In His Arms: Our Last Day in Haiti

From Hayden:

Today we made the difficult trip back to Port Au Prince.  It was difficult because we were leaving the kids and the time we have had the last four days.  It was an adventure getting up to Desire after a large rain last night made us get stuck once.  The time with the kids was great, but it was hard to leave them.  Tomorrow we fly back to home, but we know we will be coming back changed for the better as God has worked in us.  

Tonight we shared the verse from Matthew 25, "And the King will answer them, Truly I say unto you, whatever you did to the least of these my brothers, you did unto me."  While we came to serve, we have all been impacted by these beautiful people.

In His Arms: Last Day in Desire

From Hayden:

This was a group picture taken before we left. There were a lot of tears. Now the long journey back home. 

In His Arms: Sunrise on the Rooftop

From Hayden:

For the last morning in Gonaives, my daughter and I went up on the rooftop to watch the sun rise. This is looking to the north at some nice views. 

In His Arms: Last Full Measure

From Hayden:

Today was our last full day in Desire.  We changed our plans a bit so that we can visit a friend tonight.  We stayed up there for an extended time rather than making two trips.  We shared the story about David and Goliath, read to the kids and just played with and loved on them.  They enjoyed the jump ropes and frisbees we brought, as well as coloring sheets.  Our team really emptied their tanks and gave it their all to love these kids.  I asked our translator, Volcy, what do the kids enjoy most about us coming down.  He said, they just love you spending time with them and holding them.  Enough said.

In His Arms: What Did We Eat?

From Hayden:

One of the things I look forward to on our trips is the food.  It is an unwritten rule, that when in Haiti, eat as the Haitians do (although I think they go a little easier on us "blancs").  Well, one of those delicacies is goat.  It is one my favorite dishes and is so tender. Well last night she tried it!  And, I must say she finished her meal before me.

Another favorite is spaghetti for breakfast!  I don't know how they make it, but is Bon ampiel!

In His Arms: One World, One Language

From Hayden:

One of the greatest challenges we have on our journeys to Haiti is the language barrier.  While we can learn a little Creole just to be polite, it ends about the time we figure out names.  But, the one thing that is universal in any language is a smile.  It transcends cultures and barriers and opens up a world of possibilities.  When we show that one person that we genuinely care about him or her, they begin to open up.  And while we may might not be able to understand the words each of us speaks, in that moment we have touched each other's life.  

In His Arms: Sunday in Desire

From Hayden:

I stayed  back today with my daughter since we both weren't feeling well.  Today the team had the chance to worship in Gonaives and Desire today as well as have lunch and spend time with the kids.  They had a full day and their biggest "highs" were spending time in church and hanging out with the kids.  They had a bit of adventure coming back as Pastor Jeannot's truck broke down.  But like all good resourceful Haitians, our driver was able to put it back together for him

quickly!  In all, it was a good day for the team and tomorrow we have a full day with two times at Desire and going to visit Jan Thompson's home and learn about her work with orphans here in Gonaives.

In His Arms: Are You Rich?

From Hayden:

Last night in our debrief, the question was asked:  "What does it mean to be rich?  And, are you rich?" Our team is working the through this question and sees the answer in the God's word when it says: 

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,  that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations." Psalm 67:1-2 ESV

Watching our team wrestle with seeing how much we have been blessed with in comparison to what we see here is an awesome experience.  In the end, it is about being rich in faith and content with blessings.  

In His Arms: A New Trick

From Hayden:

Today we spent two times at Desire. One of the things that we did this time is to have one of our team members perform some magic with the kids. The kids and adults were enthralled with Phil and his talent. At one point, we thought we might lose all the kids sitting on the rest of us to Phil's show! In all, it was a really good day. We loved on the kids, practiced English, played games, and shared the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho. Our team did really well with engaging kids and letting them hang all over them. Tomorrow, we go to worship the kids and community at Desire. 

In His Arms: First Day in Haiti

From Hayden:

Despite traveling a lot in the last 12 hours, we are thankful that we made connections and had a safe journey.  It was so encouraging to see the improvements to the airport and, most importantly, our orphanage in Desire.  Since I was last here 15 months ago, homes for the boys and girls have been built, new offices, security fence and gates, kitchen and other improvements.  It is amazing to see the transformation of this place by God's hand.

While the improvements are big encouragers, the best part of today was watching our team members new to Haiti  and listening to how excited they are to be in the place and with these kids.  When we pulled in to the orphanage, kids were clambering over each other to cling to our team. It was great to see the familiar faces and how much they have grown.  Our team did really well with just loving on and hanging with the kids.  Watching our young team

members engage with the kids was a real encouragement too.  In all, it was a great day and we are all going to rest well tonight.

In His Arms: Took this picture yesterday. The well is working ...

Here is the latest from Hayden in Haiti:

In His Arms: Took this picture yesterday. The well is working ...: Took this picture yesterday. The well is working again and is a great source of encouragement to Desire!

In His Arms: In Haiti!

In His Arms: In Haiti!: We just arrived in Gonaives!  Getting checked in and hope to get up to the orphanage soon. It is definitely hot here!

In His Arms: Tropical Storm Chantal dissipates

Here is the latest from Hayden:

In His Arms: Tropical Storm Chantal dissipates: Well, we had our first big trial as we have waited to see how Tropical Storm Chantal would impact our trip.  After watching and praying, we ...

In His Arms: A new journey

A team from the church is heading to Haiti this week and I will be reposting Hayden Camp's blog posts:

In His Arms: A new journey: This week, I will be traveling back to Haiti on a short mission trip with my church, Faith E Free.  This will be my fifth trip to this beaut...