A familiar face...

A familiar face…

This is one of those things that I realize is so easy to take for 

granted back home. I feel like when I’m in MN familiar faces surround me and I’m able to connect with people I know and who know me whenever I need it; that’s not the case here. I realized last week how great it felt to be able to be surrounded by people who I know and who know me. To be able to talk about things we know and life in general was a blessing. 

Last week Tyler and Jeff came for the week, along with a few other guys, to work on the aquaponics fish farm. They worked extremely hard everyday under the scorching sun and were able to get a lot of it completed with the help of many other Haitian men. It was great to see them all working side by side. 

Although communication was limited, Tyler soon became good buds with them. Pretty much everyday now when I’m talking to some of the construction guys they ask about him and how he is. As you can see, he fit right in with the Haitian work ethic, almost the same skin color after the first day, but his work attire confirmed that he was still an American working in 100 degree weather. ;) Its still hard for me to imagine how the Haitians can wear jeans while working and some of them long sleeve shirts!

 

Of course he was a hit with the kids as well. Many of them have asked me about him this week too! Whenever he had a spare minute he’d run up to hangout with the kids and give them some loving!

 

Although the days were long, I cherished the evenings when I got to spend time with them (and eat delicious meals) at the guesthouse. It was good to laugh and just hang out with familiar people, even if it was just a few hours every night. Being that it was Tyler’s first time to Haiti with Healing Haiti, I realized how nice it was for me to be able to have him know where I’m at and what I’m doing everyday. It makes we excited to be able to share that with the other familiar faces in my life. J

                                                                                                                                                                              We were also able to get a quick water truck run to Cite Soile in while they were here. It was good to be able to go back there and love on the people there and to share that with those who had not been there before. It’s one of those places that makes your heart ache but yet it fills me with so much joy to love on the people there. 

 It’s still hard for me to imagine that they live like that and the guilt overwhelms me when I realize all that I am blessed with. Why them and not me? But I have to trust that God has a reason for that and allow HIM to use me and all that HE has blessed me with to bless others. I pray that I will not let my own will for my life get in the way of what HE wants to use me for.

I know it’s easy to do and I’m more guilty of it than anyone, but being here a little over a month I’ve realized how easy it is to take those relationships and those familiar faces for granted when you have access to them everyday. I know I was more conscious of it before I left but even then it’s easy to get carried away with the busyness of life and rush through or ignore those familiar faces.

Last week was a blessing and it was so great to be able to spend time with Tyler and Jeff, but having to say goodbye and letting the familiar faces go wasn’t easy and made me miss MN and some of those familiar faces and things, but I also have to keep in mind all that I am blessed with here. One of those being all the kiddos to love on me and fill me up when I need it most. J

I know that I will eventually have ‘new’ familiar faces here, but it takes time. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. You are all a blessing to me.

In Him.

It's Haiti...time doesn't really exist...I'm learning.

Every time we head out with Ofane its an adventure..(these happened a little over a week ago)

We had every intention of going to the doctor at 9:00. Of course we got off to a late start..it's Haiti. We dropped Kathy off at the guesthouse and picked up some money from jean for the appointment and a bag of treats and surprises from people in MN :) It was a great treat to get all kinds of goodies and cards! –Thank you!!

Thinking our driver had all the necessary info and right address because of the conversations he had with Jean; we headed to the appointment. 

As we were getting close, or so he thought he asked me where it was. :/ I told him that it was none of these places and it didn't look familiar. Yikes. Trying to get a hold of the doctor didn't work. So our new driver, who is only on his second day of work said he was going to walk down the street to see if he could find it. Ok no big deal. Ofane and I just hung out in the car. He came back no luck and said he was going to walk the other way. Trying to explain to him that I didn't think this was the right area was tricky, so off he went. No big deal...until this car starts honking intensely at us! Ugh I start to sweat a little bit more than I already was and realized I was going to have to move the truck out of the way so this guy could park, keep in mind our truck is a stick. Thankfully it was on a slight hill so I didn’t really have to do much but the thought of having to move the car again with this crowd of Haitian men right there made me sweat just thinking of it! I hate it when all the attention is on me or everyone is looking at me. Thankfully I didn’t have to move it again and our drive came back about 10 mins later! But I was having a little anxiety watching all the traffic and thinking about what I would do if I had to move it again. :)  We finally got ahold of the doctor and he explained to the driver where to go, which was pretty much the complete opposite direction of where we were. I guess I need to start paying attention! Eventually, after a few more phone calls and help from some guy on a motorcycle, we made it to the appointment around 11:00. All went well at the appointment and the return trip was uneventfuly. J

On another occasion…

Well, once again the intention of a 6 am departure turned into a 7:40 departure..it’s Haiti (that might be my new phrase).

We were supposed to meet two ladies from Global Outreach to travel to a leprosy clinic about 45 mins away. We had planned on meeting them down the road at the police station. Of course we got there about 6:20 instead of 6 (and I’m sure to your surprise it was not me that made us late..I’m not a morning person but I was up and ready to go!) Our drive came about 10 minutes late and then we had to pick up Ofane who was still sleeping when we got there so by the time he got ready and out the door it was well passed 6am.

We headed to our so-called meeting spot and waited…and waited some more..I made our driver get out and ask these two ladies if they were waiting for us and they said no. They probably thought who is this crazy guy. To make matters a little trickier it was market day, so that means that the streets are a hustle and bustle of people and animals, even at 6 am. So we waited for about 10 minutes and then decided to go down the road to Global Outreach and try to talk to the nurse who connected us with them, we tried calling her but she didn’t answer.

So thankfully when we got there there was a nurse at the end of the road and she said she would ask the other nurse if she knew where they were. Of course she didn’t. So we thought before we head there by ourselves we would double check at the police station…nope not there so we decided to head to the clinic without them.

We kept trying to get in contact with the nurse but it wasn’t really working. Finally after we had driving about 20 minutes she sent me a text with the ladies number. So we pull over and the driver calls them. Well, I should clarify it took many texts to get the correct number. But we finally got a hold of them and they said they were waiting at the doors of Grace Village..aye aye aye…so back again we go to get them.

As we turn around and drive away all of a sudden there are sirens, which isn’t real uncommon, but then I look over and the one officer is waving a gun and motioning to us to pull over. Oh geez. The officer comes over and asks us why we turned around. You see, we stopped about 25 yards away from the police checkpoint and they were curious as to why we didn’t go through it but turned around instead. So after we explained the situation the officer looks in back at me and says, ‘are you ok?’ I smile at him and say, ‘yes.’ I guess it’s a good thing they were looking out for me; this little white girl in the car with two Haitian men who are trying to supposedly avoid a checkpoint ;)

We picked up the two other ladies and had a good laugh about the mornings adventures and went on our way. I must also add that it wasn’t the post comfortable 45 minute ride I had ever had. Ofane and I were crammed in the front seat together due to lack of space in the tiny little truck.

Just when we thought things were going well and we were on our way, about 25 minutes into our drive we came to some construction and realized the road was closed because they were installing a bridge; I guess it’s a good thing they are doing some road work and improving the bridge, but it added a little detour for us.

After about an hour drive we finally arrived. Lets just say things didn’t go as planned on the way to the clinic and didn’t go as planned while we were at the clinic, but it’s Haiti why should I expect anything to go as planned?? J We made it back safe and sound after all was said and done.

I’m starting to conclude that anytime I go out with Ofane it will be an adventure and I better be prepared and time doesn't really seem to exist in Haiti. J

Moments

That moment when you have a 16 year old boy talking to you about prayer…His confidence and desire for the Lord is an inspiring example to me. I had Jesus in my heart at age 16, but I didn’t get it like he does until I was much older. It’s such a joy to see him get it at such a young age. Asking me if I pray for the children every night and not just the children of Grace Village but of the city too and if I pray for his country and do I pray that God would bless me. Hearing those words come out of his mouth and the boldness to ask me about my prayers was a moment when I was reminded of how often I need to be in communication with God about everything. I love it that I come to Haiti to serve and every time they continue to teach me and remind me of the goodness of God and the joy that they have in such a poverty stricken country. 

One area that I am really going to have my hands in is our Elderly program. Today I went out to visit some of our elderly with our new worker Carolle. What a joy and blessing she is. I am so excited for her to be apart of Healing Haiti and to work along side of her. There is just something about the elderly that tugs at my heart. I want to know their story and I want them to feel loved and cared for. We often forget about the elderly or think they don’t need the attention, but we all need God’s love and we all need to feel loved. I love it that I can be that person for them. In the small conversations that I get to have with them in my broken Creole, in the simple touches, or in the smiles, the joy that is shared is amazing. I can’t wait for the relationships to be built and to really get to know and love and care for our elderly. Please pray for guidance and direction in getting the program running smoothly.

Marie is a spitfire. Every time I go to see her she's laughing and smiling. She loves Jesus with all her heart. Marie is 103 years old. I can't imagine what she has all gone through in life. She brings me so much joy when I go to see her and tells me how happy she is to see me and showers me with hugs and kisses! I love the moments I have with her; I can't help but smile! 

This adorable lady, Antonia asked me to take her picture and to take a picture with me. Before we left she asked if she could have a copy of those photos and we told her yes and she asked if she could get them today! :) She is so adorable and makes my heart my melt because even though she can only lay on her back all day long she has a heart and love for Jesus that is amazing. She loves it when we sing to her and always raises her hands to glorify God; I love those moments with her. 

 

We have a couple of kiddos who have been sick with fevers so please keep them in your prayers too. I feel like in a setting like this once one gets sick it’s just a matter of time before a few others do too.

The joy and love I get from these kiddos everyday fills me beyond measure. I am so thankful, humbled and honored to be apart of their lives. Please pray for continued strength, guidance and wisdom when working with them and trying to communicate with them. Please pray that a light would be lit in my brain and that Creole would start to come more naturally to me so that I can communicate with them and love them as best as I can!  

Thank you for your prayers and support! 

The power of an embrace..

The power of an embrace...

Tonight was one of those moments where I was reminded of the power and impact a simple embrace or touch can have on a child; or anyone for that matter. It was one of those nights after kissing all the kiddos and tell them bon nwit (goodnight) and mwen renmen ou (I love you) that I was sitting in my room and thinking of all the stuff I should get done on the computer tonight…then when I was made aware of some girls who were crying that all changed.

As one little girl was laying on me and another lying beside me sad and crying my initial frustration was that I could not talk to them to try to figure out what was wrong. Yes, I could get a few broken Creole sentences in to try to find out what was wrong but even if they did respond more than likely I wouldn’t know what they were saying. After a few minutes of just laying there and holding these girls and rubbing their backs I quickly realized that more than anything that was what they really needed most—a simple embrace and a loving touch to know they were loved and cared for.

As I was writing the previous sentence I could hear one of the girls crying again. I brought her into my room and just held her. She continued to cry and cry all I could do was sit and hold her tight. I had a bag of stuffed animals at the end of my bed that Annabel and Ruby (my nieces) had given to me before I left to give to some kids in Haiti. J So reached in and grabbed the ‘prayer bear.’ When you hold the palms of its hands it says, 'Now I lay me down to sleep, guard and guide me through the night and wake me in the morning light. Amen.' She played it over and over and finally feel asleep in my arms embracing the ‘prayer bear’ in her arms and is now laying fast asleep on my bed with the little bear tucked under her arm.

This is why I’m here. I’m here to love each and everyone of these children as best as I can and to pray that God would fill me with His love so that I am able to love them as He has loved me!

So the emails didn’t get written or sent and the spreadsheets didn’t get created, but that can wait until tomorrow…we are called to love and that means giving of ourselves.  

Please pray that I can continual be filled so that I can love these children like they deserve to be loved.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

John 15:9-17

(so the blog post that I started the other night will have to wait…J ) 

Adventures

It was another adventurous day in Haiti today…I know I need to start blogging more about all the crazy things that happen like getting caught in what seemed like a monsoon the other day after taking Ofane (one of our elderly) to the doctor. We had to take a few detours do to trees that had fallen and power lines that were down. All while riding in the back of the tap tap with Allie. Needless to say we were drenched! But it was an adventure and a memory and Ofane was so happy and excited to be able to get the help he needs to feel better so it was all worth it!!

Yesterday we also got caught up in the rain. This time we were in the Kubota (basically like a 4 wheeler) when we were delivery food and meds to the elderly when it started down pouring! Again we were drenched and freezing! Two days in a row of having to put on a sweatshirt!

Yesterday we also had the experience of having our sink fall off the wall! Thankfully no one is injured in the process! And in Haiti to fix it…Jonas used a jump rope that was lying around, a shoelace and some wire. Around here people are very innovative! ;)

And today….today I had my first driving experience in Haiti….and we survived!! J We took the Kubota out to pick up Ofane early this morning so we could get him up to Grace Village to get the care he needed for his foot.  So there really wasn’t too much traffic but driving on all those bumps and the goats and the chickens; lets just say as an American I don’t really use my horn all that much but I guess that is something I will have to learn to do while I’m here! Watch out when I get back to the US!

Later this morning we had to go get a few medications for Ofane’s foot so I drove the truck, which is a stick shift, along with Guillame and our nurse to the pharmacy in Titanyen. It’s not super far away about I did have to drive on the main road! J I’m proud to say that I didn’t stall it all, but there is definitely some practicing that I will need to do. Driving a stick shift in Haiti just seems so much trickier!

Everyday is an adventure here and that is what I love about it! Everyday is a blessing. Everyday is filled with so much love! Everyday is a good day even when there are frustrations..in the end IT’S STILL A GOOD DAY! Thank you Jesus for the heart of each and every child here! To see the love that they have for you and the joy they have in their hearts is amazing! Every time I see a child on the their knees with their eyes closed and their hands raised it melts my heart and I’m in awe of the love that is overflowing from their hearts for Jesus. I pray that is something I will have everyday!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! I can’t begin to express to each and everyone of you how grateful I am that you come along side me on this journey; each of you in a special way. Thank you for generous hearts, prayers and love. May God bless you abundantly! 

11 days in...

Friday July, 13

Well it’s been 11 days in my new home. My emotions have been a little bit of everything, but the ones that have been the strongest are joy, love, happiness, and content. I can’t even begin to describe to all of you the feeling of hearing a little child ask you if you are going to be their momma. It’s sad that a child would even have to ask an adult that question but yet my heart was overflowing. This little boy has captured my heart. Like a new momma, I was concerned about a little rash he had on his hands. We ended up taking him to see the Dr. and from that moment on we have been best of buds. He looks out for me and I look out for him. I can always count on him to be calling my name right away in the morning as I walk out to the patio or to be singing me songs where his love for Jesus shines brighter than the sun or to be bringing me my water bottle that I leave all over the place and can never find. And this is just the joy and love of one little boy…can you imagine 61 more! God is so good!

Yes there have been times of frustration and overwhelming moments of trying to get things done but I always come back to the small moments with the kids. They bring me back to the real reason I am here and remind me of the great journey that God has me on and all the wonderful things that are going to come.

I miss my family and friends and of course all my snuggles from Murphy, but I know he is getting lots of those from Ruby! She has been so good to him and even put on a puppet show for him! I love it that these moments are captured and shared with me.

I am so grateful for all the prayers and love that each of you have shed on me throughout this journey….and this is just the beginning. God bless each and every one of you. 

HOME....

Well, we made it....I'm HOME...my new home in HAITI! It is still very surreal to me that I am actually here and that I won't be leaving in a week or two but that I am here for a year! My mind can't really comprehend that right now...

The following is the entry for today from my Jesus Calling devotional...it's quite fitting for todays events; I love it when God does that! 

Thank you all so much for your prayers throughout the day; they were definitely felt!! Well off to bed...heading up to Grace Village in the morning to unpack and get settled into my new HOME...first I'll be loving up on all those kiddos though! 

God is sooooo good!!