Our “Haitian Vacation” Has Finally Begun

This post is being written by Lauren and Colleen, two first-time Haitian travelers. Although our planned three hour layover ended up lasting 20 hours, we have finally arrived in Haiti! Of course though, we couldn’t leave Miami without one last bump in the road. Nine people did not show for the flight resulting in all of the bags being taken back off of the plane, sorted through, and reloaded. Our “scheduled” 6 AM take off didn’t happen until 7:30, but was accompanied by cheers from the passengers and crew alike.

We arrived in Haiti just before 10 AM where we were greeted by Jauno, our own personal porter.  Thanks goodness for all of his help, because he saved a potentially stressful first experience of Haiti from being too overwhelming. After he led the search for all 21 checked bags as well as the few carry-ons that got thrown in as well, he helped us push through the crowded airport to our waiting bus. There has to be some sort of irony in that the first time we didn’t have to wait was after we landed in Haiti! As we boarded the rainbow colored, half-semi truck type bus the intense emotion of the reality here in Haiti started to set in for both of us. To witness the poverty that this country has been struck with was overwhelmingly moving and humbling. During the 20 minute drive for the airport to New Life Children’s House us “newbies” sat closest to the back of the bus gazing out over Port-au-Prince. From the loud, constant car horns, to the farthest thing from organized traffic, to roadside makeshift stands selling tires, boom boxes, clothes, and raw meat we were left speechless. As we pulled into New Life we realized we were very lucky blessed with staying in such a nice facility.

Our time here started right off the bat with a rundown of the rules and moving all 21+ bags up to our rooms. We were lucky enough to get help from some of the boys here, never thought we would see teenage boys carrying 50 lb bags with nothing but huge smiles on their faces. After we began to sort through all of our bags of donations and pumped up some soccer balls, we took a break for a while to eat our first Haitian meal, sloppy joes, salad, rice and beans. It wasn’t long until we couldn’t resist seeing the kids any longer.

Emily and Courtney led the way as we timidly followed behind. It wasn’t until a little girl ran up and grabbed my (Lauren) hand that we began to relax and play with the kids. We were passing around rocks, playing on swings, learning names, and, of course, kicking around the soccer ball. After a while, we decided it was time to set up a real game. The cones were put down, us and the boys were split up into two teams, and then the whistle was blown. The boys were determined to show us that they have been practicing and they won’t go down easy. After many arguments with the referee, Pastor Coach Bob, the close game ended 6-7.

For me (Colleen) today has been one of the most emotional days I’ve experienced. Until after our tour, which happened after our dinner tonight I was unable to talk without crying. I couldn’t even explain what I was feeling all day except for saying that I was overwhelmed. At this point in the day, I am still just speechless on how to explain what I am feeling today. Maybe the simplest way is that it hit me hard how many small things I complain about in my life, when there are people who don’t have much, but have nothing to complain about. It has been a really humbling day.

I’m sorry you can’t get there from here…

In Haiti, there is no such thing as “on time” or “going according to plan.” You almost come to expect it.  It’s probably the reason I love the country so much. It’s always a surprise. However, I have never had a travel day so filled with surprises. If it could have happened, it did. The team member with our 15 bags of soccer supplies over-sleeps the 4am alarm. The team gets docked $360 in extra bag fees before we leave the terminal. The plane gets delayed in Miami twice. When we finally get boarded 2 hours late, the pilot comes on to tell us FAA regulations will not allow the flight crew to fly due to regulations. He continues his declaration of guilt by sharing that no replacements are available, the plane will be delayed until the morning and you must un-board the plane to get your free vouchers for a hotel and dinner. We then fight lines for the vouchers, the hotel shuttle and a hotel without enough rooms.

Don’t get me wrong, the day traveling to Haiti has always been interesting. It never fails. There is always a moment that will live in infamy.  You make a plan and some person, place, thing or event messes with the plan. While this day was way over the top, I can honestly say this was a great first day.

We actually had a lot of fun with some really touching moments. It was great to watch the team bond over a marathon card game of UNO and FORKS (spoons really but we couldn’t find any spoons). It was great to witness our team share our soccer cause with those who couldn’t resist our bright colored t-shirts. It gave me great hope in the next generation as I watched a few on our team chat with another youth mission team from Denver. It was inspiring to witness team members voluntarily give up their seats on the hotel shuttle, not once but twice, for the elderly and a young mother. Finally, it was almost overwhelming to hear one member say she really wished our flight would have taken off so instead of being in the hotel with a comics’ convention, we could have been sweating in Haiti and hanging with our orphan friends.

It’s been one long day and I wouldn’t have traded one moment. God is so good. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings and I won’t have to wait long. The alarm is set for 3:20am to catch the 4am shuttle back to the airport for the 6am flight.       

Easter a time for celebration and reflection

What an Easter celebration the kids had at New Life and three other orphanages yesterday! We started the day splitting ourselves into two teams. One to stay at New Life and one team to travel to three other orphanages for Easter basket giving and meal serving. Patty and I chose to stay at New Life since I had never shared a holiday with the kids before. A local hotel kitchen and the New Life chefs volunteered to prepare the meals for all four places. We had a traditional meal of chicken, beets, salad, mashed potatoes and macaroni. We all agreed one of our best meals we have had in Haiti!

But to backup just for a minute, the day started out with Sunday school for all under the Mango Tree. I visited with the young children and handicap kids all dressed in their Easter best! Vanessa got up to practice a solo with the rest of the kids as a back up, that she would later sing beautifully in church. They talked about Jesus dying for our sins and that He rose today. The kids were so excited to thank and praise Him! We then moved into the church where Pastor Lionel did his best to recreate the days leading up to Easter and why we should celebrate our risen Lord! I even got a chance to get up and give the Easter prayer, no advanced warning. For those of you that know me, definitely stepping out of my comfort zone for God. Pastor Lionel brought young ladies from his church to join our girls, Sophonie and Christela. How exciting to see all of the young people worshiping and celebrating on this day we are all so thankful for. After service we had to get some quick pictures of everyone in their beautiful new Easter dresses and some of the guys were even wearing ties!

So the kids headed back to the orphanage while the little Easter bunnies, (us) arrived with all the colorful Easter baskets. We had bags and baskets for the girls and baseball caps for the guys filled with all kinds of goodies and enough sugar to give everyone a good "rush"! Jean Rony setup the sound system under the Mango Tree and we started to blast, "We are the World", and they all started to come from the orphanage and sit under the Mango Tree! It's hard to explain the feeling of watching all their faces in anticipation of what the rest of the day would bring and the words to that song ringing in your ears and everyone singing and dancing. It's a time I wouldn't trade for anything! Soon it was time to handout the baskets. They all had to wait until everyone got theirs and then we said, "go"! So many smiles on the kids faces as most went for the candy first, followed by many toys, sunglasses and such. We each sat down with the young ones and handicap to try and help them all feel loved. We finished up by some of the older boys telling all of us what they were thankful for in their life and many, many thanks all around for all the missionaries that made it possible.

Then the kids were off to checkout the rest of the contents in their bags and just to have some fun. The older boys played soccer, the girls danced to the worship music under the Mango Tree and many just relaxed. Dinner was served late afternoon and we continued with music and dancing until 7:00. The night ended with a movie in the church! Fun was had by all and many hearts were filled with joy! Must say it was a long day but very satisfying. God with all His grace blessed both our teams with a wonderful day at all four orphanages. Something tells me sleep came easy to all the children at New Life last night :)

Today, Monday, is the last day before the children return to school. We had rain again last night so the morning brought cooler breezes and much water sitting on the soccer field. Jimmy and a couple others would spend their day bucketing off the water. Why we asked? Only to find out New Life had a soccer match against Marie's church later in the day. For those of you that don't know Marie, this is an orphanage of girls IFJ was supporting. What a surprise this was to us when we came through the gate from being out in the afternoon to see some familiar faces. Got a chance to go with Heather and Patty to the Apparent Project today at Delmas 75. This is a shop run by Americans who employ Haitian women to make beads out of recycled paper and sell them in various forms of jewelry. They work with many types of recyclable products. Got a chance to meet one of the owners as her and her husband have been living in Haiti for a while also waiting to adopt children. Bought many pieces for the Art Auction in August in Naperville to raise money for Haiti and was thrilled to get a 10% discount! Knew we brought Patty along for some reason:)

Another long day driving through the dusty hot streets of Port au Prince. Sometimes you tend to forget the struggle of most here when you never leave the loving confines of New Life. Street after street of concrete still left from the earthquake and garbage everywhere. I have to share two scenes with you as we drove the streets today. I watched a woman as she walked up her street from the main street, garbage on the street everywhere. There was more garbage to see then street and she just kept walking like nothing had changed. Also, an elderly gentleman standing in the doorway to his house looking like he was contemplating the day. Garbage all around his house and down his street. It literally looked like his house was out of place, not the garbage. For as much as we seen progress here on the last couple of visits we have made, much stays the same and is even getting worst. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti. Thanks for your continued prayers. Renee

Holy Week in Haiti

I can’t believe I have already been at New Life for four days.  I’ve experienced many emotions and situations I have wanted to share – but time always slips away.  As usual, as soon as we drove away from the airport here in Haiti I felt at home.  Once inside the gate at New Life a peace came that I can’t describe. Children rushed forward to welcome Renee and me. It was such a wonderful feeling being hugged by so many at once that I nearly lost my balance.  Yet that night I unpacked my three bags and laid the beautiful dresses in any space I could find.  I just couldn’t wait to show them to the girls.  We were able to spend some time with Miriam before she began packing to leave the next day for the States. 

Stories were told at dinner about the number of tarantulas that had been seen about, with one person finding the “visitor” on her pillow.   I’m not normally afraid of spiders, but tarantulas would definitely NOT be a desired roommate!  I can handle the geckos on the walls now – but not sure what I would do with a spider of that make and model!  So – the first night while preparing for bed, I would have to admit to having the heebie-jeebies!  Neither of us slept the best, despite no spider sightings, but we did have a wonderful, cooling rain.

Our first full day was spent with getting reacquainted with the kids and enjoying every second.  In anticipation of our upcoming art auction “HeARTS for Haiti” in early August, we set the older boys up with canvas and paint and told them to “express away” – as there are many of them with amazing artistic talent.  The painting table was placed in the shade and it seems like the table has been occupied for three full days, as the boys come and go creating beautiful Haitian scenes.  We are truly excited to bring home their personal art and anticipate that they will receive rave reviews and donations to help us/Impact for Jesus purchase water filtration systems for the people in the mountains who have NO clean water source.  Other people staying at New Life are already expressing the desire to purchase the art.  MY joy comes from watching them paint.  I asked through translation if they enjoy what they are doing.  All heads shook in agreement.  Someone said that he was thankful that we liked their work and it made them feel good about themselves.  YEAH!  You can’t put a price on providing a way to promote self worth.  They try to suppress their smiles when we praise them.  A clean work sight is NOT their gift, however…J 

We were able to meet the four new babies who arrived since we were here in February.  A room for babies has had to be created, as there are now five children less than a year old.  The older girls have stepped up to the plate and help the nannies with all the many things the babies require.  The most wonderful news is that the four most recent children were all suffering with various disorders, but now after medical care, nutritious feedings and loving attention 24/7 – they are thriving and greatly improved.    

You may remember my dear little girl Rosena, who we brought back to New Life in October from the mountains.  Suddenly she seems so big and mature compared to the babies.  I’ve been told that she “runs the show” and makes her desires known.  After spending about 10 minutes with her I found myself following her little finger that pointed to where she wanted to go.  She shakes her head “no” without hesitation if you get off course. 

Another highlight of Thursday was having the girls pick out a new dress for Easter.  The beautiful dresses that I brought were made by a woman named Bonnie Oliver from Elmhurst.  A group of young Mom’s who meet regularly at Wheatland Salem donated bows, ribbons, and other needed items.  So once the girls picked out their dress – tried it on – and got five of us ranting and raving about their beauty, they selected a hair accessory.  It was such fun to see their excitement, too!

Thursday night we had a downpour that cooled down the temperature, making it a bit easier to fall asleep.  But rain always makes me think about the half MILLION people who remain in a tent city.  I doubt they look forward to the rainy season which has come.  This will in turn add to the cholera problem and once again people will die of a treatable disease all because they have NO clean water. I don’t think many of us know anyone who struggles with no water on their property, let alone a local well.  Thousands walk miles each day to get water – only now it’s contaminated from raw sewage!

NO spider activity – day two – I am no longer jumpy and preoccupied with creatures.

GOOD FRIDAY was just that.  We had lots of fun with the kids all day.  I got beat at about six games of UNO and tried not to show my competitive side which can be pretty whiney.  We decorated foam crosses so they could each have one for their own.  They had the new kite flying high in the air which competed with another kite in the sky flown by someone down the street, only the neighbors kite had shredded black plastic for the tail and was home made.  The kids got so excited trying to get their kite higher and higher.

I should mention that when I first came down in the morning Rene’, Frentzy, and Fedner were all at New Life – even though they had the day off since it was Good Friday.  Little Patty, my Godchild, Rene’s daughter was with them as a surprise.  She was dressed so cute and her hair was braided to perfection.  She had a cute little purse on her should so I asked what was inside.  First she pulled out a little dress I had brought for her and I was so touched that she had brought it with her.  But then she pulled out her nightgown, followed by a clean pair of “un-dees” and last – her toothbrush!  Rene’ was so surprised and he laughed and laughed.  Patty shared that she was spending the night with me.  She calls me her “mother-in-law.”  She had a great day playing with all the children who were SO great with her.  She loved having all the room to run and play.  As the afternoon came to a close it was time for her and the guys to go home.  Patty was told that until she learned English she couldn’t stay with me because I wouldn’t understand if she needed something.  Her demeanor immediately changed and I thought my heart would break.  She left by giving me a tight hug, but was very mad at her “Papa.”  Too cute!

Friday’s dinner was the tradition – fish.  The children had fish as well.  At evening devotions I asked about 10 questions to the children to see what they knew about why we call it Good Friday and what took place on that day over 2,000 years ago.  I was very impressed with all they knew and I wasn’t able to stump them.  It was a good opportunity to discuss what Christ asked of his disciples, why He had to die, and the importance of not just asking for forgiveness – but to make an effort to change our ways to avoid further sin.  It was a humbling and blessed time for me, as well.  It seemed everyone had a “good Friday” and the children’s day ended with a movie and popcorn - a Friday night tradition.

Earlier in the afternoon a team came with suitcase after suitcase of treats to make 300 Easter Baskets!  We all put our goodies together in the most organized way possible.  The diverse amount of candy and little toys was unbelievable.  Can you even picture the size of the pile of 1,700 filled plastic eggs?

End of day three – No longer even thinking about tarantulas…

Today we had a busy morning as Renee and I went to Pastor Smith’s church to witness Frentzy getting baptized.  He invited us to come and we were honored to be present for the event that had deep meaning to him.  We told him he is officially our “little brother” now!

When we returned the filling of Easter bags was underway.  Wherever you looked in the dining room was an Easter bag.  We got the job done by lunch and all the bags counted out and divided so that tomorrow three different orphanages will have the fun of receiving a bag filled with all kinds of goodies.  The group sponsoring this generous offering is called My Neighbor’s Children.  Their generosity also includes the provision of a huge Easter dinner tomorrow for the three orphanages, New Life being one of them.  They spent several hours at the open air market this morning purchasing all the vegetables and such.  They even had a man come up to the car hoping to sell them the head of a cow!  I guess that really added to the experience.

The day has now come to a close, at least for Renee and me. The heat has a way of wearing you down. (Or maybe I should speak for myself!) The children just finished evening devotions and are about to watch another movie tonight as a treat. 

We talked about the reasons Christ was crucified last night and tomorrow we will celebrate His victory over death.  I explained to the children on Thursday that when people come to New Life to visit, they should realize that the visitors are sent by God to give them HIS love!  They should look at this as an answer to their prayers – as when they pray for God to help them, love them, and provide for them – HE sends people to do just that!  The people who come most generally are responding to a call from God.  They represent God’s love and God’s response to their prayer.  THAT’S how God can work – through us!   I assured them of my love for each of them – but suggested that they feel the love of God through me and others.  AND – at the same time, they can give that love to each other just as God asks of them. 

Wouldn’t that be some kind of kingdom on earth – if we all practiced loving each other unconditionally?

May each of you have a wonderful Easter celebration and thank you for your prayers as we continue to spread His love from our end on the world.  I can assure you He is giving that love back to us 10 fold. 

SATURDAY NIGHT - HE'S ALIVE

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

I looked forward to today knowing the children would be home from school and we would have the whole day to interact.  I should have known that the majority of the day, however, is spent cleaning their room, hand washing their clothes, re-braiding their hair for church and possibly the hair of a younger child.  This includes even the younger boys, who are responsible for washing their socks and underwear in a bucket.  Seemed everywhere I wandered there was action.  I was SO impressed with their diligence and level or responsibility.

At one point I saw a huddle of at least 15 girls with everyone talking at once.  In the center was one of the Nannies who was giving out new barrette’s for their hair.  Since I couldn’t understand a word being said, I assumed they were all pleading their need and style preference.  Then a packet of rubber bands for their hair was given to one of the older girls who was flocked as she divided them into even piles on the floor for individual distribution.  After all, one must have their hair adorned properly.

I sought out a few kids to give them the letter I had received from their sponsor. I try so hard to have it be a one on one time between me and the child – but the others seem to find us.  Everyone gets so excited to see the photos of the sponsors.  It’s turned into quite the highlight for the children.  Now I’m dealing with, “Will my sponsor send a photo?”  or “When will my sponsor come to New Life?”  Always difficult questions to answer.  

About 10 of the older boys were gone all morning to a special trade school.  Most of them are in a plumbing class or learning tire repair.  It was encouraging to see that they are getting prepared for life beyond the security fence by learning additional skills.

I loved listening and watching the children play.  Their imaginations were flowing and I couldn’t take in enough.  If ONLY I understood Creole!!  This old dog, just can’t learn any new tricks.  I’m terrible about learning the language.  I figure if I only have a limited amount of viable brain space left – I better save it for something I might really need to remember!  I posted my first video on Facebook – I’m really going places in the technical world!  It was of some of the little ones playing.  I taught two of them to say “I love you.” in English yesterday so they repeated it back so cute in the video that I had to share. 

Whenever they see me coming with my big shoulder bag, TOO MANY come running.  Some get excited to do a dot-to-dot, color a page, do a Word Search or this time I brought math sheets from Kindergarten to about 8^th grade.  The older children actually took the challenge of a math sheet and wanted their sponsor to see their great work.  Then of course, you have those who come running knowing the chances are pretty great there is a piece of bubble gum or candy somewhere in all that mess.

It’s difficult to spend quality time with 97 children – but I gave it my best shot.  I would be lying to say it was all bliss.  I actually had to threaten a “time out” here and there when I got overwhelmed with repeat offenders.  But all know they are dearly loved.

In the late afternoon Rene’ took me to pick up ice cream for our party tomorrow. We are having hotdogs and ice cream as a treat tomorrow, in addition to celebrating Lulu’s (a guest at New Life) birthday.  Every time I am in the street and outside the peaceful setting of New Life I’m reminded of the REAL life.  Despite being in Haiti probably 20 times now over the past five years – I still stare at the activity on the street with disbelief and remind myself this IS life in Haiti day after day after day.  Mounds of garbage here and there, a piece of tin being supported by four, thin sticks hoping to provide shade for the person who will sit under it on the sidewalk to sell whatever they might have to sell, someone urinating in the sewer that runs by, young, young barefoot children trying to wash off your windows if you are a stop – hoping to get money for food.  The sidewalks are packed with people, horns are honking non-stop – although each toot has a universal meaning to all.  I have seen the same homeless man laying in the same spot against a brick wall in a fetal position at every visit.  I’ve started looking for him on every visit, to be sure he is still alive.  Today was no exception.