On the Move in Haiti

If you’ve been reading this blog over the last week, I hope you have appreciated the myriad of perspectives. Just as each day and each writer have been different so too are the experiences. The Haiti mission team is made up of 14 individuals ranging from 15 to 55 years old with varying degrees of mission experience. However, the majority have had no experience in Haiti – the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

Today, we started early by getting picked up by our friends from Village of Hope / Lazarus Project. The travel was different than any of the other days because we traveled around Haiti in the back of an open air truck. This is the best way to see Haiti because standing in the back of a truck allows one to see over the 8 foot high cinderblock walls that line almost every street. We traveled from our Haiti home base to the Village of Hope, a school at the foot of the mountains near the Dominican Republic border. The institution was formed some twenty years ago to serve the rural population of Haiti by offering excellent faith based education. Unfortunately, the school was out for the summer so we didn’t get to meet the 640 students who make up all 13 grades of students. We did get to walk the impressive compound as well as see the progress of the new medical clinic. The clinic is being built to serve the community in large part because of the funds provided from Wheatland Salem Church, Impact for Jesus and the Village of Hope. It’s really an impressive structure in that it is being built to both California earthquake and Florida hurricane standards. The project really is a sign that Haiti has begun to change for the better.

After our visit, we returned to Port Au Prince to do a little work at another Village of Hope partnership project called Little Children of Jesus (LCJ). The project is one of the best handicap homes in the country. They currently have over 98 residents. The folks living at LCJ are all severely physically and/or mentally challenged. It was quite overwhelming to spend time with the residents. Handshakes and hugs were all we could really offer but the lingering emotions were almost overpowering. Have you ever hugged a child whose own culture thinks of them as a burden or a piece of living furniture? It takes your breath away and touches something deep down in ones soul. I will never forget leaving the facility wishing we could have stayed longer, done a craft or played a little indoor soccer in the recreation room. We will be back though and next time we will do it all. As the visit ended, we felt compelled to pray for our host (a second career missionary from Canada).  She thanked us for caring enough to think of asking God to bless her with strength, wisdom and perseverance.

We then traveled to our host’s mission station. As our host prepared the cold cuts for lunch, the team gathered in the courtyard so as not to be overheard and made the decision to give some of the $2000 dollars raised for those in need to the Village of Hope. We presented the money to our host who was genuinely surprised at our generosity. It was a pleasure to hand her the funds. After the presentation, we moved down the street to visit Grace House of Hope. An orphanage we have been associated with for over 8 years. It’s an all girls orphanage with a great history. Sister Marie was gracious about the gifts of food and the time spent with the girls. The team was once again on the emotional rollercoaster. It’s really hard to look into a child’s eyes and see their longing for love and attention all the while knowing this might be the only hug they get from an adult for a week.  

The day finished with an open air ride back to our Haiti home base at New Life Children’s Home. We ate some dinner, played some late night soccer, belted out a few praise songs with the orphans and finished with a session of laughing around the picnic table outside our mission huts.  We serve an awesome God and tomorrow we get to do it again!

Pastor Coach Bob (said with a Creole orphan accent)

Downtown Port Au Prince with the WSC Mission team

Well, it’s a miracle that we actually slept last night since there was a fury of events.  For the boys, Dave was met with an Army of fire ants in his bed.  Lesson #15 for the week, ‘Never, repeat Never, leave open food on your bed!’  Lesson #16 quickly followed with, ‘100%deet kills everything!’  On the girl’s side, Courtney had a fury visitor or the rodent type of persuasion.  Apparently, mosquito nets repel more than we expected.

Today we needed all the energy we could muster since we were visiting 3 places; Cohena Orphanage, Port Au Prince and the Metal Works village which were all interesting.

First came Cohena where we were greeted by 45 happy children who looked very bored.  They are not going to school right now and it was very clear that there was NOTHING to do.  We started by handing out hand-made goodie bags that where put together with love by Kristin, Martha and Maria a few days ago.  I think that’s where Kristin learned Lesson #12- 100% deet actually takes the color out of anything it comes into contact with your skins.  In her case, a plastic goodie bag with blue polka dots. She was very fashionable with blue dots on her leg for the rest of the day. The children also loved the bags and were very grateful.  Next, Renee delivered some sponsor gifts to some children who just beamed!  The Butler’s boy, Lunard has picked up some soccer moves since last year!  Of course, he’s an honorary Butler! The Campbell family’s sponsored girl is so beautiful!  All the kids there look very healthy!  After the kids had some fun chewing gum and blowing bubbles, we moved on to passing out dresses to the girls, which were made with love by Lisa from Wheatland Salem Church.  They looked so sweet!  The boys were soon dressed in Chicago Fire shirts and playing keep away in two groups in the small orphanage.  They are great at making do with what they have. It was tough to leave, especially for John who was held tightly by one child and left with a cry soaked shoulder! 

Next was fighting the traffic to make out way to Port Au Prince.  Nas, our driver was very skilled for driving in Haiti which Austin says makes driving in downtown Chicago seem like a breeze!  Diane had a few heart attack moments along the way which made Renee and Bob chuckle. The scenery was much more disturbing than the traffic.  The group was awestruck by the amount of devastation and poverty that exists there.  We have been a bit sheltered staying at New Life Children’s Orphanage by the wonderful accommodations and it was a bit of culture shock to leave.  The veterans of Haiti missions did notice some signs of rebuilding.  Pastor Bob actually recalled a particular building which was just starting his last trip and is now complete and looks really good!  There were many more trucks than usually and we even saw some construction equipment.  God is so good. We did have a slight reprieve with Lunch at the Emporia which was very much improved and expanded from last year’s trip.  I (Diane) almost thought I was at the mall until the food came and it was pizza, Haitian style, and side orders of questionable chicken nuggets. Aren’t all chicken nuggets a mystery though? 

Finally, after we were re-energized, we were off to a long, long ride to the Metal Works shop. The group was amazed at how talented these men were to create such amazing things from pounded out trash barrels using only a nail and hammer.  We were all amazed once again with the driving of Nas and Rene’ who managed to get us across town in Haiti traffic in less than an hour.  We admit that some of his ‘short cuts’ were a bit scary.  The adults were amazed with the youth’s bargaining skills.  They started as very shy about the whole matter on the bus but after the first,’ score’ by Patrick for a gecko, the competition was ON.  We are finding that several days of soccer has made them quite competitive!  The winner for the day, with the best bargain was Martha, who got a kids around the world that was originally priced at $20 and she walked away paying only $8.  The shopping was put to an end by the mounting traffic and Bob bringing in the troops. 

When we returned, it took only about 10 minutes before the youth were out on the field to join the kids in playing soccer, what else. The dinner bell didn’t even stop them.  A short rest then devotions with the kids at 7 sharp (Haitian time).  Austin was really a trooper since he didn’t turn down his new buddies Jeremy and Louis for a shoulder rides even though they are still bright red from our beach trip.  Now that’s sacrifice!

Today’s post was brought to you by Austin and Diane.

4th of July

Just like another day in Haiti. While Wheatland Salem Church group joined other missionarries and New Life kids on a trip to a beach, I was shopping for lumber and electrical supplies. Nothing has changed, is a most of the day process. Although prices at a local supply store seem very reasnable from my stand point, they are very expensive from a Haitian prospective. Now you can imagine a smal pick up truck (it did have a double cab), 6 guys (temps in mid 90's and very humid) and 50 pieces of 12' lumber sticking streight up from the back of the pick up driving through washed out streets. Overloaded by any standard, but a normal site in Haiti. But as always, somehow it got done.
Before everybody returned from the beach I had a chance to assemble my sound equipment rack that houses controllers for 4 wireless microphones that were donnated by Wheatland Salem Church. We were able to use the mics during the Divotional in the evening. Pastor was praising God for the gift, since back in January he made a drawing of a system that He was praying for. The only missing componenets are the two speakes that are coming on the School Bus and the system will be exacly as he drew up. What a Joy and Blessing to listen to the kids sing in english. They know so many songs, it absolutely amzing.
Rene and Frenzy were on the job all day as well working on several projects. It looks like Franzy's foot is finly getting better, he had a pair of bots on yesterday. It was so great to see both of their smiling faces again!
Today is a work day for all. I will be starting on the 3 sets of bunk beds.

Bill

Haitian Beach Day

Today was beach day!  After another delicious breakfast, the two visiting churches and IFJ departed for the beach with many of the children from New Life in tow.  Along the way, we saw how the people of Haiti have coped with the recent disaster.  Although, there is still much work to be done, it was truly eye-opening to see them find solace in something as simple as a game of 3v3 soccer or the buying and selling of goods at the local market. 

Upon our arrival, we quickly discovered the skill of our bus driver as he descended the steep, winding, 30-foot decline towards our beach.  After a quick prayer, the kids headed toward the waves with smiles on their faces.  While in the water, most spent their time playing games, while others enjoyed the comfort of the shade and a cool breeze.  Other activities included rousing games of UNO, the collection of sea shells and beach glass, and, of course, the daily ritual of a friendly game of soccer.  Later, lunch was served, which consisted of peanut butter sandwiches, BBQ chicken, rice and beans, and a fresh salad.  As usual, everyone enjoyed the delicious meal just as much as the last, especially with the scenic view of the ocean tides and the mountains of Haiti in the background.  It was truly amazing to see God’s hand extend to a land so impoverished.  After lunch, some took to the water to continue the fun and games while others played soccer and even a game of basketball with human hoops (thanks to Will and Patrick).  A few hours later, it was time to head back to the orphanage.  Although, it surely disappointed the children to leave, we knew they enjoyed themselves with a full, active day of sun and fun as many fell asleep on the bus ride home.  On the way, we saw the grave site where many of the victims of the earthquake were laid to rest.  Although sad, it was a moving display of Haitian pride to see the giant purple ribbon marking the burial site. 

After another delicious dinner, we headed back to the pitch for one final game of soccer before Devotions.  While we all missed spending the 4th of July with our families back home it was truly a blessing to be in a community filled with so much love.  This will surely be a holiday we all will not soon forget.

-Blogged by: Kristin and David (the human)

Haiti Soccer Camp - July 3rd, 2011

Today, the plan was to set up a tournament with five different teams. However, we are quickly learning that things in Haiti don’t exactly go according to plan. Some of us are having an easier time adjusting to this than others. We started off with an MLS shoot-out competition to get the kids all gathered on the soccer field. Before, we got the games started; we passed around on the field and goofed around with the kids. Austin put one kid on his shoulders and then all of a sudden every kid was begging to be put up on our shoulders. They were all begging to faster and faster so the boys ended up racing each other with the kids on their shoulders. The kids were squealing with laughter and loved all the attention they were getting. We ended up only having enough kids to make two teams given that we started a noon, the hottest time of day, and most of the girls don’t play soccer. We gave each team their respective pennies and bandanas and let the games begin.  The children were so proud of the team they were on and made all their friends get the same bandana. We started to play the first game in the middle of the day; this was hard for us because we are not accustomed to the heat in Haiti. The game was fun and the kids really enjoyed it. They are very skilled and we find ourselves learning from them just as much as they are learning from us. The game lasted about an hour and ended with a great lunch.

While the soccer game was occupying most of the boys, we had crafts set up along the sidelines for those who chose not to participate in the soccer game. We had beads to put on string and pipe-cleaners that became bracelets and necklaces. The kids loved to go through and pick out what beads to put on their bracelets and many shared their creations with us. We also had foam crosses to decorate with letters and sticker jewels. It’s amazing how their lives are so centered on Christ. Many of their crosses read: “Jesus loves Jeremy,” or “Shirley loves God.” The kids enjoyed wearing the jewel stickers as jewelry as well. Many little kids were running around with make-shift earrings and jewels stuck on their foreheads. Then we had to go in for dinner.

When we were eating our dinner we looked out the window to see the kids starting to organize their own game of soccer. We were amazed and quickly ran into our rooms and got the jerseys we packed for them. We brought out the jerseys and the kids we ecstatic and were so proud to have their own jersey and number. Then we started the game. It was a high scoring game and many of their goals were high-light reel worthy. We played until it became dark and it was time for the kids to go to devotions. We went and watched a few videos that Bill Plaza made with pictures and videos that he took during his last visit to the New Life for Children Home/Rescue Center. After watching the videos, we sang a few worship songs and sent the kids off to bed.

We are so blessed to have this opportunity to serve these kids and bring a smile to their faces. I cannot wait to play with them tomorrow!

Emily and Will.