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
No comments:
Post a Comment