I recently had to write an article for the H2H Newsletter about my year at H2H and I wanted to share if with you too...
As I only have one page in this newsletter to summarize my year at H2H I’m going to direct you to my blog for the details (www.rebeccalarkin.blogspot.com) & here I’m just going to tell you what I’ve learned about tile floors. Disappointed? Give it a read before you decide ☺
The Guesthouse has tile floors - I have swept them, mopped them, cleaned vomit off them, cleaned blood off them, been brought to tears on them, slept on them, slipped on them & several times experienced God on them.
The Call to come to H2H was clear but the reason was a bit fuzzy. I’ve struggled with knowing there are other people who are more qualified & have more to offer the kids. In my pep talks I kept reminding myself that my strength is my versatility & that could cover all circumstances – weak, I know, but desperate times call for desperate measures! Thanks to my dad’s coaching technique I am pretty good at giving pep talks, even to myself. That kept me going for several months but a time came when it was no longer sufficient as it relied on my ability to always be there for myself. How can you be there when you’re too tired to take out your contacts before going to bed most nights - which I don’t recommend several nights in a row! How can you be there when you’re broken? There were times when I laid on my immaculately mopped tile floor (that only slightly smelled like the mildew mop I used) and cried out to God to become my strength, to be the food that nourishes me, to be the water that hydrates me, to remove my personal agenda & to align my dreams with His will for my life. It wasn’t an immediate change, nor one that is finished, but God met me as I laid on the tile floor & answered my prayers in practical ways. He helped me stomach the spaghetti/rice diet. He gave me discernment to know when to help & when to allow someone else to step in. He gave me pep talks when I looked into the kids’ eyes. He gave me fellowship & encouragement through new friends. He gave me strength when I had to look into the face of death, starvation & evil. He filled me with His love so there was always enough for others. This year I was His tile floor, which He swept, mopped, waxed & repaired when broken. On His floor the kids found love, not because the floor was anything special, but because on the tile floor they played with their Father.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your involvement in H2H. Many of you have never met your sponsorship child, sat in the buildings you've helped build or seen Pastor Luc in action behind the pulpit. Yet you've decided to help. You've made sacrifices. The sacrifices I made to come here are nothing in comparison to the joy the kids give me. I hope that as you read through my blog you are given that same joy, as the kids here are real & they know you are real! They pray for you & they thank God for your commitment to help them.
Rebecca Larkin
rebeccalarkin6@hotmail.com
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Quarter Pounder Club
Ok, I'll be the first to admit the 'Quarter Pounder Club' is a terrible name for a Club but read on before you judge me...
As you all know by now, I'm heading back to Haiti at the end of August and am planning to live there indefinitely. I'll be honest, I have mixed feelings about going back this time. I've been having such a great summer - I'm staying at my parents house in Crescent Beach and so has the rest of the family....brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephew and of course my Grandma Rose! Being home, and being pampered at home, is not going to make it easy to go back to the harsh life in Haiti but it's helped me realize something... I'm going back for a very specific reason & that reason is worth giving up the comforts for home - the kids! I miss the kids so much I have to avoid thinking about them or the thought of being away for another month is too much. I have tried hard to switch gears and stay focused on what is going on in Canada but each phone call back to Haiti makes it more difficult.
When I started my 'support raising' I decided I wasn't going to ask people to sponsor me - I figured people know what I'm doing & they can get involved if they'd like. But, after talking to people the last few weeks, I've realized 2 things...
1. People want to be asked to be involved! I was surprised by this so it's probably not true for everyone but I have approached a few people and they were really excited about partnering with me. They'd always wanted to do something like I'm doing but haven't had the opportunity because of family or work commitments. They appreciated being able to be involved by sponsoring me & were excited about feeling apart of it by reading my blog & knowing their contribution is making a difference to the kids.
2. You don't have to give a lot! Some people have said they'd like to help but they can only afford $25/mth & they think that's not worth giving. This is not true!!!! If all of my sponsors only gave $25/mth I'd be thrilled!! It would mean I have a bigger support base which means more people 'caring' for me. I want you to partner with me, not just give me money every month. Haiti can be a lonely place so knowing that people are thinking & praying for me...or just believing that what I'm doing is worth doing...means so much to me. Here's where the Quarter Pounder Club comes in - this was my failed attempt at creatively encouraging you to support me with $25/mth...don't worry, there will be no meetings & I promise never to mention the Club name again :)
So here's the big request... I'd really appreciate your support, whatever the amount, as I can't continue to work at H2H in Haiti without finding partners.
If you'd like to support me monthly, using automatic withdrawal, email me for the automatic withdrawal form & send it to the below address with a separate note indicating you'd like to support me. All donations are fully tax deductable and tax receipts will be issued at the end of the year. If you'd prefer to donate in another way (credit card, post dated checks, lump sum, etc) email me and I'll give you instructions.
Thank you so much for considering this & I'm still home for the next 4 weeks so let me know if you'd like to get together...especially if it involves food that is not rice & beans!!!
May God bless you as you are a blessing to others,
Rebecca Larkin
rebeccalarkin6@hotmail.com
As you all know by now, I'm heading back to Haiti at the end of August and am planning to live there indefinitely. I'll be honest, I have mixed feelings about going back this time. I've been having such a great summer - I'm staying at my parents house in Crescent Beach and so has the rest of the family....brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephew and of course my Grandma Rose! Being home, and being pampered at home, is not going to make it easy to go back to the harsh life in Haiti but it's helped me realize something... I'm going back for a very specific reason & that reason is worth giving up the comforts for home - the kids! I miss the kids so much I have to avoid thinking about them or the thought of being away for another month is too much. I have tried hard to switch gears and stay focused on what is going on in Canada but each phone call back to Haiti makes it more difficult.
When I started my 'support raising' I decided I wasn't going to ask people to sponsor me - I figured people know what I'm doing & they can get involved if they'd like. But, after talking to people the last few weeks, I've realized 2 things...
1. People want to be asked to be involved! I was surprised by this so it's probably not true for everyone but I have approached a few people and they were really excited about partnering with me. They'd always wanted to do something like I'm doing but haven't had the opportunity because of family or work commitments. They appreciated being able to be involved by sponsoring me & were excited about feeling apart of it by reading my blog & knowing their contribution is making a difference to the kids.
2. You don't have to give a lot! Some people have said they'd like to help but they can only afford $25/mth & they think that's not worth giving. This is not true!!!! If all of my sponsors only gave $25/mth I'd be thrilled!! It would mean I have a bigger support base which means more people 'caring' for me. I want you to partner with me, not just give me money every month. Haiti can be a lonely place so knowing that people are thinking & praying for me...or just believing that what I'm doing is worth doing...means so much to me. Here's where the Quarter Pounder Club comes in - this was my failed attempt at creatively encouraging you to support me with $25/mth...don't worry, there will be no meetings & I promise never to mention the Club name again :)
So here's the big request... I'd really appreciate your support, whatever the amount, as I can't continue to work at H2H in Haiti without finding partners.
If you'd like to support me monthly, using automatic withdrawal, email me for the automatic withdrawal form & send it to the below address with a separate note indicating you'd like to support me. All donations are fully tax deductable and tax receipts will be issued at the end of the year. If you'd prefer to donate in another way (credit card, post dated checks, lump sum, etc) email me and I'll give you instructions.
Thank you so much for considering this & I'm still home for the next 4 weeks so let me know if you'd like to get together...especially if it involves food that is not rice & beans!!!
May God bless you as you are a blessing to others,
Rebecca Larkin
rebeccalarkin6@hotmail.com
Thursday, July 31, 2008
My little journal
I have tried so many times to keep a journal but I always give up after a few days. Today I was cleaning out the backpack I brought home from Haiti & I found a little notebook with only 1 page written in... my latest failed attempt at a journal! I read the lonely 3 entries and immediately came to the computer. I clearly remember why I started this journal... I was feeling discouraged about being in Haiti as it felt like I was not having an impact. Here are the 3 entries...
_____________________________________________
May 26, 2008:
What have I done in Haiti?
Rebecca, it's not about you. It's not about how people see you. It's not about making people like you. It's about what I am doing. You are only an instrument - I am the musician. Just be willing... Just be willing...
_____________________________________________
June 7, 2008
"In decision making always begin with "Yes Lord." Do not proceed to seek God's direction if you cannot honestly say, 'Whatever you want from me, Lord, I will do it.'"
(this was a direct quote from a book I was reading but I can't remember what book!?!)
_____________________________________________
June 13, 2008:
Read 2 Cor. 5:1-10 (read it!!!). Lord, may the reality that I am living a temporary life on earth sink in. May this reality change the way I live. May I not be a hypocrite in the way I live.
_____________________________________________
To be honest, I'm not sure why I'm sharing this with you. Maybe I needed a reminder of the way God has spoken to me in my times of discouragement. Maybe someone out there needs to realize that God is talking to them right now...
_____________________________________________
May 26, 2008:
What have I done in Haiti?
Rebecca, it's not about you. It's not about how people see you. It's not about making people like you. It's about what I am doing. You are only an instrument - I am the musician. Just be willing... Just be willing...
_____________________________________________
June 7, 2008
"In decision making always begin with "Yes Lord." Do not proceed to seek God's direction if you cannot honestly say, 'Whatever you want from me, Lord, I will do it.'"
(this was a direct quote from a book I was reading but I can't remember what book!?!)
_____________________________________________
June 13, 2008:
Read 2 Cor. 5:1-10 (read it!!!). Lord, may the reality that I am living a temporary life on earth sink in. May this reality change the way I live. May I not be a hypocrite in the way I live.
_____________________________________________
To be honest, I'm not sure why I'm sharing this with you. Maybe I needed a reminder of the way God has spoken to me in my times of discouragement. Maybe someone out there needs to realize that God is talking to them right now...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I’ll take a pass on the rice & beans but CAN’T LIVE without the kids!
On one hand; rice & beans everyday - on the other hand; the kids I love… hmmm…
Decision time has come & gone and I’m going back to Haiti with a suitcase full of Wendy’s mandarin-chicken salads!!!!
So, here’s the general plan…
- laser eye surgery today
- fundraising completed as I lay in bed recovering
- 5 weeks of intense physical & mental training
- back to Haiti in late August
Believable? Well, most of it is true… I am getting laser eye surgery this afternoon, I’m doing bootcamp 5 days/week all summer long, I am taking cake decorating classes with my grandma and I just met with H2H last night & agreed to go back to Haiti indefinitely!!
So that leaves the fundraising… I need to build a monthly support base that will cover my expenses while living in Haiti. I’ve always struggled with the idea of asking friends & family to support my “Haiti addiction” so I’ve decided I’m not going to. What I’m looking for is people who believe in H2H’s mission statement & want to be involved in accomplishing it.
H2H’s mission statement:
“To minister the love of Jesus in Haiti, meeting the educational, physical, medical, spiritual and emotional needs of the children and their families in such a way that they become empowered to reach their full potential and to live healthy, happy, productive lives as capable Christian family, church and community members.”
Not everyone can support a child financially, be a team member or relocate to Haiti. But some of you can & some of you want to. Over this past year in Haiti I have interacted with so many people who are personally involved in affecting the life of a child in Haiti… many of whom have never been to Haiti! Anyone who wants to be involved, can be involved, you just have to find your place. I don’t want to ask people to support me financially, I want to ask you to get involved. If you’ve been following this blog all year, what draws you to it? It certainly isn’t because I’m a good writer… I have report cards to prove that! I’ll take a stab in the dark & guess that it’s because something has inspired you. Don’t just sit back & be content with letting other people inspire you – get involved. If you’re inspired by a kid – support him! If you’re inspired by what teams are doing in Haiti – join a team! If you’re inspired by what I’m doing – support me! Whatever your place is, find it! And don’t think this is all about money. Yes, money is required to do what H2H does but it’s so much more than that. It’s about the people – it’s about the kids who lived in a mud hut before coming to H2H; it’s about the “kids” who lived in H2H who are now teaching at H2H; it’s about the man with Parkinson’s disease who was treated by a medical team & can now feed & dress himself again! And it’s not just about the people in Haiti, it’s about the people in Canada too – it’s about the business men who plan their career around their mission trips to Haiti, it’s about the sponsors who have met their sponsor child, it’s about the 3 year old who has shared her aunt Bob (yup, that's me!) with another country. Ok, I’ve rambled a lot & gotten off the topic of fundraising…give me a break… I’m a few hours away from getting my eyes balls reshaped by a laser beam! But really, what I’m trying to encourage you to do is stretch yourself a bit – find something that stirs your passion & do it! If you’ve already done it – do it again!
So, if what I’m doing inspires you & you want to be involved I’d really appreciate your monthly support because I can’t continue to do it without your help. Your donations will be made through H2H (www.hearttohearthaiti.com) and tax receipts will be issued at the end of the year. Email me if you want more details or have any questions.
Decision time has come & gone and I’m going back to Haiti with a suitcase full of Wendy’s mandarin-chicken salads!!!!
So, here’s the general plan…
- laser eye surgery today
- fundraising completed as I lay in bed recovering
- 5 weeks of intense physical & mental training
- back to Haiti in late August
Believable? Well, most of it is true… I am getting laser eye surgery this afternoon, I’m doing bootcamp 5 days/week all summer long, I am taking cake decorating classes with my grandma and I just met with H2H last night & agreed to go back to Haiti indefinitely!!
So that leaves the fundraising… I need to build a monthly support base that will cover my expenses while living in Haiti. I’ve always struggled with the idea of asking friends & family to support my “Haiti addiction” so I’ve decided I’m not going to. What I’m looking for is people who believe in H2H’s mission statement & want to be involved in accomplishing it.
H2H’s mission statement:
“To minister the love of Jesus in Haiti, meeting the educational, physical, medical, spiritual and emotional needs of the children and their families in such a way that they become empowered to reach their full potential and to live healthy, happy, productive lives as capable Christian family, church and community members.”
Not everyone can support a child financially, be a team member or relocate to Haiti. But some of you can & some of you want to. Over this past year in Haiti I have interacted with so many people who are personally involved in affecting the life of a child in Haiti… many of whom have never been to Haiti! Anyone who wants to be involved, can be involved, you just have to find your place. I don’t want to ask people to support me financially, I want to ask you to get involved. If you’ve been following this blog all year, what draws you to it? It certainly isn’t because I’m a good writer… I have report cards to prove that! I’ll take a stab in the dark & guess that it’s because something has inspired you. Don’t just sit back & be content with letting other people inspire you – get involved. If you’re inspired by a kid – support him! If you’re inspired by what teams are doing in Haiti – join a team! If you’re inspired by what I’m doing – support me! Whatever your place is, find it! And don’t think this is all about money. Yes, money is required to do what H2H does but it’s so much more than that. It’s about the people – it’s about the kids who lived in a mud hut before coming to H2H; it’s about the “kids” who lived in H2H who are now teaching at H2H; it’s about the man with Parkinson’s disease who was treated by a medical team & can now feed & dress himself again! And it’s not just about the people in Haiti, it’s about the people in Canada too – it’s about the business men who plan their career around their mission trips to Haiti, it’s about the sponsors who have met their sponsor child, it’s about the 3 year old who has shared her aunt Bob (yup, that's me!) with another country. Ok, I’ve rambled a lot & gotten off the topic of fundraising…give me a break… I’m a few hours away from getting my eyes balls reshaped by a laser beam! But really, what I’m trying to encourage you to do is stretch yourself a bit – find something that stirs your passion & do it! If you’ve already done it – do it again!
So, if what I’m doing inspires you & you want to be involved I’d really appreciate your monthly support because I can’t continue to do it without your help. Your donations will be made through H2H (www.hearttohearthaiti.com) and tax receipts will be issued at the end of the year. Email me if you want more details or have any questions.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Preslet
This is Preslet. He's a 12 year old boy in our community (Grande Goave, Haiti) who was severely burnt 4 months ago. I met him last month when the last medical team was here. The doctor made a house-call to visit Preslet as his mom doesn't want him to leave the house as she doesn't want him to be seen in this condition. The details of how he got burnt comes in several versions but the simple version says there was a domestic dispute that got ugly, really ugly.
I wanted to share this story with you for a few reasons.
First of all, the first "meeting" with Preslet is ingrained in my mind & it will hopefully stay vivid as a reminder to me. He hadn't had visitors since being burnt, other than a few family members, so a bunch of white people entering his house was overwhelming. As we walked into his room I watched his face as he scanned the group... as soon as he met my gaze his eyes lit up! I had no idea why but his reaction made me join him on the bed & I started chatting while the doctors looked him over. It turned out I wasn't a stranger to him... we used to talk regularly when I walked to the market. He was so excited to see me! As we left his house I was blown away by how God had prepared our friendship long ago, in passing smiles & seemingly meaningless chitchat, for a relationship that would help him as he recovers from this horrific experience. I visited him several more times before coming back to Canada. My lesson in this is to be open to the small opportunities as they may be the start of something much larger!
Secondly, I wanted to share this because this may be one of those small opportunities for you to get involved & help someone who desperately needs it. Preslet's burns are healing very well & his mom has done an amazing job at keeping them clean. Once the burns are healed completely he should be a good candidate for operations that would stretch his skin (there's probably some official medical term for this but you get the idea) to allow his joints to move freely again. His right elbow, armpit & neck are the most affected areas. When I go back to Haiti (late August) I'd like to give Preslet's mom some money to help cover his hospital bills - he was in the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince for almost 3 months! - and when the burns are healed I'd like to help connect him with a doctor that could do, or assist with, the operations. We will have medical teams going to Haiti regularly so a doctor with this specialty could be part of one of those teams. If you would like to help please let me know.
I wanted to share this story with you for a few reasons.
First of all, the first "meeting" with Preslet is ingrained in my mind & it will hopefully stay vivid as a reminder to me. He hadn't had visitors since being burnt, other than a few family members, so a bunch of white people entering his house was overwhelming. As we walked into his room I watched his face as he scanned the group... as soon as he met my gaze his eyes lit up! I had no idea why but his reaction made me join him on the bed & I started chatting while the doctors looked him over. It turned out I wasn't a stranger to him... we used to talk regularly when I walked to the market. He was so excited to see me! As we left his house I was blown away by how God had prepared our friendship long ago, in passing smiles & seemingly meaningless chitchat, for a relationship that would help him as he recovers from this horrific experience. I visited him several more times before coming back to Canada. My lesson in this is to be open to the small opportunities as they may be the start of something much larger!
Secondly, I wanted to share this because this may be one of those small opportunities for you to get involved & help someone who desperately needs it. Preslet's burns are healing very well & his mom has done an amazing job at keeping them clean. Once the burns are healed completely he should be a good candidate for operations that would stretch his skin (there's probably some official medical term for this but you get the idea) to allow his joints to move freely again. His right elbow, armpit & neck are the most affected areas. When I go back to Haiti (late August) I'd like to give Preslet's mom some money to help cover his hospital bills - he was in the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince for almost 3 months! - and when the burns are healed I'd like to help connect him with a doctor that could do, or assist with, the operations. We will have medical teams going to Haiti regularly so a doctor with this specialty could be part of one of those teams. If you would like to help please let me know.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Sitting on the plane... going home
Wow, it’s hard to believe my “year at H2H” is over and I’m sitting on the plane going home. Hmm… I only packed in a little carry-on backpack... I’m still digesting what that means so I’ll avoid that topic at the moment.
Dr, Blackburn, Dr. Sam & their team were here last week & had an eventful trip doing dentist clinics at H2H and medical clinics in the local hospital. We also took a road trip to Tetebef… ok, not really a road trip, it’s more like climbing Grouse Grind a few times in the heat of the day with backpacks of medical supplies. It was my first time going & I’m so glad I did – it was beautiful & such a huge blessing for the people up there.
Here are some pictures from Tetebef:
The view from halfway up the mountain
Almost there! Ok, here's the confession... yes, that's my shadow sitting on the horse... so when I say it was like hiking the Grouse Grind twice I'm speaking on behalf of the team :)
The locals making fresh coffee for us, which was very much appreciated!
The crowd that was waiting
Pastor Luc & Dr Sam examining their first patient of the day
The medical students "experimenting"
We also went to Basin Blu (in Jacmel) for an afternoon:
The adventure getting to the waterfalls
The highest waterfall at Basin Blu
Me & a few of my friends
After the team left I only had a few days with the kids & it was an emotional rollercoaster ride for all of us. One of the older kids captured this picture with my camera & I just discovered it while I’m sitting here on the plane. This is my little Junior, after he was told the kids were just joking about him going to Canada in my suitcase.
My goodbyes were not final – just a “see you in a few weeks!” I’m still unclear what God has for me next but I can’t imagine these kids not being in my life so I’ve told them (& H2H) that I’ll be back in September but not sure the length of the trip. Might be to say more final goodbyes & clean my room or it might be the start of something much bigger… time will tell!
As I said, I’m on the plane going home so for those of you who are “at home”… I’m super excited to see you so call me soon!
Dr, Blackburn, Dr. Sam & their team were here last week & had an eventful trip doing dentist clinics at H2H and medical clinics in the local hospital. We also took a road trip to Tetebef… ok, not really a road trip, it’s more like climbing Grouse Grind a few times in the heat of the day with backpacks of medical supplies. It was my first time going & I’m so glad I did – it was beautiful & such a huge blessing for the people up there.
Here are some pictures from Tetebef:
The view from halfway up the mountain
Almost there! Ok, here's the confession... yes, that's my shadow sitting on the horse... so when I say it was like hiking the Grouse Grind twice I'm speaking on behalf of the team :)
The locals making fresh coffee for us, which was very much appreciated!
The crowd that was waiting
Pastor Luc & Dr Sam examining their first patient of the day
The medical students "experimenting"
We also went to Basin Blu (in Jacmel) for an afternoon:
The adventure getting to the waterfalls
The highest waterfall at Basin Blu
Me & a few of my friends
After the team left I only had a few days with the kids & it was an emotional rollercoaster ride for all of us. One of the older kids captured this picture with my camera & I just discovered it while I’m sitting here on the plane. This is my little Junior, after he was told the kids were just joking about him going to Canada in my suitcase.
My goodbyes were not final – just a “see you in a few weeks!” I’m still unclear what God has for me next but I can’t imagine these kids not being in my life so I’ve told them (& H2H) that I’ll be back in September but not sure the length of the trip. Might be to say more final goodbyes & clean my room or it might be the start of something much bigger… time will tell!
As I said, I’m on the plane going home so for those of you who are “at home”… I’m super excited to see you so call me soon!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
An overdue update...
We had people here last week but before I give you an update on that I have some bad news to share with you... we have another broken arm!! Albert is the first casualty of the new playground. Luckily his sponsor sent a present for him recently so that cheered him up quickly. He slept in my room & I left the present beside his mattress... in the morning I woke up to find ALL the candy gone & wrappers covering his chest! It was a picture perfect moment but I don't function well before I drink a few cups of coffee so the picture never happened.
Ok, now for the update on the last group. Pastor Jim & Scott (from my home church, Pacific Community) came last week. Both have been to H2H before so it was an easy "hosting" for me... I'd almost call it a holiday! Here they are with Pastor Luc.
They spent the first half of their trip in Grande Goave meeting with Pastor Luc, reconnecting with friends & of course playing with the kids. They brought full sized hockey sticks so we turned the dinner room into a rink - it was great!
The rest of the trip was spent in Grande Savande / Bouva. Every trip to GS/B was been unique, & this trip was no disappointment! We were rear-ended by a tap-tap in Port-au-Prince, visited with the family of a voodoo priest who recently died, and FINALLY got to attend a church service in GS!
Pacific Community Church, partnering with H2H, started building a church in GS several years ago but we've never had the opportunity to join them in one of their services so we were really excited about that.
The new & old church buildings:
The church service:
Scott, Jim & I each had a chance to talk during the service & while I waited for my turn I became nervous... what am I going to say? ... should I speak in Kreyol or English? ... ah!! ... it was so much easier talking when I didn't know who I was talking to!!! I still didn't know what I was going to say when I stood up so I started by saying how special GS & B are to me, which led to me explaining why. So here's my summary of why GS & B are so special to me.
Bouva is the village where Pastor Luc was born. His father was a well known voodoo priest & he had a large following. After Luc became a Christian he returned regularly to Boava & preached to his family. A time came when his father's only argument left was his concern for the people who relied on his magic to survive. This may sound like something out of a Harry Potter movie but here it's a reality. Luc said that if Satan had brought them this far, they'll be blown away with where Jesus can take them. His father agreed to call a meeting with all of his followers & let Luc preach the Gospel to them. ALL of them came to the Lord that day! Their voodoo temple was torn down and a Church replaced it.
Haiti is a place full of turmoil. Some of the team members that come here say they feel the evil as they land in Port-au-Prince. It’s not like that for me but there have been times when I have felt evil's presence & have seen Satan at work. It’s not something that is easy to explain, but it’s a reality - Satan is not a character in a movie – he’s real & very much at home in Haiti. It’s
culturally acceptable to worship him – to dance & sing in the streets to praise him. But that doesn’t mean he has power over Christians & it certainly doesn’t mean his power is comparable to God. The Bible is clear –the battle is finished & there is a winner. Genesis 3:15, “…he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” To me, the Church is Bouva is a symbol of this - there is no comparison between the power of Jesus & Satan.
Grande Savande is a small ocean village close to Bouva. When I spoke to the Church in GS, I said believing that the battle is already won should change the way you live your life. It should change the way you view those who are involved with voodoo. There is no reason to fear them. They has no power or control over you. You should live your life in confidence. The new church building will attract the attention of many because of the size & the connection it will have with outside aid relief – all people should be welcomed. But the building itself will not welcome them, as the building is not the Church, the people are the Church. It is your responsibility to accept all people & to give them the opportunity to know a different life.
So that’s my summary of why GS/B is so special to me. I really didn’t do justice to the story of how Pastor’s Luc’s family became Christians so you’ll have to come here with one of the teams to hear it first hand & to see the church in Bouva.
I know this blog entry is already long but I want to tell you about our visit with the voodoo priest’s family who just passed away. The temple (& his house) is a short walk from the church in Bouva. On the way we saw this tree:
It’s in the middle of a riverbed, surrounded by thriving trees & bushes, yet it is dead. I have passed this tree many times & wondered what happened to it. Pastor Luc told us that this tree was a regular spot for them to perform voodoo ceremonies so he would come to this tree to pray against the spirits... And the tree died! It would be a great tree to make charcoal but the locals are afraid to cut it down because they believe spirits still live in it.
We arrived at the voodoo temple & I was surprised to realize that I know some of the people there! We sat & Luc chatted with the family about what had happened & it was surreal for me. I have heard lots of stories about what happens at the ceremonies but somehow it became real as I heard it from their mouth as I sat at their house (where it happened). The voodoo priest, Jon, was at his house when he felt the spirits leave him. He began having chest pain & called a meeting. Many people came & they performed their ceremony & gave their sacrifices but the spirits did not return. His wife (who was telling us the story) knew they had left him for good. He died shortly after. Luc didn’t have to do anything but listen… his previous sermons & the testimony of his own life was already known to them. The voodoo priest's wife said they now realize that the spirits they put their trust in were not loyal & they had been waiting for Pastor Luc to come so they could becomes Christians. However, they felt they still had one final ceremony to do so the spirits would leave them permanently. The final ceremony didn’t sit well with me as it shows their lack of faith & understanding but their eyes are beginning to open & great things are about to happen in Bouva!
Here are some pictures of the voodoo temple & the surrounding yards:
Sacrifice trees:
A boy making his family dinner as they talked with us:
Me & another new friend:
Ok, now for the update on the last group. Pastor Jim & Scott (from my home church, Pacific Community) came last week. Both have been to H2H before so it was an easy "hosting" for me... I'd almost call it a holiday! Here they are with Pastor Luc.
They spent the first half of their trip in Grande Goave meeting with Pastor Luc, reconnecting with friends & of course playing with the kids. They brought full sized hockey sticks so we turned the dinner room into a rink - it was great!
The rest of the trip was spent in Grande Savande / Bouva. Every trip to GS/B was been unique, & this trip was no disappointment! We were rear-ended by a tap-tap in Port-au-Prince, visited with the family of a voodoo priest who recently died, and FINALLY got to attend a church service in GS!
Pacific Community Church, partnering with H2H, started building a church in GS several years ago but we've never had the opportunity to join them in one of their services so we were really excited about that.
The new & old church buildings:
The church service:
Scott, Jim & I each had a chance to talk during the service & while I waited for my turn I became nervous... what am I going to say? ... should I speak in Kreyol or English? ... ah!! ... it was so much easier talking when I didn't know who I was talking to!!! I still didn't know what I was going to say when I stood up so I started by saying how special GS & B are to me, which led to me explaining why. So here's my summary of why GS & B are so special to me.
Bouva is the village where Pastor Luc was born. His father was a well known voodoo priest & he had a large following. After Luc became a Christian he returned regularly to Boava & preached to his family. A time came when his father's only argument left was his concern for the people who relied on his magic to survive. This may sound like something out of a Harry Potter movie but here it's a reality. Luc said that if Satan had brought them this far, they'll be blown away with where Jesus can take them. His father agreed to call a meeting with all of his followers & let Luc preach the Gospel to them. ALL of them came to the Lord that day! Their voodoo temple was torn down and a Church replaced it.
Haiti is a place full of turmoil. Some of the team members that come here say they feel the evil as they land in Port-au-Prince. It’s not like that for me but there have been times when I have felt evil's presence & have seen Satan at work. It’s not something that is easy to explain, but it’s a reality - Satan is not a character in a movie – he’s real & very much at home in Haiti. It’s
culturally acceptable to worship him – to dance & sing in the streets to praise him. But that doesn’t mean he has power over Christians & it certainly doesn’t mean his power is comparable to God. The Bible is clear –the battle is finished & there is a winner. Genesis 3:15, “…he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” To me, the Church is Bouva is a symbol of this - there is no comparison between the power of Jesus & Satan.
Grande Savande is a small ocean village close to Bouva. When I spoke to the Church in GS, I said believing that the battle is already won should change the way you live your life. It should change the way you view those who are involved with voodoo. There is no reason to fear them. They has no power or control over you. You should live your life in confidence. The new church building will attract the attention of many because of the size & the connection it will have with outside aid relief – all people should be welcomed. But the building itself will not welcome them, as the building is not the Church, the people are the Church. It is your responsibility to accept all people & to give them the opportunity to know a different life.
So that’s my summary of why GS/B is so special to me. I really didn’t do justice to the story of how Pastor’s Luc’s family became Christians so you’ll have to come here with one of the teams to hear it first hand & to see the church in Bouva.
I know this blog entry is already long but I want to tell you about our visit with the voodoo priest’s family who just passed away. The temple (& his house) is a short walk from the church in Bouva. On the way we saw this tree:
It’s in the middle of a riverbed, surrounded by thriving trees & bushes, yet it is dead. I have passed this tree many times & wondered what happened to it. Pastor Luc told us that this tree was a regular spot for them to perform voodoo ceremonies so he would come to this tree to pray against the spirits... And the tree died! It would be a great tree to make charcoal but the locals are afraid to cut it down because they believe spirits still live in it.
We arrived at the voodoo temple & I was surprised to realize that I know some of the people there! We sat & Luc chatted with the family about what had happened & it was surreal for me. I have heard lots of stories about what happens at the ceremonies but somehow it became real as I heard it from their mouth as I sat at their house (where it happened). The voodoo priest, Jon, was at his house when he felt the spirits leave him. He began having chest pain & called a meeting. Many people came & they performed their ceremony & gave their sacrifices but the spirits did not return. His wife (who was telling us the story) knew they had left him for good. He died shortly after. Luc didn’t have to do anything but listen… his previous sermons & the testimony of his own life was already known to them. The voodoo priest's wife said they now realize that the spirits they put their trust in were not loyal & they had been waiting for Pastor Luc to come so they could becomes Christians. However, they felt they still had one final ceremony to do so the spirits would leave them permanently. The final ceremony didn’t sit well with me as it shows their lack of faith & understanding but their eyes are beginning to open & great things are about to happen in Bouva!
Here are some pictures of the voodoo temple & the surrounding yards:
Sacrifice trees:
A boy making his family dinner as they talked with us:
Me & another new friend:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Proclaimer
Darcy & his team brought with them this "Proclaimer". It's a radio box that has the Bible in Kreyol. It's great - it's solar powered, electric & has a hand crank! The speech is very clear & they say up to 250 people can listen to it at once.
We've used it with some of the school kids & the kids in the Children's Home love listening... especially the older boys, believe it or not! Almost everyday one of them borrows it. It's been great for me to practice my Kreyol. I have a Kreyol Bible that is the same translation so I can follow along as I listen.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Playground in done!
Darcy & his troops came last week to finish the playground & it's perfect!!!
Here's what the ground looked like BEFORE...
And here it is NOW!!!
We inaugurated the new playground with our National Anthems and a prayer. Here are some shots:
just an honest mistake... right??
They also brought some great presents for the kids & finished their time here with an old fashioned wiener roast.
Hair "stuff" for the girls...
Skipping ropes...
Pickup sticks...
Airplanes...
The wieners...
The playground is truly perfect! The kids (& some of the adults) LOVE it & it is already well used. Thank you so much Darcy, Terry, Greg, Lloyd, Lyle & all those who helped make this happen. Your gift will provide more happiness than you can imagine.
Here's what the ground looked like BEFORE...
And here it is NOW!!!
We inaugurated the new playground with our National Anthems and a prayer. Here are some shots:
just an honest mistake... right??
They also brought some great presents for the kids & finished their time here with an old fashioned wiener roast.
Hair "stuff" for the girls...
Skipping ropes...
Pickup sticks...
Airplanes...
The wieners...
The playground is truly perfect! The kids (& some of the adults) LOVE it & it is already well used. Thank you so much Darcy, Terry, Greg, Lloyd, Lyle & all those who helped make this happen. Your gift will provide more happiness than you can imagine.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The kids of Haiti
Lauren (from the medical team) left me with this poem & every time I read it I think of the kids of Haiti... especially those "outside the walls".
My wish for you
I wish you not a path devoid of clouds nor a life on a bed of roses. Not that you might never need regret, nor that you should never feel pain. No, that is not my wish for you.
My wish for you is that you might be brave in times of trial, when others lay crosses upon your shoulders, when mountains must be climbed and chasms are to be crossed, where hope can scarce shine thru. That every gift God gave you might grow along with you. And let you give the gift of joy to all who care for you.
And that you may always have a friend that is worthy of that name; whom you can trust and helps you in time of sadness; whom will defy the daily storms of life at your side.
I have one more wish for you - that in every hour of joy and pain you may feel God close to you. This is my wish for you, and for all who care for you. This is my hope for you, now and forever.
Author Unknown
Monday, May 12, 2008
Some random shots
Ticam getting sick after playing on the merry-go-round in the new playground...
just a cute picture...
girl night... a pedicure, of course!
there's nothing better than mango season...
the crazy lady next door...
the kids LOVE when we run out of water & they get to bath like this...
a chicken trying to find a quiet place to lay an egg...
good bye Pablo...
the principal caught playing on the new playground while the kids are in school...
a real cabbage-patch kid...
just a cute picture...
girl night... a pedicure, of course!
there's nothing better than mango season...
the crazy lady next door...
the kids LOVE when we run out of water & they get to bath like this...
a chicken trying to find a quiet place to lay an egg...
good bye Pablo...
the principal caught playing on the new playground while the kids are in school...
a real cabbage-patch kid...
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