Haiti, June 19-26, 2012 | Blog 2.

When we arrived in Haiti, we did not know what to expect, but we knew God was already here with open arms. The first day of work was good and as the work week progresses, we are becoming better acquainted with the gentlemen on the worksite of the new children’s home that is being built. There truly is one spirit that joins our effort in the building process. To operate as a team is really the fruit of the Spirit in real time operation, yielding to our own leading and working together for one common goal. Even despite the language barrier, hand signals seem to be our best friend in getting direction from the construction foreman. He has become affectionately known as “hey, Bossman”, which is totally OK with him. Lifting up and esteeming others (the Haitian workers) as valuable in their helping give us direction and seems to break down the language barrier. It sort of gives them a higher position over us almost like the main “Bossman”, adding value to their knowledge despite their paid position. We firmly believe that we are uplifting their spirits and giving them a sense of value and worth beyond monetary compensation. Sometimes we often believe we have a better way of doing things to help rather than just coming with a servants heart and the “foot washing” spirit.

Needless to say the conditions the Haitians live in are beyond description or anything the average American can wrap their understanding around. You would have to be absolutely desensitized to not to be on the verge of tears at the sight of the extreme poverty. In our time at the job we have encountered a young boy that has become our friend through hunger. I dare say anyone of us has ever made a new acquaintance because we were hungry and in need of a meal. Sounds like an opportunity to step in and help. Huh? Sort of a no brainer. Breaking bread with a hungry child will definitely humble you and have you survey how blessed you really are.

-Chris Brown, David Scott, and Larry Sanders