Grace Village and Elderly Visits

Today we visited Grace Village located in Titanyen. This is a wonderful addition to the community through Healing Haiti and has been able to make such a difference in the lives of those that live there. We were able to tour the grounds and see what growth and expansion has gone on over the past three years. The resources and opportunities that Grace Village has created for this group of individuals is phenomenal. On site sits a church, a health clinic, a school, an orphanage with family style housing, bread ovens and a feeding center. Our team was able to interact with the children who were currently attending school there and they welcomed us with open arms and hearts.

Our next destination for the day was visiting the elderly who lived in the village of Titanyen. The individuals that we had the amazing opportunity to see were so full of life and happiness once we stepped into their houses. They greeted us with such wide smiles and welcomed us without hesitation. We entered their homes with heavy hearts as we saw the condition that they were living in, but were quickly inspired by their love for God. At each house we all gathered around the individuals and sang to them as we cleaned their feet and hands, and applied lotion to their worn and tough skin. Each person that we visited was so grateful for our presence. They touched our hearts just as much, if not more than how much we wanted to touch theirs.

by: Caitlyn Raquet

Wednesday Healing Haiti

God's Precious Gifts; KIDS!

Home for Sick and Dying Children

Monfort

Today was full of love, hope, and prosperity here in Haiti. Our team has grown immensely both together and independently.  We had the privilege to spend time with children of all ages at both of our location sites; Home for Sick and Dying Children and Monfort.

For the first half of the day we went to The Home for Sick and Dying Children. This organization has had great success in helping the babies and children.  These children are brought there by their family members that can no longer care for them during their illness. There is shelter, medical care, medicine, clothes, food, love, and God that is brought to each childs' life. Also, family members are required to visit their children as often as they can to keep the family connection.  To see the joy in the children's eyes as their loved one enters the room is priceless. We held and played with children, fed them, and changed their diapers; precious living souls they are.

Monfort is one of four homes for children and teenagers whom are deaf in Haiti.  It is such a beautiful compound filled with a lot of trees, flowers, playgrounds, their school, rooms, and flowing water for the children whenever they need it.  This was the first time that a Healing Haiti team has visited Monfort and we hope that it will continue. We brought soccer balls, frisbees, parachutes, and other sorts of items to play with the children.  What our team realized is that we had such a special connection with these children specifically because we could not use our words. Some of us could get a little more spark out of the children by being able to spell out our own names using sign language or writing our names on pieces of paper the kids brought to us, and the children would spell their names back to us.  At the end of the day when we got back on the tap tap (our truck transportation) they were signing, "Jesus Loves You"to us.  One of our team members recognized this and told us what it meant, so we signed, "Jesus Loves You" back to the children. Their faces lit up like the Fourth of July; amazing grace, how sweet is the sound; the sound of Jesus.

Thank you to all who are praying for our team here in Haiti! Please continue to send us your love and share our stories :) Tune in Friday morning to see what we do Thursday!

Cite Soleil Photos

Heart Strings

Today was quite the day, my heart strings were definitely pulled in many directions. The day started off with breakfast and all of us piling onto the tap tap, we drove through Haiti to go to where the water trucks get filled. I just kind of took it all in at that point, noticing the day to day life in Haiti and observing how the water trucks get filled. Then we drove to Cite Soleil, to bring them the water. The moment we got into the districts and I saw the look of pure joy on the kids faces and the shouts of "yay!", that's when it hit me. We were bringing them clean water, a basic every day need that I take for granted, and yet it brought these children so much joy. Tears formed instantly in my eyes. When we got off the tap tap, the kids were surrounding us, lifting their arms to be held. I met a little boy named Delmasu, who had no clothes or worldly possessions as far as I could see, but his smile was radiant and his eyes were so kind. On this stop I didn't help with the water truck, I just hung out with and loved the kids. They were all around the team, climbing on our backs, doing our hair, singing with us and asking us questions. All I know how to say is "beautiful" and "what's your name?", but even those simple phrases made the kids smile. After the water truck was empty, we went to Hope Church, which is a church and school that Healing Haiti is building for Cite Soleil. We prayed with the kids and sang. Hearing them cry out "God is so Good", made my heart swell. There was a little girl I was with the whole time, she didn't say much, but when we were singing she burst out in dance and praise. It was evidence to me that God is working in Haiti. Here we are delivering water to people, people that don't have much, and instead of being angry about what they don't have, they are praising God. I can't even begin to describe the way that made me feel.

The second stop went by in a blur, I was helping fill buckets from the truck, and it was pretty overwhelming. It went so fast and it was so urgent, these people need this water for their families. To bathe, to cook, to do every day life things. The moment that stuck out to me the most at this stop was the little girl who came up behind me to get water. When she got the water, instead of playing in it, or taking a bath for herself, she washed me. Me, she put me before her. This little girl was so happy that we were there, that she washed the dust off my back and neck for me. God must have known that I was stressed and slightly overwhelmed, because I believe he brought her to me. I will never forget the smile she had and the way she hugged me.

At the third stop, we got there and the kids were chanting "Hey you, hey you, hey you!", they were once again, full of smiles and so excited to see us. We got out of the tap tap and before I knew it I had two kids in my arms. One little boy fell asleep instantly in my lap. He was so peaceful and sweet. Megan told me if I sang the Justin Bieber song "Baby" that they would know it. So I thought I'd try it out, sure enough we were singing and laughing in no time. I had kids surrounding me, they would say "hey you" and then start singing and wait for me to join. One little boy was seriously getting his groove on, but every time I would look at him he would run away. Halfway through that stop though, he was at my side and smiling. They taught me how to play a slapping hands game, and I cannot tell you the last time I laughed like that. Here I was trying to serve these kids, and they were serving me. Funny how God works isn't it?

Tonight when we came back we had a discussion and we worshiped together as a team, the way that this team is bonding and coming together is such a God thing. He is doing incredible things with this team. I am so grateful to have them, when I can't quite process how I am feeling, somebody sits by me and we talk. God is truly here with us, and that in itself is a beautiful feeling.

-By, Chloe Hofstad

We Made It!!

After a day full of travel, we finally arrived safe and sound in Haiti.  Thanks to everyone of you who prayed over our day. We gathered tonight as a team and discussed what brought us to Haiti. It became clear to all of us that God has a purpose for this team.  We're excited to see how God moves this week and we serve with faith-filled hearts knowing that God is guiding us every step of the way.

Tomorrow we deliver water in Cite Soleil.  Pray for our team to serve with boldness, humility and love!!

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

Megan Ward

Hi, my name is Megan. I currently live and work in the Twin Cities, but I will be attending grad school at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth for my Masters of Science this fall. This is my third trip to Haiti with Healing Haiti. I could not be more excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization, and to be returning with so many individuals that I have traveled to Haiti with on my previous trips. Haiti holds such a special place in my heart along with the incredible people who live there. I am so blessed that God has made this place part of the plan he has for me, and that he allows me to be his hands and feet in Haiti. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for our team. I know that God has HUGE plans for us in Haiti this June. 

Christina Overby

Bio to come soon!

Missy Farrell

Hi my name is Missy. This is the second time I will be going on a mission with Healing Haiti.  I am really excited to have this opportunity take a short term mission to Haiti.  This is my devotion to God as he continues to bless my children and I with so much that in turn I devote myself for one week to be his servant.  I hope this mission will bring more spiritual growth to my life.

Cristina Reedstrom

Bonjou!

My name is Cristina Reedstrom, and I love traveling and learning about other cultures. I believe this passion is part of God’s call on my life. This is my third trip to Haiti and I am super excited! Healing Haiti is an amazing organization focused on long-term change in Haiti, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to continue to serve alongside them. 

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. I am especially excited for this trip as it falls over my birthday this year, and I cannot think of a better way to spend my 30th birthday than in Haiti!

And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Angela Baldwin

My name is Angela Baldwin, and I am from Franklin, Tennessee. I graduated this year from high school and will be attending the University of Louisville in the fall. I will be majoring in music therapy. I am passionate about many things including the power of music and helping people to understand the love that a Great Father has for them. People with special needs have always had a special place in my heart. I desire for them to know their worth and that people do love them. I am super excited for the trip to Haiti. My first desire to travel to Haiti came a couple months after I became a Christian- which was five years ago. I can't wait to see all that God has for our team there. I am positive that it will be a life changing experience. 

Brett Goss

My name is Brett, I am overwhelmingly excited to go to Haiti with a great team! This will be my first time serving in Haiti and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for our team. God has continually made sure I go on this mission, despite the road blocks I faced leading up to the trip. This should be the experience of a lifetime. 

Chloe Hofstad

Hi! My name is Chloe, I am 23 and I was born and raised in Minnesota. I work as an assistant teacher at a Christian childcare center, and it has been a blessing in my life. I believe without a doubt that God put me on this earth to work with kids. This trip to Haiti came as a surprise, but it has already changed my heart so much. One day God told me to go, so I took the first step and ever since then he has knocked over every obstacle that has come in my path. God is definitely calling me to Haiti and I am beyond excited. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve God's people, not only the Haitians, but my team members as well. Something tells me that while this may be my first trip, it will not be my last. Thank you to everyone for the support, whether it was money, donations or prayers, you are just as much a part of this team as those of us going and we couldn't do it without you. God bless!

Caitlyn Raquet

My name is Caitlyn and I just completed my final semester of graduate school at Loyola University Chicago in Social Work! You can almost feel the excitement from the "last day of class" picture above. I went to Iowa State University for my undergraduate and studied Psychology and French, because you obviously can't do one without the other. I love running and Harry Potter and pandas are my absolute favorite animal. I am so thrilled to be going to Haiti with this amazing group of individuals to help try and make the world a better place, and give to those who need it. We will be growing as a team, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and I could not be more excited! 

Kelsi Johnson

Hi! My name is Kelsi. I am beyond excited to serve for the second time in Haiti! I am 18 years old, and this will be my third mission trip. I just finished my freshman year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I love children and have a passion for serving other people. Haiti is a magical place. I am so blessed with this opportunity through Healing Haiti.

Annikki Hockert

Annikki has recently ended her appointment with the State/MMB and is a recent graduate with her Bachelors in International Business. At the end of the summer she is serving in the Peace Corps in Armenia. While preparing for the 27 month departure she loves spending time with family, volunteering, being outdoors with her dog and growing in her faith with the Lord. This is her third mission trip and she is thrilled to go overseas to be the hands and feet of Jesus. While never serving in Haiti prior, she feels the calling from God to go; she listened. Annikki is forever grateful for all the donations and prayers to help make this happen. With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

Greg Buell

My name is Greg Buell and I am co-leading the team along with Mike McCain.  I am so excited to return to Haiti!  In December I was fortunate to be able to visit Haiti with my wife Amanda and my heart was broken by the experience.  I am looking forward to getting back with this team and being the hands and feet of Jesus!

When not in Haiti I work as a scientist at a small medical device company.  I also coach all of the sports teams that my son Oliver plays on.  

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  Hebrews 13:2

Mike McCain

I am very excited to co-lead this team to Haiti with Greg Buell.  In January 2012, I traveled to Haiti for the first time.  During this initial visit, God flipped my world upside down. He captured my heart and set me on a path to serve this amazing country. 

My desire is simple. I just want to be known as a person who loves Jesus. To be honest, that's not always easy because I'm a broken person. My bent is to run from God and figure it out myself. But the most amazing thing is that God knows this. He knows the "real me" and still loves me unconditionally. And Jesus, he exchanged his righteous life for my broken one on the cross. He endured it all for me (and you) despite knowing the "real me" (and the "real you").  This is good news that's worth living for. 

So this week, my prayer is that our team is laser focused on bringing glory and honor to God. My prayer is that we can be a team marked by humility and a desire to love and follow Jesus. My prayer is that we worship Him in all that we do. 

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)   

To Be Continued...

Well here we are; our final day in Haiti. It's bitter sweet really; a little more bitter than sweet for me and I'm sure that some of my fellow missionaries are feeling the same way. It has been an absolutely amazing week and we finished it with a fantastic day.

This morning we all loaded up into the tap-tap and made our way to Port-Au-Prince Fellowship for church. As we exited the Guest House gate reality seemed to hit that the next time we would be leaving the house we would be heading for the airport to return to America.

The Port-Au-Prince Fellowship was much smaller than the Church on the Rock which we visited earlier this week, but it was filled to the brim with Christians ready to worship the Lord. Worship lasted about an hour and God's presence could be felt the entire time. After worship, there was an interesting service about tithes. I only say interesting because it was not like any sermon I have yet to hear, but I'm glad to have had the opportunity to hear it.

After church we filed back into the tap-tap and headed up the mountain for shopping and lunch. Personally, I found the windy, narrow road a wee bit sketchy; especially after Brian told me we would soon be driving over a section of road that had partially crumbled and fallen off during the earthquake... that totally eased my fears of the tap-tap tumbling over the edge of the mountain. But, by some miracle, we made it to the top of the mountain without rolling over any of the cliffs and let me tell you: the view was unbelievable! The saying "I'm on top of the world" must have been created there because it seemed like all of Haiti could be seen below us.

For lunch at the mountaintop restaurant which overlooked Port-Au-Prince all but two of us ordered a burger with fries... I guess you could say that we are having American food withdrawals (but I will say that their french fries are arguably better than any I have had in the U.S.).

Following lunch, a few of us did some bargain shopping from the vendors atop the mountain and then we began our journey back down the mountain, stopping along the way to view and purchase from some metal art vendors who were lined up on the side of the road. It is unbelievable what the people can make out of old oil drums, there were some of the coolest decor items I have ever seen!

A view on the way down the mountain.

Before returning to the Guest House, we made one final stop at the Giant Supermarket so Brian could show us that Haiti, too, has regular grocery stores. Such a quick stop should have been uneventful and unworthy of this blog, but it turned out to be exactly the opposite. For starters, there was free samples of coffee which was more than taken advantage of by the members of the team (by 'more than taken advantage of' I do mean that; a couple members had about three cups and experienced some major caffeine highs). Also, Boe ran into former Vikings player Matt Blair who was just starting some mission work in Haiti (personally, I think I'm more impressed that Boe was able to recognize him considering majority of the time he would have been wearing a helmet, but I guess guys really pay attention to the athletes and what they look like).

Lastly, I learned that the automatic doors in Haiti do not have the best of sensors. While getting my free sample of coffee, Brian walked in and told us that it was time to go, so I grabbed my cup and mindlessly followed him, not paying any attention to the "in" door which we were exiting through. I didn't think anything as the doors began to close because at Wal-Mart, they always open back up as soon as you step through, so I just kept walking... and it definitely did not sense me. Instead the doors continued to close on me, sending me into a panic and causing my untouched coffee to spill all over my hands while everyone entering and exiting the store watched. I can only imagine the thoughts that filled the Haitian's minds, but it no doubt was something along the lines of "stupid blancs."

With enough fun for one outing, we returned to the Guest House for a quick dinner and a game of soccer out in the street with the neighborhood boys. The playing field for the game was less than ideal. It was uneven and had jagged rocks sticking out of the ground with a stream of sewage on one side (which the ball often rolled into) and a short fence on the other (which the ball often flew over), but despite the unfortunate conditions, we all had an amazing time filled with smiles and laughter.  We also had probably the first "official" (Brian on his camera) instant reply review where a goal was reversed (terrible call on Brian's part. He clearly has not completed reffing school because it was totally a goal).

We finished the night with a swim up at Elite Hotel's pool, which ideally would have been refreshing but actually left me wanting a warm shower. That water was real cold.

And that brings us to now: almost bedtime on our last night in Haiti. Just thinking about leaving makes me sad; there is so much work left to do here, but I know in my heart that I'll be back. How can I be sure? Because a piece of me will be staying here while I return home to Minnesota. With that, I won't be saying "the end" or "goodbye" at the closing of this blog, rather a "see you later".

Thank you all for your prayers throughout the week and thank you for following our journey in Haiti. It truly has been an unforgettable experience.


-Ashley Becker

To Be Continued...

Day 5: Beach Day

Saturday, January 24th, 2015

Today is day five of our teams trip in Haiti. Each day has brought so many different experiences whether it was delivering water in City Soleil or rubbing lotion on the elderly. Today was a completely different day than all the others so far. Four members of our team left early this morning for the opportunity to help at the Port-au-Prince wound clinic, however it was not meant to be as the the spots needed had already been filled. Although it was a bummer that they did not get to participate in what would have been an experience of a life time I was glad to have our whole team together for taking the Grace Village kids to the beach.

Marie praising God for the coffee.

With our entire team together we set off for Titanyen. We made a return trip to visit Marie with a hot cup of coffee. We all agree that seeing her reaction to a cup of coffee has been one of the highlights of the trip. Even though we couldn't understand what she was saying, we knew that at that moment she was in a state of elation. After her cup of coffee and a quick little visit, the team put up a tarp in front of Marie's home to provide her some shade. It took a little ingenuity and a couple changes in materials before we declared it a success. After visiting Marie the team went to the twins Antoinette and Ancholla and constructed them a covering for their outdoor kitchens. After visiting them on Thursday and then again today, I am still amazed at how grateful they were of not only what we provided for them but also just our presence.

With those quick stops completed, thirty of the Grace Village kids crammed into a tap-tap and headed north up the coast to Montrouis to the public beach for a day of fun in the sun. We all got a glimpse of a different side of Haiti today. One without the smell, the garbage and the despair that we have witnessed the past four days. One with palm trees, beautiful scenery and turquoise water. Today was different, we got to make the lives of thirty kids better by just letting them be kids. We all had great stories to tell afterwards about our experiences with the kids at the beach. Whether it was the Eddie saying Jellyfish over and over to Allie or Boe and AJ finding the next star of their youth baseball team, it was great time.

Establishing a perimeter around the children.

We concluded our day with a dinner at a restaurant nearby the guesthouse where we had a delicious meal of pizza, fries and Coca-Cola. The ride to and from the restaurant was quite amusing as we would all cheer from the back of the tap-tap when Valery  would drive more than 3 MPH. It was a great way to conclude an amazing day in Haiti with an amazing group of people.

-David Bumgarner

Tap Tap the children rode in to the beach.

How Great is Our God?

We are officially more than half way done with our week in Haiti and I think that at this point some of the shock has started to ware off and the reality of the situation down here has began to sink in. I know for me, my experiences from the few days we have been here have humbled me so much already. One reoccurring theme from the week was about emptying ourselves in order to allow the Lord to fill you, and I can feel that happening.

This morning a few of us woke up in the wee hours of the morning for church (well... that is IF you consider 5:30 wee, but I'm 19 so I do). Anyway, around 6:00 we left the Guest House and made our way on foot to the church. As we approached the building, Brian explained to me that the nice looking building that stood before us was once just a large tent that the people gathered in to worship. Can you imagine over one hundred people crammed into a tent to praise God as the sun is coming up? Because I have a very hard time picturing that scene.

The church scene was unlike any church experience I have ever had. The room was filled with rows of chairs and benches, but majority of them remained empty. The congregation stood on their feet and paced up and down the isles as they worshiped with songs of praise, some of which we were able to sing along with. At one point, the entire congregation was singing at the top of their lungs as they repeated the lyrics to "How Great is Our God" before they all turned to one another and began to pray for the person next to them. In that moment, I felt God's presence more than I think I have ever felt it before. Alli's word of the day was movement and moving is the only way that I think I could describe that moment.

After church, our first official item on the itinerary led us to Carrefour where we visited a home for sick and dying adults. Our male members stayed on the first floor of the building, massaging and praying for the men who resided there, while Megan, Alli and I made our way to the second floor where the women could be found. In the first room we went into the women were very ill. Many of them didn't even move as we approached them; they simply nodded as we offered lotion for their hands and feet. More so than others this week, this experience was difficult for me. It was uncomfortable, it was scary, it was just... different. But at some point between walking in the door and arriving at the first woman's bed, the Lord comforted me and it wasn't so hard anymore; it was their needs that mattered, not my hesitations.

Once every woman in the room had been pampered, we made our way to the second room which surprised me due to how much life it held compared to the first. We didn't even make it to the doorway before the women and girls who lived inside came rushing out into the entryway to meet us. There was actually a line for me to paint girls' finger and toe nails... And I am probably one of the worst nail-painters in the world, no joke.

Our time giving mani-pedis flew by and before we knew it we were loading up into the tap-tap again and heading back to the Guest House to change clothes before heading to Cite Soleil to deliver water for the second time this week. With traffic making our short window to get to the Guest House and then to the water truck smaller and smaller, Brian gave us all five minutes to get changed and get back into the tap-tap where we could have snacks before leaving. So five minutes later, we are all dressed and ready to go and what happens?... Rumors begin to spread that the water truck has broken down. Without being able to confirm or deny the rumors, we climb up into the tap-tap and head for the water station, hoping for the best. But alas, as we approach the water station, there sits a broken down water truck, our broken down water truck. I'm not exactly sure what was wrong with the truck, some thingy between the transmission and something else fell out and there was absolutely no fuel of some sort... I don't know, but it was bad. HOWEVER, the Good Lord pulled through and somehow we were able to rent another water truck!

Cite Soleil wasn't quite as shocking this time around. I actually found myself looking forward the hearing the children chanting "'Ey You!" and "Potem". Today I felt helpful in Cite Soleil. I wasn't looking around, shocked at my surroundings. It was almost natural to just pick up as many babies as I could and entertain them while their families got water from the truck. There was one little boy in particular who touched my heart. As I held him and played with him he was giggling and seemed like the happiest boy alive while all I was doing was holding him and making funny noises in his ear. When it was time to go I sadly put him down and made my way to the tap-tap, only to be stopped by his hand before I could climb inside. Kneeling down, I gave him one last hug goodbye and got inside. As we drove away, I waved goodbye and rather than staying with the other group of children, he chased after us... This little three year old, barefoot boy ran after the truck with hopes of being able to catch us. My heart breaks a little thinking about him and selfishly, I hope that I will be able to see him again someday when I return to Haiti, but realistically, I hope that I don't. I hope that he is able to find a better life; a life outside of Cite Soleil.  I hope that for all of them.

All in all, today was a very emotional, moving day and it was one that I will not soon forget. Today, I believe I emptied myself, maybe even just a tiny bit, but still enough to allow God in and with that on top of being in Haiti, being healthy and being surround by these amazing people, I am currently feeling extremely blessed.

With that being said, it is way past my bedtime, so without further ado, goodnight and goodbye from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.;

-Ashley Becker

Day 3: Titanyen "Less Then Nothing"

"Less Then Nothing", is the translation of a city we visited today called Titanyen.   We drove 45 minutes into the mountains passing beautiful Caribbean water along the way.  The town was comprised of twisting streets no wider then 6 feet at times, just enough for our Tap Tap to fit through. We stopped at the market to buy 8 "box lunches" of rice, beans and pork.    Our first visit was to a woman named Maria, who was 105 years old.    Simply a miracle, She has lived in the mountain-side village in a 8x8 foot house her whole life. There she was sitting on the floor with a huge smile on her face.  Rock began cleaning and applying lotion to her feet and legs.    AJ told her that he had a crush on her and she giggled uncontrollably, almost blushing.    We prayed and sang songs with her, and when asked what we could bring back to her, she immediately started chanting "COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE".  It was hilarious and we are set to bring her coffee on Saturday.

We then visited the houses of 5 other elders, Marilyn 82, whom David washed her feet, gave her a meal and prayed with her as we sang songs, We visited Edmund who is 80ish.  Boe placed his arm around him in his 6x6 foot home, and he melted into Boe's arms, simply because he cherished being touched and it had been so long since anyone touched him.   He and Boe are BFF's now.  

AJ and Boe washed the feet of sisters Antoinette and Ancholla.  They live in huts on the mountain right next door to each other, they were in their 60's and asked that we return on Saturday to construct their kitchen.    Which is a pot outside of her hut, with 3 tree branches configured in a V, with a pot and a fire pit and a stool.   We will go back and put tarps and construct her a true kitchen on Saturday.

Rick washed the feet of a elder named Maricia.  She has a larger house, with a front gate constructed of a sheet metal door pinned to a tree branch.    Brian asked her if he could rub her shoulders and lets just say, she was enthused to let him!

We then went up the mountain to Grace Village, a new school constructed 3 yrs ago, that houses 400+ students.    It was a fantastic property and structure.   We toured the school, library, aquaponic garden, and the dormitory's where 40 of the orphaned kids live year round.    We ended the day there with a mean game of pick up basketball on the blacktop.    Lets just say, the Haitians beat the Americans 11-4.  The highlight of the game was the fact that no matter how hard we tried, none of us could dunk the 9 foot goal.   It was fun watching the Haitian kid try and try over and over.

On the way home we stopped at the mass grave of Titanyen where 100,000 bodies were buried from the earthquake that struck 5 years ago.  They are currently constructing a memorial on the site, but it was extremely chilling to be standing on the ground with 100,000 bodies beneath.   Kind of puts it in perspective real fast.

After dinner, we played pick up Soccer with the neighbor kids.    We constructed 2 goals out in the hilly street with large boulders.   The ground was rubble and rocky.   Needless to say the Haitian youth were the stars of the game.  Boe and Rock took tumbles in the rubble, leading to bruised ribs for Rock, and the need for us to break into our first aid bag for Boe to patch him up with Neosporin and band aids.   It was an amazing day capped off with a great show of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Posted by AJ Austerman - Calvary Team Member