Day 1 - Arrival to Haiti for Deaf Team 4

For most of our team it was a "welcome home", and anticipation for the rookies.  Our trip to        Port-au-Prince was uneventful - our flights were on time and had no issues at the airports.  No long lines at customs and our luggage made it through inspections.  For some members of the team, they thought they would not be back for 2-3 years, but here they are, twice in ten months!

We hopped on the tap tap, which was an adventure for new team members and a homecoming for past team members.  Both at the airport in Port-au-Prince and at the Healing Haiti guesthouse, we all received a warm welcome from the Haitian and missionary staff.  We absorbed the beauty of the guesthouse property - the atmosphere, flowers, trees, and landscape.

We had our discussion of "word of the day," a hearty meal of Shepherd's Pie, veggies and rolls.  Our icebreaker activity was led by our team leaders and we each shared when we learned sign language.  Some of us started learning when we were 1, 2, 3 years old and others later in life.  With this activity, we quickly found that there are more similarities amongst each other than differences in our experience being exposed to sign language.  Also, we discussed the plan for the week and were reminded that we are on God's time and that plans can change daily.

We ended the evening with sharing stories of adventures from past Healing Haiti Deaf Teams, and how God was always watching and taking care of all of us.  Also, past team members shared stories and memories that will never be forgotten.  

Our team truly appreciates the prayers and support from family and friends - they make a difference.  God hears us.  Please keep them coming!

Tracy, Keith, Pinky, Meredith, Sara, Brenda, Shana, Julie, Laken, Shawn, Lori, Karan

Day 7 - Eagle Brook Woodbury

 

Another great day in Haiti!  I'm not usually up for the sunrise, but for some reason I was today.  It was a beautiful way to start the day and I was grateful for Carissa's quiet presence with me.  We were all asked to come up with a word for the week, and Carissa's was renewed.  She feels as though a trip to Haiti (this is her third) is therapy for the soul and I can completely see why, now that I've experienced it myself.  I feel like I witnessed Carissa's "renewal" this week, getting to know her was like the opening of a beautiful flower.



We headed to Port-au-Prince Fellowship for church this morning.  I sat next to Angie, one of our fearless leaders and it was fun to watch her interact with some of the people she has formed a relationship with here.  It's apparent she has a big heart for God... and Haitians!



After church, a trip up the mountain was on the agenda.  Mike and Lois braved the front seat to take pictures for yet another wild ride.  Those two have grown dear to me this week.  Mike has brought so much biblical insight and Lois is such a sweet, patient and kind woman.  I'm so happy I've been able to share in this experience with them.



The rest of us piled into the back of the tap tap.  I sat towards the front with Jeff, where we could both see many of the close calls coming our way.  I have truly enjoyed getting to know Jeff this week, rich love and emotion just pours from him, he truly exemplifies the qualities of an amazing Godly man.

At the top of the mountain we were able to stand at a look out point and I think Andrea and I were both pretty awe struck at the view. We were fortunate that it was a pretty clear day and could see a lot of the areas we had traveled.  Andrea and I found out that we are kindred spirits on this trip.  She is a vision of strength, persistence and stamina and I'm so looking forward to getting to know her even better in the future. 

After we took a few pictures (because who could resist a photo op like that!) we made our way back to the tap tap while being surrounded by merchants wanting us to buy something so they "could get a taxi home."  It was quite overwhelming; as soon as Becky purchased something they were even more persistent and as we all waited on the tap tap, here's Becky walking towards us with a drove of merchants surrounding her.  Now, if you know Becky, her infectious, joyful heart attracts many people but I don't think that was the situation this time.  Or maybe it was, you just never know with her!

At this point, it was time to head back down the mountain.  On the way we stopped again to take a look at some of the creations the merchants had out.  Jeff and Dri decided to stay in the tap tap, which was probably a good choice!  Dri has such a kind and giving heart that I'm guessing the sales tactics were a bit much for her, plus there were no babies to hold.  The children just flock to her because of the warmth she pours out.

Continuing our descent we bumped our way back to the guesthouse.  It's funny how quickly we all became comfortable with each other.  If I was being jostled around (quite closely I must add) with a bunch of sweaty people anywhere else I think I would do almost anything to remove myself from the situation, but here it's different.  Thankfully, there is always plenty of humor to make the time pass quickly.  One of the people I expect this from the most is Jim.  He always knows how to lighten the mood with his great one-liners.  But underneath all of the jokes is a man who's endured his fair share of heartbreak.  What I appreciate about him is that those trials have not hardened him, but rather smoothed over some of his edges.

Once back at the guesthouse, many people decided to take a quick dip in the pool at the nearby hotel.  Our youngest team member, Nick went with. Nick is wise beyond his years.  My favorite thing about Nick is his gentle and reserved personality and I will always remember how much the children here loved him.

After dinner we all met for our nightly group debriefing session.  At the close Jason, our other leader and campus pastor, reminded us of our responsibility as Christians when we get home.  Serving doesn't have to end here.  We are all so fortunate to have had him on this trip to bring wisdom and leadership like only he can.  Jason's words inspire and make me want to do and be better as a follower of Christ.

After our group debriefing session, I (again) bugged Grace, the long term missionary at the guesthouse, to treat us to a worship session.  Grace is extremely gifted musically and we all were blessed to have her oblige in my request.  As she was singing, I could see Rachel out of the corner of my eye.  Hands raised in glory to our God, she was a beautiful image of praise.  Rachel is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met.  She truly longs for what Jesus longs for and cries for what He cries for.

After the music was done, it was the first evening here that I didn't rush to the AC in our bedroom.  The relaxing breeze kept Paula and I comfortable while we shared one last one on one moment together.  I just love this lady!  She is whole-hearted goodness from head to toe.  Every time she blesses me with a smile it warms my soul.  Paula is one of those lucky women who is truly in love with her spouse and he in love with her.  I've been so fortunate to be able to witness the sweet affection between Mike and Paula this week.  Not syrupy sweet, but genuine love for each other shown with kindness and respect has given me renewed hope for love in my future.

I want to thank all of my teammates for the love they have given.  It's been one of the best weeks of my life and a large part of that was due to these fabulous people serving along side each other.

- Meg Koenig

Day 6 - Eagle Brook Woodbury

Day 6 Saturday, September 24th

I woke up this morning feeling rested as I went to bed at about 8:15 last night.  When I entered the kitchen I saw the house ladies along with the Mike B. squared (We have 2 Mikes with a last name that starts with a B.) and Paula getting the breakfast ready for the team.  Pancakes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal and assorted fruit. Not to mention the freshly squeezed juice!

Today's service project consisted of a visit to LaPhere Orphanage.  This is where 26 children from ages 3-17 call home.  We started our visit by having the children stand up and tell us their names.  That followed by all of us adults going around and telling the children our names.  It was awesome to see all of the children remember almost all our names (Sorry Lois).  We were complete strangers to them not 10 minutes prior to that time.

After we had a chance to meet each other, we headed out to a court yard where we all sat and colored pictures with the children.  Even though this may have seemed like a simple project, all of the children were eager to start.  Even the older children had no problem tearing out a page of a color book and started to create their version of a "Rembrandt".  I had the  privilege of sitting with 2 beautiful girls whose ages were approximately 8/9 years old.  They continued to color and would look at me from time to time with their big brown eyes to see if I was watching them.  All I had to do was to point to their creation and say "Tre Bel".  That would bring smiles to their faces as the phrase Tre Bel means very beautiful.  After we finished coloring one of the girls refused to leave my side.  As a matter of fact, she wrapped her arms and legs around me as to say "don't let me go".  I sat down with her and spent the next 15 minutes or so rocking her back and forth humming Amazing Grace into her ear.  I think both of us came close to falling asleep right where we were sitting.

We also had a chance to jump rope, play with soccer and beach balls and blow bubbles.  Who would have thought that these simple activities would bring out smiles and energy that are immeasurable.

As we were leaving and walking towards the gate of the orphanage, one of my little friends found me again and reached out her arms.  I COULDN'T RESIST!!!  I bent over, picked her up and held her as tight as I could.  She put her head on my shoulder and we both clung to each other like we kind of knew that we may never see each other again. I whispered in her ear that God loved her. I gently set her down, held her cheeks, looked into those big brown eyes and kissed her forward head.  Who knows, after my week down here, I may find myself coming back for a couple more moments like this.  I am so thankful that God has allowed me to part of this trip.  I will be forever changed.

God Bless!

Jeff Whisler

Day 4 - Cite Soleil - Eagle Brook Church Woodbury

Today was one of my favorite days this week. Many of the team got up early to catch a beautiful Haitian sunrise; we then piled into the tap tap and went to church. Every single day, many Haitians rise early enough to  attend church for an hour or more. This is my third trip here, and it always blows my mind to see so many people, gathering to thank God first thing in the morning. The coolest part about returning to the same place year after year is seeing the same people and how they're doing. This morning, the team seemed a little bit unsure as we entered church and, like good Minnesotans, quickly and quietly found seats. Haitians don't sit at church; they pace the isles. So being a group of 15 white people, we kind of stood out. As we entered, the most adorable elderly woman with a green head wrap came over to our group and warmly welcomed each of us with a smile and a hug. She danced with some of the team, and brought the most contagious joy to each and every one of us. I've seen this same woman year after year, she's always there, smiling from ear to ear, welcoming the American missionaries. She doesn't speak one word of English, but you always know exactly what she is saying and it is absolutely comforting, like coming home after an extended absence. We left church feeling filled and ready to take on another day.

After walking home to breakfast, we headed out for another day delivering water in Cite Soleil. It's been raining every night for a couple days, so today, the kids were able to play in the water and there again, their joy was contagious. Our team was given a unique opportunity to walk through the neighborhood out to a peninsula to visit the very poorest people living in the slum. As we walked I began to realize we'd left solid ground. We were literally walking on ground made of years and years of trash being dumped into the ocean. You could literally taste the stench of trash and human waste. This was a landfill and bathroom, yet there amongst the devastation were the most beautiful children singing and playing without a care in the world. As one teammate put it, the dichotomy was astounding. Utter poverty surrounded us, yet God was absolutely present in that place.

Our day ended with pizza dinner at an amazing restaurant. Laughter, fellowship and a crazy ride in the back of the tap tap were the perfect end to this incredible day. My word for today was joy because everywhere I looked that is exactly what I saw. It was an incredible day. I am so glad I came back for another week in Haiti.

Carissa Ockwig 

Day 4 - Eagle Brook Woodbury

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Another terrific day in Haiti. . . so many emotions, so much compassion, such humbled servants of Christ.

Difficult to find the words to describe our forever changing experience!!!!

The day began with another exceptional breakfast by our hosts and helping team members, including Jason on egg duty and Mike flipping pancakes. He even made a special Mickey Mouse pancake for Becki!

Our first stop of the day was to the amazing Grace Village in Titanyen which means "less than nothing." This is a village that Healing Haiti started a few years ago for orphans. Clearly God is at work here for today it is now a flourishing self sufficient community including a school for 500 kids, a full service clinic, dormitories, family style homes, feeding center, play grounds, library, and a church. Our group toured the grounds and the soon to be opened bakery which will provide many jobs for Haitians.

As the school children came out for lunch, the fun really began. Running towards us with open arms, their beautiful brown eyes & smiles were matched only by the excitement in their voices.
Despite lunch being served, they still wanted to first be held and played with in addition to displaying much curiosity with our sunglasses.

Our next stops were opportunities for us to be humble servants of Christ as we visited the homes of 3 of the community Elders.  At each of the visits we provided them with food and drink, as well as music and songs while we washed the hands and feet of these beautiful people.
What a spiritually changing experience!

We first visited a woman who was 91 years old who so wanted to dance it made it difficult to wash her feet! Her contagious spirit inspired us all.  The second stop we were warmly greeted with hugs.
In addition to the hand and feet washing, Paula was able to paint the sweet lady's fingernails! She chose purple which symbolizes spirituality, dignity, and wisdom.  Lastly we had the pleasure of visiting with a gentle man sitting by himself in his yard under a beautiful tree. He enjoyed the music and so did many of his neighbors as they came to listen and observe. The universal language of music and touch provides a powerful message of love. Everyone in our group could feel this today.

Processing the thoughts, questions, emotions, and spirituality following a day like this is challenging to say the least. We experienced hope, we experienced grace, and we experienced God's love, and one thing for certain.......we received much more than we were able to give.................

Michael and Paula Burns    
   

Day 3 - Eagle Brook Church Woodbury team

Dare's 1/2

We went to the home of special needs children.  We played with between 20 - 25 residents in one small room.  The children were on a wide spectrum of needs from minimum to severe; toddlers to young adults.  The activities were singing, blowing bubbles, coloring & snack.  We observed each other's body language, and attempted communication through sign language and the spoken word.  Most of the time we just loved on each other with high fives, holding, rocking, hugging, shaking hands, and helping the children to be as content and happy with these activities.  One child was in need of extra attention, and could be disruptive at times.  Once the music started, this child became more relaxed and loving.  This is why I saw Jesus in the music we heard.  All of the children either started to dance, clap, and/or sing.  The music came from one of the residents who could sing in both English and French.  A few of the others were also bi-lingual.  At this time we all took the opportunity to touch each child and pray over them by the power of the Holy Spirit interceding for us.  This gave me hope for these children.  Jesus told us we are not alone, and He is faithful.  This seemed overwhelming for a moment and we all crumbled a little.  Jesus was there with us; surely He broke our hearts for what breaks His.
-Lois

Dare's 2/2

Today was by far the best, and most difficult and emotional time on our mission trip so far. This morning we were split up into groups, part going to home of sick and dying babies, and the other part (fab five) to Dare's which is an orphanage for the disabled. A sad reality I learned today was that being disabled in Haiti you are often thought of as useless, and unwanted, and are given away to anyone who will take them. When we arrived and saw these kids "useless" and "unwanted" that was the furthest thing from my mind, all I wanted to do was get out the activities we brought for them and start to watch them smile and scream with joy and excitement. Although we had the activities for them, most of the children just wanted us to hold them or push/race them around in wheelchairs and they would steer as if they were driving or racing themselves. Each child had their own personality, even those who were immobile, all you had to do was look into their eyes and watch them as we started to sing or blow bubbles their eyes would light up with life. One of the best parts was snack time and being blessed to have the opportunity to be like Jesus and help feed those who could not feed themselves. Then after snack time we had our last few moments to kind of hang around with the kids and learn more about them. One of them that stuck out to us the most was a blind, 26 years old  man who has been living at the orphanage most of his life, and although his life has been difficult he took on the role as leader in starting up the songs that we sang praising God. He also sat down sat down with Jim, Jeff, and I and started to guess our ages, and to our amazement he got my age correct on the spot just by asking me to stand! Finally we prayed together and said our goodbyes. This moment here was the most difficult part of our trip/lives, saying goodbye to those who wanted and needed us so bad. Our hearts were full and overcome with emotion as tears filled our eyes rolled down our faces. Personally today this visit was a privilege to be able to be around these great kids and to be able to look at them through the eyes of God and know that even though they may be limited in some ways they are truly blessed to find joy in the most simplest of things.

-Nick

Home for Sick & Dying Babies

This mission trip, so far, has been full of new experiences for everyone as we have grown so strong as a team through our evening sharing.  Today 10 of us were at the Home for Sick & Dying Babies.  When we arrived, about 5-6 mothers with there babies were waiting to get in.  When we actually got down to the reception area, there were another 8-12 families waiting for care for their children.  There were 2 areas, more severe & less severely ill children. Each room had rows if cribs, head to foot, with numbers on each crib.  We were there to just love them up, to do whatever we could do to for them.  Some we fed, changed diapers, helped them drink formula from a cup.  We were there to share the love of Jesus to these babies.

#14.    I walked into a section with the  more severely sick babies.  As soon as I walked in I saw a baby in #14.  I picked up this baby with a name I did not know & looked into the biggest brown eyes I have ever seen.  As I held this child, I am guessing a boy, to be about  7-9 months old, he just stared at me looking into my eyes.  I softly started to sing a lullaby that I wrote for my daughter when she was born.  He just kept looking at me as I sang. Then I prayed for this little one for God to heal this little guy. I held him for about 8-10 minute and went to put him back in his crib & he would have nothing to do with that.  He started to cry so I kept holding him a little longer.  I went to put him down & he started crying again.  My heart was torn so I kept holding him.  All he wanted was to be held, to have contact with someone.  At that moment in time I was that someone.  God put me in that child's life for that 15 minute or so, to show him that someone cared.  I put him down and walked away as he cried.  I walked around a corner so he could not see me. I am sure he touched my heart more than I touched his.

In the next section was a little girl laying in bed, very thin.  I started to rub her tummy & pray for her. A few moments later I started softly rubbing her hair.  She was hot to the touch, seeming to me to have a low grade fever.   I picked her up to hold her. I started praying for her and I could feel her back bone which seemed to be curved rather than straight.  I could  feel her rib cage, noticed sagging skin on her inner thigh.  This child was malnourished.  You see photos on TV or online but until you hold a child in this condition it does not really hit home. I held her and she did not move, just letting be hold her.  She was not the only baby like this that I held. This was a lot harder than I anticipated.

Last story.  I later went over to the side of babies not as severely ill.  In fact when I walked in there were many sitting on the floor playing with toys.  I sat down on the floor with a boy with a nerf soccer ball and we started to play catch.  As I played with him, he would giggle & smile.  I would imitate how he would throw the ball & he laugh & smile bigger.  I was leaning against a crib so I would hide the ball behind my head & he had a look of "what happened to the ball."  When the ball got away from him he would crawl after it.  All of a sudden, much to my surprise, he got up to walk after the ball. He then started to try to kick the ball.  I hope he had as much fun as I did.  After about 15 minutes I left this future soccer play and went on to bring the love of Jesus to as many babies as I could.

There are many babies I prayed over, sang to & fed.  This happened during visiting hours when parent had there babies in the court yard so the babies that were in the cribs did not have anyone, hopefully, only that day.  The team that went here this day at this time in the lives of these babies were called for such a time is this, to do his will & share the love of Jesus.

-- Mike Beaudry



The team also visited Apparent Project and learned how this creative organization is ending the orphan cycle through job creation.

Water Truck Day ~ Day 2 Eaglebrook Church Woodbury

Before water truck

Today we delivered clean water to Cite Soleil. From the minute the door opened on the Tap Tap (the truck we ride in) we were covered in beautiful children! They want to be loved and held and didn't want us to let go. In thinking about what this day would bring, I wondered if my heart would be broken when I stepped into their world. But for me it was exactly the opposite. My heart is spilling over with love and joy and I felt the Lord working in me in a way I've never experienced before!! My heart is not broken.... my heart is OPEN!!!! Even with the language barrier, the eyes are the window to the soul and hugs are the universal expression of love.

We went to Hope Church and we got to physically sit in the church that Eaglebrookers along with many other churches helped build!! Again, my heart was filled with love and joy to see and touch what the Lord is doing here. What was once a garbage dump is now a place to worship and praise Jesus! It moved me so deeply to hear the story of this church as he explained this world to us in his words!!

The team at Hope Church.

I'm so grateful and feel so blessed to be part of this team. I will never be the same. Tomorrow we get to love sick babies and handicapped children, our hearts will be filled much more love.

Thank you God for moving me to be here, now... your time, your glory...  is my gift and I am grateful!!! Love, Becki Alexander


Day 2
Water Truck Day!!

I woke up this morning to find our house hosts busy in the kitchen getting ready to feed the team breakfast.  I quickly found myself mixing up pancake batter and grilling pancakes.  Thanks to Mike and Paula for their help too!!  I then was traded to the job of cooking the scrambled eggs which  included, tomatoes, green peppers, turkey, and cheese.  Pretty yummie!!!!  While I was stirring the eggs, one of our hosts came over to check on me.  To my astonishment, she did not use the towel that I was using to hold the handle of the hot pan.  NO, she grabbed the side of the large pan with her bare hand and started to stir the pan herself.  She did this while looking at me and having a beautiful smile on her face.  Boy is she tough, but also kind and gentle!!  After breakfast we headed out to deliver water at three different stops.

I had heard from a family member that the water truck experience would be something that would be something that I would remember for the rest of my life.  He was right!!! 

We had three water stops scheduled for today. Each one of them was similar, but different.  Similar in that we were greeted by numerous families, children, and elders looking for water they needed to survive or a hug or just a smile from some strangers.   Similar in  that our team were Rock Stars at all three stops.  Different in that each stop brought new faces that welcomed our presence and that we were able to work God's plan.   I COULDN'T ASK FOR A BETTER TEAM TO SHARE MY FIRST MISSION TRIP WITH.  I COULDN'T ASK FOR BETTER LEADERS THAN ANGIE AND JASON!

The first two days have gone by quickly.  I pray that God continues to put us in a position throughout the rest of the week to do his work.  No matter what is!!!

Some words on how I felt today were...... indescribable, exhausted, devastated, heart broken, joyful, uncertain, love, happiness, and grateful.  Grateful that God has put me in this position to hopefully make a small difference in the lives that I/we came in contact with today.  Grateful that I had the unconditional support of my family and friends to experience one of my "bucket list" items.

God Bless!

Jeff Whisler

After water truck