Saying goodbye to Haiti

Its hard to believe this week is already over. This team has been absolutely incredible and inspiring. I am so privileged to have been part of this! I have been truly moved by each and every one of you.

Today started off with a tap-tap ride to Port-Au-Prince Fellowship. This church is where a large number of missionaries go to worship while they are here. I am thankful that the service was in English because the other ones that we went to earlier in the week I could not understand a single word save for Jesus.

We took a tour of the downtown area and got to see where the palace was. Yes, where the palace was. They are still in the process of rebuilding it three years after the earthquake. Imagine for a minute what the culture in the US would be like if the White House had been knocked over and not rebuilt for three or more years. on a similar note It's really amazing and sad at the same time to see how many homes around this city are still in complete ruins to this day. Even in the wealthier parts of the city there are still homes laying in a heap. On the trip up the mountain you could even see evidence of this on the road. Part of it literally fell down the side of the mountain so they just built a dirt one next to where the original one was. We stopped at a market place on the side of the road where there were several vendors. Many of them would drag you to their shop and show you everything they have in the hopes that you would buy something from them. Being from Minnesota I found it difficult to say no because I felt I was hurting their feelings. But I quickly realized that if I didn't say know I was quickly going to be broke. Unfortunately we did run into a person that didn't believe we were there for anything good. It broke my heart to say that the US was not there to do anything to help out. I'm praying that what ever his situation is that leads him to think this way that he finds the truth.

We continued up the mountain and stopped at a restaurant along side the road. This place has an incredible overlook of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is absolutely beautiful. From up there you could not tell that any parts of the city had any issues. Of course with anything being there is so much better than any postcard or explanation. You simply need to come here to appreciate it and I would encourage any one to do so!

We stopped at another roadside shopping area. Each of these places sells metal works that people right here in Haiti make out of used barrels. They pound them flat and make beautiful bible verses, bowls and other flat metal art work. Some of those are pineapple bowls or a full nativity scene. Other things still are little and medium sized wood bowls, cups and several other items which are hand crafted, painted and finished.

The day finished with yet another wonderful meal prepared by the Haitian people hired to make the food. Then there are the guys that drive us and watch over us at every stop. Thank you for all of your hard work and may God bless you all richly! I will always remember you friends!

Tomorrow is our travel back to the US. I think I speak for all of us that its going to be difficult to leave here and not change something as this week has touched all of us in one way or another. Good bye Haiti, may God also bless all of you.


--
Tony Lambertz

Photos of the FMSC and tent city distribution

On Thursday we delivered well over 4000 meals to two tent cities in our neighborhood. We were able to fill a bag for 150 families that consisted of hygiene/cholera kits filled with 30 meals, clothes, water bottles, hydration packets and love. It has been a great week and we are thankful for all of your prayers, we have felt them keep us safe through many tough and difficult situations.

Hey you!

There are two words that every kid in Haiti knows and that is "Hey you!" Everywhere we have gone in the past week we would see small groups of children and one or two would see us coming and begin saying "hey you" as loudly as possible and soon all of the children would chime in. In many cases they would begin running after the truck. I think it was anytime they saw white people as we were in two different vehicles during the week. One was a very colorful and unmistakable vehicle while the other is plain white and yet to be painted.

We visited Grace Village again today where a faith lesson had been prepared for the children as well as a craft which involved glue and sharing. It's always fun to watch how different the boys and girls allow each other or compete with each other to accomplish the same thing. The amazing part was that part of the lesson was to name the books of the Old Testament. I was a bit embarrassed as I could name the first few and it gets a bit sketchy after that. These kids could have been the teacher because they knew them all.

We also went for another water truck run today in City Soliel. Even though we had visited this same location earlier in the week there was a huge line up people and we emptied a full 2500 gallon truck at this one stop. For the person that manages the hose from the truck it is challenging. It's a 3" hose and the water comes out quick enough to fill a 5 gallon bucket in about 6 seconds. It takes a good amount of coordination to not splash a large amount of water out of each bucket as well as keep the buckets moving to not waste any water. Moving the buckets and trying to keep some semblance of order takes at least three other people. The kids always come running to be held while the truck is there. Many of them do understand if you ask what their name is and like to know what our names are as well. Many times this week when holding the children they would run their hands thru our hair and giggle. I also found a couple of times this week where little ones would start pulling the hair on my legs and were just very curious about body hair.

As we were sitting around this evening talking about the day we were talking about how we would explain the trip to people when we got back. Many in the group agreed that its going to be difficult to describe in a short description what we did this week and what it meant to us. It's going to take time to process everything that we witnessed, that we did and how great God has been in bringing this team together and all of the lives that have been touched during this journey. I would say that the people of Haiti showed us what true faith is as they live it every single day. For that I am very thankful!


--
Tony Lambertz

Hey you!!

This is a very Haitian way the little timoun (children) say as we zoom down the crazy roads of Haiti. This experience is something I cannot describe, I want to tell you that I have lot to share when I get back and the Prestige (most delicious beer ever) sorry cleanse, is awesome! I want to tell my mom and brothers I love them... All my friends I have new fun ideas to get you into.... Love Raeann

Another Day 4 update

We started the day at San Fil which is a Sister's of Charity home for the sick and dying. We had the opportunity to give massages to many men and women. We are greatful for the opportunity to serve those we encounter. We are learning so much about how to serve the least of these. What so ever we do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me. In the afternoon we had the opportunity to deliver packages to various cities. The care packages included over 4000 meals packaged by Feed my Starving Children, donated clothes, hygiene packages and soccer balls. The joy the families had for us. It's hard to describe the Emotions we had for those we served. Thank you lord for a great day!

Janet Schneider - Healing Haiti Team Member

More pics 4

More pics 3

More pics 2

More pics

Day 4

Each of the mornings that we have been here we have been greeted in the morning by roosters crowing. They roam the streets here looking for food along side the pigs and goats. Today was no different. I have had a lot of apprehension around helping adults and elderly. It's very much out of my comfort zone. That coupled with the fact that I cannot understand a word they say makes it even more difficult.

Yesterday visiting the elderly was a great experience and somewhat broke down that barrier for me. We visited a home that was constructed of 1 1/2" branches, left over wood from pallets, nails, tin and tarps. We brought three tarps with us to cover a tarp that was over the area where the bed was because there were holes in it. There was also a part of the house that had no covering at all. Because the structure was such small branches it was very difficult to attach the tarp to anything. We resorted to using some nails and a lot of rope to attempt to secure it. It was not the best but it was the best we could do. It took us over an hour to get that up on the roof with the help of one of the kids that lived there who climbed on top of the house (it nearly came down with him on it).

Once we set off today we went to a center for sick and dying adults. Our mission was to bring some lotion and use that for their feet, arms, etc. One guy I stopped to help looked to be in his mid 20's and his biceps were no bigger around than my wrist. I began to put some lotion on his feet and he started twitching. I looked back and he was laughing from his sensitive feet. It was great to bring laughter to him.

Our next stop was to a place called Apparent Project. This is an arts and crafts store that has all sorts of locally made necklaces, bracelets and a whole host of other items. All of the artisans put there items together right on site. We got to visit with them to see how things were put together.

The final stop was to hand out food, hygiene kits and a few soccer balls to the kids as well as some tarps. Many took the tarps over food and people literally followed you if you had a tarp to try to convince you that they needed one more than others. Some even tried to rip them out of your arms. At one point we ended up moving the truck even though we had not finished handing out the food as a mob of people formed and started tearing the bags open while still in our hands. It's hard to imagine things getting that bad that you are willing to get physical over food. For us we look into the fridge and if there is "nothing to eat" we simply go to one of hundreds of restaurants for food. We never even give it a second thought about going to a restaurant much less be concerned that we might get sick from the food being served there which is another thing to think about here. Something as simple as brushing your teeth with the local water is off limits here as you can get sick from the water. You also don't drink a Coke if it has ice in it for the same reason. The Coke here is the real deal however with real sugar and it tastes way better than Coke back home.

On a funny note, we ride around in a vehicle called a "tap-tap." It's their equivalent to a taxi but they cram as many people in them as possible. You "tap" the side of the vehicle so the driver hears you and they stop to let you out. Well, many of the roads here are in pretty bad shape. There was a larger tap-tap passing us on the left and he was leaning towards ours pretty badly due to the terrain of the road. It actually tipped slightly and smacked into the side of ours. Someone made the comment that it was just a tap-tap high five. Good stuff.

Tony Lambertz - Healing Haiti Team Member

Difficult disconnect​ions

Special and difficult are two words I would use to describe today. Special because we got to spend time with kids at the Home for Sick and Dying Babies and Gertrude's. The kids at the Home for Sick and Dying Babies are sick and dying kids. I was expecting this to be really difficult because of the possibility of seeing kids that were dying due to disease or malnourishment. It breaks my heart to think that two things that could easily be prevented affect the smallest ones and they don't even get a chance to grow up. I was very thankful today that we did not see anything that was this extreme. There were kids that were obviously malnourished but they all looked like they would recover and grow up healthy thanks to the amazing women at this place. I don't know how they can do this day in and day out. I was there twice for a total of maybe 5 hours and I was exhausted. There was one little boy who really touched me. He was a two year old and when we got there he was crying in his crib. He was holding his arms out just wanting to be held. Before I looked to see how old he was I assumed he was less than a year old due to the lack of weight. Many two year old boys that I know are running around and playing. This little guy could walk but barely. He didn't have much energy from what I could tell but once you coaxed a smile out of him he made you smile right back. At the time we left it was the most difficult. I had tried to put him down a few times earlier because there were other kids that were crying but he would not let you. When I finally had to he just wailed. I knew there was nothing I could do to console him at that point. Hearing the cries of him and all of the other kids was tough.

The next stop was Gertrude's where the kids are special needs kids. I found this amazing little boy there as well. I did not find him right away but rather after he was finished eating. He was another that just wanted to be held. He clearly love being in the sun and feeling the heat on his face. I tried to give him as much of that as I could but my Minnesota skin would not allow too much of that. There was a time for music and that brought a huge smile to his face. I am always fascinated by how keen the other senses are of blind people, especially their ability to hear. He was constantly moving his head around to listen to what was going on around him. Leaving was hard here as well. When I set him down he began to spin out of control as if someone had left him deserted. I knew there was nothing I could do with this either and that made it a difficult end to the day.

Tony Lambertz - Healing Haiti Team Member

Some notes from Thursday

Thursday brought us the chance to spend time with many of the Elders who are served by Healing Haiti.  We also stopped in Grace Village for a short tour and squeezed in some time with the kids. I said "served by Healing Haiti" but it was truly our honor to meet and get to  know these beautiful people.  Getting into the communities was it's own experience on our way to their homes.  Our first visit was with Vertilla (I have to mention her Grandson Isemeal) her smile is infectious, she gave us much more than the meal and supplies we left behind.  She shared her story then we shared songs of praise (even some in creole).  Our next stop was Meme, he lives alone, while he may not share his home he does share of himself.  We were honored to bring him a new mattress and bedding.  We shared some time in prayer together.  The visit we had with Ofrane was memorable, he couldn't wait to meet Jean, since he spends many days a week at Hope Village he already knew Kathy so meeting her mom was it's own blessing.  We shared music and prayer, I might have lost something in translation but he is either planning to name his next goat Kathy or give it to her, she'll have to let us know.   It took some time to get the tap-tap up the distressed trails to Elie's home, his roof needed some attention.  We used tarps from MN to cover his home and weather proof the roof.   "Love thy neighbor" came to life as his jumped in bringing the ladder.  It was great to spend time with his family, you have a great view of Hope Village from his home.  About half the team went to visit Edmund while we finished the roof.  It was a great day filled with wonderful people.  We are blessed as a team to have the love and support of our families at home... Thank you!

More Pics 4

More Pictures 3

More Pictures

Some pictures

Team Blog Day 2

Today was the team's first full day In the field. We boarded the Tap Tap at 9 a.m. to deliver water into Cite Solie, which is the poorest part of Port-Au-Prince. We were met with the bright smiles of countless children, all shouting "You, you" in hopes of being picked up and interacted with. Each person on the team was given a simple plastic cross to wear around our necks, within five minutes of our first stop with the water truck everyone had already given away to the eager kids we were delivering the water to. The most remarkable part of the whole day was the amazing spirits and attitudes of the children who have little more than a shirt to call their own. We were also fortunate to be able to tour a school that Healing Haiti's founders have had a large part in making possible. We all realized the school must be highly regarded when very few of us could understand the trigonometry lesson that was written on the chalk board!

Everyone is staying healthy, doing well and trying to soak up as much as this amazing journey as possible.

Posted by Allie Fjelstad - Healing Haiti Team Member

Worship and Water

Today started off with a worship service like I have never seen before. Before we even got there you could hear it going on. As we approached we could see a huge tent with people not just in it but all around the grounds. With my American lens I immediately started praying about how things could be made better. However, as I looked around and not understanding a word they were saying my thoughts went to maybe I was the one that should be prayed for. These people really know how to go all out in their worship! They weren't bothered with staying in their seat but rather they moved around the entire place as they were moved to do so. Simply amazing!

The activity for today was to go with the water truck to City Soliel. I knew going in that there would be lots of kids. What I didn't expect is that they would flock to the people that were coming to help. Many just wanted to be picked up and held. Others wanted to kick around the soccer ball and just have fun in general. It was such a privilege to have fun with them, love them and just be a kid myself. At times there was a kid in each arm, one crawling on the back and two others staring and waiting for their turn. These kids know all about hard work. There were several girls and boys that could not have been more than 8 years old hefting a 5 gallon pail full of water on top of their heads to take it back to their house. Of course they had to be as careful as to not spill the water as that is what they had for their family for 3-7 days.

Traffic continues to amaze me that their aren't more accidents. At one point it looked like a NASCAR race with 4 cars wide coming down the road at us as we just hurled towards them. Other times we were one the "wrong side" of the road simply because it was smoother and no one else was there. Of course there are people walking along side the roads which just makes it a little more interesting. Somehow it just all works out.

Tony Lambertz - Healing Haiti Team Member

Day #1

The day started out by getting up at 2:30am to temps in the -10 degree range. One good thing about getting up so early is that you can make it thru security pretty quickly as normal people are still sleeping. Our plane was met with the de-icing guys before we could take off. The ice that accumulated finally melted off once we reached Miami. We got in to Haiti the first thing I noticed was that once the plane came to a stop on the runway it pulled to one side and turned around, right on the runway! We were met with a nice band right in the terminal complete with a drummer, singer and accordion. Getting the bags was chaos. There were people helping to gather the bags and would not let you lift a finger. I tried to do my best to get the bags to the truck but eventually gave in and let them take care of it. One of the funniest things I witnessed was the intersections. We usually pay money to go to the race track to watch figure 8 racing. Here it's just a regular intersection and the bigger the car you have the sooner you go thru. Many we're honking their horn to make their presence known as they were taking their turns. Then you heard the sound of a large truck horn, everyone stopped and I saw a large cement truck fly thru the intersection. The new guest house is fantastic complete with AC I. The rooms. Looking forward to tomorrow! Tony Lambertz - Healing Haiti Team Member

We have arrived

Hello Minnesotans and other followers… Well after 100 degree temperature change, we have safely arrived to our destination in Haiti! With a safe and adventurous flight where a u-turn was creatively performed on the run way by our pilot. (ever see that happen even in the movies?)All of our 26 bags of donations we are delivered by Gods hands to start our journey. We took a Tap Tap ride to our new home for the week. We had a family dinner (Cleanse friendly for Raeann’s followers) and a meeting to lay out our week. Getting tired but wanted all to know we are safe and have arrived. Many thanks to those who have donated and kept us safe with prayers. Until tomorrow!

Raeann and Janet… and the whole group too.

All packed and ready to serve

This team, God's team is packed and ready to be the hands and feet for God in Haiti. "To whom much is given much is expected," Luke 12:48.

Rick Bode

My name is Rick Bode and I live in Mound with my wife and three beautiful daughters. I pray that God will use our group in Haiti for His purposes during the week that we're there. That by His Grace, we can have a small part in His great plans. All for the glory of our Father in heaven in Jesus' name.

Anthony Jones

My name is Anthony Jones, I live in Minneapolis and am a Worship Leader at Calvary Lutheran Church. My passion is to lead God's people into His presence through musical worship and to experience God in our everyday lives. This will be my second Healing Haiti trip and I'm excited to see what God has done since last time I was there, and to see everybody's different emotional and spiritual reactions to what they're experiencing!

Tony Lambertz

This will be my second missions trip but the first outside the US. In fact this will be my first time out of the US with the exception of Thunder Bay Canada and Tijuana Mexico, neither of which really count. I live in Savage Minnesota with my wife Heidi and we have been married for 16 years. When first presented with the option of going on my first trip I hesitated but seeing the kids light up to know that someone cares for them made me want to do this again so I am excited to be going on this trip.

Erin DeWolf

I am a sophomore nursing student at St. Catherine University. I work as a direct care provider at ACR homes, teach piano, and coach a cheer team for kids with disabilities. When I was given the chance to go on a Healing Haiti mission trip, I instantly jumped at the opportunity. I have heard such great things about this trip and have always wanted to be involved. This will be my first time on a mission trip and I cannot wait to serve God and help others.

Mark Schneider

My name is Mark Schneider. I live in Plymouth, MN with my wife Susan and our two teenage children, Jack and Ellie. This trip to Haiti, will be my first experience going on a mission trip. The opportunity came to me at the last minute but I did not hesitate for one minute in saying "yes, count me in"! I have often said that giving financial gifts is easy but rolling up your sleeves and giving of your time is the hard part. I have been praying and seeking an opportunity for me to become actively involved and I believe this trip is an answer to those prayers. As I try to imagine all that we might encounter, some of which will have a significant emotional impact, I know that I need to walk in faith and allow the Lord to lead me in the way that best fits his plan for others and for myself. I look forward to not only this experience but many more in the future.

Kate Buckley

My name is Kate Buckley and this will be my first mission trip. I have been wanting to go on a mission trip for several years and now the time is right. I am so grateful to my friend Raeann for inviting me and being there for support! I recently resigned from ~25 years of corporate life and am currently deciding what to do “when I grow up.” I hope this trip helps clarify for me what God is calling me to do. The people of Haiti need help and we will make a small difference. I hope I live long enough to see progress for these innocent children.

Mark and Janet Schneider

We have been married for almost 25 years. Our children, Nick, Debbie and Jennifer are 17-22 years old. We both grew up and still live in Farmington. Mark works as a System Operator for Dakota Electric and Janet an Office Assistant for Kendrick Electric. Our daughter Debbie had the opportunity to go on a mission’s trip to Chicago several years ago. Since her experience it has been on my heart to experience a missions trip. One of the things I say often to Mark is “to whom much is given, much is expected” when we met with Brian he said this same thing to us. With family and friends we have packaged food thru “Feed My Starving Children” and knew that Haiti was a country that received this food. Haiti will be the first mission trip for both of us. We know this mission will be a life changing experience and we can’t wait to see what God has planned for us. We look forward to helping wherever is needed.

Raeann Mysliwiec

My name is Raeann. I have a loving family and friends. My life is full with activities most every day. I have learned of this Journey to Haiti from a co-worker Brian McNeill. My heart was so warmed when I heard of his wonderful experience. I did not think I could be blessed with such an opportunity. I know I have been very fortunate in life but the chance to go to a place in the world that has nothing and yet everything with God and Love truly will be a fantastic teaching for me. I am so looking forward to the full experience of playing with the children to addressing their injuries. I feel God has blessed me in many ways but this is his way of showing me he loves me to be a part of this experience.

Alli Fjelstad

Hi! I live in Minneapolis and work at an advertising agency. I first heard about Healing Haiti through my cousin who has been several times over the past few years. The perspective she has gained and the stories she has told inspired me to making the journey myself. Some of the greatest memories I have are mission trips from my teenage years, I am excited to rekindle those feelings of gratitude and being able to devote my days entirely to helping others.

Jean Aslakson

Love others as God loves you… These are the words that have been in my prayers, as I prepare to go to Haiti to serve God and help people who are in need. In 2008, I retired from my life long teaching career as a special education teacher. Patience and a caring heart are gifts that one needs to work with these special children. I am so excited to share my love with the Haitian children, especially those with disabilities and illnesses. My daughter, Kathy, is currently a missionary through Healing Haiti. She lives with the children in Grace Village Orphanage in Titanyen. They have accepted Kathy into their family and I’m sure, the love between them will last forever! Our family and many friends were very proud of her as she accepted a call from God to care, encourage and show His love to the people there. I feel blessed to be called by God to work beside Kathy with our team for one very meaningful, life-changing week!