A Very Busy First Day

Today was the first time we actually got to do some work. Cathy, Tonya and Norlande went to an orphanage, where we got a chance to bathe, clothe and feed children from ages from two to thirteen. We played with them and got a chance to see how they live. Seeing these children, how they reacted and connected with each other brought an amazing sensation of joy in our hearts. They shared whatever item they had with one another. For example, a little boy who had just come home from school, even in his hunger, shared his sandwich with the younger kids who had already eaten but were still hungry for more. It was priceless. The house where they live in was poorly managed. There were two bedrooms and it seemed like the children all slept in these rooms. Which didn’t look like there was enough room to sleep, more the less, breathe. We were told that the adults taking care of them slept in a corner somewhere or on the couch. There was no food whatsoever in the fridge. So, our main concern, Cathy, Tonya and I, was if the children would be provided dinner. Just watching these children and how they were excited to see us, looking at the way they lived made us wonder. How were they treating them when we weren’t around? Two of the workers who had children there were practically begging us to adopt their children. They were telling us how the manager wasn’t doing anything to make their lives and the children’s easier. They hadn’t been paid and it was for the children’s sake that they were still there. We were doubtful of his common sense and how much he really cared about these children. Visiting the orphanage was an amazing and blessed experience, which I am positive we will never forget. We of course hope to see them again tomorrow and are above all keeping them in our prayers.

Sage, Russ, Greg and Jean were on a construction site where they got to rebuild a house, which was destroyed. The house was made of stone at first, but they got to recreate it in wood. It’s a fourteen by nine foot house made for six people. One of the elderly, Haitian, male who is living there was very excited to see them. He welcomed them with a wide smile on his face and arms open. The house built up amazingly fast and it is very much complete now. They got to play with little kids that appeared out of the blue. “The three kids living there drew beautiful pictures on construction paper and instead of taking them home, they wanted us to keep them as gifts and wrote their names on the papers, so we could remember them!” said Sage when she came back from her long day at work. They brought strings and beads, so they could make bracelets. While the others were finishing up the house, Sage went behind the kitchen where she met three beautiful Haitian women. She helped them make their bracelets and before she knew it, she was surrounded by a crowd of curious children. They taught them how to play Frisbee and gave them two soccer balls. It was an incredible and unforgettable experience.

And lastly, Kelley and Amanda went with the medical team. It was a two hour drive from where we are staying. Kelley had the opportunity to meet a young man in which she believes had a strong leadership power that he is unaware of. She communicated with the others, through God’s help and words. They sung songs of worship and just enjoyed each other’s company. Amanda’s job was mostly in the clinic. She got to ask the people’s names, ages and symptoms. It was a very great experience for her and she enjoyed it very much. As we continue our wonderful journey with the Lord, we thank you for being there with us through it all and including us in your prayers. We also ask that you pray for these blessed children, for the family that is hoping to walk into their new home tomorrow and for that gifted young man.

By Norlande for Team Haiti

Safe Arrival!

The team has arrived safely in Haiti! All of our luggage arrived! Praise God!

After an hour and a half long van ride up the winding mountain road plugged with traffic we made it to the Thirst No More House. It is a beautiful house but it is extremely packed. There are 38 people staying in the house, including two other teams, one from Virginia and one from Arkansas. It’s hard to walk around in the bedrooms without stepping on someone’s bed or luggage.

We had a delicious dinner of chili and then we had an orientation. There’s no water left at the house, so we were all promised that we’d be first in line for showers tomorrow. We received our assignments for tomorrow; we will be working in three teams. The medical team includes Kelley and Amanda. The construction team includes Jean, Greg, Russell, and Sage. Lastly, Cathy, Tonya, and Norlande will be visiting an orphanage where they provide lunch for the children. They will also be giving the children a bath, possibly the first one they have received in their lifetime! Rolande is in high demand with her fellow Haitians and will be assisting Trinity Broadcasting Network secure the release of houses from the government.

After our orientation, we have unloaded our ten trunks full of donations for the orphanage and food for our team. The first team departs at 6:30 a.m. and all teams will have left by 8:00 a.m. We will all be tired and sticky tonight, but we’re praising God for bringing us here to be used by Him!

Thank you for your prayers. Please pray that the water holds out for the many volunteers here. Pray also that the Lord prepares our hearts for what we will encounter on our various missions tomorrow.

More Pre-Trip Thoughts

When Norlande left Haiti to move to the US, she never wanted to forget her beautiful country. After the earthquake hit, she had cousins living with her family here. She was grateful for the opportunity to help them. Upon hearing of this opportunity to go to Haiti she felt such a surge in her spirit she knew it was God pushing her. She is excited as this will be her first mission trip! Norlande looks forward to helping her fellow Haitians, especially the children. She is sure God will use her and that she will grow as a Christian. Norlande's mother Rolande will also be traveling with the team.

Pre-Trip Thoughts

Today I picked up a diabetic blood sugar testing machine for someone in Haiti. I packed 3 pairs of tennis shoes for 3 little boys who live in Haiti and who will be attending school in the fall. Breath of Life Clinic here in Katy donated many medical supplies and as I packed two large black trunks it sure seemed like a lot of band aids and baby formula. I am fully prepared to arrive in Haiti and feel like I should have brought so much more. How do you pack for a trip like this?

Darby and I passed out paper bags in my neighborhood this week with a note asking kids to share their clothes and shoes with kids in Haiti. I was blessed when I returned home today and saw that 5 paper bags were already on my front porch.

What a gift that 3 of our GF teammates are from Haiti! Almost a 1/3 of our team are Haitians. I believe they will be true leaders on our trip. Hopefully we will be able to meet their families while we are in the Port-au-Prince area. I pray we will.

I’m honored to be leading this team from Grace Fellowship. Lord, use us for your glory. Help our team to walk in unity. Help us to hear and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. All for your glory.

Kelley Kerr

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“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land” Proverbs 25:25

When we think about missions we often think about the excitement of traveling into a distant land. It is far away and unfamiliar to us. It is new experiences…the people, language, culture, sights, smells, food…the list can go on and on. But for the many orphans we will visit, it is the US that is the distant land! In their minds, it is unbelievable that people who live in the distant land of America would come all the way to Haiti just to visit them! Many times they do not understand their precious value to God the Father and His love for them. In some cases, they are seen as cursed or unlucky, a problem more than an opportunity, and a burden instead of a joy. These are the things the enemy wants orphans to believe. Many have that seed of doubt planted in their minds that they are without value to anyone. But, when you visit them in person…that starts to change! When you tell a child you are there just to visit them, to become their friend and learn more about them, it means the world to them! It is like “cold water to a weary soul.” We can go to Haiti and be that water. God can use our lives to bring comfort and love into the life on an orphan. Please come with us. Join this team. Be a part of this adventure. Commit to praying for us and the children we will encounter every day while in Haiti!

Tonya Mowrer

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With only 3 days before we depart, I am filled with excitement. What an extra blessing GOD has given me to be able to share this awesome trip with Sage. Having spent most of the day driving in Austin yesterday, I was channel surfing on the radio and on five separate occasions, I stumbled on a Christian radio program all speaking on the Book of Revelations. The common theme among the programs, was The Second Coming and will you be ready for His return. The timing of this trip to Haiti and hearing these programs confirmed what God had been speaking to me. Get off the sidelines and get into the game before it’s too late. Make a difference today. I thank GOD for this awesome opportunity.

Russ Reekwald

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