1, the buckets were lined up nearly in advance of our arrival. I soon found out why.

On the long city road upon which our small team delivered countless buckets, we found that just about every hut in which 5-7 people lived was just that - a dirt floor, rusty aluminum walls pieced together from garbage, heat over 90 degrees within...and flies. I don't mean to shock you, but it's the only way to give you the clearest picture of what is going on here. Remember that there were still these toddlers and young children running around with little to no clothing on, and living every day in these huts.

At this site we stayed for about another hour. Many individuals had much larger buckets this time, and there was much competition and jockeying for position, to collect the water for their families that they would need for the rest of the week - to drink, to bathe, to clean, to survive.

The closest thing that I can use to relate you to the experience thus far is parts of the movie Slumdog Millionaire. But even that movie can't do justice to it, because you have to be there to smell the garbage, to see and hold the people, and to serve as best as you can when the opportunity exists.

You probably have a better, and likely very depressing image of what the poorest of the poor in Haiti deal with on a daily basis. But despite all that they endure, there are some signs of hope; seeds that may take a very long time to bloom, but they are there.

The most beautiful part of this experience is that even though these kids were there to receive water from Healing Haiti, the first thing that many, many of these kids did was ask to be picked up, held and hugged. I can't tell you how many kids we picked up at each site and held in our arms. They were so starving for love and attention. It was so much more important to them than the water.

I remember one small child at site 2 that I held for a few minutes. I'd like to think that for the time we spent together, we were comforted by getting to take a moment and forget about the difficulties of life. And so many of these children greet us with a warm smile that can only be described as joy.

Something else to note is that although a large amount of the population lives in extreme poverty, there are some that stand out and look to excel themselves. One teenage kid, a little more well groomed, came up to me and started telling me that he is learning English in school. I was very impressed with his ability to communicate with me. Then he proceeded to ask me if he could take my shoes.

I say the above slightly in jest, but for a minute I considered it. And even though I didn't give this young man my shoes, perhaps some day his education will provide him the ability to convince others to conduct their actions in a manner that will benefit those around him.

In a more formal sense, there are pockets of education near Cite Soleil. On occasion we would see children walking to or from school, in very clean, pastel color uniforms. A member of our team visited another school in the area yesterday to configure many Google Chromebooks - which were donated to the facility by a benefactor.

We also visited a soccer field, where many children were playing in uniforms which were donated by a local power company. The field was made out of dirt and gravel, but these kids played their hearts out, dove for soccer balls coming their way, and were looking to improve their skills.

There will be other facilities we visit this week, such as orphanages, hospitals and even local people with startup businesses (think kiosks at your local mall, but with painted wooden structures - it works!), and there are many organizations that are pitching in to help. Recall that in 2010 there was a terrible earthquake which claimed the lives of several hundred thousand people. Thereafter, a greater focus on recovery was established by international organizations, and Charitable organizations such as Healing Haiti.

On the bus between sites 1 and 2, I noticed a car with the words "Never Give Up" on it. It reminded me of the same slogan in my colleague's office of a moving company that has been in business for 50 years. In my opinion, everything is relative, and if a company can struggle for many years to achieve ongoing success, why cannot the poorest of the poor, over the course of time, pull themselves out of poverty?

Aside from the emotional time we spent with the kids, I think the most amazing part of the experience is the Church that we saw. Despite the impoverished conditions, existence of gangs and violence, and the temptation to steal valuable equipment, it is reported at the moment that not one item has been taken from the construction site of the Church.

It would seem that the people are here, collectively waiting for something. Maybe in a way, we all are. But in these people we see a hope that - in my opinion - can only come from God. Just the mere fact that most have endured or negotiated through their day to day reality is testimonial to a Spiritual Shield that may be there to protect the population from further devastation. Or, in another sense, one can say "how much worse can it get?"

Either way, after being on the ground for just one day, I do now very clearly understand the responsibility that we in the more developed parts of the world have to help those in need. I hope you do as well. As I write this blog it weighs heavily on my heart that every one of those kids we picked up, held, hugged and helped today, are still living in a small hut, waiting for something.

If you have made it to the end of this article and find it in your heart to help out Healing Haiti in their efforts to help this area of the world, please click here.

Thank you and God Bless you.

Tom Ossa is the guest blogger for this article. He is a web developer, residing in Rockland County, NY.

Travel Day

We made it! Our first day in Haiti. Our team met in Miami from Minnesota, Georgia, and New York. We shared a meal and settled in to our new home for the next week. We are ready to do whatever God has in store for us.

Day 4 An education

Today we got an early start. We attended an early morning prayer service at the Tent Church.
Many locals attend this service before going off to work for the day. In many ways, the experience was uniquely Haitian. There was a great deal of movement in the congregation as the preachers inspired the congregation with prayer and music accompanied by a drummer, keyboard and an electric guitar. Afterwards we enjoyed a magnificent sunrise while perched on a ledge overlooking the city below.
Next stop was the Apparent Project. The artisans utilize discarded materials to create jewelry, metalwork, pottery and clothing.  Purchases empower the artisans to support their families while their children are cared for on site.
Next came a visit to the National Museum of Haiti in Port-au-Prince. Originally constructed as a memorial resting place for the four founders of modern Haiti, it was converted to a museum in 1983. Highlights include a permanent exhibit detailing some key points in Haitian history as well as artifacts and artwork.
Lastly, a visit to Notre Dame des Victoires Orphanage. We played, did arts and crafts,jumped rope and did yoga with the children. Outside, a game of soccer was a highlight. The children had a great time!
Home to the guesthouse, where a Haitian feast awaited us. Rice and beans, chicken, root vegetables and plantains. Delicious!
Tom and Melinda

Water Truck Day

There are rides at amusement parks that post on certain water attractions, "You will get wet. You may get soaked!" In so many ways both are true for water truck day in Cite Soleil, but not simply for the reason you might think. We got off the tap tap geared up for holding a four inch hose that dispenses the water to the empty buckets, basins, and drums the residents of the poorest of the poor bring to get water. This is their only source of water for days and for the most part it is the children - some in the dirtiest of clothing, some in none at all - and the girls and women who come to fill their vessels with water to cook, drink, and clean with until the next water truck day. If you're holding the hose, you absolutely get wet. Water splashes everywhere, and all around you children are catching water from a leak in the hose to drink or simply washing off the dust that they are coated with all the time. Each 5 gallon bucket is 40 pounds and it is amazing to watch elementary school age girls carry them on their heads. Our job is simply to get it there. Others carry small 3 foot basins back to their metal shanty homes with our assistance as well. And still others just need a hand carrying their bucket if they can't balance it on their head. The truck pumps until there is no more buckets to fill or no more water in the truck, and there seems to always be more buckets to fill.
If that's all water truck day was it would be moving enough to have your heart break. But as you get off the tap tap the children are already lined up. Not with buckets raised for water but with hands outstretched with one request on their lips - "Hey you!" Translation: "Pick me up and hold me to let me know that I am loved." You learn how to hold a child in one arm and a water bucket in the other. And it isn't long until you are soaked in not just the water from the truck, but also the joy and comfort that comes exudes from their faces and eyes. And with each water stop I became soaked in the love of God that poured not only from our team to the people of Cite Soleil but God's love toward me from them. Sometimes it's not easy. Hard life creates hard faces. Yet, like the water that erodes even the mightiest of mountains maybe the water that comes in the name of Christ through Healing Haiti will soften the hardest of faces and allow for the light of Christ to shine through from their eyes and smiling faces.
We also were blessed with the opportunity to witness the soccer initiative supported by Healing Haiti among others. We watched the boys practice and were invited to play a scrimmage against them. What fun! And they were the best of sports when the game ended in a 2-2 tie. It was then off to dinner where we fed the boys a Feed My Starving Children meal and watch their faces light up again.
I am blessed to have been a part of this experience and don't think I'll water my lawn ever again knowing how precious it truly is in this world and just because I can doesn't mean I need to water my lawn or continue living according to the status quo of the U.S. society. I got wet and soaked today in Cite Soleil while delivering water. I pray I never dry off.

Day 2

Day 2 - Tuesday, October 6

Our first stop this morning was Grace Village, a school and orphanage about a 45 minute drive north into the mountains. We were surprised with the beauty of not only the view of Titanyen, but the school and supporting structures as well. Titanyen translates to “less than nothing”, which we found to be far from accurate. The village is void of businesses at the moment, but progress is being made thanks to the expansion of Grace Village. They have a community church and a bakery that will be open soon and employ 50 families. The school has over 400 students and 39 resident children. We were impressed with the organization, leadership and care put into every aspect of the children’s schooling and socialization. They also focus on sustainability, and have a hydroponic garden. With 15 acres of land, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for the community.

From there, we headed to the Haitian Mass Grave, a memorial that marks where hundreds of thousands were buried following the earthquake. We listened to our Haitian guides’ personal stories about the earthquake and prayed over the victims. While there, we distributed FMSC Manna Packs to the local children and adults. One of the little boys looked up at us and asked, “Do you believe in Jesus?”. And one of us replied back, “yes, we do”. He lit up when we asked him the same question in return and he replied “yes!”. For us, his smile and response represent the resilience of the Haitian people - despite extreme poverty, they are joyful and take pride in their country.

Our final stop was Shalom Orphanage. Compared to Grace Village, Shalom was small and simple with only 10 live-in children, but the children were just as happy. We had the opportunity to play with the children - we blew up balloons, colored, and played soccer. The children really seemed to enjoy the interaction, the hugs, and taking the hats off of the guys’ heads!

-  Darcy and Elyse

Day 1

Day 1 - Monday, October 5

Although the sun wasn’t up (and it wouldn’t be up for another few hours), 15 members of the Haddonfield Healing Haiti Team met at 3 a.m. to begin a day-long journey.  Our travels would take us to Philadelphia’s airport, through Miami where we would meet our Minnesota team leader, Nick Wellen, and on to Port-au-Prince and a fascinating drive from the airport to the guest house that will be the team’s home base.

Referring to our words of the day, discussed following this evening’s dinner, each one of us are “delighted” to be undertaking this journey, although not without significant “trepidation.”  We are “nervous”  about what we will experience but, at the same time, “open” to personal and collective growth and “grateful” for the opportunity.  Today and the days ahead will bring us face to face with the “disparity” we quickly found ourselves in as we drove through the streets of Port-au-Prince.  All of us look forward to tomorrow and our first real day - meeting the children we’ve come to serve, distributing FMSC food and our donations, and giving all of us the opportunity to learn how to Iive a more mission-centric life.

• Gerry, Linda, and Paul

Day 6--2nd Water Truck Day "Hey You!"

Today was the second and final water truck day in Cite Soleil. We went to three different areas to deliver water. At each stop we scooted buckets, aimed hoses, carried buckets, and held children. You can probably guess which one was our favorite! If you've always wondered what it feels like to be a celebrity, come to Haiti and serve on water truck day. As our tap tap rolls into the neighborhood, all the children chant, "Hey you! Hey you!" (because of the UN presence after the earthquake...the U stuck...) As soon as our wonderful and gracious translators/drivers unlock and open the tap tap door, little hands are reaching out to you to be picked up. You are greeted with smiles everywhere you turn. The women and children are so grateful for the help. Their hearts are so open and welcome. It's really surprising to me and makes me think... What if I greeted everyone with an open heart, a warm smile, and an open hand? What would that look like and how would that change the world? What if we cherished each other's gifts for what they are? What if we were excited and genuine in receiving everyday gifts from one another? I don't have those answers, but I know the One who does. Tonight is my last night in Haiti (the rest of the team leaves on Monday). God has taught me so much about myself, His creation, and His people. My prayer for us all: God, open our hearts to you. Give us the courage to walk in obedience. Love, Leanne

Day 5--A piece of my heart in Haiti

Today is the day I left a piece of my heart in Haiti. Began the day before dawn praising God at "tent" church. As the sun cam up blood my heart to God, "The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning. Time to sing Your song again. Whatever May and pass whatever lies before me ... .Let me be singing When the evening comes. "Little did I Know That Would this be truly my prayer today. Little did I know today That Would Be That I left the day a piece of my heart in Haiti. General Hospital was our stop today. My first act of service was to deliver toys stuffed with three others to a room with four orphans. The first babe I saw stopped me in my tracks. Was this one why I was here. This little tiny skeleton with skin stretched over. Sores front and back, Some nurses Could not cover the goal with a piece of cloth As They HAD no bandages. I tucked a small stuffed kitten under her hand, though She Could not hold it. I gazed into her eyes, though she Could not focus on me. Abandoned and Brought to the hospital by social workers, She Had been here five months. I Could not imagine what she must have Looked like Then. I did not want to. So I blood. Jesus loves me. And I Told her Jezi Reme Or. Jesus loves you. Over and over and over. Only When forced to leave and visit the rest of the hospital did I leave her side. So, hugs and encouragement from my fellow team members and off to the next ward. Passing out gift bags filled with diapers and personal hygiene items. Cuddling babies, smiling and praying for mamas. Then Reviews another baby captured my heart. She Was the third baby for me to hold in this ward. The "mama" our translator Told That Was abandoned this child and She Had Volunteered to care for her while she was here with her own child. Praise God For That mama's heart! But, I found, HOWEVER, That I Could not give her up That Easily When Time to go. I handed her off to our team leader and Walked Away Because I Could not bear to let her go. So, what is the purpose of this? Why witness thesis babies Suffering When I can do nothing? Why About did God bring me all the way to Haiti to break my heart over and dying abandoned babies? Goal I have done something. I have come here, and has-been little tiny hand of God's big picture. I have touched lives in ways I will never know this side of heaven. I have left a smile, a touch, a cuddle, a prayer, a song and a seed planted for the love of Jesus. That what Jesus says we do to "the least of These" we do to Him. That is my prayer I will continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Wherever He calls me and That You Will join me so That We May journey together Becoming a share of God's big picture.

Day 3--It is better to give, than to receive

Today we visited the Home for the Sick and Dying and an orphanage with approximately 35 children. Two very different places yet both spoke the same thing to me. First, I’ll give you some details. At the Home for the Sick and Dying, women served women and men served men. Each room had approximately 15 beds and the woman’s ward was about 75% full. We came with baby lotion and fingernail polish. It doesn’t sound like much - but God doesn’t require much (you’ll learn that when you come down here!) We donned gloves and lotioned bodies and painted nails of women looking for rest and comfort. Our translator played the guitar, we sang and prayed (silently) over the women and each other. Tears were shared, hands were held, and laughter heard – all for the Glory of God. The second part of the day was spent with beautiful loving children. Lots of laughter and smiles were shared by all. We played soccer, jumped rope, gave piggy back rides and made sidewalk art. Two very different places with very different atmospheres –yet both spoke new meaning to a truth I’ve believed my whole life. It is better to give than to receive. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of this concept prior to coming to Haiti. It’s always been pretty easy for me to give from my pockets, from my hands, from my home, from my lips. Not so easy from the heart. This is what God has taught me in Haiti. It is better to give your heart than to receive - period. I’m not talking about giving with your heart or from your heart and not because of your heart. To give is better than to receive if you actually give away pieces of your heart. I think when we give a piece of our heart away, God’s limitless love fills it up again and it grows and yearns to be broken to pieces over and over. My prayer for us all – God, show us what it means to give our hearts away - to you and each other. With Love, Leanne

Word of the Day Summary

-- Mike captured the WotD

Monday, July 20th

- persistence (Alex)
- the nautical mile (Will)

- oasis (Dobee)

- water (Abby)

- muffled (Ben)

- generosity (Shannon M)

- calm (Shannon W)

- crazy airline lady (Dean)

- beginning (Nicole)

- excited (Natalie)

- goal (Jenny)

- relationship (Mike)

- vision (Reuben)

- epic (Scott)

- patience (Ellie)

- enough (Sue)

- group (Sarah)

Wednesday, July 22nd

- listen (Sarah)

- memory (Natalie)

- relationship (Nicole)

- friendship (Will)

- change (Dobee)

- befuddled (Dean)

- understanding (Reuben)

- heartwarming (Shannon M or W?)

- what (Ben)

- sport (Abby)

- colors (Scott)

- contrast (Jenny)

- team (Shannon M or W?)

- emotion (Mike)

- acceptance (Alex)

- happen (Sue)

- love (Ellie)

Thursday, July 23rd

- recovery (Abby)

- sunshine (Ellie)

- laughter (Shannon W)

- beautiful (Will)

- song (Jenny)

- love (Natalie)

- sacrifice (Dobee)

- jump (Ben)

- relative (Dean)

- hurt (Sarah)

- Amen (Mike)

- soccer (Nicole)

- awesome (Scott)

- remember (Alex)

- holy (Sue)

- learn (Shannon M)

- contagious (Reuben)

Saturday, July 25th

- funny/ironic (Natalie)

- burned (Ben)

- rain (Nicole)

- God (Will)

- privilege (Alex)

- reaffirm (Sarah)

- refresh (Jenny)

- enthusiastic (Shannon W)

- Dougie (Dean)

- overwhelmed (Scott)

- affection (Mike)

- amazed/sad (Abby)

- snorkeling (Ellie)

- tenacity (Sue)

- eyes (Shannon M)

- rest (Gates)

Sunday, July 26th

- see (Scott)

- improvement (Natalie)

- pou toujour (Ben)

- inspiring (Shannon W)

- revealing (Dean)

- hope (Alex)

- stolen (Will)

- Amen (Mike)

- love (Dobee)

- still (Sarah)

- open (Ellie)

- open (Shannon M)

- comfort (Jenny)

- comfort (Abby)

- wonder (Sue)

Huge Success with One Glitch

-- From Abby

The morning starts out at 5:30am when Shannon Maixner, storms into Shannon W, Abby, Natalie, Nicole, and Sarah’s room, asking for a hair dryer. Our alarm then goes off five minutes later for church.  Church was as usual amazing and it was great to experience how other cultures worship. Now our mission this week was sports camp. The past three days we would get up bright and early and make our way to Grace Village and teach the kids different sports and of course the word of God. My group had the basketball/dance station. I played basketball in high school so I was right in my element and loved teaching these kids the sport I enjoy the most. We also would preform skits to spread the Lords word and my skit was about a triathlon. It was so funny and even more fun to act out. So overall the camp was a hit with the kids and a huge success! The most unfortunate part of today was after camp and the museum, we went to the pool and little did we know that the water had copper overload and turned Natalie’s hair BRIGHT GREEN. It was amazing but really unfortunate for her….. that’s one memory no one will forget. MOM- I have been using sunscreen and drinking water!!!! Now I am going to pee because I wasn’t allowed to until I finished my blog according to Shannon Maixner.

Reflections from the Playfield at Grace Village

-- From Mike

Reflections from the Playfield at Grace Village

The playfield is a compacted gravel space with some loose rock which is surrounded by a combination of metal supply containers and concrete walls, with a wide opening for the driveway off of one corner.   The Haitian sun has full command of the entire field, and the wind is fleeting. In a word: HOT!  Takes about one breath to start sweating.  

The view is breathtaking: we are looking over the land as it descends to the water below.  The ocean is ever-present, a swath of amazing blue and green beyond the brown landscape.  To the left, Cite Soliel is smoking.  Always smoking.  

Our team (Dean, Shannon, Sarah, Alex and I) has prepared well - appropriately flexible with plenty of ideas and an understanding that the execution will likely be very different from the plans going in.  

Our group on Wednesday is ~12 kids, ages 7-15 years, a mix of boys and girls.   The first activity is sharks and ships (or sharks and minnows) requires the kids to start at one side of the field and run to the other without being eaten by the shark (tagged).  It is so fun to see the kids transition from observing, questioning, waiting, to engaging, laughing, smiling.   Fast forward to late in the session and a football keep-away game...turns out our group of kids are world-champion keep-away players!   They enjoyed our hopeless attempts to intercept as they went from person to person and worked together.  

Play, like love, is universal and essential.  I am so blessed to be able to spend time with these kids.