At times, it's difficult to capture our thoughts about what we see and do during the day.  We hope these photos begin to tell the story of our mission trip.  All is well.  The team is doing fantastic.  God is so Good and we strive to follow and serve Him each and every day.  Thank you for your prayers!!

 

- Mike McCain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God sighting at HSDB

 Bonswa everybody! Today I had an amazing God sighting at Home for Sick and Dying Babies (HSDB) that I wanted to share to you!  So I made this huge connection with this adorable little five year old boy named McKenzie.  He was sitting on my lap while we were swinging on a swing, and I had this urge to sing "How He Loves" by David Crowder Band.   Once I was finished singing, McKenzie looked up at me and pointed at the sky.  Even though I knew he didn't understand the language and words, I just knew that he knew the song was about God's amazing love.  I then pointed at the sky, proceeded to make a heart with my hands, and then pointed at him. Meaning that God loves McKenzie, and he fully understood. He looked at me and gave me this giant smile that took up his whole face and gave me a great big hug to say thanks for telling him that.  I know I will remember this moment for the  rest of my life.  So that's my God sighting that happened today!

-Jenna Rathlisberger (team member)

Cite Soleil - The beautiful kids we serve

 

 

 

 

 

The sights, sounds and aroma of Haiti are now in full view for those of us here for the first time.  As the day started on Tuesday, I wondered how willing I would be to do what God was asking us to do today.  I had been willing to take the time, buy the airline ticket and attend the meetings, but today I wondered.  We have been well prepared for the trip by Mike and Nikki, but the reality is something you cannot fully grasp until stepping into midst of the daily life of the Haitian people.

If you think you work hard in your daily life, think again!!  The work to acquire water for their daily needs is their most important work.  Water from the truck is distributed by filling the buckets brought by the residents.  I helped a young teen girl carry a 5 gallon water bucket the equivalent of a couple of big city blocks.  I'm sure I was more a hindrance to her than a help as I had to stop to reposition my hands, or just take a break.   She just smiled in gratitude.  I pray that lightening the load for just this brief encounter was a blessing to her.

By: Pam Trumbower, Team Member

Cite Soleil Water Delivery

 Today our group delivered water to Cite Soleil.  While some members were helping out with the hose and distributing the water, others were simply playing with the children. Although it is quite a culture shock,  when it comes down to it, these children are very similar to the ones in America.  They want to be loved, held, and played with. So that's exactly what we did!  We instantly created bonds with many of them, and though our impact may be minimal, we think we made a difference by simply giving them the love they deserve to have.

By:  Jenna Rathlisberger, Team Member

All Packed and Ready to Go!

The team is ready to go!  Over the past month the team has been collecting donations to take with us to serve the people of Haiti.  We packed over 18 suitcases full of medical supplies, over-the-counter medication, diapers, clothing and other necessary items for the ministries we will be serving in Haiti.  We thank your for your generosity and request your prayers as we travel to Haiti on Monday. 

Next stop - Haiti!

Ke Bondye Beni'ou!!!!

Camille Porter

Bonswa, I'm Camille Porter, I'm a junior in High school. I'm homeschooled, and I really enjoy it! My interests include, art, dancing, makeup artistry, animals, and Haiti. I'm in my second year of taking contemporary dance at the Phipps Center for the Arts, it's a work-in-progress ;) I've always loved to paint and draw. Animals have always been a huge passion for me, I've even considered working at the MN zoo as a lifelong profession.

And Haiti....I've considered being a missionary off and on for years, but it wasn't until my first missions trip there, this past August with my sister, that it has become a very serious interest of mine. Haiti is such a beautiful place, the people touched me more then I could ever hope to touch them. Haiti is the happiest place I've ever been, I see and feel Gods presence everywhere there. I love the children, I love the adults, I love the ability to share in the experience of being Christ to others with an amazing team, and dang...the food is delicious :)

I am so blessed that God has brought around this opportunity to go back so soon after my first trip, this time not just with my sister, but with our mother as well!

GOD IS GOOD!!!
Bondye beniw!

Hannah Porter

In August 2013, God sent my sister and I on our first incredible trip to Haiti, I fell in love instantly! I love Haiti, and I love the amazing people of Haiti! I knew I would be back soon, but I had no idea it would be only five short months later!!! I cannot begin to describe how blessed I feel to be going back this soon, to this place I love so dearly and with this awesome team that God has brought together! I get to experience this trip again with my sister, but this time with my mom as well! My sister and I can't wait to experience Haiti with her, and can't wait for her to experience Haiti for herself! I am so excited to be going back and to see what the Lord has in store for our team this week, no doubt that it will be once again, life changing and miraculous!

Bondye beni'ou!

Melissa Farrell

Monday I leave for Haiti. I will be there for one week to serve the community. It is coming so fast. Take me there God, break my heart as yours breaks. Take my hands, take my feet teach me to love the bound, broken, and burdened. Let me leave this material world behind to find something with true meaning.

Emilie Tomas

Hello! My name is Emilie Tomas. I will making my second trip with my dad John Tomas. I'm a junior at Centennial High School. My home church is Nativity Lutheran, but I am so excited to be welcomed into Cavalry. I enjoy music and dance, and I am also a speech team captain.  In the summer of 2012 I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Grace Village. I'm thrilled to go back and revisit the friends I made. This will be my first organized mission trip and I'm excited to dig in and help with all the wonderful sites. I know God has a plan this upcoming week and I can't wait to see what's in store.

John Tomas

My name is John Tomas. I'm one of the owners of a family plumbing business. I am married to Melissa Tomas of 21 years, and am a father of three. I will be going on the mission trip with my eldest daughter Emilie Tomas. This will be my fifth trip with Healing Haiti, but my first mission trip. I am involved in youth mission trips at Nativity Lutheran Church, and I also sing in the church choir. Some of my hobbies are camping, hiking, and scuba diving.  I am currently trying to get our church more involved with Healing Haiti. I have a heart for the Haitian people, and feel that God is asking me to help. I am excited to go back to Haiti, especially on a mission trip which will allow me to serve in ways I haven't before. I'm anticipating the events that God has in store or us.

Marv and Pam Rathlisberger

We are Marv and Pam Rathlisberger.  We have three children, a married son, Matt with wife, Sarah, Andy and Jenna.  Andy and Jenna will be going on the Haiti Mission trip with us.  Pam has been teaching preschool at Calvary for over 7 years, and thinks she has the best job in the world.  She also works at Calvary coordinating new member events.  Marv is a Project Manager for Honeywell.

This is our second trip with Healing Haiti.  Our first trip was January 2012.  It was a life-changing mission trip for us then, and we are returning to Haiti because we want to experience being the hands and feet of Christ with our children.  We are also excited to return to see all of the updates at Grace Village, and re-visit the children we remember meeting in January 2012.

Andy Rathlisberger

Hi, I’m Andy Rathlisberger, middle son of Pam and Marv. I am currently attending University of Wisconsin Stout with an Art Education Major, and a minor in Art History. A few things that I enjoy are drawing, painting (mainly with watercolor), and longboarding.

In high school I went on a mission trip to Mexico, and it was an eye opening experience. I want to go to Haiti with my parents because I want to serve the people, and I think it will be a wonderful life experience. 

Jenna Rathlisberger

Hi, I’m Jenna Rathlisberger, youngest (and only) daughter of Pam and Marv.  I’m currently a senior at Armstrong high school, but I do full-time PSEO (a program where you can study at a college and get high school and college credits for free) at North Hennepin Community College. I will be attending South Dakota State University in the fall, and right now I want to major in Early Childhood Education to become a Kindergarten teacher. I have an awesome job at Calvary Childcare Center working with amazing kids.  I enjoy playing piano, creating clothing by sewing, fishing and being in the outdoors in general.

I love helping and serving people in need, especially children.  Like my brother Andy, I also went on a Mission trip to rural Mexico.  Also like Andy, it was an eye-opening experience.  I want to go to Haiti to serve the people in need, and I can’t wait to help all the wonderful children there and let them know they are all loved and cared for.

Pam Trumbower

I am going to Haiti after several years of feeling God's encouragement.  I have never served abroad in this way but have participated in youth group missions and local service opportunities with my children and family.  I am a long time member of Calvary Lutheran Church, am married to Jay and have 3 children Jenna, Alyssa and Adam.  I am happy to be making this trip with my daughter Jenna.  I look forward to what God has in store for our team.  A little warm sunshine will be welcome as well!

Jenna Trumbower

“There is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone.” – Margaret Wheatley

This quote above is one that I have learned to live my life by. It motivates me to experience life in way that without faith, I would be very scared to do. Many times in my life I have found myself immersed in experiences, but not just any experiences, but rather experiences that test my beliefs, values, and understanding of life, faith, and perspective on the world we live in.  It is in these moments that I recognize great internal growth. My name is Jenna Trumbower and I am 23 years old. I graduated in 2012 from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Following my graduation, I spent two and a half months in Malawi, Africa. I traveled to Malawi alone, which was one the greatest leaps of faith I have ever taken in my life. I am currently in the process of receiving my Master degree in social work. I have to say I have been very blessed with the opportunities that I have been provided with thus far in my life, therefore I chose to give my time and energy to support and provide for those in need. Whenever people say, “Social Work huh? That takes a special person,” my response is always, “I am blessed that I will never have to work a day in my life.”  I have found that it is quite amazing when a career and a passion come together.

I cannot describe the excitement and uneasiness that consumes me when it comes to this journey to Haiti. This is where I direct my attention to Margaret Wheatley’s quote. I will be doing exactly what she says. I will no longer be within my comfort zone, but I know that with faith and discomfort, amazing transformations can happen. This journey was presented to me by my mom, Pam Trumbower who is also attending. I am very thrilled that my mom will be experiencing this journey with me. I know that I will be bearing witness to some horrific conditions and situations for the people in Haiti, but I believe that God has some very mind boggling, passion enhancing, and breathtaking experiences ahead.

With Love,

Jenna 

Micah Rasmussen

Micah Rasmussen (and Ginger) just moved home to Iowa to be closer to family after 4 years of active military service. He is still searching for a full time law enforcement job and has plenty of time to play guitar at church, tinker with his car, and help at the local food pantry.

While deployed to Iraq in 2011 Micah read both the Hole in Our Gospel and Radical. These books set him on the path towards this trip. He has not been on a mission trip out of the states before and is really expecting God to open his eyes and soften his heart towards the poor and hurting in the world. 

Cristina Reedstrom

Bonjou!

My name is Cristina Reedstrom and I am a perpetual student. [I am currently pursuing a BS in mechanical engineering, which will allow me to practice patent law.] I have three younger sisters, two brother-in-laws and one future brother-in-law. [Which means my poor father will have hosted 3 weddings in a little over 2 years!] I love traveling and learning about other cultures. I believe this passion is part of God’s call on my life- this trip to Haiti is one small step in trying to follow His direction! I am excited to learn more about the people of Haiti and to serve in whatever way I can.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:13-14

Steve Campbell

Hi, I'm Steve Campbell. Originally from Waterloo, IA, I've been a Minnesotan for about 27 years. All my life, I've been telling stories: as an artist, actor, photographer and filmmaker, and I've felt His calling to use these gifts to help tell the story of Healing Haiti: the people, poverty, sickness and despair and the joy, caring, and warmth blended together. Helping the team in doing His good work, and telling the story through the power of pictures. Spreading the Message and opening eyes. Praying for His guidance in showing me the unseen. Looking forward to learning from the great team I'm proud to be a part of.

 

 

Mike and Nikki McCain

We are very excited to lead this team to Haiti.  God has placed this ministry on our hearts, and we desire to serve Him with everything that we have.  Our God is truly amazing.  He deserves all of our love, all of our hearts, all of our attention, all of our minds and all of our souls.  He is calling us to serve the poor and powerless in Haiti.  Our prayer is that this team serves with hearts overflowing like deep wells with God's love.  Our mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  We don't want people to see us - we want them to see Jesus.

We have been married for eight years.  We live in Richfield with our two wonderful children and our crazy dog.  We are both attorneys by profession.  Mike is a labor and employment law attorney at a wonderful law firm in Stillwater.  Nikki is a senior e-discovery consultant at an e-discovery firm in Bloomington.  We joined Calvary in 2003 and feel blessed to be active in such an amazing church.   

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves"  Philippians 2:3