(July 24, 2012)
This morning I woke up around 5:30 a.m. to a rooster crowing and people singing. I later found out that the ladies who work at the compound were singing and praying for our team. That meant a lot to me! Despite the dogs barking last night and the early awakening, I actually slept very well, being so tired.
 |
| After I freshened up, a group of us went up on the roof. The view of the surrounding area was beautiful! |
 |
| This is the view from the rooftop, of the school run by the missionaries here. Praise the Lord that it continues to grow and hundreds of children can have a Christian education! |
We toured the clinic, kitchen, school, and the church. Then Mr. A and Mrs. F told us the amazing story about how God provided a well for the compound. Digging a well up on a mountain in a third-world country is a lot easier said than done! It was truly a miracle from God.
We all went back to the house and had our team devotions. We shared some of our thoughts on the trip so far. There were a few tears shed during this time. We read part of Luke 9 about following Jesus. We are going to read through part of “Radical” by David Platt as a team.
Next we had a filling breakfast of western scrambled eggs, pancakes, bread, and bananas (fresh ones!) After we ate we went out to play with the Haitian children while everyone finished getting ready for the day’s ministry projects.
 |
| Dad and Mr. A shared the gospel message with those who had come to the clinic. |
Several Haitians came forward to accept Christ as their Savior! Praise God! After this, we broke into two groups, one to do medical work and the other to do construction.
 |
| Mom and the twins helped out with the medical clinic held in the shelter used for church. They saw lots of patients that day! Photo Credit: Roma. |
Dad, Ben and I helped with the construction. I started off by dumping rocks into the pit at the church. Then I helped up on the hill collecting rocks and hauling them by wheel-barrow back down the hill. I don’t think I’ve ever worked so physically hard in my life! The Haitian kids had fun helping and riding in the wheel barrow.
 |
| This was the view from the hilltop where we were gathering rocks. Isn’t it beautiful? |
 |
| After several hours of work, we began gathering together to pray and eat lunch. Mr. A is full of musical talent. During the trip, you would often find him with a soccer ball or a guitar in his hands. J We had lots of fun teaching the kids songs throughout our week. Photo Credit: Roma. |
 |
| Rubia with one of the Haitian girls. Little F became very special to me throughout our trip. She loved to shout “BIAN-ca!” She was a tough little girl, and smart as a whip. She learned the names of everyone on our team and could even tell the twins apart! Photo Credit: Roma. |
 |
| For lunch we had soup and delicious chicken empanadas. |
All the food we’ve eaten has been amazing! After lunch we had some much needed down time. I did some journaling and reading as well as talking with others. I’m covered from head to toe in red and black mud, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! J
At 2:30 p.m., we left to take a hike up the mountain. It was a strenuous climb, but lots of fun. We were joined by several children during the hike. Mr. P (one of the Christian men in the town. At 72 years of age, he might as well be the mayor because he has a lot of authority over people!) and Mrs. F led the hike. On our way up, we stopped by several Haitian homes and saw a well where we got to pump water.
 |
| This is a typical Haitian kitchen. It’s often separate from the house to keep the smoke out. |
 |
| Our team had fun taking turns pumping water at the well. It really makes us appreciate running water, and realize that it is a luxury. |
Reaching the top of the mountain was breath-taking. The views were simply indescribable. Mr. P had fun beating me to the top when I started running. From the peak we could see Jacmel and the Dominican Republic. We joined hands in a prayer that brought tears to my eyes. It was very convicting.
 |
| At the top of the mountain with two more children, T and J. Photo Credit: Betsy. |
When we got back to the compound, we had a little bit of down time before getting ready for church. Some of us ate snacks.
 |
| This is the house we stayed at all week. It is the only home on the mountain that I know of that has electricity for part of the day. At night, it truly is a beacon of light for people coming to the church! |
 |
| Church starts on “Haitian Time.” The above photo was taken about half an hour before the starting time (7:00 p.m.) Everyone trickles in slowly, but by the end of the night it’s standing room only! |
Church was an incredible experience and very fun. We started off singing some Creole songs. The people trickled in a bit late, but when they arrived they were passionate! They were lifting their hands and dancing all over the place.
Mr. A was invited up to introduce the team. Then we sang some songs in English after a beautiful offertory. Mr. A gave a very passionate message on the importance of evangelism. A Muslim friend of his died two weeks ago after being shot in the chest. Mr. A said he had never told his friend about Jesus. He was very convicting. Several people gave their lives to Christ as a result of his message.
Mr. L (the missionary) invited those who were in need of healing to come forward so that we could pray for them. Nearly half the congregation ran forward! Then Mr. L gave a benediction and we were dismissed. As we left, the Haitian band played another song. Everyone started dancing. It was so much fun! Even after 2 hours, I didn’t want church to end!
After church we had a late dinner of fried chicken, white rice, black beans, and salad. It was delicious! I journaled a bit and then we started a game of spoons. It got pretty crazy after awhile! J Before the power went out, I hit the shower. It felt so good! I made it to bed around 12:00 a.m. I’m sure I’ll sleep well tonight!
To be continued. . .
No comments:
Post a Comment