Hey Everyone!
The last day was filled with excitement and sadness. We had the
opportunity to share in a VBS run by a Pastor in Haiti. It was in the
city in a small upper room but it was filled with almost 75 people. They
a sang songs for us and our team sang songs for them. Jackley shared a
quick devotional and we were able to share the Gospel with them. It was
indeed a cool time! After the VBS, our team traveled to another church
run by Pastor Andre. He was telling us about the great need in the
village for food and medical supplies. Recently two children died from
malnutrition and others suffer from the lack of medicine that many
American's have readily at their disposal. This experience got our
leaders thinking of what we could do to help and we pray that God will
continue to provide us and Pastor Andre with the means to make that
possible.
We are finally back in the United States. Everything went smooth sailing on our flight into Florida and now we are just waiting patiently to depart for Pittsburgh around 6:30pm. It has been an amazing week learning to love like Jesus. Our students learned to love each other, orphans, and God. We did this intentionally and compassionately. We talked often during the week to focus on eternal things rather than on material. Things like children laughing, love being shared, and encouragement being given will last forever. Things like distracting social media, what people think of you, and material wealth are only temporary. Colossians 3 talks about looking heavenward. And our group got a glimpse of what eternity will be like and I have no doubt it will stay with them forever.
Once I've collected the photos from most of the team, I will post a link in the blog for you to check out the trip from different perspectives.
We want to thank you all for your prayers, they were all answered.
Joel
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Haiti Trip: Day 5 and 6
Hey Everyone!
What a fun, unexpected, and exhausting past two days it has been.
Yesterday morning our group started out attending church at the EBAC orphanage. Although the entire service was done in creole, the group commented on how passionate the Haitians were for God. They loved how much an instrument their voices were and how beautiful their praise was to Jesus. It was a nice cultural experience for everyone on how different countries worship. They also noted how all the Haitians were intentional with how nice they would dress. It was quite evident their intentions were to bring their best before God.
Afterwards the group ate lunch and changed, we headed to The Citadel, which is a castle fortress on top of a mountain. It's consider a national monument in Haiti. We went last year as a group and it found that it was quite the journey once we got as far up with truck as it would allow. This year, however, our transportation to the top changed drastically. When we arrived to the place where we pay for our tour (at the bottom of the mountain), our driver informed us that his brakes wouldn't be able to support our group to go up and down the mountain safely. Although this could have been helpful information prior to arriving, we are constantly discovering that flexibility is key in Haiti. So instead of taking a truck up, we had to rent 25 burrows (half donkey, half horse) in order to make the climb. Indeed it took longer but what an experience for our group. I mean, how many of our students friends back home can say they rode a burrow up a mountain to a castle this summer? Zero. Although we had 25 burrows to go up, myself and three Haitians didn't have burrows, so we had to motorcycle up and down the mountain. Personally, I was uncomfortable at first but it turned out to be quite a ride! When we got to the top we were met with a beautiful look upon God's creation. It truly is a spectacle to behold. Surely the story of how The Citadel was built was amazing in itself, but the perspective on creation it provides was astonishing.
Here are a view pictures from our trip to The Citadel:
Today, our group took the orphans to the beach. It's so exciting to join with them in their joy over the little things. It helps create perspective for ourselves as we often take small vacations for granted. We might have Disneyland, but the Haitians have the beach, and that's enough for them. Our students continued to be rock stars as they led the way having fun with the kids. Playing games and goofing around. They truly discovered how spending yourself may be rewarding but it's also taxing. A day in the sun and having fun can prove to be exhausting. I'm sure they'll sleep great tonight.
Here are pictures from today at the beach:
Tomorrow, we will finish up our last day helping to run a VBS at Pastor Andre's church and then begin the process of packing up and saying our goodbyes. Continue to pray for our final days here and that God continues to protect us no matter what obstacles come our way. We thank you for your prayers thus far.
Joel
What a fun, unexpected, and exhausting past two days it has been.
Yesterday morning our group started out attending church at the EBAC orphanage. Although the entire service was done in creole, the group commented on how passionate the Haitians were for God. They loved how much an instrument their voices were and how beautiful their praise was to Jesus. It was a nice cultural experience for everyone on how different countries worship. They also noted how all the Haitians were intentional with how nice they would dress. It was quite evident their intentions were to bring their best before God.
Afterwards the group ate lunch and changed, we headed to The Citadel, which is a castle fortress on top of a mountain. It's consider a national monument in Haiti. We went last year as a group and it found that it was quite the journey once we got as far up with truck as it would allow. This year, however, our transportation to the top changed drastically. When we arrived to the place where we pay for our tour (at the bottom of the mountain), our driver informed us that his brakes wouldn't be able to support our group to go up and down the mountain safely. Although this could have been helpful information prior to arriving, we are constantly discovering that flexibility is key in Haiti. So instead of taking a truck up, we had to rent 25 burrows (half donkey, half horse) in order to make the climb. Indeed it took longer but what an experience for our group. I mean, how many of our students friends back home can say they rode a burrow up a mountain to a castle this summer? Zero. Although we had 25 burrows to go up, myself and three Haitians didn't have burrows, so we had to motorcycle up and down the mountain. Personally, I was uncomfortable at first but it turned out to be quite a ride! When we got to the top we were met with a beautiful look upon God's creation. It truly is a spectacle to behold. Surely the story of how The Citadel was built was amazing in itself, but the perspective on creation it provides was astonishing.
Here are a view pictures from our trip to The Citadel:
Today, our group took the orphans to the beach. It's so exciting to join with them in their joy over the little things. It helps create perspective for ourselves as we often take small vacations for granted. We might have Disneyland, but the Haitians have the beach, and that's enough for them. Our students continued to be rock stars as they led the way having fun with the kids. Playing games and goofing around. They truly discovered how spending yourself may be rewarding but it's also taxing. A day in the sun and having fun can prove to be exhausting. I'm sure they'll sleep great tonight.
Here are pictures from today at the beach:
Tomorrow, we will finish up our last day helping to run a VBS at Pastor Andre's church and then begin the process of packing up and saying our goodbyes. Continue to pray for our final days here and that God continues to protect us no matter what obstacles come our way. We thank you for your prayers thus far.
Joel
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Haiti Trip: Day 3 and 4
Hey Everyone!
Here is an update for you all. The last two days have proved to be wonderful days.
Yesterday we began our partnership with a Pastor in Haiti. We got an idea for his vision for the church and the property he is working on and how God has been faithful even though it has taken 20+ years to build it. The church building itself is up but needs some plastering done, and he hopes to one day but in a school behind the property. It was amazing watching someone so faithful trust God with a vision he has on his heart although it's taken 20+ to see it come through.
The group spent time yesterday playing with the children in the nearby village and carrying concrete blocks from the building to where the restrooms will be. Although a great language barrier existed, there was one language we used to communicate our care for them: love. Even though few words were understandable, people understood smiles and laughter and holding hands. The students were rock stars in how they step up to love on our new friends.
Here is a picture of the church we visited:
Another amazing thing that happened yesterday after visiting the church was we visited a nearby beach near a village. It was quite a sight to see as little children ran after our truck as we came to a stop at the beach. Young children hung around us and even sang us some songs they knew. We sang Amazing Grace together as a group and it was a wonderful way to make a connection in Christ despite not speaking the same language.
Here is a photo from that moment:
Today we continued work at Daniel's and the entire team joined in the efforts to lay down the foundation. With long assembly lines, buckets, shovels, and lots of water, we were able to help turn almost 2 days of work into a couple hours. The team was excited to work on Daniel's house and their efforts showed it. Everyone pitched in to make a difference and worked well together to accomplish the same goal. I know that Daniel and his family are very grateful for the help they are receiving.
Here is a photo from this morning:
We will close out this day spending time together and learning about what God is teaching us thus far on this trip. Tomorrow we will attend church and then head to the Citadel. Continue to pray for God's provision for our group and that Jesus is made known through out actions.
1st John 4:19
Joel
Here is an update for you all. The last two days have proved to be wonderful days.
Yesterday we began our partnership with a Pastor in Haiti. We got an idea for his vision for the church and the property he is working on and how God has been faithful even though it has taken 20+ years to build it. The church building itself is up but needs some plastering done, and he hopes to one day but in a school behind the property. It was amazing watching someone so faithful trust God with a vision he has on his heart although it's taken 20+ to see it come through.
The group spent time yesterday playing with the children in the nearby village and carrying concrete blocks from the building to where the restrooms will be. Although a great language barrier existed, there was one language we used to communicate our care for them: love. Even though few words were understandable, people understood smiles and laughter and holding hands. The students were rock stars in how they step up to love on our new friends.
Here is a picture of the church we visited:
Another amazing thing that happened yesterday after visiting the church was we visited a nearby beach near a village. It was quite a sight to see as little children ran after our truck as we came to a stop at the beach. Young children hung around us and even sang us some songs they knew. We sang Amazing Grace together as a group and it was a wonderful way to make a connection in Christ despite not speaking the same language.
Here is a photo from that moment:
Today we continued work at Daniel's and the entire team joined in the efforts to lay down the foundation. With long assembly lines, buckets, shovels, and lots of water, we were able to help turn almost 2 days of work into a couple hours. The team was excited to work on Daniel's house and their efforts showed it. Everyone pitched in to make a difference and worked well together to accomplish the same goal. I know that Daniel and his family are very grateful for the help they are receiving.
Here is a photo from this morning:
We will close out this day spending time together and learning about what God is teaching us thus far on this trip. Tomorrow we will attend church and then head to the Citadel. Continue to pray for God's provision for our group and that Jesus is made known through out actions.
1st John 4:19
Joel
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Haiti Day 2: Work and Rain
HEY EVERYONE!
Internet connect is a success!
What a wild two days it has been and what amazing things God has already begun to do in our group and through our group. After a long first day, we got a good night sleep. We woke up bright and early to get ready for an exciting first day.
Today we began work on a house of a former EBAC orphan named Daniel. The work was relatively simple but physically exhausting. Most of it was taking crushed rock and laying down evenly to begin providing a foundation (you'll see in pictures below). Because of the size of our group, and not enough resources to help build, we split the team into two shifts. One half stayed to work and the other went to EBAC to spend time with the orphans. We reconvened back at the place we're staying and then the group switch locations. It was a great balance for the first day. One half spent working and the other continuing to build relationships.
Near the end of the first day a big storm came, which thwarted our efforts to work but for the most case we got stuff done. Many students (and some adults) took advantage of the rain to have some fun. It was a great time and we really have been jelling well as a team. Tomorrow will bring a different day as we begin a new partnership with another Pastor in Haiti. We will begin some work on a church he is building and spend time making new friends with the kids there.
God has been really speaking to each person, as He made that clear at our first team meeting last night. Just continue to pray that God's love is made known and good, eternal things are done in the time we have here.
Here are some of the pictures from the first two days (connection is slow, so I can only post a couple):
Internet connect is a success!
What a wild two days it has been and what amazing things God has already begun to do in our group and through our group. After a long first day, we got a good night sleep. We woke up bright and early to get ready for an exciting first day.
Today we began work on a house of a former EBAC orphan named Daniel. The work was relatively simple but physically exhausting. Most of it was taking crushed rock and laying down evenly to begin providing a foundation (you'll see in pictures below). Because of the size of our group, and not enough resources to help build, we split the team into two shifts. One half stayed to work and the other went to EBAC to spend time with the orphans. We reconvened back at the place we're staying and then the group switch locations. It was a great balance for the first day. One half spent working and the other continuing to build relationships.
Near the end of the first day a big storm came, which thwarted our efforts to work but for the most case we got stuff done. Many students (and some adults) took advantage of the rain to have some fun. It was a great time and we really have been jelling well as a team. Tomorrow will bring a different day as we begin a new partnership with another Pastor in Haiti. We will begin some work on a church he is building and spend time making new friends with the kids there.
God has been really speaking to each person, as He made that clear at our first team meeting last night. Just continue to pray that God's love is made known and good, eternal things are done in the time we have here.
Here are some of the pictures from the first two days (connection is slow, so I can only post a couple):
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Getting Settled and Reacquainted
All is good so far. The team arrived safely and all the luggage made it okay too! Time was spent today with the team getting to know each other better before heading off to the EBAC orphanage. At the orphanage, team members who had visited in the past reconnected with the children they met before and new Haiti team members made some new friends. Everyone enjoyed the time at EBAC and look forward to visits throughout the week. Tonight the team will get settled in to their housing, eat dinner, debrief the day and hear about the plans for tomorrow. Tomorrow the team starts working, off campus, on a house for a former EBAC orphan.
The team asks for prayers for continued safety and wisdom.
An image flashed across my TV screen
Another broken heart comes into view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can't I do the things I want to do?
I'm willing but yet I'm so afraid
You give me strength when I say
I want to be Your hands
I want to be Your feet
I'll go where You send me
And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like You touched my life
And I find my way to be Your hands
I've abandoned every selfish thought
I've surrendered everything I've got
You can have everything I am
And perfect everything I'm not
I'm willing, I'm not afraid
You give me strength when I say
I want to be Your hands
I want to be Your feet
I'll go where You send me
I'll go where You send me
And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like You touched my life
And I find my way to be Your hands
This is the lifetime I turned my back on You
From now on, I'll go so send me where You want me to
I finally have a mission
I promise complete
I don't need excuses
When I am Your hands and feet
Audio Adrenaline Hands and Feet lyrics
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35
The team asks for prayers for continued safety and wisdom.
An image flashed across my TV screen
Another broken heart comes into view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can't I do the things I want to do?
I'm willing but yet I'm so afraid
You give me strength when I say
I want to be Your hands
I want to be Your feet
I'll go where You send me
And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like You touched my life
And I find my way to be Your hands
I've abandoned every selfish thought
I've surrendered everything I've got
You can have everything I am
And perfect everything I'm not
I'm willing, I'm not afraid
You give me strength when I say
I want to be Your hands
I want to be Your feet
I'll go where You send me
I'll go where You send me
And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like You touched my life
And I find my way to be Your hands
This is the lifetime I turned my back on You
From now on, I'll go so send me where You want me to
I finally have a mission
I promise complete
I don't need excuses
When I am Your hands and feet
Audio Adrenaline Hands and Feet lyrics
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35
We've Landed in Haiti!
The team has landed safely in Cap Haitian! Praise God! Will be providing updates as they come in!
Getting Ready To Go!
We have arrived safely in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We had a great day at the beach and a wonderful time at dinner together. After a team debriefing, we went to our rooms to get ready for a 3AM wake up call to be in the lobby by 345AM. Unless of course you were in Jeff Arnold's room (Tanner and Andy), you woke up at 330AM and needed to scamper to get to the lobby by 345AM.
Thus far things have been smooth sailing this side of the boarder. Everyone has their luggage. Relationships are blooming. Laughter is happening. A mixture of excitement and anxiousness is in the air. God has been graceful to us thus far in our travels and we pray He continues to be so. Even if things don't go according to plan, we know we're not outside the safety and will of God, and this gives us peace.
We are currently at the international airport, we have checked all our bags, and now we wait in great anticipation to begin our trip. We spoke last night about how following Jesus does not involve the "typical". Following Jesus is a stretch for those who take His call seriously, because it removes us from all we are familiar with. Even on this trip with reoccurring attendees, the new place in which we will be living for the week brings a sense of unknown. But I am confident that God will provide the comfort we need to know we can trust Him. There's nothing typical about following Jesus, and certainly leaving your family for a week, foregoing vacations, and living in less than normal conditions is not typical. God has something He wants to say to each person on this trip. He will speak differently but directly to each member of our team. I expect nothing less than God showing up in the lives of His children this week.
Continue to pray for our team. That no matter what happens, God's will is done and His name known. Pray that as we are blessing others, we will be blessed by our experiences. And that students and adults alike will drink deeply from the love of Christ and be "ruined" as a result of it.
When we get to Haiti, by the end of the day I'll have a better idea on our internet capabilities. If our internet access is limited, we will have someone back home that we'll be relaying information to that will update the blog at the end of each day.
Thank you for your prayers and may God bless your week!
Joel
Thus far things have been smooth sailing this side of the boarder. Everyone has their luggage. Relationships are blooming. Laughter is happening. A mixture of excitement and anxiousness is in the air. God has been graceful to us thus far in our travels and we pray He continues to be so. Even if things don't go according to plan, we know we're not outside the safety and will of God, and this gives us peace.
We are currently at the international airport, we have checked all our bags, and now we wait in great anticipation to begin our trip. We spoke last night about how following Jesus does not involve the "typical". Following Jesus is a stretch for those who take His call seriously, because it removes us from all we are familiar with. Even on this trip with reoccurring attendees, the new place in which we will be living for the week brings a sense of unknown. But I am confident that God will provide the comfort we need to know we can trust Him. There's nothing typical about following Jesus, and certainly leaving your family for a week, foregoing vacations, and living in less than normal conditions is not typical. God has something He wants to say to each person on this trip. He will speak differently but directly to each member of our team. I expect nothing less than God showing up in the lives of His children this week.
Continue to pray for our team. That no matter what happens, God's will is done and His name known. Pray that as we are blessing others, we will be blessed by our experiences. And that students and adults alike will drink deeply from the love of Christ and be "ruined" as a result of it.
When we get to Haiti, by the end of the day I'll have a better idea on our internet capabilities. If our internet access is limited, we will have someone back home that we'll be relaying information to that will update the blog at the end of each day.
Thank you for your prayers and may God bless your week!
Joel
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