Many days, my blogs come through as a way to just communicate my heart and mind- a part of the process. Today, my words come from a distict prayer for strength and courage to speak out loud (on paper) pieces that have been on my heart for a long time.
Our day started in Cite Soleil. We made two stops with the water truck. The weather has been really warm down here. While this doesn't bother me, it has been too warm for some on the team at times. More importantly though, it is too warm for the Haitians. Having every so often been in a period of need on an American level, I understand to some degree the panic that sets in when you have no idea when the next provision will come. For them, it was water. The first stop we made was more desperate than they had been on Tuesday for water. I don't know why outside of the rain factor that would impact this for these people. "Respekte liy lan" (respect the line) was a common phrase we were saying today, and at times shouting a bit to be heard. Liy Lan ended up being the shortened form of it.... but this is where I have a huge amount of grace and patience. To not know or understand or have fear of not having enough is exceptionally difficult to wade through, especially with children. I have never been in want like they have, but I have feared how I was going to be able to take care of my children in these years of single motherhood. I climbed onto the top of the water truck to gain additional photos of the landscape in some ways. Our second stop was Cite 17. This was my first stop here in Haiti in the field a year and a half ago. Cite 17 is really hard for everyone simply because you see homes built on trash. There is a trash walk of sorts bringing you out to the coast line. The poverty is overwhelming, but at the same time, you see and experience each child being so selfless. They get so concerned about where we're stepping or if we get dirty that they try to clean us off. I have noticed this now twice at this stop in particular. It is amazing these children. There is so much more that could be said, and perhaps should be said, but it is almost impossible to describe the people versus the surroundings adequately.
After the two water truck deliveries, we had time to go for a quick swim in the pool. I was able to connect with Jenn for a bit today and in this connection, speak about what Haiti has meant and what I am leaving with my second time down here. Jenn told me of this book she read- the Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkenson. It is an essential parable of a man who has been given this dream and is told by many he cannot and should not persue this dream. Instead, he does just that, overcoming obstacles and on his own. (Ironically or not so much, I read the words to Oh The Places You'll Go this morning too. For real.) I told her of some of my dreams and things I hope to bring to Haiti- making things to go in the TapTap to make it at least a little more comfortable, figuring out how to be specific in raising funds for the water truck, self-sufficiency at the guesthouse or at Grace Village or in the community of Titanyen. Ideas. I ws telling her of dreams that scare me for what they could mean back home. Since high school, it has been on my heart to build an orphanage. I don't know the need. I don't know the legalities. I know nothing outside of this burning to see to it that every child has a bed, a meal, clothes, and a chance for opportunity to change what may otherwise be a pre-destined outcome of living on the streets. I have this gut feeling that while there are really great people that have done just this, that there are many more who are without these basic needs being met. Seeing where the children live here, I can no longer sit back and be ok with children at home having nothing when we have so much and so many ways to fix that problem. There is not a way for me to change the housing of the probably thousands of children in Cite Soleil. I refuse to believe children in Minnesota have to live the same way.
Our day finished out with a trip to the Home for Sick and Dying, dinner, a trip to market for a few, and word of the day. I talked with a mother, through Wilson, at the Home for Sick and Dying and heard her story. It is one that we would or could be quick to judge, but at the same time, I found myself telling her she was a good mother and clearly cared for her children to even be at the Home for Sick and Dying. Little Daphne was so cute-- under weight and very small for being 18 months, but this momma made my heart happy to be doing something about it.
I don't often share the words of other teammates, but have to share this great story. One of the team woke up feeling really sick and essentially hurting. She was looking to still go out- really feeling like she was supposed to- but praying for how she was going to be able to. A group of us prayed over her- asking for God to remove where the devil may be getting in-- also for a host of angels to come down and protect and heal her- remove where she was unwell and during the prayer, her stomach no longer hurt. She took medication with her for the rest of the day, and she was fine the rest of the day. God can work miracles. God can send His angels down. God can do anything. Anything. Amazing what God will do. I still recognize the answer sometimes is no, but I don't doubt the goodness of God to bring about the desires of His children if we ask and it is part of His good and perfect plan. God is so good.
The song yesterday was "Take my life and let it be... all for You and for Your glory. Take my life and let it be Yours. Glory to God. Glory to God...." God, we give you glory and praise and honor for miracles worked, healing performed, broken hearts, teams that grow close, hugs and comfort as we walk through what you're trying to teach us here, and dreams that are given that you don't let die. In all these things, let us constantly strive to do your will and have the courage to step out boldly knowing You qualify the called not call the qualified. Your Word speaks to that over and over. Please continue to move in and through us as we finish out our week here.
Take my life and let it be all for You and Your glory.
Amen and Amen.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Day Four: Fulfilled
I feel like a broken record of sorts with my posts, but I love it here. I know that sounds and seems foreign to many, but to that end.... I would say come. See it once. You may not love it- it may not be your passion or what God has called you for, but I haven't met someone that says a trip to Haiti was a waste. Many say they can see why people that have gone before will speak of Haiti with love.
My word for yesterday was Fulfilled. Our day began like any other- I was back in the kitchen, which I think is what made the day "feel" right for me down here. My previous trip, I spent much time in the kitchen helping with breakfast or dinner, so not doing that a lot this time was (my first word was tough) different. We spent more time just preparing to be ready as Jenn met with others for possible connections for future teams in Haiti.
We drove out to Titanyen yesterday. The first leg of our journey brought us to the mass grave sites for those who died in the earthquake as well as from the cholera outbreak that followed. It is said about 300,000 are buried there. To be standing in the midst of a place of great loss and then look out to see nothing but beauty felt in some ways very contradictory and in others, just right that as part of a final resting place, they were given peace.
Our next stop brought us to one of the schools Healing Haiti supports. They were off from school when we got there- it is flag day today- but we were given a tour of the school and spoke with Jean Garrie (? Sp. I spelled it phonetically kind of). I love the tenacity of the Haitians. They will do everything possible to see to it their children have an education, including college, and then have an employment rate of about 10%. They continue to press forward with dreams and goals, and how they hope it to be. I wish we could all have and see the gift of pursuing something with your whole heart and being. We too often, and myself the most guilty, expect for someone else to love and nourish and grow our dreams of what we would like to accomplish, forgetting that we have all we need in front of us to make this happen. We are not living in poverty. We have grants and loans and an economy that will support a dream that has enough energy behind it. Will that mean perfection and a smooth road? No. But my goodness.... we have a leg up simply by having the blessing of being American.
Next (busy day!) we drove to the elderly Healing Haiti cares for. The expected life expectancy down here is about 52 (which means I would be without my dad, two sets of grandparents, or have memories and know any of my great grandparents). In having such a short life expectancy though, many of the elderly are in a place of almost being orphaned themselves- they have a medical condition or age that leave them in a position of great difficulty to care for themselves. We brought food and water to five different people, and all of them beautiful. I was in the tent for a couple, and rubbed lotion on the legs of a woman who has a couple of bumps that are causing her pain. I dreamt of my doctor being down here last night to tell me what was wrong with her. We prayed over each of them, thanking God for them, the light they bring, and joy in their hearts amidst dire circumstances.
Our day ended with our trip to Grace Village. This was Alyn Shannon's dream for her Haiti. In my words, that there would be a place of beauty to care for the orphaned children and community of Titanyen. They have a boys and girls house, a feeding center that will/is being used as a school, and are building a fish pond that will also water the greenhouse. I have a heart for self-sufficiency as passed down from my parents, so having their own ecosystem to care for them makes my heart so full. They also have a playground and an area to play soccer. It is my understanding they will also have a space for the elderly to be brought here that are in need of a higher level of care. When I was here before, this was just concrete structures, no windows, doors, finishes, paint, or kids. It is amazing to see the tangible structure of one woman's dream. I had asked last time the question over and over what God was trying to teach me in all this because that was her question. My heart is so full to see this built and "done". A ministry is never really done expanding and building, but like I said, what they have is tangible evidence of one couple's heart and vision. Alyn, your heart must be bursting to see what God has blessed your dream with.
Fulfilled. For many reasons. My first is the fulfilled dream of Alyn Shannon. How amazing. How wonderful. How perfect. The tangible evidence that one person can make a difference on the world. Grace Village is a real place. Thank you dear Lord for your hand on this ministry to see their dreams come to life. Beautiful. Overwhelming. And perfect. Fulfilled. We filled the needs for a day- even if it was just one day- for each of the elderly we visited. It may just be for a day, a moment, but it is more than if we hadn't come at all. Fulfilled. My heart. I have struggled since being here with not being able to fix it all. To put America into how to make Haiti better in my eyes. The thing is... Haiti has always been better. They have struggles and misery, but then so do we back home. They just don't have all the stuff to clutter seeing God for who He is. To be able to wholeheartedly rely on Him for enough for the day. To be ok with what God intended to be enough. Fulfilled. My purpose. God has given me such peace in this trip- this journey. To have a willing heart to know I can do something. To have God show me so many things in how I can share this Haiti with the rest in my world and those I am to meet yet. I don't know when. I don't know how. I know very little outside that this is my haven where God meets me. Or perhaps, when I meet God- completely unencumbered by the rest of what I have to do. God just shows me where and what I am to be for the day. My heart is so full. I am anxious to go out again today knowing I will be back. A peace that surpasses understanding is what I prayed for even in my blog three days ago. Dear Lord- you are the provider of every good and perfect thing. I love this.
And last but not least- the song for the day-- Overcome. It's a new one we are singing at church.
______________________________________________________________
Savior, worthy of honor and glory, worthy of all our praise, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever,awesome and great is Your name, You overcame
Power in hand speaking the Father's plan
You're sending us out, light in this broken land
We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, everyone overcome
______________________________________________________________
Dear Lord. For all that we are. For all that we have. For all that you are. For everything You are able to do and overcome in and through us to do Your work. Thank you. My heart will never be the same with a renewed purpose. We can overcome these things that break your heart through what You can do alone. I love and praise You.
My word for yesterday was Fulfilled. Our day began like any other- I was back in the kitchen, which I think is what made the day "feel" right for me down here. My previous trip, I spent much time in the kitchen helping with breakfast or dinner, so not doing that a lot this time was (my first word was tough) different. We spent more time just preparing to be ready as Jenn met with others for possible connections for future teams in Haiti.
We drove out to Titanyen yesterday. The first leg of our journey brought us to the mass grave sites for those who died in the earthquake as well as from the cholera outbreak that followed. It is said about 300,000 are buried there. To be standing in the midst of a place of great loss and then look out to see nothing but beauty felt in some ways very contradictory and in others, just right that as part of a final resting place, they were given peace.
Our next stop brought us to one of the schools Healing Haiti supports. They were off from school when we got there- it is flag day today- but we were given a tour of the school and spoke with Jean Garrie (? Sp. I spelled it phonetically kind of). I love the tenacity of the Haitians. They will do everything possible to see to it their children have an education, including college, and then have an employment rate of about 10%. They continue to press forward with dreams and goals, and how they hope it to be. I wish we could all have and see the gift of pursuing something with your whole heart and being. We too often, and myself the most guilty, expect for someone else to love and nourish and grow our dreams of what we would like to accomplish, forgetting that we have all we need in front of us to make this happen. We are not living in poverty. We have grants and loans and an economy that will support a dream that has enough energy behind it. Will that mean perfection and a smooth road? No. But my goodness.... we have a leg up simply by having the blessing of being American.
Next (busy day!) we drove to the elderly Healing Haiti cares for. The expected life expectancy down here is about 52 (which means I would be without my dad, two sets of grandparents, or have memories and know any of my great grandparents). In having such a short life expectancy though, many of the elderly are in a place of almost being orphaned themselves- they have a medical condition or age that leave them in a position of great difficulty to care for themselves. We brought food and water to five different people, and all of them beautiful. I was in the tent for a couple, and rubbed lotion on the legs of a woman who has a couple of bumps that are causing her pain. I dreamt of my doctor being down here last night to tell me what was wrong with her. We prayed over each of them, thanking God for them, the light they bring, and joy in their hearts amidst dire circumstances.
Our day ended with our trip to Grace Village. This was Alyn Shannon's dream for her Haiti. In my words, that there would be a place of beauty to care for the orphaned children and community of Titanyen. They have a boys and girls house, a feeding center that will/is being used as a school, and are building a fish pond that will also water the greenhouse. I have a heart for self-sufficiency as passed down from my parents, so having their own ecosystem to care for them makes my heart so full. They also have a playground and an area to play soccer. It is my understanding they will also have a space for the elderly to be brought here that are in need of a higher level of care. When I was here before, this was just concrete structures, no windows, doors, finishes, paint, or kids. It is amazing to see the tangible structure of one woman's dream. I had asked last time the question over and over what God was trying to teach me in all this because that was her question. My heart is so full to see this built and "done". A ministry is never really done expanding and building, but like I said, what they have is tangible evidence of one couple's heart and vision. Alyn, your heart must be bursting to see what God has blessed your dream with.
Fulfilled. For many reasons. My first is the fulfilled dream of Alyn Shannon. How amazing. How wonderful. How perfect. The tangible evidence that one person can make a difference on the world. Grace Village is a real place. Thank you dear Lord for your hand on this ministry to see their dreams come to life. Beautiful. Overwhelming. And perfect. Fulfilled. We filled the needs for a day- even if it was just one day- for each of the elderly we visited. It may just be for a day, a moment, but it is more than if we hadn't come at all. Fulfilled. My heart. I have struggled since being here with not being able to fix it all. To put America into how to make Haiti better in my eyes. The thing is... Haiti has always been better. They have struggles and misery, but then so do we back home. They just don't have all the stuff to clutter seeing God for who He is. To be able to wholeheartedly rely on Him for enough for the day. To be ok with what God intended to be enough. Fulfilled. My purpose. God has given me such peace in this trip- this journey. To have a willing heart to know I can do something. To have God show me so many things in how I can share this Haiti with the rest in my world and those I am to meet yet. I don't know when. I don't know how. I know very little outside that this is my haven where God meets me. Or perhaps, when I meet God- completely unencumbered by the rest of what I have to do. God just shows me where and what I am to be for the day. My heart is so full. I am anxious to go out again today knowing I will be back. A peace that surpasses understanding is what I prayed for even in my blog three days ago. Dear Lord- you are the provider of every good and perfect thing. I love this.
And last but not least- the song for the day-- Overcome. It's a new one we are singing at church.
______________________________________________________________
Savior, worthy of honor and glory, worthy of all our praise, You overcame
Jesus, awesome in power forever,awesome and great is Your name, You overcame
Power in hand speaking the Father's plan
You're sending us out, light in this broken land
We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, everyone overcome
______________________________________________________________
Dear Lord. For all that we are. For all that we have. For all that you are. For everything You are able to do and overcome in and through us to do Your work. Thank you. My heart will never be the same with a renewed purpose. We can overcome these things that break your heart through what You can do alone. I love and praise You.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Final day in Haiti
This journey has finally come to an end and it saddens me. I never would of thought I would ever do something as amazing as this trip. I met a group of awesome ladies and you cant forget Bob!! Only staying for three whole days seems like I have been here for way longer and I wish I could stay and help more people and bring more smiles to the young little children that made this trip even 10 times better. I have always liked little kids but the way that they act and how happy they get to see you is a really good feeling. As we drove through the street they all would say "Hey you". Every single one and it felt like we were celebrities. I felt like we were in a different world everything was the complete opposite as home. I thought it was so weird that all the little kids would just rome the streets with no parents in sight but on the flipside all of them would always want to be around you and wanted you to hold them and love them. I never though I could have so much fun with them and I wasnt even able to speak to them which was the wierd part.
Day one was by far my favorite day from waking up in the morning and going right into the heart of the city. The first stop was the busiest one of the day and we stayed there for the longest. The thing I liked about every stop to that we did was there was about three of four kids that would cling onto you right when you got out of the van. Also no matter how little the kid was, if you needed to hold the hose or move the buckets out of the way they would try and help and i have never seen anything like it. They would follow;me around everywhere and I absolutly loved it. All of the kids on the first day were the ones who made the trip the best part of the whole thing and they will never leave my mind. Overall, seeing what I've seen will make me more forturnate for what we have to go back to and i will never have more fun with any other kids then the ones that I have had the pleasure of playing with and I am forever greatful for having that opportunity.
Jake
Day one was by far my favorite day from waking up in the morning and going right into the heart of the city. The first stop was the busiest one of the day and we stayed there for the longest. The thing I liked about every stop to that we did was there was about three of four kids that would cling onto you right when you got out of the van. Also no matter how little the kid was, if you needed to hold the hose or move the buckets out of the way they would try and help and i have never seen anything like it. They would follow;me around everywhere and I absolutly loved it. All of the kids on the first day were the ones who made the trip the best part of the whole thing and they will never leave my mind. Overall, seeing what I've seen will make me more forturnate for what we have to go back to and i will never have more fun with any other kids then the ones that I have had the pleasure of playing with and I am forever greatful for having that opportunity.
Jake
Complete
Wow. My word for the day is complete. Leaving here in February I felt a bit incomplete. The elderly broke my heart and I wished I could come back and put that heart back together. That is what happened today.
Visiting Edmund and being able to pray with him (well, kinda pray... lots of tears fell on the muddy floor), made my visit complete. We brought the elderly food, water and prayers. It is amazing to see how impacted they are by one small meal and some love. We take food and housing for granted. Thank you Lord for putting moments in my life like today to help me realize how blessed I am.
Amy
Amy
Day Four: Emotions (Cindy)
How can I put into words the emotions I felt after visiting a mass grave site, going to visit and bring medicine, food, water and love to the poorest of the elderly in Haiti, and then driving through the
streets of Haiti to visit orphaned children at the beautiful Grace Village? So much in one day - we were all pretty emotionally spent at the end of the day. To say I am making a "small" difference is the truth - it is very small-in a place that needs so much help. But that's what God calls us to do- to just step out and try to make a difference - have faith in Him and He will provide the rest. Before I left and at the start of the week, I questioned myself - Why am I doing this? Today, my answers came. To see the
beautiful brown eyes looking at you with hope and the love that pours from these people because you brought them water, food and a hug is amazing to say the least. I never understood why people did this, or why they become so passionate about it - I get it now...
streets of Haiti to visit orphaned children at the beautiful Grace Village? So much in one day - we were all pretty emotionally spent at the end of the day. To say I am making a "small" difference is the truth - it is very small-in a place that needs so much help. But that's what God calls us to do- to just step out and try to make a difference - have faith in Him and He will provide the rest. Before I left and at the start of the week, I questioned myself - Why am I doing this? Today, my answers came. To see the
beautiful brown eyes looking at you with hope and the love that pours from these people because you brought them water, food and a hug is amazing to say the least. I never understood why people did this, or why they become so passionate about it - I get it now...
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Day Three: Optimistic
Oh my.... I love this place. I just do.
Today started with a little something we call church. Haiti style. Couldn't understand a thing, but they know how to worship. Hallelujah is universal and just as powerful sung silently, in a traditional country church, a contemporary mega-church, or through the speakers blaring in Port au Prince. The worship is beautiful. They pray for each other with reckless abandon- turned together holding hands almost shouting their prayers for how passionate they are. If nothing else, the experience to worship with reckless abandon has struck a deep cord. I had the privilege to pray for one Miss Amy who has become a bosom friend as Anne of Green Gables so eloquently put it. She came in place of someone else, and with all that is in me knows and recognizes the hand of God in this. She has been such a blessing to me as a relator in having been here for a second trip as well.
After breakfast, we packed up to go to Gertrude's. It is my understanding that in Haiti, the children with special needs- be it a physical or mental handicap (among completely healthy children) often are dropped at hospitals because they cannot be cared for otherwise. Because the hospitals do not have the means to care for these children, it can mean that they just won't. Enter Gertrude. She is a nun who visits the hospitals and rescues these babies (using the word loosely as my children at almost 9 and 11 are my "babies"). The thought of being or parenting a special needs child takes a certain amount of skill and capability. In a poverty stricken country? Near impossible to adequately care for each of these kids. This has otherwise before been an experience I somewhat stayed shut to. It is outside my comfort zone, so I thought I would be content just taking pictures. Best laid plans when on a mission trip meant to stretch and break and be uncomfortable means God has a way different idea of what this would be. I was grabbed onto and climbed up by a little boy who held on for all he was worth today. I did get some picture taking in, but it was not how I imagined. What I saw was an amazing team once again. Cindy, Renae, and Carly have such sweet hearts for the babies. It is so powerful to watch them lose themselves here and allow God to work in them. Pretty powerful stuff.
We had a break around lunch time which turned into swimming for the team and time to decompress before the rest of the afternoon. The water felt wonderful and the break was a nice one. After time swimming and together (technology free), we prepared for the Home for Sick and Dying Babies.
The last trip here, going to this place was the toughest place for me. I hurt so badly having misunderstood the mortality rate there. I was pleasantly corrected that it is actually quite low and they are able to restore health to many of the malnourished children who come in. It isn't perfect, but it is much better than their circumstances otherwise might be. I am so thankful for each of these nuns and their life of service. They are, in their own right, amazing people. I held a little boy once we first arrived, went into the room of baby girls, and then went downstairs. The downstairs holds the babies that are in need of medical care- some are in rather serious condition, others are in fair to stable condition. I was approached by a nun who just looked at me and said -- here- she's crying to be held. After a time rocking the little girl while standing, Wilson, one of the Healing Haiti men, had me come outside since it was cooler out there. And there I sat. With Daniah who is four. And weighs about the same as my year and half old nephew, Noah. My heart breaks at how little they are... but in all of this, my word of optimistic rings through.
In a country known for the poverty and poor conditions, there are children who need help- the sick, the orphaned, the least of these that Christ talks about. But from these conditions, hope springs eternal. There is the possiblity of adoption for them. And right now? Their needs are being met. They are getting medical care. They are getting fed. Bathed. Diaper changes. And held by people who come simply to hold and love on them. Some of them have mothers that come, but that are unable to medically or physically care for them. In their visits, they too will love on and hold their babies. What is so interesting to me is that they would give up their children if it meant the kids could in fact come to the US. The love them enough to give them up, time and again, to not see them in sacrifice of the babies having a better future. We hold so tightly to our children, perhaps that is the lesson God is trying to teach us all. What am I holding so tightly that others would freely give in order that that thing could prosper? Flourish? What are each of us clinging to so hard that we are suffocating what could be as perfect and beautiful as a rose in bloom? What needs letting go?
Optimism springs hope eternal for this place. For what God might do in each of us. For what God may use the words of the others here and the stories to come back. For the desires of each of our hearts, minds, and what He has perfectly planned and called us all to do. I am so thankful for the confirmation of the called for this week.
PS-- the soundtrack for the day? "Tell me.... once again... who I am to you... who I am to you. Tell me... lest I forget...I belong to you. To You." Jason Gray. Remind Me Who I Am.
Be blessed at home. Be blessed here. Hope springs eternal in the promises of the Father who will never forget that you are His. Created. Called. Loved. Saved. His.
~Kristi
Today started with a little something we call church. Haiti style. Couldn't understand a thing, but they know how to worship. Hallelujah is universal and just as powerful sung silently, in a traditional country church, a contemporary mega-church, or through the speakers blaring in Port au Prince. The worship is beautiful. They pray for each other with reckless abandon- turned together holding hands almost shouting their prayers for how passionate they are. If nothing else, the experience to worship with reckless abandon has struck a deep cord. I had the privilege to pray for one Miss Amy who has become a bosom friend as Anne of Green Gables so eloquently put it. She came in place of someone else, and with all that is in me knows and recognizes the hand of God in this. She has been such a blessing to me as a relator in having been here for a second trip as well.
After breakfast, we packed up to go to Gertrude's. It is my understanding that in Haiti, the children with special needs- be it a physical or mental handicap (among completely healthy children) often are dropped at hospitals because they cannot be cared for otherwise. Because the hospitals do not have the means to care for these children, it can mean that they just won't. Enter Gertrude. She is a nun who visits the hospitals and rescues these babies (using the word loosely as my children at almost 9 and 11 are my "babies"). The thought of being or parenting a special needs child takes a certain amount of skill and capability. In a poverty stricken country? Near impossible to adequately care for each of these kids. This has otherwise before been an experience I somewhat stayed shut to. It is outside my comfort zone, so I thought I would be content just taking pictures. Best laid plans when on a mission trip meant to stretch and break and be uncomfortable means God has a way different idea of what this would be. I was grabbed onto and climbed up by a little boy who held on for all he was worth today. I did get some picture taking in, but it was not how I imagined. What I saw was an amazing team once again. Cindy, Renae, and Carly have such sweet hearts for the babies. It is so powerful to watch them lose themselves here and allow God to work in them. Pretty powerful stuff.
We had a break around lunch time which turned into swimming for the team and time to decompress before the rest of the afternoon. The water felt wonderful and the break was a nice one. After time swimming and together (technology free), we prepared for the Home for Sick and Dying Babies.
The last trip here, going to this place was the toughest place for me. I hurt so badly having misunderstood the mortality rate there. I was pleasantly corrected that it is actually quite low and they are able to restore health to many of the malnourished children who come in. It isn't perfect, but it is much better than their circumstances otherwise might be. I am so thankful for each of these nuns and their life of service. They are, in their own right, amazing people. I held a little boy once we first arrived, went into the room of baby girls, and then went downstairs. The downstairs holds the babies that are in need of medical care- some are in rather serious condition, others are in fair to stable condition. I was approached by a nun who just looked at me and said -- here- she's crying to be held. After a time rocking the little girl while standing, Wilson, one of the Healing Haiti men, had me come outside since it was cooler out there. And there I sat. With Daniah who is four. And weighs about the same as my year and half old nephew, Noah. My heart breaks at how little they are... but in all of this, my word of optimistic rings through.
In a country known for the poverty and poor conditions, there are children who need help- the sick, the orphaned, the least of these that Christ talks about. But from these conditions, hope springs eternal. There is the possiblity of adoption for them. And right now? Their needs are being met. They are getting medical care. They are getting fed. Bathed. Diaper changes. And held by people who come simply to hold and love on them. Some of them have mothers that come, but that are unable to medically or physically care for them. In their visits, they too will love on and hold their babies. What is so interesting to me is that they would give up their children if it meant the kids could in fact come to the US. The love them enough to give them up, time and again, to not see them in sacrifice of the babies having a better future. We hold so tightly to our children, perhaps that is the lesson God is trying to teach us all. What am I holding so tightly that others would freely give in order that that thing could prosper? Flourish? What are each of us clinging to so hard that we are suffocating what could be as perfect and beautiful as a rose in bloom? What needs letting go?
Optimism springs hope eternal for this place. For what God might do in each of us. For what God may use the words of the others here and the stories to come back. For the desires of each of our hearts, minds, and what He has perfectly planned and called us all to do. I am so thankful for the confirmation of the called for this week.
PS-- the soundtrack for the day? "Tell me.... once again... who I am to you... who I am to you. Tell me... lest I forget...I belong to you. To You." Jason Gray. Remind Me Who I Am.
Be blessed at home. Be blessed here. Hope springs eternal in the promises of the Father who will never forget that you are His. Created. Called. Loved. Saved. His.
~Kristi
Completely Covered
How does one begin to explain the love they have for a place and a people that so few get to experience?
How do you put into words the way God is moving in my life as well as these amazing servants I am here with this week?
I sometimes cant think of what to say or do but God is always right there completely covering me with His love, strength, grace, wisdom, peace and a purpose for my life.
I feel complete, whole, full, alive and many other emotions when I get to come to this beautiful country and fully surrender my life to His will. I have learned through my past experience and this one that God is always moving, always working and always delivering just what we need when we need it. If you let Him move in you and through you only amazing things will happen.
What a blessing it is to serve Him here and ALL glory, honor and praise to Him who is SO great!
-Lauren
How do you put into words the way God is moving in my life as well as these amazing servants I am here with this week?
I sometimes cant think of what to say or do but God is always right there completely covering me with His love, strength, grace, wisdom, peace and a purpose for my life.
I feel complete, whole, full, alive and many other emotions when I get to come to this beautiful country and fully surrender my life to His will. I have learned through my past experience and this one that God is always moving, always working and always delivering just what we need when we need it. If you let Him move in you and through you only amazing things will happen.
What a blessing it is to serve Him here and ALL glory, honor and praise to Him who is SO great!
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