Introduction

So, here is an introduction to this blog:

I took a 6 day trip to Carrefour, Haiti (which is about a 30-40 minute drive, west of Port-Au-Prince). Where we went: we have limited electricity (about 4 times total when the city would turn on power), no telephone service and no internet. We lived in a host-house that belonged to a guy named Michael, 23, who was also 1 of our translators and roommates. The house was 3 stories (counting the rooftop) and we lived in the top 2. The bottom was occupied by local neighbors.

The second floor had a large outdoor porch with 2 couches and a chair and was kind of a general social quarters that overlooked the street. (for a bit of a 3D view from the porch, click here:

In the house, there was 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen.

The kitchen had a refrigerator in there and a table for the dishes & food. It also had a 3 level shelf for our food storage. On the other wall, it had a stand for our water (think: kentwood jugs) and next to it was a table with 3 tubs that we'd fill with water, bleach and soap to wash dished after each meal.

Of the 3 bedrooms, 1 was a "girls room" and 1 was a "boys room". They were empty rooms and served as a place for us to put our belongings.

The third bedroom was also empty and served as the "donation room" which filled with items each of us had brought for donation.

Continuing to the back of the house, you would find a concrete stairway that led to the rooftop which was basically a simple roof and we had tents set up all along them. (for a peek at the rooftop view, see here:

Ok, I think I've set the scene enough...also, let me remind you that this was a Mission Trip. So - though I make no apologies for my own personal beliefs - I just know that I share a lot of the same concerns as many of my friends have concerning the activities of Missionaries within impoverished/developing nations......so, I am conflicted with some things as well...and so, I guess I'll just leave it at that.

Lastly, I just want to extend my warmest and deepest gratitude for all the people in my life that helped me make it to Haiti...from family to friends to people I've only met on Facebook...to people I've never met at all....your contributions, and encouragement, and prayer have meant SO very much to me!!

On with the show....since there was limited electricity and no internet service, live-blogging was clearly not an option. Instead I did it old-school and "dear diary-ed" my way through the trip (haha). So, I am now going to type out my journal entries in chronological order (this means, read the oldest post first (towards the bottom) and work your way up to the this 'introduction' blog that will remain at the top).

:-)

Conclusion..

So, in conclusion of the trip…and now that I’ve had a few days to digest the whole thing….

When I first heard about this organization and read up on what they’re all about (if you don’t know by now, I went through a Mission group called “Adventures In Missions” (AIM)… www.adventures.org ) …I was first turned off. I read certain ‘buzz’ words which didn’t “mesh” with the type of help that I wanted to offer. I read about Evangelizing and giving Testimonials, etc. I said “NO” faster than I could say anything. Yes, a complete knee-jerk reaction. You likely may figure this out by now, but I come to these situations in a very humbled way….Humbled that my brand of help might not be the ‘right’ type of help….humbled that my belief and faith could very well be wrong….but recognize that this is what strong faith can admit, and still be faithful. So, my first impression was “no way in Haiti, am I going to go to people that are malnutrition, neglected, homeless and oppressed…and start preaching to them about how great life is on the high-horse that I live on”. Then a little voice spoke to me….Some call it your “conscience” some call it “intuition”…I still don’t give myself enough credit to think it came from me….So I believe that God spoke to me while I was having my knee-jerk dismissal of this group, AIM, whom I had only just heard about. And the little voice basically said: “just do it! Get out of your comfort zone…stop looking for the million excuses to NOT do it, and…just. Do. It. Who knows, it could make you a better Christian”. I swear to you…that exact message came to my head. And, while sitting on the bed with my wife & looking at their website on the laptop – I said “let’s do it” and began to fill out the application. Moral of the story, I guess: how many times do we find ourselves criticizing things that we’ve never done or shoes that we’ve never walked in? And how many times do we discourage ourselves with the billion reasons *not* to do something? You can tell me that you want to help an old lady cross the road and I can tell you a million reasons why you shouldn’t (you could get hit!...she’s going to make you late in your schedule…what if she has a sickness?...maybe she’s a ninja disguised as an old lady and will rob you!...lol, ok, I threw the last one in to make sure you’re still awake!). But you see my point? We are so programmed to discourage action with the billion reasons NOT to do something…..but that’s easy….everyone can do that. Challenge yourself to sift through the billion “discouragements” and find the seldom seen “encouragements”. Don’t be lazy here….you will find that your life can be richer this way.

So, onto the ‘Mission’. I decided to do it. I knew, going in, that I would probably be in situations that made me a bit uncomfortable or that I was at odds with. But I was determined to not allow them to be a factor in exploring this experience. …and let me tell you: I’M GLAD I DID IT! Just like many places that I’ve been plugged in with (Uganda, Nepal, Eritrea/Ethiopia) – there is still so much to be done in Haiti. I’m hoping some good can come of the upcoming elections and they can start taking some wider action on some of the issues plaguing the area. Massive rubble pick up and a consistent waste-management systems are the biggest immediate needs right now, as far as I can see. I remember asking one of our translators, Carl, of the possibilities of a Recycling center (as we were picking up trash in the neighborhood…it’s amazing how much plastic and metal cans we picked up) and his response was “you and I should start one!” ….lol, I LOVE that attitude! Yes we should, Carl, yes we should. And who knows…perhaps we will. I think if there was a consistent waste management system from the government, people won’t be tossing their trash in the rivers, which was so depressing to see. Also, if there was a solid recycling center that perhaps offered a refund for recycling drop-offs, based on weight, we’d likely set up a wide spread grass roots efforts of Haitians recycling for extra change, and thus blasting the area with a huge cleanup effort (not sure the pigs and goats would be so happy about this effort. Lol)

The people of Haiti were incredible! Perhaps it’s because we were in Carrefour – but all the hype about crime in Haiti has been a little over-sold. There wasn’t a moment that we saw any acts of crime or ever felt unsafe or in need to watch our bags/cameras/etc that were laying out and unattended at many times. The people and their families were always welcoming and courteous…the hospitality shown across the board was incredible. The children were always so curious and honest…just as all children are…but moreso, perhaps because of their circumstances, they were so much more mature and advanced it seemed.

I left Haiti wanting to come home, scoop up my family and go right back. They gave me a new perspective on the work that needs to be done around the world. I want to be able to work with Haitians and incorporate them into the ever-growing worldwide network that I’m assembling to bridge the gaps on world problems and promote progress from the ground level. Did I leave the trip completely changed? Well perhaps not…I was still at odds with certain practices of Mission groups, but it certainly forced me to put down the broad brush and not be so jaded when I think about them working the ways that they work – as it is just as necessary and valuable as the work that I’d like to be a part of and take lead of.

So, I don’t come back with some Divine message for you – or with some smug sense of accomplishment. However, I come back to you with another reminder of how humble we must be and how our problems of bills and debt and traffic are not comparables to people who wake up working to eat for the day – or to pick up a pick-axe and continue cracking away at the endless pile of rubble that used to be ‘home’. It further humbled me that: here are people with so much less than me…so many more reasons to be angry with God or fed-up with faith…and instead they are more spiritually rich than I can dream to become. If that doesn’t speak volumes that I don’t know what does.

Moving forward, I hope to stay in touch with Michael (who had hosted us in his house), Pastor Jean-Philip (who’s church was our home away from home), and Son Of God orphanage so that I can possibly coordinate a trip with them for my wife to share in the experience early 2011. Then, I’m hoping to be able to collaborate with people (perhaps Carl, even!) to start some grass-roots solutions, starting in Carrefour, to help things progress forward.

I look forward to what the future holds! :o)

Saturday

In the morning, we awoke at 4:30am.

We all began gathering our things ready for the bus, waiting on the front porch. We continued to triple check that we were leaving Michael's place neater than we had found it. Pastor Jean-Philip came from across the street to see us off and wish us safe travels. I gave the 2 letters to him and he had promised to give them to Defronzy & Esther.

We all convened on the porch where pictures were being taken and last minute contact information was being shared. The bus took the early group and the other 6 of us loaded up in a van on way to the staff house. Let me just say that I was expecting the staff house to be similar to the one we stayed in. Uh-NO! lol. It was converted from what was originally a honeymoon resort. AKA: really really nice. Oh, and did I mention: air conditioning and wi-fi service? wowzers! :-)

We spent about 2 hours there, sharing stories until the bus came to pick us up and we were off to the airport. I had gotten some video from the bus on the way. But it was from my phone, so I hope it turned out well.

Stacey, Preston, Hope and I were the group hanging at the PAP airport for about 2 more hours. Arriving in MIA 2 hours later was an entirely different challenge! Can you say "custom's officer"??

They had me "detained" for about 1 hour...needing "verify some things on my passport", whatever that meant. Part of the wait was that there was a big storm in Miami and they couldn't get the luggage from the plane....and part of my being chosen, meant getting my bags checked. So they held onto my passport and had me sit in a "guest room" that was more like a holding cell...had to use the restroom and got escorted by 2 officers (i guess making sure that i wasn't dumping anything in the bathroom). Finally when the luggage came out, I grabbed my bag and the custom's agent went through everything. He asked many questions, that i guess they ask everyone they check (where you coming from? why were you there? who were you with? what did you do? etc etc etc). After answering all his questions and letting him go through all my stuff....he gave me back my passport and said I'm clear to go...without any explanation for the last hour. I even asked "if you don't mind me asking, what was the reason for a lot of this? was there a discrepancy on my passport?" he simply replied "no there was no problem with the passport" and pointed me to the exit.

That bugged the crap out of me...but i'm glad it was only a minor inconvenience and nothing more.

Home now and thinking of how God will want me to change things in 2011 to commit myself and my family fully to doing His work.

More later.

Thanks for reading my ramblings.

What an incredible trip......if you can, I encourage you to go.

Friday Evening...

Later that evening we had a youth group meeting at the church with the youth of the town. There were about 40 of theme and "youth group" there meant about 14-24 range of ages. Some elders also attended, as did Paster Jean-Philip. We each had to share a verse or story and speak to the group (via interpreter) for about 5-10 minutes each. I spoke on the very first passage I started this journal with while I was on my flight over: Romans 12:6-8. I think it was well received and fit in with the overall theme which everyone else coincidentally covered as well. After service, their group prayed over us. Afterwards, 5 of the elder women gave a presentational plaque to our group leading, Carrie, as a "thank you" for all of her hard work across the weeks. They then unveiled 2 tables STACKED with deferent fruits (melons, bananas, mangoes, papayas, etc) and sugar cane. And they said these were a gift for us. It was WAY more food than we could eat and certainly we felt guilty even taking this from them...but they insisted so we each bagged them up with intentions to donate to Michael's house and others. They were under the impression that we'd be able to take them with us to the US and were unaware of custom's laws. We returned to the house at dark and there was cake and dinner and guests there to celebrate Michael's 24th birthday. His parents came to celebrate, as did his younger sisters and his brothers. Knowing that this was our final night with these people, you could feel the energy of everyone trying to take in every second. I spoke with a guy named Daniel, who was Michael's childhood friend. He's 28 and we were talking about my family....I asked where are his kids and wife. And he said he lost his fiancée in the earthquake inside of the university. I asked if he'd still have kids later and he only replied that he would see his love when he dies. Broke my heart to hear that.

After everyone had left from the birthday celebrations, we had 1 final meeting as a group. It was a meeting to reflect on the overall trip and the positive feedback that we had for each member of the team. There were some touching moments of sharing and everyone was quite candid with one another. Because we were a decent sized group, coupled with the ever consistency of A.D.D., the meeting went a little long. By the time we were finished, we needed to head to bed, because we were to wake up for 4:30am to be ready for the bus at 5:30am to take the morning flights (all but 6 of us) to the airport and the other 6 of us to the staff house until time to head to the airport. As I laid down I thought about how 5:30am would be too early for the 2 neighbor children, whom I had gotten to know, to be awake. So, I realized that I would be leaving without saying "goodbye" to Defronzy & Esther. This actually bothered me so much that I couldn't sleep. So, I got up to retrieve my notebook and wrote both of them individually lengthy letters. I will really miss our daily interactions: my soccer games & mathematics & creole lessons with 10 year old Defronzy and my discussions about our families with the ever-glowing smile that belongs to 14 year old Esther. 2 very wonderful children. I slept like a rock after writing these letters.

Friday

Awoke this morning at 5am to watch the sun rise and the town awake, again. It is great to see a 40 minute span of darkness-to-light and quiet to all different noises of the town at work. Just read the following quote:

"God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable. He comforts us to make us comforters"

^Read that a couple times over...it is deeper than it's 1-sentence-structure suggests^

We mustn't focus on a selfish ambition of comfort. Yet it is important that we are capable, willing & practicing in being comforters to others - using God's comfort for us and our lifestyles as an assignment to be comforters to others and not as simply an award to grant us comfort.

Went to the coast line for 1 hour to have 4 members in our group baptized. It was a good experience.

Along the coast you can really see the effects of the earthquake in the forms of long, deep cracks along the sidewalks and docs.

There are fishermen on row boats casting nets to capture fish and boys standing along the broken concrete deck with long fishing wire wrapped around plastic bottles - casting out their lines with hopes of catching fish. Didn't seem like they were getting any bites - though, 1 boy did catch an eel which seemed to get quite a rise out of the group. Also saw a teenage boy in a wet-suit and scuba equipment. He was hunting fish with a makeshift spear projectile which basically consisted of a long rusty spear rod inside of a long silver cylinder rod that he had rigged up with rubber bands (the type you see in a gym) to act as the force of the shooting spear. It was actually very impressive. He had his ankle tied to his little canoe, which held his captured fish (which, unfortunately, wasn't much).

After the baptisms, we took a cab - known as a "tap tap" - back to the house. A 'tap-tap' is basically a pick-up truck that has bench seating built along the sides of the bed and metal walls & roof to protect from the weather, with windows. Think: small school bus with bench seating. Very hot. Very stuffy. They decorate them nicely though. :-)

When we returned and ate lunch, our group leaders (Megan and Carrie) asked us to do one last "listening prayer" to plan the rest of the day. I suggested that I was feeling moved to NOT relax and spend out last day in rest - instead: to sprint to the finish and dedicate ourselves to either trash or rubble clean up. (Both of which are highly necessary). The group seemed to be in agreemnet but we wanted to make sure that a group of "blancs" walking around the neighborhood picking up trash would not be an insult to the people...as we didn't want to send the wrong message of looking down our noses at the people of Haiti. Fortunately it was confirmed through some of the translators that it would be no problem at all. We assembled a group, gloved up, and grabbed a bunch of trash bags. We cleaned trash and litter in the streets around the house and along our 5 minute walk to the church - then picking up around the surrounding streets of the church. We got occasional laughs from people, wondering what the heck we were waisting our time for. But soon enough there were groups of neighbors helping us pick up. And, in fact, I began seeing down some streets we didn't go down that people were starting to do the same. We started a ripple effect on Friday and I hope it lasts long after we are gone. I think just as it is important for us to help our fellow brothers & sisters spiritually, it is also important for them to see us putting our faith into action and helping them physically. We didn't come to Haiti with much on the ability to help them financially or to solve all of their problems - however what we can provide in abundance is: our prayer, our compassion, our empathy, and out blood/sweat/tears!

One more thing, Thursday...

Carl

Also, quickly: One of our translators, Carl, just had a baby 1 week ago. Because he doesn't live nearby we can only hear of his wide and baby. So I asked if he had any pictures to which he responded that he simply doesn't make enough to afford taking pictures. So (brace youtself Bini, whom lent me his camera - lol) I let him take the camera home with him tonight and he will return tomorrow with pictures of his family. Hope he's able to work it and care for it well. We will see tomorrow.

Here are some of the pictures he brought back:

Thursday afternoon...

After lunch, I played soccer with Defronzy for a little bit. He is 10 and it got mighty competitive. We called it a game at a 3-3 tie - as we needed to head to church to meet with other church members for prayer walk...yes, more prayer walk. :-)

--Wait...let me rewind, again...

This morning we went back to the orphanage and was overwhelmed even more that the previous day there. I'm really not sure if I can put the moments into words. We spent about 3-4 hours with the children in such priceless moments. Games and skits were played and I bonded with some of the sweetest children that were so thirsty for affection. 3 boys named Peterson, Evanson & Gustave around the ages of 12 were closest with me. They stayed by my side an interacted the entire time.

Peterson & adorable 4y/o

Evanson

Gustave

I pulled out my notebook and all the kids were coming to write their names. I was also giving them mathematics lessons.

Gustave did me the great honor of giving me his picture which looks of wallet sized school picture.

These kids...I swear to you...there are no words to express. There was also a 4 year old that was pants-less and completely smitten by me. As I sat, he stood between my knees just as my daughters do. He would turn and smile up at me with the largest smile that he could make and his soft eyes....just like my girls. I piled every ounce of my emotions from missing my wife and children and hugged and kissed these children tightly to fill their void and my own. We were a bonded family and I had even taught them the "goooooo TEAM!" cheer that my girls and I do all the time (like a little league baseball team would do by putting all hands in the center of a circle). I wished that they could have been there to be sisters to these children and partake in the affection. If I never spent another day outside of an orphanage with my family, I would never want for anything.

During our time, the children were aloud to take pictures with the camera freely which probably produced better pictures than I could. This was clearly where I belonged. Where I belong.

some of their drawings/writings:

Later in the evening we came to eat super (goat..mmmmmmm). I spent more time with Defronzy...we played more soccer, played with the camera a bit and worked more on his math. A neighbor girl named Esther came by and we talked more with her. She, Defranzy, me and a girl named Chris-Love all sat at the top of the stairs and drew stick-men of ourselves and our siblings. Then I drew stick figures to represent my wife & 3 daughters to tell about them.

I went to get my phone and showed them pics of my 3 girls and wife. Then remembered that I have video of the 3 girls. The kids were amazed and loved the videos. They paid special attention to their long hair. One last thing: when Esther first made it over to the house, she re-introduced herself then said "Elizabeth and...and...Christina". It caught me off gaurd as I had forgotten that I had shared this info with her yesterday - and she had remembered. Nothing crazy, but it brought a smile to my face to hear her recite that out of the blue.

A storm is blasting through now and it's dark, dark out. I'm sitting on the chair on the front patio with a flashlight. Oh, how I long to be back at that orphanage. I can't communicate the incredibly deep deep pull that I have to this place. It is breaking my heart right now just thinking of them and knowing we won't be returning. I need to commit with Yordanos when I get back to the US, to both make a commitment to come to THIS orphanage and go to more. I need for her to see & feel this...and meet these wonderful children. I need to share this with my family. I want to come specifically for this orphanage...perhaps not a mission trip next time...but full time with the orphanage. I need my family to share in this incredibly important experience. I will find a way to get in touch with this orphanage directly to coordinate a trip. For coordinating goods and resources, I will only feel comfortable having a third party coordinate it here in Haiti as there are some concerns that the current resources are being abused (clothes, meds, etc) and not all are getting to these children.

This is a commitment that I must fulfill.

Started out the morning right...

Started out the morning right by setting the alarm clock so that we can watch the sun rise. By we, I mean my roommate who is sharing his tent with me, as there isn't much roof space for more tents. His name is Preston and he is 20, from Sioux Falls, SD. Good guy...very involved in church and is about to start school in the medical field with an attention in trauma practice. So we set the alarm for 5am and woke to watch the sun rise from the rooftop. I snapped several pictures of the sunrise.

Today we are headed back to the orphanage from Tuesday! You could probably guess that I'm pretty excited. We will stay there for about 3 hours and enjoy time with the children. There has been no MORE rewarding time that at the orphanage. I am looking forward to this morning. Later we will be meeting with some church group members for more Evangelizing. I'm not as excited for this, but still intrigued...we shall see how that goes.

Random thought of the day regarding logic and God. Some of you may believe the 2 operate separately. But if we are to believe that God created all, why then do we take "logic" from Him? This taps into a bigger issue for me...science is not the enemy of God or faith. Neither is logic. They are not of separate things. Is it not possible that God created evolution? and logic? and a solar system? We much not kid ourselves that it is either-or. Or that logic is the devil's work. IF I use logic to still come to the conclusion of the same God and Jesus as you - is my logic still a flaw? --just something to chew on.

Also, just read and notated several passages on "compassion" for the oppressed and suffering...the widows and orphans...more to come on this subject later, as it ties closely to my largest passion. Some reading material for what drew to me closest:

Exodus 22:21

Psalms 10:18

Psalms 72:14

James 1:27

All are quick reads...check them out when you get a minute. yes..a minute is how long it will take to read all 4. ;-)

Wednesday evening...

We went to church tonight at about 6:30pm for about 1 1/2 hours. Out 2 translators gave VERY gripping testimonials. Michael and Zick (Z.I.C.K.) were both incredible in their deliveries both in English and creole. Michael spoke about Mathew 6:25-27, which spoke of "worry" and encouraged his people not to worry of such tings as food...or clothes - but instead have faith that God will provide. He gave a passionate speech about stress and worry. He explained that before the earthquake there were issues with crime and people burglarizing homes...and everyone would lock their doors. They would save for many years to buy a car or a house. Then the earthquake came and took everything away. Therefore, where did all that worry get them? In Mathew 6:27, it says: "Can all of your worries add to a single moment in your life?"

Zick gave an equally passionate testimonial about "faith". He explained to everyone the importance of faith and belief. As a demonstration, he pulled out a chair and said "this is a chair, yes?". He stood on the chair and said "I am standing on this chair and am confident that I will not fall. You know why? Because I believe this chair is sturdy. ..and that is what faith is like. How can we believe in something so simple as a chair, yet not in something so important?". They were both very spirited in their deliveries. I remember towards the end of Zick's speech, I turned to a group member, Dereck, on my left and said "this is quite possibly the BEST service that I've been apart of". There were some other speaking roles from our group and Pastor Jean-Philip - and we socialized with everyone in the church (and I mean everyone...they all immediately came over to us and I probably shook over 100 hands and heard several "God bless you"'s and received several hugs). We left for home afterwards.

...One more thing: While in church today - hearing the Haitian people sing, I closed my eyes and opened my mind to speak with God. I know this may sound like "uh-oh, Sean's drinking the kool-aide" talk. But let me first say that when I was in Eritrea in 2004, we were in a small town called Adi-Gba. I was not on a mission trip or anything of the sort (so, there was no 'kool-aide', lol) - and I was simply there with my wife, Yordanos, and visiting her family. During the quiet of night, I sat along and looked out into the unlit night sky. I felt a gravitational pull telling me that my life should be dedicated to helping God's people. I made a promise with God that night that I would fulfill this and return to Eritrea to help others in any ways possible. Well, in church today, I heard that same call. That whether it be in Haiti or Eritrea or Ethiopia or somewhere else...that I needed to stop speaking on it, and live the promise. I envisioned my children in this church playing with Haitian children and embracing with them. The church, to give you a visual, is about 25 yards long - 15 yards wide. It has a metal piping frame and squares of tarp are strewn together to cover it entirely. There is a middle isle and on both sides are rows of about 15-20 pews. I had a long talk with God and he made it clear, in my head anyway, that it was time to start taking some action. And to continue to actively pray that my family would be on board with this promise and great responsibility. I made this commitment in 2004 and I am reaffirming it in 2010. I am going to practice patience and perseverance in this journey. But I will fulfill this longstanding promise. God as my witness ;-)

Wednesday afternoon...

Just got back from Church service. My math/creole class was interrupted and the group went on to do what is called "walking prayer". You and I may refer to this as "Jehovah's Witness". Yes...we were street walking to 'Evangelize' in the neighborhood. Because this activity was voluntary, I could have opted out to stay home and rest. However I decided that, since I would never...ever...in a million years...do this type of thing - that I would. I would challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone and experience something before criticizing it (which is what this entire trip was an exercise of). So I went along with the distinct intention to stay back and observe. We walked for a good 45 minutes and stopped to speak to several people whom were either at their doors or sitting outside. The first group was 3 young boys sitting under a tree of about 10-13 years old. We simply introduced ourselves (it was a group of 7 of us with translator Zick) we carried basic conversation and asked what they were up to. Their response was that they were sitting around trying to come up with jokes. I know, random right? So we continued to talk with them and they asked if anyone knew any jokes...since no one else could think of one, I had told one that I had heard from an Eritrean Friend ("even if it flies, it is still a goat")...uh, yeah, it bombed. It bombed with everyone....a lot of "I don't get it". haha. Well, I tried.

Anyway, we had continued to pray with them at their blessings and moves along. We next came up to an older woman who was sitting outside and hand-sewing a dress. We asked if we could sit and speak with her and she kept repeating "I have no food, no house" we'd ask several other questions and she would respond the same. Eventually, she agreed to prayer and the group prayed with her. We bid her farewell and continued on. We stopped to speak with an elderly man sitting in the shade waiting for someone to meet him. He had a "Jesus is the boss" baseball cap on and was very welcoming. We spoke with him about his family and his house and his faith. He asked that we pray for his health (blood pressure), which we did. Lastly, we stopped by a house with a 20 year old woman and her 1 year old daughter standing by the doorway. WE spoke with her and asked if there was anything she'd like prayer for...she paused and chuckled a bit & said "I have so many problems, that I can not chose just one". She provided the general situation of her faith and health and her mother also came over to ask for prayer for a house of their own, as they are currently renting in a difficult situation. We prayed with them and ventured back home.

My feelings on "walking prayer" is still a bit mixed, but perhaps not as jaded. I still hold reservation regarding the 'salesmanship' of this practice. The aggression and tactlessness that some handle this as, is definitely not my style of practice. However, I think the instances in which we were welcomed into prayer & a shared faith, it was an incredible experience. Simply to partake in a mutual prayer for someone other than myself. So, again...I am stuck with no definitive answers. But I do say this: there is a necessary value to this practice (if we, as Christians, are intent to walk in the footsteps of Jesus...what do you think he did when walking through a neighborhood? Head down and conversation limited? I'm not sure that is the image I picture). -- But just like anything, I think it is at the risk of being abused. "Evangelizing" should go hand-in-hand with respecting all people...even those whom believe differently. Including respect of their space, time and attention. I am still uncomfortable being a salesman...but I recognize that cars need to be sold....make sense? lol, I hope so....you don't want me writing even MORE on this, yes? :-)

Wednesday...

After the long break yesterday, the females in the group left for women's bible stufy at the local church. The men (8 of us) were heading to a nearby field to play soccer (about a 10 minute walk). As soon as we got to the soccer field, the largest storm we have seen had begun. There were about 30 Haitian kids practicing on the field with their coach couching them along the way. They were gracious enough to halt their practice and allow us to play. Where we were challenged is that it became us, Americans (you know....the one's who don't even play soccer) against their all-star team of an average age of maybe 13. The storm came down very hard, at one point going completely horizontal blowing trash and debris across the field and our faces, as if a hurricane. We played through and had a blast! The field was one big mud pit mixed with miniature lakes all over. Needless to say, there was a ton of wipe outs and we all go wet and dirty. At one point we were getting beat so badly that the coach and some others joined our team - that seemed to level the playing field a bit. We played for over 1 1/2 hours and concluded with showering the mud from our bodies/clothes in the stream of rain water falling from a corner of the roof of a nearby building. The Haitian players were so generous and welcoming. We nick named some: Ranaldinho, Maradona & Pele. These kids were GOOD. I ended up having several assists, but mainly played defense where I was able to rack up some good steals (well, when Ronaldinho, Maradona & Pele weren't trying to break my hip! lol)

On our way back, we encountered 3 men aggressively asking for money. Our group leader, Megan, through our Haitian translator, D, told them that we could not give them money but could give prayer. In the process, I saw that several of them wore the black bracelets that was a representation of their voodoo practice apparently. They snickered at Megan as she was talking to them but she continued on and

then we had left & they snickered as we walked away. Not really sure what the 'commotion' was all about or where it stemmed from, but it was an interesting thing to whiteness.

Found out this morning that it wasn't just some heavy storm yesterday during our epic futball match...it was in fact a tropical depression! Nice. Anyway, this morning we went back to the local church and spent recreational time with the neighborhood kids. Put on a couple skits, sang a bunch of songs, played games and handed out crayons/coloring books for them to color. The rest of the time was just interacting personally with

the children. It was great as it should be...these were definitely more well-off children than at the orphanage. I enjoyed my time with them but definitely felt an urge to get back to the orphanage. We go back tomorrow and I will certainly be requesting to stay longer. After the time with the kids today we walked about 20 minutes to a woman's house who had requested we come by to pray in her home, which was still standing after the earthquake, but uninhabitable. She slept in a nearby tent because it wasn't safe for her in the house. She was about 60 years old and lost her husband about 4 years ago. So she said she had a vision that we came to her house and prayed with her. So we did. It was fulfilling to have such a simple and immaterial request & to fulfill it without quid-pro-quo. We prayed and got a tour of her house and walked the 20 minutes back. Sat the last 40 minutes with a local boy who lives downstairs with him teaching me creole words and numbers and me quizzing him on his math. It was a great time. His name is Defronzy & her is 10 years old.

As you could see, Defronzy only knew how to tell me to SAY the numbers in creole...the spelling was completely up to me..and i just tried to spell it how it sounds. lol

After lunch..

It's after lunch now and we are at Michael's house relaxing. We went to an orphanage for about 2 hours. It was the best 2 hours that i will likely spend here. Perhaps I'm selling short the rest of my week. But this was exactly why I wanted to be here...for the people who need us...and more importantly, children.

Let me rewind for a second: after breakfast we stood on the balcony and did a learning activity called "Listening Prayer". This is when you clear your mind to let God speak to you and you simply: listen. The activity was to line up half of us with eyes closed and line the other half in front of us. The person with their eyes closed was supposed to do this prayer exercise for the person (whom they couldn't see) and share what they hear. I, being the skeptical guy that I am, am not necessarily sure that I bought completely into this...but what came to my mind was: Resilience, Compassion, Strength - to which the person in front of me, Hope, said she prayed for 2 of this morning. Then we switched roles and I had a girl, Megan, standing in front of me with eyes closed. She said she saw the words "patience" and "persistence" for me. She also said she saw a small child kicking a soccer ball. I happened to have a soccer jersey on and was playing with my 2 girls with the soccer balls last week before packing them.

So, did that make me fully buy into it? Probably not...but it did make me aware that sometimes instead of talking to God or requesting from Him, perhaps listen and be observant of his presence.

So, after the project we went to the orphanage for about a 15 minute walk through the rock roads of our neighborhood. As soon as we walked in we were immediately swarmed by orphaned kids. From ages of 2mo's old, to 12 & 13 years, they ranged and numbered of about 60 kids. I sat on a bench to have 3 wide eyed, loving, needing boys (about 3, 7, 10) hugging on me. The 7 year old sat on my lap and appeared to have an eye cold. He was so sweet and became territorial of me from then-on. The oldest stood behind me, trying to practice some English & my name. He absolutely loved running his fingers through my head. He would occasionally rest his head on my shoulder and say "Sean?"..."yes, Sean", I'd reply...to which he'd say: "I love you". Warmed my heart beyond words. The 3 year old had only a shirt on and sat next to me, snuggling up against my arm. I was sweating soooooo much....literally dripping off my chin at times. The place was a court yard with a tarp over it and some bench seating. The kids were dirty...the place was dirty...it was crazy-hot..and I was in HEAVEN! These face - the genuine nature of their spirits. The 7 year old on my lap kept taking my hand and bringing it across his chest to hug him tighter. These kids needed affection...love. They were curious and honest. As you could guess, they had to nearly drag me out of there. I didn't want to leave. This is where I feel the strongest gravitational pull. They were all outside and I was the last to leave, needing someone to grab me.

I'm sorry to say that this is where I think I start to distance from this type of group a bit. I never want to point out someone else's priorities but, for me: that orphanage should be #1. Here is a place to make an immediate impact. Instead of diversifying the mission, I think it should be focused and concentrated on particular areas. doing bible study and evangelizing has it's importance - but, to me, there is no greater gift than to come down from our perch and be amongst these people---not isolating ourselves in preparation for the next agenda to mark off. (just my $0.02)

Oh yea, forgot to mention...the kids absolutely LOVE the game "hot hands"...it's apparently a big deal! lol :-P

Day2

Awoke this morning to the sun rising and the street vendors setting up their day's sales. The occasional goat or child playing also filled the noise. It was a decent nights sleep that actually got cool at night. Felt refreshed this morning. While everyone continued to sleep in their tents, a couple of us early-birds sat out on the roof top to take in the scenery of incredible mountain view and remarkable human endurance. All people, old and young..male and female, were starting their days as they always do. I sat for 1 1/12 hours taking in the beauty that is this "simpler" life. The heat is no problem for me, as I am no stranger to sweating it out in humidity. The sleeping quarters don't bother me as I can fall asleep just about anywhere. And the atmosphere of "poverty stricken nation" doesn't bother me, as this is where I am most drawn to. These people live way below the 'poverty level' as far as the US lifestyle is considered. Even a homeless man in the US could not imagine this level of poverty.

However... here's the catch: They're happier.

Do you think you can be happier without these luxuries? It seems like a stretch, I know. Especially considering we get upset if we miss the big game on TV, or our favorite TV show, or McDonald's stopped service breakfast and we really wanted a McGriddle! But, I assure you...go against logic here. Less is better! A simpler life leads to a happier life.

Ok, off the soap box...but promise you'll think about it, deal? :-)

On task for today:

Breakfast in the AM (oatmeal)

"Quiet time" for an hour afterwards (most are using this for bible reading and prayer...I am doing a little of that but also writing this)

Heading to the orphanage to coordinate learning games with them

As I write this, I am sitting on the rail of the 2nd floor balcony, overlooking a rather small "tent city" and the rest of this neighborhood is a hybrid of tent, tarp & building. Curious kids scamper all around looking up and shouting "hey you!" to get my attention. Every time I look up from this paper, I catch about 4-5 sets of eyes. Across the street is a small building which seems to be the local water supply. People are stopping by throughout the morning with their jugs to pay a girl, that looks no older than 8, through a bared window for her to turn the water on. People traveling by foot up and down the street. Many vendors with baskets full of goods on their heads pass by shouting out what they have, as if I'm at the braves game ("Get yer peanuts here! PEANUUUTS!")

A few minutes ago, I got to witness boys being boys. 2 of them (1 maybe 10, the other maybe 7) started pushing and shoving then it went to the ground and the older kid was winning. All the other boys, doing what boys do, just watched...oh yea, so did I. lol. They were broken up by an adult, but the little guy didn't have enough and started it up again. This time, it stayed on the feet and they were going to blows. A man in about his 30's hollered at them to stop but they didn't. That was their 1 and only warning. As he's hollering at them and walking towards them, he's doing the 1-hand-technique to yank his belt off in the smoothest of fashions. He folded it in half and starts to go to town on both of them! I was laughing (well, inside...outside, i just smirked) as they scampered off like when you turn the hose on 2 fighting dogs. I'm sure they'll be playing together again later today. Ah, boys. :-)

Going to take in a little more of the atmosphere and head out in a minute. Uh-oh...just saw little guy walking around with a stick in his hand, looking for trouble. haha - some kids never learn. lol.

More later.

First night in Carrefour, Haiti

So, it's the first night. We've had a debriefing and it's about 9pm. We have a mini-tent city set up on the rooftop of a common building that is hosted by a man named Michael, 23. It is a group of about 22 people. Half of the group knows eachother and/or is family from the West Coast. The rest is a random assortment of individuals like me. We had a debriefing before bed where the group introduced themselves to everyone and shared their stories as-to what brought them here on this day.

long day. set up camp and hit the sack. not much to report.

until tomorrow! :)

On Flight to PAP

On flight from MIA to PAP. My first observation off the bat: "sure are a lot of white people on this flight". lol. It has the feel of a field trip, of sorts. Each group is wearing choreographed shirts so that they are easily identifiable as a group. There is a large Asian church and aside from them, the flight is about 85% white.

So - what does that mean, exactly?

And I'm not asking this with an implied or suggested answer in my mind.

I ask because I come from the cynical side of life. I come from the side that says: for too long have "foreign influences" entered into an impoverished area with the gild of helping, but the intent on converting. So, I see this and ask myself: is this one of those instances? Am I traveling this distance to view this type of quid-pro-quo philanthropy first hand? And I ask myself that and honestly - -I can't come up with a definitive answer. I can argue for some of the people being here for true genuine reasons, but when we're speaking of such a large number of "foreign" people...is it possible for all to insert themselves without asserting themselves? Then I look in the mirror...am I apart of the "problem"? No Way! I'm one of the 'good guys'!...of course that is a non-bias self title, yes? lol

So, I present the concern. Now I start thinking of the retorts.

Here is one - with regard to "Evangelism" or: "Spreading the Good News", as a whole:

If not for people that do this actively, is it possible that you and I may be Pagan today? Or Jewish? Or Muslim? (Ok, you should know by now that i'm addressing this to my fellow Christians). What faith do you think you would be raised as, had it not been for preachers and ministries, etc? If Christianity had never made it through the struggles of persecutions following the Resurrection of Christ. With that said: How then, can we separate the importance of that ancient ministry and today's? I don't think we can. Does that make me want to go door-to-door on a 'recruiting mission'? No. However, it does give me pause when looking to knee-jerk reaction to those who do.

SECONDLY; With regard specifically to Haiti.

Although there are an enumerable amount of 'whites'/Christians/Non-Haitian people foming to this country to help...there is still so many places that are in need of help. So, I ask you this as we look to criticize this flood of 'foreigners':

If these people aren't filling the country to capacity and aren't the "good help" that we have in mind - then where is the 'good help' to fill the current urgent vacancies?? Are there simple not enough 'good help' in this world?---If these people aren't blocking the path of the 'good help', then where are they?? I pose that question to set up the next...If not for all these "white people" that even made me uncomfortable on this plane: who? This plane, as I write this, has empty seats on it...so, if these people didn't come --- who?

So, again I catch myself asking more questions than providing answers. Because, this whole thing does still make me slightly uncomfortable, if I'm being totally honest with you. I want to go and help these people however they, or God, can use me. But I don't particularly wish to become a tool of door-to-door Evangelism as a quid-pr0-quo for my help.

So, I caught myself painting with a broad brush before I boarded this flight, but giving it more thought and consideration...perhaps it's not as easily generalizatioally (i know, not a word! lol) as it first seems.

thoughts?

Arriving in 1 hr. Will blog more tonight from the camp.

And so my trip begins

And so my trip begins. I am currently on flight to Miami to then take a connections flight to PAP, Haiti. As I sit in transit, I am going over many things.

First: I am re-familiarizing myself with the bible. It had been so long since I've actually thumbed through it looking for different passages that had been suggested. I came across Romans 12:6-8. In it - it basically says that God has given us all great gifts to do certain things well. If God has given you the ability to preach, teach, give, help, encourage, support, lead, etc...do these things well & with great responsibility. This is something that I've been chewing on for a long time. When I speak with people about this trip and other ambitions that i have, I hear the responses like "oh, I couldn't do that" or some level of praise that involves how 'great' I am for this. That is too high of praise in my opinion. We all don't do the same things. Some have great abilities to teach and they do remarkable work in schools. Some are medically educated and help with the sick & suffering. Some are people who struggle to keep their lives in order daily. But all offer the abilities to help in their own unique ways...whether it be to contribute, food drives, random acts of kindness, and prayer. And, yes, some people are compelled into action to travel and contribute personally.

---None of these roles are more superior than the other. As, in Romans 12:6-8, we see that we are able to do our individual parts as a design from God and our sole responsibility is that we do it well and to our fullest extent.

So, individual praise is never necessary, however individual responsibility is. I believe it is important to recognize our roles and understand their values. Then it is ultimately vital to exercise these roles with the utmost responsibility, as they have been an extension handed down by God.

Ok, most of you know me and know that I like to cover issues like this without getting too 'preachy' as I believe it's possible to communicate "Godly thought" without climbing onto a high-horse or projecting a superior knowledge. However, I'm sure it's also clear to you that I am indeed a Christian and approached this trip with that point of view.

--I profess that I am in the dark about many things as you are. I believe that this makes me (us) human. I have no intension to preach a 'right or wrong' for you - only to allow you a window into me descovering and debating a 'right or wrong' for me. I hope you enjoy the next several days of this blogging. And I hope, if anything, it can provide you some progressive thought to consider and analyse for your own life. Don't be run off just yet (haha), I will also be conveying experiences from my work over here in Haiti.

Landing in MIA now. Back later.

Just got GREAT news on the phone with American Airlines today: there is NO...you read right...NO charge for checked luggage to Haiti...so long as it's only 2 bags & within 50lbs! Ok, I know that may not get you too excited yet...but allow me to explain why this is such good news:

1. I was struggling to find where I was going to come up with the 50-100 bucks round trip that it was going to cost me just to bring 1 bag. That problem is no more....

2. This will allow me to bring 2 bags..which means TWICE as many items for the people and children in Haiti!!!

With that #2 said, here is a new quick list of items that you may have in your house right now...or perhaps you can snag a few when you're doing your back-to-school shopping:

• plastic mattress covers. (We are working with an orphanage and they greatly need these. We would really like the ones that zip around the entire mattress. We have twin size mattresses.)
• Coloring books
• crayons
• markers
• construction paper
• white paper
• glue sticks
• small crafts projects
• Popsicle sticks
• tape
• small hard candy
• beach balls
• dominoes
• ABC flash cards or picture flash cards

Anything else that is light weight and compact that you can think of will be helpful! Lets fill both of these bags to the 50lbs limit!!

This weekend will be the final wrap-up of my efforts...will be packing things on Sunday. So please please PLEASE try to get back with me by that time! Would hate for you to miss out on this opportunity to be apart of this effort!! :-)

Sending my love out to everyone! :)

-Sean