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 

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 6

Sunday, 7/14/2013

As if almost on cue, the thought, “Was this going to work?” raced through my mind. Standing in front of the uneven courtyard filled with large rocks, sharp broken tile, wood, and trash, the vision of what the place could be almost became unclear. Often times that happens: when looking at the circumstances, the “what could be” can seem daunting. 

There was still uncertainty as I invited the team to join me in a “project.” After surveying the land and establishing a plan, we got to work. With both wheelbarrows broken and no shovel to be found, we began moving everything by hand to the agreed upon location - the back of the dump-truck. Cleaning and leveling the Wings of Refuge Children’s Home courtyard would provide a different location for the party we were planning for the kids the next night. This deemed an adequate reason to clean up the space no matter the non-verbalized doubts that were running through our heads. Only a few minutes passed before Josh found a bucket and only a few more before we were joined by our new Haitian friends. The kids did not miss a beat. They jumped right in, watching us and then imitating accordingly. As more people joined in, more tools came to the surface. Adelin brought a shovel head, Keslourna found another bucket. Everyone did what they could do and did not apologize about what they could not. As each played their part, the job moved from insurmountable to an opportunity to make something better together.

The courtyard after we had cleaned and leveled it. 

What began as a few of us shifting rocks concluded with many of us proud of a cleared and leveled courtyard. As kids danced the next evening in the new space, I remembered the work that went into making it possible and found joy in the impossibilities that become possible when we work together, silence our doubts in the light of the vision, offer our tools, and get our hands dirty. 

Erinel and Darvinsley in front of our photo-booth at the party!

Renelson and Migelite at the paty!

Keslourna, Holly, Erinel, Josh, and Wilson at the party.

Jesus is building His Church and you are a part of it! 

Much love, Church!

- Holly Aman

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 5 | Off to the Gym with Chris.

Saturday, 7/13/2013

Yesterday morning, I had just finished stuffing myself with an extra portion of oatmeal when I overheard that “the guys” were headed somewhere. My curiosity was naturally aroused as, after all, I am a guy. Marckens, who lives with Pas and Mommy Pas, told me that he and the rest of the guys at the house were headed to the gym. I was in. Let’s just say that I need all the extra muscle mass I can get.

Ana, Chris, and Marckens in Pastor's kitchen. 

As we set off down the dusty street, I couldn’t help admiring the cool morning breeze. I knew it was only a matter of time before, whether from the heat of the day or the exertion of my workout, I would be sweating so much that people would start commenting about it. That has happened every day, by the way.

Anyway, back to my story: we turned sharply into a narrow alley, descended several flights of uneven stairs, and found ourselves in a garage-sized space between buildings filled with an eclectic mix of workout equipment. On the ground, next to a rusty (but completely functional) bench press, sat an old car axle, perfect as a bar for squats or dead lifts. 

As we joined the already large group of men who were working out, I was struck by how this brief experience captured the essence of Haitian culture. The all but unannounced trip to the gym, the use of an obscure and unassuming space as a gym, the utilization of old car parts as workout equipment; all pointed to the spontaneity and creativity of the people of Haiti. Nothing seems planned, but it all works out just fine. Superficial appearances are recognized for what they are. And nothing is wasted. I mean nothing. It’s only a shame that the rest of that car was nowhere to be found...I could have used the A/C to cool myself down.

- Chris Rowekamp

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 4 | Singing with Sarah and Ana.

Friday, 7/12/13

As the song ‘Here I Am to Worship’ fills the room a little girl named Sarah sits next to me; in her hand a ball of yarn and a crochet needle. As she needles through yarn she starts to sing, “Hallelujah, Hallelujah” as her voice gets higher in pitch I can’t help but smile. Her face full of joy, and her laugh contagious. Though the language barrier can be a bit difficult, I love that Jesus has no barrier. When the children begin to praise God whether in English or Creole; I am excited to join in, because we are all unified in Christ!

-Ana Alicia Reed 

Ana and Erinel.

Deborah and Ana in the cage with the generator.

Manje! (Food!)

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 3 | Obtaining Balance with Deborah.

Thursday, 7/11/13

A gentleman selling medicine.

I am completely blown away by the posture and strength of the Hatian people. As we drive swiftly through the streets while weaving in and out of big trucks and pedestrians, I cannot help but smile as I see a woman walking on the street with 50 pounds of supplies on top of her head. I cannot imagine how heavy those bags and baskets must be, but there is something about seeing a young lady run quickly across the street (around vehicles and other pedestrians who are on their way to work or school) without her basket moving an inch out of place that intrigues me. When I was in high school, I was in the band and my teacher would always place emphasis on having decorum and sitting up straight as we played our instruments, but WOW do I know what decorum is now! Every time I see a person walk through the street with a heavy load to bear, I imagine what it would be like to try and carry just about anything on my head and long story short, it would probably end with a hospital visit! The people of this country however walk proud and tall (young and old, male and female I might add), not afraid of dropping anything or missing a step, and it makes me want nothing more than to be like them: to not be afraid of falling or missing a step. Watching them every day has been a lesson for my life and my Christian walk as well. I am learning that if I put my trust, faith, and confidence in the Lord instead of worldly things such as the approval of others or my own abilities as a human being, I will be able to walk tall and not worry about falling or missing a step. Thank you Haiti, for what you are giving me, and I hope to keep learning!

-Deborah Christian

Ana, Ben, and Deborah on the roof of the WOR Home.

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 2 | Dishes with Ben.

Wednesday, 7/10/13

Never loved doing the dishes so much.  Who would’ve thunk that taking a bucket down the stairs, cautioning each step due to past stories of Holly Aman’s mishaps, would be such a joyous and relationship building time.  Haiti is a different place, but dishes after a meal are still common, and it is still fair that the person who cooked should not be the one laboring over the soap and water.  However, in Haiti, dishes are different because they are done outside of the house and with a soapy bucket and a bleach bucket.  Therapeutic is a common word to describe the process.  Holly said that I do the dishes diligently, and for good reason.  I take my time and do it right, but I also make sure that my partners are enjoying the experience as well.  Discussing our mornings, meals, and happenings, all the while happily (big key word there) cleaning the dishes in what in the States would seem like a much more laborious process. As of now, in Haiti, I would volunteer to do the dishes at any time, especially at the children’s home when the seven year olds are teaching you how to do it properly.  And when we return to the States, hopefully it becomes less common to throw the dishes in the dishwasher haste fully and more common to have a great time digging deep rooted relationships while scrubbing with some elbow grease!

Ben working the dishes with Michleene at Pastor's Wilson and Mommy Pas' home. 

- Ben Cottingham

Haiti | July 2013 | Blog 1 | Arrival for Josh.

Sunday, 7/7/13

The July 2013 Team: (from left) Ben, Andrew, Holly, Ana, Deborah, Josh, and Chris.

Awestruck, by the improvement, by the culture and by the amount of need still prevalent in Haiti. This being my second time in Haiti I am overwhelmed with the feeling of being able to pick right off from where I left last July. I am most excited to see the kids tomorrow. Lynny tells me to expect the same little faces but on bigger bodies. There will be more to report in the next days but for now that is all. Eager for tomorrow and literally up for anything and hopefully everything!

- Joshua Aman

Ben and Josh after arriving in Haiti at the airport waiting for our bags.