Back Home by Angie

Today by far has been one of my favorite days of this trip and one of the best days of my life. When I first decided to come to Haiti I received tons of negative feedback from my friends and family. I did not receive as much support as I expected. It saddened me and even made me doubt my decision. Today though, I have no regrets. In fact I am happy that I came. My team members have been awesome and the entire experience has begun to restore my faith. I have never met so many people that trusted God so much. Their faith is so deep that it has motivated my very soul to do the same. For so many years I have been lost and as I sit here I can’t even remember why anymore. My personal problems are microscopic compared to the issues here in Haiti and despite the issues here, all the children I have met have always had a smile on their face.

During our devotions this week, Pastor Bob always spoke of God moments. Today I saw many, but there are two that have been permanently engraved in my heart. Before I get to those let me explain what our day consisted of. Our scheduled consisted of two feedings at two local orphanages. Our IFJ team was accompanied by the much loved Rene (the driver), the head nurse and four of the kids from New Life. At the first orphanage after we passed out sandwiches, goodie bags, and bracelets I sat down with a few little ones to watch the older boys play soccer. That’s when the first God moment occurred. While I was sitting down two of the little boys asked me if I wanted some of their candy and sandwich. My heart sank because even though they don’t have much they are still willing to share the little that they have. The second God moment happened not to long after. As we got up to get ready to leave, our beautiful Hava took the shoes off her feet and gave them to the woman that was in charge of the orphanage. Again all my emotions were stirred up again. I fought with everything to hold back my tears. I feel like we take our way of life for granted and we don’t realize that our true riches are the people that love us and the faith that we have.  These God moments that I have mentioned are simple actions that show the purity of our hearts and bring a sense of serenity in our lives. I wish more people were like this.

 
As this trip comes to an end, I am grateful that God has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people that have brought peace within me. I may have been lost, but after this small chapter closes I can guarantee that as a result of these small gestures my faith is being restored and my heart is finally back home.

A Little Bit of Hava in our Life

Today was a good day despite a few obstacles during our journey to Respire. (See last week’s blog to learn more about Respire.) On our way to Respire, we had trouble with our transportation. All of us unloaded, eager for fresh air only to realize we had a flat tire: Hava to the rescue. Our teammate from Chicago stepped in and helped to change the tire. She is always very eager to help whenever she can. After our flat tire, we made it to our destination, Respire. It was encouraging to see God working through Megan and Josh. The view was gorgeous; we got to visit the school that is located on a mountain top overlooking the ocean. We prayed over land that they want to purchase in order to expand the school. The land is currently being used for voodoo worship.  In addition to the school, Respire is setting up a recycling station through the government.  Respire is doing great things to help Haiti.

After Respire, we headed back to New Life. Along the way we encountered another obstacle: the Port Au Prince Police. It seems they collect routine taxes on vehicles at will so we were pulled over for another hour because things needed to be sorted out. While we waited in the tap-tap (Haitian Taxi), we had an unwelcomed visitor approach us. It made the majority of the people in the tap-tap feel uncomfortable but Hava came to the rescue again. She helped to diffuse the situation a little by using her quick thinking, Bosnian language and good humor. Hava has been a constant source of sunshine in gray moments of our trip. She has been the humor we needed to get through tough emotions and is constantly bringing us joy. She is our ‘God Moment,’ everyday. God’s timing brought Rene, our driver, back just when we needed him most. We soon made it back to New Life, where we were all happy to have the opportunity to see the orphan girls again. Tonight, Maria and Hannah were able to share part of their life story to the kids and some were emotionally touched. The purpose was to encourage the kids and help them understand that God always wants the best for them.

The team is hoping to play a game of soccer with the girls from the orphanage tomorrow afternoon. We have planned to go to another tent city or orphanage in the morning and then connect with the girls. The girls are eager to play soccer with us but it will be bittersweet knowing we will soon depart. None of us are ready to say goodbye. Haiti has touched our lives in so many ways.  

Fell in Love in a Hopeless Place by Hannah

Yes, I know I stole a line from a Rihanna song, but tonight it fits. Every night we get together and we talk about God sightings from the day. Not going to lie, I was dreading tonight’s devotional time. For me today was filled with hard emotions, emotions I did not know what to do with or how to deal with. We started the day hopping into the back of an open tap-tap and driving to Village of Hope. It was really cool to see a different side of Haiti. We traveled to a more rural area with mountains on either side of us and the Dominican Republic across the lake from us. It was breathtaking. It always amazes me the juxtaposition of the beauty of Haiti in the scenery including the people and the ugliness of poverty, disease and corruption. We got to see the completed Medical Clinic and tour the school. The medical clinic is gorgeous with its clean white walls and bright green trim. You could just feel the energy of what God was going to do with that place just walking through it. I saw a first grade classroom and it made me very grateful for my own classroom and the resources that I have available for my students. I found that there are some similarities between what teachers in Haiti deal with and what I have dealt with in my own career; students whose only meal is the one that they receive at school, having to be creative with what resources you do have, dealing with state testing, etc. 

From there we went to Little Children of Jesus -an orphanage for people with disabilities. I will never cease to be amazed by how freely people with disabilities love and accept others making them the happiest people I have ever encountered. Their joy is truly contagious. We were privileged to be able to play soccer with some of the staff and kids. The only way I can explain that moment is one of pure joy. Staff and children both laughing and running around with the biggest smiles you have ever seen, just to be able to kick a little ball around. As we have seen time and time again, that little ball crosses cultural, ability, economic, and gender divides to connect us all. A favorite moment of ours was when Lavita, an 8 year old girl we brought from New Life, reached out her hand to a young woman with severe disabilities and how that young woman grabbed her in a hug. Lavita showed such compassion and love for that woman she is an example for us all.

You are probably wondering with all of this joy going around how could I have those hard emotions I mentioned in the beginning. Well, this is where it starts. Our next stop was Marie’s orphanage. I had stayed with Marie and worked with her girls 2 years ago with a group from my church. I was so excited to see some of the girls that I had made connections with that I almost couldn’t wait. When we got there, my heart broke more than it ever has in all my time in Haiti. Girls that used to run and jump into our arms with smiles and laughter were stand-offish, their faces hardened and their eyes blank with flashes of hurt and anger. My first reaction was anger. What happened to these girls to make them this way and what could I do to protect them? I felt as though I had failed them in some way. When you go on a short term mission trip you have to be careful. Saying goodbye and going home is hard on you, but harder on those you leave behind. If you are going to form a bond with someone, you better be prepared to follow through with it. Through circumstances that we could not control, Impact for Jesus has had to step back from Marie’s orphanage and just like in any other situation the ones who suffer the most are the children. They have had their hearts broken more times in their young lives than any one should ever have to encounter. Please pray for these girls that God will protect their hearts and that someday they will be able to run without reservation into the arms of those that love them with smiles on their faces and eyes clear looking toward the future.

In Haiti girls don’t play soccer, and that’s that. They might kick a ball around but when the boys come out to play, they are kicked off the field. You can only imagine how well that sat with 5 strong American women. For some of us, it was the first encounter with being discriminated against, for others it hit close to home after a life of fighting against the gender roles placed on them. Regardless of our backgrounds, we are on a mission to be an example for the girls for what they can accomplish and what they can achieve in the future and the confidence to dream.

At times, it feels like we are fighting a losing battle and it feels hopeless to continue. We have all fallen love with Haiti and it breaks our hearts that there isn’t more that we can do. I have struggled with not fully understanding why God has placed me here and the role He has for me. I have struggled with fitting all the pieces together of how God is working and understanding the cultural differences and the even the differences among all of the Americans here working to serve Haiti. I am only a small piece to the puzzle and sometimes it is hard not being able to see the big picture. What I do know is that God is continuing to change my heart and has given me a love for the people of Haiti that grows every day. As He teaches me every day to trust Him I will continue to take advantage of every opportunity He gives me as He directs my path.

As I sign off the sun is rising, we are getting ready for a new day. (No mom I did not pull an all-nighter, yes I did procrastinate.) I feel like I am back in college putting off writing a paper, setting the alarm extra early to wake up and finish it with coffee at hand. Let’s be honest I just wanted to feel young again like Lizzie and Marissa J. It is a new day, a day filled with hope and the chance to spread God’s love.  

Forget Me Not by Maria Robles

Today we had a great feat on our hands… not to forget our items for today’s journey.  This morning we forgot a few items: the sandwiches we had prepared the night before for the feeding, the chips we were going to hand-out and other sundry items. However, after having to go back twice, we were able to stay on track to encounter today’s new adventure. 

As we arrived, I could feel myself becoming nervous and anxious because I did not know what to expect. I kept reflecting back to last year’s feeding and how overwhelmed I felt.  I hoped that what were able to pack today would be enough to help feed the 50 children and families in this tent village. As the tap tap (our Haitian taxi) pulled up on the gravel road, I could see that we had not packed what would not be enough for everybody in this village. My heart shattered as I carried the items up the gravel path into this small compact room in the middle of this tent village. This room currently held about 200 people. I could not break down now, I told myself; I needed to keep it together.

We got into the room and I can see so many beautiful smiling faces eager to welcome us. I felt fortunate that they were giving us the opportunity to be in their company. As I headed to the back room of this small compact room, I decided that we should halve the 100 sandwiches as well as halve the amount of chips in order to distribute some to everybody present. I can feel myself getting nervous as we started to distribute the food. I felt hopeless and frustrated at the same time because we did not pack as much as we could for the people we came to help. I hung out in the back room as I help distribute piles of sandwiches and baggies of chips. I felt like I could have done more; we could have done more. I realized that we should have been more prepared.


As we finished distributing the last items, all I could think about is: what can we do different for next time, how can we better prepare. I don’t know the answers to these questions but I feel like next time we should over pack and expect to be in the company of more people. After we collected our bags, we headed toward the gravel path back to the tap tap. Many children walked up to me as I headed out asking for more food.  As I held back my tears, I responded with a no and jumped into the tap tap. A crowd of about 60 people followed us back to the vehicle asking us for the soccer ball they had seen from a distance in the back of the tap tap. I knew we did not have enough to go around and felt a rush of emotions, overwhelmed, angry, frustrated and saddened at the turn of events that I could not give anymore; that we did not have more to give. For me, this is an experience that will be left as an indelible imprint that I will carry home with me.

Silent Lightning

The past few nights, the sky has been filled with bright streaks of light. It’s like a quick window of heaven before it disappears. But still no crash or rumble can be heard. It’s crazy how the night sky seems hopeful and strong over a land that is in so much suffering. Today was like the silent lightning with all the exciting activities and love that was shown.

We got the opportunity to join the kids in church service this morning. The whole community seemed to transform as the kids sang and danced to loud worship music. Each kid had their Sunday best and smile on. Pastor Bob gave all of us something to think about, something we all struggle with every moment of everyday, idols. It was a wonderful morning with the children. Most of us were blessed to spend a whole day at New Life again. It has been so fun to be able to invest in the kids’ lives and hang out with all of them.  The afternoon was definitely a party. The kids swarmed the soccer field as we put on several soccer scrimmages and crafts. Everyone one seemed to be involved in one way or another. It was so exciting to just stand back and watch the joy the game gives the kids. It was great to see all of it unite in the mist of chaos. Near dinner, we got a surprise visit from a second orphanage who challenged New Life to a soccer game. Of course no one could pass up the opportunity, so we came out fighting and defended the home field.

My favorite moment of the day was during the first game against the orphanage. Everyone was crowded around the field watching and cheering intensely. In the background of all the excitement, there were five little boys banging wildly on the wooden table singing. They were singing lines of different praise songs. It was like a little band for Jesus. I knew at that moment Jesus had to be smiling because I could not take my eyes off of them. There was so much love and hope in all the banging and singing coming from such small bodies.

Today blew me away just like every day has. I am so excited for tomorrow because we are breaking out of these beautiful walls and serving more children and families! Jesus is so good.

Submitted by Lizzie Bergquist

It's All New Again

The following is written by one of our new short term missionaries. It's always inspiring to see the world through fresh eyes. May you be blessed by Marissa's view.

Today is the end of my first day in Haiti. I feel like words can’t even do justice to the experience I have had so far. The drive from the airport to New Life was a lot to take in. I have seen pictures and heard stories but seeing it in person finally made it real. We drove through an alley way and passed a little girl around the age of four or five sitting on a doorstep all by herself. When she saw us through the back window of the truck she got a big smile on her face and waved to us…and I looked back again at a point down the road where she was barely visible and she was still waving. I wanted so back to jump out of the truck carry her to New Life with me.  I think the image of that sweet little girl waving will stick with me for a long time. The moment I got to New Life, I immediately felt like I was at home. The love I feel for each one of the kids here is overwhelming, and it’s only been one day. We played soccer earlier today and a little boy went flying by me dribbling the ball, I watch him take a shot on goal and then realized he only had one leg. He had a crutch under the opposite arm and was able to play. I was amazed. I also spent a lot of time with the handicapped children, and was touched by the big smile that would come across their faces with just a hug or a touch, or a ride down the sidewalk in their wheelchair. It is so easy to see God working here, and it is so easy to give away his love. I was able to meet the girl that I sponsor, and the girl who my mom sponsors last night and gave them each a little cross necklace, then haven’t taken them off since. I am so grateful that I got the chance to meet each of those girls, and hope to continue my relationship with them. Tonight when we were doing worship songs with the kids, I had a little girl sitting on my lap and we were both singing. At that point, I got completely overwhelmed and couldn’t keep a few tears from falling. I am so thankful I have been given this opportunity and I knew at that moment that this is right where God wants me to be.  I am so excited to see what He has in store for me the rest of the week!

Leaving Haiti is Hard...for everyone

Today, the first team of soccer missionaries left Haiti with lots of tears. As I wait behind for the next team to arrive from Chicago in less than four hours, I am very sad and reflective. It was interesting to stay behind to see the tears of the Haitian children. I am de-sensitized to our ride of tears back to the airport but to see a young Haitian man cry, in a culture where men do not cry, was disturbing. I think it was even more so because last night in our final team gathering, a short –term missionary said he hoped he never sees the kids again. After the shock of the moment, he explained he would hope that by the time he returns next year, all the boys and girls would be adopted or “graduated” on to real careers.  While I believe this is all our hope, the reality is many of these kids will be here next year. The thought makes our good-byes even harder and the thought of waiting another year to hug these beautiful children haunting.

Please pray for the team going home. The re-entry into American culture is monumental and always an adjustment. Please pray for the next team of missionaries, they are about to assaulted by the most extreme poverty in the western hemisphere. The entry is always tough. Last week, one missionary could not stop crying for the first 8 hours. Please pray for the soccer events, the tent city feedings, the orphanage visits, the Pastor’s conference we are holding for 80 pastors and our transportation in and around Port Au Prince. But most of all, please pray for the Haitians we will encounter this week. Pray our presence will bring the hope that we have not forgotten them or their children.

Love God. Love Others. Change the World. It’s not a slogan. It’s a mission.

Goal........

"If We Are The Body"

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

by Casting Crowns

These are the words that convicted me as I join the children and youth of New Life tonight at worship and devotions.  I was a very efficient blogger tonight and I had the blog written way before our deadline.  Just for the record we don’t have a deadline.  It started when a young girl of about five named Fabiyan rushed up to me as I was walking to worship and grabbed my hand and sat me on the front row and sat on my lap singing this song and others as we worshipped together.  I was sitting there with kids from the ages of 2-8 and they were singing praise songs in English and it brought a tear to my eyes as it felt like a small piece of heaven when we are all worshipping together bringing praise to his name.  The two year old next to me actually rushed to the projected image on the wall during one of the songs and raised his hands and worshipped and sang as the image projected on the back of his head.  The words from this song and these children helped me to realize that I did not share how we have seen God work while we ministered in Haiti this week.

One of our prayers for the week is that we have the eyes to see and ears to hear where God is at work.  I want to share just a few of the ways we heard of and experienced God’s presence.  The way the young adults on our team came together and would do anything needed to help, serve, encourage and love everyone they encounter was amazing.  We live in close quarters and spend all of our time together and no one ever complains about the heat the dust the dirt the field conditions or the children we meet.  They always find the best in everyone they meet.  One of the children from New Life came to serve with us on Tuesday.  He is a kid who lost his entire family in the earthquake and deals with most adversity through acting out in anger.  He helped us serve at a tent city orphanage and when he returned he had a new attitude.  The act of service to other had changed his demeanor.  One of the young boys here at New Life lost his leg in the earthquake.  He never complains and he will be right in the middle of the soccer field using his leg and a crutch to shoot on anyone who can handle his shot.  Several on our team shared how he will always be an inspiration to them when they think they are having a bad day.  We met with the founder of Respire on Tuesday and she told several amazing ways in which God is working in that ministry the helps educate indentured servant children by giving them an education. Megan found out after she bought the land that a local pastor had prayed for twelve years that the Lord would use that land for his work.  She prayed for the land next door to the property as well and asked God to bring clarity to any decision that was made and she received a call five minutes later from the same pastor that the land was for sale and asked if she was interested in buying the land.  Megan had another miraculous story about how she learned the Creole language as well.

We spent our nightly devotions talking about love, respect, honestly and as the conversations progressed throughout the week I realized how this team was brought together to reach out the youth and young adults using the world’s best ice breaker, a soccer ball. We all could see and hear where the Lord was working as we ministered this week to the babies, children and youth of Haiti offering hugs, kisses, high fives, chest bumps, soccer balls and equipment.  Thank you to all of you who helped us financially, through equipment donations and most importantly through your prayers.  The words of a song and the touch of a child’s hand helped me to realize that we are the body of Christ and we are called to be his hands and feet to those less fortunate.  We prepare to leave tomorrow with heavy hearts that will always have a special place for our Haitian friends.

Bonswa,

John Keefer sharing for the 2012 Haiti Soccer Mission Team

Today was a day unlike any other day since we have been to Haiti. This Fourth of July in the Caribbean is one we will never forget. We celebrated Independence Day in style by taking all the children at New Life Orphanage to the beach! It was the perfect antidote to the Haitian heat. Most of the children could not sleep the night before because anticipation kept them awake with what the next day would bring. As we all rode the Tap Tap (Haitian taxi), the two hour ride felt like nothing as singing and playing games with a few of the older children made time fly. When we arrived at the beach, we were in awe of the beauty and peace hidden beneath all the trash, smoke, disaster, and poverty. What a sight to see: Palm trees and the majestic Haitian mountains overlooking the clear Caribbean Sea. Before we swam, we had a few good old American hot dogs, let them settle, and then hit the waves. So many smiles and laughs among children with such troubled pasts was a miracle in its self, let alone the pleasure of being there to experience it. Of course, there was more soccer on a field of spray painted concrete and 4 big rocks for goals. It was excellent playing conditions.    

Following is a reflective conversation between me and a fellow missionary.

Evan: So what’s been your favorite part about this year’s trip?

Pat: Being able to bond with the children on a greater level then on the previous trip.

E: And what do you think the children of New Life have appreciated most?

P:  Well, for those who play soccer, I believe having the opportunity to have similar soccer experiences as we have had by receiving top of the line soccer gear, playing in competitive tournaments against competitive teams, and receiving large trophies. The kids who do not play enjoyed the compassion from team members that they would normally never receive in many other ways through crafts and other games.

E: In which instances have you seen God at work or felt His presence?

P: God has been at work at all times during this trip but where it is most evident is within each of our fellow missionaries spreading God’s praise wherever we go. We have also seen God within every one of the children that we meet. Their smiles in such troubled times are testaments to God being able to overcome all obstacles.

E: When, if it all, have you seen or felt the devil’s presence?

P: Haiti is the Voodoo capital in the world. Symbols and signs are everywhere tell us that our presence is not welcomed, but through our actions of compassion we are able to tear down all barriers and find the good where people think is impossible.

E: I understand this is your second mission trip to Haiti. How have you changed in the past year?

P:  I am more appreciative about all the things that God has given me. I am more aware of the poverty and need for change in the world, not just Haiti.

E: Lastly, up until tonight we have had 4 themes in our nightly prayer and discussion devoted to God. Of the 4 themes (Love, Giving, Kindness, and Respect), choose a theme and a related moment that was most exemplified during this trip.

P:  Giving has been the most prominent throughout this entire trip as we have given out soccer balls, cleats, shin guards, goalie gloves, jerseys, shorts, etc... Even after all of the giving we have done with the donations you at home have collected for us, the joy given back by the children far exceed the sacrifice we have made.

Soccer on the Top of Mountain

Today, the main mission of the team was to visit Respire, the Restavec School, to share the game of soccer with the kids and donate soccer balls, jerseys, shorts, socks, and cleats that we brought with us to Haiti. We brought along another mission team staying with us at New Life, as well as twelve kids from New Life as our “all-star team” to play against Respire’s soccer team. The bus ride to Respire ended up being two hours each way.

Our bus ride to Respire took us through Port-au-Prince. We got to see the capital building again this year and the various tent cities, shops, fish markets, and schools along the way. Some progress has been made to clean up debris and the city from the aftermath of the earthquake in 2010. There were no garbage-filled dumpsters on fire and far less UN sightings compared to last year. After we passed through Port-au-Prince, the majority of our bus ride was on a road along the ocean, which was very beautiful even though it was lined with more tent cities and run-down buildings. Despite the shocking and somewhat depressing scenery, the all-star boys managed to keep the two hour bus ride entertaining. Some advertisements managed to make their way onto the bus and were quickly used to make paper airplanes and paper balls, which were then thrown between the New Life boys and mission team members throughout the duration of the trips to and from Respire. We also sang a variety of songs, ranging from Justin Bieber’s Tonight to native Haitian songs to keep a lighter mood.  

We finally arrived at Megan’s house at the bottom of the mountain where Respire was perched. Pastor Bob was trying to be funny and said we had to make a 30 minute hike up the mountain to get to Respire. We quickly realized that this meant we would have to carry up the eight duffle bags filled with the soccer gear. These were not light bags!  Once were got off of the bus, we were informed that we did have to hike up to Respire, however Josh, one of Megan’s partners, was going to drive our duffle bags up to Respire in his pick-up truck.

Our warm up was the hike up the mountain. Some of the boys decided to race each other up to the top. The sight at the top of the mountain was breathtaking. On one side there was an amazing view of the ocean and on the other, you could see the mountains and various villages on the mountain side. After a couple team pictures, Megan and Josh took us on a tour of their 4 acres land. While on the tour, Megan and Josh described their stories and how they began Respire. You can find more information about Megan, Josh, and Respire at http://blessedwithaburden.wordpress.com/. At Respire there is a terrace garden where they grow vegetables that they use to feed tent cities and the restavec children. There was also a school building with four classrooms and then another building that was still under construction and of course, a soccer field. In one of the classrooms, we set up the jerseys and cleats for the Respire team to choose from. After outfitting the teams and sweeping the field for glass, large rocks, broken plastic, etc., we were ready to begin playing soccer.

New Life started the game slow going down 2-0. People lined the field so that when the ball was kicked out it would not roll down the mountain. At the end of the first half, New Life was still down. To start the second half, New Life made three changes. Will, Nick, and Austin played the entire second half while the New Life team would substitute for each other. Just like the tournament on Sunday, this game was highly entertaining and competitive. New Life managed to tie the game with a couple minutes left in the game and eventually send it into penalty kicks. Unfortunately, New Life lost in “pks” again but we all had a great time playing. While the Respire and New Life teams were playing, the mission team members interacted with various neighborhood kids that came to watch the match. After the game was over, we were fed rice, beans, and chicken by the cooks at Respire.  Then, goody-bags that we brought were given to the New Life boys to hand out to the Respire team. It was very noticeable that the kids from New Life loved to give to other kids due to the many items they have received in a similar fashion. The winning team, Respire, was also given medals. Both teams signed a soccer ball to give to the other in order to remember this game.

The bus ride back to New Life seemed as though it was going to be a long ride. Everyone was tired and some were on the verge of falling asleep. Some of the kids in the back, Fabien and Oallchrist, began to get restless and began singing. It was unbelievable that everyone had the energy they had after playing a game of soccer and standing in the heat all day. The New Life kids were leading both mission teams in worship songs and eventually songs by Beiber (again), Backstreet Boys, and Fun. (again).

As soon as we arrived back at New Life, we quickly ate dinner and rushed over to the kids’ nightly devotions. Following devotions, Jimmy kicked off a post-devotion dance party. I don’t think anyone imagined that we would have enough energy to travel 4 hours in a bus belting various songs, play an entire game of soccer, spend the day in the sun, and have a full blown dance party all in one day. The kids were having a blast learning new dance movies and singing along to the Haitian dance music. Finally it was time for our own team devotions and for the kids to go to bed.

The team had a great day today and we all cannot wait to take the kids to the beach tomorrow!
Emily and Austin

"Hey You" in Haiti

Today began with a slightly hectic hour after breakfast. We were preparing for our multiple stops at two tent cities which involved packing up a lot of gear and food. We barely had time for devotions so we ended up rescheduling that sacred time for the evening… but that’s life in Haiti. One of the hardest parts to get used to is the lack of a structured schedule, however,  that also  teaches us to be more accepting what God has planned for us. After a 15 minute trip on a big yellow school bus, we arrived at our first tent city. The moment got off the bus; we were swarmed by smiling children and never got a break. Surprisingly, the most popular request was to be picked up and held or have a picture taken. Chants of “Hey you!” echoed throughout the day, each child wanted their fair share of attention. Almost immediately a small sided game of soccer started on a small field made mostly of rocks. We tired quickly and eventually entered the small building known as their school. Each member of the team was called to the front of the classroom to partake in a song and dance that the children had been doing. After each dance was finished, the crowd of children applauded and began the chant again for the next participant.

Tampicos (similar to Sunny D except better), bags of chips (similar to cheese puffs), and cheese sandwiches were passed out. Each child thankfully received their meal and they all seemed very grateful. Some of the children needed help opening their juices and a lot of them chose to save their drinks until later. I (Evan) even had to help one of the younger girls because she didn’t seem to know how to eat; I literally had to put the sandwich to her mouth and show her how to eat it. After presenting some students with soccer balls and toys, we spent another hour or so mingling with some of the older kids and playing with the children then we loaded back on the big yellow bus and headed to our next tent city. On the ride, we saw some graphic images such as a dead dog. Some of the smells of the city were also very intense; they seemed to have a certain level of density that made our faces cringe. For lunch, we had gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

We arrived at our final destination for the day. This next tent city was a little cleaner and seemed to have a bigger community. Of course we played soccer again but this field was easier to play on because it was just dirt. Sadly, there was no school at this tent city but there were still plenty of excited and joyous children. Even some of the teenagers joined in the soccer game! The hardest part about visiting the second tent city was trying to stay energized and hydrated under the cruel Haitian sun. There were no cheese sandwiches for this group but we did provide chilled water in bags and chips for them. What was amazing was that some of the kids didn’t drink all of their water, but they chose to play with it and get some of the missionaries and each other wet. I guess a little fun is as hard to come by as food. Each day here has been more and more life changing and not just for the Haitian children. We can’t wait to see how each of us grown by the end of the trip.

Sharing two great loves - Haiti & Soccer

We kicked off our day with a great devotional meeting and church service. During the devotional meeting, we talked about the importance of spreading love and understanding the different forms of “Greek” love that can be applied to broader aspects of our lives. For example, there is a difference between our love for a certain food or commodity and the love we share for our respective partner. We also prayed during devotions for God to give us the ears to hear and the eyes to see so that we could spread our love throughout the entire day to the Haitians.

The major focus of the day was soccer. We held a soccer tournament, which included TWO New Life Teams, and two teams from local orphanages. When the local orphanages arrived, we had their jerseys, shorts, socks, and cleats laid out for them to go through and select so that they would be able to play in the tournament. It was a remarkable experience seeing their eyes light up when they began to look through the cleats and all the jerseys. They were truly grateful for what we were doing for them. It was amazing to see the language barrier broken because we were able to communicate despite speaking different languages through hand gestures and gestures of appreciation such as handshakes and hugs. Once all the players were equipped, the games BEGAN!

The tournament consisted of four games, including two semi-final games and a third place game and the championship game. In the first game, the first New Life Team, the red squad, won their game 4 to 2 against the Blue Team and advanced into the finals. In the second game, the second New Life team, the white squad, tied their game in regulation 4 to 4 against the other red orphanage team. In penalty shoot-outs, unfortunately, the New Life Team lost 5 to 4. After these first two games, lunch was provided for all. We had the opportunity during this time to interact with everyone and to eat together. Many of us shared snacks together and enjoyed many laughs! After the break, it was time for the third place game between the second New Life team and the Blue Team. The second New Life Team won in a convincing manner, taking the third place trophy with a 3 to 2 win. In the championship game, the first New Life Team faced the other red team who was wearing red AJAX jerseys. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 3 to 3, and therefore penalty kicks were once again necessary. Unfortunately, the first New Life Team lost in penalty kicks 4 to 2 and the red orphanage team captured the first inaugural New Life Tournament Championship. Throughout every game, the entire community was infatuated with the whole spectacle. In this, we mean that everyone was cheering and playing drums and etc. to motivate the players. There was also an announcer who commentated the ENTIRE time which was amazing. The atmosphere was incredible. There was music being played in the background and everyone was focused on soccer. It was a remarkable get-away for all the players because everyone’s minds were lifted from the struggles of the world during these games.

After the tournament, Pastor Coach Bob conducted an award ceremony, where the champions were crowned. The fourth place blue team received medals, the third place New Life Team received a world cup-like trophy, the second place New Life Team also received a world cup-like trophy, just slightly larger, and finally, the first place red team received the largest trophy. For all teams, it was like they had all just won the World Cup, one of the biggest accomplishments possible in terms of athletics. It is incredible the impact soccer had on all of us today. There was pure joy in everyone’s eyes. Being able to hold a trophy together for each team was truly a gratifying moment. For us, the tournament today was an incredible experience because we were able to participate in and witness first hand, the insurmountable power of soccer to unite and release. In this, we mean that all struggles, all hardships, all cultural barriers, all distinctions, everything, was thrown away because of the unifying abilities of soccer.

The next portion of the day was spent coloring with the handicap children! We were able to interact with them and color bags for them that we gave them. This was truly gratifying because knowing we made a major impact in a small way felt good. This event was also very humbling because the kids were all so happy even though they have been dealt a tough hand in life. It truly makes you appreciate everything you were blessed with in life. It also makes you feel slightly ashamed for the small things we complain about in our everyday lives. Thus far, this has definitely been an eye opening experience for us all, even if this was not our first trip.

Finally, we concluded the night with dinner. We were blessed with yet another meal and we are optimistic for another incredible day tomorrow during our feedings.

God bless

Nick and Will