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