Day 5 Guest house, Leveque, Wahoo Beach, Grace Village and Fleri Pizza

Today was the longest, but most fun filled day of the week.

We had a delicious breakfast - Scrambled eggs, Bananas, Mangoes, and Pancakes. We all packed up our bags and snacks for our outing. We had a prayer circle just before we headed into the Tap Tap. Our first stop was at Haiti Deaf Academy to pick up Bob Lindquist to join us for the day.

We went to see Meredith and Keith's possible guest house once they move to Carbaret to work with HDA. We were in awe to see the place. It has a beautiful kitchen with wooden cupboards and marble style floor and a dining room with nice windows. The bathroom is nice and big with a huge bath tub/shower. They have Solar Panel to use for electricity. It feeds through batteries to use for outlets. We met Shane and his family who live next door.

We went to Leveque to do a Prayer Walk in the deaf community there. We visited four deaf people to talk with and pray for. One needed prayers for more rain so her backyard garden can get water to grow. She showed us some of her embroidery projects. They look very beautiful. One mother has two daughters who are in school and 6 month old twin boys. We were amazed that an 8 year old neighbor girl takes care of the twins while the mother is teaching each afternoon at the Deaf school.

We went to Wahoo Beach to take a break and go swimming. Wahoo Beach is just simply beautiful and amazing with the mountains so close by. We saw stunning hibiscus, Haiti's National Flower, and pixdaus. We swam the afternoon away in a very salty ocean with lots of waves. They had two large trampolines in the water, most of us went on it to just lay under the sun, relax and chat. It was a wonderfully fun activity for the team. We even met another Deaf team serving in Haiti this week with the Mission of Hope organization.



We were also able to squeeze in some time at Healing Haiti's Grace Village in Titanyen. We met with Caroline, who is the director there. She was able to give us a short tour. From its location up toward the mountains there is a breathtaking view back over the ocean. They actually have a garden and grow vegetables such as corn, tomatoes, green peppers, onions and more. We saw some Haitian kids there as well and saw where the medical and dental clinic are.

Finally, we went to a very colorful Fleri Bakery and Pizza Restaurant near Grace Village. Fleri is owned by Healing Haiti and employs many Haitians. We met the Director of Fleri, Jake Stebbings. That place just opened in January. We were so happy to be able to get a taste of their pizza! We will tell you it is so delicious!!! 

We had a wonderful and funfilled day, beautifully made by God.   :)

Day 4- Peace Cycle, Haiti Muesum and LaLoo Orphanage

Before we left for the day, we had a prayer circle.  Then we hopped on the TapTap for another adventure.   We stopped at Peace Cycle, where they recycle small plastic water bags and make them into beautiful things, such as tote bags, purses, and other useful items.   When we first arrived, the owner was not there yet so one of the Haitan staff explained the process to us.  They collect water bags and clean them, then re-use them.  They showed the process from start to finish.  The woman who founded the business was on a mission trip in 2001 and saw all the bags all over and thought what could be done to make a difference.  It was amazing how everything works and how we can use these recycled items. They make about 20 different products - purses, tote bags, aprons, wallets, wine bottle totes, storage bins, zipper pouches, placemats, and other items.  Check out www.peacecycle.com for more information.

After we left Peace Cycle we headed to the Haitian muesum.  We got to see different parts of Port Au Prince on our way and asked our translator what things were.   We were fascinated and enjoyed how he answered our questions.  The museum was very interesting, we learned the history of the country and how it started.  Most of us learned new facts.  And the museum was Air Conditioned!  It was really nice to have that but it was a beautiful day.  We also saw where the President of Haiti lives close to the museum.

Our next stop was Laloo Orphanage. We waited for a little because the children were still in school.  We had much joy when the kids arrived, their eyes opened wide and showing huge smiles.   The team played and interacted with the kids.   Most of the kids loved horse back riding on one of team members and many wanted a turn.  One student braided one team member's hair.  We played soccer with the kids outside.  It was like a big family. There was so many heartfelt moments during the time we were there.  There is one deaf boy who lives at the orphanage. He does not sign much at all, only very basic signs.  Some of us taught him several basic words and how to spell his name.  It was fun to watch all the children there. Most of the team used gestures with the children and we noticed that most of them used gestures with the deaf boy.   Most of the team members were in awe with all the hugs we got from the children as we left.  The deaf boy ran to one team member and gave a hug.  That really touched our hearts.  We feel very blessed when we can make a child smile. We all are God's children.  It does not matter where we came from, we all are HIS children.

Day 3 - A Beautiful Sunrise and Water Truck Day in Cite Soleil

Today was the famous Water Truck Day!  Three stops in Cite Soleil.  We saw Hope Church and School.  We were asked our names over and over again.  This is the first trip where the people in Cite Soleil actually asked if our team members were Deaf.  We answered, "Yes, we are".  After that the residents began gesturing with us and we communicated very well.

Visting Hope Church and hearing about its impact in the community was a highlight.  The church opened one year ago and the school opened last fall.  There are currently 160 - 200 Kindergarten students being taught by Haitian teachers.  Another wonderful fact is the bread the students eat with their meal is baked by Healing Haiti's Fleri Boulanje.  School meal prep also provides more jobs for local Haitians.  They also teach Adult Literacy classes.  Two classes of adults have already graduated and there will be many more to follow. We see so much progress around Hope Church!!

Several team members awakened early enough to see the sunrise.  And soon we will all retire after a wonderful, but exhausting day.  Thanks again for your prayers for all of us as we serve here in Haiti.

Day 2 - Missionary work at the Home for Sick and Dying Children, Dare Orphanage, and Apparent Project

Home for Sick and Dying Children is a non profit organization that takes care of sick babies and children.   As we walked in; the veterans knew what to expect but not the 4 rookies.  They didn't expect to feel such raw emotion from being there.  We have to admit it was an extremely heart wrenching moment.  We, the rookies, shared our feelings and thoughts tonight;  scary, shocked, speechless, and sadness.  There were so many sick babies and children and we couldn't guess how old they were because they were very tiny and fragile  We understood and appreciated that it was God's calling for them to offer a place to take care of the sick babies and children. We were given the opportunity to tend the sick babies and children with LOVE.  We held, rocked, played, and fed them like they were our own children.

Dare Orphanage is an Orphanage for Special Needs children founded by a pastor named Dare.  There were 27 orphans.   This place truly touched the heart of one of our teammates.  She writes, "When I came out of tap-tap and walked around the place I immediatedly saw a young girl crawl and knew that girl has Cerebral Palsy because I have Cerebral Palsy too. I have had the all medical assisstance such as surgeries, botox shots, walk therapies, a wheelchair, wore braces, and went to many doctor appointments. My mom carried me anywhere we went because before the surgeries, I couldn't walk at all. My feet were up and I walked on my toes. After surgery, my right foot is fine but my left leg is still in the same condition. When I grew up, I always complained about Cerebral Palsy and how much I hate it because it made everything so hard. I felt pain in my hip, back, and foot when I walk or fell but I didn't realize how much I am blessed with what I have and all the family support and medicial assistance I had in my life. I couldn't imagine what my life would be like if I was in same condition as that girl. It hit me hard and I feel guilty about my atitude toward cerebral palsy. This little girl has no medical assistance or anything to help but her atitude was so joyful and she smiled even though she doesn't know how to walk. My heart was broken and I wanted to teach her how to get up and walk, but I knew love is what I could give her in that moment. So I just held her and smiled at her. She looked at me and smiled back. I need to change my atitutde and tell my parent how much I really appreciate them for all their support and love".

Apparent Project- A non profit organization to help Haitian parents rise out of extreme poverty in order to keep their children.  Their mission is to make the needs of Haiti known, to offer opportunities for the Haitians be able to provide for themselves and their families, empowering them to rise up out of poverty... to be able to keep their families together... to avoid relinquishing their children to orphanages.   We strongly advise you to watch the documentary called Poverty, Inc. on Netflix.  In that 90 minute film you will learn about The Apparent Project, other organizations - helpful and not helpful, and that people need a hand up, not a hand out.

Lastly, we stopped by Elite Hotel to jump in the salt water pool to refresh ourselves.  It was such a blessed day for us to experience as we served people here in Haiti.

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