Monday at St Marc!

Our Monday was a busy day but we all had such a great experience! Today, the Community Agents came to do some health trainings with Deb and enjoyed hands-on activities.  The rest of the team visited the Mission Possible school in St. Marc and all had a part in running a very crazy but successful 1^st day of VBS.  Everybody was assigned a job of running a station or being a crew leader, much like VBS in America. The stations included Music, Arts & Crafts, Storytelling, Bible Drama Skits, and Games. The crew leaders were quick to learn that the children of Haiti were not as easy to corral and lead from station to station… they just go and do whatever they please, but that is ok!! Everything went very well in the morning and we had twice as many kids for the afternoon, because news spreads fast here in Haiti. We all look forward to another day of VBS at Chardene tomorrow.

For devotions this evening, after some great praise and worship lead by Elisabeth, Stephanie shared her devotion from “Kisses from Katie” about how God reminds us in many ways that we are all beautiful to Him, even through all the sweat, dirt, and brokenness and says “I choose you…you are beautiful.”  Everyone then had the opportunity to share their impressions from today and on this trip so far, as well as the story of how they got here on this mission trip. Here are a few personal experiences some of the team members have experienced so far.

Eden: It’s funny how up until the moment I got to interact with the children, I already had a stereotype in my head as to what they would be like, and I think a lot of us could say the same. You see pictures of them in commercials and assign words to their heads such as “poor” and “resident of a 3^rd world country” but often times we forget how little those words matter until you’re face to face. The first time I looked into the eyes of a Haitian child, I saw a soul that is very loved by God, and a soul that needed love just like every other child I know. The universal sign of “pick me up” became familiar to me today, and it was as if every inhibition that would’ve kept me from loving on those children was gone. I look forward to the rest of the week, and I can only hope that when children look at me they can see Jesus, because I see him in the eyes of every single one of them.

Stephanie: My trip here so far has been very rewarding already… and I did so well emotionally up until today when we got to interact with the kids for the first time. I’m very thankful for the Creole classes I was able to take before this trip, for they have truly helped me to communicate with the Haitians, and the children especially. I know the Lord has called me to work with children and it’s a rewarding experience, but also very hard sometimes not to wear my heart on my sleeve. But no matter what, in all I do, I keep being reminded of the first and second commandments to love God and to love others as myself. No matter what the circumstances, I will continue to just love these children as they are creations of God… and no matter where we go in life, we are just reminded to do all things with love as God has intended! Much love to my family and I can’t wait to share more experiences with you when we get back!! Mwen renmen ou!!

^Erin spent the afternoon getting her hair done... ^

^Shaker eggs = happy child = happy Lily!^

^Checking to see if Logan needs to shave...^

^A birthday boy! Or, just a boy who found a birthday hat...^

^Jeanette leading the triumphant march around the walls of Jericho!^

^How we all felt after our first full day of VBS!^

Sunday!

Our first 24 hours in Haiti have been full of surprises and blessings. I knew this trip was going to be one filled with many blessings once we were in Fort Lauderdale and eating lunch. The change from my meal was given to me in 2 dollars and 5 dimes. For those of you who don’t know me- I see dimes as a message from God and take finding dimes very seriously. Although the airport was full of craziness and new experiences, we made it through pretty smoothly considering the situation. I took the cattle truck to the compound from the airport and am so glad I did. As we rode through Haiti, I was so surprised by the number of people just walking along the streets and selling things on the side of the road. I was so surprised by how strong those women are carrying huge baskets and buckets on their head. The colorful signs and trucks were filled with so much joy! My favorite sign said “Praise Jesus” in red letters with a yellow background. Not only was it one of the few signs I could actually read but I also loved the message. Also, driving in Haiti is SO different. There are no road signs, speed limits or rules apparently. There are two lanes on the road but those lines must just be just a suggestion because we were all over the place. You have to drive fast enough to keep up with all the other traffic or you will get passed by the other trucks and motorcycles. All I could think of as we passed the huts that barely had a roof let alone running water or the trash that just littered the side of the road, was how beautiful this country is. What some might have seen as disastrous I saw as a place my heart had been longing to be in for so long. I am so thankful for this experience and it’s only the first day.

Today, we went to church at MPCA. The whole group loved how wholeheartedly the Haitians worshiped. They were so focused on loving and praising the Lord with all their heart that they seemed to forget everything else in their life. Our group got up in front and sang “How Great Thou Art” and stepped out of our comfort zone by singing the chorus in creole. The congregation found it cute and comical. Some of them even recorded us on their phones. It was cool to see that, because while they sang we videotaped them. It put us on even ground with one another.

While the group relaxed, read books, swam or napped this afternoon, Deb met with the Community Agents and was so blessed with their urgency to learn.

The weather has been surprisingly cool, especially at night. Actually as I write this, I can hear a storm rolling in on the ocean and the breeze is something that we for sure are not taking for granted.

Tomorrow, we head to Saint Marc to teach VBS. I am especially excited because this is where my sponsor child lives and I am praying so hard that she shows up tomorrow so I can meet her. I have been writing to her for a year now and although she never answers the many questions I ask her,  she does draw me cute pineapples that I hang all over my room with pride.

A note to my family: I love you all so much and can’t wait to tell all about my adventures, but until then, I found our vacation place for next year ;)

With Love, 

Emma

We made it!

We're tired, we're SO hot, and we're dusty.. but after an 18-hour travel day, we made it safe and sound! Although the Detroit airport was packed at 4 in the morning (crazy!), we made it to our gate with about 5-10 minutes to spare! Everything from there on out was typical; no surprises, which is always appreciated. When we got to the Mission Center tonight, Maud had made some Haitian spaghetti for us, so we enjoyed eating a nice meal and then unpacked all of our luggage. Although everyone is exhausted, we worked together to get all 25 bags unpacked and sorted out. People are now enjoying cold showers and hopefully a full night's sleep before we head to church in the morning.

Thank you for covering our travel day in prayer! Please continue to remember us this week!

Last Day! 7-4-18

So we enjoyed our last full day in Haiti.  We traveled to Lahatte and visited the community.  We played with kids in the village blowing bubbles and jumping rope.  They were so excited!  Then we went to see the construction at our Degeance  school.  After lunch we went to MPCA again to paint more chalkboards.  Once we were finished, our Leadership Academy Grads joined us for dinner.  It was great to see the men and women that help run the organization.  This week has been life changing for many of us.  Thanks again for all the prayers and support.  We will see you soon!

Student Leadership/Shout Outs 7-3-18

Grace- Today I gave my testimony to all of the MPCA Haitian student leaders. After I spoke, they all got in a circle to pray over me. Very emotional and touching. Miss and love you Mom, Dad, Grant and Storm. :) Oh by the way the Canadians think I have a Southern accent, not sure why lol.

Kennah (duck)- Thanks mom for naming me duck. My name means duck in Creole. All the Haitians quack at me every time they see me. Josh is currently hanging a lizard from his finger. This is definitely a very fun group and we laugh constantly about everything. Also, I have not won a single game of Uno yet. Miss you mom and dad. See you soon!

Addison - Thanks mom for not naming me duck. This trip has been amazing and I am loving every minute of it! Except the cockroaches. Grace, Kennah, Ben, Josh, and I spoke for the integrity lesson to the MPCA Haitian student leaders today. My first time speaking to a big group through an interpreter. Shout out to Mom, AJ, and Aleah. Loving and missing you!!!

Ben - Today at MPCA, I got my hair forcefully braided by several Haitian girls and the got beat bad by several Haitian guys in soccer. I can't say I'm exactly built for the heat, but meeting the people and experiencing the culture has made up for it. While my French is sub-par at best, it has been fun to practice and attempt to communicate with the Haitians in their language. Shout out to my bed and AC because I miss them (also my family).

Andy - This week has been amazing.  God is certainly at work.  It has been neat to see the kids come out of their shell and really grow in confidence and faith.  I have really began to fall in love with the place my wife fell in love with many years ago.  Love you all Amy, AJ & Aleah - see you soon.

Josh~ Hey y'all i'm not kidnapped, that probably wouldn't be good.  The trip has been amazing so far, we have built solid relationships among the group and with the Haitian people. The group is very fun and we spend most of our time laughing. Spending time with the Haitian people, especially the youth has been very inspiring; their passion for Christ and community has been very eye opening. I sincerely look forward to the rest of the trip.

Darren~ The group has been doing great this past week.  You should all be so proud of your sons and daughters.  They've been working hard and giving their best at everything they do.  To quote Andy above, "God is certainly at work."  I couldn't agree more!  Your prayers have definitely been felt by the entire group.  Love you Megan and Mia!

Student Leadership/Painting 7-2-18

Today we worked with the Student Leaders again at MPCA talking about Mission Possible's core values (Christ-centered and Respect).  We also taught on 2 habitudes (Iceberg and The Opportunity Statue).  With these lessons we had many fun activities which included human knots, water balloons, and breaking free from ropes.  The students seemed to love everything and we enjoyed it too.  After lunch we went back to MPCA and painted chalkboards in many of the classrooms.  We even had a few Haitian "helpers."  Everyone is doing well and drinking plenty of water.  Thanks again for the prayers.

Church/Student Leadership 7-1-18

Thanks for the prayers!  This morning we went to church at MPCA.  We enjoyed our time with our Haitian brothers and sisters.  The rest of the day we relaxed (caught up on sleep), went swimming, and prepared for our time with the Student Leaders.  Andy and Darren spoke about the importance of taking personal responsibility and how leaders must fill their own cup if they want to serve well.  Ben, Josh, Mekennah, Grace, and Addi helped by showing the Haitian students photos of the exhausted worker and also participated in a dodge ball activity that helped illustrate the main points.  Everyone is doing really well.  Tomorrow we get to work with the student leaders again and paint some chalkboards.  Please keep those prayers coming!