We walked part of the way to Desire because of getting stuck this morning. So the walk added to the adventure!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Pictures from Monday
Today was quite an adventure.
We walked part of the way to Desire because of getting stuck this morning. So the walk added to the adventure!
We walked part of the way to Desire because of getting stuck this morning. So the walk added to the adventure!
Challenges with Haiti
One of the things that I have learned about trips to Haiti or really anywhere on a missions trip is that you have to be flexible. Flexible with time, travel, expectations and agendas. Nothing ever goes perfectly as planned. And you know, I love that. It is actually freeing because I am depending on The Lord. That's right where He wants me to be. So I have learned contentment with the challenges.
Today has already presented one such challenge- getting stuck in a bus on the road leading out of Desire. It is rainy season so that in itself has presented many challenges. The road is a narrow road and there are sections very muddy with deep tire tracks. We found ourselves stuck for about 20 minutes. Finally after help from community neighbors we were able to get freed from the mud. But the challenge doesn't end there- questions about being able to return this afternoon and tomorrow begin to surface. What if we get even more rain tonight? We can't have seen the children for the last time today- could we? We didn't get to say goodbye! But- God is in control, I'm not. I need to relinquish whatever control I thought I had and just rest in the Lord's sovereignty.
Today I also had a sad moment, I would even say an insensitive moment. Seeing a small child at school drifting off to sleep made for a cute picture because of the way he was all contorted. Volcy our translator, leaned over to me and asked if I had a snack on the bus. I thought he was hungry because he didn't have breakfast. Volcy asked me to take the sleeping child from the community and give him my snack because clearly he was hungry. I didn't notice his extended belly when I was photographing him but it was suddenly obvious to me that this child needs something to eat now. I gave him my granola bar and a bottle of water. He scarfed to granola bar and drank almost all the water very quickly. My heart sank. I have prayed that The Lord would not let me lose my sensitivity for what we need to do as we minister in Haiti- and today I was jolted back to the need- physically and spiritually for the people of Haiti.
And now I am having issues with the wifi- so this post is going out from the phone on the data roaming.
God is in control- and I am thankful. Thank you for praying for this team.
Today has already presented one such challenge- getting stuck in a bus on the road leading out of Desire. It is rainy season so that in itself has presented many challenges. The road is a narrow road and there are sections very muddy with deep tire tracks. We found ourselves stuck for about 20 minutes. Finally after help from community neighbors we were able to get freed from the mud. But the challenge doesn't end there- questions about being able to return this afternoon and tomorrow begin to surface. What if we get even more rain tonight? We can't have seen the children for the last time today- could we? We didn't get to say goodbye! But- God is in control, I'm not. I need to relinquish whatever control I thought I had and just rest in the Lord's sovereignty.
Today I also had a sad moment, I would even say an insensitive moment. Seeing a small child at school drifting off to sleep made for a cute picture because of the way he was all contorted. Volcy our translator, leaned over to me and asked if I had a snack on the bus. I thought he was hungry because he didn't have breakfast. Volcy asked me to take the sleeping child from the community and give him my snack because clearly he was hungry. I didn't notice his extended belly when I was photographing him but it was suddenly obvious to me that this child needs something to eat now. I gave him my granola bar and a bottle of water. He scarfed to granola bar and drank almost all the water very quickly. My heart sank. I have prayed that The Lord would not let me lose my sensitivity for what we need to do as we minister in Haiti- and today I was jolted back to the need- physically and spiritually for the people of Haiti.
And now I am having issues with the wifi- so this post is going out from the phone on the data roaming.
God is in control- and I am thankful. Thank you for praying for this team.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Worship Haiti style
One of my favorite parts about our trips to Haiti is worshipping in a Haitian church. I don't speak the language- but it doesn't matter- God's spirit is present and you feel it and know it by the expression of worship. It is truly a special experience and one that I highly recommend.
Pastor Jeannot gave a message in the Gonaives church and used quite a bit of English and that was special because we certainly felt included. Not knowing that Pastor Jeannot was going to use English, I had planned to use some Creole in my message in Desire this morning- I am so thankful for the opportunity that The Lord has given me to be used here in Haiti.
The team had another incredible day with the children. I am blessed watching our team members connect with the children the way they are. And not only the Desire orphans but the community children as well.
Tomorrow we will work English into their school day and the return in the afternoon for Bible stories, mama time and special time with the older teen girls.
Pastor Jeannot gave a message in the Gonaives church and used quite a bit of English and that was special because we certainly felt included. Not knowing that Pastor Jeannot was going to use English, I had planned to use some Creole in my message in Desire this morning- I am so thankful for the opportunity that The Lord has given me to be used here in Haiti.
The team had another incredible day with the children. I am blessed watching our team members connect with the children the way they are. And not only the Desire orphans but the community children as well.
Tomorrow we will work English into their school day and the return in the afternoon for Bible stories, mama time and special time with the older teen girls.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Saturday in Desire
Today was a full day up at Desire. This morning we held our English sessions including free time coloring and English worksheets. I am always amazed at how much the kids have picked up in the comprehension of the English we work on. The kids are doing great with it.
After a break at noon for a while, we went back up for more time not only with the orphan children but the community children as well. Our translator Volcy led the children in several fun songs with plenty of motions and them we shared a Bible story- and Joy was fantastic as our storyteller! After a while all 100 plus kids and our team went down to the open field area to play soccer, Duck, duck, Goose, jump rope, run races, become a human jungle gym, and pump water at the community well that we helped make possible.
Then tonight a big rain storm kept us at the hotel for the evening instead of going to visit our friend Jan. we had a great debrief session where we wrestled with what it means to be rich and if we are rich (in worldly standards)- what is God's expectation of us? A great full day!
After a break at noon for a while, we went back up for more time not only with the orphan children but the community children as well. Our translator Volcy led the children in several fun songs with plenty of motions and them we shared a Bible story- and Joy was fantastic as our storyteller! After a while all 100 plus kids and our team went down to the open field area to play soccer, Duck, duck, Goose, jump rope, run races, become a human jungle gym, and pump water at the community well that we helped make possible.
Then tonight a big rain storm kept us at the hotel for the evening instead of going to visit our friend Jan. we had a great debrief session where we wrestled with what it means to be rich and if we are rich (in worldly standards)- what is God's expectation of us? A great full day!
Pictures from the project
Trying to post some pictures from yesterday since I may be the only one using the wifi this morning.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Desire is growing
This afternoon we had a chance to visit the children at Desire. So much has changed in the three months since I was last here. There are three new homes that are now finished, there is a security wall being constructed for the safety of the children, Pastor Jeannot is now building a new church building for worship and the old church is torn down.
The number of children under Pastor Jeannot's care has now grown from 65 to 69. I had the opportunity to meet most of the new children.
It is incredible to see how much has changed in such a short amount of time. God is doing great things up in Desire. My experience in Haiti has been to see slow steady change but what I saw today is mind boggling.
The team worked hard today and is doing very well. Continue praying for team members' health and safety. We will have a full day tomorrow in Desire.
The number of children under Pastor Jeannot's care has now grown from 65 to 69. I had the opportunity to meet most of the new children.
It is incredible to see how much has changed in such a short amount of time. God is doing great things up in Desire. My experience in Haiti has been to see slow steady change but what I saw today is mind boggling.
The team worked hard today and is doing very well. Continue praying for team members' health and safety. We will have a full day tomorrow in Desire.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
On the way to Haiti
Well the team is now resting in Miami after a long day of travel. We were delayed leaving Denver so we had extra hang out time waiting for the flight. That was punctuated by 15 minutes of adrenaline pumping running through the Dallas airport to catch our connecting flight. We made it- but barely. Everybody has had some dinner and now wait to get up early in the morning to catch our 6 am flight.
The team is very excited to get to Haiti in the morning. Pray that everything goes smoothly on our last leg of the journey to Haiti.
The team is very excited to get to Haiti in the morning. Pray that everything goes smoothly on our last leg of the journey to Haiti.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Our Fall Team
Tomorrow Faith will be sending its 8th team to work in Desire with our orphan project. I am excited for this team and the energy they bring. We will be leaving tomorrow with an overnight in Miami before arriving in Haiti early Friday morning.
The plan for this team is to continue teaching English, reaching out to the community kids through a VBS program and explore other opportunities for future teams.
We are excited to see the new homes that have been under construction since late August. We have an exciting house-warming gift for the children from the children of Fort Collins.
Please pray for the team's health and safe travel.
The plan for this team is to continue teaching English, reaching out to the community kids through a VBS program and explore other opportunities for future teams.
We are excited to see the new homes that have been under construction since late August. We have an exciting house-warming gift for the children from the children of Fort Collins.
Please pray for the team's health and safe travel.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Last Day in Haiti for the Family Team
Today was a full day- saying goodbye to the Desire children, travel back to Port-au-Prince with a stop for baptisms in the Caribbean Sea, visiting our Compassion child in Port-au-Prince, finishing with a stop at a metal art works place and later dinner and final team meeting. Whew!
Our final time with the Desire children was bittersweet- it is so hard to leave when all the relationships were just beginning to blossom. And yet it was good because our team made that time count. They have been an awesome team. One of the things that I always challenge our teams to do is be in the moment giving it everything they've got leaving nothing left in the tank and no regrets. The team stepped up to the challenge and went beyond.
As our team processes this experience, I am praying that the Lord reveal a next step for each member. There is so much to take away after a trip like this and the Lord is good at providing direction when we are moldable.
Praying for a safe journey home and excited to share it with everyone.
Our final time with the Desire children was bittersweet- it is so hard to leave when all the relationships were just beginning to blossom. And yet it was good because our team made that time count. They have been an awesome team. One of the things that I always challenge our teams to do is be in the moment giving it everything they've got leaving nothing left in the tank and no regrets. The team stepped up to the challenge and went beyond.
As our team processes this experience, I am praying that the Lord reveal a next step for each member. There is so much to take away after a trip like this and the Lord is good at providing direction when we are moldable.
Praying for a safe journey home and excited to share it with everyone.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Family
We spent our last full day in Desire today. It was a full day with English, crafts, a Bible story, and time with the mamas.
During our team debrief tonight, it hit me what kind of impact having a team made up of families has had on the kids in Desire. This morning four sibling children made a point to show me their brothers and sisters. I believe they did this because of how they have seen the siblings on our team work and play together with them. It has given the Desire children a real sense of what it means to have brothers and sisters and the love that they share with one another. Zooming out a little further, the children get a glimpse of what family looks like and how they can work together and love each other as family. Many times the last couple of days some of the boys have said I am their father and that my own daughters are their sisters- wow, that hits right to the heart! That's what I see as one of our main roles as a church partnering with Pastor Jeannot- to be a family to the children of Desire and to build deep relationships so that we can fill the role of family as much as we can for the kids.
It truly has been a joy to watch our families not only grow closer together as a family unit but also as a high functioning team. There have been many incredible memories made on this trip that we will hold onto for a very long time.
During our team debrief tonight, it hit me what kind of impact having a team made up of families has had on the kids in Desire. This morning four sibling children made a point to show me their brothers and sisters. I believe they did this because of how they have seen the siblings on our team work and play together with them. It has given the Desire children a real sense of what it means to have brothers and sisters and the love that they share with one another. Zooming out a little further, the children get a glimpse of what family looks like and how they can work together and love each other as family. Many times the last couple of days some of the boys have said I am their father and that my own daughters are their sisters- wow, that hits right to the heart! That's what I see as one of our main roles as a church partnering with Pastor Jeannot- to be a family to the children of Desire and to build deep relationships so that we can fill the role of family as much as we can for the kids.
It truly has been a joy to watch our families not only grow closer together as a family unit but also as a high functioning team. There have been many incredible memories made on this trip that we will hold onto for a very long time.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Worshiping the same God
One of the highlights for me personally on each trip is the opportunity to worship with our Haitian brothers and sisters. It's refreshing to go outside of my normal routine to take in a Haitian worship service. With children's groups singing special songs, a worship band trying to get in sync with the vocalists and passionate, fervent preaching- in the end even if we don't speak each other's language, we call the same God our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For many members of our team this was their first Haitian worship service.
In the afternoon we met and visited Pastor Jeannot's pastor from when he was younger. This man had a vision for caring for the physical needs of the rural community and educating children through a holistic gospel. Twenty years later he has a larger medical clinic that cares for as many as a couple hundred a day when medical teams are there serving. This pastor sponsored a young Jeannot's education and is his mentor and pastor. And now I am beginning to see more clearly Pastor Jeannot's vision for Desire.
This afternoon we celebrated with the children of Desire what was explained to us as a birthday celebration for all the children. Lots of music, dancing, playing and tube balloons were happening at the village.
The team is doing well with only a couple more days with the Desire children- keep praying for them as they minister to the children- I know it will be hard to leave- it always is.
In the afternoon we met and visited Pastor Jeannot's pastor from when he was younger. This man had a vision for caring for the physical needs of the rural community and educating children through a holistic gospel. Twenty years later he has a larger medical clinic that cares for as many as a couple hundred a day when medical teams are there serving. This pastor sponsored a young Jeannot's education and is his mentor and pastor. And now I am beginning to see more clearly Pastor Jeannot's vision for Desire.
This afternoon we celebrated with the children of Desire what was explained to us as a birthday celebration for all the children. Lots of music, dancing, playing and tube balloons were happening at the village.
The team is doing well with only a couple more days with the Desire children- keep praying for them as they minister to the children- I know it will be hard to leave- it always is.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
A full Saturday in Desire
Today was our first day with the Desire children and we wanted to utilize all the time given to us. In the morning we spent time singing and teaching English. This is the fourth trip to spend time teaching English and it is fun to have the children come up to you and proudly reintroduce themselves in English. Many of the older children enjoy practicing on us.
After a break from the heat, we returned to do our VBS portion of our program with the orphan children and the community children. After songs and the story of Jesus and the Centurion, our team spent time playing games with the kids like soccer, jump rope and introducing the game of bocce in Desire.
Our team returned to Gonaives hungry for dinner and time for debrief. We just finished our team meeting after 11 pm. We have some real troopers on this team- willing to go the distance!
Tomorrow morning will include worship at both of Pastor Jeannot's churches in Gonaives and Desire. We were also informed that we are invited to be the guests of honor at a celebration in Desire in the afternoon- not exactly sure of the nature of the celebration but happy to be a part of it. Details to come...
After a break from the heat, we returned to do our VBS portion of our program with the orphan children and the community children. After songs and the story of Jesus and the Centurion, our team spent time playing games with the kids like soccer, jump rope and introducing the game of bocce in Desire.
Our team returned to Gonaives hungry for dinner and time for debrief. We just finished our team meeting after 11 pm. We have some real troopers on this team- willing to go the distance!
Tomorrow morning will include worship at both of Pastor Jeannot's churches in Gonaives and Desire. We were also informed that we are invited to be the guests of honor at a celebration in Desire in the afternoon- not exactly sure of the nature of the celebration but happy to be a part of it. Details to come...
Friday, July 6, 2012
Team safe in Gonaives
Well we arrived in Gonaives late this afternoon and everyone is doing well. Our flights were on time- we just had a small hiccup that delayed us from leaving Jumecourt for Gonaives. The bummer is we didn't get up to Desire like originally planned but we are going for a full day tomorrow after breakfast.
The team is doing very well and our younger members are real troopers- pressing on in spite of little sleep. They will all sleep well tonight.
Saw Pastor Jeannot tonight and am very excited to spend some time with him talking, praying and dreaming about what the Lord would have us do as we come alongside the local church here and increase Pastor Jeannot's ministry effectiveness as he serves the community of Desire.
The team is doing very well and our younger members are real troopers- pressing on in spite of little sleep. They will all sleep well tonight.
Saw Pastor Jeannot tonight and am very excited to spend some time with him talking, praying and dreaming about what the Lord would have us do as we come alongside the local church here and increase Pastor Jeannot's ministry effectiveness as he serves the community of Desire.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Family Trip
Ever since my first trip to Haiti, I felt that in order to build significant trust and relationships with the orphans we serve, our own children need to be a part of the partnership in Desire. Tonight we embark on the first family mission trip to Haiti with three families jumping at the chance to serve. And for me, I count it a huge blessing to have my whole family- Marci and my three daughters going with me on this trip.
The plan is very similar to recent trips- teaching English and running a VBS but this time our children will have the opportunity to create new friendships with their peers at Desire.
I am especially excited to see Pastor Jeannot again and continue to discuss the future of our partnership and the role that our church can play in reaching more of the community for Christ.
Please pray for safety for our journey that begins tonight and for our health throughout the trip. The team consists of my family of five, another family of eight and a mother and daughter- 15 of us all together!
I'll post an update as soon as we get to Gonaives later on Friday.
The plan is very similar to recent trips- teaching English and running a VBS but this time our children will have the opportunity to create new friendships with their peers at Desire.
I am especially excited to see Pastor Jeannot again and continue to discuss the future of our partnership and the role that our church can play in reaching more of the community for Christ.
Please pray for safety for our journey that begins tonight and for our health throughout the trip. The team consists of my family of five, another family of eight and a mother and daughter- 15 of us all together!
I'll post an update as soon as we get to Gonaives later on Friday.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday in Desire
The team had a great time worshiping in Desire yesterday.
Here is Hayden's post from yesterday:
Today was a great day in Desire! We worshipped with our Haitian brothers and sisters this morning. The kids sang some special songs for our team and Pastor Jeannot spoke with passion and heart from 1 Kings. We came back in the afternoon and we played games and spent time just holding them. Most importantly, the kids heard the gospel message. The team is working hard, pouring their lives put for Christ and our Desire kids. Continue to pray for opportunity and unity in our mission to serve our mighty God.
Today was their last full day with the kids and community children of Desire. Tuesday afternoon the team will be making their way back towards Port au Prince to spend their last night at Jumecourt- the headquarters for the Global Orphan Project.
We provided a laptop for Pastor Jeannot to help him with ministry and keeping records on the children for school and health. The encouraging thing to me is that Pastor Jeannot has sent me two email messages in the last couple of days. That is huge since it would take weeks before I would get an email message back when I would send him a note to ask several questions. He even included x's and o's and a heart ( <3) in his closing of the message. That made me laugh!
Keep praying for the team in this last stretch before returning home.
Here is Hayden's post from yesterday:
Today was a great day in Desire! We worshipped with our Haitian brothers and sisters this morning. The kids sang some special songs for our team and Pastor Jeannot spoke with passion and heart from 1 Kings. We came back in the afternoon and we played games and spent time just holding them. Most importantly, the kids heard the gospel message. The team is working hard, pouring their lives put for Christ and our Desire kids. Continue to pray for opportunity and unity in our mission to serve our mighty God.
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| Kim with some of the boys. |
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| Emily and Tyler |
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| Parachute time! |
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| Allie with a buddy. It's Game Day- the team is serving with all the energy they have! |
We provided a laptop for Pastor Jeannot to help him with ministry and keeping records on the children for school and health. The encouraging thing to me is that Pastor Jeannot has sent me two email messages in the last couple of days. That is huge since it would take weeks before I would get an email message back when I would send him a note to ask several questions. He even included x's and o's and a heart ( <3) in his closing of the message. That made me laugh!
Keep praying for the team in this last stretch before returning home.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
First Full Day in Desire
With wifi presenting a challenge to the team, they now having wifi working in the team's favor. This is an email sent to me from Hayden:
Hey Chris,
We have arrived safely on Gonaives. Things are going well. Apart from a few minor setbacks (Bens guitar had to be checked and they put it in the baggage claim in MIA- he has it now). Arrived with another from KC that had 26. Things have changed obviously with construction. Many have commented on the improvements throughout Haiti, although still a long way to go. We had a little time in Desire. The kids were so excited. Even the team was ready to bolt out the door! It was great to see Jeannot and he walked us around a little. Well looks great and I can tell it is going to be a tremendous source to the community. The shipping crates are there, but Jeannot says the govt. won't let the kids use them because they will be too hot. Jeannot says Jake is working on some solutions (maybe building another building?). I will check more on this. The other crates look great and it is great to see the kids out of the tents. The team did great the while journey so far. There were pretty tired after a long day. Today we spend a full day with a break (English am, Bible story pm). I will try to send something in the evening if it works, but for any updates for the website, I will try to send facebook message.
God bless,
Hayden
Hey Chris,
We have arrived safely on Gonaives. Things are going well. Apart from a few minor setbacks (Bens guitar had to be checked and they put it in the baggage claim in MIA- he has it now). Arrived with another from KC that had 26. Things have changed obviously with construction. Many have commented on the improvements throughout Haiti, although still a long way to go. We had a little time in Desire. The kids were so excited. Even the team was ready to bolt out the door! It was great to see Jeannot and he walked us around a little. Well looks great and I can tell it is going to be a tremendous source to the community. The shipping crates are there, but Jeannot says the govt. won't let the kids use them because they will be too hot. Jeannot says Jake is working on some solutions (maybe building another building?). I will check more on this. The other crates look great and it is great to see the kids out of the tents. The team did great the while journey so far. There were pretty tired after a long day. Today we spend a full day with a break (English am, Bible story pm). I will try to send something in the evening if it works, but for any updates for the website, I will try to send facebook message.
God bless,
Hayden
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| Desiree pumping the well at Desire! |
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| Ben teaching English with the kids. |
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| James- the team's security detail working hard on his English. |
Arrival in Desire
I received an update this morning via text since the wifi at the hotel doesn't seem to be working. The team arrived safely yesterday in Gonaives and got settled at the hotel. In the afternoon they traveled up to Desire to see the kids. Hayden said the team was so excited that as they were pulling into the village, the team wanted to run off the bus as the kids rushed out to greet them. It was a great reunion for those who have been to Desire before and an overwhelming experience for those visiting for the first time. The joy from the children when the team arrives is enough to melt anyone's heart!
The team will have a full day in Desire today. They will focus on English this morning and spend the afternoon with Bible activities. Continue to pray for the safety and unity for the team as they get settled into a rhythm.
The team will have a full day in Desire today. They will focus on English this morning and spend the afternoon with Bible activities. Continue to pray for the safety and unity for the team as they get settled into a rhythm.
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| The team (L to R): Allie Loyer, Kim Luymes, Desiree Chasco, Victoria Ledzema, Maggie Medrano, Emily Kullberg, Emily Hoerner, Tyler Hoerner, Tiffany Ly, Ben Schuchard, Lauren Schuchard, Ingrid Bradley, Lynn Jacquart, Penny Lucas, Susan Stednick, Hayden Camp |
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Spring Break Team
Tonight our Spring Break team heads down to Haiti to visit the village of Desire and minister to the children there and to Pastor Jeannot and his family. This will be a turning point in our Haiti ministry because I am actively developing other leaders to take our teams to Haiti and my great friend Hayden is leading this team while I stay back this time. It's bittersweet for me personally because while I am excited about the growth of our ministry to Haiti and the opportunity to expand our vision and go deep, I will miss going because I love the adventure of taking teams, loving on the kids and spending time with Pastor Jeannot, and watching our people from Faith transformed by the experience.
So the plan is that I will blog about this trip by getting daily updates from Hayden. I'll do my best to convey the heart of what is happening on the ground in Haiti as we continue to weave this story of serving the orphans in Haiti.
We are rejoicing that the well is complete and pumping water for the community. I can't wait to have our people see it in person and perhaps pump a little water while they pray over it giving thanks to God and His provision for the water to a community in desperate need.
So the plan is that I will blog about this trip by getting daily updates from Hayden. I'll do my best to convey the heart of what is happening on the ground in Haiti as we continue to weave this story of serving the orphans in Haiti.
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