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“Hey You!”  God is calling.  Can you hear him?  He wants your attention.  He wants you to turn to him.  He wants you to hear his call.  This is a call that 17 of us answered.  A call that took us out of the country, out of our homes, away from our families, and certainly out of our comfort zones to have what is for many of us, the most profound and life changing experience of our lives.

On our final night in Haiti, I feel like I need to reflect on our week in general.  It was a beautiful time filled with beautiful people- the children, parents, caregivers, and fellow missionaries (both long and short term) we have met and connected with here in Haiti, and also those on our team that have become like family these past several days. 

While the call to come to Haiti to serve is different for all on our team, we leave united in the sense that we are all changed as we prepare to return home.  We have seen children starving for basic needs, and people with very little… but in many ways they have far more than we do.  They have an unparalleled love for the Lord, regardless of circumstance.  

We have also been witness to hope; the hope that comes when people commit their lives to helping others in need and the hope that is found in the Risen Lord.  We’ve seen children that are loved and cared for, families together and not separated by death or despair, employment opportunities, change.

While I am ready to be with my family again, to hug and love on them, I feel this tug that says… there is too much to do here, more people we can help, more lives we can impact. I think this is a feeling that many of us have.  I don’t know how that plays out for me yet.  I don’t know if this will be my only time in this country.  I do know that in my short time here, I have gained far more from a people that have little give, than I have given to them.  While many of us are “rich” in material things, they are “rich” in the Lord.

There are many thoughts that I have- not all can be articulated here… but if there is one thing that I take from this experience it is what I would want my children to learn, “Some are happy with less than what you have” and “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of CHRIST!”

All Glory to God. 

 by Holly Bernatz

Bonswa!

Greetings from Haiti. Today is Day 6...and it is good!

Our day started with our wonderful Haitian coffee and amazing breakfast. I'm pretty sure Nutella sales will increase in the US upon our return, ha...it's a favorite for sure. We have been so very blessed to have fresh mango every morning...something most of us have enjoyed. 

After our family style breakfast we boarded the tap tap for our daily 9:00 departure. We have become pros...apply bug spray, apply sunscreen, fill two water bottles, grab water bottle bag, grab snack bag, climb on, account for prayer partners, close door and lock us in. 

We were off! Our schedule for the week shifted some as often happens in Haiti. We have all learned to adapt and go with the flow. Today we started off visiting a smaller orphanage in what I would consider the "country". When I say smaller there were roughly 12-20 orphans. They appeared to range in age from 1-17. In contrast to some of the hardships we have seen this week these children seemed different...happier. I'm not sure if we are adapting and are not as shocked or if they were truly different. Their living conditions were the same as others, but we believe the smaller number made it better. The children were so well behaved...they did not have the survival "skills" we noticed in places with more children. It had more of a family feel. 

It was a beautiful experience. As we did at an orphanage earlier in the week we taught them the creation lesson, played bingo and played with play dough. These kids loved it! They were so engaged and excited to participate. God has truly blessed us this week and given us the skills to know what to do. Teaching, helping, loving...we have become confident in our moments.

Originally our plan for the week was to take these children to the beach in the afternoon. It was decided by Healing Haiti that it might be best for the children to not take them to the beach. They were blessed this week with another group and went to the beach. The concern was that they would think it was normal to go to the beach. And creating an expectation would not be best for them.

So, it was decided that we would still go to the beach without the children. For many, if not all of us, we were concerned that we would not be serving...that it might be wrong and selfish to enjoy ourselves at the beach. When we arrived that the beach we saw what God had created, and...it is good! The time at the beach was beautiful in many ways. The beauty of the sand, water and mountains was evident. But what we discovered later in the evening is that this was a time God gave us to rest, and to process.  

After a few hours at the beach we headed back to the guesthouse. Upon returning we enjoyed our family style dinner...another great meal. After dinner we meet nightly for pit time. This is my favorite time of every day! As was mentioned this evening, we are going to miss this. Our team has become close...VERY close. Every day is beautiful and connections are being made. But pit time is so honest. And it is also a time of incredible worship. There are a few videos we can post once we return and have a good wi-fi connection. We're hoping to perform with Jimmy Fallon and his band ;)

Ok, so back to my comments on feeling guilty for going to the beach. This evening at pit time we really felt that God created this day for us. He wanted us to be joyful and enjoy this beautiful place He created for us. He wanted to remind us in the middle of sadness, heartache, despair, that there is still beauty. And in His place of beauty many people were able to process our trip. Because the reality is, Haiti is a lot to process. The sites, the sounds, the smells, the sadness. But also the HOPE! We did see hope this week. And as our trip is nearing the end we all have hopes for who we want to be when we return. And because of our experience in Haiti, our experience with each other, we will be different people...better people. 

By Mende Symington

Today was a special day in Haiti, much like every day we have had thus far. We had the privilege to observe how the Haitians worship in the Tent Church. The Tent Church got its name from when the earthquake struck in 2010, the Church’s building was destroyed; so for a while, they worshiped in a tent. Since then, they have rebuilt a building, but the name stuck. 

I have to say, it was quite the amazing experience. Although it was 5:45 in the morning, it was hard not to be engaged and in complete awe. They were singing with all their hearts and you could just see them letting the Holy Spirit fill them. The songs were sung in Creole and almost half of the time in English. Although there was the language barrier and we didn’t know what they were saying, we were still worshipping the same God. How cool is that?! We may be difference skin colors, speak different languages, be from different places and different backgrounds, but we worship ONE God; we are ONE community of believers under God. The word that kept coming to mind during this time was unity. As a team, we were talking about the unity of Christians and how God brings people from all around the world together. The Haitians worship in a different way than what most of us are used to, but none of that matters. When we were in that moment, standing in the church, singing and praising our God, nothing else mattered. We are one body of Christ. 

Our next stop was Apparent Project and Rebuild Global. Apparent Project is an organization that is working to keep families together by employing Haitians so that they may provide for their families. This was so encouraging to see. We got a tour of the place and saw the Haitians working. This was such a cool experience. You always see things that say “made from recycled garbage” and people may tell you that things are hand made individually, but it is hard to take that in sometimes. But today, we got to see the Haitians making individual clay beads, beads from recycled cereal boxes, pottery, and much more. It was the coolest thing to see knowing it all is for a great cause. Employing these Haitians is huge and gives them an opportunity that not many people here get. Rebuild Global is an organization that employs Haitians to make flip-flops from old tires and goat hides. And with the parts of the tire they don’t use, they recycle and then that is used for other things. During these visits, I thought about the faithfulness to God these American women had to start these organizations. They left everything in the States behind to come help the Haitians and years later, they are giving multiple Haitians jobs, which allows them to provide for them and their families. The heart, dedication, obedience, faith, and hope that went into creating these organizations and continues to keep them going is truly inspiring. They followed their calling from God. I strive to be that obedient in my faith.

Our last stop was LeFares Orphanage. We taught a faith lessons to the kids about the Creation story. The children just absolutely loved it. We had our interpreter, Emanuel, to help translate to the kids. They were responding and engaging in our activities, which was really fun to see. The kids were full of energy, and so were we! We were all playing around with the kids and music was being played by Nic while this little girl and I were dancing. My team and I made some great connections with these kids, which always makes it hard to leave.

It was a great day. Earlier in the week we had seen some tough things. I know God brought us all here for a reason, and those tough days were in that plan. We learned a lot and experienced things that many people back home haven’t; but it was great to have a day filled with giggles, joy, and hope. I must say, as our time here is more than half way over, I am beyond blessed to have such a great team. We have all come together and really opened up, which is amazing to see the progress. Worshiping with each other is like nothing I have ever experienced. Today, during our group time, we had the guitar and cajon being played while the rest of us found things to use as instruments, such as spoons, jenga wood pieces, and rocks. I felt and saw pure joy. What better way to worship than that? As Pastor Tim Hatt said, “this is the true meaning of worship.”

Alexa Hofstad

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

37-99-16-72-4204-5682 That was the phone number I had tucked in my pocket this afternoon as a team of 4 from our group headed out to volunteer at a wound clinic in Delmas.  I padded my pocket a few time during our long and bumpy ride through the busy city streets.  Even though I knew God had our back, I couldn’t help but reach for the slip of paper in my pocket with phone number for the guesthouse.

I received a text from my son, Mitchell today that really spoke to my heart and helped me reframe the day. “I will continue to pray for you Mom. Even though this is an overwhelming situation, you are still willing to go and be a part of it. You are a brave/courageous person and I am proud of you.” I wasn’t feeling very brave until I read Mitchell’s text and heard that my family was lifting me up in prayer. 

When we arrived at the clinic there were several people waiting to have their wounds attended to and receive medicine. We helped the nuns set up the equipment, they gave us quick instructions and put us right to work. Despite the language barrier , we were able to minister to many people today. Smiles, nods and a “thumbs up” seemed sufficient. 

Whenever I get nervous, I either starting singing opera or speak in Spanish. Well, today I was trying to help a young man and I responded to his question in Spanish and he knew Spanish! God sure does have a sense of humor! It was a great way to break the ice before I started his dressing change. 

I was so hot and tired when we were ready to leave that my teammates had to pull me up in to the back of the truck. We drove away knowing that God had used each one of us in a mighty way. By the way, my teammates were Erin, Miranda, and Olivia! Parents, you would have been so proud of your girls!

Earlier in the day, I had the privilege of working at a home for sick children that is run by nuns. I had the opportunity to hold precious babies and feed 2 children lunch. I also worked with another gal on our team and we helped the nurses prepare the vitamins for the children.

As I close tonight, I just received a text from my dear husband, Paul. “I am proud of you Jody, you’re right where you are supposed to be.” I truly am right where God wants me to be and I can’t wait to see what appointments God has lined up for me tomorrow!

Love to all,

Jody

On Tue, May 19, 2015 at 9:18 PM, Erin Connolly <conner02@luther.edu> wrote:

Helpless.

Me. Not them.

Today was water truck day, our first day out in the field and my first day out in the field, ever. Though we knew what we would be doing and a little of what to expect in Cite Soleil, there is nothing that could have prepared me for what I experienced today. 

I was on breakfast duty this morning and got the chance to work with three Haitian women to help prepare our HUGE breakfast. They don’t speak much English but were some of the sweetest people I have worked with. The lead cook, Fonise, was so patient with me, showing me exactly how to make the scrambled eggs with peppers and onions and I got to learn a new way to cut up at mango. Sweet! 

After we all finished piling on the sunscreen and bug spray, we piled on the tap-tap and were our way to the truck filling station. I was excited to get out there and play with the kids. There were many trucks in line waiting to fill their 3,500-gallon tanks so it took a little bit of time for us to be on our way. Once our truck was full, we followed in the tap-tap into Cite Soleil to our first stop of the day. As we pulled up, the kids were shouting in tandem, “hey you, hey you!” They were crowding the door to the tap-tap just waiting for us to get out, grabbing at our feet still saying, “hey you, hey you.” Once my feet hit the ground there were kids all around, arms reaching, looking for someone to hold them. All they wanted was someone to give them a hug. I was so overwhelmed with all of the children around me that I could barely even think about what was happening, I just did. I just held and loved. 

We took a stop back at the filling station and after about an hour, were headed back to Cite Soleil for round two. Since I knew more of what to expect this time around, I was able to slow down and take more of it in. Toward the end of our time, there was a little girl somewhere around two years old at my feet looking up into my eyes. This little one was sick, and very very dirty, more so than the rest. I held her and talked to her, she didn’t speak or really show any emotion at all but just kept looking from my eyes to my hands and back. She was so mesmerized by my hands, the color and the size compared to hers. All too quickly, we were signaled to head back to the tap-tap and leave. 

Immediately, I was struck with a very heavy heart. I was going to have to set this little one down and I had no clue where her mother was, or even who she belonged to. What was going to happen to her? Was she going to be okay? As I set her down, she placed her hands in mine and then all of a sudden she gave me a high-ten and a huge smile crossed her face. She knew this game and was delighted that I was willing to play. After a few times I stood up and smiled down at her, prepared to walk away, until she threw both her arms around my legs. It was at that moment that I felt completely and totally helpless. In all reality I did nothing for the little girl and more over, I was about to walk away from her and leave her behind. And I don’t even know her name. 

Her face as I walked away will be forever etched in my mind. Her smile faded as I walked back to the tap-tap and then I lost sight of her completely. She was gone. In the grand scheme of things, this was such a fleeting moment in both our lives. In the blink of an eye I met this little one and then it was over. What did I even do for her? I held her for a moment and made her smile a few times and then I left her. I did nothing. I gave her nothing. For that I feel helpless. 

The only thing that brings peace to my heart is knowing that she is a Child of God, and that he is watching over her, that her treasure is in heaven and that I will see her there again someday. He has claimed her and loves her more that I ever could, but His love was working through me today as I held her and I am forever grateful to God for that moment. 

God is good and as I learned tonight in pit-time, the battle is not mine, but God’s and he has already won it. I just have to trust in him and love those I encounter, as he loves me. 

God’s love to you all.

Erin 

Hope on day 4

Haiti- Day 4 (Thursday 21st)

Today was a very blessed day. We set off for our day with plans- our plans were soon derailed, or at least delayed. Here we are on "Haiti time" and also at the mercy of our wonderful interpreters:) We don't always know why some plans change suddenly but, refreshingly, it doesn't seem to bother any of us.

We ended up at Grace Village, which is described to us as the "heartbeat" of Healing Haiti. It is a remarkable place. It would have been wonderful even before experiencing the devastation we witnessed on days one and two but in the aftermath of our culture shock if was hope-giving to see what God is doing through Healing Haiti. That clever name- Healing Haiti was explained to all my senses as I walked though Grace Village today. The mission is not about "helping poor, hopeless people in a third-world country. It's about literally "healing." They are looking to the source of the problems. They are seeking God's guidance as they navigate the unfamiliar waters of Haitian education, farming in this climate, even everything from mass-produced bread making to sexual education and self-respect. What is going on at Grace Village is Healing Haiti.

We left our wonderful tour guide, Kiki, at Grace and headed down the mountain into a town who's name means "less than nothing." Titanyen is a place where, we were told, people were basically banished to after the earthquake in 2010. It struck me that we don't have places like that in the states; maybe we have revelries like Minnesotans knowing we're superior to those unfortunate souls trudging through life in Wisconsin, but to be know as a community called "less than nothing?" This is where God has placed Grace Village. We descended the bumpy roads in our cage-truck, ie. The tap-tap. (It really is the nicest vehicle on Haitian roads that could transport our whole team, we are blessed.) We were on ours to visit five elders of the community. 

Elders are rare in Haiti because the life expectancy is a mere 51 years old. These wonderful saints that we met were far older and mostly unable to care for themselves on their own. We would park nearby and walk up and down gravel paths to their homes. Shack after shack we would pass by and most had someone home. Some would speak to us, children would come running. Some would just stare as if to say, "I wonder what it's like to be in your shoes?" We thought the same. At each elders home we gave them a gift bag, sang and prayed with them. Some of our team had prepared to bless the elders with a simple sponge bath along with lotion and oil. These elders were treated like the princes and princesses that they truly are in Christ. It was an amazing experience to be a part of. One particular elder, whose name was Marie, was said to be 105 years old. She was easily the most agile and interactive of the elders we visited. I was struck so much by her genuine joy. I understand what joy means, but today I witnessed it. One moment worth mentioning was when we were singing the popular worship song "10,000 Reasons." Our team has learned to sing the chorus in Creole, Haiti's native tongue. We don't know the verses in anything but our English so we sing and sing these wonderful melodies without communicating verbally in the least to our audience. At Marie's home we got to the last chorus of "10,000 Reasons" and jumped into the Creole. She instantly started clapping along with the music, smiling, and loudly affirming the worship lyrics. Our team felt something in that moment. Something beyond us. Something beyond helping. We felt hope.

Nic

Helpless

Helpless.

Me. Not them.

Today was water truck day, our first day out in the field and my first day out in the field, ever. Though we knew what we would be doing and a little of what to expect in Cite Soleil, there is nothing that could have prepared me for what I experienced today. 

I was on breakfast duty this morning and got the chance to work with three Haitian women to help prepare our HUGE breakfast. They don’t speak much English but were some of the sweetest people I have worked with. The lead cook, Fonise, was so patient with me, showing me exactly how to make the scrambled eggs with peppers and onions and I got to learn a new way to cut up at mango. Sweet! 

After we all finished piling on the sunscreen and bug spray, we piled on the tap-tap and were our way to the truck filling station. I was excited to get out there and play with the kids. There were many trucks in line waiting to fill their 3,500-gallon tanks so it took a little bit of time for us to be on our way. Once our truck was full, we followed in the tap-tap into Cite Soleil to our first stop of the day. As we pulled up, the kids were shouting in tandem, “hey you, hey you!” They were crowding the door to the tap-tap just waiting for us to get out, grabbing at our feet still saying, “hey you, hey you.” Once my feet hit the ground there were kids all around, arms reaching, looking for someone to hold them. All they wanted was someone to give them a hug. I was so overwhelmed with all of the children around me that I could barely even think about what was happening, I just did. I just held and loved. 

We took a stop back at the filling station and after about an hour, were headed back to Cite Soleil for round two. Since I knew more of what to expect this time around, I was able to slow down and take more of it in. Toward the end of our time, there was a little girl somewhere around two years old at my feet looking up into my eyes. This little one was sick, and very very dirty, more so than the rest. I held her and talked to her, she didn’t speak or really show any emotion at all but just kept looking from my eyes to my hands and back. She was so mesmerized by my hands, the color and the size compared to hers. All too quickly, we were signaled to head back to the tap-tap and leave. 

Immediately, I was struck with a very heavy heart. I was going to have to set this little one down and I had no clue where her mother was, or even who she belonged to. What was going to happen to her? Was she going to be okay? As I set her down, she placed her hands in mine and then all of a sudden she gave me a high-ten and a huge smile crossed her face. She knew this game and was delighted that I was willing to play. After a few times I stood up and smiled down at her, prepared to walk away, until she threw both her arms around my legs. It was at that moment that I felt completely and totally helpless. In all reality I did nothing for the little girl and more over, I was about to walk away from her and leave her behind. And I don’t even know her name. 

Her face as I walked away will be forever etched in my mind. Her smile faded as I walked back to the tap-tap and then I lost sight of her completely. She was gone. In the grand scheme of things, this was such a fleeting moment in both our lives. In the blink of an eye I met this little one and then it was over. What did I even do for her? I held her for a moment and made her smile a few times and then I left her. I did nothing. I gave her nothing. For that I feel helpless. 

The only thing that brings peace to my heart is knowing that she is a Child of God, and that he is watching over her, that her treasure is in heaven and that I will see her there again someday. He has claimed her and loves her more that I ever could, but His love was working through me today as I held her and I am forever grateful to God for that moment. 

God is good and as I learned tonight in pit-time, the battle is not mine, but God’s and he has already won it. I just have to trust in him and love those I encounter, as he loves me. 

God’s love to you all.

Erin

Some of us had been here a time or two before, and knew what to expect. Others had only seen pictures or heard stories, and only had their mental creation of what we would be walking into. I fall into the second group in this case, and the nerves I had before coming on this trip were through the roof. 

It all started at 1:00 am this morning when my alarm first went off. I woke up, and thought to myself, what in the world have I gotten myself into? There have been a lot of stories told, as my sister and mom had both been on this trip before. They had the call to visit Haiti three years ago, but I never thought I would feel the need to have this experience. 

Slowly the team all arrived at the airport. Before I knew it, I was all checked in for the flight, bags were checked, and we were through security, patiently waiting to board the plane. The first plane ride was simple. It was so early, I was able to sleep through the whole thing. The second, and final, plane ride brought on more nerves. I knew that at this point there was no turning back, and I was about to have the most eye-opening experience of my life. 

The moment we stepped off the plane, I immediately felt at ease. There were people guiding us to where we had to go next, and we all congregated together in order to make it through customs. When we rounded the corner, and were headed down to claim our bags, there were people singing and playing music to welcome us. 

After we had our bags, we made our way outside to board the taptap. I have never felt so overwhelmed in my life. There were people trying to grab our luggage for us, and we were told not to allow anyone to wheel our bags for us. Well, they wouldn't take "no" for an answer... we made it to the taptap and everyone was demanding our tip. I thought to myself, if this is how this week is going to go, I don't know if I'm going to make it. Our driver took over and grabbed everyone to get them on board. This gave me the most calming feeling and I realized how safe and secure we would be during our time here. 

Driving through the city to get to the guest house, I couldn't take enough in. There were people carrying buckets on their head, selling fruit on the side of the road, and garbage everywhere you looked. I immediately knew this was why I was brought here. I no longer had to go off of the mental images I had, but I saw how devastated the area really is. 

The guest house is truly a "diamond in the rough" in this city. We all got our room assignments, and got settled in. We sat down to dinner, opened in prayer, and enjoyed the most amazing meal. We were able to go up to the balcony, and get a view of the world around us. All I could think was, "wow!" We had some time for devotions, and were able to sing some songs of worship. I finally felt comfortable in calling Haiti "home" for the next week. 

After some time of worship, we began to sort and pack the donations we would disperse throughout the week. After everything was packed, we began to get our things ready for tomorrow's adventure on the water truck. I cannot express enough how much I am looking forward to venturing into the poorest city of the country, tomorrow. Learning that no other groups make the trek into Cite Soliel to deliver water, again spoke volumes in how much meaning my time here, would have for the people I would be able to encounter. 

As we head to bed tonight, I continue to keep tonight's devotion in the back of my mind... how am I going to take this trip to the next degree? This will stick with me throughout this week as I continue to take more and more steps out of my comfort zone. I am so thankful for all of these people I will get to take this journey with, and I cannot wait to see how we work together as the hands and feet of the LORD. 

Written by: Alyssa Gazda