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
Wonderful! We are praying for this mission!! #JedTheFish #LetsGoMinistry #SerenityVillageCC
ReplyDeleteOMG (gosh), you are an excellent writer! Wowza! Keep sharing your heart and your incredibly powerful experiences in Haiti!
ReplyDeleteYou brought up a lot about the smells that you smelt which I find to be very insightful of you, because smell is more powerful than what it ever gets credit for. I'm glad you brought it up! It helps to visualize your experience there better. And I loved what you said about them being so happy regardless of their living conditions. What a testimony to us all! A smile from a Haitian is so unbelievably priceless and ever so contagious. Peace to you all and prayers coming your way!!
I have seen several documentaries, but I can't imagine the true Living conditions. God Bless all of you and stay safe!!
ReplyDelete