Serving together

Today in Haiti was exactly what our team needed. After jumping right into the heart of Port-au-

Prince and seeing the suffering so many people endure daily, we got to visit Reiser Heights school. The long journey up the mountain gave our team the chance to converse and get to know each other much better. We talked about what we’ve experienced so far in Haiti, discussed family back home, and embraced the lovely country side.

When finely arriving to Reiser Heights, it was nice to see smiling children as we gave them sunglasses and candy. The children are clearly well taken care of, and it’s great to know that they are receiving an education that would otherwise not be available to most of them. It’s almost as if God knew we needed a break from the chaos and gave us chance to hang out with the playful children and listen to them sing.

While the experience today was not as grueling as the others so far, it seems to have the largest effect on our team. I’m not sure if it’s the extra time spent together. Maybe it’s because we’ve had time to reflect on the other days. Perhaps it’s because we feel more relaxed after a less exhausting day physically and mentally. One thing is for sure, we are definitely a stronger team after today. I look forward to the days to come and thank God for a strong and supportive team.

Jake Behrendt

ANGELS EVERYWHERE

October 19, 2017

My family and friends have oftentimes asked me why I choose to come back to Haiti. For the past two days, I have been continually reminded with each step I take, whether it be those living in Cite Soleil, (the poorest of the poor), at the home for the sick and dying babies or an orphanage for severely handicap children…I choose to come back to see the light of God shining through each and every one of their faces, and to witness His love through each one of my team members who very quickly become a new family. I come back to Haiti because I Love God.

At 6am mass this morning, Father said:

Sometimes we are the people pleading for Gods help.

Sometimes we are the people whom God uses to respond to the needs of others who are pleading for Gods help.

Here’s to another day’s journey!

Kathy Hartzell

Our first day of Serving

October 17, 2017

Our team started the morning with mass in the upstairs veranda with members from Healing Haiti and Father Talbot.  The dogs joined us!!!!

Our team visited Terre Promise School.  The children were not there because it is a holiday but we got a tour of the school rooms and kitchen.  Riser Relief was able to give rice, beans, oil and sardines (13 bags at 50lbs) for school lunches.  The school was also given money for additional supplements to add to the lunch options.    

We headed to the water truck filling station and watched the trucked get filled.  Our first water spot was busy and children gathered for hugs, holding   and play.  Some members enjoyed sitting and allowing the children to play and explore their hair do.  We filled buckets, pails, gas cans, and whatever was available as a container.  We helped carry them to their homes or get them onto their heads.  The young girls are extremely strong and it is amazing to watch them balance and move with the weight of the water.    The second stop was much more relaxed and people lined up with less desperation.  The children were joyful, even in the 95 degree weather and feeling like 105, and some young boys took “showers” as they waited for their friends or family.  The girls enjoyed playing sing song hand games and singing songs such as “days of the week” and singing sweet chants in our youngest team members ears.  We made a third stop, close to the ocean, in a crowded street.  There were motorcycles and carts and some disagreements about who were in line first.  Maxime kept us orderly and moving.  

We walked out to the ocean with children and saw people fishing, possible catching some sort of sardine.  A shipment of charcoal was on the dock as well as bricks that looked like they were being deported.  Our team took picture with the help of Jacob, who joined us from a local orphanage transitional program. 

                

After returning to the Guest House we quickly decided to take in a cool break in the local pool with adult refreshment.  After some socializing and relaxing we enjoyed a good meal, shared devotions and Father Talbot’s Faith Story.  Ask him to share with YOU.  It was a hot and rewarding day.    

Kari and Mary P`