Friday, July 2, 2010
Hello everybody. Wow! It has been one week of our lives we will never forget! Meeting friends, eating Haitian food, playing with orphans, building a house, walking thru neighborhoods, markets and praying for the people there has been quite the journey. Today we had our last day working on the house and had to say goodbye to all the kids we got attatched to. It was heartbbreaking. Well, we are thanking youall for keeping us in your prayers, see you soon. Love ya, Kim and Tara
This week has passed by so quickly but we have accomplished much. I got the opportunity to meet the girl I painted from Mission of Hope. She is as beautiful as in the picture. I am going to look into sponsoring her. We went to Tetian today and I thought it was an amazing experience! So many people had prayer requests for health...(so remember them). I kept thinking the these people experience God's power in full (2 Cor. 12:9 and 10) and that although they don't have many things they do have Christ and that's all they need. Thank you guys for your prayer and love. Remember TiTiBobby and the Haitians in your prayers. :)
Courtney Page
Courtney Page
The Market, July 2, 2010
Today was our last day at the work site. SOOOOO many Haitians came out to tell us goodbye. We also brought them candy, food and clothing. Most of us gave them the clothes we wore all, week and they were so grateful. My sweet, sweet girl, Betty Rose, was there. I love that precious girl. I gave her 2 of my tank tops, which are going to be way too big, but she was so proud. she held them all day. Some of the 0others handed candy out. Betty and I were sitting together and a little boy came up to her and spoke to her in creole. she opened up her little tank tops and pulled her candy out and gave it to him. She is probably 13 and he was probably 4. She had all her candy stored in the tank. Then when we left I brought her on the bus with me for a minute. Her shoes are ba, week and they were so grateful. My sweet, sweet girl, Betty Rose, was there. I love that precious girl. I gave her 2 of my tank tops. Her schoes were basically completely worn out crocs. So i gave her my tennis shoes and socks. she tried them on and then took them back off. she said, mama. I said ok. she gave her new shoes to her momma. her momma is just as precious as she is. i also gave her all of my granola bars. I am going to miss her.
After we got done at the work site we went to the Market. It is hard to describe the Market. Vendors out everywhere, stuff all over. there are tent and concrete homes all around so we broke up in groups and went out to pray with people and tell them about Jesus. Thats when it hit me. I couldnt stop crying. the babies and toddlers break my heart. they literally sit naked in the dirt. nobody plays with them or pays attention to them. kirk was praying with a woman and he shared his cookies with her grandbabies. during the prayer i was at a low. i had it a brick wall. i know god can heal their land, but to see the babies, as a momma, is completely heartbreaking. words literally cannot describe the emotions that were flowing from my eyes. little haitian babies are so cute and precious and there is something about how self sufficient they are that breaks me. a little boy and girl, brother and sister followed us for a good long while. i asked our translator where the parents were and he said probably working the market. the boy was probably 5 and the girl was probably 2. no parents or caregiver in sight. i know that is their culture, but its so different than usa. it is so very overwhelming, especially as a mom. i cant wait to share my pics with everyone. gotta go, internet is very expensive here. love y0u all.
After we got done at the work site we went to the Market. It is hard to describe the Market. Vendors out everywhere, stuff all over. there are tent and concrete homes all around so we broke up in groups and went out to pray with people and tell them about Jesus. Thats when it hit me. I couldnt stop crying. the babies and toddlers break my heart. they literally sit naked in the dirt. nobody plays with them or pays attention to them. kirk was praying with a woman and he shared his cookies with her grandbabies. during the prayer i was at a low. i had it a brick wall. i know god can heal their land, but to see the babies, as a momma, is completely heartbreaking. words literally cannot describe the emotions that were flowing from my eyes. little haitian babies are so cute and precious and there is something about how self sufficient they are that breaks me. a little boy and girl, brother and sister followed us for a good long while. i asked our translator where the parents were and he said probably working the market. the boy was probably 5 and the girl was probably 2. no parents or caregiver in sight. i know that is their culture, but its so different than usa. it is so very overwhelming, especially as a mom. i cant wait to share my pics with everyone. gotta go, internet is very expensive here. love y0u all.
Jacob + Nelson = Fun in Haiti
So today is Friday! Only two more days left!! How sad!
Hey, guys, you know what's worse!? We made a blog the other night and it didn't go through! That's messed up! (Editor's note: that blog post, partially-saved, will be posted later today)
We did VBS Monday and Tuesday. Monday didn't go as well, but we made sure were ready Tuesday! We stood up after devotional and read Jonah! So that means we taught Jonah and the gigantic super-dooper big fish! Ha what a blast! Oh, and we came up with a game called "Tap Tap Honk Honk" -- it's the same as "Red Light Green Light," but Haiti-style. You will have to experience Haiti to understand! Good idea!
So, long story short, VBS Tuesday went very.... better than the one before!
Yesterday Nelson had a fever and was throwing up everywhere! Gross!!! Def a one day flu but thankfully God stopped it from spreading through the entire team. Oh, and he wanted me to say that he slept on Tom's bed.
We are about to be on our way to work now! Yes, work. We actually work! Surprising? Didn't think so!
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
JACOB + NELSON
Healing and Heartbreak
(Posted by Stephanie Newman)
Praise God!!! After spending time praying over our team yesterday it seems as though the sick are healed. Nelson and Colby are both much better and nobody else is sick. Please continue to pray that we stay well.
Yesterday was a rough day. We worked at the work site and got the foundation finished. That was cool. We worked in the morning. It's hard to describe our work site, but we have completely fallen in love with the village children there. Some go to school and we don't see them until after 1:00, and others don't go to school and we see them from the second we pull up till the second we leave.:) They have captured our hearts and yesterday we had to tell them goodbye. It was very tearful.
It's so hard to see everything they don't have yet they still smile. Some literally wear a dirty shirt with holes...several sizes too big or small... With no pants and no shoes. All they want to do is sit right by you and hold your hand. They are so precious.
I have gotten really close with three girls, Betty Rose, Bibienne, and Rebecca. I would pack these girls up and take them home with me in a heartbeat . They are lucky because they all go to school. I am sure we will all have out own stories when we get home about our goodbyes. We also went to an off-campus orphanage yesterday. Anyone who knows me knows I am not a crier. I could not stop the tears yesterday. I have no words to describe the orphanage. No words at all. I got some pictures and will look them over later. Right now it's too much. Very overwhelming and horribly sad.
We are all still doing well. Leaving here will be sad. We are all excited about getting home, though. We love you all. Thank you so much for your notes, thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Another Busy Day
(Posted by Tom Parker)
Hey all,
Busy day today!! We worked and finished the foundation on the house today and started the first row of block. Then we studied our book, Radical, and learned that we all need to be disciples and have a heart for all people -- not just those in Madison.
Larry is alive, but Nelson had to have two and a half IV's today because of tossing his cookies all night. Colby now is doing the same.
Great time here so far, though. Keep praying for us!!
Tom
Hey all,
Busy day today!! We worked and finished the foundation on the house today and started the first row of block. Then we studied our book, Radical, and learned that we all need to be disciples and have a heart for all people -- not just those in Madison.
Larry is alive, but Nelson had to have two and a half IV's today because of tossing his cookies all night. Colby now is doing the same.
Great time here so far, though. Keep praying for us!!
Tom
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Discussion and Mingling
(Posted by Tom Parker)
Hey All,
God is amazing and is continuing to surprise us all by his grace and power! Today we talked in our group and did not get to talk about our book (Radical by David Platt), but we did discuss God's Word and a question. The question was, "Why did God allow you to be born in America instead of Haiti?" That's a tough question to ponder, and that's just what they are doing for the next couple of days.
It was really good to see the group mingle and love on kids and adults! You can tell the children are really enjoying their love from them. I was able to see Pomposh, whom I have not seen in 8 years. He saw me today and came and asked if it was me and I was surpirsed he remembered me, but that is just what they do, they remember people they care about! Time is almost gone, so see ya tomorrow!
Tom Parker
BTW I love you Bryce, Karissa and Christian. Take care of your mommy and be nice to her and dnt break anything! See in a few days! I love you sweets!
Hey All,
God is amazing and is continuing to surprise us all by his grace and power! Today we talked in our group and did not get to talk about our book (Radical by David Platt), but we did discuss God's Word and a question. The question was, "Why did God allow you to be born in America instead of Haiti?" That's a tough question to ponder, and that's just what they are doing for the next couple of days.
It was really good to see the group mingle and love on kids and adults! You can tell the children are really enjoying their love from them. I was able to see Pomposh, whom I have not seen in 8 years. He saw me today and came and asked if it was me and I was surpirsed he remembered me, but that is just what they do, they remember people they care about! Time is almost gone, so see ya tomorrow!
Tom Parker
BTW I love you Bryce, Karissa and Christian. Take care of your mommy and be nice to her and dnt break anything! See in a few days! I love you sweets!
Haiti :)
(Posted by Katie Goldsmith)
Oh my goodness I am having so much fun here in Haiti :D I have made so many friends and will be so sad to leave. My Dad sister and I have made friends with twoboys Ricardo and Sneider. THey are so nice and it will be so hard leaving them. They call Sarah and me their sisters :) The kids are so amazing and make me smile and our translaters are awesome :D cant wait to share everything with everyone :) I love you guys. Bon Swa!
Katie Goldsmith ^^,
Oh my goodness I am having so much fun here in Haiti :D I have made so many friends and will be so sad to leave. My Dad sister and I have made friends with twoboys Ricardo and Sneider. THey are so nice and it will be so hard leaving them. They call Sarah and me their sisters :) The kids are so amazing and make me smile and our translaters are awesome :D cant wait to share everything with everyone :) I love you guys. Bon Swa!
Katie Goldsmith ^^,
Andy's June 30th Blog
(Posted by Andy Ysalgue)
Not sure where to start. There has been so much to process. The week has been amazing thus far. We have bonded with the children of Source Matles. It is a small village where we are helping to build a home. Today, I gave the children coloring books and crayons. They absolutely loved it. It was awesome to look at their faces as I handed it to them. They sat around the majority of the day coloring. Of course, I did not have enough for all the children in the village, so I had them share the books and crayons. They had no issues with this. They were happy just to be coloring Mickey Mouse or Strawberry Shortcake.
We have seen many poor and hungry people. The Haitians we have had contact with have nothing (material wise), yet they continue to have smiles on their faces. These kids have the most radiant smiles I have even seen. I often find myself thinking, "What can you possibly be smiling about? You have no shorts or underwears on, a ripped t-shirt, and broken shoes." Although the pain, hunger, and suffering is evident everywhere you go in Haiti, you would never know based on the people's attitudes.
Back home, when things get tough or don't go as I think they should, I often think "God, what have I done to deserve this?" The real question should be, "God, what did I do to deserve being born in the United States rather than a place like Haiti?" We often take things for granted. Things such as cold water, air conditioning, electricity, washer machines, nice schools, food, warm showers (indoors)......... I will tell you one thing, this trip has changed my life and I thank God for this experience. I miss my family tremendously and I look forward to sharing my experiences with them when I get home. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Love you all.
Not sure where to start. There has been so much to process. The week has been amazing thus far. We have bonded with the children of Source Matles. It is a small village where we are helping to build a home. Today, I gave the children coloring books and crayons. They absolutely loved it. It was awesome to look at their faces as I handed it to them. They sat around the majority of the day coloring. Of course, I did not have enough for all the children in the village, so I had them share the books and crayons. They had no issues with this. They were happy just to be coloring Mickey Mouse or Strawberry Shortcake.
We have seen many poor and hungry people. The Haitians we have had contact with have nothing (material wise), yet they continue to have smiles on their faces. These kids have the most radiant smiles I have even seen. I often find myself thinking, "What can you possibly be smiling about? You have no shorts or underwears on, a ripped t-shirt, and broken shoes." Although the pain, hunger, and suffering is evident everywhere you go in Haiti, you would never know based on the people's attitudes.
Back home, when things get tough or don't go as I think they should, I often think "God, what have I done to deserve this?" The real question should be, "God, what did I do to deserve being born in the United States rather than a place like Haiti?" We often take things for granted. Things such as cold water, air conditioning, electricity, washer machines, nice schools, food, warm showers (indoors)......... I will tell you one thing, this trip has changed my life and I thank God for this experience. I miss my family tremendously and I look forward to sharing my experiences with them when I get home. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Love you all.
30 June
(Posted by Kirk McCauley)
Hello everyone,
I appologize for the small number of blog posts, but we have been very, very occupied working on the house for Madame Mamoon. We worked from 8am to 430pm and got about half way through pouring the foundation. This involved a delay while our engineer gathered up the materials to frame up the slab, but once we got going, we worked all day. This involved mixing the concrete in a small portable mixer and moving it uphill by wheelbarrow load to the house. The morning was very hot, with almost no breeze, and it really sapped our strength, but after a brief lunch break, a storm blew over and brought cloud cover and a cool breeze.
A core group of 5 haiti teen boys really ran the show, under the supervision of the engineer. They are incredible, with a tremendous work ethic and attitude. Rob Goldsmith has really bonded with Ricardo, one of the teens (a friend of the Mamoon family) and we joke that he plans to bring him home. I really think he would if he could. Everytime I've told the boys my name, they laugh, and today I found out why. Kirk is prounouced the same way they say the word for Rooster. So I became known as "Big Chicken". Tom is "Big Boss", and both Rob and Rick have been called "Papa", because many of the children see these guys as father figures. Andy is "50 cent". Katie is called "Candy" either for pronunciation reasons, or because of the candy.
Most of the men haven't been able to interact with the little kids (too busy working). The youth and ladies have been flowing back and forth between working on the house, interacting with the children, and witnessing in the nearby village. We continue to be blessed with everything we need and the ability to get the work done.
Thanks for your prayers and keeping things together at home. Hey to my kids: Andrew, Abby, and Anna! I'll have a little gift for you. I love you Tiffany!
Hello everyone,
I appologize for the small number of blog posts, but we have been very, very occupied working on the house for Madame Mamoon. We worked from 8am to 430pm and got about half way through pouring the foundation. This involved a delay while our engineer gathered up the materials to frame up the slab, but once we got going, we worked all day. This involved mixing the concrete in a small portable mixer and moving it uphill by wheelbarrow load to the house. The morning was very hot, with almost no breeze, and it really sapped our strength, but after a brief lunch break, a storm blew over and brought cloud cover and a cool breeze.
A core group of 5 haiti teen boys really ran the show, under the supervision of the engineer. They are incredible, with a tremendous work ethic and attitude. Rob Goldsmith has really bonded with Ricardo, one of the teens (a friend of the Mamoon family) and we joke that he plans to bring him home. I really think he would if he could. Everytime I've told the boys my name, they laugh, and today I found out why. Kirk is prounouced the same way they say the word for Rooster. So I became known as "Big Chicken". Tom is "Big Boss", and both Rob and Rick have been called "Papa", because many of the children see these guys as father figures. Andy is "50 cent". Katie is called "Candy" either for pronunciation reasons, or because of the candy.
Most of the men haven't been able to interact with the little kids (too busy working). The youth and ladies have been flowing back and forth between working on the house, interacting with the children, and witnessing in the nearby village. We continue to be blessed with everything we need and the ability to get the work done.
Thanks for your prayers and keeping things together at home. Hey to my kids: Andrew, Abby, and Anna! I'll have a little gift for you. I love you Tiffany!
Source Matla, the Landscape, and a Boy
(Posted by Stephanie Newman)
Well, here we sit in the town of Source Matla. We are laying the foundation of the house we are building. Christy and I managed to sneak away and find a grassy patch, and that is where I am blogging from.
Wow! The guys are working hard mixing and spreading the concrete. There are so many Haitians helping, watching and playing. Someone brought coloring books and the kids are loving those. This land is stunningly beautiful. We are surrounded by sea and mountains. God has been here with us every step of the way. No injuries or illness... just a few tumbles and encounters with thorn bushes. Kirk has managed to fall a least once every day... hehe.
Most of us are having emotions that are hard to describe. We are having the best time and also a very hard time. It's hard to comprehend everything that we are seeing. But it's also so joyful and fulfilling.
Today some of us got to help take a three-year-old little boy to the clinic on the mission. He had never been to the doctor before. He had a large mass on his belly and we were concerned. It cost $5 to send the boy to the clinic. That is 30 Haitian dollars and most Haitians don't make that much money in a day. They are still at the clinic so pray that it's nothing serious.
We are still in need of your prayers. And we feel God working in so many ways.
Stephanie
Monday, June 28, 2010
VBS (Continued)
(continued from prior - we are on limited time and I'm not sure when it runs out)
Our journey finally brought us to the center of a small ..clearing where there were several dwellings where people lived. The children all gathered around us and we sang a few songs with them. I then sat down on the ground and told them the story of Daniel and the lions den. The kids also sang a Creole song for us and were doing a sort of dance where they would kick their feet in and out. One of the highlights for me was when on of the older men in the village (looked to be about 60 -70 ) who was on crutches came out on his crutches and was doing his best to dance along with the children. The smile on his face was infectious. Such joy with so little makes me re-evalute my priorties.
I'll close for now and try to give others a chance to add their thoughts.
Love to you all,
Christy-
Our journey finally brought us to the center of a small ..clearing where there were several dwellings where people lived. The children all gathered around us and we sang a few songs with them. I then sat down on the ground and told them the story of Daniel and the lions den. The kids also sang a Creole song for us and were doing a sort of dance where they would kick their feet in and out. One of the highlights for me was when on of the older men in the village (looked to be about 60 -70 ) who was on crutches came out on his crutches and was doing his best to dance along with the children. The smile on his face was infectious. Such joy with so little makes me re-evalute my priorties.
I'll close for now and try to give others a chance to add their thoughts.
Love to you all,
Christy-
VBS in the villaage
Greetings from Haiti,
Again today was a hard but amazing day. Filling those holes using only the wheelbarrows, shovels, and hands required strength and stamina that only God could provide (especially this 37 year old mama). I was so proud to be working with the group I was working with because no one stopped except for the necessary water breaks and kept plugging on.
Afterwards, a group of us went with a translator into the village to conduct a VBS with the kids. Several of our youth, Katie, Nelson, Jacob, Lorin, and Courtney along with Rick, Colby, and myself followed our intrepreter along a path that lead us through banana groves, over streams, deeper into (what seemed to me) the jungle. Kids joined us all along the way as we were walking. It seemed that each child that joined us picked a person to be "their" person. Ti Ti Bobby chose me. As we walked along I asked his name, and he asked mine and we both kept repeating the other's name. The experience was almost surreal. I looked down at the small hand in mine and at the surroundings around me and almost couldn't believe I was really here.
Again today was a hard but amazing day. Filling those holes using only the wheelbarrows, shovels, and hands required strength and stamina that only God could provide (especially this 37 year old mama). I was so proud to be working with the group I was working with because no one stopped except for the necessary water breaks and kept plugging on.
Afterwards, a group of us went with a translator into the village to conduct a VBS with the kids. Several of our youth, Katie, Nelson, Jacob, Lorin, and Courtney along with Rick, Colby, and myself followed our intrepreter along a path that lead us through banana groves, over streams, deeper into (what seemed to me) the jungle. Kids joined us all along the way as we were walking. It seemed that each child that joined us picked a person to be "their" person. Ti Ti Bobby chose me. As we walked along I asked his name, and he asked mine and we both kept repeating the other's name. The experience was almost surreal. I looked down at the small hand in mine and at the surroundings around me and almost couldn't believe I was really here.
28 July
(Posted by Kirk McCauley)
Greetings friends at Wall Highway,
Thanks so much for meeting up for the Left Behind Dinner and pulling off the Skype session. There were lots of tears and homesickness on our end, but it was so worth it to see you guys. It's hard to describe how excited everyone was on this end to watch the rachety freeze-frame pictures for a glimpse at our loved ones.
Today was a great day. God gave us awesome weather, perfect for the work we had to do today. As Courtney and Stephanie mentioned, we are building a small 5 room house for a "family" of 12 Hatians. The house is being built on a slope, and has a beatiful view all the way down to the ocean miles away. The stone walls of the foundation were already built, so our objective today was to clear out some mud that had washed over the footings, and fill in the foundation with rock. The 22 of us worked very hard along side 4 of the teenage Hatian children that will live in the house. We completed the job in about 3 hours, although it seemed like 6 (and would have taken us 15 minutes with a "Bobcat"). May not sound like a long time, but 3 hours in the hot sun shovelling rock really wears you out.
I was really encouraged by how much we were able to do today with limited tools and skills. Thankfully God provided shade nearby, and a stiff breeze, which made the work bearable. Tomorrow we lay rebar, and pour a slab. Pray that we exceed our capability. Also, we will be feeding some Haitians at a dump, and the youth will be leading VBS.
Of note, parents and friends, you can be proud of the youth on our trip. There have been absolutely no complaints (from the youth, adults however... ). Nelson and Katie have been leading the worship at night. Crenshaw was an ox, pushing heavy wheelbarrows of rock up hill without any breaks (borderline nuts). Today, Sarah, Tara, Amanda, and Lorin entertained the kids at the job site, with genuine care and tenderness. Jacob helped lead the VBS team in the afternoon in the village nearby, Source Matles (Soo-SMAHLTESS). Courtney really connected with one of the girls in the orphanage with playing all kinds of different derivatives of the "hand slapping" game, and other things that I can only inadequately describe as "patty cake".
We miss you guys and really appreciate the emails, texts, and notes you wrote in advance.
Kirk
Greetings friends at Wall Highway,
Thanks so much for meeting up for the Left Behind Dinner and pulling off the Skype session. There were lots of tears and homesickness on our end, but it was so worth it to see you guys. It's hard to describe how excited everyone was on this end to watch the rachety freeze-frame pictures for a glimpse at our loved ones.
Today was a great day. God gave us awesome weather, perfect for the work we had to do today. As Courtney and Stephanie mentioned, we are building a small 5 room house for a "family" of 12 Hatians. The house is being built on a slope, and has a beatiful view all the way down to the ocean miles away. The stone walls of the foundation were already built, so our objective today was to clear out some mud that had washed over the footings, and fill in the foundation with rock. The 22 of us worked very hard along side 4 of the teenage Hatian children that will live in the house. We completed the job in about 3 hours, although it seemed like 6 (and would have taken us 15 minutes with a "Bobcat"). May not sound like a long time, but 3 hours in the hot sun shovelling rock really wears you out.
I was really encouraged by how much we were able to do today with limited tools and skills. Thankfully God provided shade nearby, and a stiff breeze, which made the work bearable. Tomorrow we lay rebar, and pour a slab. Pray that we exceed our capability. Also, we will be feeding some Haitians at a dump, and the youth will be leading VBS.
Of note, parents and friends, you can be proud of the youth on our trip. There have been absolutely no complaints (from the youth, adults however... ). Nelson and Katie have been leading the worship at night. Crenshaw was an ox, pushing heavy wheelbarrows of rock up hill without any breaks (borderline nuts). Today, Sarah, Tara, Amanda, and Lorin entertained the kids at the job site, with genuine care and tenderness. Jacob helped lead the VBS team in the afternoon in the village nearby, Source Matles (Soo-SMAHLTESS). Courtney really connected with one of the girls in the orphanage with playing all kinds of different derivatives of the "hand slapping" game, and other things that I can only inadequately describe as "patty cake".
We miss you guys and really appreciate the emails, texts, and notes you wrote in advance.
Kirk
VBS
(Posted by Coutney Page)
Today, after we did the whole construction thing, some of us (including me) went to do a VBS. So this entire thing was very very unprepared, but God provided for us. It was in one of the villages and it was amazing! All the kids were just so ecstatic that we were there. I loved it! The kids just radiate so much life it's really cool. We sang and dance. God was there. His presence was tangable in the children. I am blessed.
Courtney Page
Today, after we did the whole construction thing, some of us (including me) went to do a VBS. So this entire thing was very very unprepared, but God provided for us. It was in one of the villages and it was amazing! All the kids were just so ecstatic that we were there. I loved it! The kids just radiate so much life it's really cool. We sang and dance. God was there. His presence was tangable in the children. I am blessed.
Courtney Page
A Note...
Aunt Elizabeth and Mom, thanks for the awesome comments!! I can't wait toshow you the pictures! We're really enjoying ourselves and love hanging out with the kids! :) Thanks again! We love you!!
Sarah, Katie, and Rob
Sarah, Katie, and Rob
Laying the Foundation
(Posted by Stephanie Newman)
Today was our first day of construction. I can honestly say that everyone did awesome. We all worked well as a team and got the work done.
Thank God it wasn't super hot where we were. It was hot and sunny but there was shade and a nice breeze.
After we got done filling the foundation we were building, some of the group went out to the village to do VBS with the kids. There were so many Haitian kids who came out and watched us work. Some helped. It was neat to spend time with them. Got lots of pictures.
We got to meet the lady whose house we are building. She works here at the mission. She was so thankful. She lost her house in the earthquake and has 12 people living with her. Right now they are living in a tent.
Keep praying that God reveals himself through us and our actions.
Stephanie Newman
Today was our first day of construction. I can honestly say that everyone did awesome. We all worked well as a team and got the work done.
Thank God it wasn't super hot where we were. It was hot and sunny but there was shade and a nice breeze.
After we got done filling the foundation we were building, some of the group went out to the village to do VBS with the kids. There were so many Haitian kids who came out and watched us work. Some helped. It was neat to spend time with them. Got lots of pictures.
We got to meet the lady whose house we are building. She works here at the mission. She was so thankful. She lost her house in the earthquake and has 12 people living with her. Right now they are living in a tent.
Keep praying that God reveals himself through us and our actions.
Stephanie Newman
"Village" Bible School
(Posted by Katie Goldsmith)
I was one of the people who went and did a VBS. I thought it would be at Mission of Hope but instead it was around villages.
We had a translator with us who helped but we walked to each area and kids followed us everywhere. They asked for everything we had on us. They were cute they wanted to look at our pictures and check out our glasses.
We are all so, so, so tired. Please pray for our health and endurance. We can't wait to share more. :)
Katie Goldsmith
I was one of the people who went and did a VBS. I thought it would be at Mission of Hope but instead it was around villages.
We had a translator with us who helped but we walked to each area and kids followed us everywhere. They asked for everything we had on us. They were cute they wanted to look at our pictures and check out our glasses.
We are all so, so, so tired. Please pray for our health and endurance. We can't wait to share more. :)
Katie Goldsmith
Sunday, June 27, 2010
First Impressions...
(Posted by Kim and Tara Ponder)
We wanted to add that when we first got off the plane, we were wondering what we'd gotten ourselves into. But after we got in the shower and had a good night sleep, we felt refreshed and comforted and knew that this is where we are supposed to be.
We've been taking lots of pictures and meeting wonderful people. The Haitians are very friendly and glad that we are here. We feel safe and are having a great time so far. Tomorrow we start working on the house in one of the towns.
We thank everyone for their prayers and support. We love you!
<3 Kim and Tara
We wanted to add that when we first got off the plane, we were wondering what we'd gotten ourselves into. But after we got in the shower and had a good night sleep, we felt refreshed and comforted and knew that this is where we are supposed to be.
We've been taking lots of pictures and meeting wonderful people. The Haitians are very friendly and glad that we are here. We feel safe and are having a great time so far. Tomorrow we start working on the house in one of the towns.
We thank everyone for their prayers and support. We love you!
<3 Kim and Tara
The First Full Day
(Posted by Katie Goldsmith)
So I'm in Haiti! This has been my first full day here and already God has taught me so much. Really my only problem for me here has been the food. But there are snacks available for us.
We played with the kids at the orphanage today and they are so cute. Sarah and I have made many friends and keep going over there names so we won't forget haha. We start working tomorrow and we are planning a VBS.
I'm so excited; can't wait to share everything with my church family and friends. I love all of you! :)
Katie Goldsmith
So I'm in Haiti! This has been my first full day here and already God has taught me so much. Really my only problem for me here has been the food. But there are snacks available for us.
We played with the kids at the orphanage today and they are so cute. Sarah and I have made many friends and keep going over there names so we won't forget haha. We start working tomorrow and we are planning a VBS.
I'm so excited; can't wait to share everything with my church family and friends. I love all of you! :)
Katie Goldsmith
We Are In Haiti!!
(Posted by Stephanie Newman)
Hi everyone! We are in Haiti!!
The flight here was uneventful, praise God. Got through customs with no problems. The drive thru Port Au Prince was incredible. The team got to the mission on a cattle truck. It. Was interesting!!
We had little sleep on the flights and were exhausted when we got here. Basically ate dinner and crashed. We all slept like babies... Thank god for earplugs and fans. We are very safe here. It's completely fenced in and guarded with armed guards.
Today was church and it was an amazing service. The Haitians worship so freely; there is no order, no clock, they just come and praise God. We were all blessed by the service. After church we ate at a restaurant. It was neat. Then we toured the whole campus. We've spent time with the orphans, also.
Tomorrow we will start our projects and be working hard. It's hot here, so pray that we stay hydrated and healthy. Everyone is doing awesome. God has provided for our every need and we trust that he will continue.
Keep praying. Love to you all.
Stephanie
Hi everyone! We are in Haiti!!
We had little sleep on the flights and were exhausted when we got here. Basically ate dinner and crashed. We all slept like babies... Thank god for earplugs and fans. We are very safe here. It's completely fenced in and guarded with armed guards.
Today was church and it was an amazing service. The Haitians worship so freely; there is no order, no clock, they just come and praise God. We were all blessed by the service. After church we ate at a restaurant. It was neat. Then we toured the whole campus. We've spent time with the orphans, also.
Tomorrow we will start our projects and be working hard. It's hot here, so pray that we stay hydrated and healthy. Everyone is doing awesome. God has provided for our every need and we trust that he will continue.
Keep praying. Love to you all.
Stephanie
Update on the Team
This site has been seeing a little traffic since beginning to track the number of visitors yesterday. There were 59 visitors yesterday after around 1:00 in the afternoon, and 87 page views, so I know people are interested in a status update. Hopefully one of the team on the ground there will post an update soon. In the meantime, this is general information from a "left-behind" family member.
Current weather forecast for Port Au Prince, Haiti (an hour or so away from our team) has the predicted high temperature at 97 degrees this afternoon -- a slight break from yesterday's reported 100+ temperatures. This is the stormy season in Haiti, so cloud cover may be giving some relief this week from the blazing sun.
(Click the image for a larger view)
This photo was taken from either the living quarters, at the top of a hill overlooking the rest of the campus (that's where the team eats, sleeps, and comes together as a group) or from the food warehouse.
At the upper left of the photo is the church building, where services are held each Sunday. They're open to the community; the mission teams, staff, children from the orphanage (not visible; behind the two story building in this photo), and people from nearby villages are meeting for worship this morning. Haiti is on the same time as the Central time zone, but they don't observe Daylight Saving Time, so wherever the sun is for those of us in the Huntsville area, that's about where it is for the team.
The two-story building in the photo is the school. Children who are able to go to school in Haiti are privileged. There is no government-run school system, and children have to pay for their schooling. As you might imagine, this means that not many are able to go. From Mission Of Hope's site, if you're a Haitian child, "You have a 60% chance of starting school, a 45% chance of making it to the 6th grade and only a 15% chance of graduating from High School."
The building in the center of the photo is the Mission's office space.
Between the office and the school in the photo is the front guard building. There's a large gate that is kept closed and guarded. The entire campus is patrolled and guarded around the clock.
I believe that the building you can see a small part of to the right is the hospital. The Mission is able to provide medical care for those in the community.
Not visible (at least, I don't think it's visible) is the food warehouse. I can't recall the exact number, but the Mission is prepared to provide many, many meals in the event of emergency, and they weekly (daily?) provide meals for many people who are not otherwise able to afford it.
Hopefully I haven't misrepresented anything about Mission Of Hope here. I'm going from memory. Regardless, this should give you some idea of the team's surroundings so you can better imagine where they are and what they're seeing every day.
Dean Lusk (a proud parent)
Friday, June 25, 2010
No turning back now! :)
Well, here we are. I wanted to update one last time from home so I could get a feel for how to do this! :)
I am getting crazy nervous. Also super excited. I am so encouraged by ALL of the notes, emails, Facebook messages and posts we have been seeing. All of your prayers are what we need. Even though I am feeling so anxious I must admit that there is a beautiful underlying PEACE. It's the one that only God can provide. My heart is at ease. My mind will wonder...but over all I have perfect peace.
Please pray for all of us. We are all going to be apprehensive about leaving our loved ones. Please pray specifically for safe travels and also for a smooth transition between airports and coming into Port au Prince. Pray for our families who will be here, in the states, that they will have easy, stress free weeks. Pray for a hedge of protection around them and us.
Stephanie
I am getting crazy nervous. Also super excited. I am so encouraged by ALL of the notes, emails, Facebook messages and posts we have been seeing. All of your prayers are what we need. Even though I am feeling so anxious I must admit that there is a beautiful underlying PEACE. It's the one that only God can provide. My heart is at ease. My mind will wonder...but over all I have perfect peace.
Please pray for all of us. We are all going to be apprehensive about leaving our loved ones. Please pray specifically for safe travels and also for a smooth transition between airports and coming into Port au Prince. Pray for our families who will be here, in the states, that they will have easy, stress free weeks. Pray for a hedge of protection around them and us.
Stephanie
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Less than 24 hours to "GO" time!!
I am sitting here at 1:20 A.M. and we are less than 24 hours away from our departure from Huntsville to Birmingham - a journey that will eventually lead us to Haiti. We are meeting at church at 11:30 Friday night, prayer at 11:45, and send off at 12:00 midnight. Our flight leaves at 6:30 A.M from Birmingham.
So how am I feeling on this eve of our departure as sleep eludes me? A combination of thoughts and feelings are racing through my mind. Excitement for sure to begin this journey we have been planning for months and to see the amazing things I believe God will do through us, to us, and for us. Some apprehension about stepping out into the unknown and the loss of control that comes with that. Also a little sadness about leaving my family behind. I'm sure each my fellow travelers are experiencing similar feelings, so we would all appreciate your prayers.
A song that has really touched me since our praise band sang it last month and has become somewhat of a theme song of this trip for me is "God of this City" by Chris Tomlin. Here are the lyrics:
So how am I feeling on this eve of our departure as sleep eludes me? A combination of thoughts and feelings are racing through my mind. Excitement for sure to begin this journey we have been planning for months and to see the amazing things I believe God will do through us, to us, and for us. Some apprehension about stepping out into the unknown and the loss of control that comes with that. Also a little sadness about leaving my family behind. I'm sure each my fellow travelers are experiencing similar feelings, so we would all appreciate your prayers.
A song that has really touched me since our praise band sang it last month and has become somewhat of a theme song of this trip for me is "God of this City" by Chris Tomlin. Here are the lyrics:
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
This is what I keep reminding myself of - God is all of these things. The line "You're the Hope to the hopeless" seems especially appropriate. I'm sure after the earthquake, many people in Haiti felt hopeless and many possibly still do. God is our source of hope and my prayer is that in the coming week, we can share that Hope with those we come in contact with.
"God of This City" by Aaron Boyd, Andrew McCann, Ian Jordan, Peter Comfort, Peter Kernaghan, Richard Bleakley. Copyright 2006 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), CCLI Song# 5037070
"God of This City" by Aaron Boyd, Andrew McCann, Ian Jordan, Peter Comfort, Peter Kernaghan, Richard Bleakley. Copyright 2006 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), CCLI Song# 5037070
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The Countdown Begins!
Well, we are officially under the one week mark before our departure to Haiti! This morning after our church service, all of us going on the mission trip were called to the front of the church and other members of the congregation came and prayed over us. It was very moving and comforting to know that we have this strong body of believers who will be praying for us while we are away. The anticipation is building!
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