Friday 7-2-2010
Another “warm” day with temp near 100 and a couple of hours spent with mid day sun frying the tops of toes, nose and ears as the 11 of us travel to and from our destinations in the back of a pickup truck. The sun is north of us overhead- too strange, and I’ve lost any sense of direction since arriving. We listened to much shouting as the soccer was broadcast, little pockets of fans huddled around someone’s TV or cell phone amongst the street vendors. Unfortunately, many were Brazil fans and were a bit disappointed. And now, since the game is done, our turn for getting electricity today was only 15 minutes instead of a full 6 hours like yesterday, when people were treated to a little more power in honor of the games. Battery backup is still OK so far, so we may keep the fans working so we can sleep tonight.
Took a trip to the metal works to haggle with vendors for some beautiful artwork. All are pounded out of 50 gallon drums, but you would never know it from how the pieces end up looking. As Marie reminds us, Haitians re-use absolutely everything, and for good reason, when there is so little to start with.
We also spent the afternoon with the girls at the orphanage. Yesterday we painted a 30 ft parachute with them (some budding artists there too) and today we unfolded the parachute and tried to show them how to grab the edges and billow it up and down and throw bean bags up in the air with it, “tried” being the operative word. Immediately the girls were screaming with laughter and running underneath it and hiding and pulling it down and rolling around under it on the rough concrete floor. Competition must be universal with children, because when the 8 beanbags went onto the center of the parachute, all 30 kids jumped into the middle, diving onto the parachute with concrete below to get them. No casualties from the repeated skirmishes, but those of us “adults” still trying to hold onto the edges were dying of laughter. When some of the little ones slowed down enough to do a fake nap rolled up in the fabric, a couple of us pretended to join them and promptly got barrettes removed and hair braided. The little ones were bit confused by straight blond hair that didn’t stay too well in little braids, but one of the older girls, Roseland, took pity on me and redid them for some of us. By that time I was also covered with fingerpaint handprints all over my arms and neck, left by the girls as they ran by to wash the paint off their hands at the pump, paint from Hannah’s great poster-art project. We now have a poster of the flags of both of our countries painted in a joint project by the kids back in Elmhurst and the girls here. They have an identical one that they will keep too. We also exchanged a video hello between the 2 groups. A beautiful exchange between the girls and our kids back home.
But the highlight of the afternoon was capturing a video of the 4 and 5 year olds teaching our "_ _-something" Rosie to dance the pika-pika as Sharon and I sang “I Will Call Upon the Lord” and “Jesus Loves Me”. And she was doing pretty well too! God’s universe is filled with such odd and amazing expressions of love and joy.
Mae and the team.
7.02.2010
7.01.2010
Second Day in Haiti
Some of us who took Benadryl and two guys who claim mosquitoes seem to leave them alone slept pretty well last night. The rest are planning on catching up tonight.
We` started the day with unpacking and rearranging stuff to distribute, while Hannah, Maria, Angela and Mae were gearing up for the kids’ activities. Andy, our interpreter came and very easily got warmed up to our company. He was so delighted to open his American presents from Karen. What a treat!
Seeing the girls and couple of boys at school before and after school highlighted our day. Toni definitely won the “MVP” award for sewing quite a few dresses for the kids and women who work there. How wonderful to see their faces beam with gratitude!
While we were visiting with the little girls, the construction the orphanage is making progress.
The day was hot and breezy. We’re thankful that the World Cup is not going to end until the 10th of July; so far, we have been blessed with “city power” all day, afternoons and evenings. Fans are going and drinking water is cold. How we take things for granted in America!
Dinner- Gina prepared pressure-cooked beef (not goat), vegetables, and black rice and beans.
Our team seems to be hitting it off; we should be thinking of a team name. Marie spent some time talking to us. Fascinating stories… we encouraged her to really write a book about her life experiences and stories about each child that has stayed in grace House of Hope. We even thought of one Christian journalist who could do a good job write her story beautifully.
Sharon, Rod and Mae have been asking me if I was done with my blog. I have trouble typing without a mouse.
God is really good!
Rosie and the Team
We` started the day with unpacking and rearranging stuff to distribute, while Hannah, Maria, Angela and Mae were gearing up for the kids’ activities. Andy, our interpreter came and very easily got warmed up to our company. He was so delighted to open his American presents from Karen. What a treat!
Seeing the girls and couple of boys at school before and after school highlighted our day. Toni definitely won the “MVP” award for sewing quite a few dresses for the kids and women who work there. How wonderful to see their faces beam with gratitude!
While we were visiting with the little girls, the construction the orphanage is making progress.
The day was hot and breezy. We’re thankful that the World Cup is not going to end until the 10th of July; so far, we have been blessed with “city power” all day, afternoons and evenings. Fans are going and drinking water is cold. How we take things for granted in America!
Dinner- Gina prepared pressure-cooked beef (not goat), vegetables, and black rice and beans.
Our team seems to be hitting it off; we should be thinking of a team name. Marie spent some time talking to us. Fascinating stories… we encouraged her to really write a book about her life experiences and stories about each child that has stayed in grace House of Hope. We even thought of one Christian journalist who could do a good job write her story beautifully.
Sharon, Rod and Mae have been asking me if I was done with my blog. I have trouble typing without a mouse.
God is really good!
Rosie and the Team
6.30.2010
Haiti Blog 6-30-10
We made it! We started the day bright and early with a check in at O’Hare that ended with our 2 pounds of fake, fake cheese (Aldi brand Velveeta) being confiscated. Evidently it looked too much like C4 and we looked too questionable. Actually, they were sad they had to take it away from the Impact For Jesus people but rules are rules. The flight to Ft. Lauderdasle was uneventful and we finally adjusted to the fact that we would be cheeseless for the week. Our layover in Florida was longer than expected due to inclement weather a few hours earlier but we were finally off.
Ethan was at the airport in Port Au Prince waiting for us when we arrived. I thought getting our baggage went fairly well after all the stories I’d heard about everyone trying to get money. Everyone except Mae, Toni, and I rode in the back of the truck. Angela says it was fun. Rod said it was because the back of her head was to the dirt. Joanna got the dirt full face.
We arrived at Marie’s and unloaded. It took us a while to get things sorted out but we all eventually sat down to a meal of Gina’s brillion, which means stew. Yes Diane it was made with goat meat and yes we ALL ate it. After supper we sat down to do a little planning – all subject to change of course, based on how the Spirit leads us.
Well that’s all for now. Our beds are made and Je suis tres fatigue! More tomorrow. One with you all in His Spirit.
Sharon
Ethan was at the airport in Port Au Prince waiting for us when we arrived. I thought getting our baggage went fairly well after all the stories I’d heard about everyone trying to get money. Everyone except Mae, Toni, and I rode in the back of the truck. Angela says it was fun. Rod said it was because the back of her head was to the dirt. Joanna got the dirt full face.
We arrived at Marie’s and unloaded. It took us a while to get things sorted out but we all eventually sat down to a meal of Gina’s brillion, which means stew. Yes Diane it was made with goat meat and yes we ALL ate it. After supper we sat down to do a little planning – all subject to change of course, based on how the Spirit leads us.
Well that’s all for now. Our beds are made and Je suis tres fatigue! More tomorrow. One with you all in His Spirit.
Sharon
6.25.2010
Slump Day?...I don't think so!
So i know i say this a lot but today is just what i needed but everyday i say it, it is just what i needed. Last night and earlier today i was in a bad mood. I really didn’t want to be in Haiti any longer. I actually started counting down the days and hours that I still had to be here. I didn’t feel like God was using me at all through this experience. This story will get a little PG-13 rated here pretty soon so look away if you are worried. Anyway i figured i hadn’t taken a shower in a couple days.... since i didn’t do anything those days i didn’t feel the need...so i went to the shower. I put on my music because i like music when i take my shower. Anyway I was listening to Demon Hunter and the song “Deteriorate”. this has quickly become one of my favorites. The lyrics are as follows
Time has had its way with me
My broken, tired hands can’t build a thing
The wires that have held me still
Embedded now in flesh, define my will
The idle of my days has won
The empty I have fed has made me numb
Despite what you will find in me
The failures of my past still swell beneath
I need a heart that carries on through the pain
When the walls start collapsing again
Give me a soul that never ceases to follow
Despite the infection within
Our careless feet leaving trails
Never minding the fragile dirt we all end in
This is where I find my fall
The cares that held me life don’t work at all
And every step away from here
Is closer to the plague I hold so dear
Awaiting my end
Breathing in the day that finds me new
Redemption begins
Bleeding out the flaws in place of you
Our careless feet leaving trails
Never minding the fragile dirt we all end in
It talks about how we may begin to follow the world and mindlessly follow after awhile. Talking about how why would we try and do anything because we will die someday.
This accurately describes the feeling i was having. After i got out of the shower Rene came and invited me to go play soccer with some people in the area. I politely accepted and jumped on the back of the motor scooter. When we got there of course i was the only blanc (white guy) there. I watched for awhile but joined in when they told me I should of course i was horrible but swapped out for the goalie until another guy came. I spent the rest of the evening watching them play. Rene said early in the evening that they were happy that i came and was watching them play. The thought that me just being there watching was making them happy...oh man. When I was sitting there i learned how to ride the motor scooter so I rode around for a bit but ultimately came back and watched. Thinking these guys do this everyday because they love it. The field wasn’t regulation size. It had a place in the center where no grass grew. The goals were cinder blocks about 10 feet apart. but these guys were happy. Young and old playing soccer together. Rene invited me back tomorrow so i think i will go. This is the story of the day. I thank God for always providing a way out of the slump for me. I know that he will always pull me out of the pit i may be sinking into. I guess that is just his little (to him) way of thanking me of being a good and faithful servant.
Ethan
Time has had its way with me
My broken, tired hands can’t build a thing
The wires that have held me still
Embedded now in flesh, define my will
The idle of my days has won
The empty I have fed has made me numb
Despite what you will find in me
The failures of my past still swell beneath
I need a heart that carries on through the pain
When the walls start collapsing again
Give me a soul that never ceases to follow
Despite the infection within
Our careless feet leaving trails
Never minding the fragile dirt we all end in
This is where I find my fall
The cares that held me life don’t work at all
And every step away from here
Is closer to the plague I hold so dear
Awaiting my end
Breathing in the day that finds me new
Redemption begins
Bleeding out the flaws in place of you
Our careless feet leaving trails
Never minding the fragile dirt we all end in
It talks about how we may begin to follow the world and mindlessly follow after awhile. Talking about how why would we try and do anything because we will die someday.
This accurately describes the feeling i was having. After i got out of the shower Rene came and invited me to go play soccer with some people in the area. I politely accepted and jumped on the back of the motor scooter. When we got there of course i was the only blanc (white guy) there. I watched for awhile but joined in when they told me I should of course i was horrible but swapped out for the goalie until another guy came. I spent the rest of the evening watching them play. Rene said early in the evening that they were happy that i came and was watching them play. The thought that me just being there watching was making them happy...oh man. When I was sitting there i learned how to ride the motor scooter so I rode around for a bit but ultimately came back and watched. Thinking these guys do this everyday because they love it. The field wasn’t regulation size. It had a place in the center where no grass grew. The goals were cinder blocks about 10 feet apart. but these guys were happy. Young and old playing soccer together. Rene invited me back tomorrow so i think i will go. This is the story of the day. I thank God for always providing a way out of the slump for me. I know that he will always pull me out of the pit i may be sinking into. I guess that is just his little (to him) way of thanking me of being a good and faithful servant.
Ethan
6.24.2010
The Journey
I write this from the airport in Haiti. We have made it to this point on our journey home. No one felt able to ‘blog’ last night due to mental and physical exhaustion – a common combination. Yesterday was our last full day to maximize our efforts and experience. Renee, Karen and Diane volunteered to stay back to organize the menagerie of crafts and ESL materials which we had utilized during the week. Those of us who don’t have the gift or organization or desire took a trip to the “sea”. We loaded into the pick-up truck with Patty, my God child, to add to the fun and off we went. It was about a 45 minute drive through several other small towns, if you will. Burros with homemade saddles carrying the load of their leader were more apparent in this area. The level of poverty, which at this point is hard to categorize - as what word describes worse than horrid. More children running naked, more elderly just sitting along the road – more open fields with beautiful mountains in the background. Frequently we would see a lone man using a hand tool to prepare a little plot of land for planting. His efforts in the blazing sun were representing his hope of growing something to sustain him. Horses, cattle and sheep speckled the hillside. We shared our smiles, waves and “bon jour” to those along the road, some received them enthusiastically, while others had the look of “why bother, nothing changes.” We saw a significantly populated tent city which had a large cardboard sign displayed by the road which read “We need help.” Their plea made me want to sob at their desperation. Memories of our tour of the capital the day before came to mind where we saw NOTHING being done to restore the city - the rubble lying where it fell and NO equipment to remove it, let alone rebuild. Who will possibly remember the thousands of these remote people?
Soon into our drive we could see the Caribbean Sea whose beauty drew all our attention. When we finally arrived we stood before the shore and within seconds most were running into the water, clothes and all. It was actually too warm to bring refreshment, but clear and welcoming. It made my heart sing in a “motherly way” to see the smiles on Miki and Bridgette’s face, as their heads poked out of the water. Some walked the shore (in the rocks) hoping for a treasure. A fish bit Ethan’s nipple – which brought him out of the water very quickly! The view of the mountains meeting the sea was totally magnificent. We could see huge homes along the coast, which Frenzie explained were “weekend homes” for wealthy Haitians. The disparity once again bringing us confusion.
We returned back to Bon Repos feeling refreshed, quite sun burn, dried skin from the salt water and I was feeling a bit guilty for the amazing time, wishing the girls at the orphanage had come along. (I must add that Rene and Frenzey were like fish in the water. They had contests of who could hold their breath under water the longest while doing a hand stand. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much.) I had the sheer joy of Patty falling asleep in my arms in the back of the pickup truck. She was like a limp noodle and totally unaffected by the belting rain that stun like B B shot and pot holes that sent us bouncing out of our seat!
When we returned to Marie’s we found Pastor Wislet had come to visit and the three team members who stayed back had the gift of learning more about the Pastor and the struggles he faces trying to keep his 35 children fed and clothed. The members were very touched at his faith toward trusting in God to provide. His needs are many. I might add that the obedience of his children and their gratitude was very apparent and touching during our visit on Sunday. We will wait and see who God uses to provide and enrich the lives of these innocent children.
Late afternoon we headed to the orphanage for our final time with the girls. We had a lesson in ESL with exceptional results. It was helpful to evaluate their existing skills to determine where to go from here. The youngest girls became a bit rambunctious and “Sister Patty” had to pull in the reins as their pseudo Mom. Being firm with them isn’t always easy for me.
We had the joy of giving the older girls English/Creole dictionaries which were donated by Oxford University Press in New York. They looked thru the picture dictionaries with such interest and so proud to have a book to call their own.
By having Andy as our translator, we had the sheer joy of having a discussion with the 15 oldest girls. We asked them how they felt about the groups who come to visit. They were unanimous in reporting their excitement. They asked about specific “missionaries” and it was very cool to hear who they were curious about learning more about. Lori spoke with them about the earthquake, i.e. where they were when it occurred, how they felt, and how they feel about it now. In general they shared their fear at the time it occurred, but none reported any existing apprehension. Then we asked each girl to name something she would like to have. Underwear was the #1 request – followed by barrettes. Shoes and clothes were a popular request, as well. I’m pretty sure that’s a genetic given! They get so excited over a new outfit and shoes – and the only place they have to wear them is on their own premises to church. A confirmation that is DOES matter to them how they look, just like it does to us.
Merlinda, the oldest spoke up on behalf of the girls and thanked us with such sincerity. She elaborated that they look forward to teams visiting and how sad they feel when they leave. By the time she finished with her heartfelt words, she had tears flowing down her cheeks as did her sister Michelle and of course some of us as well. To be able to communicate what they are thinking thru translation was such a gift. When I asked the three oldest if they had a dream – they immediately answered “yes.” All three want to be able to go to college.
Then the dreaded final goodbyes had to take place. The girls stood in a long line as we hugged each one goodbye. We expressed our love and assured them of God’s love as well. Several of the younger girls began to cry as well, which made us feel even worse to see them so sad. When Michelle whispered to me, “Don’t ever leave us.” I proceeded to a full blown sob. We walked back to Marie’s looking like a pack of mourners.
The rest of the evening was spent packing for our departure and sharing our thoughts of the week’s experiences. Before leaving for Haiti, we each had been given a “prayer rock” with a name of a specific team member. We went around the table and shared who that person was and what we had prayed on their behalf. All of the many gifts each member shared with the group during the week were recognized and surely appreciated. It’s amazing what God can do when we respond to His calling and work together for His good.
Without a doubt – lives were changed – mainly ours. Despite our best intentions and efforts to give ourselves away to the people of Haiti – they give it back to us 10 fold. On the way to the airport this morning we took in the same scenes of poverty that exist day after day after day. To me, it felt so disheartening. Then I had to remind myself that God sent us to Haiti to plant His seeds and share His love. Or, could it be the other way around and now we are to return home and share the abundant love we received.
Many thanks to those who spent the time to read our entries as we shared our daily experiences. I must add that we are delayed in Miami airport due to the weather as I finish this entry. So, home sweet home is still our desire. With mosquito bites, heat rash, sunburn and changed hearts we re-enter life as we know it.
Patty
**We are now home – and I am FINALLY sending this to blog land. After a good night of rest without bugs I step back into a very complex life, leaving simplicity behind.
Soon into our drive we could see the Caribbean Sea whose beauty drew all our attention. When we finally arrived we stood before the shore and within seconds most were running into the water, clothes and all. It was actually too warm to bring refreshment, but clear and welcoming. It made my heart sing in a “motherly way” to see the smiles on Miki and Bridgette’s face, as their heads poked out of the water. Some walked the shore (in the rocks) hoping for a treasure. A fish bit Ethan’s nipple – which brought him out of the water very quickly! The view of the mountains meeting the sea was totally magnificent. We could see huge homes along the coast, which Frenzie explained were “weekend homes” for wealthy Haitians. The disparity once again bringing us confusion.
We returned back to Bon Repos feeling refreshed, quite sun burn, dried skin from the salt water and I was feeling a bit guilty for the amazing time, wishing the girls at the orphanage had come along. (I must add that Rene and Frenzey were like fish in the water. They had contests of who could hold their breath under water the longest while doing a hand stand. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much.) I had the sheer joy of Patty falling asleep in my arms in the back of the pickup truck. She was like a limp noodle and totally unaffected by the belting rain that stun like B B shot and pot holes that sent us bouncing out of our seat!
When we returned to Marie’s we found Pastor Wislet had come to visit and the three team members who stayed back had the gift of learning more about the Pastor and the struggles he faces trying to keep his 35 children fed and clothed. The members were very touched at his faith toward trusting in God to provide. His needs are many. I might add that the obedience of his children and their gratitude was very apparent and touching during our visit on Sunday. We will wait and see who God uses to provide and enrich the lives of these innocent children.
Late afternoon we headed to the orphanage for our final time with the girls. We had a lesson in ESL with exceptional results. It was helpful to evaluate their existing skills to determine where to go from here. The youngest girls became a bit rambunctious and “Sister Patty” had to pull in the reins as their pseudo Mom. Being firm with them isn’t always easy for me.
We had the joy of giving the older girls English/Creole dictionaries which were donated by Oxford University Press in New York. They looked thru the picture dictionaries with such interest and so proud to have a book to call their own.
By having Andy as our translator, we had the sheer joy of having a discussion with the 15 oldest girls. We asked them how they felt about the groups who come to visit. They were unanimous in reporting their excitement. They asked about specific “missionaries” and it was very cool to hear who they were curious about learning more about. Lori spoke with them about the earthquake, i.e. where they were when it occurred, how they felt, and how they feel about it now. In general they shared their fear at the time it occurred, but none reported any existing apprehension. Then we asked each girl to name something she would like to have. Underwear was the #1 request – followed by barrettes. Shoes and clothes were a popular request, as well. I’m pretty sure that’s a genetic given! They get so excited over a new outfit and shoes – and the only place they have to wear them is on their own premises to church. A confirmation that is DOES matter to them how they look, just like it does to us.
Merlinda, the oldest spoke up on behalf of the girls and thanked us with such sincerity. She elaborated that they look forward to teams visiting and how sad they feel when they leave. By the time she finished with her heartfelt words, she had tears flowing down her cheeks as did her sister Michelle and of course some of us as well. To be able to communicate what they are thinking thru translation was such a gift. When I asked the three oldest if they had a dream – they immediately answered “yes.” All three want to be able to go to college.
Then the dreaded final goodbyes had to take place. The girls stood in a long line as we hugged each one goodbye. We expressed our love and assured them of God’s love as well. Several of the younger girls began to cry as well, which made us feel even worse to see them so sad. When Michelle whispered to me, “Don’t ever leave us.” I proceeded to a full blown sob. We walked back to Marie’s looking like a pack of mourners.
The rest of the evening was spent packing for our departure and sharing our thoughts of the week’s experiences. Before leaving for Haiti, we each had been given a “prayer rock” with a name of a specific team member. We went around the table and shared who that person was and what we had prayed on their behalf. All of the many gifts each member shared with the group during the week were recognized and surely appreciated. It’s amazing what God can do when we respond to His calling and work together for His good.
Without a doubt – lives were changed – mainly ours. Despite our best intentions and efforts to give ourselves away to the people of Haiti – they give it back to us 10 fold. On the way to the airport this morning we took in the same scenes of poverty that exist day after day after day. To me, it felt so disheartening. Then I had to remind myself that God sent us to Haiti to plant His seeds and share His love. Or, could it be the other way around and now we are to return home and share the abundant love we received.
Many thanks to those who spent the time to read our entries as we shared our daily experiences. I must add that we are delayed in Miami airport due to the weather as I finish this entry. So, home sweet home is still our desire. With mosquito bites, heat rash, sunburn and changed hearts we re-enter life as we know it.
Patty
**We are now home – and I am FINALLY sending this to blog land. After a good night of rest without bugs I step back into a very complex life, leaving simplicity behind.
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