As we soared in over the bay into Port-Au-Prince, the beauty of the Island was evident even far up as well as the varied landscape of palm trees and shore to the mountains beyond. It was about 90 degrees when we landed, but most of us were glad for the warmth. The sun was shining and we disembarked to move through customs and find our luggage. Richard had greeted us in Miami and was our guide through the maze of lines and procedures, as well as what to do and where not to go. We were so fortunate to have a bus waiting to take us to House of Blessing driven by Frankie. We finally gathered all of our things and exited the airport, passing the UN security guards as we did so. Through the crowds, many asking us to make purchases, we walked quickly to board the bus, having been requested to do our shopping at a later time.
The area surrounding the airport was full of people. Many were selling goods or begging for money. Many were clearly need great physical need and certainly financial as well. Most devastated were our youngest travelers, knowing this would be present, but shocked at its reality. A man with one leg, another blind, a woman with her child on her front and enormous basket balanced on her head, stray dogs plentiful. We drove out through the streets of the city and traveling only 25 or so miles would take us the better part of 2 hours.
Our first stop, however, was the hardware store. There were some supplies to pick up on our way back to House of Blessings (HOB) and we were able to use the restrooms and look around. We saw our first goats wandering through the parking lot as we waited and took a few photos of our first hours in Haiti. After loading our new supplies, we re-boarded and continued our journey together. As we drove, it was clear Frankie was making this look easy. I would never want to negotiate these roads and drivers where the center line was clearly just a suggestion for most. Evidence the earthquake was not long ago surrounded our travel. Homes and buildings were still in ruins as well as many streets and drainage/sewage in a state of rebuilding. Just as seen in photos and online, many Haitians were carrying heavy loads balanced on their heads. No doubt that poor posture was not an option for transporting this amount of weight. We could take a lesson or two in hard work and fitness from our friends here in Haiti.
I couldn’t stop taking pictures. There was so much to see. There was so much to see that was new and beautiful, yet even more that was devastating and tragic. The polarity of it was heart-wrenching. Not just the natural beauty of the country and the obvious suffering, but the beautiful walled-in homes and gardens next to a literal city of tents made of tarps and scrap metal. The city was bustling with people walking and many carrying those heavy loads.
Arriving at the House of Blessing in Calabasse, we all were excited to stretch our legs. The teenagers quickly settled in and began mixing with the children of HOB. They began basketball, playing with the dogs or kittens and talking with their new friends, who were all incredibly friendly and welcoming. The adults spent time learning about our new home for the week and connecting with HOB friends as well. Then we found our sleeping arrangements and unloaded our things. Our cabins were small, but comfortable and most bunks were furnished with an air mattress.
The first night at dinner we were welcomed with a great reception. Some traditional Haitian food combined with a bit of American comfort food was typical that week, providing a great way for all to try new foods and have a very positive experience with it. No one was ever hungry, that was certain. While we did work hard, I began to wonder how I might feel if I came home from a third world country adding a few pounds…
Each night we would gather after dinner and have a time of sharing, singing, prayer and fellowship. This was a special time for us to be with our group as well as children and staff of HOB. This first night was also a time to provide information for the week and talk about expectations of the upcoming experiences. We were all ready for bedtime when it came that night and all slept well.
The moon was high in the sky, waiting for the stars around it to fade as the sun rose the first morning. We snuck onto the school porch and watched as Calebasse began to be revealed in the light of the rising sun. We watched as those who had clearly begun their day long before were now evident, busy working at various tasks to start their days. It was so peaceful, yet there were many sounds. Many noises I certainly do not hear as I wake in Michigan: animals calling, radios informing, and the buzz of motorcycles transporting residents down the mountain.
We listened for some time, watching the routines of so many. The sun was now visible and the colors of the sky streaked over the mountains. Almost every morning we would wake early for this experience, just to be part of it. Although each day held many different opportunities, many routines were similar. After sunrise a few would crawl into bed for a nap before breakfast. Some would read or study, journal, pray or talk together until breakfast was ready for our group.
My favorite breakfast (even at home) is oatmeal. At House of Blessing (HOB), they cook the oatmeal with star annis which give it a wonderfully rich flavor. Between this and the fresh mangos, I hardly felt I was in a third world country. I must admit I found it entertaining to watch our teenagers devour boxed cereal similar to Rice Krispies, Fruit Loops and Cheerios-all with powdered milk and no complaints. The wonderful, easy pace in the morning allowed us all to enjoy each other and the children and staff. This week (the first week of April) we were privileged to be there during Spring Break for the HOB children. Although they do not all go to the same school, all were on the same vacation schedule and we were able to spend considerably more time with them than we anticipated. The joy and welcoming reception were immediately evident and this breakfast time was a great start to our days together.
First day activities were many and we split into groups to work at our tasks. One group began working on the roof, sealing and then painting. What a hot and challenging job, but well done by Wes and Hunter, as well as help from Colin. Many of the others were gardening and working on the grounds, trails, etc. weeding, trimming and cleaning up the area. Yet another group began the work of moving furniture in the dining/gathering area so scrap the ceiling to prepare for the sealing and painting for that area. Most of the remaining group shared these tasks so that no one was either looking at the sealing or bending and kneeling the entire day. With a short break for lunch, we had time for a team fellowship and sharing of devotions with each other.
The afternoon went quickly and we began to learn names and faces well. Our time was spent working alongside of many of the children, staff and friends of HOB. In addition to our projects, we were able to share the wedding clothes our group had collected from many of the team and other friends of Storyline. These would be worn in June for the upcoming wedding of a woman who previously stayed at HOB. It was encouraging to see just how many of the items would work, and the others we would send with them on Richards May trip. Dinner and fellowship together followed and we continued to enjoy worshipping together. After our times together we frequently stayed to talk and play games together. Many of the teens played chess with the HOB kids and it became a regular evening event.
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ.”(Colossians 2:2) In our fellowship each night together, the reality of this verse from Colossians was so evident. As we worshipped, through prayer and music, in different languages, we were all powerfully impacted to see the global Church of Christ and it was a great encouragement. That God might be known by so many that I will never know or understand was very humbling.
Rising with the sun again we watched the clouds cover much of the sky. Without those clouds, however, we would not have such creative patterns of color across the sky to meet the mountains. The morning reminded me of the necessity of hard work in this area. Up before the sun, working long past its setting and I wonder about when I think I have worked hard. After breakfast today, we continued with some new projects. We split into a few groups. Wes, Hunter and Colin spent some time on the roof sealing and painting to prepare for the work to be finished inside. Another group inside the dining and community area, worked to move furniture and begin scraping the ceiling of peeling paint in preparation for the sealing and painting to be done the next day. Finally, a third group began the ongoing project of weeding and garden the grounds, particularly the path from the main house to the school and guest cabins where we would stay for the week.
For the next two days we would continue the work in the garden and moved from scraping to painting in the dining area. Rotating our work continued to be helpful due to our necks and low backs. Many had a bit of tension in their neck after that assignment, but working together, the work was finished with plenty of time to move to the next stage of the projects. The men in the group carried bags of cement up at Paulette’s home to prepare for our work on Thursday to pour the steps for her new home. That day was hard work, but I think all would admit, a very fun day. We had to work together to move a very large pile of rock necessary in the mixing of the cement up the hill to Paulette’s home. The local mason, Patrick, was our leader and gave direction for hauling, mixing and pouring after having set the forms prior to our arrival. A few of the women experienced typical Haitian restrooms and realized how fancy we make our own. A hole in the ground with a nice cement top would require a bit of skill to hit.
Friday was an incredible day for our group. We went for hike into the valley of the mountains in search of a waterfall, trust, friendship and joy “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) This verse was our experience as Jimmy, Carlo, Felo and Claude served us and encouraged our group through hiking, climbing and jumping new obstacles. They would even create human footholds and bridges for us to walk over so that we might experience a safe and beautiful adventure into the waterfall area and beyond. I am certain that without them, we may not have all arrived home safely! Our trip lasted the better part of the morning and we would have a late lunch upon our return.
Saturday was full of wonderful sightseeing at an overlook of Port Au Prince, the airport and the beautiful mountains beyond. It was so interesting to hear Frankie and Richard talk about the different areas of the city, the history and the changes since the Earthquake. We then have opportunities while we were out to purchase paintings and other art, jewelry, coffee and other goods to take with us to the States. While it was fun to find gifts for our family and friends, it was encouraging to know that you were at least contributing to someone’s livelihood. We spent lunch at the Baptist Mission where some of the HOB children would walk for school, a walk that would take close to an hour each way. The mission had a restaurant and shop, but worked very specifically in the community to facilitate employment and opportunities to learn and create income for Haitians.
On our trip home, many took a motorcycle ride home as others went to see Imeme’s home, who is employed at HOB in the kitchen. Her home was destroyed by the earthquake and HOB is helping to repair this new home gradually, as money is provided. Currently, it is estimated that $6,000 would complete her roof and the connection of the separate portions of her home.
Saturday night was our final dinner with our HOB friends as well as our final time of fellowship. After our meal and cleanup, we circled our chairs and began singing. We were usually led by Gilene or Woody and even the older teens at HOB. The HOB family seemed to always be bringing up new leaders and encouraging kids to share their gift and their faith. After our songs and prayers we had an opportunity to reflect on our amazing days. One of those fellowship times, Chelsey was re-baptized. In another, we laid hands on Mike’s knee and asked for his healing and freedom from pain. In each moment, we were able to encourage and be encouraged. This is the challenge of coming home. Can we share our lives and encourage others, especially those closest to us? Do we decide to allow life to swallow us up and dictate the agenda of life? At the end of this sharing, Tonia and Frankie offered thanks to our group and an invitation to participate with them in supporting any aspects of HOB we would feel led including returning trips.
Sunday morning was a busy time preparing. We had to pack and clean to be sure we would be ready to leave on time. We had the great privilege to attend Church with our friends and worshipping together one more time. Tonia and her children would join us (including Richard) back to the orphanage to send us off and see that we had all we needed. Our parting was sad, but we are encouraged by the thought that we can stay so well connected through our technology and the love of Christ. We were so blessed to be with these new friends, to know them and to experience their beautiful country. That we may take some of Haiti with us to share with our own culture, would be the best evidence of success for this trip.]]>
