Postcard from Hannah

Days like today give me hope.  Marissa, Jim, and I got the opportunity to go to the beach with the kids and the other American groups staying here at New Life. I was at this beach 2 1/2 years ago when I first came to Haiti. I never thought I would get to see it again. It is one of my top favorite places on earth to be, just behind Lambeau Field.  It was a day filled with laughter, squeals of delight, and lots of splashing. I also got to experience my first jellyfish sting. Unfortunately, Marissa had just gone to the bathroom so she couldn't help me out, but what a friend to offer! But even a sting couldn't ruin the day, it was too perfect. Breathtaking views, awesome food, and the best company I could have asked for.  Getting to see the pure joy on the kids' faces was priceless.

I played mom to a little girl today. I held her in the water, helped her learn to kick and swim, she would go off with her friends and then come back to check that I was still there. We sat on my towel and she went through my bag of stuff and claimed it as her own. We went looking for rocks and she sat on my lap and quietly played when she was ready for some alone time away from all of the kids in the water.  I changed her, held her while she slept, tucked her in at night. For at least one day she had a 'mom.'  Our group came to Haiti this week to be 'parents' to these kids. To try and fill in the gaps they have of being on their own. Love on them, correct them when they are wrong, pick them up when they fall, laugh with them, but most of all help them realize they are loved and worthy of love.

Today, it was mission accomplished.

A Message from Maria

It is our fourth night here in Haiti. I am already dreading the day that we leave. I had the opportunity to spend most of my days here at New Life spending more time with the children. I played soccer with Hannah, Marissa, Jeremy, Vanessa, Wisbens, Gibons, Charles, and a few rotating subs, especially for me since today I feel like I am fighting off a cold/ sinus infection. It felt great to just spend time with the children. I feel that during my last few trips, I was visiting New Life in passing. I was here but not here. I was busy trying to do so many things outside of New Life and not spending enough quality time with the children here. I feel like I learned a lot more about the children these past few days with just spending more time with them.

Today, I changed multiple diapers, got to carry Caleb and put him to bed, played with the babies making fun car noises with the toys, picked up Rosena after having a tantrum, and kissed Daftka's  ouchie on her head. I feel like these are things that often get overlooked- the reassurance after a fall, talking to the babies while changing them, cradling the babies and helping them nap, and playing and making noises with the toys to expand upon their social and play skills. So many thoughts go through my mind such as; what kinds of educational toys can I get sent over for the babies and the toddlers to expand upon their dramatic play skills, who picks them up after they fall, who carries them when they don't feel well, who tucks them into sleep, etc. Then when I start asking myself these questions, I begin to feel sad and feel like I need to come to Haiti more often so I can do those things.

I am hoping that I can come back next year in July and spend more time with the girls. I feel like my departure this time will be a lot harder to do because I had the opportunity to build stronger relationships. For my new year's goal, I am hoping to come back and spend time with the children at New Life. 

Adventures with Jim

Today I went out into the heart of Haiti with an Irishman and his friend, an American student living in Ireland.  They are both from the same church in Dublin staying with Pastor Lionel and dress up as clowns to entertain children in Haitian orphanages.  We were escorted by two Haitians, one of which attends the Academy of Music in Port Au Prince and his friend who chooses to give of his time to local charitable organizations such as "New Life".  For the Irishmen, the mission was very specific..find the "Irish Embassy", an authentic Irish pub in downtown Port Au Prince and see a few new things.  I, however, had no such direction or agenda.  I was told we were in good hands and everything would be fine.  When a Haitian tells you this, something in his eyes makes you believe it without questioning.  You have to be here to know what I mean.  The "Tap-Tap" ride was bumpy and noisy and the streets were filled with cars, motorbikes, people, wares, dogs, dirt and dust. . to imagine coming home without seeing or being in an auto accident after such an experience speaks to the incredible chaotic ballet of movement in the street.  People shouting and honking, some escalated verbal confrontations without ending in physical violence as this American would have imagined such altercations leading to back home.  We visited the Haitian Museum of History and were regaled with the terribly beautiful message of Haitian strength and endurance under the harshest and most inhumane of treatment first as imported slaves and then having to battle against political corruption through the years to be able to claim this land as their own and no one else's'.  After our informative and air-conditioned break from the hustle and bustle we made our way to the Hotel Oloffson which was constructed before the late 1800's.  There, we took in the history and beauty and had lunch. Our dining experience was rich in taste as well as conversation, the subjects of which ranged from racial inequality to debating how long Justin Bieber's fame would last.   An unplanned swim was enjoyed after dining by all of us except the driver and the Haitian musician, who seemed just as content watching us make fools of ourselves laughing and carrying on.  We saw the sign for the Irish Village which prompted us to get off the Tap-Tap but quickly found out it was quite a hike from where we disembarked.  The walk through the streets was even more exciting than the ride.  We walked by dead poultry lying in the street (which was actually for sale, not just mere road kill) and rubble piles still left over from the infamous earthquake of 2010.  People laughed and smiled as we walked by and the Irishman couldn't help to say "Joie Noel" to everyone he made eye contact with while clapping and singing between greetings.  His enthusiasm and outward expressions of joy and comfort loosened any tension I had by the feeling that one wrong move would knock something or someone over or that I myself would be knocked down.  I kept feeling the gentle hand of our Haitian friends on my shoulder as I tended to lag behind and was reminded just as gently to stay together for our safety.  We made our way to the bar, the Irishmen tried to talk the owner into letting them perform their clown routine and were politely denied.  We came, we saw, we left.  At the end of an amazing day, I am confident in the words of Elson, our Haitian friend.. it doesn't matter where we are from, we are all brothers and sisters and have to watch out for each other.  For two Haitian men to take time out of their lives, where working is the most important key to fleshly survival, and be our own personal guides for the day was truly a blessing.  They knew we wanted to see Haiti and they wanted to make sure we saw it without receiving a scratch or anything worse.  What a testimony to how our Lord has taught us to love and treat one another.  I am forever humbled and honored by my new lifelong friends and their willingness to be by our side in a foreign land with foreign culture, language and attitude.  Joie Noel!

Merry Christmas from Marissa

It is the end of our first day back at New Life and it feels like I'm back home. I am falling in love with this place and these kids all over again. I can't even describe the feeling I had when I ran (yes, I actually ran) over to the kids and they remembered me by  name. From the second I hugged each one of them hello, I was already dreading the moment I am going to have to say goodbye again. But, it's only Tuesday so I have a few more days before I have to worry about that:).

I had to keep reminding myself today that it is Christmas because I'm not used to spending it in 80-90 degree weather and without snow. But I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, and a Christmas I will remember forever. This morning, all the kids at New Life gathered in the church and were each given an individual present by a couple staying here who purchased all of them. Each child's face, whether they were in diapers or 16 years old, lit up when they received their present.

Shortly after the New Life kids opened presents, another orphanage arrived for a Christmas lunch and fun activities to do all day. They were all so thankful, and most of the children were so skinny that I am glad New Life was able to provide them with a good meal. Each of those children were also given a Christmas gift. The amazing thing is that you could've given those kids any kind of gift, and they still would have appreciated it.

I don't know exactly what it is, but I am so happy when I am at New Life. I know part of it could be that I absolutely love kids, but there is something so special about the children and the people here. Even in a country where there is so much hunger and suffering, the faith of the people who I have met is unwavering. They thank God for everything, which has made me realize how much more I need to be thanking Him for every day. Tonight we were all given ice cream, and Sophie put her hands up and thanked God the second she finished her cup. I can honestly say that I have fallen in love with many of these children and I know God has put me here again, only six months later, for a reason.

(And mom, I didn't get sick! Love you so much and Merry Christmas!)

ADVENT- the season of waiting

For Christians, the season of Advent is spent reflecting on and anticipating our Savior's birth. Well, it's supposed to be. I've grown up in the church and have 27 years of Advent seasons under my belt and I  have never fully understood  what we were waiting for.  Jesus had already come, why were we 'waiting' for it? I understood waiting for Christmas. As a kid I understood that real well- Christmas, are you ever going to get here??? And as an adult- Christmas, why are you coming so fast!?!?!?!?! But Jesus had already come. We could just skip the waiting and rejoice in it. (If you couldn't tell I'm not a fan of waiting.) Until this year. My season of advent started in July (Christmas in July!), on a picnic table at New Life Children's Home in Port Au Prince, Haiti. I was in Haiti for my second time and I did not want to go home. Marissa and I were trying to figure out if we could stay just a couple of more days. Lizzie was already talking about next summer and Angie and Maria where figuring out how to coordinate their work schedules and finances - and we hadn't even left yet. That's what Haiti does to you, it grabs a hold of your soul and doesn't let go until it's changed your heart forever. Then an idea was born. Christmas in Haiti. All but Angie were on a school schedule and had at least 2 weeks off. We could do this. We were going to do this. And so the season of waiting began.

The season of Advent isn't just about waiting. It's about preparing. Preparing our hearts to be ready for when Jesus would come. I changed a lot that week in Haiti. One major change was I knew I had to make more of a commitment or just walk away for good. I'm an all or nothing kind of a girl. I had made up my mind that for this next season of my life Haiti was going to get my all. Those changes you feel while you are in Haiti are exciting and inspiring, until you get home. At home you have to actually put those ideas into actions and deal with the consequences of those actions. For me, that meant not moving out of my mom's house. It meant taking on another responsibility of putting together the trip. It meant giving up my nephew's first Christmas and time I usually spend with friends.  It also meant stalking American Airlines for the cheapest flights and a million emails trying to figure out who, what, when, and how we were going to pull this off. I like plans, check lists and things color coded. Haiti does not cooperate with any of those. Our plans have changed a million times and will change a million more. And as I think about it, Mary had a trip to prepare for that first Christmas, while being pregnant with God's son. Planning a trip to Haiti now seems like a walk in the park.

Anticipation. My students know this well. They have been asking and dreaming about Christmas since the first day of school. No joke.  This year I am right there with them. Not for the presents, but for the fact that I can't wait to see Cherley's face or hear Chinaido's laugh or have to change Caleb's diaper. For the first time I think I finally understand what Advent is all about. The waiting, the preparing and the anticipation to see the hand of God at work.  The Jews were waiting to see God's face through the Messiah. My heart is waiting to see God's face through the eyes of the children of Haiti. I'm yearning to experience God's peace and joy through His presence -and maybe get a tan :)

There is still lots to be done, like stuff 100 goody bags for kids, try and fit a car load (literally) of supplies into 5 -50lbs or less bags, get everyone to the airport at 5:00 a.m., get money processed, have an early Christmas with my family and friends, oh and finish up 2 weeks of school with 1st graders who are as antsy as  bugs under a magnify glass. But all of that just brings me one step closer to Haiti, and for that I am truly blessed.

As we wait in anticipation, please pray for  Maria, Marissa, Cindy (my mom!), Jim, and I and our trip to Haiti. Pray that God prepares our hearts to do His will, for safety, and that we make the most of every opportunity to impact others  for Jesus.

Two weeks from today is Christmas, I can't wait!

-Hannah