First of all, we apologize that we have not blogged for a few days. The Internet connection here at the guesthouse has been a bit sketchy.
Yesterday, we spent the day in Citie Soleil. Our first stop was Soleil #17, where we helped fill buckets of water. There wasn't many buckets to fill as most of the people had recently received water the day before. After filling the buckets, we took a walk down a garbage filled, pig infested path toward the water's edge. The smell was indescribable, a combination of filth, death, decay, human and animal waste. It takes your breath away. In the midst of the broken glass and decay, we held the children who were seemingly unaffected by their surroundings. They were all smiles, enjoying the attention and love, desensitized by their day to day life.
After our "walk out", the team set up a clinic not far from the water truck stop. As soon as the doors opened, we were swarmed by the crowd of adults and children seeking out medical care. Several team members positioned themselves amidst the crowd while the rest of us served out of the back of the taptap. The lines were endless and the needs were great. It was very chaotic. Despite careful planning and setup, we were not prepared for that. In our group discussion after dinner, one of our team members reflected on the experience we had that day comparing it to that of Jesus' experience as a healer. He was placed into many chaotic situations, and much was expected on him but through it all he remained calm and managed to continue to heal and restore faith in many.
Today's experience was significantly different, due in part to regrouping and re-organizing late into the evening prior to going out. We set up a mobile clinic outside one of the Tent Cities, not far from Visa Lodge. We had team members working out of the taptap, aside the truck at a station and in front of the truck where the line formed. We experienced many memorable events today, one of which included helping a brand new mom successfully breast feed her day old infant. We also witnessed the extreme patience among the Haitians waiting in line to be seen and treated, and also among the interpreters being pulled in a hundred different directions. The day would never have gone so well if it wasn't for the team work and each and every role being served. After dinner some of the team members described the day in one word: peaceful, content, humility, patience, life, energized, precious, universal, and translation.
What a wonderful day.
God bless and Good night.
Betsy and Melissa
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Day 1
Started out the day bright and early with a 6:25 departure from Minneapolis, arriving at the airport at 3:45 am. Flight was mostly smooth, arrive in Miami with a very short layover just to re-board 30 minutes later for Port-au-Prince Haiti. We arrive in Haiti at 2:30 and had a "warm welcome" including a mariachi band upon our arrival. After the chaos of getting through customs and immigration we waiting outside at the Tap Tap (our transportation vehicle) for the rest of our California and New York team members to fly in. It was a hot and humid wait, but definitely good to experience the culture first hand and get to know each other a little better.
We finally arrived at the new Healing Haiti Guesthouse in Port-au-Prince after traveling through the gravel, dirt roads of the city. The Tap Tap held up well, carrying approximately 15 + suitcases and 17 people. It was eye opening to see "Tent City" which is home to many Haitians, with homes made of scraps of construction material, tarps, scrap wood, etc..
We were warmly greeted at the house, and treated to a Taco Buffet Salad for dinner. We then spent the rest of our evening sorting medication supplies and preparing for our day tomorrow in City Solei. We are all exhausted from travels and preparation, but excited for starting our journey here in Haiti.
Good night!
Macey & Melissa (M&M)
We finally arrived at the new Healing Haiti Guesthouse in Port-au-Prince after traveling through the gravel, dirt roads of the city. The Tap Tap held up well, carrying approximately 15 + suitcases and 17 people. It was eye opening to see "Tent City" which is home to many Haitians, with homes made of scraps of construction material, tarps, scrap wood, etc..
We were warmly greeted at the house, and treated to a Taco Buffet Salad for dinner. We then spent the rest of our evening sorting medication supplies and preparing for our day tomorrow in City Solei. We are all exhausted from travels and preparation, but excited for starting our journey here in Haiti.
Good night!
Macey & Melissa (M&M)
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Hope for the Future
"Be willing to go out on a limb with Me. If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be. Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief. Your longing to live close to Me is a odds with your attempts to minimize risk. You are approaching a crossroads in your journey. In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe. Let Me lead you step by step through this day. If your primary focus is on Me, you can walkalong perilous paths without being afraid. Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together. As long as you stay close to Me, My sovereign Presence protects you wherever you go." --December 9 Devotion from Jesus Calling
Grace Village--Day 6
Our time spent at Grace Village today was in stark contrast to the depravity seen yesterday in Citie Soleil. Grace, in all it's colorful beauty reflects loved, nourished children playing and learning. Their eyes light up with joy. It provides hope for a better Haiti. Our team created an organized lesson plan including science and creativity along with an educational lesson about Minnesota. As the saying goes, "the best laid plans..." Similar to our children at home, they had their own ideas and we instead learned from them. Faces were painted instead of pictures, necklaces became belts and "sink or float" became throw and "DUCK!". Due to the language barrier, a snowfight ensued creating chaos, but the laughter and joy was universal. The children LOVED to slip and slide, throw snowballs and feel the energy from the harmless fight. It was magical to watch.
After our visit to Grace, we stopped at the mass gravesite. It was humbling to stand on hallowed ground. To think about the magnitude of death and destruction is unimaginable and incomprehensible. A few of us walked to the mountain top overlooking the weed covered gravesite. The energy felt was that of conflicted peace and tragedy. One of our driver's shared that he lost his finacee in the earthquake and another shared he was a drink of water away from his own destruction. When something like that happens on a scale so huge and so far away, it is easy to forget that each victim is someone's mother, fiancee, or child. Time passes, weeds grow and life goes on and out of the rubble becomes a new home and new futures for those left behind. -Beasy Juanitias
Grace Village--Day 6
Our time spent at Grace Village today was in stark contrast to the depravity seen yesterday in Citie Soleil. Grace, in all it's colorful beauty reflects loved, nourished children playing and learning. Their eyes light up with joy. It provides hope for a better Haiti. Our team created an organized lesson plan including science and creativity along with an educational lesson about Minnesota. As the saying goes, "the best laid plans..." Similar to our children at home, they had their own ideas and we instead learned from them. Faces were painted instead of pictures, necklaces became belts and "sink or float" became throw and "DUCK!". Due to the language barrier, a snowfight ensued creating chaos, but the laughter and joy was universal. The children LOVED to slip and slide, throw snowballs and feel the energy from the harmless fight. It was magical to watch.
After our visit to Grace, we stopped at the mass gravesite. It was humbling to stand on hallowed ground. To think about the magnitude of death and destruction is unimaginable and incomprehensible. A few of us walked to the mountain top overlooking the weed covered gravesite. The energy felt was that of conflicted peace and tragedy. One of our driver's shared that he lost his finacee in the earthquake and another shared he was a drink of water away from his own destruction. When something like that happens on a scale so huge and so far away, it is easy to forget that each victim is someone's mother, fiancee, or child. Time passes, weeds grow and life goes on and out of the rubble becomes a new home and new futures for those left behind. -Beasy Juanitias
Friday, December 7, 2012
Trickling Water
Water Truck Day
Today we are going to the city of Cite Soleil, this is one of the most poverty stricken cities in Haiti. We had 9 drivers and translators along for the trip, it can be a dangerous journey. The first thing we noticed is the smell changes from city to city. As we crossed over a river to enter the city, it turned into a smell of pig manure mixed with hot, steamy trash. The waterway was like nothing we have ever seen, full of trash being eaten by pigs and goats, green/brown in color, and used by humans for daily needs. The UN was present with guns working on projects, the streets were filled with garbage, there was more of a feeling of desperation here.
The taptap followed a water truck filled with 2500 gallons of water. The water is filled at a pump station, it's well water mixed with chlorine. We had four stops to make. The first stop was the hardest stop, it seemed to be the poorest of the poor, the housing was tin sheds, tarps, and branches, it reminds me of birds building their nests, using whatever is around to make a home. It seem deserted until the water truck stopped (like the ice cream truck) women and children came with their empty bucket and bowls to be filled. We helped fill the buckets, play with the children, and helped carry the water back to the homes. It was a very humbling experience, all we could smell was pig manure and wonder how the bare footed children ran over the pieces of glass without getting cut. Water is a basic human need that we take so for granted, the joy on the faces of the children as they splashed, washed, and drank it was amazing. We were not allowed to help someone to their home with their water unless there were two of us going. Our Haitian drivers keep close watch. Walking with the buckets through the streets of mud and manure and into the maze of huts was an honor as they included us in this picture of their private lives. It is hard to put into words, but it is nothing like you can ever really prepare yourself for. We were invited to walk out onto a path toward the ocean, it was covered with trash being eaten by pigs. Again, the smell. The children followed us like the pied piper with as much enthusiasm. Amazed again by the broken glass and bare feet. We did not even notice the ocean beyond the trash and tin huts. We were told that this is a place they bury their dead because they do not have a dollar to pay for a burial. The kids sang for us in this place praising God.
The next three stops we made were not so tragic, but none-the-less still dangerous and poverty stricken. This is a place where we got to play soccer and jump rope with the children. Our nurse Betsy cleaned a wound, children were asking for sandals and food, we felt useless, so many needs that we could not fill.
The water truck delivered 5000 gallons of fresh water today, an improvement as not as much water is needed daily, Healing Haiti has contributed greatly to filling this need since the earthquake. We had an extra hand today, Amy from Gertudes orphanage got to join the team today and she was a blessing to us all, her enthusiasm for God's work is inspiring!
We feel ungrateful after this experience for taking just the gift of water for granted, one of the team members, Joye, said that her word of the day was trickle because of the water that trickled down the faces of the children and then as the truck emptied, the last trickle out was used, leaving empty buckets behind. We take it so for granted. Our team's words for this day are broken, blessed, helplessness, open arms, open eyes, Jeff and Alyn, vision, and the beautiful TRICKLE.
Mountains beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder (thanks Clarisa)
How could a just God permit great misery? The Haitian peasants answered with a proverb: "Bondye konn bay, men li pa konn separe, " in literal translation, "God gives us humans everything we need to flourish, but he's not the one who's supposed to divvy up the loot. That charge was laid upon us.
Roy, CJ, and Sam Bomouse (the first water truck experience)
No child should ever go to bed thirsty, hungry or unsafe.........we are all human beings.
Today we are going to the city of Cite Soleil, this is one of the most poverty stricken cities in Haiti. We had 9 drivers and translators along for the trip, it can be a dangerous journey. The first thing we noticed is the smell changes from city to city. As we crossed over a river to enter the city, it turned into a smell of pig manure mixed with hot, steamy trash. The waterway was like nothing we have ever seen, full of trash being eaten by pigs and goats, green/brown in color, and used by humans for daily needs. The UN was present with guns working on projects, the streets were filled with garbage, there was more of a feeling of desperation here.
The taptap followed a water truck filled with 2500 gallons of water. The water is filled at a pump station, it's well water mixed with chlorine. We had four stops to make. The first stop was the hardest stop, it seemed to be the poorest of the poor, the housing was tin sheds, tarps, and branches, it reminds me of birds building their nests, using whatever is around to make a home. It seem deserted until the water truck stopped (like the ice cream truck) women and children came with their empty bucket and bowls to be filled. We helped fill the buckets, play with the children, and helped carry the water back to the homes. It was a very humbling experience, all we could smell was pig manure and wonder how the bare footed children ran over the pieces of glass without getting cut. Water is a basic human need that we take so for granted, the joy on the faces of the children as they splashed, washed, and drank it was amazing. We were not allowed to help someone to their home with their water unless there were two of us going. Our Haitian drivers keep close watch. Walking with the buckets through the streets of mud and manure and into the maze of huts was an honor as they included us in this picture of their private lives. It is hard to put into words, but it is nothing like you can ever really prepare yourself for. We were invited to walk out onto a path toward the ocean, it was covered with trash being eaten by pigs. Again, the smell. The children followed us like the pied piper with as much enthusiasm. Amazed again by the broken glass and bare feet. We did not even notice the ocean beyond the trash and tin huts. We were told that this is a place they bury their dead because they do not have a dollar to pay for a burial. The kids sang for us in this place praising God.
The next three stops we made were not so tragic, but none-the-less still dangerous and poverty stricken. This is a place where we got to play soccer and jump rope with the children. Our nurse Betsy cleaned a wound, children were asking for sandals and food, we felt useless, so many needs that we could not fill.
The water truck delivered 5000 gallons of fresh water today, an improvement as not as much water is needed daily, Healing Haiti has contributed greatly to filling this need since the earthquake. We had an extra hand today, Amy from Gertudes orphanage got to join the team today and she was a blessing to us all, her enthusiasm for God's work is inspiring!
We feel ungrateful after this experience for taking just the gift of water for granted, one of the team members, Joye, said that her word of the day was trickle because of the water that trickled down the faces of the children and then as the truck emptied, the last trickle out was used, leaving empty buckets behind. We take it so for granted. Our team's words for this day are broken, blessed, helplessness, open arms, open eyes, Jeff and Alyn, vision, and the beautiful TRICKLE.
Mountains beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder (thanks Clarisa)
How could a just God permit great misery? The Haitian peasants answered with a proverb: "Bondye konn bay, men li pa konn separe, " in literal translation, "God gives us humans everything we need to flourish, but he's not the one who's supposed to divvy up the loot. That charge was laid upon us.
Roy, CJ, and Sam Bomouse (the first water truck experience)
No child should ever go to bed thirsty, hungry or unsafe.........we are all human beings.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Learning from our Elders
Today has been a very full day filled with praise, joy, serving and fulfillment.
Our day began at 5:30 am as our team chose to attend the sunrise Haitian morning worship service.
As the sun rose over the lush hillside, it was exhilarating to see the Haitian people young and old praise God with such conviction. To be part of such a powerful service helped to jumpstart our day. God would lead our journey again on this beautfiul sunny day.
After breakfast we loaded the taptap and ventured to get a tour of Grace Village. We have not been there since May 2011 when Grace was still under construction. As we drove up the hill in Titanyen and the gates were opened for us, we were in awe to see the incredible progress of Jeff and Alyn's vision for Grace Village.
There are now 56 orphaned boys and girls living in colorful, clean quarters who looked so happy and healthy. What a joy to see as we had witnessed the living conditions many of these precious children were living in previously.
Grace Village is now open for school to 306 children, they are growing food, having worship services, and so much more. Trying to comprehend that all of this is a vision coming to fruition due to loving hearts for God.
After enjoying time with the school children it was time to venture into the village and care for 5 different elders. Our first visit was to Izna who needed to be bathed and cared for. Respecting her privacy we left Betsy and Marilyn with Inza and her family members at their shanty and the rest of us left to see the other elders.
Marie is 103 years old and we received so much joy from her spunk and spirit as we sang and prayed with her. We all took turns rubbing lotion on her arms, hands and feet as she laughed and smiled. Here was a woman living in what we would consider unacceptable, and she was the most grateful, loving woman who seemed to have it all.
Each elder we visited stated such simple needs. Angeline who was housebound and can't walk just wanted someone to wash a bag of dirty clothes she had. Edmond, a blind man living in a hot room about 7X12 just wanted to know what he could do for us. He said Healing Haiti is always helping him and bringing him good and he wanted to do something for us. Unbelievable! Antoine said he would just like for someone to bring his 12 year old grandson some shoes as he just got chosen to start school and he has no shoes. He also requested someone plan a New Year's party and he would like to have juice.
Later in the day we all pondered the simple needs and wants of these wise elders who have experienced so much. It is so humbling to see that everything these people need they get from the neverending love of our God. They asked us for so little in the way of material possessions.We can all learn so much from them. They gave us such a gift today, so much more than we gave them.
Thank you God for this amazing team as we serve and learn life's lessons together. Our hearts are forever changed.
As we sang with the elders today:
Glory to God
Glory to God, Glory to God forever
Glwa pou Bondye Glwa pou Bondye
Gllwa pou Bondye Pou tou jou
Jane and Joye
Our day began at 5:30 am as our team chose to attend the sunrise Haitian morning worship service.
As the sun rose over the lush hillside, it was exhilarating to see the Haitian people young and old praise God with such conviction. To be part of such a powerful service helped to jumpstart our day. God would lead our journey again on this beautfiul sunny day.
After breakfast we loaded the taptap and ventured to get a tour of Grace Village. We have not been there since May 2011 when Grace was still under construction. As we drove up the hill in Titanyen and the gates were opened for us, we were in awe to see the incredible progress of Jeff and Alyn's vision for Grace Village.
There are now 56 orphaned boys and girls living in colorful, clean quarters who looked so happy and healthy. What a joy to see as we had witnessed the living conditions many of these precious children were living in previously.
Grace Village is now open for school to 306 children, they are growing food, having worship services, and so much more. Trying to comprehend that all of this is a vision coming to fruition due to loving hearts for God.
After enjoying time with the school children it was time to venture into the village and care for 5 different elders. Our first visit was to Izna who needed to be bathed and cared for. Respecting her privacy we left Betsy and Marilyn with Inza and her family members at their shanty and the rest of us left to see the other elders.
Marie is 103 years old and we received so much joy from her spunk and spirit as we sang and prayed with her. We all took turns rubbing lotion on her arms, hands and feet as she laughed and smiled. Here was a woman living in what we would consider unacceptable, and she was the most grateful, loving woman who seemed to have it all.
Each elder we visited stated such simple needs. Angeline who was housebound and can't walk just wanted someone to wash a bag of dirty clothes she had. Edmond, a blind man living in a hot room about 7X12 just wanted to know what he could do for us. He said Healing Haiti is always helping him and bringing him good and he wanted to do something for us. Unbelievable! Antoine said he would just like for someone to bring his 12 year old grandson some shoes as he just got chosen to start school and he has no shoes. He also requested someone plan a New Year's party and he would like to have juice.
Later in the day we all pondered the simple needs and wants of these wise elders who have experienced so much. It is so humbling to see that everything these people need they get from the neverending love of our God. They asked us for so little in the way of material possessions.We can all learn so much from them. They gave us such a gift today, so much more than we gave them.
Thank you God for this amazing team as we serve and learn life's lessons together. Our hearts are forever changed.
As we sang with the elders today:
Glory to God
Glory to God, Glory to God forever
Glwa pou Bondye Glwa pou Bondye
Gllwa pou Bondye Pou tou jou
Jane and Joye
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Fullfiled
Today, Wednesday, was our first day to wake up in Haiti and go out to serve in whatever way we are led. The plan is the The Home for the Sick and Dying babies in the morning. For some on our team this was their first experience in this setting and for the rest of us it was our first time going to their beautiful, new building.
It is bright and airy; filled with children and babies who raise their arms to use as we enter, in the hope of being picked up and cuddled. We, with willing hands and hearts, gathered them up; as many as we could manage to wrap in our arms. At one point, our only male team member Roy, was sitting with five children in his lap. It was difficult to tell who was enjoying this more, Roy or the children. Because we cannot take pictures, the rest of us captured this moment in our personal memory bank. It was priceless.
While we were there, much love was given and even more was received by us to take away. I love how God does that. We come to Haiti, to serve and give and God in his wisdom, fills us to overflowing. We helped feed the children, then it was time to leave, because it was nap time. For our team, a difficult departure as always. Last hugs, cuddles and more than a few tears leaked out as we boarded the TapTap back to the guesthouse. Our afternoon schedule was spending time at Gertrudes, home for special needs children. This is my personal favorite event. This orphanage has been added on to and is bright and open with a new play area for the children. Most of the children were out of their wheelchairs and on to the floor. As we each were drawn to our own special angel, we sat with them on the floor. Some of the children would go from lap to lap and some were content to sit and be cuddled. I was in my "happy place" as Rosalyn snuggled as close as she could get.
Two of our team had elected to spend the afternoon at the wound clinic and came home with their stories to share.
After dinner, we shared our word of the day. A very wide range of emotions were covered; fulfilled, conflicted, hurting, caregiver, were a few. This opened up a time of sharing, discussion and bonding. Our evening ended with a salsa lesson under the stars. What a great ending to our first day on the mission field. Thank you Lord for all you've given us. --Marilyn Bomouse
It is bright and airy; filled with children and babies who raise their arms to use as we enter, in the hope of being picked up and cuddled. We, with willing hands and hearts, gathered them up; as many as we could manage to wrap in our arms. At one point, our only male team member Roy, was sitting with five children in his lap. It was difficult to tell who was enjoying this more, Roy or the children. Because we cannot take pictures, the rest of us captured this moment in our personal memory bank. It was priceless.
While we were there, much love was given and even more was received by us to take away. I love how God does that. We come to Haiti, to serve and give and God in his wisdom, fills us to overflowing. We helped feed the children, then it was time to leave, because it was nap time. For our team, a difficult departure as always. Last hugs, cuddles and more than a few tears leaked out as we boarded the TapTap back to the guesthouse. Our afternoon schedule was spending time at Gertrudes, home for special needs children. This is my personal favorite event. This orphanage has been added on to and is bright and open with a new play area for the children. Most of the children were out of their wheelchairs and on to the floor. As we each were drawn to our own special angel, we sat with them on the floor. Some of the children would go from lap to lap and some were content to sit and be cuddled. I was in my "happy place" as Rosalyn snuggled as close as she could get.
Two of our team had elected to spend the afternoon at the wound clinic and came home with their stories to share.
After dinner, we shared our word of the day. A very wide range of emotions were covered; fulfilled, conflicted, hurting, caregiver, were a few. This opened up a time of sharing, discussion and bonding. Our evening ended with a salsa lesson under the stars. What a great ending to our first day on the mission field. Thank you Lord for all you've given us. --Marilyn Bomouse
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Get Me to Haiti
"By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which he has called you." Ephesians 1:18
Monday, Day 1
The first 48 hours, our team of 10 amazing people lived out the movies "Planes, Trains, & Automobiles" and "Groundhog Day". The journey started at 0400 at the Minneapolis airport, many had not slept the night before in anticipation of our adventure. With smiles and hugs, we all warmley greeted one another and boarded the plane to Maimi. Landing in Miami at 1100, we had a 3+ hour layover before catching the next flight at 2:45pm. One of our team members, Jane, was "recovering" from a kidney infection diagnosed the day before departure. We all encouraged her, "You will be fine." We knew we might have been wrong as her pink cheeks paled and she was found leaning next to a pillar lethargic and diaphoretic. Two nurses and an EMT looked at each other and were afraid, "Let's just get her on the next flight." "If only we can get her to Haiti, she'll get a good nights sleep there." We passed the time with a game of spoons using peanut butter m'm's. Awesome, We were hopeful again.
At 2:00pm, we began boarding our crowded, hot flight on which all but Sam's carryon were confiscated by the gate agent due to lack of space in the overhead. Not a problem. Just 1.5 hours away from a bed for Jane!! After waiting 20 minutes, we were told we had to wait a few minutes more while they checked a mechanical issue. "Don't worry, folks, we will be off the ground shortly." Another 30 minutes went by and they informed us that the plane was not leaving the ground and that we had to de-board and re-board another plane. Jane was tired, but after a smile and a thumbs up and we headed for the gate. At 3:15 we re-boarded a new plane, hopefully one that flew. Here all 200 passengers are again, a little bit more restless, but hopefull. UNTIL, about 30 minutes went by and they announced they were taking time to refuel and get a fresh flight crew. "We should be off the ground in 30 more minutes." Another hour went by before they announced the flight was CANCELLED:) Back to the airport we go to wait in line for another 2 hours to rebook our flight and find "Plan B". At this point, we were all wondering if Jane needed to go home. The only member of the team with her bag was Sam and she offered to share her wonderful clothes and toothbrush but had no takers. Despite the delay and becoming dysfunctionally familiar with the Miami airport the team perservered. Our fearless leaders came back with hotel rooms, meal vouchers and a shuttle to and a flight out of Ft. Lauderdale at 1:05pm the next day. After a late night dinner at Subway, we all crashed in our comfy hotel beds.
At this point in our journey we are a very close team, one of the blessings that rose out of the ashes. We found out today that they meal prepared for us after we landed on Monday was shared with the Haitian workers. For some, it was the first time they ate at a dining room table. Another blessing that came out of day one was that Jane got a good nights rest and was well to continue the journey today.
Tuesday, Day 2
Smooth day, after Starbucks coffee and an on-time shuttle we boarded the plane and left Ft. Lauderdale at exactly 1:05pm.
From above it is a vision of a beautiful island surrounded by ocean water with rooftops of the city. As you get closer to landing the water turns a shade of brown and the buildings turn into tin shacks. The airport is new and also appears "normal" and organized. As we made our way with our 26 pieces of luggage to the outside to be loaded into the taptap we were ambushed by a crowd of Haitians waiting to be the first to help us for the tip. The smell outside was that of something burning in the air, the real journey begins. The taptap reminds me of an old grain truck from the farm but with a cage around the bed. We piled the luggage of donations (thank you everyone!) into the back and crawled in, with the door being locked behind us. The paddy wagon took us through the city on streets of stones and dirt. The sidewalks had pieces of ambandoned tires, trash, and vehicles randomly left behind. No traffic lights but surprisingly organized intersections of grace and kindness as cars, trucks, motorcycles and scooters shared the space. Trying not to stare, but to drink it all in, we watched the beautiful people of Haiti through the cage of the taptap as we made our twenty minute ride to our guest house of Healing Haiti. It is a gated home with no locks on the gate :) I love that part! We were greeted by our host warmly and sat down to a very welcome meal of spagetti and hotdogs. Looking forward to the day tomorrow! Sam and Betsy
The Mind grows by taking in, but the Heart grows by giving out; it is important to maintain a balanced life. Warren Wiersbe
Monday, Day 1
The first 48 hours, our team of 10 amazing people lived out the movies "Planes, Trains, & Automobiles" and "Groundhog Day". The journey started at 0400 at the Minneapolis airport, many had not slept the night before in anticipation of our adventure. With smiles and hugs, we all warmley greeted one another and boarded the plane to Maimi. Landing in Miami at 1100, we had a 3+ hour layover before catching the next flight at 2:45pm. One of our team members, Jane, was "recovering" from a kidney infection diagnosed the day before departure. We all encouraged her, "You will be fine." We knew we might have been wrong as her pink cheeks paled and she was found leaning next to a pillar lethargic and diaphoretic. Two nurses and an EMT looked at each other and were afraid, "Let's just get her on the next flight." "If only we can get her to Haiti, she'll get a good nights sleep there." We passed the time with a game of spoons using peanut butter m'm's. Awesome, We were hopeful again.
At 2:00pm, we began boarding our crowded, hot flight on which all but Sam's carryon were confiscated by the gate agent due to lack of space in the overhead. Not a problem. Just 1.5 hours away from a bed for Jane!! After waiting 20 minutes, we were told we had to wait a few minutes more while they checked a mechanical issue. "Don't worry, folks, we will be off the ground shortly." Another 30 minutes went by and they informed us that the plane was not leaving the ground and that we had to de-board and re-board another plane. Jane was tired, but after a smile and a thumbs up and we headed for the gate. At 3:15 we re-boarded a new plane, hopefully one that flew. Here all 200 passengers are again, a little bit more restless, but hopefull. UNTIL, about 30 minutes went by and they announced they were taking time to refuel and get a fresh flight crew. "We should be off the ground in 30 more minutes." Another hour went by before they announced the flight was CANCELLED:) Back to the airport we go to wait in line for another 2 hours to rebook our flight and find "Plan B". At this point, we were all wondering if Jane needed to go home. The only member of the team with her bag was Sam and she offered to share her wonderful clothes and toothbrush but had no takers. Despite the delay and becoming dysfunctionally familiar with the Miami airport the team perservered. Our fearless leaders came back with hotel rooms, meal vouchers and a shuttle to and a flight out of Ft. Lauderdale at 1:05pm the next day. After a late night dinner at Subway, we all crashed in our comfy hotel beds.
At this point in our journey we are a very close team, one of the blessings that rose out of the ashes. We found out today that they meal prepared for us after we landed on Monday was shared with the Haitian workers. For some, it was the first time they ate at a dining room table. Another blessing that came out of day one was that Jane got a good nights rest and was well to continue the journey today.
Tuesday, Day 2
Smooth day, after Starbucks coffee and an on-time shuttle we boarded the plane and left Ft. Lauderdale at exactly 1:05pm.
From above it is a vision of a beautiful island surrounded by ocean water with rooftops of the city. As you get closer to landing the water turns a shade of brown and the buildings turn into tin shacks. The airport is new and also appears "normal" and organized. As we made our way with our 26 pieces of luggage to the outside to be loaded into the taptap we were ambushed by a crowd of Haitians waiting to be the first to help us for the tip. The smell outside was that of something burning in the air, the real journey begins. The taptap reminds me of an old grain truck from the farm but with a cage around the bed. We piled the luggage of donations (thank you everyone!) into the back and crawled in, with the door being locked behind us. The paddy wagon took us through the city on streets of stones and dirt. The sidewalks had pieces of ambandoned tires, trash, and vehicles randomly left behind. No traffic lights but surprisingly organized intersections of grace and kindness as cars, trucks, motorcycles and scooters shared the space. Trying not to stare, but to drink it all in, we watched the beautiful people of Haiti through the cage of the taptap as we made our twenty minute ride to our guest house of Healing Haiti. It is a gated home with no locks on the gate :) I love that part! We were greeted by our host warmly and sat down to a very welcome meal of spagetti and hotdogs. Looking forward to the day tomorrow! Sam and Betsy
The Mind grows by taking in, but the Heart grows by giving out; it is important to maintain a balanced life. Warren Wiersbe
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