Haiti: Day Four

Yesterday (Sunday) we headed to the Valley of Hope for church. As always, it was an incredible experience. Although, this time I would also label it as an adventure .. . The day started by climbing into the back of the “big tap-tap” with all of our girls. It was such a treat for them to be able to come with us. Rides in the truck are usually bumpy, but I do believe that I acquired more bruises from this one than any other. It was so fun though. The girls sang, and giggled most of the way there. Miss Jesuala sat my lap, and thoroughly enjoyed my small shrieks as we all bounced around. We stopped for fuel about half way through the journey. I have been with Serge before when he has fueled up, but this time we went into the convenient store. It was very nice, and clean. We all bought a little snack, along with candy for the girls (which St. Therese got for them), and headed on to “the Valley.”
We got there around maybe 11:15am, and the service was already in progress. Following the worship, a man prayed, then sang a song, which was followed by more praying and singing. Our girls, and St. Therese sang next. This was the best part of the service to me. The girls sang something in Creole that I couldn’t ever understand, but I immediately recognized St. Therese’s song. She sang “Because He Lives.” To hear a Haitian women, who has survived more than I can ever imagine, sing these words brought tears to my eyes. The Haitian’s dedication to Christ always amazes me. They know that simply because He lives, they can face anything, and come out of the other side standing.
Then Pastor M. went to the front, and asked Mr. Donald and our team to come forward to share. I believe that he spoke for another minute, and then Pastor Danielle came to speak. Next it was Pastor Riley’s turn to preach. I love Creole, but I was so thankful to finally be hearing English! Following his sermon, there was another mini-sermon from a gentleman I didn’t know. He also presented Mr. Donald, and Pastor M with a beautiful wood-carved name plate as a celebration of one year since the church was dedicated.
After the service, we had sandwiches and fellowshipped with the people. When we got back to My Father’s House (after another interesting, bruise creating ride) we rested for a few minutes and then headed to see the girls one last time. Its always so hard to say goodbye. Today (Monday) I am going back to the States. Please pray for safe travels.
Thank you all for your prayers, love and support throughout this trip. God has done great things. I will share more about all of this in a recap, that I’ll post later. I don’t want to go into detail now, but let me just say that God is an awesome God.
Love and Blessings,
Han