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