"Hey You" in Haiti

Today began with a slightly hectic hour after breakfast. We were preparing for our multiple stops at two tent cities which involved packing up a lot of gear and food. We barely had time for devotions so we ended up rescheduling that sacred time for the evening… but that’s life in Haiti. One of the hardest parts to get used to is the lack of a structured schedule, however,  that also  teaches us to be more accepting what God has planned for us. After a 15 minute trip on a big yellow school bus, we arrived at our first tent city. The moment got off the bus; we were swarmed by smiling children and never got a break. Surprisingly, the most popular request was to be picked up and held or have a picture taken. Chants of “Hey you!” echoed throughout the day, each child wanted their fair share of attention. Almost immediately a small sided game of soccer started on a small field made mostly of rocks. We tired quickly and eventually entered the small building known as their school. Each member of the team was called to the front of the classroom to partake in a song and dance that the children had been doing. After each dance was finished, the crowd of children applauded and began the chant again for the next participant.

Tampicos (similar to Sunny D except better), bags of chips (similar to cheese puffs), and cheese sandwiches were passed out. Each child thankfully received their meal and they all seemed very grateful. Some of the children needed help opening their juices and a lot of them chose to save their drinks until later. I (Evan) even had to help one of the younger girls because she didn’t seem to know how to eat; I literally had to put the sandwich to her mouth and show her how to eat it. After presenting some students with soccer balls and toys, we spent another hour or so mingling with some of the older kids and playing with the children then we loaded back on the big yellow bus and headed to our next tent city. On the ride, we saw some graphic images such as a dead dog. Some of the smells of the city were also very intense; they seemed to have a certain level of density that made our faces cringe. For lunch, we had gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

We arrived at our final destination for the day. This next tent city was a little cleaner and seemed to have a bigger community. Of course we played soccer again but this field was easier to play on because it was just dirt. Sadly, there was no school at this tent city but there were still plenty of excited and joyous children. Even some of the teenagers joined in the soccer game! The hardest part about visiting the second tent city was trying to stay energized and hydrated under the cruel Haitian sun. There were no cheese sandwiches for this group but we did provide chilled water in bags and chips for them. What was amazing was that some of the kids didn’t drink all of their water, but they chose to play with it and get some of the missionaries and each other wet. I guess a little fun is as hard to come by as food. Each day here has been more and more life changing and not just for the Haitian children. We can’t wait to see how each of us grown by the end of the trip.

Sharing two great loves - Haiti & Soccer

We kicked off our day with a great devotional meeting and church service. During the devotional meeting, we talked about the importance of spreading love and understanding the different forms of “Greek” love that can be applied to broader aspects of our lives. For example, there is a difference between our love for a certain food or commodity and the love we share for our respective partner. We also prayed during devotions for God to give us the ears to hear and the eyes to see so that we could spread our love throughout the entire day to the Haitians.

The major focus of the day was soccer. We held a soccer tournament, which included TWO New Life Teams, and two teams from local orphanages. When the local orphanages arrived, we had their jerseys, shorts, socks, and cleats laid out for them to go through and select so that they would be able to play in the tournament. It was a remarkable experience seeing their eyes light up when they began to look through the cleats and all the jerseys. They were truly grateful for what we were doing for them. It was amazing to see the language barrier broken because we were able to communicate despite speaking different languages through hand gestures and gestures of appreciation such as handshakes and hugs. Once all the players were equipped, the games BEGAN!

The tournament consisted of four games, including two semi-final games and a third place game and the championship game. In the first game, the first New Life Team, the red squad, won their game 4 to 2 against the Blue Team and advanced into the finals. In the second game, the second New Life team, the white squad, tied their game in regulation 4 to 4 against the other red orphanage team. In penalty shoot-outs, unfortunately, the New Life Team lost 5 to 4. After these first two games, lunch was provided for all. We had the opportunity during this time to interact with everyone and to eat together. Many of us shared snacks together and enjoyed many laughs! After the break, it was time for the third place game between the second New Life team and the Blue Team. The second New Life Team won in a convincing manner, taking the third place trophy with a 3 to 2 win. In the championship game, the first New Life Team faced the other red team who was wearing red AJAX jerseys. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 3 to 3, and therefore penalty kicks were once again necessary. Unfortunately, the first New Life Team lost in penalty kicks 4 to 2 and the red orphanage team captured the first inaugural New Life Tournament Championship. Throughout every game, the entire community was infatuated with the whole spectacle. In this, we mean that everyone was cheering and playing drums and etc. to motivate the players. There was also an announcer who commentated the ENTIRE time which was amazing. The atmosphere was incredible. There was music being played in the background and everyone was focused on soccer. It was a remarkable get-away for all the players because everyone’s minds were lifted from the struggles of the world during these games.

After the tournament, Pastor Coach Bob conducted an award ceremony, where the champions were crowned. The fourth place blue team received medals, the third place New Life Team received a world cup-like trophy, the second place New Life Team also received a world cup-like trophy, just slightly larger, and finally, the first place red team received the largest trophy. For all teams, it was like they had all just won the World Cup, one of the biggest accomplishments possible in terms of athletics. It is incredible the impact soccer had on all of us today. There was pure joy in everyone’s eyes. Being able to hold a trophy together for each team was truly a gratifying moment. For us, the tournament today was an incredible experience because we were able to participate in and witness first hand, the insurmountable power of soccer to unite and release. In this, we mean that all struggles, all hardships, all cultural barriers, all distinctions, everything, was thrown away because of the unifying abilities of soccer.

The next portion of the day was spent coloring with the handicap children! We were able to interact with them and color bags for them that we gave them. This was truly gratifying because knowing we made a major impact in a small way felt good. This event was also very humbling because the kids were all so happy even though they have been dealt a tough hand in life. It truly makes you appreciate everything you were blessed with in life. It also makes you feel slightly ashamed for the small things we complain about in our everyday lives. Thus far, this has definitely been an eye opening experience for us all, even if this was not our first trip.

Finally, we concluded the night with dinner. We were blessed with yet another meal and we are optimistic for another incredible day tomorrow during our feedings.

God bless

Nick and Will

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