Haiti - Part One

Wow.

There is simply no other way to describe it.

Upon arriving in Haiti, we exited the Port-au-Prince airport smothered by waving hands and anxious porters - all emphatically trying to "assist" us with baggage and finding us a Tap-Tap (a local taxi). I stayed at the front of the group, having already prepped them for this type of Haitian greeting, trying desperately to find our hosts. Amazingly enough, though our hosts were not present, and though one particular porter would not leave us alone, a strange Caucasian man seemed to appear from nowhere and gave us directions to find our waiting party... and then disappeared! It was just the type of direction we needed to begin this adventure, and would represent the type of uncanny happenings that will most likely be spread throughout our trip.

We found our hosts from AIM, boarded an old run-down school bus and made our way through the city toward base camp. Words can not describe the smells, the thick air, the smothering heat, the chaos, the trash, the unique mixture of beauty and filth, of shining sea and soot-covered streets... We traveled to our camp with jaws dropped, cameras clicking, and speechless awe. There is no way to exaggerate the picture - Haiti is a country desperate in need of help, but a country filled with prideful people, smiles, laughter, handshakes and a kiss on each cheek.

Our accommodations are actually better than we expected - though far from comfortable. We are living in an orphanage sponsored by a local church. Bed mats are rolled out on concrete floors, the toilet flushes only after you pour a bucket of water in the bowl and place used toilet tissue in the waste basket (toilet paper clogs the plumbing). The food is excellent - mostly rice and chicken - and the showers are taken by pouring cupfuls of water over your head. While the heat is intense, we are blessed with an occasional ocean breeze.

Mornings begin with an oatmeal breakfast with fresh Haitian fruit, a short devotional, and quiet time for journaling. Late mornings involve a new discipline called "prayer walks" where the group is seperated and sent out to pray over the city, the people, the country as a whole - all the while waiting and listening for the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Admittedly, this is a difficult task for myself, and others as well. Few of us have grown up with this type of approach and the discomfort of starting conversation with strangers on the street can be intimidating. However, this practice is breaking new ground, challenging our preconceived ideas of evangelism and pushing the boundaries of our faith.

After a lunch of PB&J, the group gathered their sports gear and headed out to the soccer field for some "sports evangelism". Within minutes of playing soccer amongst ourselves, children quickly congregated upon the field - some hanging to the surrounding fences, others running up to play. The skill of their game was enviable, their ability to play with such grace - though living in such destitution - was breath-taking.

Evenings have been filled with worship. From the first time we began to sing, our hosts have encouraged us to sing - to sing frequently. We have been invited by a local minister, Pastor Jean-Claude, to sing to the congregation this Wednesday night. The beauty of these evening sessions is found in the unity of our voices with those of the orphanage and other invited guests. We have found a unique connection to Christians, to the Haitian people through worship. And while we have so little knowledge of their culture, the language barrier seems to be less present during these times. It is an amazing way to end each day.

The group is well, spirits are high, and there seems to exist a strong sense of unity within our group. However, we have also had some bumps in the road...

Abbey Stewart experienced a minor seizure early Monday morning, resulting in a ride to a local hospital. She is doing fine and recieved excellent care by both the hospital staff as well as by our team leaders at AIM. Anna Pylkas also suffered an injury during yesterday's soccer game, when she collided with... Sword Donnell. She is now limping with a broken big toe!

Amazingly enough, Luke Rottier is still completely Uninjured (keep him in your prayers!)

In closing, I feel it necessary to express our love of the Haitian people. There is so much to say... Haitians are an oppressed people - a nation born of a slave rebellion, but still suffering from the slavery of poverty. The solutions are far from simple, the life is hard, the land polluted. And yet, through it all, you find a people that still holds joy, still smiles, still reaches out to strangers.

We will do the best we can to stay in contact! Please continue to pray for us!
God bless....

JD