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.


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Tony Lambertz