Two nights ago I was able to sit down with Pierre Ricardo (the director of the school in Chaveneau) and talk with him about some needs they currently have. First of all, they are having "summer camps" for the students while they are not in school. There is a soccer camp (complete with a tournament at the end where teams will compete for trophies), a general VBS type camp (where the children will have stories and make crafts- this will be done by the women of Pastor Cornet's church- more on that at the end of this note), etc... They are in need of about $500 US to buy materials, balls, trophies, etc... for these things. If anyone would like to donate toward these things, please send a check to us at PO Box 55 Morgantown, PA 19543 (make it payable to Hearts United and make a note that it is to go toward summer camp expenses)
Also, the time has come to order/purchase supplies for the upcoming school year. I have a list from Pastor Duval of all that has been ordered- about $1200 US - that is all the books (they get little workbooks for each class in Haiti and they get to keep them at the end of that class), paper, etc. for the school to operate for the year. Registrations are under way and it appears that they will have substantially more children this year enrolled in school and they are adding two more grades- so we will have preschool, Kindergarten and 1-6 grade. :) Again, if you would like to help with these expenses, let us know. Pastor Duval took out a loan to pay for the supplies since they needed to be ordered AND his own children have not yet registered for the fall semester for college/school due to finances being "tight" (it's amazing to be on the "inside" - living here and hearing what goes on in this house and how they all sacrifice for this project)
Finally, as mentioned above, the women from Pastor Cornet's church just returned from a mission trip in the Northern part of Haiti. They are now (next week) going to Chaveneau and have invited me along. NONE of them speaks English but it would be a great chance to bond with many of the women I love, to spend time in the community again, etc... I may ask if I can go for PART of the trip- cause I still have a lot to do here, but I am not sure. Pray that God will reveal His plan to me.
Have a blessed day- it's HOT here in Haiti already and we are heading to the embassy to pick up Michael's travel visa in Port au Prince so we can make his travel arrangements to come home with me (expensive so close to the date, but I REALLY want him to come and spend time with my family/see America).
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
HOORAY
I am writing this blog entry still in a state of disbelief. Yesterday was such an amazing day – filled with the many blessings only God can give and His presence in the process was so evident. To begin this story, let’s travel back in time about a year. When I first met Michael, I was the first American he had really ever known well. We spent MANY hours (those of you who knew us last summer can attest to this) talking together, praying together, sharing our stories/dreams, sharing what God was doing in Haiti and in our individual lives, etc… I have only been that close to a few people in my life- my dearest friends and Michael became one of those “friends”. I have introduced him to people for the past year as my “Haitian son”. I loved the opportunity God blessed me with—to pour into him and “mentor” him, to give advice, to share verses with him, etc. We had fun together and from that relationship Hearts United with Haiti was born. It was the vision God gave both of us initially- one to reach the Haitian people and give others a chance to do the same but one of us working side by side- mom and son forever. God has changed that vision over the past year and that is good- Hearts United with Haiti is MUCH more than just a dream of two people for Haiti- God has now made it obvious that He wants this ministry to grow and reach MANY... and it's sooo exciting to be part of it- I am so blessed!
Fast forward about six months and God began to bring other Americans into Michael’s life. This was a good thing but as time progressed and he became more “sure” of our relationship things changed. I truly transitioned to the role of “mom” and not as much “friend”. Though I loved it and it’s where God had placed us, I have to be honest and admit that mom’s are not always FUN and EXCITING like friends are. Mom’s question you, mom’s tell you things you sometimes don’t want to hear, mom’s worry about you, mom's talk about details/agendas/lists, etc… While this Is exactly where God has both of us and while we still figuring out these new roles this summer, I admit that part of me still longs for my “buddy” from last summer. That son/friend who would laugh with me and would share stories with me about his day. Now he has a girlfriend he can not wait to talk to daily, he has many American friends to call/talk to about his life, he has others to minister alongside, etc… Now when we talk we have Hearts United “business” to discuss (What are we going to do about the car? Where will we get the money for this or that? When should we put another trip on the schedule?) There are times I feel “replaced” and left out even though I have only to look to God for my strength- not a person. I have explained to Michael many times this summer, "feelings are not always justified, but they are still just as real".
This is why I was soooooo blessed that God let me play a part in Michael getting his travel visa yesterday. The day began actually a little after midnight when he woke me to say “goodnight” and to pray about the appointment. I had gone to bed early (as usual) and he had agreed to wake me to pray when he finally came to bed. We prayed together and I watched as he walked to the other side of the roof to sleep on his cot under the stars for four hours until I woke him at 4:15 am to get ready.
We left for the appointment at 5:30 and arrived shortly after 7 am. at the gate. We had heard previously that they would probably not let me into the appointment but I had called my congressman’s office and sent an e-mail asking for permission to enter the waiting area- not the appointment. We have been planning and praying for this appointment since he was denied last September (on my birthday) when we first tried. All we have talked about is, “When you come to America and stay at my house, I will take you here or I will show you this or I want you to meet this person”. So, we were both excited but when we got to the gate they refused to let me enter the courtyard- only Michael could enter. I was told I needed to wait outside on the street. It did not matter that I had contacted so many and thought I had everything organized. Just like God to step in and say, "If YOU had it all arranged, there is no need/room for ME to work".
Long story short- one of the guards was amazing and he was worried about me so he made sure I had a safe place INSIDE the embassay to wait. On the way into the building we could see Michael in the crowd of Haitians waiting to get into their appointments. The guard was awesome and very helpful and he was certainly used by God as part of the process. I waited inside another section of the embassy until I was called on the phone and told I could meet Michael outside. I spent my time with a book in hand but found myself often in prayer or just thinking of things we will do/see when he comes to America instead of reading it. I felt peace and had a chance to talk to the many guards and people inside the embassy. When I finally met Michael outside the gate and gave him a BIG hug (not too much- I am his “employer”- not “American mom/friend” as far as they were concerned- hahahaha) I got to hear how God worked from his end.
If he had not been moved to the front of the line, maybe things would have been different. If he had had a different consular officer, maybe things would have been different. If he had not brought just the right papers along, maybe things would have been different. If ….
Last year we had ALL the papers we needed in a big binder- letters of reference, invitation letters, a letter from my congressman, copies of my passport and verification of my employment, photos of my house/my family/him in ministry, a paper proving he had no criminal record in Haiti, bank statements from his accounts in Haiti, papers from his college proving he was enrolled, etc… We formed a group on facebook and had MANY people praying at the time of his appointment. Yet, when he was taken into the room, they did not even ask for any of the paperwork, they just told him he was not eligible. It was over in a matter of minutes. It was not meant to be.
This year it WAS meant to be and it is amazing now to sit and see God’s hand in all of it. God is amazing and I can not WAIT for Michael to fly to America with me when I return in 3 weeks. I can not wait to FINALLY do all the mom/son things we have planned for a year… and I can not wait for many of you to get to meet him- FINALLY. I know he will have many other chances over the years to come and visit me and many others he cares about- he has TONS of work for Hearts United with Haiti to do in the USA, but for this visit (the FIRST) I pray we have a chance to make some great memories and God blesses me with the chance to be “buddy/mom/friend” – all during the time he will be in Pennsylvania. You have no idea how surreal this seems to me still. To have this day/time finally come. To be able to show him the United States- MY home, MY church, MY community, MY friends when I have spent so much of the past year in his. God is sooooo good.
So pray as we plan this visit. That we will take TIME to enjoy the experience. That we will not become so focused on “doing” and will just concentrate on “ being”. There will be many years for ministry, this will be a pleasure trip- one that is LONG overdue. Amen!!
PS- if you or your church would like to host Michael in the future, please contact us and we will help you arrange that. God is at work through Hearts United with Haiti and Michael is an important part of that work. You will be truly blessed hearing about his ministry here and what God has been doing in his life as well as the many opportunities you have to be part of the ministry Pastor Duval has here in Chaveneau. Check out the website to schedule trips, to support this ministry, and./or to hear how God is at work in Haiti. :) www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org
Monday, July 25, 2011
update
Kim is feeling better. She went to the emergency room and got checked out as soon as she returned to North Carolina. The doctor said that it is viral and she must have come in contact with the virus on Sunday or Monday- right after arriving in Haiti. Who knows how. That's how it is with a virus. The important thing is that she is home and safe and recovering. Keep her in your prayers please- that she heals quickly and fully. Thanks-
Sunday, July 24, 2011
WOW
Things have been crazy here in Haiti and beyond.... I don't know how many updates I can do from now on (the next three weeks I am here) but I will try my best. On Friday my computer "died" here at the Arris house. I think it was just "preserving itself" because it was VERY hot and humid and the fan did not sound like it was working well. But, I sent it back home to the US to have someone look at it and fix it (I pray they can) but that means I have to borrow someone's computer to update. :( Sad Sad... UNLESS someone wants to come down here in the next three weeks and bring it back to me- hint hint!!
The team all got off yesterday with no problems and the car is currently in the shop getting all the things fixed that need to be fixed (I pray).... the man's name is Jimmy and I had a "chat" with him and explained that if he is reasonable and treats me well that I will use him for ALL my future work, but if he "rips me off" or doesn't do a good job that I will never come back. I think he understood and he sure seemed MUCH better than the other guys I have been dealing with. So pray with me that this does the trick. Reliable transportation is the key here in Haiti for sure...
One of the participants (Kim) from last week is really not feeling well. We do not know how she got sick but she got some kind of "bug" that made her ill for four days now. As I am writing this she is home in North Carolina but she is in the ER at her local hospital so please pray for her- that they can figure out what is wrong and help her feel better. She herself says she took every precaution but must have caught something. I feel so bad for her but I praise God she is able to get medical care in the US cause I am not sure of the quality of care she would have gotten here in Haiti.
God really used the team last week to teach me MUCH. He showed me (through them) that we have three immediate needs. First we need reliable transportation - that is large enough for a team and can make the drive to/from Chaveneau regularly. The short bus sounds perfect but will be about $5000 total (we think).... we are still checking into how to ship it and what all is involved in that. Then we would have the bus and the "truck" that we have now. Pray that gets fixed well and that God shows me whose name to register it in this week when we switch the title. I do not know if Hearts United can "own" a vehicle in their name or not and how that works.
Secondly, we need a place to house teams that is a little less "primitive" than Chaveneau. We feel God is leading us to rent somewhere in Chantal (the nearest town- about 3 miles from the church/school) and are praying He will show us a house with "western toilets" or the ability to install them, showers, a gate/fence to keep out the Haitians, etc... that we can rent REASONABLY. Pastor Duval will check with some people he knows there and I will travel later this upcoming week to see if I can find a place- if so I will let you know about it so you can pray with us.
Finally, we need TEAMS - medical teams are the most needed. Nutrition is key - children can not learn if they are hungry or unhealthy. We saw (again) so many who were in need of good medical care, dental care and were very hungry and malnourished. Pray God will send people to us who are willing to help us and work with us to help this community. We also need construction teams- to build steps to the roof of the church to house teams (no more ladder), to build shower stalls, to finish the outhouses, etc... If you are interested in ANY of these things or in helping raise funds toward any of these projects, let us know PLEASE.
That's all for now... God is at work here in Haiti for sure- we had SUCH a blessed week last week- handing out dresses and bags to the girls/women, handing out backpacks to the boys, teaching VBS to the children, teaching English to the community, etc... Yes, things were rough at times- emotionally, physically, and the conditions were far from "ideal" for a team, but the group rose to the occasion, did not complain and really served God. I KNOW they will hear "well done good and faithful servant" some day for their commitment to Him this past week. I know I was blessed so much by each of them. It would not have been the same team without just one of them along.
As for me personally, I am learning and growing too. I am realizing more and more that God HAS called me here and He is with me. Driving home from Chaveneau (5 hours on Haitian roads) was just one way He has confirmed that. I am blessed!!
The team all got off yesterday with no problems and the car is currently in the shop getting all the things fixed that need to be fixed (I pray).... the man's name is Jimmy and I had a "chat" with him and explained that if he is reasonable and treats me well that I will use him for ALL my future work, but if he "rips me off" or doesn't do a good job that I will never come back. I think he understood and he sure seemed MUCH better than the other guys I have been dealing with. So pray with me that this does the trick. Reliable transportation is the key here in Haiti for sure...
One of the participants (Kim) from last week is really not feeling well. We do not know how she got sick but she got some kind of "bug" that made her ill for four days now. As I am writing this she is home in North Carolina but she is in the ER at her local hospital so please pray for her- that they can figure out what is wrong and help her feel better. She herself says she took every precaution but must have caught something. I feel so bad for her but I praise God she is able to get medical care in the US cause I am not sure of the quality of care she would have gotten here in Haiti.
God really used the team last week to teach me MUCH. He showed me (through them) that we have three immediate needs. First we need reliable transportation - that is large enough for a team and can make the drive to/from Chaveneau regularly. The short bus sounds perfect but will be about $5000 total (we think).... we are still checking into how to ship it and what all is involved in that. Then we would have the bus and the "truck" that we have now. Pray that gets fixed well and that God shows me whose name to register it in this week when we switch the title. I do not know if Hearts United can "own" a vehicle in their name or not and how that works.
Secondly, we need a place to house teams that is a little less "primitive" than Chaveneau. We feel God is leading us to rent somewhere in Chantal (the nearest town- about 3 miles from the church/school) and are praying He will show us a house with "western toilets" or the ability to install them, showers, a gate/fence to keep out the Haitians, etc... that we can rent REASONABLY. Pastor Duval will check with some people he knows there and I will travel later this upcoming week to see if I can find a place- if so I will let you know about it so you can pray with us.
Finally, we need TEAMS - medical teams are the most needed. Nutrition is key - children can not learn if they are hungry or unhealthy. We saw (again) so many who were in need of good medical care, dental care and were very hungry and malnourished. Pray God will send people to us who are willing to help us and work with us to help this community. We also need construction teams- to build steps to the roof of the church to house teams (no more ladder), to build shower stalls, to finish the outhouses, etc... If you are interested in ANY of these things or in helping raise funds toward any of these projects, let us know PLEASE.
That's all for now... God is at work here in Haiti for sure- we had SUCH a blessed week last week- handing out dresses and bags to the girls/women, handing out backpacks to the boys, teaching VBS to the children, teaching English to the community, etc... Yes, things were rough at times- emotionally, physically, and the conditions were far from "ideal" for a team, but the group rose to the occasion, did not complain and really served God. I KNOW they will hear "well done good and faithful servant" some day for their commitment to Him this past week. I know I was blessed so much by each of them. It would not have been the same team without just one of them along.
As for me personally, I am learning and growing too. I am realizing more and more that God HAS called me here and He is with me. Driving home from Chaveneau (5 hours on Haitian roads) was just one way He has confirmed that. I am blessed!!
Friday, July 22, 2011
One More Day in Haiti
Hey! It's Zoee again. We leave tomorrow. I'm sad but also excited. I've missed my family and friends. The last few days have been pretty rough. I haven't been feeling very well. Today we went to teach an English class, but really I just sat and watched. Lili did a very good job teaching them. They are so eager to learn its funny cause American students aren't like that at all. Kim has been hit pretty hard with not feeling good. We feel bad for her, but like I said only one more day. I'm going to miss Haiti, and all the people. I'm looking forward to coming back, and doing more to help these people. Wish us luck for safe travels tomorrow. (:
I'm sorry if none of that makes sense^ i am very tired. haha. & also happy belated birthday Ethan! sorry i missed it!!
I'm sorry if none of that makes sense^ i am very tired. haha. & also happy belated birthday Ethan! sorry i missed it!!
Lili's 2nd Update
It is our last day in Carrefour and I am absolutely in love with the people here. So much love, so much eagerness to learn, live and love. We came back from Chaveneau last night. Some of our team members were not feeling well so we decided to head back and finish our trip at Carrefour. Last night Pastor Duval and our team sat down to reflect in our trip to Chaveneau and he had some wise words for all of us that really touched me. His love for the ministry in Chaveneau is inspirational and I want to be a part of it. I will not forget about this people, I can't. I pray that God will guide me and show me ways I can keep helping these beautiful people, my brothers in Christ. I have learned to love the Arris family and the Chavenau family. God has found a special place in my heart for Nadeshe, Jephte, Alfritzo, and Naomi and They will be in my prayers. Today, we went to Pastor Cornet's church to teach English classes and it was such a blessing. I taught verbs, food, and instruments to the students and I couldn't ask for a better group of students. Their eagerness to learn gave me energy and forgot about the heat and had a blast teaching. I hope we can do some more ministry today so I can hand out more bags to the women in the community and pray with them. I am going back home tomorrow and I am taking Haiti with me!!! God bless this beautiful country and its people!!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
I'm not gonna lie...
JUST got back to Carrefour tonight.... wrote this blog this morning at 5 am when in Chaveneau... obviously we decided to come back and we are here safely... all is well and we are happy to be back in "civilization".... God is amazing! enjoy...
Anyone who has read my description of Chaveneau on my website knows that it will be “rough” and a challenge for some groups. The drive alone to get there is beautiful- up over HUGE mountains, along the ocean, etc… but driving in Haiti can be VERY scary to those who are not used to it. We try to get the best drivers to transport teams but since we are a new organization and just learning, it is a process. So, add the crazy van driver we had take us to Chaveneau on Wednesday (even though we had used him before- this time he was angry and in a BIG hurry- not a good combination) with a LONG day and the conditions and it makes for a very stressful situation. This team was a good one for the challenge because as I am writing this update we are still in Chaveneau- they are sticking it out- for the children and because they believe God has called them here. But they ARE having a tough time. I am not going to “sugar coat” it.
The squatties are not ideal and we know that- it is why we were hoping to have the outhouses completed before bringing teams here, but THIS IS HAITI and things move at their own pace so they will probably not be done until the fall. I feel so bad every time someone has to go to the bathroom knowing they are having to deal with the smell and inconvenience they do. Pastor Duval even talked to a neighbor to see if we could use their squattie but it is not really different than ours.
Sleeping on the roof is difficult and both nights we have been here (I am writing this Thurs. morning) it has rained so we have had to leave the roof with all our mats, sheets, etc. in the dark…. down the ladder…. holding flashlights for one another, etc.. It is HOT (it’s Haiti in June) and there is no way to keep water cool so it is difficult for some to drink the “room temperature”water (which means warm), etc…
So, add sleep deprivation, bathrooms that are not pleasant and heat together (plus other things I am sure I am forgetting) and it’s a recipe for a miserable trip. BUT, I am not writing this to complain. I am writing to actually say how amazed I am that once again God has provided a team that has stepped up to the challenge and has made the best of the situation. We could leave and go back to Carrefour (which has been offered over and over), we could sit and complain, etc… I think it helps us each to remember that though we may be uncomfortable for a little while, these people live with this EVERY day- that is one of the reasons we are here. We instead praise God that all of us remain healthy (Zoe has been feeling weak from the heat, but she is a trooper- pushing through it and taking breaks when necessary), that He is giving us opportunities to see the children in their homes and to work with them in VBS, that He continues to provide us with opportunities to minister. I can not say enough about this team’s attitude and desire to “look for the silver lining”.
Just last night, Lilly was feeling sooooo tired but the community was looking forward to English class. She asked if I could just teach it so she could get sleep but when I went to look for the translator and some chalk for the blackboard she jumped right in and about an hour later she was STILL standing in that HOT HOT church with no ventilation teaching about 30 people the parts of the body. They were so eager to learn and she was amazing!
So… thank you again for your prayers. As I have said all summer in other blogs, this is a LEARNING summer- a foundation year. I have made many mistakes (should have packed sandwiches for us in the van to have a “picnic” when we arrived because our car with the food got a flat tire and did not arrive until over 3 hours after us), but I am learning and I thank this group for their patience (and YOU for your prayers- they are helping).
I do not know what today will bring. I will once again offer to go back to Carrefour. It is up to the group what they want to do. I have no problem with any choice they make. It is not “giving up” to leave- it is changing up the plan and following where God is leading. So whatever they choose, we will be blessed. I know you are praying and I know that this group really wants to serve God… He will bless them for their sacrifices this week- I am sure of that. We keep saying, “some day this will be funny- it just isn’t quite yet”.
Have a blessed day and know that God hears you- He certainly has been hearing us here in Chaveneau. J
Monday, July 18, 2011
A Word from Landon
Hello it's Landon again. I'ts been another great day in Hait.i God has been doing a lot of good things here. Today we went to VBS to play with the kids which was amazing!!! Then at VBS we handed out some of the dresses which turned out good and also we did bracelets for the boys. Then after VBS we all went on a prayer walk and went around the neighborhood and prayed for all of the amazing people.
Zoe's day in Haiti!
Hi again!(: Today I woke up on the roof and thought to myself, how lucky I am to be here. Being a 16 year old girl and having this opportunity to come here is just truly amazing to me. We did VBS today, and in my last blog I mentioned that they said 200 kids. I don't think we had that many but we had a lot. We taught them about heaven and salvation. For only having 6 people on our team with that many kids. We did pretty swell. The girls got their dresses, and the boys made bracelets. Landon & I were in charge of the bracelets. It was crazy cause they boys were just soooo excited with the piece of string we gave them. When we got back from VBS we just chilled for a little bit. Then we went our prayer walk. The Haitians keep amazing me. Not once on that prayer walk did we get turned down. And when they asked for prayer it was for their spiritual walk with Christ and for their family. Not for themselves, or materialistic things. They really make me question how we live in the U.S. They get so much done in an hour, that I would never accomplish in a week. Not even a lie. haha. But I am having a great time. A little nervous about leaving tomorrow, but I am excited. Wish us luck!(:
Lili Vega's update
I have been here only for 2 days and God has already taught me many lessons. My arrival to Haiti was very smooth, I had been praying for this and GOD HEARD ME!! Crystal was able to meet me at the luggage area right on time, when things were starting to get complicated. We visited the orphanage yesterday evening and I was broken... my heart felt very heavy, I had to pray. I keep seeing my own children the faces of every child here. Today we went to minister through VBS at a nearby church. We were able to distribute dresses for the girls, make bracelets with the boys and teach the kids about God's love for all of us. Then, in the afternoon, we went to prayer walk around the community. It was such a powerful experience. It was amazing. What shocked me the most was the hunger of the Haitian people for spiritual strength and renewal. When we asked for prayer requests, not one of them asked for material things, they wanted prayer for spiritual strength and health issues. We are leaving tomorrow morning to Chavaneau, I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. I am so blessed to be here and God has been talking to me and transforming my life to serve Him better. Bendiciones!!
photos...
... from this morning.. VBS and dress distribution... it was a great time - chaotic but FUN.... and many were blessed..... thanks to all who donated dresses and VBS materials... :) :)
Amazing trip so far...
God is at work in this group for sure... He has (once again) put the perfect group together and we have already seen that... we sat as a group last night and talked to one another/shared our stories and it became more and more evident that He has a great plan for this week and into the future after that...
Saturday Kim, Landon and Zoe arrived and yesterday Lilly arrived too. They all survived the PAP airport chaos so it is all a "cake walk" from here.. hahahaha... They all brought a TON of donations- Kim brought 172 dresses for little girls made out of pillow cases, a ton of VBS materials, and little backpacks (50 of them) for little boys. Lilly brought school supplies and a bunch of little cloth tote bags someone made, etc... We sorted things and got prepared for VBS today, we have been to church, gone to the orphanage for a quick visit, taken the trash to the "dump" (which means throwing it from the bridge to the pigs), talked to Pastor Duval about his vision for Chaveneau, etc...
I met with Pastor Duval before the team came and asked about the June trip. He said he was thrilled with the way the team played with the children, how they did manual labor (building the outhouses) and other things we did (English classes, etc..) but he would LOVE it if we did more for the community spiritually. He can only be there a few weeks a month due to the distance so he would love for others to pour into the people spiritually- Bible lessons, Bible study, prayer walks, etc... I was so excited when this team shared that they have that same vision! So... we will spend a great deal of time in Chaveneau (and Carrefour) pouring into the lives of the people. Loving them, sharing Christ with them, encouraging them, etc... God is at work in Haiti- and we are blessed to be a part of that.
Today (as I said) is VBS and handing out 72 of the dresses to the girls of the church here in Carrefour as well as making gospel bracelets with the boys. In the afternoon we will pray about what God has for us- probably a prayer walk around the community- just to get out and meet people and get to know them and (again) show them that God loves/cares for them.
Continue to pray for the team - sorry this post is "disjointed" ... spent an hour writing it and then when I went to post it I lost it somehow... so I am trying to re-type but now everyone is up and people keep talking to me- hahahaha. Blessings and love from Haiti- Crystal
Saturday Kim, Landon and Zoe arrived and yesterday Lilly arrived too. They all survived the PAP airport chaos so it is all a "cake walk" from here.. hahahaha... They all brought a TON of donations- Kim brought 172 dresses for little girls made out of pillow cases, a ton of VBS materials, and little backpacks (50 of them) for little boys. Lilly brought school supplies and a bunch of little cloth tote bags someone made, etc... We sorted things and got prepared for VBS today, we have been to church, gone to the orphanage for a quick visit, taken the trash to the "dump" (which means throwing it from the bridge to the pigs), talked to Pastor Duval about his vision for Chaveneau, etc...
I met with Pastor Duval before the team came and asked about the June trip. He said he was thrilled with the way the team played with the children, how they did manual labor (building the outhouses) and other things we did (English classes, etc..) but he would LOVE it if we did more for the community spiritually. He can only be there a few weeks a month due to the distance so he would love for others to pour into the people spiritually- Bible lessons, Bible study, prayer walks, etc... I was so excited when this team shared that they have that same vision! So... we will spend a great deal of time in Chaveneau (and Carrefour) pouring into the lives of the people. Loving them, sharing Christ with them, encouraging them, etc... God is at work in Haiti- and we are blessed to be a part of that.
Today (as I said) is VBS and handing out 72 of the dresses to the girls of the church here in Carrefour as well as making gospel bracelets with the boys. In the afternoon we will pray about what God has for us- probably a prayer walk around the community- just to get out and meet people and get to know them and (again) show them that God loves/cares for them.
Continue to pray for the team - sorry this post is "disjointed" ... spent an hour writing it and then when I went to post it I lost it somehow... so I am trying to re-type but now everyone is up and people keep talking to me- hahahaha. Blessings and love from Haiti- Crystal
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Zoe and Landon update...
Hi its Landon its been a great day in Hati today we went to church sang songs and listened to creole preaching which is different and interesting. Then we came back to the house and organized the stuff for VBS tomorrow and then Mrs. crystal took us to take the trash out to a bridge where pigs came running to the trash to look for food. After that she took us to the orphanage to see some of the kids. Then tomorrow we are having VBS where we will be telling storys and playing with the kids. Also one of the storys that we are telling is about zaccheus and Jesus where Zoe will be zaccheus and i will be doing Jesus.
Hellllllo! It's Zoee, today has been pretty productive. We woke up at around 6 a.m. and I couldn't even tell. When we first got here yesterday I was pretty much ready to go back home. The airport is overwhelming. Especially when your pushing a cart with luggage. It shocks you when you see all the people and how they live. But I have only been here for two days, but I already love Haiti. I love the people, and I already want to come back. Today though, we went to church, and it was pretty long compared to my church. But the way they praise God and worship is amazing. I have never experienced anything like this before. Today we also went to an orphanage and I can simply say it broke my heart. Tomorrow we have VBS and they say expect 200 kids. oh boy. We can handle it. I'm about to get ready to go to bed, where we sleep on the roof. Which is pretty cool. I also want to say that Haitians sure can coook! Bye bye for now!(:
Hellllllo! It's Zoee, today has been pretty productive. We woke up at around 6 a.m. and I couldn't even tell. When we first got here yesterday I was pretty much ready to go back home. The airport is overwhelming. Especially when your pushing a cart with luggage. It shocks you when you see all the people and how they live. But I have only been here for two days, but I already love Haiti. I love the people, and I already want to come back. Today though, we went to church, and it was pretty long compared to my church. But the way they praise God and worship is amazing. I have never experienced anything like this before. Today we also went to an orphanage and I can simply say it broke my heart. Tomorrow we have VBS and they say expect 200 kids. oh boy. We can handle it. I'm about to get ready to go to bed, where we sleep on the roof. Which is pretty cool. I also want to say that Haitians sure can coook! Bye bye for now!(:
True Worship
Hi! My name is Kimberly Harrell. I am co-founder of URMissions, a non-profit organization that partners with local missionaries and pastors in various places around the world. We come alongside them and help them however we can!
I came to a different location in Haiti back in May along with my husband, Rob, and God broke my heart for the people of Haiti. I am in Haiti right now to see the ministry of Hearts United with Haiti, and to see how we can help them in their ministry here.
We arrived yesterday, and we have been blessed beyond measure ever since. This morning we attended a church here in town. What God is showing me is that no matter what race we are, no matter what color we are, and no matter we live, we serve the same God!!! He is the God of all the nations!
I can't wait to see what else God has in store for me this week. I know that URMissions is going to help bring teams here to help Crystal and HUWH reach the people of Haiti!
I came to a different location in Haiti back in May along with my husband, Rob, and God broke my heart for the people of Haiti. I am in Haiti right now to see the ministry of Hearts United with Haiti, and to see how we can help them in their ministry here.
We arrived yesterday, and we have been blessed beyond measure ever since. This morning we attended a church here in town. What God is showing me is that no matter what race we are, no matter what color we are, and no matter we live, we serve the same God!!! He is the God of all the nations!
I can't wait to see what else God has in store for me this week. I know that URMissions is going to help bring teams here to help Crystal and HUWH reach the people of Haiti!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
team arrives in 2 days...
Yep yep- the "team" arrives in two days and I couldn't be more excited....God is doing amazing things in Haiti and I am so blessed to share in that work with Him and with those He has sent to Hearts United with Haiti. Saturday we get our first participants - three coming from North Carolina. Kim, Landon and Zoe. Kim is the founder/director (with her hubbie Rob) of U R Missions- an organization which organizes short term mission trips to areas of the US and Mexico as well as backyard mission trips in your own town for your church. We first met in the summer of 2006 when they were "base directors" in Mississippi at the place where I stayed with Bear Creek (still one of my favorite trips ever) youth group from Texas. We have kept in touch over the past 5 years. They feel God is leading them to find locations to send teams to Haiti starting later this year or next summer. So... they are coming to check out our ministry in Chaveneau and to serve wherever God leads us all this week. Kim has been such an encouragement and blessing to me -- I have caught her excitement as she has gotten closer and closer to this trip. She is bringing 150 pillowcase dresses (you cut and sew the pillowcase into a beautiful dress with ribbons and bows- the photos are adorable) to donate to the girls in Chaveneau. She has also prepared a bunch of coloring books which present the gospel message to the children... we have crayons and each family should have received a box in June when we had a team there. I can not wait to get there and serve with her and her son (Landon) and their guest (Zoe).
Sunday we get our other participant. Her name is Lilliana and she is a teacher (Spanish and ESL) friend of mine from Garden Spot Middle/High School. Lil too is excited to come and has been sending me e-mails talking of the funds she has raised to donate to the ministry as well as the donations she will be bringing. It is her first mission trip to Haiti and though she is from Columbia (I think- trying to remember now) originally she will certainly see a VERY different lifestyle/level of poverty here in Haiti. I pray she can really help me with English classes (which I started this past Monday- it went very well).
Yesterday we took a bunch of supplies out to Chaveneau and showed the facilities to Emily so she knows (since she is on the board of directors) what the place looks like. She loved it there as much as Ron and I do and is soooo excited about the future of the area as well. The car made the trip but I am (frankly) very scared about driving it there on Tuesday with the team. We needed to add a little transmission fluid when we got there, but it had no other problems running. BUT the road into Chaveneau was all mud... the hill into the last "river" is solid mud and ruts from all the rain they have been having... I used to go 4 wheeling with Ron when we were dating but this takes it to a whole new level. I was so glad Michael was driving but I will have to do it next week.
Yes, that's right- Michael will not be working with me next week. He has a team returning (they stayed at his house last fall) and they would like to see him again. So, he decided to work with them all week instead of with us. It makes me sad but he has to follow where God is leading him and so do I... this will give me a chance to work with a new translator and one of the friends I have made down here- Alfritzo. I have not worked with him before- in fact he has not translated before for me, but I have gotten to know him over the past months and he is a good man who desires to serve God...so we will give him this chance. BUT, that leaves me without a driver. So... pray for me please as we travel on Tuesday and again on Friday (to/from Chaveneau).
Pray also for me as I saw the ideal site on the way into Chaveneau to house teams, etc. ... The building looked to be vacant and the lot in a bit of "disrepair" but it is a place I have seen before but never noticed. It looks like it used to be a school and seems (from the outside) to be a great location to make into a base for Ron and I to move to. Yes, we are seriously praying about moving to Haiti within the next year to house teams and those coming to work in Chaveneau. This place is about 3/4 mile from the school/church site and is in the valley but it seems to have a lot of potential. I will inquire next week when living there about it. I want to see if it is vacant, if it is for sale and how much work would need to be done to get it ready to house teams. This is a HUGE endeavor, but God is amazing and He is in control. If this is what He has for us, it will become clear. And if not, then He has something even better- that's always a hard one to believe. Cause this place looks PERFECT by Haitian standards. We will see.
Thanks again for your interest in what we are doing, thanks for your support and prayers- they mean so much. As I sit here in Haiti I am humbled that God would use ME to do His work here- or at least to help direct those who desire to do His work here in Haiti. Thank you Lord- I pray I continue to seek You in all I do. Amen!
Sunday we get our other participant. Her name is Lilliana and she is a teacher (Spanish and ESL) friend of mine from Garden Spot Middle/High School. Lil too is excited to come and has been sending me e-mails talking of the funds she has raised to donate to the ministry as well as the donations she will be bringing. It is her first mission trip to Haiti and though she is from Columbia (I think- trying to remember now) originally she will certainly see a VERY different lifestyle/level of poverty here in Haiti. I pray she can really help me with English classes (which I started this past Monday- it went very well).
Yesterday we took a bunch of supplies out to Chaveneau and showed the facilities to Emily so she knows (since she is on the board of directors) what the place looks like. She loved it there as much as Ron and I do and is soooo excited about the future of the area as well. The car made the trip but I am (frankly) very scared about driving it there on Tuesday with the team. We needed to add a little transmission fluid when we got there, but it had no other problems running. BUT the road into Chaveneau was all mud... the hill into the last "river" is solid mud and ruts from all the rain they have been having... I used to go 4 wheeling with Ron when we were dating but this takes it to a whole new level. I was so glad Michael was driving but I will have to do it next week.
Yes, that's right- Michael will not be working with me next week. He has a team returning (they stayed at his house last fall) and they would like to see him again. So, he decided to work with them all week instead of with us. It makes me sad but he has to follow where God is leading him and so do I... this will give me a chance to work with a new translator and one of the friends I have made down here- Alfritzo. I have not worked with him before- in fact he has not translated before for me, but I have gotten to know him over the past months and he is a good man who desires to serve God...so we will give him this chance. BUT, that leaves me without a driver. So... pray for me please as we travel on Tuesday and again on Friday (to/from Chaveneau).
Pray also for me as I saw the ideal site on the way into Chaveneau to house teams, etc. ... The building looked to be vacant and the lot in a bit of "disrepair" but it is a place I have seen before but never noticed. It looks like it used to be a school and seems (from the outside) to be a great location to make into a base for Ron and I to move to. Yes, we are seriously praying about moving to Haiti within the next year to house teams and those coming to work in Chaveneau. This place is about 3/4 mile from the school/church site and is in the valley but it seems to have a lot of potential. I will inquire next week when living there about it. I want to see if it is vacant, if it is for sale and how much work would need to be done to get it ready to house teams. This is a HUGE endeavor, but God is amazing and He is in control. If this is what He has for us, it will become clear. And if not, then He has something even better- that's always a hard one to believe. Cause this place looks PERFECT by Haitian standards. We will see.
Thanks again for your interest in what we are doing, thanks for your support and prayers- they mean so much. As I sit here in Haiti I am humbled that God would use ME to do His work here- or at least to help direct those who desire to do His work here in Haiti. Thank you Lord- I pray I continue to seek You in all I do. Amen!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Beaubrun family
I am writing to introduce you all to the Beaubrun family in Chaveneau. They are amazing and are the family who hosts us when we are "in town". The family consists of mom, dad, and seven children (though one lives in Carrefour with the Arris family). They made sure our time in Chaveneau was enjoyable and we were always taken care of. Madame Beaubrun cooks for us and sews items for people in the community- mending, hemming, etc... Monsieur Beaubrun takes care of the chores and watches over the property- taking care of any physical needs we have (ex: building the ladder to the roof for our team). The children- Geftay, Nazelle, Misrose, Caleb, Ezekiel and Dorothy all carry water from the well down the street and do various chores to insure our comfortable stay at their home. The children are all very well behaved and polite and you would really enjoy getting to know them like we did. We are blessed to have them host us when we live in Chaveneau.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Alexis, wait she's in Haiti?
So to those who have been wondering where I've been, Sorry. . . I have been here a week. I should have wrote on here a few times by now. No, the reason is not that nothing eventful has happened this week, in fact-so much has been going on, it is hard to take everything in at one time. I finally managed to get all of my thoughts together and here they are. . .
. . . . Before I left my cozy little town of Pittsburgh, I was having major anxiety attacks, which is EXTREMELY rare for me. Friends were encouraging me not to go and I was scared about my choice to go. The closer the time came to leave, the more and more nervous I became. This is not like me-Alexis-the thrill seeker. These feelings lasted all the way until i got off my first flight, waiting for the next one. Why did I have these feelings? I know it was the enemy attacking me. God is going to use me for great things in Haiti and he will be doing amazing things in my life this summer. I am so thankful that God gave me the strength to get through the anxiousness and protected me to arrive here safely in Haiti.
.......I got to Haiti and Crystal, Michael and James picked me up from the airport in a taptap. I was exhausted after three planes and fifteen hours. On the drive back to the arris house, I was sortof quiet, which again is not like me. I wasn't sure what to expect this summer. I was having all kinds of doubts. Is God really going to use me? Is he really going to work in my life? Did he really call me here? These questions concerned me, but i knew that I was where I belonged. How is that? How can I feel like I belong somewhere, where I am so out of place? I am a crazy white american girl. People look at me here like I beemed down from the mothership. But this is the place where I am certain god has called me to, for now. When I got to the Arris house, seeing the family, I was overwhelmed with joy. I knew them from my week here in March. I felt like I knew them my whole life. Pastor Duval ran up to me screaming my name with the biggest smile i've ever seen. He was so happy. This is the kind of love that is from the Lord.
.....My first day went so well and that night a few different things happened that put doubts in my mind again. Why am I here? Did God call me? Am I good enough to be here? I feel like a hypocrite at times. I know Christians are far from perfect, however I have it drilled into my brain that I am not good enough to be a Christian. I am not good enough for God to love me and my sins. Its hard. I let what people say and think affect me. I have to learn to forgive myself, because God already has.
.....We went for an evening church service. I was so excited. Its been awhile since I've been to a Hatian Church. We were only about twenty minutes into it, when I realized that I really should have paid attention in High School, especially French class. Seeing as I had a few hours to kill, I took this time to observe. Christian Hatians are so on fire for Jesus. They go to a three hour long service, almost daily. It got me thinking. If we plugged into our church more or more churches or just christian events and people in general how much that would truly impact our walk with the Lord. I was thinking of this analogy. If my "Christianity" glass barely has any water being poured into it, I will more than likely be thirsty and dry. However the more I have being poured into me, the more quenched I will be. The more I will be able to share and pour into others. So here is a challenge for any of you reading, go out this week, wherever you are. Plug into more Christian things. Fill up your cup so it is spilling and overflowing. How can you pour into others, if you have nothing to pour? This is something I need to work on.
......Balloon animals. Did you ever go to a birthday party or circus? Have you ever got something so miniscule as a balloon animal and never think twice? I know I have. I knew that the Arris family and friends would remember me, but I wasn't sure about the community. Well, today I was proved differently. I went over to the neighbors just to fellowship with them. I tried to talk and show my face. The kids all ran up to me and started screaming "balloon, balloon." Over four months ago, I stood on a porch above them and helped make balloon animals to throw down to them. Who would have ever thought that something as stupid as a balloon animal would tie me to another human?
......Great things are being done in Haiti. I have been traveling different places and seeing different ministries. God is alive and working. Hands and feet is astonishing. That ministry is so blessed and is blessing so many. I saw a church that was built in less than three months and it is bigger and more beautiful than a lot of churches in the states. Over 750 people attend each sunday and most are young adults. All things are possible, through HIM.
...... Well I could go on and on, literally. But I won't. I know that I am here to serve Him. However I know that this is the time where he is going to work wonders in me. I am using this time to focus on Him and what he wants for me, not only in Haiti, but for my life.
. . . . Before I left my cozy little town of Pittsburgh, I was having major anxiety attacks, which is EXTREMELY rare for me. Friends were encouraging me not to go and I was scared about my choice to go. The closer the time came to leave, the more and more nervous I became. This is not like me-Alexis-the thrill seeker. These feelings lasted all the way until i got off my first flight, waiting for the next one. Why did I have these feelings? I know it was the enemy attacking me. God is going to use me for great things in Haiti and he will be doing amazing things in my life this summer. I am so thankful that God gave me the strength to get through the anxiousness and protected me to arrive here safely in Haiti.
.......I got to Haiti and Crystal, Michael and James picked me up from the airport in a taptap. I was exhausted after three planes and fifteen hours. On the drive back to the arris house, I was sortof quiet, which again is not like me. I wasn't sure what to expect this summer. I was having all kinds of doubts. Is God really going to use me? Is he really going to work in my life? Did he really call me here? These questions concerned me, but i knew that I was where I belonged. How is that? How can I feel like I belong somewhere, where I am so out of place? I am a crazy white american girl. People look at me here like I beemed down from the mothership. But this is the place where I am certain god has called me to, for now. When I got to the Arris house, seeing the family, I was overwhelmed with joy. I knew them from my week here in March. I felt like I knew them my whole life. Pastor Duval ran up to me screaming my name with the biggest smile i've ever seen. He was so happy. This is the kind of love that is from the Lord.
.....My first day went so well and that night a few different things happened that put doubts in my mind again. Why am I here? Did God call me? Am I good enough to be here? I feel like a hypocrite at times. I know Christians are far from perfect, however I have it drilled into my brain that I am not good enough to be a Christian. I am not good enough for God to love me and my sins. Its hard. I let what people say and think affect me. I have to learn to forgive myself, because God already has.
.....We went for an evening church service. I was so excited. Its been awhile since I've been to a Hatian Church. We were only about twenty minutes into it, when I realized that I really should have paid attention in High School, especially French class. Seeing as I had a few hours to kill, I took this time to observe. Christian Hatians are so on fire for Jesus. They go to a three hour long service, almost daily. It got me thinking. If we plugged into our church more or more churches or just christian events and people in general how much that would truly impact our walk with the Lord. I was thinking of this analogy. If my "Christianity" glass barely has any water being poured into it, I will more than likely be thirsty and dry. However the more I have being poured into me, the more quenched I will be. The more I will be able to share and pour into others. So here is a challenge for any of you reading, go out this week, wherever you are. Plug into more Christian things. Fill up your cup so it is spilling and overflowing. How can you pour into others, if you have nothing to pour? This is something I need to work on.
......Balloon animals. Did you ever go to a birthday party or circus? Have you ever got something so miniscule as a balloon animal and never think twice? I know I have. I knew that the Arris family and friends would remember me, but I wasn't sure about the community. Well, today I was proved differently. I went over to the neighbors just to fellowship with them. I tried to talk and show my face. The kids all ran up to me and started screaming "balloon, balloon." Over four months ago, I stood on a porch above them and helped make balloon animals to throw down to them. Who would have ever thought that something as stupid as a balloon animal would tie me to another human?
......Great things are being done in Haiti. I have been traveling different places and seeing different ministries. God is alive and working. Hands and feet is astonishing. That ministry is so blessed and is blessing so many. I saw a church that was built in less than three months and it is bigger and more beautiful than a lot of churches in the states. Over 750 people attend each sunday and most are young adults. All things are possible, through HIM.
...... Well I could go on and on, literally. But I won't. I know that I am here to serve Him. However I know that this is the time where he is going to work wonders in me. I am using this time to focus on Him and what he wants for me, not only in Haiti, but for my life.
uncertain internet...
... the internet service at the house may be turned off (no money to pay the bill) in the next few days so our time of unlimited internet service will be over. So... if you do not hear from any of us for a while, do not be worried... that's what is going on. We were blessed to have it so long and pray we will find the money to resume service soon. Until then we may go to an internet cafe' every few days to catch up. We will see.
We are still praying for money for the SUV... it still needs work but so far it is getting us around. Plans for the upcoming week include:
- English classes beginning Monday - time to be determined.
- Chaveneau trip on Tuesday to visit and show Emily around... long day, but we also need to arrange for the team that is coming on July 16/17 for a week there. We are excited to go back and visit those we love.
- Emily wants to visit some of her friends from last summer so we are hoping to squeeze some of that into the days. Also, she got to take Sarafina to the beach yesterday... what a great time and that smile was amazing as she spent time with us playing in the water, eating food from the vendors, sitting in the sun, etc...
That's about it... God is continuing to bless us in our "down time".... we are praying and planning for the future of Hearts United. Continuing to build upon that foundation... one block at a time- but NOT Haitian blocks that crumble easily.... good solid blocks that will stand over time! :) :) -Amen!
We are still praying for money for the SUV... it still needs work but so far it is getting us around. Plans for the upcoming week include:
- English classes beginning Monday - time to be determined.
- Chaveneau trip on Tuesday to visit and show Emily around... long day, but we also need to arrange for the team that is coming on July 16/17 for a week there. We are excited to go back and visit those we love.
- Emily wants to visit some of her friends from last summer so we are hoping to squeeze some of that into the days. Also, she got to take Sarafina to the beach yesterday... what a great time and that smile was amazing as she spent time with us playing in the water, eating food from the vendors, sitting in the sun, etc...
That's about it... God is continuing to bless us in our "down time".... we are praying and planning for the future of Hearts United. Continuing to build upon that foundation... one block at a time- but NOT Haitian blocks that crumble easily.... good solid blocks that will stand over time! :) :) -Amen!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Daneilson
Daneilson Joseph (pronounced "da- neil- son") is one of the children of Chaveneau... He started coming around almost the first day we were there and we saw him every day for the two weeks. We would often comment that he seemed older than he physically appeared and his school uniform was that of an older child even though his size was that of one of the preschool/kindergarten children. He is smart and LOVES to be carried around like a little one- hanging onto your body like a monkey for attention.
Finally after about a week or so we asked how old he was. The response? EIGHT years old. WOW!!! One would think he was only 5 at max if judging by his physical stature. That is when Pastor Duval reminded us of his vision to begin a feeding program this fall and an orphanage in Chaveneau. Many of the children we saw in our two weeks of living in Chaveneau were malnourished. Many had the red hair and swollen bellies which are signs of starvation. Many were sooooo skinny it hurt to hold them on your lap. ALL needed love and attention in addition to food, clothing and medical attention..... all needed hope...
In Haiti the word orphanage means a place for children to come and live and be taken care of because their family can not afford to. Most of the children are not orphans in the true sense of the word, but are just the victims of poverty. Parents can not afford to take care of the children they have so they put them in orphanages to receive food, clothing, education, etc... Either that or put them out on the street to take care of themselves. An orphanage in Haiti is kind of like a boarding school- but instead of paying to put them there, children are put there because parents have no means to keep them at home. Sometimes they are sent home to be with their families during the two months when there is no school in session. Sometimes they stay at the orphanage year-round.
This system is in dire need of rehabilitation. The answer is not to just build another orphanage in Chaveneau. It is to work WITH the families and keep them together, but also to provide ways for them to care for their children. To provide opportunities for them to succeed in a country with an 80% unemployment rate. To provide education and teach skills so they are no longer dependent upon others to help their family and so they don't feel the only alternative is to "give up" their child so they have a "better life".
But.... in the meantime, there are starving/malnourished children in Chaveneau (and all over Haiti) who are in need of FOOD, medical attention, clothing, education, etc... Won't you please consider helping them in some way?? Pray for these little ones and pray for the families who must watch their children starve and suffer just because they were born into a family who has no opportunity to provide for them. Pray for Daneilson... pray for us as we work here in Haiti.... pray for the five loaves and two fishes we currently have to go a LONG way and to be used by Him to show how He provides for not only our physical needs, but ALL our needs if we only look to Him and trust. Thank you for your prayers-
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Exciting Day... :)
We had an exciting day today... first of all THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your prayers for the car... it is still leaking a little transmission fluid but yesterday it got us to Jacmel and back (up and down HUGE mountains- bigger and more treacherous than the road to Chaveneau) and today to way north of Petionville to an old fort (Fort Jacques) where we could see the entire city of Port au Prince and the ocean beyond.... Haiti is an amazingly beautiful country and we are blessed God has brought us HERE to minister. The stalling seemed to be an electrical issue and after the mechanic tightened a few fuses the car ran like a champ the past two days. SO...... it seems the major repairs MAY be over... I pray that is the case...
Both yesterday and today were uplifting because we got to see two totally different ministries but God is at work blessing both of them. Yesterday in Jacmel we went to visit Hands and Feet orphanage which was started by the men from Audio Adrenaline (a christian music group) years ago. It was amazing to see the facilities there and to dream about what can be accomplished through Him when we are faithful to serve Him with all we have. They have a great ministry there- the children are blessed to have that place and to be loved by those working there.
Today we visited a pastor in Port au Prince named Moise. His church was lost in the earthquake but his faith was not. God promised to rebuild his facilities and to create a mighty church where his old one had stood. Well we were able to see just that. His church is HUGE and BEAUTIFUL... and we were amazed to hear that construction was begun the first week of November last year and their first service was held on the one year anniversary of the earthquake- Jan. 12th. They have over 750 on a Sunday morning and one of the most encouraging things is that Moise said most of them are young adults and older teens. The hardest group to reach. Praise God for what He is doing through this ministry!
Moise was able to show us his school on the property as well as the area where they are digging footers to put in an orphanage, kitchen building and playground for the children. Wow! Then we were soooo blessed to be able to spend some great time in fellowship with this man of God. We talked about Haiti and some of the spiritual challenges facing the nation. We talked about the strongholds the enemy has on the country and the fact that he doesn't want to give up easily. We prayed together. I left with such a sense of awe at the God we serve. It is always good to be among those who "sharpen" us and help us become more and more fit for service. I would love to attend church there someday. :) :)
That's it for now... having an amazing summer so far- to God be the glory! Tonight or tomorrow we will work together as a team/leadership to set guidelines for future staff and for the ministry. We are all praying about it individually and will see what He brings to each of us. Then, together, we will form them.
Thanks as always for the prayers. God is good... very good... ALL THE TIME!!
Both yesterday and today were uplifting because we got to see two totally different ministries but God is at work blessing both of them. Yesterday in Jacmel we went to visit Hands and Feet orphanage which was started by the men from Audio Adrenaline (a christian music group) years ago. It was amazing to see the facilities there and to dream about what can be accomplished through Him when we are faithful to serve Him with all we have. They have a great ministry there- the children are blessed to have that place and to be loved by those working there.
Today we visited a pastor in Port au Prince named Moise. His church was lost in the earthquake but his faith was not. God promised to rebuild his facilities and to create a mighty church where his old one had stood. Well we were able to see just that. His church is HUGE and BEAUTIFUL... and we were amazed to hear that construction was begun the first week of November last year and their first service was held on the one year anniversary of the earthquake- Jan. 12th. They have over 750 on a Sunday morning and one of the most encouraging things is that Moise said most of them are young adults and older teens. The hardest group to reach. Praise God for what He is doing through this ministry!
Moise was able to show us his school on the property as well as the area where they are digging footers to put in an orphanage, kitchen building and playground for the children. Wow! Then we were soooo blessed to be able to spend some great time in fellowship with this man of God. We talked about Haiti and some of the spiritual challenges facing the nation. We talked about the strongholds the enemy has on the country and the fact that he doesn't want to give up easily. We prayed together. I left with such a sense of awe at the God we serve. It is always good to be among those who "sharpen" us and help us become more and more fit for service. I would love to attend church there someday. :) :)
That's it for now... having an amazing summer so far- to God be the glory! Tonight or tomorrow we will work together as a team/leadership to set guidelines for future staff and for the ministry. We are all praying about it individually and will see what He brings to each of us. Then, together, we will form them.
Thanks as always for the prayers. God is good... very good... ALL THE TIME!!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
What a difference a day makes...
Yesterday I wrote that I really felt like we were under attack. That is so true... for the last few days I have felt such an incredible weight on me as leader and the mood around here has been one of "heaviness" The enemy had definately tried hard to develop a stronghold and to wear us down. I have not felt such frustration, sadness, depression, anger, etc... in a long time. I was physically and emotionally drained. But, thanks to some mighty prayer warriors today I wake feeling refreshed and ready to begin the next chapter for this summer. So I send a HUGE thank you to those of you who were praying... God has used you to speak truth to me. His truth. He is a God who will not leave me alone to manage Hearts United. Quite the contrary. He is with me each little thought and step. He loves me and has called me here to Haiti this summer and He will be my rock if I allow Him to be. So... today I leave you with this verse that Zick (one of our translators) shared with me the other day. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
under attack
Well... it was bound to happen. Things here in Haiti were sooooo good- the trip was amazing (some hiccups but that's expected with a first year or so), the staff and participants were amazing, etc... Hearts United with Haiti is going to be used by God to bless many in Haiti in the years to come. Going into this weekend there were some items that could cause stress, but due to the prayers of many of you and the relationship I have with God and the fact that I KNOW this is the ministry He is directing us to I had such JOY... incredible JOY here in Haiti.
Why wouldn't the enemy try to take that from me? Of course he would. One of the reasons I chose the name I did for Hearts United with Haiti was because of the verse in Ecclesiastes (4:12) where it says "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken." I think upon this verse and it tells me a few things. The main one is that we need to stay UNIFIED in our mission. We need to be UNITED as we go along this road He is leading us on. And, we need to rely on Him through it all. To protect us, to guide us, to be the head of this organization. If we try to do Hearts United on our own strength we will certainly fail. But if it is where He is leading us, it will be a blessing to many. We truly need to be UNITED with Haiti (and with God) and not just coming here to give handouts and put bandaids on problems. We came here to establish relationships. To disciple. To be UNITED with one another. To receive as well as to give.
The best way for the enemy to try to get a stronghold on this organization is to cause problems within the leadership. And that my friends is exactly what he is trying to do. We are under such attack here. Haiti has been enemy territory for so long and he is not giving up the fight easily. Pray for us- that we stay UNIFIED, that we SEEK HIM, that we are bold enough to FOLLOW where He leads, and most importantly pray that we will remain in Him and close to Him and His word so there be no area in our individual lives and as an organization for him to have ground to set up camp.
Hope that is not too strange and makes sense to you all. It is early in the morning but it is what God put on my heart to share. Yes, we are in desperate financial need with this organization, we are in need of partners/partipants who desire to work with the community in Chaveneau, we are in need of direction for Ron and I personally as we discern if we should move to Haiti, etc... But most importantly, we are in desperate need to submit to God and to rely on Him to direct this ministry. 1 John 1:5 says "God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all." I pray we remain in Him...stay in the light and give NO ROOM for darkness.... . as individuals and as an organization. I ask that you pray the same.
THANK YOU-
Why wouldn't the enemy try to take that from me? Of course he would. One of the reasons I chose the name I did for Hearts United with Haiti was because of the verse in Ecclesiastes (4:12) where it says "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken." I think upon this verse and it tells me a few things. The main one is that we need to stay UNIFIED in our mission. We need to be UNITED as we go along this road He is leading us on. And, we need to rely on Him through it all. To protect us, to guide us, to be the head of this organization. If we try to do Hearts United on our own strength we will certainly fail. But if it is where He is leading us, it will be a blessing to many. We truly need to be UNITED with Haiti (and with God) and not just coming here to give handouts and put bandaids on problems. We came here to establish relationships. To disciple. To be UNITED with one another. To receive as well as to give.
The best way for the enemy to try to get a stronghold on this organization is to cause problems within the leadership. And that my friends is exactly what he is trying to do. We are under such attack here. Haiti has been enemy territory for so long and he is not giving up the fight easily. Pray for us- that we stay UNIFIED, that we SEEK HIM, that we are bold enough to FOLLOW where He leads, and most importantly pray that we will remain in Him and close to Him and His word so there be no area in our individual lives and as an organization for him to have ground to set up camp.
Hope that is not too strange and makes sense to you all. It is early in the morning but it is what God put on my heart to share. Yes, we are in desperate financial need with this organization, we are in need of partners/partipants who desire to work with the community in Chaveneau, we are in need of direction for Ron and I personally as we discern if we should move to Haiti, etc... But most importantly, we are in desperate need to submit to God and to rely on Him to direct this ministry. 1 John 1:5 says "God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all." I pray we remain in Him...stay in the light and give NO ROOM for darkness.... . as individuals and as an organization. I ask that you pray the same.
THANK YOU-
Sunday, July 3, 2011
God's been blessing Haiti!
Hello world outside Haiti! This is Emily. I am so excited to be back in this country! The flight down was good, and the closer and closer it got the more and more anxious I got. When we landed, the whole plane burst out in a fantastic Haitian cheer of clapping, whistles, and "Halleluia"s. Even in the airport, I could see an improvement since I was there last year. It upgraded from a building that resembled more of a warehouse to an actual airport. The city itself has improved too...on the drive to the Arrises' I could see the small things that have changed. As a whole, you don't see a huge difference, but when you look at the details, you can. The amount of trash has gone down a lot, some of the roads are having work done on them, some tent cities are completely gone, others have improved some (public showers, nicer tarps, etc). It's the things like that that give me hope and those things that I need to keep realizing. On our way in we actually got to see the President too! Well, we saw his motorcade at least :) It was cool to think that we were like 50 feet from him.
So after we got here, we made a quick stop at the house to drop off my luggage and eat a quick PB&J, then me, mom, and Obed headed straight over to SOG orphanage to see my girl Sarafina :) When she came out, she didn't run to me, didn't jump into my arms, didn't shed tears of happiness, but she smiled the most pure and happy smile that I have ever seen in my life. She is an incredibly shy little girl, so I know that was the most affectionate welcome I could have gotten and it was more than enough! We were welcomed into the parlor at the orphanage where she sat perched on my lap while me and mom got to know her better. For the first time, I could actually ask her everything I wanted to know unlike when we were crowded around by the other 100 kids. She opened up to us and told us what she remembers about her life before SOG. She said she had an older sister named Daphne, and they lived with her aunt. One day her aunt sent her out for something, but Sarafina got lost. She had no idea where she was, or how to get home. A missions organization found her and brought her to the orphanage where she has been ever since. This prompted mom to be hopeful and say "Well then you could still have family out there looking for you, right?!" Her response, with a solemn, heart-breaking face replied the simple words of "No, I don't think so. There's no hope." Wow...that devestated me...she doesn't know how old she was when she came or when her birthday is. She says she is 8, but she told me she was 8 last year, so I think she's 9, but it is possible that nobody in this world knows for sure. We did get to know some good things about her, too :) I now know that her favorite color is white, her favorite animal is a lion (because it's the king of all the other animals, haha), she wants to be a pilot when she grows up, and she loves school. I fall more and more in love with her every time I see her! We are hoping to get to take her for the day at least once while I am here, but we'll have to call that by ear.
Today I got to go to church and see some more old friends which was great :) I can't wait to see what else God has in store for me on this trip!!
In HIM,
Emily
So after we got here, we made a quick stop at the house to drop off my luggage and eat a quick PB&J, then me, mom, and Obed headed straight over to SOG orphanage to see my girl Sarafina :) When she came out, she didn't run to me, didn't jump into my arms, didn't shed tears of happiness, but she smiled the most pure and happy smile that I have ever seen in my life. She is an incredibly shy little girl, so I know that was the most affectionate welcome I could have gotten and it was more than enough! We were welcomed into the parlor at the orphanage where she sat perched on my lap while me and mom got to know her better. For the first time, I could actually ask her everything I wanted to know unlike when we were crowded around by the other 100 kids. She opened up to us and told us what she remembers about her life before SOG. She said she had an older sister named Daphne, and they lived with her aunt. One day her aunt sent her out for something, but Sarafina got lost. She had no idea where she was, or how to get home. A missions organization found her and brought her to the orphanage where she has been ever since. This prompted mom to be hopeful and say "Well then you could still have family out there looking for you, right?!" Her response, with a solemn, heart-breaking face replied the simple words of "No, I don't think so. There's no hope." Wow...that devestated me...she doesn't know how old she was when she came or when her birthday is. She says she is 8, but she told me she was 8 last year, so I think she's 9, but it is possible that nobody in this world knows for sure. We did get to know some good things about her, too :) I now know that her favorite color is white, her favorite animal is a lion (because it's the king of all the other animals, haha), she wants to be a pilot when she grows up, and she loves school. I fall more and more in love with her every time I see her! We are hoping to get to take her for the day at least once while I am here, but we'll have to call that by ear.
Today I got to go to church and see some more old friends which was great :) I can't wait to see what else God has in store for me on this trip!!
In HIM,
Emily
Emily's girl....
Alexis gets in today (we pick her up in about 3 hours) and then we will start about a 2 week period where we will be working to find partner ministries, people to work with our ministry here in Haiti (like a Haitian "crew"- translators, people to run errands, drivers for teams, etc....), Pray that God will lead and direct us and will help us use this time effectively.
The mechanic is working on the vehicle now... we are still moving toward buying it because the man selling came down another $500 in price because it needs so much work. We currently need $1500 ready to send to Haiti in 2 weeks! We pray people will desire to help with this expense so we can pay the man quickly and we can start to use it. The mechanic seems to think the transmission is fine now and it is only a seal that needs replacing. This would mean a $100 job instead of $500+. Praise God and pray with us that this "fix" does the trick please! :)
We will still work to get the short bus because we will still need a way to get teams to/from Chaveneau with luggage and supplies. That would be SUCH a blessing- as well as a way to get teams from the airport... if we use it only 10 times it will be paid for.... or 5 times to Chaveneau. Renting in Haiti is sooooo expensive.
Emily is off to church- I have been having great time with the Arris family, life is good... thanks again for your support and prayers... :) Serving Him in Haiti- Crystal
Friday, July 1, 2011
almost done "phase 1"
Sitting here at the Arris house with Steve and Auston- the only two from the team left here. They leave for the airport in 2 hours and then I will return to the house, clean and probably nap.... It has been a blessed three weeks and it was soooooo hard to say "goodbye" to Jordan and Michelle- they did a FANTASTIC job with being summer staff. They were such support to me and I thank God for leading them to us this first summer.
The next two weeks will be more "foundation building" and I am starting to see why God chose to not send many people to us. We are making so many contacts and learning more and more about the country and language. God is using this time to teach me much about myself and relying on Him for things... if He truly has called us to this ministry He will provide us with the people and resources we need to run it. It is good feeling less and less dependent on a few people and broadening my circle of contacts here in Haiti. But is is kind of sad at the same time. I had "expectations" about how/what this ministry would look like- those of us who would be working side by side with one another and now that it appears that might not happen it is just a bit sad. I know that God calls us each to different ministries in our lives and has different ways for us to each serve Him and I would never attempt to push someone to mold to MY idea of what God wants. So, I must continue to remain in the Word and stay close to Him and trust that He will make His ways for our ministry clear to those who He has determined should partner with us. And those that should not?? I pray He comforts my heart and helps me release them to Him and not try to put them into a mold they were never meant to fill and that He makes it clear to them as well- that they may have peace about their decision.
Hope this makes sense. I am tired and sleep deprived and will post later when I have had some rest. Know that your prayers were answered and it was a fantastic three weeks in Haiti! God is soooooo good.
-Crystal
The next two weeks will be more "foundation building" and I am starting to see why God chose to not send many people to us. We are making so many contacts and learning more and more about the country and language. God is using this time to teach me much about myself and relying on Him for things... if He truly has called us to this ministry He will provide us with the people and resources we need to run it. It is good feeling less and less dependent on a few people and broadening my circle of contacts here in Haiti. But is is kind of sad at the same time. I had "expectations" about how/what this ministry would look like- those of us who would be working side by side with one another and now that it appears that might not happen it is just a bit sad. I know that God calls us each to different ministries in our lives and has different ways for us to each serve Him and I would never attempt to push someone to mold to MY idea of what God wants. So, I must continue to remain in the Word and stay close to Him and trust that He will make His ways for our ministry clear to those who He has determined should partner with us. And those that should not?? I pray He comforts my heart and helps me release them to Him and not try to put them into a mold they were never meant to fill and that He makes it clear to them as well- that they may have peace about their decision.
Hope this makes sense. I am tired and sleep deprived and will post later when I have had some rest. Know that your prayers were answered and it was a fantastic three weeks in Haiti! God is soooooo good.
-Crystal
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