Sunday, July 14, 2013

First full day in Haiti

Today began with bucket showers and a breakfast of boiled eggs, Haitian bread, and bananas.  We then headed off for church in a small school bus that fit everyone - though we were VERY close together.  Church was an amazing experience - Jesus is very much alive down here.  The energy was palpable - the service made me (and Steve Stidham, I might add) cry.  Very powerful to watch 750 people from the poorer areas outside Port au Prince in their Sunday finest (literally - most of them were dressed better than I am on a typical Sunday) worshiping the Lord in power.  Actually, it was powerful and humbling, all at the same time.  One of the most humbling parts was when the pastor introduced us and had us stand (we were in the back) and that same 750 people applauded our presence.  It was just too much.  I think several of us learned a lot about worship today.

After church we had a lunch of peanut butter and jelly on Haitian bread.  For those of you who know I hate peanut butter, it was a major miracle because I not only ate it - I enjoyed it!  Sarah Gezequel and Katie Sailor did a bible lesson for the orphans on David and Goliath (they did a very fine job!), and then we played with the kids, met with the pastor and toured the facility.  Oh, and the orphans did major hair-braiding job on us!  I understand more hair will be braided again tomorrow...

There are still many evidences of the earthquake that hit Haiti.  There are still major piles of rubble, rebar sticking out of buildings, and large patches in many of the buildings.  But the spirit of this people is really amazing.  Steve and I were talking after church - yes, Satan is alive and well in Haiti, but so is God.  And we all know Who is bigger - and who Who wins in the end!  The people of Haiti don't have much materially at all.  Wages are low.  Unemployment and corruption are high.  There are times that the orphans are caught in the middle of politics, how the government works, and available resources.  But the sense of community here is truly overwhelming.  The overall support of the people for each other is amazing.  The US has resources, that's for sure, but we can learn a lot from the Haitians - many of us already have.  One thing they could stand to learn from the US, though, is how to drive!  Traffic rules, speed limits, staying within the lines - basic things like that.  Talk to Steve about his trip to the airport for more information on this topic. :)

Tonight we celebrated Jack's birthday with cupcakes and "Happy Birthday," and two of the boys, Zeb and Zach, went down the street to play basketball with the locals (Kayleigh was the official photographer and Drew went for moral support).  We thought they were going to get killed (the locals are very TALL and good), but they ended up losing only 11-8.  The translator who went down with them (James) said the locals were happy the boys came down - everyone enjoyed it.  Crystal was very excited - more relationships built in the neighborhood!

Tonight we are looking forward to sleeping on the roof (it rained last night and we came in), devotions, and de-briefing.  Its only been one day so far, but it has truly been amazing.  Tomorrow Beccah and Deni are going to be doing medical evaluations of the orphans and we are doing another bible lesson with the kids.  We have LOTS of pictures and even some video clips.  More tomorrow - from someone else! :)  See you soon!

Deb

4 comments:

  1. Good job guys and gals? Awesome report! Did Becca, Zac, and Drew get their luggage? Hang in there Zac don't be nervous.....bring your A game...you can beat them. I Love you Becca and Zac!! Ehud even. Looked under the sofa. B4 he said where'd mommy go? All gone? Then he wanted to go to the swing and read like you always do. 90 degrees all this week.

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  2. Dan, Amy, Ethan ScholmaJuly 15, 2013 at 12:42 AM

    Hi Becca and Zac......I'm so excited that you are able to use your medical expertise tomorrow. That is so wonderful!!!! Zac....that is so cool that you played basketball with the Haitians. You are amazing!!!!
    Love the Scholmas

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  3. So wonderful hearing about this group's experiences, having just come back from our own! It's neat to see that they are already understanding the beauty of Haitians (their joy, and sense of community), which was something very evident to us when we were down there last week. Much love and prayers!

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  4. Way to go Katie Sailor. We are all so proud of u!! :) <3 the kares family

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