Another Lesson Learned in Haiti

As some of you know, I just back from Haiti a little over a week ago. As tempting as it is to run to the computer and share what happened while I was there, I try to do my best to process what happened while I was there and what new things God is trying to show me on this journey. This was definitely a different kind of trip. The first two weeks that I was there, I spent time with two teams. The first was a team of six other guys and Vanessa (who is an RN and did her best to keep all us guys in line, which included her own father). The second team was a more equal gender mix which also included Deb with seventeen others. Both teams did a great job getting the new Guesthouse/Girls orphanage and the new Boys orphanage ready to move in. They did all kinds of yard work, electrical work, painting, made shelves, installed two inverter systems, and too many other things to mention. You maybe saying to yourself, "sounds like a pretty typical missions trip to me, why was it different." It felt different to me because we really didn't go anywhere to serve others, we stayed right at the guesthouse and the boys orphanage and worked there. We didn't go share to Gospel with others, we did go feed hungry children, we didn't go put a roof on school that was ready to cave in, we didn't go spend time at other orphanages holding and playing with kids that are starving for affection. We didn't do any of those things. We just worked at home. And there it is...... We just worked at "home" That's when it started to hit me. Maybe the reason it felt so different was for that very reason. These people that took their resources and spent their time to come to Haiti were serving me, Deb, our family, and the children of Good Samaritan.

So from the bottom of our hearts Deb and I can't thank you all enough for everything you did for us and the children of Good Samaritan. There are thirty very special children that have been sleeping in tents for the past seven months that now have two beautiful homes to live in. You have also given our family a place to call home and help provide a place for teams to stay when they come to serve in Haiti.

I also wanted to share with you a lesson that I feel God taught me during my stay. Many of you know that almost every time I go to Haiti, God reveals something to me. One thing I like to encourage people to do when they come is to listen. Listen to what God wants to reveal to you while you're here. Don't just do, but concentrate on becoming. Becoming the person that God wants you to be, and with the help of the Holy Spirit can be.

Since I am usually going about fifty different directions when I'm in Haiti, God usually has to talk to me through action. This time for me to get it, He had to put me on my knees to get it. Let me share with you what happened.

If you spend any time in Haiti, you will take notice that the country is very "class" oriented. Which means that people usually know place in that "class system" and don't deviate from it. I have been told and have seen that the person that is paying the "help" would never work along side the people he is paying to do the work. One of the things that has the potential to be an issue for me in that type of environment is feeling a sense of entitlement. It can be difficult to live and serving in a country that has so much need. Almost everyone looks at you as someone that can better their circumstances, and in most cases you can if you choose to.

That leads me to my story. Before I left for my daily trip to the store to get ice and water for the team, I ordered a load of dirt and stone to be delivered to the house. While I was there, the load was delivered and one of the drivers that works for the Good Samaritan Ministry hired three men off the street to come and spread it throughout the yard with shovels and one wheel barrel. Upon my return I looked over and saw the three men working very hard spreading the stone and dirt, while the driver was standing under a shade tree watching them. I didn't really think much of it. I asked them if they were thirsty, and they said they were, so I went up to the kitchen and brought down a cooler of water and some cups and served them some water. Again, didn't think much about it. While they were taking a short break I took advantage not having to go anywhere else for a while and picked up one of the shovels and starting working. They looked at me at first like I was insane, but then thanked me for the water and began working again. Side by side we worked. The man that was sitting under the tree was baffled and didn't know what to do. He started to work with us for about five minutes, but was so confused that he stopped and went off to do something else. So for about two hours we worked together spreading dirt and sending time together. I saw the strong work ethic they had and shared many smiles with them during our time working. Then we heard it was time for lunch. I asked Vanessa and some others to bring the table and the food down to us since we were covered in dirt and sweat. They did, and they also brought down a bucket of water, a cup, and some soap for us to wash up with. Again not really thinking about it, I got down on my knees as the three men came over to wash up. I poured the clean water over their hands and arms as they began to wash. I continued to do that for each of these young men. One of the men really starred right into my eyes as I helped him wash his hands. It was like he was trying to tell me something without saying a word. After we were done, we prayed, ate together, finished the work, I paid them for their hard work, and they were on their way. At different times during that day I thought about that mans eyes. What was he trying to say? As the day ended and one by one the guys I was sleeping near fell asleep, I laid there wide awake on my mattress. So I got out a book and started to read but couldn't get that man out of my head. What was he saying to me. So I put the book down, closed my eyes and tried to quiet my mind. Then I felt God saying this to me through those man's eyes.

"You have been a part of a lot of things here in Haiti. You have been a part of rescuing a child off the streets, you have been a part of feeding hundreds of children, rebuilding a roof of a school that educates hundreds of kids, you have repeatedly preached in a church to hundreds of people, you have helped get many kids get connected to families in America through sponsorship, you have helped run medical clinics, you helped provide temporary and long-term housing to many after the earthquake, yes you have been a part of many good things. But unless you do these things in the position of a servant, they are not of me. The only way to serve the people of Haiti and the people I put in your path is to do it from your knees. Just as I left my throne in heaven to serve, not to be served, I'm asking you to do the same. So get on your knees and stay there until the race is finished, and I say "Well done good and faithful servant"

If I want to be a Reflection of Christ to people, be in Haiti or anywhere He takes me, I have to be looking up to them, not down at them........



Mesi Savior e Bondye beni ou,

Jeff

Celebrate!

Jeff, Vanessa, Max, and Berothie have continued the work our teams left a few days ago. The outdoor kitchen and the organizational shelving is completed at the girls home and shelving and storage at the boys home. Tonight both the girls and the boys are in their new home! God is good! This is such a blessing to them and to us as well!
Many prayers were said over these two homes while we were there. Prayers for the lives that would be changed because of the buildings that will provide safety, shelter, and a place to learn Christ's love and forgiveness. The girls worship every morning. I'm sure that will be quite a wake up call following the roosters' initial alarm. The boys will have a spiritual leader named Eddie. We were able to work with him at the boys home doing some painting then we prayed together for him and for the boys that would come through the orphanage. Please join us as we pray for these leaders as they guide and teach the children.
Please join us in praising God for providing for these children!

God's timing is perfect timing!

Two teams served in Haiti over the last two weeks and so much was accomplished.
We are so thankful for all these teams have given to this ministry and to our family. As we prepared for this trip, we had all intentions of unloading the container and we prayed earnestly that it would be released. As we learned on our last trip, sometimes our plans are not God's plan and just trusting Him is what we need to do. As it turns out, there was some confusion with the shipping company as to which container had reached and been processed through customs. It was not ours as we were told. Ours is now in Haiti, but it could be 5-6 weeks before it is released. While initially a bit disappointing, the bottom line is there was much work to be done to prepare two houses for this ministry. It has taken the two weeks of teams working very hard and Jeff and Vanessa remain in Haiti for yet another week to finish some things before moving kids into their new homes.
The second team arrived to find the guest house/girls home/our home with a beautiful yard where a ton of work had already been done. The mess we left in June was gone. The overgrown grassy area had been cleared, the rocky, muddy area had been cleared and a paver patio had been created complete with two park benches and two potted trees. For those of you who know me, this meant the world...to have a place to sit outside and enjoy God's creation (and read scripture with coffee in hand) not only for our family, but for teams coming to serve. The first team had also set up the large military tent for the girls to have shade to do school work under and much to my surprise, a paver basketball court had been started. I was very humbled and blessed by the personal care that went into this for us. There was also water and electric for the house which will provide for the comfort of those we bring to serve. Thank you to those on the first team who gave so much of themselves!
The second team spent the week finishing the basket ball court very creatively with a green lane with AH marked and spots for three point shots. Another small pad for sitting and walkways connecting everything. My kids will be very surprised to find the first letter of each of their names in the walkway done by the color of the pavers. Thank you to those of you who worked for many days for the personal touch and the beautiful outside area! We now have full time electricity and water. Something we take for granted here in the states, but is very hard to come by in Haiti. This is so important for those who will come to serve with us! Thank you to those who were involved in that setup!
Some worked on building lots shelving which will provide for organization for the girls and the guest house. This will help keep Jeff and I sane while living with so many people!
There was also a ton of work that went into getting the boys home ready. There is now running water and electricity there (although still some work to be done to make it full time). Part of our second team spent three days there scraping paint, repainting, and cleaning. This house had been transformed to provide an awesome place for the boys. God placed a burden on my heart about a year and a half ago to provide housing for boys and to see this all come together has left me in awe of God's plan and his faithfulness. He deserves all the honor and glory for the vision we have been given and all that has come together so far.
More than all of the work that has been accomplished though is the spiritual work He has done in these two teams. We spent time with kids who have been through so much more struggle and turmoil than we can know and understand. We have seen destruction beyond our belief. We have seen Gesner and Youdeline and their one year old living in unbelievable conditions in a tent city. And now we find out Youdeline is trying to remain healthy while carrying their second child in these conditions. We are heavy hearted over the thought of sleeping in our house while they are in a tent at the bottom of a hill with rain pouring down. We pray for guidance as to the best sustainable way help them. Yet they continue to trust God for his faithfulness and they press on.
We attended church with Haitians who have very little and worship in the bottom of a building whose top two floors was completely destroyed and remains in shambles, yet God's presence was evident. We continue to be in awe of the faith the Haitians exhibit. Pastor Nathan stretched me this week as he lives his life to honor God no matter what comes his way. Through the destruction of his home, church, and school, he is thankful for what he has and for what God will do as he presses on.
God challenged us to see the blessings we have and how we can use them to honor him. While some may have been disappointed that the container did not arrive, I know God's plan was carried out he did the work in us that was necessary. God's timing is perfect timing!
I am once again humbled to be in the midst of God's mission in Haiti.
As Pastor Nathan says with each greeting and goodbye...
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)
Deb

Team update

The team in Haiti right now is doing great! They visited Leogane Orphanage on Sunday and reported the kids are doing ok. They have a large tent set up for church. Our second team will visit them again this coming Sunday. We'll take some fun things...soccer balls, jump ropes, coloring. Hopefully we'll get to worship with them also, it is a beautiful experience with the 100 kids and their energetic pastor/father who live by faith every day.
The team is getting lots of work done at the guest house and boys orphanage. They expect to have full electricity running at the guest house by the time the second team arrives on Thursday evening (if there is such a thing in Haiti).
Rick's first trip to Haiti included getting some sort of new hairstyle done at Good Samaritan Orphanage. Depending on which one of the girls was doing the styling, I feel for him...can be painful:) I'm not sure if there have been any pedicures done yet, but pictures will tell!
The second team will be packing tonight and leaving 3:00am Thursday morning. It will be a very long day of traveling. There will also be 3 team members from the first team leaving Haiti on Thursday. Please be in prayer for safety, rest, and emotions. Coming and leaving bring a lot of unexpected emotions for some people.
We are very excited to be part of the ministry God has allowed us to take part in this week. No word on the container yet. Please also be in prayer for the release of the container this week.
One more request is to lift up our families we leave back here. Please pray for patience and understanding for those taking care of our children. There are several of us leaving young children behind which can be difficult on both ends. Thank you to those of you caring for them!

Thank you for experiencing Haiti with us. We're looking forward to sharing with you things we see God doing there! And thank you for your continued prayer!
Deb

We're still learning

A event filled week and more to come. God continues to teach us lessons of being self-less, trust in Him, and why we are here.

Jeff and 7 others flew into Haiti Friday. They had a very long trip as it always is. Travel to the airport, checking in, layover, uncertainty of timing at baggage claim in Haiti, and travel from the airport to the house all in all is about 13 hours and no solid sleep.

This team includes 4 who have not been to Haiti before. Please pray for all of them, but especially those experiencing it for the first time. Those of us who return again and again learn something new each time, but that first time can be overwhelming.

The team will be working on getting all of the water and electric systems at the guest house/girls orphanage/our house and the boys orphanage running well [at least as well as can be for Haiti:)]. They'll also be doing some yard work, paint prep, and general maintenance at both places. So far they are having a great trip! Hopefully, they will be sharing some details with us all soon as to what they have experienced so far. We do know they had a great Saturday working at the guest house, Vanessa is teaching a man how to run wire or something of that sort:), and they are enjoying the wind and cooler nights as result of the tropical storm.

Events that preceeded this trip...

*We received an email earlier in the week saying our container is in customs and is being processed! The down side is that even if it is cleared, it could sit for a week or two because of the back log they are experiencing. If this is the case it could be released after both teams have left. We continue to ask God to intervene on this process and that the container would be delivered while we have so much help there. It would mean so much to us to have that help!

*We found out that Haiti is not issuing any visas which might sound really bad, but actually the process we will take instead to be in the country long term turns out to be easier and probably less expensive. With so many ministry details still to take care of before we leave, this is a relief to us!

*We signed a contract on our house on Thursday night. Settlement date will come when the other family has tennants to rent their house in Shippensburg. Please be in prayer for that process and the timinig of things. It is definitely bittersweet, but we know ultimately God is and has been part of this process and we continue to learn that we need to trust. Many times, I want to be in control of this and at times I don't want to give up the comfort and normalcy we have here. As I was listening to "What do I know of holy" by Addison Road last night, I realized again why I am here on this earth. It is not for myself. It is not for my comfort or what is easy. I am here to bring honor and praise to the God who created me and all things and to share his love with others. The sacrifice He made for me far outweighs any sacrifice I could ever make for the sake of his kingdom. So yet again, I lay it all down at his feet.

Learning together,

Deb

Headed back!!!

We're getting ready to head to Haiti again. This time we will be taking two teams to Haiti to do a number of jobs at the Guesthouse and the boys and girls orphanages. I leave on the 23rd, Deb will be bringing the second team down on the 29th and we will both come back on the 4th of August. This will be the first time that we will be staying at the AWAKENHAITI guesthouse. We are both very excited to be able to stay there and equally excited to be able to share it with the people that are coming with us. We both continue to feel the overwelming support of so many.

AWAKENHAITI has also been very busy, continuing to get ready for our departure and getting the ministry off the ground. The web-site (awakenhaiti.org) is up and running and contains alot of information about the ministry and the upcoming trips that we will offer this coming fall. We are also going to start booking trips for 2011.

As Deb mentioned, two weeks ago, we had a wonderful evening sharing our vision and why we are moving to Haiti with the members of our church, friends and family. It was so encouraging to see and be able to share with so many people. We also realize that it was a difficult time of the year to have our presentation, so Deb and I are putting a packet of information together for those that wanted to come and were not able to. If you would like to copy of that information, just e-mail us with your address to jeffd@awakenhaiti.org and we'll get it to you asap. Thanks to all that have already commited to partnering with us as we serve in Haiti.

Please continue to pray for us and the team that will be heading to Haiti to serve at the end of this month. Some of them have not been to Haiti since the earthquake happened and for some it will be their first time in Haiti.

Bondye beni,

Jeff

A Journey

Sunday we were able to share our journey with about 150 people. We were without words of gratitude at the support we felt as we shared our hearts, our experiences from the past few years, and our reasons for going to Haiti. The following is the video from our presentation on Sunday. It represents our own journey and then also the journey of those walking with us in the leadership of AWAKENHAITI and in child sponsorship. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for those who came Sunday and also to those who have chosen to support us through prayer and finances!