Pools and Planes.

Today we took the girls on a surprise trip to the Caribbean Lodge pool. We had a blast! Even though sometimes they can be a challenge, I love those girls. We swam for maybe two hours, and then had lunch together. It was a day full of laughter and smiles. On the way back to the girls home, I laid my head down on the seat in front of me. I think the girls thought I was sleeping, because they would all take turns poking me and giggling. I just let them do it, because at that point I was hot and tired. I did enjoy listening to their giggles as they played their little game. The laughter of those girls is one of my favorite sounds. It’s infectious.

Tomorrow I return back to the States. This is always bitter-sweet for me, this time though, it is much more bitter. A part of me doesn’t want to go back. In trips past I’m okay to leave, but tonight I honestly don’t want to. I haven’t been “home sick” like I have been before. Adjusting back to America isn’t always easy for me. I know it sounds silly, but it’s tough for me to leave Haiti and fly in to the billion dollar Miami airport. I love this country, I love these people, and I love the Hug A Child girls. To be honest, I’m not looking forward to going back to my typical life. I feel like that sounds horrible, because if anything, I should be so thankful for what I have to go back to. Please do not think that I am not, because I am beyond thankful for all that God has blessed me with. My heart is just very heavy tonight about leaving tomorrow. I know that God has a plan for my life, and I have faith in His plan, but for some reason I feel much more at peace about it when I’m in Haiti.  

Thankfully my flight is in the afternoon, so I will get to spend the morning at Hug A Child. I’m also hoping that we can visit a baby orphanage down the road, but I’m not sure if that will work out. Tomorrow, at 3pm, I will board a plane and say “goodbye” to Haiti … but I know that it won’t be a forever “goodbye.”

I usually don’t ask for prayer on my blog, but I would really appreciate it tonight.

Love and blessings,

Hannah 

Adventure Day with Serge.

On Monday, Serge took Tice and I for a bit of site seeing in downtown Port-au-Prince. Many of the landmark buildings were destroyed in the earthquake, but the ruins still remain. The main places to see are the Palace and Cathedral. I’m sure they both have more specific names, but I don’t know them. The Palace is what Serge calls “the Haitian White House”, so maybe that puts it into perspective. The Cathedral reminds me of one of the beautiful churches in downtown Charleston.

Actually getting to downtown is full of interesting sites. We travel pass many tent cities and venders. I think the most difficult of part of the whole day is when children stick their hands into the car window and make comments about how hungry they are. The general rule is to not “throw” anything out of the window, because then people flock around you which can be a very dangerous situation. I also think it is extremely disrespectful to the Haitian people to throw things on the ground (like candy) for them to pick up.

We went to the Cathedral first. Going there is such an experience. The Cathedral feel in the quake, but a statue of Jesus on the cross still remained. People gather each day and pray at the foot of the statue for God to heal their land. We got out of the car, and these women with babies came up to us. I wanted to hold them so badly, but I knew better than to stretch out my arms. I’m sure many of you know about the man, Olanse, who we met in October 2010 at the Cathedral. For those who don’t, I’ll summarize the story. We went site seeing on the last day of the trip, when we got out of the truck at the Cathedral, we gathered in a circle with some Haitians to pray. After prayer we began to sing Amazing Grace. All of the sudden a man (who we later discovered was blind) came into the middle of the circle and began to play along. It was incredible. So, since then Olanse has been a part of many of our stories. A team member travelled last trip and gave him a brand new guitar, which he played for Tice, Serge and I. He had written a song about Haiti. It was about the quake, and how Haiti was destroyed in three seconds, but Jesus was coming back and we must all believe in Him. It was a powerful moment.

Next stop was the Palace. It looks about the same, except more of it had fallen down. Serge told me this was because sometimes there are small earthquakes in that area. Last time I visited the Palace there was a tent city surrounding the area across the street from it. Those tents have now been moved, which revealed these beautiful statues. I asked Serge about them, and he told me who they are, but I can’t remember the names now. I do specifically remember that there was a pigeon in one, because Serge corrected me when I called it a bird.

After the Palace we went to Epi ‘dor.  It is like an American food court. They serve ice cream, pizza, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. We all had a little snack (I chose the ice cream), which was refreshing. We left Epi ‘dor and went to Eagle Market. This is like a Haitian grocery store. It is similar to the stores in the US. Since Tice was still eating her ice cream, Serge let me go in by myself. It was fun to be a little independent in Haiti! I purchased what I needed, and then we left.

 Next stop was to pick of Franma, who was getting a massage at Apparent Project. This was special moment, because since Serge didn’t know the way, I got to lead! I think Serge was really impressed with my knowledge of the neighborhood, but what he didn’t know is that there are Apparent Project signs every few blocks. Once we got there, I shopped for a few minutes and then we left. The Apparent Project sells handmade necklaces, purses, key chains … similar stuff to what our girls do.

The rest of the day was spent between lounging at MFH, and also spending some time at Hug A Child.

Love and Blessings,

Han

Church and Chipwrecked in Haiti.

Well, it’s a warm night in Haiti. I’m actually hot tonight, which is rare. I guess it’s always warm in Haiti, but I’m rarely sweaty at night, and at this moment I am feeling a bit sticky. This is painting an attractive picture, I’m sure .. . Anyway, moving on!

Today was wonderful, as is every day in Haiti, but Sundays are special. I love Haitian churches. They are so alive. We went to the church our girls attend. It was my first time going there. I like being at church with the girls though, and usually they go where we go on Sundays. It was a nice treat to be able to go with them for a change. 

It was a nice church, with a wonderful praise band. The entire service was in Creole, which actually doesn’t bother me anymore. For my first few trips I hated the language barrier, but over time I have come to not only accept but enjoy it. I enjoy the different culture of the church service, and also that I can’t always understand what the girls are saying about me. ;)

Speaking of girls, after lunch we went to visit them. We didn’t do much but just hang out, and Ms. Fran and Tice worked on a sewing project. Nahomie braided my hair. I had plans to leave it in until I got home, but with the way I’m sweating .. and this intense throbbing in my head they may come out sooner.  I love being with those girls. It was especially neat today because one of the Alvin and The Chipmunk movies came on TV. I think it was “Chipwrecked.” It was fun to sit around and watch a movie with them. It was a first time experience for me, because it is rare that the electricity is on. Thank goodness I had taken Fowler to see it in theaters or I would have been completely lost, because the whole thing was in French.

After we came back from the girls home, we enjoyed the Sunday dinner treat of pizza! Ever since dinner I’ve just been lounging around. I am so excited for tomorrow. We (Tice, me, and Serge) are going downtown to do some site seeing. I haven’t been there in maybe three trips, so I’m excited to see if there have been any changes/improvements.

Well, the shower is free .. so I’m going to hop in. Tonight I am thankful for the cold water! J

Love and blessings, 

God Moments.

Today was so full of different emotions. As I lay in the bed at MFH (My Father’s House), I am honestly so overwhelmed that I don’t know what to write. I’ve had days in Haiti that have changed my outlook on life, and today was one of those days.

 The plans for today were a field day at the Quisqueya Church playground followed by lunch with the girls at MFH. The field day was so much fun with the girls! We played on the playground for a while, and then began the games. I have to say that watching the sack races was the most fun. Those girls bring so much joy to my life. I just enjoyed sitting on the ground and watching them play. Each of them are so beautiful, and full of life. After the field day we headed back to MFH.

Earlier in the morning Ms. Fran, Tice and I had prepared peanut butter sandwiches and watermelon for us to have for lunch. Having a meal with the girls is interesting. Usually they are so lively, and there are always what seem to be a million conversations going on between them all. However, when there is food on a plate in front of them, everything seems to be much quieter. By the empty plates that we collected, I think everyone enjoyed the sandwiches and watermelon. We also had popsicles for dessert. It was a great day with them, St. Terese, and Smith.

After the girls left, Ms. Fran and I retreated to the room to relax for a bit, because by this time it was nearly 2:30pm. Maybe half an hour later Pastor M, Mr. Donald, and Mr. Paul arrived back from Evangecube training along with Pastor M’s brother Abel. Ms. Fran had been telling me about this orphanage that she wanted me to visit with Pastor M to deliver food on Monday. We decided just to go today. When I climbed into the HUG van for the first time (it has air conditioning, which is amazing) I had no clue the God moment that was about to take place in my life.

We drove for maybe half an hour, after we passed the city of Petionville (very neat place, with restaurants and shops) we came up on a tent city. I began taking pictures of it, and then all of the sudden, we pulled in. I’ve passed many tent cities, but I have never actually been to one. Seeing something out of a window is a completely different experience than walking through it. There were children playing a game of soccer beside where the van was parked. They looked like they were having so much fun. This sight really warmed my heart in the midst of the most extreme poverty that I have ever actually stood in.

The orphanage was maybe fifty feet from where the van had to be parked, which was because there was a major pile of trash (complete with pigs rolling in mud) that blocked the road way. Pastor M gave us the okay get out, and led us through the pile. I’m not going to lie, it was gross, but it is the reality of Haiti. Once we got to the orphanage we were greeted by children. These children were beautiful. I wanted to hug and kiss every one of them. Pastor M led us into the house to meet the house parents. Their home was nothing like Hug A Child. It was rundown with only cement floors/walls and open stairs that I was afraid a child was going to fall off of and bust their head open on at any moment.

We went up maybe three different stairways until we got to what I assume was their living room. There we met the house mother, and their three dogs and a cat. We spoke with her for a moment, and gave them some toys. Then we found out they were going to sing for us. I, of course, was excited! We went into their music room, and a boy began to play the piano. The song that the children chose to sing was a song that I know, but that I don’t know the name of. It goes “soon and very soon we are going to see the King, soon and very soon we are going to see the King, soon and very soon we are going to see the King, hallelujah, hallelujah, we are going to see the King.” Right then and there, I could have cried.

This is why I love Haiti. This is why I love the Haitian people. They live off of hope that there will be a day when the temporary things of this world have passed away, and they are in eternity with Jesus. Even children in Haiti understand this. I don’t think that is the way that any of us view our day to day life. Please do not think I am being judgmental, because I am just as guilty. Honestly though, is what we look forward to in life being with Jesus or it is graduating, a vacation or perhaps getting a promotion?

My heart is so heavy tonight. I have this intense urge to “change the world” after actually being in a tent city today. The Holy Spirit spoke to me during our team meeting, and reminded me of something. I do not come to Haiti to feed children, or to save people, or to “change” anyone or anything. I am called to Haiti to love, and through the love of Jesus all of those things will be fulfilled.

I apologize that this blog is so long, but in closing I just want you all to know that my prayer tonight is for us all to realize that as we seek the precious things in life (whether they be relationships, jobs, or even a new car) that we all remember that nothing in this life will ever be more precious than His presence. Everything that we will ever need is tucked away in His presence. One day we will be surrounded by His presence for eternity, and what a marvelous day that will be.

 Blessings,
 Hannah

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

Haiti: Day Three

Haiti: Day Three
I know that I said yesterday was Day One, and now I’m randomly jumping to Day Three. Ah, it must be the heat getting to my brain. We had a great day yesterday (Saturday) with the girls. The day actually started with my favorite Haiti breakfast – French toast! It was delicious, as usual. We headed to the girl’s home about 9:30am. After a few minutes of play time, we gathered them and began writing letters to their sponsors. This is always a long process, because we like the girls to write their letters in English. After completing the task, the girls went out and played soccer for a while. They always seem to have so much energy!
After their play time, we gathered them again, and did a lesson on dental hygiene. I purchased toothbrush cases from Walmart, and brought in some stickers for them to decorate them with. The girls share (almost) everything at the home, so we thought it would be a good idea to give them their own toothbrush case with their name on it. Smith and I read a book about a Lion that never brushed his teeth. It was cute, and I think it really helped the girls understand. After they decorated their cases, we passed out brand new toothbrushes.
Following the toothbrush activity, we really just hung out when them. Sarah brought bubbles and chalk (two of their favorite things). So, that kept them entertained for quite a while. A part of the team went back to the house, which just left Sarah and I with the girls (and, of course, Smith). We were just sitting talking with them, and listening to some music. Anaika grab some finger nail polish and started to paint my nails, next she motioned for me to take my shoe off. I am so paranoid about people touching my feet. Especially in Haiti, when they are (honestly) nasty. I let her paint one toe. She was please, and moved on. I did feel special that she would even be willing to do that.
We came back to the house for dinner. After dinner we had an amazing devotion! I really felt the presence of the Lord. After devotion, we had a little fun. It began to rain, so Mr. Gerritt and a few of us slid across the floor on the deck. Not something I would normally do, but it was a blast.
Today (Sunday) we are heading to the Valley of Hope for church! I am so excited.

Blessings,
Han

Haiti: "Official" Day One.

Technically, this is my second day in Haiti. We didn’t do much yesterday, besides travel and hang out with the girls for a while. This morning we ate breakfast, and then headed out to see a few new things. Our first top was the TLC Barefoot School. I’ve heard so much about this school, and I couldn’t wait to actually get to see it. Ms. Linda had given us a few directional pointers before we left, so I felt very confident that we would easily locate it. She gave us the name of the street, and the color of the gate (two very important things to know in Haiti). As we were walking along, I said “Wait, how do we know the street names?! I don’t see a sign.” Well, this mission team (or at least that is what I assume they were) were sitting beside us in the back of a truck. They all started laughing, and then asked what street we were looking for. Turns out we were like 100 steps away from the school. The Lord always guides our steps.
The school was amazing! We walked up on the chapel service, which was so neat. Then Mr. Nixon (the principal) gave us a tour. The students were very polite to us, and the classrooms were beautifully decorated. They even had a very large library, and a computer center! My favorite part was the murals that were painted in the area where they eat lunch. I have pictures of them.
Next we visited the Apparent Project, which is a place where Haitians work to make necklaces (among many other things) like our girls do. It was very neat to see what the production looks like on such a large scale. The director of the Apparent Project was very nice, and she showed us all around. It was an incredible experience.
After leaving the Apparent Project, we travelled to an orphanage that is actually very close to My Father’s House. I was amazed that I had walked by it so many times, and yet never knew what lied behind that gate. There were 3 babies, a 3 year old with brittle bone syndrome, and what we think was a 7 year old with serious medical/mental problems. We all sat down, and started playing with the children. A little boy named Claudine and I instantly clicked. I held him for a while inside, and then we moved outside so the children could get some sun. This was honestly one of the best experiences I have ever had in Haiti. It was so wonderful to just be able to love on him. At first he was steady looking around, but after a while, he would just lay his head on my chest. It was such a peaceful moment. I found out before we left that he was HIV positive, and that just breaks my heart. Hopefully, I will have some time tomorrow to visit with Claudine again.
We came back to My Father’s House for lunch and relaxation before the girls got home from school. We headed to HUG A Child around 1 o’clock. While we were there, a team member did health checks. It is always such a blessing to have someone from the medical field with us. Next we made crafts for the girl’s sponsors, and then we basically just played together. I love just spending time with them. Ms. Fran brought out some educational games, and they had a blast with those. Mrs. Sheila sent some of those “punching” balloons with me, and the girls absolutely thought they were great! A balloon isn’t that big of a deal to me, or probably to many of you, so as I watched them chase these 8 balloons around like they were the best toy ever I had a major reality check. What we often take for granted, is such a treat to them. Next time I am bringing stuff to make balloon animals. That will be so much fun!
Tomorrow we are spending most of the day with the girls. I have several projects for them to do. It should be a great day!

Blessings,
Hannah