Day Three (Carly) - Confirmation
Today was Gertrudes and wound clinic day for part of our team. One thing that will stick with me from Gertrudes is a little girl named Christina. We made an instant connection, and I taught her how to say my name! This little girl, and many other children at Gertrudes, touched my heart and put smiles on all of our faces. It's amazing how much these children brightened my day.
Lauren, Jake, Bob, and I were the part of the team that decided to take on the challenges of the wound clinic- cleaning and dressing wounds for many injured Haitians. I was so proud of everyone that came together to help heal these people; it was an amazing experience and felt great to be a part of something so meaningful. This is where my word of the day, confirmation, comes into play. Being a part of the wound clinic team and helping to heal wounds confirmed that I am on the right track in life. I think that one's health, and the health of the people we love is one thing that is most important in life, and often something we don't think about every day. To be a part of a team that can improve someone's health is so meaningful to me. So today was confirmation that pursuing a career in healthcare is what I am meant to do. Today, we truly helped heal Haiti.
-Carly
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Well, today is my third day in Haiti and there are so many things to say, and I believe I've been through the gamut of emotions, but it has been so amazing and eye opening. Today we awoke at 5:30am for the tent church service which began at 6am. Although we could not understand what was being said, we could just feel the energy and love for God that the Haitians have, how amazing!
After church we headed over to Gertrude's; a home for disabled children. There were so many children to be played with and held. They had so much energy and it was so great to see them smile. I was on swing duty which they seemed to love. They did not want to stop swinging so it was hard to get them to take turns but I had a chance to push two boys on the swing. One sang to me as I pushed him and the other did not speak, but I later found out that he enjoyed my company as I went to hold a new baby and he came and sat next to me and wanted more of my attention. This really touched my heart as well as holding this new little baby that had nothing but smiles to give. It was hard to know that they are orphaned children, but eases your heart knowing that the people there take good care of them. Once we left Gertrude's we had a break and enjoyed a little time in the pool at the hotel across the street, which gave us some time to bond even more as a team. What a great team to be apart of!
The second half of our day consisted of visiting the Home for the Sick and Dying Babies. This was my first real bout of tears on the trip. I walked into the home and saw all of the babies that wanted to be held and just felt like I wanted to hold them all but did not have enough arms. I had one child on my lap and two on each side of me. I know I keep saying this, but how amazing! They just wanted to be hugged and loved and I had lots to give. It was so hard to put them down as they would cry because they just wanted to be held, but I made my way downstairs to the babies that were the sickest. As I walked into the room my heart started breaking as I saw these babies with IVs hooked up to them and so malnourished. I saw one right away that I wanted to hold so I picked him up and brought him outside. He felt so small in my arms and just burning up due to a fever. I didn't want to put him back down, but again I knew he would also be well taken care of.
We ended our day with a great meal of spaghetti and garlic bread, our word of the day and a great picture slide show. So excited to see what tomorrow brings with the elders and visiting the children at the orphanages.
After church we headed over to Gertrude's; a home for disabled children. There were so many children to be played with and held. They had so much energy and it was so great to see them smile. I was on swing duty which they seemed to love. They did not want to stop swinging so it was hard to get them to take turns but I had a chance to push two boys on the swing. One sang to me as I pushed him and the other did not speak, but I later found out that he enjoyed my company as I went to hold a new baby and he came and sat next to me and wanted more of my attention. This really touched my heart as well as holding this new little baby that had nothing but smiles to give. It was hard to know that they are orphaned children, but eases your heart knowing that the people there take good care of them. Once we left Gertrude's we had a break and enjoyed a little time in the pool at the hotel across the street, which gave us some time to bond even more as a team. What a great team to be apart of!
The second half of our day consisted of visiting the Home for the Sick and Dying Babies. This was my first real bout of tears on the trip. I walked into the home and saw all of the babies that wanted to be held and just felt like I wanted to hold them all but did not have enough arms. I had one child on my lap and two on each side of me. I know I keep saying this, but how amazing! They just wanted to be hugged and loved and I had lots to give. It was so hard to put them down as they would cry because they just wanted to be held, but I made my way downstairs to the babies that were the sickest. As I walked into the room my heart started breaking as I saw these babies with IVs hooked up to them and so malnourished. I saw one right away that I wanted to hold so I picked him up and brought him outside. He felt so small in my arms and just burning up due to a fever. I didn't want to put him back down, but again I knew he would also be well taken care of.
We ended our day with a great meal of spaghetti and garlic bread, our word of the day and a great picture slide show. So excited to see what tomorrow brings with the elders and visiting the children at the orphanages.
What a day!! I can't even to begin to explain what we have experienced so far on our Haiti mission. Our pictures will tell a better story of our journey, but for now I will try my best. Today was day 2.
Our day started at 6am worship in the large local tent. As I didn't understand any words, I was moved by the actions of these most faithful followers. Their dancing, shouting, singing, chanting and praising the Lord was a great witness of how hopeful and dedicated the Haitians are. Quite an experience.
After another amazing breakfast by our wonderful cooks, we were off to our first mission of the day. It was our pleasure to have the opportunity to play and spend quality time with handicapped children at Gertrudes Home. Walking into this home, I wasn't really sure what to expect. We all connected to our own special child and got to work. As I tried to take it all in, I noticed a little boy on the floor, unable to walk or talk, but just looked at me with his big eyes. He was my buddy for the next hour or so. We enjoyed walking outside, playing with a ball, and simply tickling and getting a smile out of my buddy. My next focus was on the sweetest most angelic baby I think I have ever seen! Baby Estella had been dropped off at the home a few day ago, being 4 months old and weighing 6 lbs. She was the most perfect baby in every way. My heart was filled with joy holding and loving little Estella. She was so content and happy to just be. Couldn't help but wonder over and over what will happen of this little being, so sweet and innocent. Very hard to leave her. Estella will forever be in my prayers.
We had a break for a few hours this afternoon and were able to enjoy the pool at the hotel. Pool felt great and was a nice break after an emotional morning!
Our next mission was to hold babies at the home for the sick and dying. What a facility this is! Incredible sisters take such good care of these sweet babies. I had a wonderful connection with baby Dania, she was quite the singer and didn't like to be put down. When I first entered the room I was taken back by all the cribs lined up with the sweetest babies. Some crying, some sleeping, some smiling. Surprisingly, I felt peaceful leaving these babies knowing that they are well cared for, prayed for constantly and loved.
Emotions abound and I know I will be a different person when I return home.
Thank you Haiti!!
Our day started at 6am worship in the large local tent. As I didn't understand any words, I was moved by the actions of these most faithful followers. Their dancing, shouting, singing, chanting and praising the Lord was a great witness of how hopeful and dedicated the Haitians are. Quite an experience.
After another amazing breakfast by our wonderful cooks, we were off to our first mission of the day. It was our pleasure to have the opportunity to play and spend quality time with handicapped children at Gertrudes Home. Walking into this home, I wasn't really sure what to expect. We all connected to our own special child and got to work. As I tried to take it all in, I noticed a little boy on the floor, unable to walk or talk, but just looked at me with his big eyes. He was my buddy for the next hour or so. We enjoyed walking outside, playing with a ball, and simply tickling and getting a smile out of my buddy. My next focus was on the sweetest most angelic baby I think I have ever seen! Baby Estella had been dropped off at the home a few day ago, being 4 months old and weighing 6 lbs. She was the most perfect baby in every way. My heart was filled with joy holding and loving little Estella. She was so content and happy to just be. Couldn't help but wonder over and over what will happen of this little being, so sweet and innocent. Very hard to leave her. Estella will forever be in my prayers.
We had a break for a few hours this afternoon and were able to enjoy the pool at the hotel. Pool felt great and was a nice break after an emotional morning!
Our next mission was to hold babies at the home for the sick and dying. What a facility this is! Incredible sisters take such good care of these sweet babies. I had a wonderful connection with baby Dania, she was quite the singer and didn't like to be put down. When I first entered the room I was taken back by all the cribs lined up with the sweetest babies. Some crying, some sleeping, some smiling. Surprisingly, I felt peaceful leaving these babies knowing that they are well cared for, prayed for constantly and loved.
Emotions abound and I know I will be a different person when I return home.
Thank you Haiti!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Day Two- Brave (Carly)
My word of the day today was brave. Most of this team has never been to Haiti, and I think I speak for most when I say that water truck day can be a little scary because you are so unsure of what to expect, and our comfort zones were definitely tested- but every one of these team members hopped out of the truck and did their job. We loved the children, we delivered fresh water, we cared for those needing our attention. It was almost as if our team put aside any fears, and showed true bravery by just jumping right in.
Today was a day I will never forget. As soon as we hopped out of the truck, kids swarmed us, begging to be picked up and held. The first little boy that I picked up was unclothed, and seemed desperate for some attention. I gave him a big hug and he hugged me back, refusing to be put down. The connection with these children is almost instant. They are so lovable and so kind- and it's contagious. I felt as though I wanted to pick up every child and show them any sort of compassion that I could. As we got back on the truck to leave, a few children grabbed our faces and kissed us goodbye.
The day was hard and emotional, but so rewarding for this team, and every Haitian today that we helped. I can't wait to see who else we help tomorrow.
-Carly
Overjoyed, Blessed, Loved... There wasn't a word today. Day Two...
Ever have one of those days?
Our day started like they all will- breakfast together, devotions, and debriefing of the day. Then the day happened.
Today was the water trucks. I love them. It is a little piece of tangible life that we can give to the Haitians. I love it. Activator is a strength-- being able to physically do something is so wonderful and makes my heart happy. I was also excited to see the first time teammates see and experience this-- and be able to hopefully capture them with my camera.
One of the blessings the Haitians have received recently is rain. This made the water truck stops not nearly as critical this time around- it was not as crowded or panicked as it was before. The first stop was one of ordered chaos- filling the buckets, lined buckets, kids. Lots and lots of kids. The team was surrounded by dozens of kids- with hand slapping games, hand holding, holding kids, and just generally loving on them. Kids literally make these stops for me. They are selfless, openly loving, and smiling at the "blanc" that we all are. I found myself seeing the team all in the same... only them smiling at the love and heart of the Haitians. It was beautiful. I can't tell you how beautiful it was to see each person interact with each other and the people of Haiti. It can draw tears. These people are such a blessing.
The second stop... Well. The thing is... I have talked to a few about this little boy that I saw on our first stop the last time I was here. I have dreamt of him. I have been longing to see him... and then we were not going to his stop. Except...he appeared. Wearing the same colored shirt, no pants, and grabbed my face and hands just the same as last time. I am not really a crier in public, but my goodness... I sobbed when I realized it was him. He knew and remembered me... and again did not leave my side through most of our time there. In the midst of holding my Haitian boy, a group of girls started touching my hair. Not only do I really not cry in public, I also have a physical reaction to almost anyone touching my hair. They pulled the bun out that I had my hair wrapped in, and started combing it with their fingers. Not satisfied with the results, this happened not once, but twice, all the time holdinng my boy. As we went to leave, he came with me to the truck, kissed him goodbye, and hopped into the back of the truck. His mother put him on the truck to go with me. A mother of two children myself, my heart ripped wide open...He wasn't supposed to be at this stop. And not only was he there, but wanted to come with me.
Stop three? A blur of sorts... This stop felt like endless buckets. After taking pictures, I helped with the water truck, running the hose to fill people's buckets. It seemed like we stopped four or five times in that there were no more buckets... and then there were more that reappeared. There was this one little girl- she couldn't have been much older than 5 or 6- that came back time and again with new buckets- filling and carrying/ sliding them herself. It was amazing. The strength of the people down here is amazing.
We finished our water truck day early and spent part of our afternoon visiting together- talking through the day and what we had seen. A couple of water trucks came to the guest house here, and then one of Healing Haiti's trucks arrived... with FANFAN!! I had anticipated not seeing him either because he is going to school and spends much more of his time at Grace Village. I literally screamed and hugged and etc... The world is such a better place just by having FanFan in it. It was such a wonderful surprise...
For all the events of the day, the blessing and gifts and love just came pouring down from heaven. Dear Lord. Use my hands... use my feet.... to serve the least of these. I'll follow you into the world. Continue to break my heart wide open. Please. I commit my heart and this week for what more you would want to do in and through me. All in. At the same time, please bless and protect and keep my little boy. I love him as I do Chase and Chloe... knowing full well I can't touch how much You love him God. Protect and keep my own babies. Thank you for this day. I am overwhelmed and humbled by your grace and love outpoured today.
Much love.
~Kristi
Our day started like they all will- breakfast together, devotions, and debriefing of the day. Then the day happened.
Today was the water trucks. I love them. It is a little piece of tangible life that we can give to the Haitians. I love it. Activator is a strength-- being able to physically do something is so wonderful and makes my heart happy. I was also excited to see the first time teammates see and experience this-- and be able to hopefully capture them with my camera.
One of the blessings the Haitians have received recently is rain. This made the water truck stops not nearly as critical this time around- it was not as crowded or panicked as it was before. The first stop was one of ordered chaos- filling the buckets, lined buckets, kids. Lots and lots of kids. The team was surrounded by dozens of kids- with hand slapping games, hand holding, holding kids, and just generally loving on them. Kids literally make these stops for me. They are selfless, openly loving, and smiling at the "blanc" that we all are. I found myself seeing the team all in the same... only them smiling at the love and heart of the Haitians. It was beautiful. I can't tell you how beautiful it was to see each person interact with each other and the people of Haiti. It can draw tears. These people are such a blessing.
The second stop... Well. The thing is... I have talked to a few about this little boy that I saw on our first stop the last time I was here. I have dreamt of him. I have been longing to see him... and then we were not going to his stop. Except...he appeared. Wearing the same colored shirt, no pants, and grabbed my face and hands just the same as last time. I am not really a crier in public, but my goodness... I sobbed when I realized it was him. He knew and remembered me... and again did not leave my side through most of our time there. In the midst of holding my Haitian boy, a group of girls started touching my hair. Not only do I really not cry in public, I also have a physical reaction to almost anyone touching my hair. They pulled the bun out that I had my hair wrapped in, and started combing it with their fingers. Not satisfied with the results, this happened not once, but twice, all the time holdinng my boy. As we went to leave, he came with me to the truck, kissed him goodbye, and hopped into the back of the truck. His mother put him on the truck to go with me. A mother of two children myself, my heart ripped wide open...He wasn't supposed to be at this stop. And not only was he there, but wanted to come with me.
Stop three? A blur of sorts... This stop felt like endless buckets. After taking pictures, I helped with the water truck, running the hose to fill people's buckets. It seemed like we stopped four or five times in that there were no more buckets... and then there were more that reappeared. There was this one little girl- she couldn't have been much older than 5 or 6- that came back time and again with new buckets- filling and carrying/ sliding them herself. It was amazing. The strength of the people down here is amazing.
We finished our water truck day early and spent part of our afternoon visiting together- talking through the day and what we had seen. A couple of water trucks came to the guest house here, and then one of Healing Haiti's trucks arrived... with FANFAN!! I had anticipated not seeing him either because he is going to school and spends much more of his time at Grace Village. I literally screamed and hugged and etc... The world is such a better place just by having FanFan in it. It was such a wonderful surprise...
For all the events of the day, the blessing and gifts and love just came pouring down from heaven. Dear Lord. Use my hands... use my feet.... to serve the least of these. I'll follow you into the world. Continue to break my heart wide open. Please. I commit my heart and this week for what more you would want to do in and through me. All in. At the same time, please bless and protect and keep my little boy. I love him as I do Chase and Chloe... knowing full well I can't touch how much You love him God. Protect and keep my own babies. Thank you for this day. I am overwhelmed and humbled by your grace and love outpoured today.
Much love.
~Kristi
Monday, May 14, 2012
Day One - Anticipation (Carly)
Unlike Kristi, I have never been to Haiti, so my word of the day is: anticipation. I have been looking forward to this day for a while now; it seems like just yesterday our team met for the first time. It also felt like today took forever, the anticipation was killing me, but we have finally arrived. I am anticipating meeting the children, and all of the other wonderful people here in Haiti. I cannot wait to see what kind of a difference, however small, we can all make in the lives of many people here.
So far, I am amazed by what I see in Haiti, and I am so glad we are here to help make a difference. Our team is amazing, and we are already very close- I cannot wait to see what the rest of the week brings our way.
Tomorrow is a very important day, as we are delivering fresh, clean water to many people. I believe that immersing myself in the Haitian culture will be extremely eye opening. Things that I take for granted every day, such as clean water, will suddenly mean so much more. I cannot wait to experience these life-changing events with this team, and immerse myself in this culture who so badly needs our love and care. In the short while I have been here, I have experienced very little of Haiti, but tomorrow I will be totally immersed. I am going to bed tonight with an open heart and willing attitude to make a difference in the lives of the people here.
-Carly
Unlike Kristi, I have never been to Haiti, so my word of the day is: anticipation. I have been looking forward to this day for a while now; it seems like just yesterday our team met for the first time. It also felt like today took forever, the anticipation was killing me, but we have finally arrived. I am anticipating meeting the children, and all of the other wonderful people here in Haiti. I cannot wait to see what kind of a difference, however small, we can all make in the lives of many people here.
So far, I am amazed by what I see in Haiti, and I am so glad we are here to help make a difference. Our team is amazing, and we are already very close- I cannot wait to see what the rest of the week brings our way.
Tomorrow is a very important day, as we are delivering fresh, clean water to many people. I believe that immersing myself in the Haitian culture will be extremely eye opening. Things that I take for granted every day, such as clean water, will suddenly mean so much more. I cannot wait to experience these life-changing events with this team, and immerse myself in this culture who so badly needs our love and care. In the short while I have been here, I have experienced very little of Haiti, but tomorrow I will be totally immersed. I am going to bed tonight with an open heart and willing attitude to make a difference in the lives of the people here.
-Carly
Day One: Content
Oh Haiti, how I have missed thee...
It has been a year and six months since I both first and last experienced Haiti. In the months that have passed, we have had "the eggs" ala Jean's specialty I picked up while here, prayed for teams, supported members coming down, and been a bit broken that either my distraction or impatience at it not being God's timing for the second trip.
Until today.
My small world some days is like a soundtrack. The song for today is one that goes a little something like-- "You are good, you are good, when there's nothing good in me..." I thought of the imperfect, not good weeks that have led to this day of coming back and being part of an amazing team. I thought of my imperfections, short comings, my lack, my own brokenness, my selfishness... the totality of my sin. In the past these things have meant that I have remained frozen. I have not moved forward. I have had areas where I've pulled a Joshua as Jason Anderson preached this past weekend- I've allowed myself to become too confident in what I have and has been given rather than rely on God's goodness, grace, and provision. My distractions have prevented preparation for this day.
And then we flew over the North side of Haiti. Having spent much of my flying time in prayer today for clarity of heart, mind, soul, and spirit... God-- you are what is good. You are always what is good in these trips. You are what is good in this country. You are what is good in these people and their faith despite their circumstances. God- you alone are what is going to be able to do any good in me and in us in this week.
Resting in these promises alone... Content. With all that is in me... the timing couldn't have been better. This is an amazing team. These are amazing, hand picked, people. This is an amazing country and people we are here to serve. Thank you, God, for the peace that surpasses all understanding, and a contentment that knows no limits in doing what we are specifically called to do.
You are good... you are good, when there's nothing good in me.
To God be the glory in this team, this trip, and what is to come.
~Kristi
It has been a year and six months since I both first and last experienced Haiti. In the months that have passed, we have had "the eggs" ala Jean's specialty I picked up while here, prayed for teams, supported members coming down, and been a bit broken that either my distraction or impatience at it not being God's timing for the second trip.
Until today.
My small world some days is like a soundtrack. The song for today is one that goes a little something like-- "You are good, you are good, when there's nothing good in me..." I thought of the imperfect, not good weeks that have led to this day of coming back and being part of an amazing team. I thought of my imperfections, short comings, my lack, my own brokenness, my selfishness... the totality of my sin. In the past these things have meant that I have remained frozen. I have not moved forward. I have had areas where I've pulled a Joshua as Jason Anderson preached this past weekend- I've allowed myself to become too confident in what I have and has been given rather than rely on God's goodness, grace, and provision. My distractions have prevented preparation for this day.
And then we flew over the North side of Haiti. Having spent much of my flying time in prayer today for clarity of heart, mind, soul, and spirit... God-- you are what is good. You are always what is good in these trips. You are what is good in this country. You are what is good in these people and their faith despite their circumstances. God- you alone are what is going to be able to do any good in me and in us in this week.
Resting in these promises alone... Content. With all that is in me... the timing couldn't have been better. This is an amazing team. These are amazing, hand picked, people. This is an amazing country and people we are here to serve. Thank you, God, for the peace that surpasses all understanding, and a contentment that knows no limits in doing what we are specifically called to do.
You are good... you are good, when there's nothing good in me.
To God be the glory in this team, this trip, and what is to come.
~Kristi
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