Day 3

Today was supposed to be our first work day at the boys' home. We were really looking forward to painting the interior and maybe playing a little soccer with the boys after school. Unfortunately, we had to stay in the safety of the compound today because there were riots nearby and some streets/neighborhoods were literally shut down. Although we did not witness any of it, the situation must have been quite serious because the U.N. helicopter flew around a few times today. 

We stayed at the hospital and did work here instead. We built a frame to install a kitchen sink that has been in storage for years. We installed flood lights on 2 opposite corners of the hospital building.  While looking through the hospital for supplies, Rob found a new church jacket. 

All the men worked very hard in the scorching heat today, and we got a lot done. Just before dinner we went in the tent village to play ball with the kids, and we all had a blast. Although we were overwhelmed by the amount of kids that wanted our attention, it was pale in comparison to the joy and satisfaction we received when we did give them the attention they so desperately long for. 

Please continue to lift us up in your prayers. Although we have a task list that we would love to accomplish, I want us to be mindful of God's appointed opportunities. 

THE HAITI TEAM

Days 1 & 2

We are here!

We landed in Haiti Saturday in the early afternoon and after locating our driver were on the road to the compound. 

The road leg of the trip was by far the most interesting one. We were all jammed in this steel cage reinforced straight truck as our driver weaved and honked his way through literal chaos.

 There are no traffic patterns in Haiti; it's literally the law of the jungle. All you need is a set of wheels, a horn, and nerves of steel and you can get anywhere. 

 

We were given a reality check as our driver took us through the poorest part of the city. We witnessed first hand what a 90% unemployment rate looks like and it is not pretty: mountains of trash all over the road, open air food markets next to raw sewage, junk-selling street vendors, abandoned parted out cars all over sidewalks...  It literally looks like a war zone.

We even stopped by the presidential palace that lays in ruins since the earthquake to take pictures. Just as we stepped out of the vehicle, a swarm of street vendors rushed toward us to entice us to purchase their artwork. It was overwhelming, but our security escort made sure we were safe the entire time.  (Unfortunately, the pictures for that leg of the trip will have to be posted at a later time since I did not take them with my phone but a regular camera.)

On Sunday, we went to church and were introduced to the congregation.  I (Stephan) had the privilege of addressing the congregation on behalf of our group and speaking blessing over them in French.  We received a warm welcome.  Apparently, they really enjoy being addressed by a French speaking white man.  (French is the root of Creole, Haiti's main language.)

After the 3-hour long service (Yes, you read correctly: 3 hours! Please don't let Pastor Chad read this or he might get some ideas...), we went to the boys' home so we could meet them, play with them, and love on them before going back to the compound for lunch. We brought some soccer balls, and we aged with them in the courtyard. We had a blast playing with them. I am pretty confident in saying that we could easily get schooled by these kids. They play barefoot on concrete and if it wasn't for our size advantage, we probably couldn't beat them in a 1-on-1. We played hard, snuggled hard, and then made our way back.

We had a great devotion time in the evening on the hospital roof (where we are staying) seeking God's face and pleading for the nation of Haiti. God is definitely working in us and through us, and we can't wait to testify of the results. 

THE HAITI TEAM