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)