Beginnings

Our trip began in Chicago with Ray Carter, Johnny Musso, Andy and Adam Code, Chris Greeno and Jim Meyer. We just finished our first full day in this wonderful, yet deeply tortured country of Haiti. After landing yesterday afternoon, negotiating the frenetic experience of the Port-au-Prince airport, and making the long detour around the airport in the back of a large pickup truck, we reached our temporary home in Bon Repos, and Marie’s open arms. The sights, smells, and feelings that we experienced on our ride were not close to predictable. Ruts ruled every road; open tent communities lined every field, people were walking everywhere, yet I couldn’t help but feel a peace and a faith among the waving hands and smiling faces that followed us all the way to Bon Repos.

After settling in to our mosquito covered rooms with freshly made beds and an initiating hug from Marie, we headed down the block on a five minute walk to the orphanage. I now know for sure that God created all children in his image in all parts of the world. Having visited continents from Africa, to Asia, Europe and countries in Central America, I am convinced that a child’s unconditional love is a universal language. It was less than two minutes before all six of the men on our trip (plus Tim and Ethan Gibbons who joined us from the Quad Cities) were enveloped by 31 rambunctious girls, full of laughter, smiles, hugs and dances. Names were exchanged, hands were held, candy was handed out and bugs were slapped, and we began our new and blessed relationships. We capped our night with a full history of Marie’s journey, a celebration of the Blackhawks victory in the Stanley Cup, and our venture under the mosquito nets on a sweaty Haitian evening. Needless to say all slept well and all woke by 5:30 – a full hour and a half after the sun rose. Ouch!

Today was literally unbelievable. We began with a refreshed connection to our new friends at the orphanage, followed by a three hour tour of the devastation in Port-au-Prince. The total destruction can only be captured in person, yet we took countless pictures and stopped numerous times in an attempt to commemorate the disaster. In the city, over half of the buildings looked like pancakes. Rubble, stone, rebar, and garbage are everywhere. The water in the streets, fields and streams is a color of green that has never been named. The mixed smell of exhaust fumes, burning debris, and cooking fires is omnipresent. People sitting on the sides of the street, unemployed and homeless, haunts me as I write this. Yet, the smiles, thumbs up, and friendly Bon Jour connections were comforting and assured me that there is hope, and God is sovereign. I couldn’t stop looking at the smashed buildings and imagining the horror of being trapped inside a fallen structure in stifling heat for days and even weeks. Even the Presidential Palace was demolished with a full tent city directly across the street. Ironically, a full staff was mowing and raking the lawn amidst the chaos.

Finally, we pulled into a local hardware store and spent the next two hours (in close to 100 degree temperature) loading and unloading 100 bags of concrete (94 lbs each) and delivering to the orphanage. Hopefully, we will see the pouring of the new floors in the dormitory tomorrow or Saturday. It felt good to contribute – even in a small way. On to the showers, Gina’s home cooked meal of beef, vegetables, rice, and ice cold beverages. As I type this we are in the midst of great fellowship and sharing. I can’t help but remember Henry Blackaby’s great words, “If you want to experience God, go where he is working”. And, I can assure you He is working here and now. Blessings to all. Andy Code

DAY 2 - Wednesday June 9th 2010

Woke up at 6 today to the sound of a dump truck dropping a load of engine blocks in the alley. Why? I have no idea. Anyway later in the morning Dad and I went to the orphanage and saw that the concrete on the floor of the church, so we went along looking at trying to plan out a drainage system for the ground. After planning for that we decided that we had done enough work till after lunch. So we came back and took a break at Marie’s. After loafing around and eating lunch we decided why start woking again. We went to the airport and waited for Jim’s flight to get in we got there around 230. Their flight got delayed and didn’t get in until 5ish. So for all those out there Jim and his team got here safely. When we got back we ate a delicious dinner of Chicken, carrots, and of course beans and rice. After dinner we went to the orphanage and of course the girls were all over us. As we were leaving I realized that even after a month someone will have to be there kicking and screaming away from those girls. When we got back we sat down and Marie was gracious enough to sit down and tell us her story. WOW is the only word I can say. I could write down her whole story and you would not believe me.. it is 95 degrees out and I got shivers more than once. Well I need to shower and go to bed more tomorrow and pictures

- Ethan

On Our Way Home – A little lighter with part of our hearts left in Haiti

Nothing new about our wake up – the usual environmental sounds, the heat, the lack of power, the bright positive outlooks and attitudes and the amazing instant coffee in a bag – and don’t forget six women patiently and lovingly waiting in line for the door less ladies room and the bucket shower! All that said, we gathered together at 7:30 and tried to figure out how “Haitian Style” – we could finish all the items on “our list”. Praises for Patty’s pancakes and bacon – I think we ate more at one meal than most Haitians have in one week – wondering if we could do with less. We were very excited to be going to COEHNA today, a second orphanage that we have begun to support. So we gathered activities and headed out for another eye awaking journey. We were met by 32 boys and girls in their school uniforms. We found out as the day progressed, they are still sleeping on the ground in a tent by night out of fear for another earthquake. We found these children very polite, kind and caring toward one another. They definitely watch out for one another. Handed out sponsor gifts and for those that did not have one we had brought something for everyone else. The kids loved the kites, balls and balsa wood planes. It was the highlight of the afternoon to see a kite flying in the beautiful Haitian sun. We toured the orphanage and found it very clean and absolutely nothing other than the bare essentials. We were please to see that the Pastor and his wife have been teaching the older boys and girls to make sandals, bracelets and wall hangings out of rope and beads as a trade. We left there pleased that we had gone wanting to spend more time and wondering how we can do more in the future. Then it was out to the artisan metal works that we tried to get to yesterday. As we pulled into the neighborhood filled with metal work shops in the front of people’s living quarters we weren’t quite prepared to be their only customers. The level of intricacy of their work is amazing. And of course, all of this gets done with very little tools and no power. Being the generous hearts that we are we felt compelled to leave some money behind to help the Haitian economy. Definitely a place not to miss! Then it was off to the now famous bakery with air conditioning for cokes and fries. Back to Marie’s then for the dreaded final time with the girls. Most women felt that this part of the visit was not described in the travel brochure accurately! The girls were given hand sown dresses that were donated by a loving supporter and each dress said “I love you” stitched on it. We celebrated with the “pink” cake we had purchased the prior day and got all the girls in line for a beautiful picture. They watched and sang worship songs with the DVD’s that we had purchased for them and then it was time for our last goodbyes. We all lined up and each girl passed by to get a big hug, kiss and a blessing of “I Love You” with a few tears in between. We continue to be encouraged by the progress we have seen in the orphanage rebuild. We are excited to see how God is restoring what has attempted to be destroyed. The Haitian people’s perseverance; a blessing and an example of faith to us. We have been taught this week to find joy in the smallest of luxuries like, instant coffee, no power and water for bucket showers. We long to get home to our friends and family but painfully part of our hearts are left here in Haiti! Thank you for continuing to be God’s hands.
The Team

Tuesday's Roller Coaster

Got up by 5:30am when the roaster was crowing and our neighbor was out planting what we haven’t quite figured out is either corn or sugar cane. But the way he plants is quite unique. He comes out to the weed patch, takes off his worn high tops, and bends over with a hand sickle in his hand to wack away the weeds before planting. He continues to do this all day long in the hot Haitian sun and has cleared a patch about 30 x 30 feet during our weeks stay. While we waited for the guys to get back with four new tires on Marie’s large truck we spent the morning inventorying and packing all activities we never got to this week, sharing devotions and praying. The next group will have plenty to do and when we come back in June. You learn very quickly that one must relax and go with the flow around here. Flexibility is definitely the word of the day! Then it was off to the adventures of the day. First stop was Marie’s sister tent camp. Unfortunately, she was in the states, so we said hello to a few people, visited the make shift church and prayed for all of them. We then left to journey to the iron works area where artists make beautiful pieces of art out of 55 gallon used drums. So off we went, traffic being more than any traffic jam one has ever experienced in the states. At one intersection, that actually had a traffic light, we sat waiting for an hour plus, only to turn into another “stand still” traffic jam, four cars deep. While waiting, we learned how to strip sugar cane, get on and off a Tap Tap (Haitian Taxi), make Haitian snow cones, how many UN and Haitian policeman it takes to direct traffic, just how much diesel fumes one person can inhale before passing out and just how long it takes for your toes to burn in the Haitian sun. What a learning! Shortly after all of this, we turned left and realized after traveling about half a block in one half hour that the iron works area was still very far away and we were not destine to make it there today. Pulled out of traffic, made a U-turn and headed back to Marie’s. Stopped on the way home at a bakery to get the girls a cake and us some fries and a coke. How refreshing it was to walk into our first air conditioned building. We watched as a young woman made crepes on a flat griddle and filled them with “Big Mac” sauce, ham, cheese and hot sauce. We decided that must be a “Haitian Cuban Sandwich”. To Marie’s then to gather all sponsor gifts, cross necklaces and toys. Back to the orphanage to have a wonderful evening of giving. Each girl sat down in her place and came one at a time for a sponsor gift and a small gift from a mission team that was staying at Hope House this week. We all took turns putting cross necklaces on each girl and hugging and telling them we love them. All of a sudden rain started to fall heavily. So we waited for it to let up and moved quickly back to Marie’s in between the rain fall. Unfortunately, darkness came quickly and we were unable to get back to the orphanage to give them their “pink” cake. We will get back to it tomorrow.
Yesterday was a roller coaster of emotions. The truck journey was more than “our first” timer hearts could take. What our eyes took in was beyond more emotions that we could feel. One wonders if God has forgotten this country. But the time spent with the girls renewed our faith in Him. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti and tell all who will listen of their plight. God Bless you for your continued support.
Renee

How do you put the shower on pulsate?

I was not informed in the Haiti brochure that I would be required to Blog….
Yesterday, three of us woke up before the alarm, that is to say that 3 o us woke up before the Roosters crow. It was 5:30, and we did not hear from him, so I have written a stern letter to ……well I wrote one!
We were a little low on protein, so I invented the “Haitian Danish” – Cathy didn’t think the ants would give the coffee a true Columbian flavor, so we went with instant again. We skipped the standard beautification routine and threw on our grubs for the project ahead , putting a coat of polyurethane on the new church pews to protect them from the elements.
Walking down the stone road to the orphanage has become more of a routine, and you learn the people that you meet. I adore the woman that lights up when I say “Bon Jay Ben ou” which means God bless you – We say it back and forth and I adore her sincerity in the daily blessing!
Arriving, we found that the swing the girls had improvised in the old truck bed the night before, had been taken down and it made us sad. We got started. It was only about 95 and we wanted to get started right at 9. Apparently, my drawing of a paintbrush did not translate well, so we started the project with rollers and art foam brushes. When the heads fell off of them, we jut held the foam on with our fingers and painted with our two fingers …Sure , that’s do-able…..The polyurethane lack dripped from the sponger and plopped into our flip flops , which we now called slip slops. Soon , Raynay delivered real paintbrushes and we were in a production fury.
Some of us went to serve hot dogs to the kids. Cathy said they served 200 kids and they set up an assembly line to pass out the dogs. The joy was in their excitement when served something that we all take for granted.
The rest of us stayed to continue painting, The school kid found us fascinating at lunch. I think they are quite impressed t the big sweating Bohemian women who has all of those bug bites. The work was tough, but I always found a moment to stop and flash a duck face when the kids yelled “you , you “ –
The pastor from yesterdays service was watching too. I looked at him and said “John 15” and he smiled and said “You remembered!” Though the entire service was in Creole, the people took the time to point in our bible so we could read along. I felt his passion toward the end of His message and praised God, for the love for our the Lord translates better than anything I have seen here during my stay. Merci!
Patty came by just after lunch, which was and answered prayer. She had been back at the suite preparing with Marie for the trip to the adoption agency. I wanted to pray for them. The Haitian government is next to impossible. Please pray for all of those who are trying to bring a child to America. Patty was off and we continued, determined to get done, sticky, sweaty, dirty, and scuffed from lumber, we managed to laugh and sing “ You are Holy”, lead incredibly by Renee. Though our preparations were admirable, we did not prepare for turpentine in the eye, and had to rush Sue back to the bucket. She is amazing, because it never broke her stride, and she is always our constant and reliable rock. I have thanked him many times.
We took some time to have 3 pieces of jerky, 2 sips of Koka Kola and 1 bucket I mean, shower. It was nearly three and we were exhausted, but knew we should get back to the school before the girls were served their meal at 4.We took picture and I told the girls about Johie, Jonny an Zak, American children who sent their love to them! We have planned a with a parachute and were excited to play with the girls. After the meal, we made some fish from paper plates and spent some real quality time with the girls, tickling , “embrace” and loving – embrace is Creole for hug…..and here’s the thing, although the word is a little different, sounding different the process if exactly the same. Extend your arms and wrap them round with all the love you can mush over!
So Renee and Jessica took the parachute out to the common area and began to round the children to paint it – I cannot decide if I was distracted because of the fun I was having with the little ones, or if it rolled in faster than Naperville, but suddenly the black clouds opened and He poured a mighty rain down on us. The parachute was barely saved and there was a glorious excitement as the children ran through the waterfall and frolicked in the immediate puddles Again, God blessed us intensely – the backdrop of the cool breeze and the impromptu lockup while waiting for the storm to subside created quality cuddle time with the kids. Glory!
The stone and gravel roads that were left after the earthquake can be treacherous when dry, puddles can be incredible. We received a car ride back to our suite. When we returned, we watched the tenants here catch the rain from the down spouts in their buckets, many buckets. The intense down pour provides water for many days of washing and bathing. The kids just run in the puddles and spin in the waterfalls. I found it joyous and a boy stomped through the puddles of His goodness.
Praise God, Cathy had offered to crank out some Pasta Aiola ……sans garlic. It was amazing. You should see what an Italian can do with pasta when improvising! And we danced and sang “when the moon hits your eyes” – The generator went out and our Lord provided a meal by Lantern. It was a great way to end to a very full day.
The generator stopped, and the government was hanging on to their electricity, so we decided 9 pm was time to rest up. We have been praying together each morning , before each meal and each night, but His timing gave us some one on one time to spend with Him and submit our requests. I believe we have great expectations to His answers, because He has not let us down even once. I lay in bed collecting the evidence of His Glory. He provides in any circumstance, and situation. I started to think about my team, and how His design has put us together in the most amazing way.
Our great Father has sent a Leader in Patty, who’s heart can drive us to anything by its sincerity and sheer beauty. Patty exhibits His great love when she looks into the eyes of absolutely every child she meets and I find it incredible and glorious. He has sent a calm organized strength in Renee, who will reassure even the smallest soul of His great love. She directs when adversity arises and we follow gratefully. He has sent an improvising, joyful lead in Cathy, who continues to keep the situation light in the most amazing persevering, way….she brings His music with our laughter. He has sent radiant beauty and adoring love in the gentle spirit of Jessica. Her love for these girls, her compassionate heart and willingness touches my heart with the very finger of God. He has sent a steady certainty of faith in the conviction of Sue. Her spiritual faithfulness is an armor we all reach to put on throughout each day. And he has sent me, a gift, to experience and know His glory in the midst of all of this. I am hoping He chose me to share it with all of you.
In summary, praise Jesus, I have found this: GOD IS GLORIFIED IN HAITI! What a gift we are given in adversity, to know His faithful love, to know His constant provision. I believe The Haitian people know it, and there may be some of us that need to learn it. You may be wondering what it ia like to come on a mission to Haiti. I can tell you that it truly is a place where you can find His truth, His presence, His loyal love. The stages of life that we may be familiar with have been removed and what remains is creation, His creation, and His provision. You find Him in the smallest challenge, you know Him in the biggest heart break, knowing He has a plan that is magnificent. You can’t help wonder what He will do , one day with all of this, and how He will be glorified by the transition. Everything is completely different, and God is EXACTLY the same! Glorious!
I thank Him for the time to share what I can with you , I thank Him for the love He shows me, for the example of His sovereign promises , for the assurance he lends. I love Him for His death, and forgiveness of all of our sins, and I love Him for the gift He brings us all.
So…there is some commotion, I believe we are making a trip in town. Patty has promised a trip to the starbucks if it is open. She said it is sometimes closed on Tuesdays, isn’t THAT weird? But I got over it because she said it is a long Haitian tradition. She is so good at explaining things to me And she just presented me with a shower cap for the potential rain ! YAy God! Can’t wait to get home and tell you more in person so you can pray for a chance to some your selves!
Bon Jay Ben ou!