Haiti [August 2014] | Giving Life by Giving Water | By: Holly Aman

On Thursday, we had the privilege of venturing to Lartige to visit with the community and to see the water treatment system that we have been praying for, believing for, and giving towards. Church - it is amazing. As we walked from where the stream had been before to where the pipes carries water, I stood in amazement at what God can do when His Church becomes committed to seeing lives bettered.

Clean water pours from spigots all throughout the community. A few families have running water in their homes. The school that feeds every child in the community once a day has running water, allowing the women to spend more time preparing rice and beans for 200 students and less time retrieving water. Families have easy access to clean water, now, and this is all because we gave. 

We gave because we wanted to. Not because anyone made us or because any incentive was given. Our vision is to give life and that means being open to giving life in the form that need takes a face. Giving life will always require giving. It always means action. 

What we were able to provide for the community of Lartigue through this water treatment system is far better than what we could have provided through the well. The opportunities are endless and the possibilities that are already being realized are changing lives. Instead of clean water being the end, it has become a means to many ends. 

As I listened to people from the community speak about what clean water has meant for them, I was reminded of something that I wrote in my post shortly after finding out that the well would not happen:

“Sometimes even as God points out a need to us, the solution is not what we initially expect. While this certainly has the potential to take us by surprise, He is not surprised by it. He knows all things, sees all things, and loves to meet needs far more than we do.”

As I sipped clean water from the spigot, my eyes welled up with tears at the sheer thought of the faithfulness of God to lead us on this journey to give life to a community that He so loved. 

What an honor it is, Church, to be able to give life. 

The best is yet to come!

Holly

Haiti [August 2014] | Prodigal Children or Our Brothers’ Keepers | By: Barry Phelps

Much of life has been teaching about being a prodigal child on a spiritual journey to find the true Father’s house. We can all understand the need for, and value of being on the journey to appreciate the value of our divine heritage as God’s children. And truly all the world has that same spiritual heritage, if only they can see it and claim it for their own.

Lately though there has appeared an intersection with another path that joins the one I’m already on. The good Samaritan poses us with the question that, as we travel the highways and byways of life, are we to be our brothers’ (and sisters’) keepers? And who are our brothers and sisters? They are those down-trodden whom we encounter every day, and then they are also the unfortunates we see only seldom, from a distance, or up close and personal if we’re lucky. The people of Haiti are some of these unfortunate brothers and sisters, who, having suffered such devastation, need a helping hand up, not merely a handout. They know God loves them, and they need to know that the rest of God’s children have not forsaken them. Their faith is incredibly strong and they need help to rebuild their homes and their lives.

Are they not as worthy as any others? Do we not ourselves virtually drown in material blessings? Who among us in the developed West could not see the spiritual need and not feel called to respond some how, some way, some time?

- Barry Phelps

Haiti [August 2014] | My week in Haiti | By: Abby Darrin

What I struggle with more than anything in my life is being around people. I put a high price on personal time yes, but it’s much more than that. One or two and I’m okay but large groups of people make me very uncomfortable. We’re talking levels of anxiety that often become hard to disguise. So when Holly asked me to come on this trip I knew immediately that if I said yes I would be pushed out of every comfort zone I have. Something in me wanted to go anyway. I was curious to see first hand all the work that CLC had been pouring into Haiti and be a part in any way that I could offer. Holly gave me a list of video and photography projects so I dove right in. It was pretty overwhelming the first day or so as we definitely hit the ground running. I’ve been to other countries but Haiti is by far the most different from the United States that I have experienced yet.

Haiti is hot, it’s dusty and basically everything that we know and take for granted as Americans is completely different. From plumbing to electricity to everyday food items. The first thing that struck me though, was that the evidence of an earthquake that happened four years ago is still everywhere in the form of piles of rubble and half rebuilt homes that still stand unfinished. Each of those unfinished buildings is a reminder of how a life or in may cases several lives were either lost or changed forever. 

A quick glimpse of Lartigue.

Holly, Sarah, and Abby off to Wings of Refuge Children's Home on the first day.

Clean water for Keslounda.

All the kids at Wings of Refuge are there for different reasons. Some lost parents in the earthquake and others have come from bad situations. When you meet them, your heart melts a little before you even know their stories. They are very different in many ways from kids back home. They all seem to have a sense of gratitude for every day things, taking life a bit more seriously. Several of the kids asked me straight away if I was their sponsor and it made me so sad to tell one after another no. I let one little girl lay in my lap for almost 30 minutes. She just wanted affection, nothing else. I started to tear up just thinking about all that she had been through to end up where she was. It made me very grateful for my family and reminded me that I need to slow down once in a while and put them first. It also ignited a curiosity to learn more about each one of the kids. 

Abby and her family is now sponsoring Narcisse. 

Secondly I feel as though we come from a society that complains and agues about every day things. Being in this place is a quick reminder of how little we have to complain about and how simple things can really be. It’s very humbling. The people of Lartigue used to have to walk over a mile to get a bucket of semi-clean water. Now through all that CLC has done, they have clean, running water in their town. It was such a wonderful experience to see first hand how grateful and happy such a simple luxury has made them. 

All of this has shown me there is hope for Haiti. One step at a time. Through love, giving and support. 

- Abby Darrin

Haiti [August 2014] | Roadtrip | by: Sarah Frederick

On Thursday, our team went up to Lartigue from Petion-Ville. We loaded up Pepe’s bus with supplies and a few sleeping bags and left before dawn. It was early as we drove through a town beginning to hustle with people. I sat, half asleep, bumping up and down from torn and ragged streets. Road trips are not my thing (I get nauseous at the thought of them). With the added stuffy heat, these were not the most desirable conditions to sit for 5 hours. 

I was nervous about going up the mountain in that bus. Holly had warned me. Rocky “roads,” twists and sharp turns.

The road once we got into Lartigue. The journey up is much more twisted and bumpy.

Junior overlooking the mountain with us during a walk in Lartigue.

I woke up from my Dramamine induced sleep with about 2 hours to go. I sat, bumping, half asleep, praying to God that He’d get us up that mountain safely. As I turn, for the first time to look over the side of the mountain, I could see that windy road that we had already driven. Miles and miles of road. It was in that moment that the Lord spoke to me, “Look how far you’ve come.” 

Look how far I’ve come. I have come miles and miles from where I was, both physically and spiritually. I’m not who I was. I’m not where I was. And I thank the Lord for that. My story, is so similar to that trip up the mountain. With bumps, and twists, and rocky roads, with many difficult days trying to make it up the mountain alone. 

Look how far I’ve come. As I continued to pray, I felt the Holy Spirit reminded me, too, that I wasn’t there yet. I hadn’t reached my destination, the Lord isn’t done with me yet. My story is that of redemption, of remembering where I’ve come from and where I am going, but even more so, who I am going with. 

Thank you, God, for the grace you so freely give to me. Thank you, God, for carrying me up that mountain. 

- Sarah Frederick

Haiti | "Moving the Mountain or Another Way" by: Holly Aman

God went before us in seeing the need for clean water in Lartigue, Haiti. God went before us in raising over $15,000 for a well. And, God goes before us even now as we seek out the solution to the need right now. 

Sometimes even as God points out a need to us, the solution is not what we initially expect. While this certainly has the potential to take us by surprise, He is not surprised by it. He knows all things, sees all things, and loves to meet needs far more than we do. 

Last Monday, I journeyed to Lartigue with Pastor Wilson and a few others to begin the process of drilling the well in Lartigue, Haiti. We anticipated that it would take a few days to drill and that the trek up the mountain would not be easy for the equipment. We prayed over the ground, prayed with the community, and anxiously waited for Drill Tech to arrive.

They finally arrived late that evening and with no electricity on the mountain, it was pitch black but families gathered while children, wide-eyed, excitedly ran around the “machines”! It is fair to say trucks this big had never made it up the mountain. The team would begin drilling first thing the next morning, which in Haiti means the moment the sun is up. 

Over the next few days, complications ensued. Equipment was breaking, trips to Port-au-Prince to collect parts were made, they would drill twenty feet and then need to pull the pipes out again and again and again. 

Probably because I had never walked through this before, I assumed it was normal and even expected difficulty. It didn’t sway any of us from pushing through. We knew there had to be water. There was water everywhere on the mountain. We prayed, believed, and kept going. What was supposed to be three days in Lartigue turned into five days. We left on Friday morning right after they had hit a little bit of water and we were all hopeful that by that evening, the job would be on its way. 

Then, on Friday evening, we received a call from the foreman stating that the day did not prove to be any more promising and that he would give it one more day but that he supposed that they had hit a fault line which makes drilling a well impossible. After hearing the news, Pastor Wilson and I went right to the feet of Jesus. We prayed to our God who can move mountains and begged that He would make a way where there seemed to be no way. I heard Him say, “Holly, trust me. I showed you the need, and I will meet the need.”

The next afternoon, we received a call that apologetically said that a well was not possible. Neiko (the owner of Drill Tech) explained that this had never happened to him in nine years of drilling wells in Haiti and there was no way to know this until we drilled. I still spent the rest of the day fighting disappointment and wondering where we went wrong. The Holy Spirit kept reminding me that He already knew the way and that His way is always better than what we naturally anticipate. I found comfort in this though in the moment it was difficult to imagine. In the moment of something not going the way we expect (especially when it was answering something He called us to, to begin with) it is far too easy to think God’s way is second-rate. 

So, Church - here we stand - aware of a need and with money in hand to meet it, thanks to your generosity, creativity, and faith. As I write this, Pastor Wilson is in Lartigue meeting with the community leaders. He is getting their thoughts on a few ideas we have to expand, filter, and move a portion of the stream water through underground pipes to a reservoir on the Church property.

I am filled with faith more today than I was last week. We are committed and will not let something like an impossible well stop us from giving clean water to the community of Lartigue! We believe that if God cared enough to point out the problem, than He already knows the solution.

- Holly Aman

Haiti | January 8th, 2013 | "The Take Away..." by: Bob Aman

Reflecting on this trip there are so many images that both impress on me and reinforce in me our support for this country, it's people and specifically the kids at the Wings of Refuge Children's Home.  One image pertains to the commitment to the family - and by family I do not mean actual brothers and sisters - I mean the extended family.  In Haiti it seems everyone who is a friend is considered a cousin - someone who is looked out for and who looks out for you.  And this begins at a young age.  In the week i was there, we got a free tap-tap ride by cousin, help with a couple of flat tires by cousin and some missing ingredients for dinner from cousin.  

Our first time to visit the kids I saw both the older boys helping with squeezing the juice and the older girls helping with the laundry.  In this it is easy to expect more of those who can do more.  Maybe it is the "American mentality" in me, but I was taught a long time ago that everyone needs a Twinkie to balance out the brussels sprouts of life.  So we saw an opportunity to maybe deliver a Twinkie to a few of the kids who also lead.  

The plan was to take out the six kid leaders with a day on the town.  Our first planned stop was for lunch at a Baptist Mission compound where American food is the specialty (hot dogs, chicken fingers, fries, cokes and ice cream). The setting was up in the mountains outside of Port au Prince, overlooking a beautiful landscape of mountain farms and rough landscape.  What impressed me here was both the lively discussion and the huge appetites enjoying the atmosphere, food and recognition.  But I was even more impressed when each child, discretely but with purpose, saved something to bring back to their friends in the home.  French fries and ketchup, part of a hot dog, half a ham and cheese hoagie, chicken nuggets and even a glass of Sprite were all loaded back in the truck for the journey back to town (just imagine a full glass of Sprite making it successfully in the back of an SUV driving across Port au Prince - doubtful).  While the kids knew "why" they were with us, their thoughts were still of the others who they help to care for and protect.  They even tired to save ice cream - but luckily we convinced them to finish this because we had purchased cookies for all.

When we returned - the crying and weeping that sent us off was no longer evident ... our six were met with love and affection, and they willingly shared the bounty that was collected.  You would not believe how four hour old french fries and ketchup, or half a hot dog that was transported in a back pocket were looked upon like treasures.  Please know this was not because of being malnourished - it was to share in the experience.  These kids know what it is like to be loved - and as such love freely!

I am so proud of my church family for what they have done and continue to do in Haiti.  There is no doubt to me that crowns will be waiting for us in heaven - but this is not the reason for the investment.  It is the smiles, the joy, and the fact that our small investment will be increased exponentially by this group of amazing kids.  

And, for the record I now consider you all cousin's.  

- Bob Aman

Haiti | January 7th, 2013 | "Digging Deep" by: Bob Aman

By the time this is published you will all hopefully know that the well has been drilled in Lartigue and while the job may not yet be finished (holding tanks and purification to name just two areas) the big part should be complete.  While I was not able to participate or support in this effort directly (the drilling company delayed the start a few days), I was still able to go and see the site and meet the people.  

First off, we are talking remote. I really do not think anyone can seriously imagine the drive into Lartigue from the sea.  Forging rivers, utilizing mountain paths called roads (I think there was something missing in the translation) and climbing & descending grades most riders on horseback or mule-back would not consider possible. But - in the end we got there safely (I am just glad it was not my car - and this for me was further evidence why you don't buy used rental cars and I will now add to this list used pastors cars.)

Immediately upon arrival I had a decision to make - to stay with our group or to follow Holly on an adventure.  Naturally the father instinct kicked in and in the spirit of protection, forged ahead - a couple of steps behind.  Our destination was one small group of homes just off of the main trail, specifically homes to a couple of families Holly became friends with during the summer when she spent a week there.  Before even getting to the house there were shouts of "Holly" - followed by huge smiles, hugs, kisses and more hugs.  In about a week last summer - real, genuine relationship was forged.  Not because of what we can do for them, but because one young person was willing to invest time to listen and talk.  While communication with words was and is a challenge, the communication of the heart is crystal clear.

I think that is what God is looking for in us all ... Who out there is willing to speak with the heart? That is when He works - when it is no longer about us. That is when God can use us - when we are submitted to His will. I guess this is fairly simple and straight forward.

On Sunday I had the honor of addressing Pastor Wilson's church during their communion service. I shared a word received for them and then told a short story about our church's involvement in Haiti. In the end I said there is one thing I am absolutely sure of - if it is God's will, it can not be stopped! I am even more confident that His using a young woman and a beautiful church in Williamsburg to show His love for a remote village in a distant land was and is His will.  

I encourage you to try talking with your heart.  What I saw in Lartigue is that it begins with a smile and a hug... and a willingness to listen to God. You do not need to go to a distant land - but sometimes God's communication is clearer when we do not have the distractions of words.

- Bob Aman

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 9

From the church building, it is about a half mile hike to the river. It is arduous enough in sneakers but add a dress, flip-flips, and a five-gallon bucket filled with water and you are in for an experience. Lartigue is on a mountain so as you may assume the trail to the river is a hike filled with rocks, uneven ground, and lots of room to fall. This experience is one that the children and families of Lartigue face multiple times a day. As water should be, the river is central to the community. It is where people go in need of a drink, to bathe or simply clean off from the dust of the day, to wash clothing, or bring water home for any of the many reasons we use water. 

Many of us have heard stories, seen a movie, or read a blog painting us the picture of children walking miles to get water. It all became real for me this week as I watched little children carry bottles that once held oil or clorox and now provided the perfect container for water. The vision of little barefooted kids balanced between two bottles as they journey to their homes will be forever etched in my memory. 

I am still amazed at how easy the women made it look. They gracefully carried 5-gallon buckets of water on their heads as if they were full of feathers. The second day in Lartigue and I found myself surrounded by Haitian children as I transported the water on my head from the river to the church building. I must not have been a normal sight in the village because it felt as if every living thing was chuckling as I struggled to walk up the mountain with the water. I must have looked really awkward because a few kids about half my size offered to carry it for me. By the time I made it to my destination, my arms were shaking.

Marilune, Nnieka, and myself. Got to be great friends with this mom and daughter.

SoapBox Soaps gave a bar of soap to each child!

Watching and living the effort that goes into getting water around here has made me understand why Jesus’ promise of living water carried such weight to the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus offered water that would make her never thirst again. If my every thirst for water required the kind of work it does in Lartigue, I would be very interested in this living water. He then says that He is living water and that those who drink of him will never be thirsty again. I am so thankful that our striving can cease and trying can end when we can simply drink of Jesus. He is more than enough. 

Waiting for their turn to be seen by the doctor at the medical clinic we held on Thursday.

Davidson.

Thank you for sending us, supporting us, and praying for us. Thank you for being a group of people who seeks to advance the kingdom of God all around the globe! So honored to be a part of you, Church! 

Blessed to be a part of you.

- Holly Aman

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 8

Monday, 7/22/13

The Lord is so awesome. I don’t just say that as just some passing fancy, but with a testimony to go along with it. I remember I had a thought once back in my childhood in which entailed me traveling on a missions trip to a distant country to help those in need. Of course this was just one of those thoughts that quickly came and went. Not once did I ever conceive that this little school boy dream could become a reality later on, with the events leading up to it laying the foundations and preparing me for exactly that. Thats the way God works. He strategically places people and circumstances in our lives in a certain order to directly influence us and make decisions based on His calling.

It has truly been and honor and a blessing to share this past week of worship and praise with the awesome people of Haiti. There are those whom I have not had the pleasure to meet and the ones that I have met, I have not had the time to get to know as much as I would like. However, what started out as a simple greeting with a handshake, has transformed into a fellowship that I can carry with me now and forever.

Andrew coloring with the kids before the morning began. 

Andrew made a close friend - Gwendy. She adored him.

If there is anything that I can bring back from this experience, it would be the self-confidence in knowing that I achieved what the Lord called me to do and the encouragement to continue to answer the call. For this is just the end of the chapter. Another turning of a page with much more yet to be written. Much more seed is yet to be sewn.

I thank the Lord for all that He has done and all that He continues to do through me. I don’t care to receive recognition for what I do. I do what I do because I care. It is who I am. My holy discontent. And I give all the glory to God.

- Andrew McLemore

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 7

Monday, 7/22/13

Daily kissed by the sun, sweat my companion, the mountain is steep, and the path rocky. Communication is slim, but the message simple: Jesus loves you!

I never imagined I would ever hike a mountain in a a dress, but when your walking with Christ, anything is possible. Having witnessed an adult or child give their life to christ after sharing the gospel, it is worth the climb!

The steep hike to reach those who have never heard the good news of Jesus!

Ana and her new sister - Tamara.

If I were told to describe my trip to haiti in one word it would be “Family.” Upon arriving to Haiti i didnt know one word of Creole or what to expect. Now towards the end of my trip over Half the church calls me by name, greeting me with love as if they had none me all my life. How great a God we serve! Let’s continue partnering and connecting in Christ. Who said we had to wait to experience the benefits of Heaven? Let’s be a church that calls Heaven down to earth and live as princes and princesses of the kingdom!

 -Ana Alicia Reed