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

Haiti Joy and Heartbreak

Patty Meyer 11/1/2012

It’s hard to believe a week has passed since we arrived. In one week we have witnessed the effect s of the hurricane flooding, preparation of bags of food to feed 1,500, and the anguish of seeing the suffering and effects of malnutrition, which took the lives of two little boys here at New Life on Monday and Wednesday. A constant reminder that seems unbelievable that FOOD, FOOD, FOOD is the greatest need and the cause of so much worry, anxiety and many times death. Yesterday we had the opportunity to go outside of New Life into several areas only to find the streets were like a parking lot. I tried not to whine from the back seat of our van as sweat dripped from my face, especially with the hundreds of people walking, who would have loved to have had a ride. 
It could be SO, SO easy to get overwhelmed – and I surely DO during every visit – listenening to the stories of need by nearly everyone you meet. Most stories are the same. “I have no job. I want my children to be able to go to school. I have so little to feed my family.” Or – even those with a job say their income is not sufficient to care for their family and to have food for them every day. EVERYTHING revolves around affording food. 
My joy comes from the time I spend with the kids. My dear Pierre continues to come running when he sees me walking toward the orphanage. YES – I do know that he hopes I brought him a few swigs of the rest of my coke and have a piece of bubble gum in my pocket, but his smile and tight hug around my neck helps take away my anger, disappointment, and frustration that creeps back into my heart and mind several times a day as I experience life here. 
The parts of today that brought the love of Jesus to others was a “store” we set up in the church. We had the girls come to “shop” and from oldest to youngest they came in groups of four. We had panties, socks, hair accessories, an assortment of clothes, purses and of course a piece of candy when they left with their selections. Our display was possible because of the donations of many people. How I thank those who responded to the list on face book and made their desires a reality. Being typical females, it took several of them FOREVER to decide on just the right thing.
The afternoon also ended with proving each employee here at New Life with a small monetary gift to purchase food from Impact For Jesus. I am SO thankful to each of you who responded to the opportunity to help with this need. Just to hear their words of thanksgiving was so humbling. One woman who I so adore shared that when she left her children and came to work this morning, they had no food and nothing to prepare for dinner. She was so excited to go home and surprise them with food. As people thanked Renee and myself I told them it was from many people in the states who care about them. To many I told them it was from God – He answered their prayers and just happened to use us to do it. I am so aware of how humble they are – but yet how humiliating it must be to admit to your life of being so destitute. Then there is ME – I complain at home if I don’t have more than 10 choices when I open the pantry door...
Tonight after devotions Renee and I gave all the kids and nannies a “freezer pop.” I know this probably sounds so goofy – but as I looked around and saw everyone sucking on these things it felt like we were one big family and while the days and nights can be beyond hard – THIS moment – all is good and refreshing.

Renee and I were both at “bug bite limit” so went to our rooms about 8:00 p.m. Renee ended her day (which included a bee sting and another 25 mosquito bites) with a cock roach landing on her arm. Let me just say that they grow them BIG here. I am glad I didn’t witness her experience! 
So – As the day came to an end and I thought about what it held – learning of a death of the little boy, all the stories, all the people in need I went to bed remembering little Pierre at devotions tonight as he sang “Amazing Grace” and I thought it couldn’t have been a sweeter sound. What might tomorrow bring?

Haiti-Huricane Sandy Aftermath 10/26/12

Patty Meyer

10/26/2012

I’m writing from Haiti, yet knowing it will be impossible for you to truly understand what I have experienced today. When we arrived yesterday we learned that because of the rain, there was no school and several of the employees were unable to get to New Life. Our dear friend Frentzy showed us a photo of the river water, whose depth was nearing the top of the bridge. Normally, this same river can have the appearance of a narrow stream, reaching the depth of maybe ones knees and is used by the locals for bathing, washing clothes and by pigs, goats, and an occasional cow, as well. If I was to guess – I would say the bridge is AT LEAST 40 feet above the river bed. Since it was merely drizzling at this point, I had no idea of the conditions around us.

It rained through the night and we woke to more rain. We soon learned that there had been significant flooding, which had already taken the lives of 11 people, with many more anticipated deaths. One of the employees here is in his 30’s and he said he has never witnessed this much rain and flooding.

Realizing there was so much devastation, nine of us ventured out to see if there was anything we could possibly do to help. Near New Life is a tent city which has been there for going on THREE YEARS. That was our first stop. As we drove up we could see pools of water and mud. There were probably 40 children mingling around – some half dressed, most without shoes. The man “in charge” came forward and explained that most of the tents had been flooded or filled with mud and people were in terrible need. With his permission, he graciously walked us around just the front of the “city” and we peered into tents, only to see all these people have to call their own was sitting in mud. The scene that sticks in my mind is looking into a small tent to find a young mother sitting on an upside down bucket holding a 6 week old baby. She stared back at me with dead pan eyes, not returning the smile I offered to her. Then she began shaking her head back and forth and her expression did not change. Someone tell me HOW are they able to withstand one tragedy after another? All I could do was say, “Jesus loves you.” and look back at her with the most caring expression I could offer, yet knowing she had no idea what I was saying.

As we continued, a wonderful Haitian man who was leading me, tried to keep a step ahead of me as he flung pieces of broken cement or a rock for me to step on so I didn’t slide or sink in the mud. Even without the rain, without the mud these tents would bring you to tears to look inside – but to see them with standing water and mud – was just about more than I could look at. We learned there are 133 families who live here, which includes 500 children! None of these families can afford to send their children to school. So – everyday is spent in the confines of these premises, with one tent right after the next. We promised the people that we would be returning later in the day with food. FOOD being their number one request.

As we continued down the main road, which is normally at a dead stop because of all the traffic, we found the traffic very light and where there would normally be people crowded on the sidewalks selling their wares – there was no one.

We went down a side street/mud road and found an area in even greater need. We learned 10 BRICK houses had already been washed away and a man with his pants rolled up to his knees was throwing bucket after bucket of water out of his house into the street that already held about five inches of water, which would soon rush back into his home. In this area, people were standing outside of their home – some in knee deep water. You could see their few belonging were all stacked in various ways to keep them from sitting in water. Without a doubt, the few articles of clothing they owned were surely wet.

Let me fast forward our day to share that by mid afternoon there were about 20 people here at New Life making up bags of rice, beans, spaghetti, cooking oil, and sardines which were then delivered to the tent city families, as promised. They were of course beyond thrilled to have the food. Wonderful yes – but what about food two days from now?

While that gesture served as a glimmer of light in all this darkness, I have to admit that as it CONTINUES to rain and now that darkness has settled in – I sit here wondering what are these thousands, upon thousands of people in this country doing? I had a nice dinner of chicken. I am sitting here with electricity – they have NONE. I have a suitcase filled with clothes, more than they would probably EVER have, AND they are DRY. I am having one of those times where I don’t understand the disparity – yet again. (GUN FIRE JUST WENT OFF! Another sound you get used to…) As I said in the beginning of this writing – I don’t know if you can even grasp what I am sharing to the level that it exists. What do we do? We do what we can with what we have to those we can. Quite truthfully – this is so overwhelming that it leaves you feeling like there is nothing you can do and it’s paralyzing. But at the same time – WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING! I am going to assume that this hasn’t even made the news in the states. Or maybe it received a 10 second clip showing people up to their waist in water with all they own on top of their head. Millions of people MIGHT actually think – “Wow – that’s awful.” But the truth is – people are drowning, canals have overflowed and sewer water is running down people’s streets and into their homes. There is a HORRIBLE food and clean water shortage and it stands to reason that cholera cases will sky rocket.

IF this touches you and you would like to help – 100% of your contribution will be used to buy food and clean water for those we are able to help. By me being here, I encourage you to contact Jim, my husband at jmeyer9544@aol.com for specific instructions. For me to come home in two weeks and THEN share this emergency would be irresponsible of me. I send this offer to you to be part of a humanitarian effort so together we can do SOMETHING – it will NEVER be enough…but it WILL matter to those who receive it. I’ve only been here a bit over 24 hours and my chest aches for these innocent people. May the sun shine tomorrow.

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.