(Written Friday morning but we left in a rush to the airport so it didn’t get posted until now … oops)
Well it's nice and early here and I decided to give a brief update that will not satisfy my soul to get it all out. But we had an extremely long day that was draining on the heart and soul and overwhelming for the mind to soak it all in.
We finally were able to talk in all times yesterday in "ish" form ... so our flight was supposed to leave at 1 and left at 2:30ish. We flew into Port au Prince, landing before 4. From the plane you could see all the tent cities and piles of rubble. We hopped into vehicles and started traveling thru the streets of Port au Prince. From the minuste we landed, UN trucks were present everywhere. We even saw them in Port au Paix on Wednesday. But here they were, driving thru the streets of Port au Prince. We saw Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Japan represented within the UN soldiers. There were piles of cement ready for mixing, a lot of cement blocks beautifully fashioned, and a lot of traffic as we traveled to the property Pastor Exante is hoping to purchase for a church building. A couple of the neighborhood kids came to see us and hoped for a picture to be taken and some food. Since it was so remote and they were the only ones around, we gave them some snacks as we pulled away.
Our drive from the property site to the soccer stadium was long, overwhelming, and exhausting. With the windows down and sitting in traffic for 2 hours, it felt like all we were breathing in was exhaust fumes from surrounding vehicles. “Party” tap-taps (taxis) littered the streets with loud music and bright lights into the darkness of the night. After the sun went down is when we reached the center of much of the earthquake damage. The palace looked as if it cracked down the middle and folded into itself. Tent cities were located directly across the street of the palace as a reminder of the amount of devastation. Remains of buildings looked like they collapsed like an accordion … floor on top of floor. Sidewalks and streets were cracked with rubble and stone everywhere making driving even more difficult than it already is. We pulled up to the soccer stadium with its bright lights illuminating all of its surroundings with people swarming around everywhere in hopes to hear what was happening inside its walls. We quickly rushed out of the vehicles and ran into the stadium to catch the last few minutes of the soccer game (professional … it was awesome!). With only a few cracks, the stadium stood strong through the devestation that surrounded it. Pastor Exante, Don, and Rich spoke with the director of the stadium about the capacity and what the crusade in January may look like. It was loud and crazy with the intensity of the game but we were surrounded by security protecting us. After only a few brief moments and quick conversation we were rushed out before the game ended so we didn’t get caught in the rush.
We returned to the vehicles to drive off into the night to a local hotel that Exante is planning to hold the other conference seminars for pastors during the crusade. We walk in to seeing a lot of white folks along with some good looking military men (I’m single … I can say it!). The manager was a white French man with a flamboyantly french accent. He took us into the manager quarters which were air-conditioned with some sort of satellite television. They discussed numbers of rooms, sizes of conference rooms, and group pricing. Within 10 minutes, the conversation was over and we were back in the vehicles feeling accomplished for the day.
We finally got to the hotel around 8pm that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere … its high walls protecting the view only so much before you stood on the top floor balcony and overlooked crumbled building remains and another tent city. We met with the president of Mission Discovery and snagged a late dinner in the hotel’s restaurant that included ham and cheese sandwiches with friend plantains and lots of water. We headed back to our rooms to clean up from the exhaust fumes and dirt we were covered in and to get a few hours of sleep before an early wake up to get to the airport on time.
The morning was good with a brief goodbye to Rich and Murray (Don wasn’t feeling well so he slept in) and off to the airport we went with Pastor Exante and Laurie. It’s funny because we really underestimate the presence Pastor Exante carries and the networking he has. Thursday night he was scheduled to meet with one of the Haitian presidential candidates at our hotel and at the airport he somehow got thru security although he was behind us in line and he had a security guard with him while he awaited boarding his flight to Miami. We sat among about 2 dozen air force medics that were headed back to the states. They were there for about 2 weeks doing some basic preventative medical care. It was a sweet time to just hear from them a little bit, share our journey, and let them know how thankful we are for all they do.
We made our flights on time on the way home and had time to rest over the weekend ... so fantastic.
A couple of thoughts:
- Haiti has not been abandoned. The UN presence was strong along with non-government organizations (NGO’s) seen everywhere we went.
- There is no easy fix. Building new homes and providing work just isn’t there yet … now knowing there is a fault line there, they are having to put into place international earthquake guidelines that must be followed for housing now. This means strategically thinking how to reorganize the entire city so if another earthquake takes place, preventative measures have been taken.
- There is a livelihood in the city. People were out, enjoying the soccer game, singing, dancing, and moving forward with life. It wasn’t completely desolate and they weren’t just looking for handouts. They are hard-working and the market and local shops prove that. Even in the tent cities they are trying to rebuild their lives on their own.
- There is plenty of work to still be done. And it’s going to be the Haitians that set the tone for the integrity that is needed. If anyone remembers the Night of 2 Wells … how the war-lords came and took all the food the aid workers dropped off and then sold it for their profit? That is real life in Haiti right now. One cup of rice is $4. The average person makes $1-2 a day.
- The funds will be put to good use … just maybe not right now … and that’s o.k. You have to look to the bigger picture … we can’t just throw them billions of dollars and tell them to do whatever they see fit. It’s going to take a group effort to figure out the best not the easiest way to bring hope to the devestation.
- God is working. His Word is being preached. His people are praying. Church attendance has gone UP. Pray for those spreading the Gospel in Haiti because what they are doing is making an eternal impact on the Kingdom of God. The crusade Jamie will be speaking at in January will continue to strengthen those in leadership and preach the gospel to the masses.
Once again, this trip was beyond eye-opening and has sent us home to process and pray thru the next steps. But God is good … our world is broken … but at the end, we win because of who He is.
I’m sure Jamie will be writing his thoughts and be keeping this updated about January’s crusade so keep checking back for updates!
Living The Great Commision
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Haiti: Wednesday Update!
Hey everyone! Wow, has it been a day. Today was a lot harder for me personally because the reality of our surroundings has begun to sink in. But it has also been one of the most amazing ways to spend my birthday ... and God knew that.
We started today by hopping in the truck to drive around town and run some errands with the whole team. We went to a piece of land that Mission Discovery has purchased to build a church and school on. Unfortunately, the funds haven't come in so building hasn't really started. And on top of that, the neighbors seemed to have built a wall partially taking about 2 feet from the church property. It may not seem like a lot, but things like that cause major issues with all the planning. While we were there, Pastor Exante spoke to me and it was like words spoken from God Himself. I don't like it when God messes with me like that ... but He does and He does it often enough for me to know to listen. So all in all, I guess I will be returning in January for the conference, which is something I want to handle with great responsibility and prayer.
We then headed to the dock and got the "bonus tour" of Port au Paix ... we found the stove that got shipped and let the guys work out tracking the 7 bins that were shipped in July and still haven't made it here. It's the behind-the-scenes work like that we rarely see, but it happens and is necessary.
We headed back to the hotel for lunch (these awesome chicken paninis) and cleaned up a little before heading to the orphanage for the afternoon. Riding in the back of the truck is awesome, but you get covered in dirt and grime! Our time at the orphanage was well spent and accomplished. We organized all the donations that have been in storage and made sure they will be finding homes for everything! There's a couple kids that have stuck out to Jamie like Lavinski ... a little boy that just loved Jamie and didn't really leave his side. For me, Mark and Samuel and Luznia all were my little ones. And then there was this sweet baby that I never learned her name, but she loved to cuddle. I'm sure pictures will be up. Leaving was hard, but the staff at the orphanage understand that what they are doing is a calling from God! And that is encouraging. And after we had left yesterday, the workers got the tin roof finished on the church (which they were waiting to see happen since April!)!!!!
We're still processing, dreaming, and listening for God speaking to us thru the waves crashing, the kids laughing, and the begging on the streets.
Tomorrow we will be flying at 1pm into Port au Prince (pray for that flight! It's kind of scary and adventurous!). Once we land, we are hoping to have some time to tour Port au Prince and get an idea of all the damage remaining and a closer look at the current situation in town. Then Friday morning we fly home. I'm not sure about internet access in Port au Prince so there may not be an update tomorrow but please be praying!
Thank you again for your love ... it has encouraged and strengthened us to hug another baby, talk to another stranger, and look beyond what we see and see what God sees.
God is Love.
L
We started today by hopping in the truck to drive around town and run some errands with the whole team. We went to a piece of land that Mission Discovery has purchased to build a church and school on. Unfortunately, the funds haven't come in so building hasn't really started. And on top of that, the neighbors seemed to have built a wall partially taking about 2 feet from the church property. It may not seem like a lot, but things like that cause major issues with all the planning. While we were there, Pastor Exante spoke to me and it was like words spoken from God Himself. I don't like it when God messes with me like that ... but He does and He does it often enough for me to know to listen. So all in all, I guess I will be returning in January for the conference, which is something I want to handle with great responsibility and prayer.
We then headed to the dock and got the "bonus tour" of Port au Paix ... we found the stove that got shipped and let the guys work out tracking the 7 bins that were shipped in July and still haven't made it here. It's the behind-the-scenes work like that we rarely see, but it happens and is necessary.
We headed back to the hotel for lunch (these awesome chicken paninis) and cleaned up a little before heading to the orphanage for the afternoon. Riding in the back of the truck is awesome, but you get covered in dirt and grime! Our time at the orphanage was well spent and accomplished. We organized all the donations that have been in storage and made sure they will be finding homes for everything! There's a couple kids that have stuck out to Jamie like Lavinski ... a little boy that just loved Jamie and didn't really leave his side. For me, Mark and Samuel and Luznia all were my little ones. And then there was this sweet baby that I never learned her name, but she loved to cuddle. I'm sure pictures will be up. Leaving was hard, but the staff at the orphanage understand that what they are doing is a calling from God! And that is encouraging. And after we had left yesterday, the workers got the tin roof finished on the church (which they were waiting to see happen since April!)!!!!
We're still processing, dreaming, and listening for God speaking to us thru the waves crashing, the kids laughing, and the begging on the streets.
Tomorrow we will be flying at 1pm into Port au Prince (pray for that flight! It's kind of scary and adventurous!). Once we land, we are hoping to have some time to tour Port au Prince and get an idea of all the damage remaining and a closer look at the current situation in town. Then Friday morning we fly home. I'm not sure about internet access in Port au Prince so there may not be an update tomorrow but please be praying!
Thank you again for your love ... it has encouraged and strengthened us to hug another baby, talk to another stranger, and look beyond what we see and see what God sees.
God is Love.
L
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Haiti: Tuesday Update!
... And we're back from the orphanage after 7 hours of kids pulling our hair, continually saying "photo", and a lot of other french/creole that I couldn't understand! But it was still an awesome day!
After breakfast, I had updated the blog (see below) and then we got straight into the vehicle and drove about 30 minutes to the orphanage. We got there and all the children were waving from their balcony and by the time we made our way up, they were politely sitting in their circle waiting for us. I stepped in the room and it began ... the kid attack! We were greeted with plenty of hugs and laughter and smiles! After meeting the staff and the children sang a couple songs for us, we all headed downstairs. We got individual pictures of the kids taken for their sponsors and Laurie spent the entire day with translators writing profile updates for each child. She had a hefty task and with the help of Gene and Chesley, they were able to complete it all!
Jamie and I got a tour of the facility and local surroundings. IT's absolutely astounding. It's a 2 floor building with 2 large dormitory rooms (holds about 20-30 kids in each room) with large dorm style bathrooms. They got a generator operating (since April) along with a kitchen, nurses station, security guard sleeping quarters. They have a tower for the security guard, a church that doubles as a school.
The kids were absolutely precious. They ripped out a lot of my hair while playing with it which included braiding (yes, platting), touching it because it's different from theirs, and redoing my ponytail about a kajillion times. Jamie had to keep removing his hat so they could touch his hair and they ripped out his arm hair and placed it on themselves like it would magically grow or something, haha! Jamie had the kids running around, playing tag, and jumping competitions while I tried to teach a song, played tag, and cuddled with all the cuddlers (a.k.a. doing what I love).
We got to eat lunch with the children which included chicken, rice, banana, and some other stuff I can't remember. Jamie will be posting pictures soon. But seriously, by the end of the afternoon, we were all wiped out. We're currently back at the hotel for the evening. Dinner options tonight: chicken, fish, or goat. Awesome. :)
We love being here and God is softly speaking to each of us differently. Jamie and I both came back saying it is more african here than it is bahamian. That's something we're working thru, but the poverty here is immense. There is so much need and not the right leadership making things happen. The bottled water we bought yesterday for lunch were from Sam's Club meaning they were donated and somehow the wrong people got ahold of it and are now making profit off it. The corruption is big. They can't feed themselves but they all have cellphones.
We're taking it all in ... and listening to Him.
God is good. And we love you all.
After breakfast, I had updated the blog (see below) and then we got straight into the vehicle and drove about 30 minutes to the orphanage. We got there and all the children were waving from their balcony and by the time we made our way up, they were politely sitting in their circle waiting for us. I stepped in the room and it began ... the kid attack! We were greeted with plenty of hugs and laughter and smiles! After meeting the staff and the children sang a couple songs for us, we all headed downstairs. We got individual pictures of the kids taken for their sponsors and Laurie spent the entire day with translators writing profile updates for each child. She had a hefty task and with the help of Gene and Chesley, they were able to complete it all!
Jamie and I got a tour of the facility and local surroundings. IT's absolutely astounding. It's a 2 floor building with 2 large dormitory rooms (holds about 20-30 kids in each room) with large dorm style bathrooms. They got a generator operating (since April) along with a kitchen, nurses station, security guard sleeping quarters. They have a tower for the security guard, a church that doubles as a school.
The kids were absolutely precious. They ripped out a lot of my hair while playing with it which included braiding (yes, platting), touching it because it's different from theirs, and redoing my ponytail about a kajillion times. Jamie had to keep removing his hat so they could touch his hair and they ripped out his arm hair and placed it on themselves like it would magically grow or something, haha! Jamie had the kids running around, playing tag, and jumping competitions while I tried to teach a song, played tag, and cuddled with all the cuddlers (a.k.a. doing what I love).
We got to eat lunch with the children which included chicken, rice, banana, and some other stuff I can't remember. Jamie will be posting pictures soon. But seriously, by the end of the afternoon, we were all wiped out. We're currently back at the hotel for the evening. Dinner options tonight: chicken, fish, or goat. Awesome. :)
We love being here and God is softly speaking to each of us differently. Jamie and I both came back saying it is more african here than it is bahamian. That's something we're working thru, but the poverty here is immense. There is so much need and not the right leadership making things happen. The bottled water we bought yesterday for lunch were from Sam's Club meaning they were donated and somehow the wrong people got ahold of it and are now making profit off it. The corruption is big. They can't feed themselves but they all have cellphones.
We're taking it all in ... and listening to Him.
God is good. And we love you all.
Haiti Day 1!!!
Hey everyone!
Our team, along with your luggage, all made it to Port au Paix yesterday safely!!!! We had a long 24 hours of travel and waiting, but we did it! Sunday night we did decide to get hotel rooms (thanks to HotWire.com!) ... best decision we could've made! Although we got less than 5 hours of sleep, it was a very comfortable and peaceful 5 hours!
The airport process in Port au Prince went quickly and Pastor Exante picked up Jamie and I to take us out for breakfast. So we spent about 4 hours in air conditioning with some DELICIOUS food! Don, Rich, and Laurie met up with us for lunch and we all caught up on one another's lives.
We then headed over to the domestic airport ... if you can call it that! It was the smallest airport I've ever seen and we rode in the smallest plane I've personally ever been on. It seated 20, but there were only 14 of us and then luggage on the back rows of seats. The plan ride was interesting and we enjoyed flying over and seeing the land from a bird's eye view.
We drove to our hotel and of course Jamie, Laurie, and I sat in the back bed of the truck to have Port au Paix surrounding us! We got to our hotel and the rooms are lovely! Everything in our bathroom works and we haven't had major issues with electricity. And as an added bonus our rooms do have ceiling fans and some sort of air conditioning ... woohoo!!!
Today we will be heading to the orphanage that HOLD the Children runs. We'll be helping them with a few tasks like taking inventory, organizing their storage space, and helping to write profiles on the children to give to sponsors.
Please Pray for the following:
- our time with the children .. that the light of God shines thru all we say and do
- Jamie and I as we process everything (Robby, I wish you were here). Our minds are spinning with ideas and visions ... which if you know us at all can get dangerous!
- Diets ... honestly, this is always a prayer of mine because my stomach hates change ... so that's a personal one that I stay healthy with all the changes in diet. So far so good.
- The kids at the orphanage ... this will probably remain at the forefront of my heart. Out of 27 orphans, only 15 are sponsored ...
We love you all so much! Thank you for your prayers and support. I can already tell you that God is good and it is worth it.
God is Love.
-Leanne
Our team, along with your luggage, all made it to Port au Paix yesterday safely!!!! We had a long 24 hours of travel and waiting, but we did it! Sunday night we did decide to get hotel rooms (thanks to HotWire.com!) ... best decision we could've made! Although we got less than 5 hours of sleep, it was a very comfortable and peaceful 5 hours!
The airport process in Port au Prince went quickly and Pastor Exante picked up Jamie and I to take us out for breakfast. So we spent about 4 hours in air conditioning with some DELICIOUS food! Don, Rich, and Laurie met up with us for lunch and we all caught up on one another's lives.
We then headed over to the domestic airport ... if you can call it that! It was the smallest airport I've ever seen and we rode in the smallest plane I've personally ever been on. It seated 20, but there were only 14 of us and then luggage on the back rows of seats. The plan ride was interesting and we enjoyed flying over and seeing the land from a bird's eye view.
We drove to our hotel and of course Jamie, Laurie, and I sat in the back bed of the truck to have Port au Paix surrounding us! We got to our hotel and the rooms are lovely! Everything in our bathroom works and we haven't had major issues with electricity. And as an added bonus our rooms do have ceiling fans and some sort of air conditioning ... woohoo!!!
Today we will be heading to the orphanage that HOLD the Children runs. We'll be helping them with a few tasks like taking inventory, organizing their storage space, and helping to write profiles on the children to give to sponsors.
Please Pray for the following:
- our time with the children .. that the light of God shines thru all we say and do
- Jamie and I as we process everything (Robby, I wish you were here). Our minds are spinning with ideas and visions ... which if you know us at all can get dangerous!
- Diets ... honestly, this is always a prayer of mine because my stomach hates change ... so that's a personal one that I stay healthy with all the changes in diet. So far so good.
- The kids at the orphanage ... this will probably remain at the forefront of my heart. Out of 27 orphans, only 15 are sponsored ...
We love you all so much! Thank you for your prayers and support. I can already tell you that God is good and it is worth it.
God is Love.
-Leanne
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