Gateway Team and Teacher Seminar - Day 5

Today we made our first hike of the trip as we traveled up to Dupin. We did another day of VBS and ended up having approximately 160 kids show up! I was in the craft/evangelism group and led, with the help of a translator, the kids through the Gospel while making beaded bracelets. It’s always so fun hearing the kids scream out what each color means and to see the story of Jesus’ love make sense to them in a really simple way. On the way back down the mountain, Emilee and I each suddenly had a child that wanted to hold our hand and lead us down the path. The way they made sure that we walked on the part of the path that wasn’t as dangerous, and then went as far as to throw big rocks in the river for us to use as stepping stones, was a testament to the way that these kids love unconditionally.  They just genuinely enjoyed us taking time to be there with them, hold their hands, and love them. Love is a language that definitely doesn’t need to be translated! Later this afternoon, we held our third session for teenagers. It’s been really cool to break into small groups and to get to know the Haitians in our group better each day. They are starting to open up more and share the struggles that they face as Christians in their culture, but it’s been so fun to joke around with them, too. The best part of the event was the epic song/dance battle that happened between the Haitians and our group! Stay tuned for videos once we get back to the states. ;)  Thank you all for praying for us- we’ve all been safe and healthy so far! It’s hard to believe that the trip is half over; this country continues to steal more of my heart every time I’m back here!

-- Rene

Today we went to Dupin.  It was the first time we had to hike to get to the school. The hike was not very long but it was hot and wet.  On the way up to the school, we saw some cows and donkeys.  Some of my favorite parts of the trip so far include: just being with this group of people.  Drake, Griffin, David, Steven, and the rest of the group have made me laugh all day everyday.  Our translators are awesome and I’m learning some new words in Creole.  I love doing VBS with the little kids in the morning.  I didn't think I was going to like it as much as I do.  My favorite school so far is Chardene.   Those kids were awesome.  I do really miss American food!!! I can’t wait to be back in America just for the food.  I miss my family and air conditioning and my bed, but I wouldn't change anything about this trip. 

Nathan

The teacher seminar is going great as well.  We have around 120 teachers attending and they are enjoying the learning and collaboration.  We have 4 American instructors and 2 Haitian instructors.  Each morning starts with devotions and worship.  We are all learning from each other and it has been amazing.

Gateway Team and Teacher Seminar - Day 4

Photos that never uploaded from earlier this morning.  The bottom 3 are from the teacher seminar, which is going great.  Gordon - Jean says Hi!!

Today has been my favorite day so far.  Even though our activities were basically the same as yesterday-VBS, painting, and teen night, it seemed incredibly different.  We were more comfortable in our roles and were able to interact more rather than try to organize everything.  The school today had smaller children, which means more hugs and giggles.  And of course my repeating the phrase, “I want to bring them all home with me,” about 20 times.  Yes Mom, you almost had an adopted Haitian grandchild today, which really shouldn’t surprise you at all.  One little girl gave me a hug and kissed both of my cheeks as we left and then raced after the cattle truck as we drove away.  It’s little things like hugs or handshakes that make my heart feel happy. These kids love the attention and affection that we are all happy to give, and one high five leads to fifty.  Even though I know about ten Creole words (all greetings or colors), the language barrier doesn't seem to be as bad as it could be.  The love of Jesus isn’t exclusive to one language and relationships can be built without a full conversation.  (But it’s still nice to have our translators around).  God is doing some amazing things on this trip and I can’t wait to see what’s next in our adventure.

           

                                    -Emilee

Today was an amazing day. We started our day with riding in the cattle truck up a mountain on  the way to Chardene. Today was more organized and all the kids were adorable. I had a great time playing games with all the young kids. I learned some new hand games that they loved. Right before we left the school us Americans played a short game of soccer against some 12-year-old Haitians. Surprisingly Americans won, 5-0, and every time we scored a goal, the Haitian kids went wild screaming and cheering for us. If they had been any older, then we wouldn’t stand a chance. The evening with the older kids went better than yesterday. People got in the rhythm and were more comfortable with each other. Then after, most of us watched the sunset from the pier. We saw a couple crabs and one of them ran across Kayla’s foot. Some of us jumped into the warm Caribbean Sea and had a blast floating around trying not to get any of the extremely salty water in our mouth. I had an amazing day and am looking forward to the rest of the week.

                                                            -Jayme

Gateway Team and Teacher Seminar - Day 3 (couldn't post last night - no internet)

Today was a good day. I was able to lead a group of Haitian children in a few games. I had a plan for what games we would play but those didn't work out because the kids had traditional games they played. My favorite part of the day was meeting and spending time with the Kenol family.  They were really interesting and fun. Tonight, we spent time with a group of kids at the service we had. It was tough to communicate what we were talking about with the language barrier and all. But, It was still a successful discussion. It has been great thus far. I love you Mom, Dad, and Michelle! Tell Nolan I miss him a lot. And, Ethan and Brandon I’ve found others to argue with throughout the whole day but I still miss you ;) I miss you all and will see you Sunday!!!!

-       Drake

Yes, Mom, Dad and PJ, I am alive, even though I know you are not too concerned! Our first day of camp, in my opinion was very successful. We started by riding in a cattle truck to our first school, which was about 20 minutes away from our mission house. The scenery in the cattle truck was absolutely breathtaking with so many mountains and beautiful fruitful trees. We had about 107 St. Marc students for our soccer camp and VBS. The ages of the children were three to sixteen. Griffin, Nathan, Steven and I lead the soccer part of the camp. We had the children do shooting, passing and then played girls and boys. The girls were requesting to play against the boys and ran around and were screaming for about two minutes. They gathered and started to play, the girls not doing too well (5-0) requested that I play on their team. After scoring for the girls, they all went crazy. Seeing all the smiling and welcoming children who wanted to be held, hugged or learn more about God and English were the highlights of my day. This evening we did a bible study with young adults from MP schools with the theme of “Your Identity in Christ”. They were very open with us and I loved hearing their dreams for their future and how they plan to serve God and their community and ultimately their country. Even with a language barrier, it is still amazing to be able to show love and Christ through our VBS and the beautiful game of soccer. I cannot wait to see what else God has planned for our trip and for our journey in this country while we are here for a few more days and truly be God’s letters of recommendations! Continue to pray for our team and a safe return. I love and miss everyone back in the states and will see you and talk to you Sunday! Don’t miss me too much J

-xoxo, Kayla

Gateway Team and Teachers' Seminar - Day 2

Today we were able to worship with locals in a Haitian church at MPCA.  As songs, psalms and prayers in Creole resonated throughout the open air building, we were little more than spectators. Steve Bowlin admits he was amazed by the sincerity of the worship as we witnessed the young and old with closed eyes and raised hands, praising their heavenly Father. The Haitians frequently echoed Merci Seigneur!  Merci Seigneur! Merci Seigneur! (Thank you Lord!) While most of the thirteen team members know Spanish, none speak Creole, and only a few can recognize French. In fact, one of the concerns expressed in our first team meeting under the pavilion by the ocean here at the mission center was the ability to communicate.   In that first meeting veteran team member Pastor Herb Codington mentioned that many try to serve from a posture of strength, but true service comes from a posture of weakness.  In the worship service today, David Rath was able to expand on that idea of weakness by speaking on the story of Gideon and how God told Gideon, “You don’t need men, you need me.” Though we are not facing a battle this week, we are like Gideon’s men.  We have ten from our group who will be working with around 150 students each day.  They will be teaching how to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Four of our group along with two Haitian teachers will be training approximately other 120 Haitian teachers.    Given the language barrier, those odds are a bit worrisome. But with the promises of the Lord and the prayers of His people, the Lord will be victorious.

                                                                                    -Jeanette

After church and a delicious Haitian lunch, the team started getting ready for the week of
Church Camp at different churches in the community.

Gateway Team and Teachers' Seminar

Just wanted to let everyone know that we arrived in Haiti safe and sound.  We got to the Mission Center (tightly packed in a van with luggage under our feet - see photo below) and had a wonderful dinner, unpacked supplies (see photo below), and then relaxed by the ocean (see photo below).  We ended the night with devotions and debriefing about the day of travel and first impressions.  Tomorrow we head to church at MPCA and then spend the rest of our day preparing for VBS and The Teachers' Seminar.  Please keep us in your prayers as we look forward to the week God has planned.