Saturday-Culture Day!

Haitian culture. That is what we experienced today. 

We attended the funeral of our good friend, Vania's (the nurse who is building the health clinic) mother. It was both moving and emotional to experience the ways people grieve in different cultures. What is normal here would not be at home. 

Because Vania's brother is a priest and her mom was pretty well known, 30 priests came from all over Haiti to pay their respects,  including Canada and Europe.   The church was packed full as was the outside around the church  Fr. Alexis received all the priests and religious sisters (about 60 people)  in his home afterwards for a meal while the funeral procession continued down the street to the cemetery - complete with a band leading the way. Such a celebration of life after the time of grieving. 

After this, we took a tap/tap to Verrettes.  There we found our good friend, Limene, and spent some time at her home visiting with our friends. Our friend, Aniel, was busy sewing school uniforms for his children  It's so nice to see people in town that you recognize and that run to see you. 

We continued on to Sr. Judy's and had a very productive meeting about our upcoming project.  Their are so many details to work out, but we have wonderful people we are working with!  On our way back, we visited another home of a couple boys where the roof is falling down. This was probably one of the poorest homes we have visited. I am still overwhelmed at the joy these people can have even under the worst of circumstances. Amazing!!

When we arrived at Fr. Alexis' we found Lillian busy mashing potatoes by hand for our dinner. She had been up since 3:30 this morning getting ready for the reception of the priests after the funeral, yet she still had the biggest smile on her face!  Such a servant!  She loves what she does and does it with joy!  

We learned a lot today about the Haitian culture. The more we learn, the more we can start to understand and therefore serve better.  For that is our sole purpose - to serve others using our "Hands for Haiti."

Bon nuit!!!

Day 2 - Friday!!

It doesn't take long to fall back into the "Haitian way." We woke to the chickens and roosters and dogs and early morning traffic and...well you get the picture. After some terrific coffee and a hearty breakfast we took a Tap-tap to meet up with Sister Judy in Verretttes.

Most of today was spent discussing and planning for our future projects. We were introduced to two young men, Fresnel and Joanes, who will be helping us with the coordinating of the building projects. We are very lucky to have them here doing the groundwork that we cannot do from the States. Sister Judy drove us around to different sites to get a feel for the lay of the land but more importantly to meet and hear the stories attached to these families. Needless to say, our resolve to help them was renewed and the look of hope in their eyes reminded us of just how important what we do here is.

It is very difficult to feel like we are doing very much for others here because each time we come we feel so much more like we are the ones receiving the help. God has Blessed us with many friends here and its really neat to be recognized and greeted as we travel through the villages. The thunder and rain has begun and the temp is falling so it looks to be a good night for sleep!

We look forward to tomorrow here but have gotten word that Nurse Vania's mother passed away. Vania is the nurse building the health clinic we have been fundraising for. We will attend the funeral in the morning. Father Alexis and his staff will receive more guests tonight for the funeral and are busy getting ready. Servants for sure!


God Bless,

Jeff

Thursday - Arrival in Haiti

Today wasn't any different. The wave emotions that hit me when I walk off the plane are always the same. It's like the bond that was formed between me and Haiti eleven years ago gets stronger and stronger each time I return. And today celebrating Jeff's birthday here was so special! The only thing that could have made it perfect were if our kids were with us, but we know they we...re here in spirit.
It's amazing the plan God has for us and the paths He leads us down and the people He so carefully places in our lives. I wonder at His patience in us (even when we are impatient), His skillful way of teaching us (even when we don't want to learn), His faith in us (even when our faith in Him is lacking), and His unconditional love for us (even when we forget to love others).
Pray for us as we begin tomorrow to set in motion the "plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."    ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Pray for the people of this beautiful culture that we are called to serve and give hope to. Help us to be the hands and feet of Christ while we are here. Help us to live out the true meaning of JOY: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

God bless and good night!!