The Problem with Words

As we begin the fifth day or our trip, there are few struggles that are just setting in.  It’s hard to write about Haiti, and not just because the bugs are trying to eat me alive, we don’t have solid internet connections nor because down time to write is scarce.   It’s hard to write, because instilling in the reader the enormity of the problems is almost impossible.   They say pictures are worth a 1000 words – I’m going to need a lot of pictures.

Who’s Ministering To Whom?

Almost always, missionaries come back from either short-term or long-term trips very changed by what they see. Working with the people in Delma, and the Baptista Church has given opportunities for the Haitians to minister to us as in hospitality, patience and faith.  They are an incredible people, many of whom praise God for the blessing of survival and do not blame God for their poverty and devastation.  We spoke to one local pastor who said that when his home fell (a high-end home compared to those around him) he laughed when we got out of the rubble – He laughed at an attempt to take his life, and then praised God that he was still alive.  I’m not sure most American Christians would do the same.  I don’t understand a word of Creole, but their music, worship and prayers are amazing!

Let It Rain

The day was one of our longest, after a half day clinic, we than visited the survivor camps around us to pray and bless those people.  I’ve never seen anyone so grateful for house visits.  It’s overwhelming and sad to say the least.  We met some people, many of which spoke English (thank goodness).  It was amazing to hear their stories and plans.  It was touching to see them cleaning rubble from around their home and try to keep clean.  The Haitians treat what they have very well.  Frankly, they are far more concerned about their appearance than we have been.  They bath two-three times a day and are constantly sweeping and cleaning.  Rarely do I not see the Haitians brushing dirt from themselves.  They have a very healthy level of personal respect.

We had initially planned to take a break at a local hotel and get some dinner, maybe go swimming.  However, the schedule just didn’t allow it.  On the way home, it began to lightening and thunder, as we arrived it began to rain.  Several just stood in the refreshing down pour after a long, hot and humbling day.

If I could stay….I would. 

Don’t forget to read Amy Umble’s from the Free Lance Star, as she travels with us.

Tags: haiti, humble, mission, rain, trip

Sunday Perspective

I can write all day, show video and pictures of our past few days and I feel that I would not give justice to what is occurring here in Haiti.  The Haitian people that we’ve engaged in the church and in clinics have been very grateful, very open and hospitable.  They’ve done their best to make us feel welcome.

Entering the Church on Sunday gave me a feeling of home, even if just for a moment.  Of course I didn’t speak the language, but the songs I knew; the mothers trying to be patient with their little ones was familiar and the spirit of the church-family resonated.  The time after the service, which was delivered in French by Pastor Earnest, stirred them.  As a side bar; I am now ready to implement at least one Haitian custom in the church – a church usher walks about shaking the head of those who nod off – that I like!  I want that job! (although don’t count out the fact that I may be the one sleeping)

Walking Through The Streets

After our church service, we began walking the courtyard in the Delmar area, one that is serviced by the local church.  We saw “tents”, which were little more than pieces of fabric held together by any materials available and fastened to four sticks.  Most were about 6×6 and were considered their housing.  There was an estimated 1000 people living in these shelters, in what equated to be about a one,maybe two city block section. 

As we walked the children unabashedly ran to us and took our hands, as some sort of Creole- speaking-two-foot-talk-guide, who we could not understand.   Regardless of our language barrier, these children told a story.  A story that I wish I could do justice.

We did our best to make it to many homes to sing, pray and talk with members of the community.  To you, reading in America, that seems perhaps benign.  To them, having pastors and friends visit them and spend time with them seemed to be a delight. 

Returning to the Compound

On the way back, after a quick introduction and planning session at the clinic/church a huge storm hit.  Our travel home was… indescribable, but I’ll do my best.  With the strong rains, and insane traffic, our tap-tap did it’s best to snake through the crowded, chaotic street.  As it did Dr. Mandall and I noticed that the streets became rivers and the lack of drainage made a tidal wave of trash and debris fighting against our transport.  The thought of the health risks gave a bit more clarity to the medical issues at hand.  Since the Earthquake much of the debris and trash has simply been piled along the city streets. 

Upon arriving back to our camp, we were soaking wet, sun burnt and grateful… very, very grateful to be able to serve.

By the way, we do have journalist with us from the Free Lance Star.  Amy Umble, is doing a great job of telling the story.

Tags: church, grace, haiti, Missions

Note:  Due to bandwidth and scarcity of connection in Haiti, my posts will be without video or pictures. 

Entering Another World

After a long day of flying and waiting and flying again our missions team, made of doctors, pastors, support folk and a reporting team from the Free Lance Star arrived at Port-au-Prince Haiti.  The airport (previously damaged by the January earthquake) was a cacophony of movement, sounds and people – lots of people.  The plane from Miami to Haiti was full and by listening to most of the plan it was Christian missionaries and many were arriving, as we were – ready to provide care, love and support for a people in need. 

As much frustration as I sometimes have with the church-universal, it was amazing to see His people in action.  Actually doing something – actually fulfilling The Great Commission.  Within minutes of leaving the airport it made the frailty of what we Americans consider consequential; insignificant.  We were met at the gate with people there to make any money any way they could, children with hands held out asking for food… It was hard to not feel immediately overwhelmed by the needs of the people. 

Etiquette for  Benevolence

We’ve been well warned that giving food or money to anyone could cause big problems.  We knew that we had to provide care and support in very specific ways or the help could just create more problems.  The ride to the compound which we were staying was rough and dusty. The aroma of poverty and illness passed through our open transport like cigarette smoke lingering in a crowded bar.  The entire team was exhausted from the day’s travelling; but you could see in all our faces that we were ready to help.  It’s such a blessing to have team members who have been here before and have planned for an organized approach to emotional, spiritual and physical support. 

The Week’s Home

The compound that we are in is a Christian School in Port-au-Prince.  It was a school created in the 70’s for the children of missionaries and then later allowed children from all over.  Now, after the earthquake, it’s a basecamp for missionary aid.  The school continues to teach, at a very decreased capacity.  After unloading about 50-60 bags of supplies and medicine that we have brought with us, we were debriefed by the school staff.  Many of the folks I had seen on the plane ride down were re-united at the basecamp. 

At one point during the debriefing a gentlemen of mature years asked “Is there support staff for doctors who have come?” The answer came quickly, as another person a few seats down, said “We have nurses, but no doctors…”  Isn’t if funny how God works?

I’ve been here now about four hours.  Unpacking organizing and cleaning.  In that time I’ve heard at least six different languages and met a few people.  All here to help.  All united by the significant need of these people. 

Least you think that the discomfort of sleeping on floors, 100+ weather and the overwhelming atmosphere a sacrifice, it isn’t.  We’ve only driven through the town and heard a few stories – we’re still living blessed lives in our compound that has running water, electricity and food.  It puts a great deal in perspective.  It trivializes the insignificant things that we consider “stressful” in our blessed American lives.

Tags: 2010, care, fredericksburg, haiti, medical, mission, team, trip

It started with answering a message from a  friend on Facebook…  On May 1st, I’m going to Haiti with a great team of 10 from the Grace Network of Churches.  The primary focus of the mission trip will be to man a medical clinic and support doctors that are going to be attending to countless victims still needing medical care.

Much of my function will be to work with the victims of the devastating earthquake and work as a layman counselor to help with post incident stress and debriefing.  I’ll be spending some time with their church’s leadership to help them learn how to train others and continue working with their church members.

I have a great deal of trepidation due to the great need.  I’ve had one team meeting and a group conference call with the person who went before me.  Those who have already went have relayed significant pain and need on behalf of the victims.  We’ll be taking medical supplies with us as well.

I need your prayers and even your support.  I’m asking for financial donations to help offset the cost, but also to help with the work.  Any funds that are donated and not used will be given to the team for additional supplies.  If you’re interested in contributing, you can do so on the widget below by credit card.  If you wish to help and prefer to do so by check, please make it out to Grace Community Church of Caroline and put “Haiti Missions” in the memo field.  You can mail it to 224 Village Court, Ruther Glen, VA 22546.

Thank you in advance for your support and your prayers!

Tags: haiti, Missions