fellowship

Today may be the best Sunday since I have been in Haiti. The last couple of months in Haiti the only time I really get homesick is on Sunday. Back in the US, Sunday usually is my favorite day of the week. I used to live in the church building in the apartment next door. So I would wake up and go over to the church early before anyone was there, often in my pajamas. Sometimes I would decorate the altar in the sanctuary and make coffee for the Sunday school class and the early arrivers to church. Then I would go get ready and return again before Sunday school class. I loved just sitting in the fellowship hall and being able to greet everyone as they came to the church, and of course let them know that there was coffee. Sunday school class was a small group of adults, of whom I know well and have a great amount of respect for. They are a wealth of information, and almost all of them were or are teachers. In waiting for church to start I would hang out in the kitchen and help prepare for after church or go in the sanctuary and visit with people. As I sit in the sanctuary I look around to see if all my ‘family’ is there in their pews. I can still see them in their spots in our open aired worship area in Haiti. Where most Sunday’s I sit and pray I can understand more Creole soon as I struggle to know what the service is about.

However, this morning though before church I talked with my Haitian family over breakfast of pumpkin soup and homemade bread. Most the time they are all coming and going and so not everyone eats together, often time in fact I may be eating alone, because of all the buzz of activities. After we ate together I went over to the church, where they were having Bible Study. One of the people helped me find the verse they were talking about in English, so I could understand some of what they were talking about. When church started I sat with ‘my two girls’ and they shared a hymnal with me so I could follow along with the music. When it came time for the scripture, Eddy gave me that to. After church we went and visited some people that were sick. We walked and talked as we traveled to three different houses. It just seemed like many of the things I usually miss on Sunday mornings came together. It was a great day.

the Critters in Haiti

I have been meaning to write about all the fun little critters in Haiti, since I found a giant frog in my house one evening. I had left the window open and there he was on the wall beside the window just hanging out. I tried to swat him out the window with a broom. He jumped behind my headboard. I tried to smash with my headboard and he jumped to the other wall. He just sat there on the wall and I decided he could stay I didn’t want him on my bed – I would just go sleep on the couch. The next day there was no sign of him. I had my host family even come look for him, no luck. Joana just said, “Oh, he’s here. He’s watching you sleep. You can’t see him, but he can see you.” – Thanks Jo – that helps! About a week later I see him in the corner of the dining room just after my friend Papi had left. I yelled for him to return and he got him out of the house by swatting him with a broom. But then once he had him outside he stomped on him in the grass. I yelled no, I don’t want him dead just not in my house.
So other little critters in Haiti; crickets, mosquitoes, lighting bugs, mice, rats, cockroaches – none of these you see very often. And yes I have seen a tarantula but only twice in the total of 5 months I have been in Haiti. But the chameleons or lizards are always running all over my house inside and out. They finally don’t startle me anymore. But why did I finally decide to write about the critters in Haiti. Because this morning as I was locking my outhouse, there in the crack of the door I finally saw a snake. By the time I went to get my camera and returned there was no sign of him.

I saw an angel.

Today in church there was a beautiful voice singing. It was a delicate as one of theose music boxes you open and see the little balariena dancing. Then I looked around at the faces in the crowd listening. There was a woman with her eyes closed her arms wrapped around her swaying to the music. I smiled and a tear came to my eye as I thought I just saw an angel. As I continued to watch her with black braids wrapped around her head like a halo. Her dark eyes opened and she began to sing with that delicate voice herself. She wasn’t singing loud just feeling the music in her heart.

What can we do?

Yesterday we went and looked at house repairs that are needed in the Mizak area and in Shilo. This task is virtually endless, many of these homes were damaged in the hurricanes a couple years ago and now with the earthquake many of them are inhabitable.
Somehow – and I really can’t understand how the Haitians continue to survive through all the disasters. We went to one of the houses to get an estimate for repairs. I remembered this house well because the beautiful children were all here and there in the yard. Previously, we also sat with the lady and had some bread and coffee with her. She seemed delighted to have company and was grateful for anything we might be able to do for her and her family. As we looked at her house, I knew it was a replacement not a repair. The front wall of the house was bowing inward, looking as if it could fall in at any minute. The area by the roof was missing many rocks that had already fallen in. The family of 10 has been sleeping in a little 4 man tent since the earthquake that has holes and tears in it, next to the house. I just kept looking at the house and looking at the house, knowing we already had our 2 houses chosen that would be replaced this spring and we don’t have teams yet to replace more. I wondered how we could ‘fix’ something so that this family could have a home. I just didn’t know. I also tried and listen to the construction guys to see what they were saying, they were trying to figure out something too but kept shaking their heads and saying ‘pa bon’ (not good). Finally Paul turned to me and said, “What can we do?”. My heart sunk as I just shook my head and choked back tears. “I don’t know. This just breaks my heart because there are so many homes that need repairs and replacements. The house needs replaced but we already have our homes that are being replaced. I just don’t know” I said again as I shook my head. We continued to look and assess the situation and it is possible for them to just replace the one wall that is caving in and replace the parts of the roof that are leaking. And with these repairs they would be able to continue later with a replacing the rest of the home. The devastation in Haiti is overwhelming. I feel this way in the mountains and don’t even face the destruction that happened in Port-au-Prince. It is easy to ignore because it has left the news in the United States. We also ignore it because it is just too overwhelming, - How can we really make an impact? I agree – it is overwhelming and all too easy to forget, but you can help that one family with the 8 children sleeping in a tent for 4. Or the family of 8 that one of the women sleeps in a small pup-tent while her children stay with her mother. I know the list is endless but we have to start with one family and make a difference there. It is what we can do.

knowing the joys of a teacher

I always admire teachers; they are the keys to our future. They literally hold the potential of the world in their hands. But I didn’t feel like I could ever possibly to this work. This is a great gift that God has given many but not myself. However, recently my neighbor, the other ‘blan’ in the neighborhood went back the United States for a visit. He asked if I could help by being the ‘native English speaker’ but I wouldn’t have to teach just pronounce the words. I thought it would be a great learning experience and also maybe enable me to learn a little Creole in the process. It has been a great blessing to help with the classes and I have been more and more comfortable with being able to do so. I listen as the students struggle and struggle with certain words. You wouldn’t know this but there are no ‘th’ sounds in Creole, this makes many, many words in the English language difficult for the Haitians to pronounce. But they continue to work so hard. Then suddenly they will have it! A break through and they get the sound. It is just such a blessing to help with this process. I will hopefully continue to help with classes even after Lee returns. There is also a class in teaching reading and writing to those that can’t and I may help with that. Education is a truly amazing thing, it can change the world if you let it.

Do you have to work for your water?

This morning I woke up to the sound of drumming. At first in my groggy state and ear plugs I wasn’t sure what it was. But it was persistant and right near my door. Suddenly I knew what it was. It was my little neighbor boys, that Paul’s family have named ‘petite Angelica’ (my children). I opened my door and stepped outside and it was indeed them beating on empty gallon jugs. They were going to fill up the water for the day. The older boy Frensi, 7years old had 2 gallons and the other Chadson, 5years old had 1 gallon. I am not sure how far they have to walk for the water. I will find out next time when I am not in my pajamas. They were drumming along because they wanted to tell me Bonjou. I talked with them for a minute and then they were on their way. Shortly after that when I was ready to brush my teeth I realized my canteen of water was empty. I stooped down on the floor to pour some water from my large 5 gallon culligan to my smaller bottle so I could brush my teeth. It’s definitely become normal – not a big deal at all. But I thought about my bathroom back home where I simply turned on the faucet to brush my teeth. And then I thought of my boys again, who knows how far they were walking to get water. But I do know they walk that path at least twice a day. I had visited a friend of mine yesterday who was getting ready to take a bath after working a long day moving rocks. But first he had to go get the water down to the well. But it is all just part of the day; along the way to get water you will greet your neighbor and listen to the roosters crowing and thank God for another day.

Report on the basics - food in Haiti

After talking to my brother on the phone the other day, I realized I haven’t shared much of the everyday events with you. My brother asked me – “what have you been eating?” I also received a bunch of food from the church in Vermillion. Which I am blessed, but given the amount, maybe they think I don’t eat down here. Or they know me all too well and know I will share the food with my brothers and sisters in Haiti. So what do I eat in Haiti?
Breakfast – We have homemade bread almost every morning with homemade peanut butter (which is just delightful very much all natural – don’t know how I will go back to store bought peanut butter). Some days we have eggs – they are either boiled and cut in half with an onion, pepper, and vinegar mixture on them or they are scrambled with peppers and onions and a slice of spam in the middle like an omelet. About once every 2 weeks we have oatmeal – it is very good, rich and sweet with cinnamon.
Perhaps my favorite thing for breakfast in Haiti – Spaghetti! Yup that is correct, sometimes there is a little red sauce on the noodles, just enough where it doesn’t stick together, or we put ketchup and sometime mayo on it and a dash of Tabasco. Also, there are sometimes fried chucks of spam served with it.
Lunch – lunch is sort of hit and miss – sometimes there is lunch and sometimes there isn’t. We may have a little rice and beans with red sauce. Or a piece of bread with peanut butter and a piece of fresh fruit. Or some Potato/Bread soup – which is wonderful. And of course my favorite pumpkin soup! If nothing is served or I am away from the house I have a granola bar of some fun snack the folks from the United States have left here or sent for me. About every other Sunday Aimable makes cake in the solar oven too – which is Amazing! It basically beats any cake I have had except maybe a few wedding cakes.
Dinner – Rice and Beans! – Not every day but A lot!  there are several different ways that the rice and beans are prepared, sometimes together and sometimes separate, sometimes more of a white rice and different kinds of beans – right now Congo beans are in season (I am not sure but I think it is that, that gives me terrible gas – I know too much information ;) but you wanted to know.) Sometimes the beans are boiled down into more of a sauce. Other days there is a corn (mayis) dish that is served with the beans instead of rice. Served with the rice and beans is a red sauce with chicken, fish, beef, or goat. We often have cooked carrots and beets with it. Sometimes fried potatoes and plantains. The other day we had something very, very close to potato salad. It reminded me of 4th of July with my family. Once in awhile we have popcorn with dinner – all natural very good! And there is almost always some sort of fresh fruit juice served with dinner – that is fantastic although of coarse just a touch too sweet for me.

Comfort

The last time I wrote I was talking about our comforts in life. I just returned from a trip to PaP and was staying in a friend’s house – a very nice house. I was judging the home in Haiti I stayed at. I was thinking of the people who have made their homes in tents and wondered how someone could have a home so beautiful when people are suffering. But I decided I should never judge others and I would enjoy my little ‘vacation’ I found myself in, in Haiti. The next night I stayed again in the PaP area this time in Carrfou. I was in an area I didn’t know in maybe an average (for Haiti) income home. My friend who I came with had to run errands in different location in PaP so he left me with his cousins at the church. I would be safer at the church since it was after dark. He warned me I would have to introduce myself to the church in Creole, as no one I was with spoke English. So I was with people I didn’t know, in an area I didn’t know, with no English speakers. I was uncomfortable! I was frustrated with my friend for putting me in this situation. However, the worship service was very good. The music was alive and the people were warm and welcoming. After church, we walked back to the house to wait for my friend to return. I spoke English with the children; they practiced all the words they know. I was getting very hungry and tired wondering where my friend might be. He finally arrived and we went to another house where we would be sleeping. Again, arriving at the house, after dark staying at someone’s house I have never met. Then my friend was maybe going to stay back at the other house. But by the evening I was staying in a bed with a mosquito net, and the lady of the house even wanted me to use her night gown. As I laid there and listened to music and thought about my discomfort from the day; I realized I had already found my comfort zone in my home in Mizak. It was good for my ‘comfort’ to be challenged. I realized I need to practice challenging my comfort level a bit more. I think we all probably need to take this challenge to continue to grow in life.

Today Jesus washed my feet

It was a long day of travel from Mizak to PaP, somewhere in the suburbs. As you can imagine traveling through the city is a lot to take in. There is trash, dirt and water everywhere you look and people everywhere you look. The sounds of people, animals, and transportation is overwhelming. As I walked through the city I saw people sleeping on the street, a blind child begging and an old man with one leg pushing himself, along in a wheelchair. I also saw incredible strength of so many Haitian people. People were dressed in nice clothes going to and from work; somehow people continue to survive even with buildings crumbling around them. There are just so many thoughts to take in. I finally arrived at a beautiful home of the area of Tabra at a friend’s uncle’s house. I found myself struggling with how someone can live like this with all the struggles going on in the streets I just came from. I reminded myself not to judge because this is the same thing that happens in my own country as well. People lose sight of the struggles of their neighbors. I didn’t know how to be in this house with all that I had just seen, but you also have to appreciate what God has gives you at different times. So I decided to get cleaned up. I went to the bathroom and cried when I discovered there was hot water for the shower. Then I put my feet in the bucket of water to let them soak in the hot water. I sat down and thought about what my feet had been through that day traveling the streets of PaP. I thought about all the people I had seen and the daily struggles and joys they may be experiencing this moment. Then I closed my eyes and Jesus washed my feet. I cried as I thought of what this meant; this action that Jesus did for the disciples so many years ago. I thought I understood this idea of servant leader but suddenly I found a new insight. Because living in Haiti I have actually seen the servants and I have also seen the elite leaders of Haiti. It is nearly unimaginable to think of one of these leaders of Haiti washing the feet of the servants after walking the streets of PaP. Jesus was trying to teach us something and still daily we struggle to understand. We continue to love our own comfort more than our brothers and sisters.

A simple Response to a great need

The other day I was talking to a young man in Haiti. I was asking him many, many questions about how organizations work, the Haitian culture, ect. It was a really good in depth talk about many things helping me to understand the way some things work. He told me a story about him working in another area called Basen to visit the school. The school only has one hallway of classrooms for 7 classes of children. They also only have 4 teachers for these classes. He went on to describe how they were also short on blackboards, writing benches and other materials. However they were still trying to work the best with what they had. This young man saw the need here so he wrote up a proposal and talked to Digcel (one of the major cell phone companies in Haiti) He had heard about them working with different projects around the country. He worked and worked at making this connection happen with the people of Basen. But they were unable to find land to be donated to for Digcel to build a new school. They were finally able to get school supplies donated but this was all.
I listened as he talked about the struggle and the frustration on working with this project.
This was something he was working on on his own time in a different area than his own. This was a place where before he didn’t have any family or friends. I found this little unusual “Why were you working on this project? It’s not in your area; you don’t have any direct connections. So for what reason were you way over in Basen?”
“oh, Oh, Angelica because there was a need I saw. A great need for the school. It doesn’t matter where you are at; if it is your area or not. You should do whatever you can wherever you can to try and help people to try and make a difference in people’s lives.”
I was speechless as tears welled in my eyes. Yup, I thought that is exactly the way I should be. You just help because there is a need – simple.

Take time to notice & appreciate the little things

I must lead a charmed life. This phrase has been popping in my head lately for some reason. I think it is because thoughts/prayers have been answered lately. On Monday I had been looking at pictures when the team was in Haiti and the over abundance of coconut milk we drank. And I was missing the coconut milk. Tuesday I visited Sonya; Nesley climbed up in the tree to get a coconut for us to drink. I had one today at Gurtude’s house too. Then I had talked about not being able to talk to Lee (the other American that lives in Mizak) for some time and last night we talked for a good hour. Sunday, I was thinking about some variety in my rice and beans diet, don’t get me wrong I like rice and beans but miss some things. Then for lunch they fixed my favorite pumpkin soup and we had cake, because there was good sun. Tonight, coming home from Jacmel, I was worried we would not find a Tap-tap to cross the river it was getting late and dark. Eddy could tell I was concerned but assured me we were going to be fine. Shortly after this, a truck came and Eddy knew the driver. We had a free ride all the way home to Mizak. Eddy says, “I told you not to worry we were safe. See no problem. Ca va?” I just smiled “Wi sa va. [yes I am good]” Maybe it’s Eddy that leads the charmed life. I suppose it’s all in your perspective.

"a good cup of coffee"

Understanding cultural differences may be found in the most basic things such as ‘a good cup of coffee’. People feel strongly about their coffee. Anyone who works as a bistro will tell you that. Everyone has their favorite drink and when they order it, it sounds like they are speaking a different language. Haitians like their coffee very strong and very sweet. One team that was down here jokingly referred to it as diesel fuel or jet fuel. After being in Haiti for about 2 weeks, I asked for them to serve some hot water with the coffee so I could make it half water/half coffee, because my teeth hurt from the sweetness. I need to delute the coffee if I was going to drink it for the next 7 months. When I make my mix in the morning of ½ hot water and ½ coffee my Haitian family just shake their head and chuckle a little. This morning in Haiti I made a cup of coffee pretty close to the way I make my coffee at home. And you know there is nothing better than ‘a good cup of coffee’ in the morning. So as I was enjoying ‘my good cup of coffee’ made with ½ coffee from Haiti, ½ hot water, and a package of hot cocoa. I decided to have Joana try it. She did, then shook her head and said, “why?, with a look on her face that said “You ruined a perfectly good cup of coffee.” Just like a good cup of coffee many things can be seen in very different ways, especially when working in another country. But remember, both people are right, they know what ‘a good cup of coffee is”.

Why don't the braids look as good on me as the Haitians??

This was all I saw as I walked from Paul's house to my house. Joana had noticed that everyday I wore a bandana in my hair to cover my braids. So she was going to fix my hair so that it would look better and I wouldn't have to have a bandana.

When I got to my house I looked in the mirror and grabbed a bandana ;)
A picture really is worth a thousand words. I hope this gives you as good of a laugh as it did me. Joana could not figure out what was so funny.


Much better with the bandana - that is cute ;) hahaha. Oh the little things in life. You have to laugh at yourself.

Just keep loving it is all you can really do.

To my Sunday school teachers as a kid (I’m sorry I don’t remember your name).
To the countless pastors who have touched my life.
To my counslers at camp.
I want to THANK YOU!
Sometimes you have no idea what you do today will affect the future There have been times when things have been difficult in Haiti as far as not being able to see ‘concrete’ results. Often times in Missions you go and work on a project and you almost always literally see those ‘concrete’ results. However, living in another country you are working on the system to make a difference. And for any of us that have worked on a system of change we know that this takes a lot of time. You don’t really always know how your daily activities will impact the future and really the world. So just keep loving because it is all you can really do. And what a blessing we have been taught how to do that. We are given countless examples in the bible and here it every Sunday how we are supposed to live our lives to give to one another. So keep working at, keep loving your neighbor and do whatever you can for the sick, hungry, and those in prison. Keep practicing and “Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Ghandi

Are you Rich?

There is a song that I shared with the team when they were down here called “If you eact each day your rich” by Bryan Sirchio, every day I am thankful for the food that I am able to eat (even if I may grow a little tired some days of rice and beans) and I think about the families who may be without. I pray for an answer to this problem that baffles me. Today I was reading a book called “Change the world: Recovering the church” and they brought up what I am sure you hear people say all the time, but I love the answer. “How can a loving God let innocent children suffer and starve?” God doesn’t God’s people do. A disciple chooses to follow Jesus in living more simply so others can simply live.” This is a really profound statement and I pray for simplicity of life for so many not only so that others can simply live; but I think living more simply helps you so appreciate the really important things in our lives that makes us truly happy. In our capitalist society we are taught that the more you have the happier you will be. And we here things like ‘the person who dies with the most toys win’. But we all know this a fleeting happiness. And all those extra ‘things’ really do just complicate our lives and make us loose touch with the most important things in our lives. So as you reflect on this song. I would also add if you have a solid roof over your head then you are rich. In saying that, I ask you to lift up a special blessing to the families who are living in the tent cities during this hurricane season.

What is my typical day in Haiti?

Well, first of all I don’t have a ‘typical day in Haiti’. But yesterday was a very good day and was an example of some of the beauty of what I get to do on a daily basis if not necessarily every day. I awoke in my little house around 6:30. I did a little devotional and wrote in my journal a bit and read then got dressed and headed over to Paul’s house for some breakfast. Joana was cutting up onions and peppers for the eggs. She set it down for a minute so I took over in the dicing up of the veggies. Then we added ham to the mix. I asked if I could cook up the ham and veggies first and then the eggs because I have been trying to get them to use a bit less oil in the cooking. So they did agree and we just added a little oil. They turned out delicious over handmade bread in Haiti that we buy every morning from one of the neighbors.

We have a young lady with a baby that stayed with us last night at Paul’s house. She has been in some desperate situations lately and has now found herself homeless with a young child. She was staying with a friend but that can only last for a bit. So the HAPI staff is trying to figure out the best situation for her and her sweet little boy. The boy had wet pants from the night so thanks to a team that brought down some clothes I was able to give him some clean ones and his mom gave him a bath. After getting them settled I walked over to the Co-op to meet with the jewelers. I brought some of my jewelry that I have bought in other countries to show them the possibilities of what they can make. None of the jewelers showed up but Eddy, Francious and Chantel were very interested in the possibilities. They were already thinking of natural products in Haiti that they could make things out of. I also spent my time there painting a little gourde piece for a necklace and helping the artisans cut piece signs for the yoga bags they are making through HAPI. Bebe showed up with the truck and the cement bags to make journals that we had collected yesterday in Jacmel. He studied from my Creole/English book for a while. Then we headed back over to Paul’s house giving a ride to all the artisans’ part way home. Some of them travel very far to get to the Co-op. Bebe and I studied Creole and English for awhile on Paul’s porch and then we were served a little something to eat. We had ‘banan’ – which is like a banana but isn’t ripe like we eat it in the States and it tastes like a potato. We were served this with chunks of salami and tomato in a red sauce. After eating we went down to the market to look around. On the way we stopped by the radio station and said ‘hi’ to Bebe’s wife.
We passed through the market. Many people always try and get the ‘blan’ attention to buy from them. ‘Blan’ literal translation in English is White but I am told that it really means ‘foreigner’. A friend of mine who is Haitian but lived in Canada for a while was called ‘blan’ for a while when we first came back to Haiti. So walking through the market I did tell Bebe if we found an avocado I would like to buy one. They are not in season so they are difficult to find. We found 2 and Bebe was sizing them up. He finally asked how much they were and I don’t know what the lady said but it was some ridiculous price because Bebe put them down and walked off. It was funny, I just laughed. Because you see the ‘blan’ cannot buy product in the market because they are usually double if not more the regular price. We then headed back up to Paul’s for dinner. Bebe borrowed my Creole book to take home for the evening. I have a feeling he may be wanting to teach his wife some too. Rice and beans for dinner around 4:00pm and then we just hung around the porch. I wrote some in my journal and read some English kid’s books to the children. Then we played phase 10 which is always great fun for the family. At around 8:00; I headed back to my house to read for a bit and then head to bed. Early to bed early to rise are my days in Haiti, I enjoy the early mornings.

Taking things for granted.

Many people wonder if I miss the luxuries of home. How does one live without electricity without running water? Or without Walmart? ;) But honestly I feel blessed everyday in Haiti. I have a roof over my head, a clean dry bed (most of the time), a place to get cleaned up, and food in my belly. There are homes I have visited in Haiti which this is not the case. Many people are still living in tents all over the country. Others are still living in their homes that have been patched with plastic, sheets, and tin; the walls cracked and crumbling from the earthquake or from the hurricanes in the past. The people have to walk for miles just to collect water to cook with or bathe. And even though when we come home late for dinner and have to eat a cold meal (no microwave to warm it up for us); we are still grateful for the food we have and we pray daily for the homes that the children may go without dinner.
But I was still raised in the United States; so what do I miss and what do I want you to not take for granted? A flushing toilet – which we do have at the team guest house, when there has been enough rain or if it isn’t clogged. A variety of foods – I really wanted to order pizza the other night, and man I would love a chef salad with some ranch dressing or some ice cream (although there is a place in Jacmel for ice cream, just have not got there yet). Ice – I don’t even use ice that much but for those of you that do, don’t take it for granted, you miss it when you can’t have it. As I said before microwave – if you get home after the food has been cooked there is no option but a cold dinner. And ‘entertainment’ – when it is 7:00 in the evening with no electricity, no TV, no movies, no lights to read by or play a games – just means extra sleep, which I do love. But it may also mean waking at 4:30am.
These are just a few of the things once in awhile I miss a bit. But it is fleeting when I hear the frogs and crickets at night singing to me and when I really think I can see every star in the sky. Or when I see children running around playing and giggling with one another, barefoot and half dressed. Or taking a long walk to visit someone who is sick and I am warmly greeted by each person I see, as they are happy to greet me and see how my day is going.
. . . one last thing I miss and should never be taken for granted family and friends being around you (although I have some of these around me in Haiti). So be thankful, take time to appreciate all the little things that you truly do have. If you have a roof over your head and food in your belly – you are blessed beyond measure!

A busy week on the mountain!

Monday there was an organizational training for general knowledge based from the book “Leading from your Spiritual Center” Pastor Frank (a Haitian/ American) who is serving down here for one month led the class. Then on Tuesday we had an English class. This was a lot of fun and the Haitians are all very energized about learning English. This is something I hope to continue after Frank leaves. Although I keep telling them I know how to speak English but not how to teach it. However many of them know all the rules of English, they just need the proper pronunciation and some examples and tools.
On Tuesday afternoon and most of the day on Wednesday and Thursday; I worked with the artisans on making journals. They make journals out of recycled cement bags. The process involves cutting the bags apart and then washing them. After laying out in the sun to dry, they are cut into the exact dimensions for the journals. Then they wipe down the paper and count up the bundles, drill holes in the centers, where they are to be sowed together. Then they bound three of those together and tape them.. The journals were in stacks underneath boards and cinder blocks so they are nice, smooth pages for the journals, ready to be finished off in the US.
I showed some ot the ladies how to make babies hats using a loom I brought from the United States, just as we use to make with our Hookin for Jesus group with CoffeeLoft.org. They were very excited because usually it takes a day to make a hat and I made 2 this morning while I was there.
I continue to discover more products they have been made and am working on ways they can improve upon them to sell them in the US market and in Haiti. Next week I will meet with the women who are starting a jewelry business to show them some samples that I have and also work with what they know and have already been doing. Hopefully we will have some of those jewelry products for Christmas.

International Day of Peace

Last Sunday Mizak, Haiti celebrated International Peace Day! It was a huge success. The new pavilion started by the Canadian team this summer was getting finishing touches the morning of the party. At about 8:00 people were cleaning and decorating. I had helped the children make color Peace Flags to hang with the Peace Flags that the children in Vermillion, South Dakota had made this summer at VBS. It was a beautiful thing to see them hanging together blowing in the breeze. The day had several speakers including Paul, the pastor of the church, Pastor Frank, a Haitian American who is down in Haiti for a month doing Communities of Shalom Trainings, Valerie, the American director of HAPI, Depute Valentine, (I think the equivalent to our mayor), and I spoke about what the Peace Flags were and shared the love and prayers of the people in the United States. There were many, many different types of music. Several singing groups shared their talents. One group of young girls sang and danced to "Lord I Lift your name on High". There was also theatrical interpretation of the Earthquake. It was a moving day. In the middle we share food and drink with the over 1000 people who were there. Thank you for being a part of this day with the people of Haiti.

Returning back home to Haiti

For the first time being in Haiti the sights feel natural to me. Mwen sonje se sa e se sa. I remember this and that. The sounds and smells help remind me of so many memories of being here just 3 months ago. It brings me joy, but also a certain amount of sadness because nothing much has changed. Change in Haiti is very slow, much like the 3 hour wait at the bank or being in stand-still traffic for hours. I arrived safely at Montas’ house (hours later than expected, he had a radiator hose tear), but all is well. As Montas says, “that is just the way life is in Haiti”. It just makes me smile, he’s right you just keep going. God provides you with what you need at the time. I slept wonderful minus a few mosquito bites and woke to the rooster – my long lost friend. I think we have definitely developed a love hate relationship with each other.

A Reunion

In my travels this summer spending 5 weeks in Haiti, I was blessed to return back to La Biche in the mountains. My first mission trip to Haiti was in March of 2009 with the Solar Oven Partners. We traveled to the area of La Biche – a 7 hour trek up the mountains on the southern side of the island. Besides working in Partnership with the Haitians to build the ovens and distributing over 150 ovens; we made friends. I fell in love with the community and especially the children. So when I had the opportunity to return to La Biche for a weekend, I was over joyed. I have been on several mission trips over the years. You form a relationship with the people you serve with but it is rare that you are able to visit again, or at least that has been my experience. Now I have learned that many people go back to a specific area year after year. The ride up to the La Biche from Mizak was very rough; four hours of travel on very rough roads on the back of a motorcycle. There were some areas in the travel where the road was too steep for the 3 of us to be on the bike so we had to get off and walk to meet back up with the bike. There was another area we had to cross the river, we walked across about a half a block distance in 2 ½ foot of water. If I had not been to La Biche before I am not sure I would have made this trek. But finally we arrived, the whole experience was very surreal. They were surprised I had remembered them. I nearly cried at the idea that they had thought I could possible forget them. After all meeting them has changed my life quite literally. And I am blessed by that experience I had in Haiti in March 2009.

Raymonde’s famous ‘Poul ak Sòs’ Recipe

The much awaited Chicken and sauce recipe of Raymonde's that we all loved so much from our 2009 Solar Oven Partners trip. I was blessed to stay with Montas and Raymonde in May and again in June when I was in Haiti this summer. Raymonde was delighted to help show someone how to cook. This is what she does for work for the Solar Oven Partners and this hasn't been able to happen yet this year due to the Earthquake. So I stood by patiently, listened, and added ingredients and stirred when I was asked to. And of course – Finally wrote down the recipe. J …so enjoy – you may have to make some substitutes because we don't have some of the things they do in Haiti. Also, I have this as it is made in the Solar Oven – adjust as necessary.

Beans – 2 pots

2 Cups – Red mixed beans

¼ cup oil

3 cups coconut juice – strained from 2 grated coconuts

¾ green pepper diced

Mince and mash the following (in wooden grinder if you have it)

Divide into 3 parts – one for each pan of beans and 1 for chicken sauce

4 green onions

1 full garlic bundle

Hot pepper with garlic cloves stuck in it

'tri tri' one package (?? Dried sardines – very small – not sure if you can find it in US)

Chicken and Sauce

½ green pepper diced

Small can tomato paste

Parsley buddle

2 bouillon cubes

1pkg – (bullion)

1 regular white onion diced

½ squeezed lime

¼ cup oil

1 Tbsp worcheshire sauce

1 Tbsp hot sauce

1 tsp salt

3 small potatoes

1 carrot sliced

10 Chicken legs jut rinsed in a citrus juice/hot water or vinegar

STIR

Add little more hot sauce

About 2 spoons of garlic onion mixture – left over from Beans

Onion on top

¼ of hot green pepper – not sliced stick cloves in –See picture

Splash of water to rinse of goodness still on spoon

Put in Preheated Solar Oven – 350

After 2 ½ hours add Rice to Beans

2 ½ cups of rice for each pot of beans

2 Tbsp of 'ti malice – Beurre de cuisine ' = (vegetable shortening or margarine)

Then cook all until done
= HAPPINESS!

 

Say a prayer for Raymonde and her dear family

Haitian Flag Day

May 18th -- Another beautiful day in Haiti. I am writing this in the evening and it is puring down rain. Pouring! - blessings, blessings it will fill our sistern. I awoke early this morning as always. We went the Artisan Coop this morning and met with all the artisans. We didnt actually work it was a meeting to talk about the new buisness model approach we will begin to use. It seemed to go ok. They have talked about it before and there has been a variety of responses to it. Then we went back to Paul's house to wait for the motocycles. We rode down to the school for Flag Day! I wasn't sure what to expect. When we got to the school yard the place was packed. People were everywhere surrounding a small square that was blocked off in the middle. The kids from all different schools in the area were competing against each other in a dance compitition. It was straight up like 'Stomp the yard' It rocked! Thos Haitian kids can move like nobodys buisness. We had video of the dancing but it is down in Haiti. But here are some pictures.

A house with a spectacular view – not what you would expect

May 17th
We went for a long walk to the lake. We visited many people along the way as that what we do when we walk. There are always many people to visit. We visited one woman who had a baby in February when the team was there. She was excited to see everyone and the baby was doing well. As we were walking along I glanced over my shoulder and there was the most spectacular view. Amazing! We arrived at one of the most beautiful views in the world. There was a tent there and I thought how incredible, I would love to vacation here. Then we walked closer and talked to the man. This was his home. He lived in Jacmel and his house was destroyed in the earthquake. He has no job, even though he speaks some English and is trained as an air conditioning tech. Now he is just trying to survive and provide for his family. Jean Pierre was a very gracious host. We sat down outside of his tent on the ground. He handed us card board sheets to sit on and jokingly apologized for not having chairs for us to sit on. His tent sits on the land of his Aunt's grave. But in spite of all these things he was happy. He has since been working on building a more stable home for him and his boys.

True Meaning of Peace

This passage reigns true in Haiti. Now more then ever. The people had a hard life before the earthquake but they managed. Now their suffering is very much being tested. Many, many Haitians are displaced throughout the county side, with no homes or jobs – they are living with family or lucky to have a tent on the side of the mountain top. But still they love life. They praise God for what they have. They enjoy visits from family and friends and strangers and welcome them.

I was joking about how many people can ride a tap-tap (a joke told to me from a friend); the answer – 1 more. How many people will we visit on the country side on our walk to the lake; the answer – just 1 more. And how many people do we feed when we have food; one more. Isn't this the way Jesus fed the thousands with so very little food. He just kept sharing and said one more. All those who are weary come to me and I will give you shelter – HOPE – Truly Isaiah's words in 40:31 are never more true than in Haiti. God bring them refuge – let them soar on eagles wings so finally, finally they may live in a world where they are not weary, they will not be faint and they will have peace. This peace, the true peace and meaning of Shalom. Peace in and through you our eternal Savior. And when, when they feel the true peace of your Shalom - They will know love and they will share it with just one more, maybe one more American, one more Sri Lankan, one more Korean. And that suffering of the Haitians will lead to the salvation of the world.

Experiening The World Cup for the first time in Haiti

Experiencing The World Cup in Haiti was an incredible experience. First of all let me just say I have never watched a foutbòl (soccer for the few in the US) game in my life. Honestly I am not sure I was real aware at how big a deal this event is. Sadly, but in the United States, not such a big deal. Not the case in Haiti or really for the rest of the world - apparently.
First of all there was the buzz the days before the games would start. Everyone had to get there little brochures with the info about the games, teams, so they could keep track of the brackets.
Then the games began - something came over Haiti. Everywhere you turned you heard radios and televisions set to the games. You also heard these 2 theme songs I have attached -ALL the Time! When I hear them now it takes me right back to Haiti, and brings back so many memories.
One more thing to share about the games - when Brazil would play - This is Haiti's team. I asked around as to why and I guess they play similar in style to the Haitians. So we watched the Brazil game at a friends, cousin's house. When Brazil would score everyone would be up out of their chairs screaming and cheering. Then they would run outside. (which I found very strange) So the 2nd or 3rd time this happened I followed them outside and you could hear from many different distances the Haitian people cheering! The whole neighborhood would erupt when Brazil scored a goal. :) It was so fun. It showed me the playfulness and joy of the Haitian people - I soaked it in and wanted to share it with you.

Visiting in Hait - May 16th

We went to visit the home of a gentleman that was built by H.A.P.I. On the way to the house we met some people on the road and everyone greeted each other. We stopped by one woman's house that was sick. She had a fever and some aches. We prayed with her. We all held hands and prayed. First Pastor Paul, then Tamara, then they all said the Lord's prayer and Psalm 23 in Creole. Then everyone shook everyone hands and I think said "God bless you". It was very personal and a great connection with one another and God. Then we were headed off again walking on the narrow red, rocky, road. There was beautiful scenery all along the way but you had to watch your feet. Then we arrived in the home a small 2 room place. It was a nice place - stone, stucco, just 2 rooms. But very small comparative to United States. But enough - How much space do we really need. A gentleman was sitting on his bed. Then after I was there a moment I realized he was bed bound - he had no legs. I don't know if this is a result of the earthquake or not. But it was hard to see this man sitting there in bed knowing in Haiti your life is hard enough. I had been watching men and women all day working in their gardens, cooking, everything done by hand. And here was a man living in middle of the country side with no legs. What is he supposed to do. He just has to depend on God and rely on others. Isn't that the way we should do it. It was nice to be able to visit his house and bring a smile, along with some protein that had been donated to us. I look forward to visiting him again.

May 27th - going to Port-au-Prince

We awoke at 4:00am to a down pour of rain, and decided to wait until 4:30 to see if the rain would cancel our trip. We checked to see if Paul was awake, there was no sound so we attempted to go back to sleep. Next I was startled awake to the sound of a truck in the distance. We headed out despite the rain, we had four wheel drive. When we got to the clearing area the sun was just rising. It was an amazing view over the mountains, breathtaking. I thought to myself this must be what heaven looks like. As we knew we were nearing the city because of the smell and the traffic picked up. Once you start seeing the new tent cities you know you are closer and the reality of the situation in Haiti hits you like a knife to your heart. But we do what we can and hope and pray; its all we can do.
The scene in Port au Prince is just heartbreaking. Everywhere you look you see dirt, distruction, trash, water, just devestation. But then there are beautiful people, dressed well, determination on there face going on with their daily lives. My mind finds it difficult to comprehend how we can allow people to live like this. People are sleeping with there babies in 'shelters' made of scraps of metal, wood, sheets, anything they can find. The size of these shelters for a family of 4 or more is the size of many peoples bathrooms in the US. And bathrooms - how do people go, where is the waste ending up? How do they continue to stay clean when it appears there isn't a place to get water. People gathered in line with buckets for water, who knows how far they travel just to get a little water so their family would have something to drink or some way to bathe.
The whole situation in Haiti is beyond overwhelming. But we do what we can and hope and pray, its all we can do.

inspired by a teenager

We are never too old or to young to learn so much in our lives. And people of all ages, economic status and cultures teach us about our lives. God comes to us in many different forms we just have to be paying attention. Sometimes this is easier said then done. Especially when this is coming in the attitude of a teenager. They sometimes have wisdom much beyond there years and are speaking the word of God.
I witnessed a young man last week that was touched by the holy spirit. Which was difficult to let happen because of coarse it came at 11:30pm. But I let him stay up for a bit and finish writing.
He humbly shared the words that came to him with a group of his peers with a touch of fear on whether it would be accepted. But confident that these words came to him and were inspired from God. The words were fitting to the week and related to many different people. God uses all people all over the world to touch our lives. But we need to be paying attention. Listen, Listen. It might just be the voice of God speaking to you.

Our souls have changed hands. Where humans used to be ruled by our mistakes, we are now watched over with everlasting acceptance. We used to belong to temptation, now we owe ourselves to a life after temptation.

All our souls were property to our own mortality, our own flesh,... and hate, and lies, and sin.

But our souls have changed hands. It was a high price, but our lives, our eternal hearts, were brought back from the slaveholder. So rejoice, because we have all been set free.

A lot of us... all of us, still act like we're slaves though. We let our mortality drag us down. We get stressed. We let our fear keep us from living. We're a freed people living like slaves.

So tonight, for Silent Night, lets be free. Tonight, I'm going to live without thoughts of death. I'm going to start paying back my debt to God. And you all have the chance to join me. Let's all be free children of God tonight. ~Jacob Manlove

"Let's all be free children of God [everyday]" ...If you know how loved you are by God; part of celebrating your freedom is showing those that don't know - the joy of the love you know.

You never know how God will use your abilities.

No matter how small those abilities may seem, they may be used someday. Once upon a time I wanted to be an architect when I grew up. That was the plans right out of high school, but plans always seem to change. I have never really lost that passion. I love HGTV and can watch the remodel shows all day long. But I never thought this passion for design would come in handy in Haiti.
The kitchen in Haiti had gone through some updating in the past year. But they wanted to get a more permanent kitchen put into place before the N.American teams arrived in Haiti. The cooks shared what they wanted for their kitchen. Then Paul, the pastor asked me to draw out the plans. At first I thought I am not an architect, nor do I know Haitian construction. But after thinking about it and praying about it; I realized I did have enough knowledge to make this a reality. So I drew out a floor plan for the new kitchen. After some more input from Amab (Paul's wife) about extra storage, plans were tweaked.
Things move slow in Haiti, so I had no idea when the new kitchen would become a reality. Then one morning I walked up for breakfast and all the old sinderblocks from the kitchen were removed and the guys were hard at work. It was all very exciting to see it become a reality. It was even more exciting to see how excited the ladies were about the building of their new kitchen. You never know what you will be asked to do in missions.

What are you praying for?

Journal from Haiti -- May 16th --
I awoke with a glimmer of light in our room at 5:30am. Then I took out my earplugs and the rooster sang me awake. Time to venture out to the beautiful outhouse, no problem I like camping. I was praying and thanking God for letting me be there. (Not there in the outhouse specifically but in Haiti.) Then I asked God for a toilet seat. I'm making a list of basic things I would like. A toilet seat would be nice.
Then one of my favorite songs came on my Ipod - "I was made to love you" by Toby Mac. There is a line in that song that says "anything, I would give it up for you. Everything I would give it all away."
I had to laugh --- I never thought about having to give up a toilet seat. It is amazing the things in our lives we take for granted.

Back in the States

I have taken too much time to try and decide what to write now that I am back in the states. But many people have asked me how was it. And I have a whole variety of answers depending on what part you want to hear. The trip was a blessing. I heard a phrase once, probably on the bottom of a pastors email - "blessed to be a blessing" This phrase runs through my mind often when I think of Haiti. I was truly blessed to be down there. I have dreamt of going back for over a year now. My only hope is that I was able to be a small blessing in my time there.
I did many things when I was in Haiti but I feel the most important thing was to learn. I just tried to be with the Haitians and learn and soak up as much of the culture and language as I could. Sometimes this was frustrating. As Americans we go to other countries on mission trips for a 'project'. We come in we have an agenda/goal and we get it accomplished. But when you are working on a longer term goal you seem to 'think' about things much more. I found myself pondering the long range goals of Haiti. But not mine, trying to discover what the beautiful people around me dream for there country. And how can I - or can I be a part of that dream developing. And how can I keep my own American biases out of the situation and try and just 'be a blessing'. I keep working on this 'goal' and hope I can be a small part of the Haitian dream. I do believe in the country. I know the people there are incredible strong, loving and will rise up from the rubble of the earthquake.

Leaving for Haiti

The last month has been crazy full of a variety of things. Packing, moving, fundraising, sharing, campus ministry, and more. So many changes it is hard to take all in and imagine. Many people asked me on the eve of my departure, "How are you feeling/doing?" I am - I think I am just completly in the moment. I have been anxious, excited, sad, happier then one could imagine, stressed!, numb, nervous, and now I am ready. I know I am blessed more than words can possible expressed. I said to God I would go if we worked together at making it happen. Well God worked some miracles!
A friend whispered to me in the church goodbyes, "I knew when you got back in March last year you would be going back." That really said it all, I really feel like I have been preparing for this in one way or another for the last year. And my imagination is finally going to be a reality.
Thank You, Thank You for being a part of this. God truly does amaze me.

Individual Volunteers in Mission Training

In preparing for Haiti, I went to a Volunteers in Mission Training this weekend. I learned many things necessary for going into missions all over the world. If you are even considering volunteering in the world check out the information on Indivual Volunteers in Mission. It will open you eyes and heart to a whole new world. I met so many wonderful people stretching out not only all over the world but working right here in the United States in there own backyards.
One of the conversations at the training talked about backyards. We should all be working in God's backyard. Where does God's back yard end?
I truely believe we are all called by God to make a difference in this world to many people. All of these people are children of God that need you to reach out. So go work in God's backyard! This might be in your church, 4 blocks away with children , elderly, or the poor, half way across your state, way down in Oklahoma or way up in Alaska, or maybe it is half way around the world in Africa. Wherever God calls you to go - get prepared and seek out the persons who have walked before you. We have so much to learn from each other. I would like to share with you the quote that is always at the bottom of a wonderful woman's email who opened the door for me in Haiti.

Now are you the body of Christ ~1 Cor. 12:27
Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which the compassion
of Christ is to look out on a hurting world.
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless now. ~Teresa of Avila

Thank You! Thank you to all who have lived this life and continue to live to reach out in a hurting world.
Now go play, work, and love in God's backyard.

Haiti is fast approaching plans are underway. I have my plane ticket. I ordered some H.A.P.I. products to start fundraising. I started actually making some jewelery made from my bullitan beads. Many people have asked me how that would work out so I have included a picture. I am happy to say I have already sold 7 necklaces. Let me know if your interested. I have also been doing other fundraising, such as selling goodies and doing meals at the university. I am excited beyond words for what lies ahead and what God has planned.

Haiti here I come!

It is official, I booked my flight today. I hope that I have enough time to accomplish all I have to do. I have the exact same feeling I had when I went sky diving. I am getting what they call ground rush. For the majority of the time you are 'falling' it doesn't feel that way. You are flying! :) you are floating above the ground and admiring all there is to take in of the earth below. Then when you are nearer to the ground...(I am unsure on the feet), but then you are falling! There seems to be so much going on with the world around me and the ground is coming soon. Anticipation! unexplainable. And I know the 'ground' in Haiti will also be unexplainable. I know that this will be bittersweet situation. I miss the Haitian people and have been dreaming of returning since last March. But the undiscribable trama they have been through will be very hard to experience. Non the less I am glad I can be there for them, and maybe bring a little bit of hope.

~Angelica

Mission plans

Missions ~ I believe is the heart of the church. Jesus wanted us to help those in need - missions is one way of doing that. Growing up in a church allowed me to understand the importance of missions at a young age. I have felt a calling from God to be a full-time missionary for quite some time.

In the Spring of 2009, the people of Haiti allowed me to experience what it means to follow Jesus by working as a community of love. This experience solidified for me that the purpose in life is not about materialism rather loving your neighbor and God. I decided to adjust my priorities and face the fear that was previously preventing me from answering the call of God.

I will be volunteering in Haiti in May for 1-2 months and again in September for 9 months to a year.

I will be working with HAPI artisans to expand on sellable products sold in the United States as well as serving as the regioinal site coordinator for the Community of Shalom in Mizak.

My life journey this year has taught me, you need to trust where God is leading you and trust that God will maked things happen. To make this mission possible I need your support, prayers, and financial contributions to make this mission possible.

Blessings~

Angelica