Team Tex-io ~ Day 2 ~ July 23, 2019

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

We visited the Haitian History Museum today and learned about the 4 founding fathers of Haiti - all former slaves who wanted and deserved so much more. I found out that at one time Haiti, then called San Domingo, was one of the richest colonies in the world due to the number of plantations here. It seems ironic that Haiti is now the poorest country in the world. The tour guide who spoke to us was so pleased to share of the greatest times in Haitian history. 

Our "job" today was to play with kids in Cite Soleil! We played soccer, jump rope, parachute and silly faces. It's amazing how some things are the same everywhere - hugs, smiles, tickle fights. A very memorable moment for Amanda was that she was holding a little girl who had a large scar on her face and the other children were making fun of her by pointing and laughing. All of this ceased when Amanda showed her own scar on her hand and there was an immediate bond between the two of them. Acceptance is important in every culture. 

I think it's important to note for anyone that is reading this that we are going through the organization called "Healing Haiti". Their staff and volunteers are changing lives in Haiti, not by giving tons of resources but by empowering Haitians to raise up their own community. I saw a sign at Hope Clinic in Cite Soleil that said something along the lines of "you should help us take care of this clinic because this is a part of your community". What if we all took the same pride in our own communities the way these residents do? 

Jezi renmen eu – Jesus loves you!

Dan, Tiffany, Ed, Amanda, Logan and Candice

Words of the Day – blessed, hope, humble, buccaneer, dirt, hey you, communication