Day 7: Winding Down

Today's blog is a short one as we wrap up and reflect on an incredible, God-filled week. Our words of the day today were "satisfied" and "moved".These words encompass not only our feelings today but our feelings about the week as a whole. 

Today we were blessed to attend Grace Church in the AM and Wahoo Bay Resort in the afternoon. Church was a "moving" experience to say the least. We worshipped with the community and sang songs that we recognized by tune. The coolest thing was the way the congregation belted out the music as if we were at a concert. It was evident that the Holy Spirit was moving in them. 

At Wahoo Bay, we were able to see God's beauty from a different perspective. The view there is breathtaking.God's creation truly is magnified when you feel like you are lost in it. Some of us were even able to experience the ocean for the first time, among many other firsts on this trip. This was a much needed time for the team to refresh after such a dense week, where heart and soul was not only poured out but also filled up again. 

Tonight during team time, we spoke about what we are most excited about in returning home. The general consensus was that we can't wait to pour out the blessings we will be taking home with us. The week in its entirety had high points, low points, but was overall incredibly "satisfying."

~Janie Perkins and Rich Hill

Day 6: Monfort and Metal

Today was a loving on kids kind of day. We went to Monfort Deaf Community Orphanage.

Haitian culture believes disabilities are a punishment from God and kids with disabilities are often societies outcasts. The children we visited at the orphanage were abandoned due to their disabilities, but they showed no lack of excitement to see us.

Today was truly amazing. These kids could not hear us but we found that the universal way to communicate is through body language and smiles. It almost seemed easier to understand and communicate with these children than any other children who are fortunate enough to hear and speak.

The team brought chalk, nail polish, bubbles, the big parachute and a soccer ball. The boys had a basketball too. Soon the team was split. Derrick and Scott were taken away by a group of children to go play soccer and basketball, while the rest of us learned to sign "what's your name?" by the other happy children. These kids had incredible penmanship writing their names for us. It was incredible to see the children so happy to show us their names and communicate through writing and body language.

Then Janie, Kelsi, Kaylyn and Brian dove in to paint nails. Gus and Jaime K pulled out the parachute and Jaime M and I were pulled in all directions with bubbles, and filling in gaps. By the time we left I believe each of had participated in all the activities including Scott and Jaime K letting the girls paint their nails laughing hysterically.

The ability to share universal communication through smiles, hugs, and body language was powerful. It was such a great day loving on these kids wHo were genuinely happy to play with us.

We stopped at the Croix De Bouquet Metal Market on the way home today. There were literally dozens of metal artisans with small shops. It was fun seeing this community and supporting the economy.

Overall a great day. The sun was out in full force all day but we've had relatively mild weather all week so no complaints.

Love you all! Thanks for tracking us!
Becci

Day 5 - A day of many Firsts!

A few woke up early for the Local Tent Church... 6am. This is an amazing service praising God with the Haitians. The Haitian staff prepared some awesome monkey bread French toast for breakfast which filled the guesthouse with a really nice cinnamon smell. One of my favorite breakfasts on this trip.

 

Stop 1

We went to Fleri Farm - land bought by Healing Haiti in January. With 26 acres of agricultural land and several growing seasons per year, Fleri Produce will be able to grow and sell numerous fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products. The land currently operates as a plantation for bananas, mangoes and sugar cane. Breadfruit and Moringa trees are also located on the property. They can grow sweet corn, soybeans, green peppers, cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, pineapple, cantaloupe and other products typically sold in local Haitian markets. They will also experiment with the planting of cocoa beans used for the production of chocolate, which has emerged as a rising industry in Haiti over the last couple of years. This is a huge job creation opportunity!!!

 

Stop 2

Then we made a quick stop to the Rebo Coffee factory to pick up some amazing Haitian coffee while supporting the local economy!

 

Stop 3 & 4

Next stop was to Haiti Teen Challenge, where we had the privilege to visit the men's and women's transitional treatment homes. The men performed a dance routine (breakdancing with a Haitian twist) and I had a chance to connect with several in broken English as we joked around about unicorns and life and spoke about Jesus. The women performed a beautiful a capela Creole and English version of Glory to God. Then all 25 of them introduced themselves before a 3 month recovering addict opened her soul and shared her story. Kaylyn and Janie from our team followed suit and shared their incredible testimonies before we left. The lesson taught here is what we all have in common is Jesus to save us! Incredible program here and back home in Minnesota.

 

Final Stop - Dinner

We journeyed to Titanyen through crazy chaotic traffic with horns a plenty to enjoy a very quiet team dinner at Fleri Resto! The staff was amazing and the pizza was fantastic. The pepperoni, sausage, buffalo chicken alfredo, and veggie were all great!! Thank you Jake for an amazing dining experience. More job creation opportunities here.

 

Thought it fitting to end today with Jakes favorite bible verse:
"The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where Morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy" Psalms 65:8

 

What an Awesome day!

 

~Jaime Kastner

Grace Village, Elders, Fleri Resto OH MY!

Kaylyn here! Hello from Haiti! The team is settling in for the night after a long but fun day! Everyone's spirits were up and positive after a hard day yesterday at the orphanages.
We started the day in prayer for our day and looking forward to the exciting appointments God had already set before us. We took a long and always entertaining drive to visit Grace Village. Pulling into the gates felt like we were pulling into another world. It was brightly colored, beautifully landscaped and spotless! You can see the pride there is at Grace Village. We got a tour and got to see how they have taken children who come from different backgrounds and have given them a true home and family.

Then we were off to do our elder visits. This was an experience that seemed to put some of the team in an uncomfortable place, myself included. I was a bit hesitant and expected to sit back and hope some of the others would take the lead. Then I saw one of my teammates jump right in and start washing this sweet elderly woman's feet. I went to her left side and washed and massaged her arms. I felt a new level of intimacy with this woman. I started to find myself able to empathize with her. I thought about how hard those arms and hands I was massaging have worked throughout her hard life. Every single person I have seen in Haiti is working. Constantly working...even the kids. I sat and listened to the beautiful music coming from our sister Grace and her guitar. I watched a group of our men fix the door to her tin house, inside was a perfectly made bed, shoes under the bed and a dresser. She had the most beautiful eyes and had simple prayer requests. Pray for her family, her health and her home. The things to her that were most important. It was beautiful.

We then went on to our 2nd and 3rd stop. The 2nd had a set of sisters! Lots of grandkids came to join the fun. We were quite the attraction. We jumped right in...I started on this woman's arms and made my way to her feet. My flesh was scared but my spirit won this battle. I washed this lovely woman's feet and massaged them and her legs. I knew that if it was something I was afraid of I should probably do it. But the courage I got to do that came from the courage of my young teammate Janie who dove right in at the last house. I was able to allow someone else's bravery to give me strength to get outside of myself. And I was blessed to see my other teammates continue to do this every step of the way. Men with bad backs happily held large children. Scott was bound and determined to get these ladies up and dance with them. They were nothing short of jumping at the opportunity. It was such a moving experience. And this whole experience was set with a beautiful choir of Grace and the neighbor kids worshipping for us.

The 3rd stop was full of neighbor kids. Brian was the star of the show while he made the whole neighborhood laugh! I am proud to be a part of this team. As different as many of us are I can see these beautiful people put their comfort aside to be His hands and feet. They know they have a purpose here and it has nothing to do with them.

We ended the day visiting Fleri Resto and diving into iced coffees, Cokes and monkey bread!
On our way home we stopped to see the Mass Grave. To see the resting place of an estimated 300-400k Haitians who lost their lives in the 2010 earthquake. It was emotional to say the least. It was a beautiful memorial and we were all blessed to see it.

Nothing about serving in Haiti is comfortable.  It is quite the opposite in fact. We held children with pinkeye and just trusted that we would be covered. I see selflessness all around me with this team. A bunch of very imperfect people who are perfectly tackling the task God has set before them.
A scripture came to me while here in Haiti and it is one that we all know.
Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me".

If touching and loving the least of these means we are touching and loving Jesus then you can sign us all up! We see Jesus everywhere here! The Haitians are the strongest people I have ever encountered. They love Jesus, they know Jesus and you can see the Hope in them. They have forever changed my heart.

Good night family! Keep us and our hearts in your prayers!

Haiti Rules!

Kaylyn <3

Day 3: Home for Sick & Dying Babies; Dare's Special Needs Orphanage

Connection, human connection, is imperative to survival. Do we as Americans cherish it as much as we should? Do we understand the basic ways to connect, to smile, to make eye contact, to touch, to hug, to greet each other, to tickle? Or do we spend most of the time gazing down at bright screens longing to be someone else or someplace else? Today, we had the OPPORTUNITY to put down our cell phones, disconnect and visit the Home for Sick & Dying Babies. We embraced being present in this world, for many of us the first time in a long time. It felt as if it was God's way of imparting on us and teaching us that in His Kingdom human love and connection is paramount to strolling along with Jesus. 

Half of the team had the opportunity to visit the Home for Sick & Dying Babies. Don't let the name fool you. It is full of love and emotion, because it is where God's presence is amplified. The more love we gave the babies the more connection to God's presence we felt. Love heals, love calms sick crying babies, love gives assurance and strength, love stirs the heart but most of all love is being present with those around you whether that is with sick and dying babies or eating at subway with your family. Being present is love and love is being present. May love and peace be with you.
~Scott Mahley

Part 2 ---- Dare's

This is Rich Hill and Janie Perkins.We have the privilege of speaking on behalf of the fabulous 6 that spent our time at an orphanage for kids with special needs, ranging in ages from 3 - 18 years. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with smiling faces and gripped by the desire for physical connection. We were overwhelmed by the love of the children and the desperate need for affection.

 We began by simply hugging and holding the children, and even though verbal communication was difficult at best, we were able to connect with the children on a different level. It wasn't long before we found ourselves using the universal forms of communication; laughing, clapping, dancing and singing. Though the children at Dare's don't have the very basic things most of us would deem necessary, their laughter was a roaring sound. They were not lacking in spirit. 

We did our best to assess the physical capabilities of the children and cater to the different needs in involving them in activity. Though many of us found ourselves ill equipped, God showed up in  a major way to fill in the gaps. Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant bought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepard of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will..

 

May 16th, Day Two of Our S.V.C.C. Mission Trip to Haiti

Today started off with a beautiful breakfast with tastes from home, done a little different by the women of Haiti. Hand squeezed grapefruit juice, not like we're used to, the grapefruit here is smaller and green in color. Tastes much sweeter. Scrambled eggs loaded with spices and peppers, French toast and apple cinnamon oatmeal.
 Then we had a morning devotional and loaded up in the tap tap {Our mission van} and headed off to Cite Soleil, the poorest city in the western hemisphere to help deliver fresh water to the families there.
This is my first mission trip out of the country, let alone out of Minnesota. So to say I wasn't nervous would be a lie! Right away as we come down the street in our van, little kids from all over start running next to us yelling "Hey you" - words they learned over the years of interaction with Americans. We shut the van down and open the doors to get out and the kids stand there with arms extended to be picked up and loved by us and share a new person in their life, whether its for a minute or even an hour. So my team asked me to start pumping water, and I did. Within a minute or two the line for water was a block long, every person had two buckets or more, some with 55 gallon drums. After awhile of pumping we switch and I got to go help deliver the water to the dwellings where the families live. Kids will come up and pick you to help carry the buckets with them. You can see in their eyes, the kids that have a wish to get to know you, and also be seen with you. The kids will ask for a piggyback ride and while ridding on your back they yell to all their friends and family, "look at me". Happy as can be for something as little as just my time. Time..... the thing I'm learning is time is a precious commodity and its free and far more valuable than money. And yet I struggle to give my time away to anyone! And when the truck runs empty, we load up and on to another fill up and off to deliver to another part of the city. As we leave, the kids again run by the truck as they're sad to see us go, but excited to show off to us on the van with their big smiles and how fast they run beside us waving goodbye.
 Next we went to Hope church, and learned they had to dig through 40 feet of garbage to securely build, 40 FEET! But its very important to them to have a place to go and learn about the Lord. Even though they don't have much, they are Christians and have a strong belief in God. Which - think about it for a moment, they have almost nothing yet they're thankful to God for their life. And yet here I am always upset I don't have more! Most Americans make more in one day than the people of Haiti make in a year. Most Americans eat more in a month than the people from Haiti eat in a year, and yet they're still grateful to God!
Last stop today was to a school with a soccer program called Haitian Initiative, where the kids must attend school to be on the soccer team. And soccer is their number one favorite sport. One of the top employees there was Sarah - a young women in her early twenties,and she has been in the volunteer field for 4 years before moving to Haiti from Iowa. I look at her and see how unselfish she is at her young age, and here's me at twice here age still being a taker. I still have so much to learn, but God and Haiti are helping me with that.
 Then we make it home for the night grab a dip in the neighboring hotel's pool, dinner and to bed early.....or so I thought? Well we went to the pool and within 10 minutes it started to down pour, rain hard and fast cooling down the heat of Haiti. So we headed back to our guest house to eat yet another fabulous meal from Haiti and then we gathered around the couch for some devotions and teammate bonding time. Lets just say God was present {where two or more people gather, He is there} and the tears were flowing, and feelings for my team were developing!
 So today was a great day to serve the Lord, acting as his hands and feet. Really getting to know my teammates more, and learning more about myself. Thank you god for teaching me today, and please keep my heart soft, full of grace and mercy tomorrow so I grow even more into the man you designed me to be!

The sights, Sounds and Smells of Haiti!

I wish every American could see what Is happening just 600 miles South of Miami!

 

I wish they could experience what I have seen, heard and smelled on my three trips to Haiti. Well the 3rd started today. Our awesome team of 11 from Serenity Village Community Church arrived in Haiti and the sweltering heat! We are resting up for an amazing trip!

 

Day 1 - Travel Day

3AM we all gathered at airport!

Arrived in Haiti at 3pm.

 

Once we arrived, we drove through the crowded streets of Port-au-Prince on our trip from the airport on day and saw adults, kids and elders going about their normal lives. The clean clothes & smiles always are so refreshing! These are the happiest people I have ever been around!

 

God is most definitely present here and occasionally gives us a nudge to remind us why we are here!

 

The sounds of Haiti on day one were very exciting with street peddlers welcoming us at the airport and people speaking many different forms of creole. We heard a honk here and there as expected with no traffic lights but were safe the entire ride and excited to arrive at our home for the next 7 nights!

 

While on our way from the airport, we drove through the crowded streets of Port-au-Prince with a remarkable sight with fresh organic fruits and veggies displayed proudly on every corner! The street vendors trying to find buyers for their mangos, bananas, pieces of fabric or perhaps chicklets chewing gum we all love!

 

Once we arrived the smell of an amazing Haitian prepared meal was present. The dinner did not disappoint! Absolutely delicious! Thank you to our hard working Haitian Staff of drivers, and house staff for the incredible welcome!

 

On Day 2 we will visit Cite Soleil, the slums where 600,000 people live on the streets, tents and sheet metal huts. Water is scarce and this will be our mission Day 2 delivering water.

 

The daily conditions of Haitians are filled with sights, sounds and smells that are so removed from our sheltered, comfortable existence in America. I hope you will consider joining a Haitian mission trip to see for yourself this unique culture because you will be forever changed and your fire will be eternally lit to keep this country on the mend! We are here to make a difference and plan to! Stay tuned for Day 2!

 

“Whatsoever you did to these, the least of my brothers and sisters, you did to me.” - Matthew 25

 

~Jaime Kastner