tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77812554115742157362024-03-19T06:33:13.237-04:00HANDS for HAITI - NMU Team May 2015"In serving... we are served. In loving... we are loved. Together, using our
HANDS for HAITI."Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-19823047528614269622015-04-11T14:21:00.000-04:002015-04-11T14:27:12.889-04:00Meet NMU Team May 2015!!!<strong><span style="color: #274e13;">Meet NMU TEAM MAY 2015</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b><i><u><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kayla </span></u></i></b><b><i>–</i></b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>an Elementary Education major at NMU, Kayla grew up in the beautiful town of Marquette, MI. She loves to dance, be outdoors, and spend time with her family and friends. She is hoping her very bubbly, easygoing personality and desire to help others will help her connect with others while in Haiti. She loves spending time with kids and hopes to someday make a difference in children's lives! Kayla is so so so excited for Haiti!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i><u>Katie</u></i></b> - Currently, a fourth year Community Health Education Major at Northern Michigan University, Katie enjoys being outdoors, hiking, being at the beach, or just having fun outside. Her family and friends are very important to her and she loves spending time with them. This Mission to Haiti will not only help her spread her faith but also deepen her faith with God.</span><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b><i><u><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Melissa </span></u></i></b> - a CLS student with a concentration in laboratory medicine, health care is a very important aspect of Melissa's life and her passion in this field is very evident. She is really looking forward to teaching about proper water safety and health precautions to the people in the mountains of Haiti. This will be Melissa's third time in Haiti, her second in the mountains!! She can't wait to re-connect with old friends and form new friendships, as well as, sing and dance with the kids!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jenna –</span></u></i></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a s</span>enior studying elementary education at NMU, Jenna loves working with children, the outdoors and reading. Her family is the center of her life. In Haiti, she is looking forward to making a difference in the lives of young children, and experiencing a different way of life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><b><i><u><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elle</span></u></i></b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - an elementary education major from Zion, IL, Elle loves sports (plays hockey for NMU), music, animals, and movies. She hopes to travel the world one day!! Being that this will be Elle's 3rd time in Haiti (2nd in the mountains!) she is looking forward to reuniting with her Haitian friends while making many more! She just can't wait to be back in Haiti!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-78054379800812953862015-01-05T17:06:00.000-05:002015-01-05T17:06:08.401-05:00
<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Meet TEAM JANUARY 2015</span></strong><br />
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<b><i><u><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Karen </span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">–</span></i></b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a retired children's librarian, Karen will be on a repeat
journey to Haiti. She is hoping to visit the school library that she
helped start & continues to support. Karen is now living in northern
Michigan and loving it!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Barb</span></u></i></b><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - a retired special education teacher and mom
of 4 adult sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the past 6 1/2
years, she has been the director of the Adult Literacy Council of Cadillac Area,
which trains tutors to teach adults to read and write. Barb is passionate about
teaching and life-long learning and is particularly interested in the Haitian
schools and the Normal School that is being established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tom –</span></u></i></b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a retired, “Jack of all trades” and logical
thinker, this will be Tom’s first trip to Haiti accompanied by his wife and
daughter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is looking forward to learning
all he can from this experience and helping out wherever he is needed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sharlene –</span></u></i></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a retired music teacher, Sharlene will be
sharing her first experience in Haiti with her husband and daughter,
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is excited to use her
gifts of service, listening, prayer, music, fun and playfulness on this
trip and to take what she learns from this experience to apply to her life
at home.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><b><i><u><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Betty –</span></u></i></b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a retired social worker and music
therapist, Betty is looking forward to bringing Christ’s light across the
ocean, to work as a team and to see lives changed – both in our Haitian
friends and in our team members.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><b><i><u><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stacey -</span></u></i></b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a fitness instructor, personal trainer and
nutritional counselor, Stacey has been to Haiti with us and her two
daughters twice already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will
traveling solo this trip and is excited to reconnect with the many friends
she has made in Haiti!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Debbi</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> -</span></i></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> mother of 5, dream of going to Haiti became a reality in 2001.
Debbi has been on every "Hands for Haiti" trip so far and is excited
to be back “home.”</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-10827446403745855002014-03-07T23:33:00.002-05:002014-03-07T23:33:19.791-05:00Beach day!!!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">March 7, 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">M’ sonj’e ou.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today marked our final day in what has come to be a majestic
utopia for team March 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haiti or
“Ayiti” will forever hold a place in the hearts of 10 people who arrived as
individuals but left as a family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beyond
our team family, each of us formed lasting bonds with the authentic Haitian
people we were blessed to spend our week with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After our venture through the
Haitian mountains God blessed us with a day of fun in the sun at Club Indigo
Resort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eight of our Haitian helpers
journeyed to the beach with us in the “Paddie Wagon.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ride in felt exhilarating as we all sat
in the back of the truck singing American pop songs while the Haitians laughed
and were forced to join in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we arrived at the beach I was
awestruck at the beauty of God’s creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The clearest blue diamond water of the Atlantic Ocean sparkled up at us
surrounded by a majestic mountainous backdrop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both Haitians and Americans basked in the view before plunging into the
cool water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone’s faces lit up with
childlike enjoyment as we splashed and swam and laughed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we knew it, it was time to chow down
at the buffet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Authentic Haitian cuisine
prepared for an all-you-can-eat feast was music to all our ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who doesn’t love good food?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoy another universal characteristic of
our humanity together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The highlight of the day for all
was the Haitian v. American pool basketball showdown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone competed with wide smiles and
echoing laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really became more
of a boys v. girls game as Talilah joined our team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the girls MVP was probably Sam as he
troughed through the water like an American football running back with three
Haitians on his back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a perfect
end to our beach day as we shared our universal love of games and innocent
play. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a quiet ride back to the compound as we
all felt the inevitable farewell approaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Arriving back at the guest house meant saying our final goodbyes with a
very real fear of the unknown of when/ if we would see our friends again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vulnerability we had in this unique
experience forced an unbreakable bond between our American team and our Haitian
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Haitian friends translated
English to Creole and Creole to English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They prepared all our meals for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They guided us on unfamiliar terrain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They took our hands to prevent us from falling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sweated with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sang with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They laughed with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They played with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cried with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They shared joy in our triumphs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And together we accomplished our feat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came to help build a school and we will
leave having built a community that surpasses cultural barriers; a community
both Haitian and American.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are united
in our humanness and when we work together and learn from one another there is
nothing we can’t do with the help of our loving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 354.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On this day, March 7, 2014, we
will remember you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we will forever
remember Haiti and the community we built. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This community can only to be strengthened
over time as we set out back to America to advocate for Hands for Haiti. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Haitian friends will forever remain in our
hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>M’ sonj’e ou.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We remember you.</span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-81547091841517932322014-03-06T22:56:00.002-05:002014-03-06T22:56:24.850-05:00Mountain Magic
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<span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">March 6, 2014</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bon</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">swa!</span></div>
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<span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">First of all, I want to apologize in advance for the very long
post that I’m about to create. We have been out of touch with technology for
the last four days and haven’t been able to post anything about our Haitian adventures.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As
most of you know, our Hands for Haiti March 2014 Team’s mission was to work on
renovating a school in the mountains. Can I just say, WOW, what an AMAZING
experience! We started our trek for the mountains on Monday morning. Bursting
with excitement, our team worked very hard to get us out of Borel, and on our
way to the mountains. We piled into the back of a Toyota pick-up truck and the
Polaris and started winding our way through the mountains. Never have I ever
seen such beauty. Haiti truly is a gorgeous place. Our drive took about two
hours before we stopped to eat lunch. It’s so interesting to go anywhere in
Haiti because we always have a crowd that follows us. That being said, having a
crowd follow us makes it very hard to do things like eat and drink. It breaks
my heart eating in front of the Haitians, especially when we don’t have enough
to share. Nonetheless, after stopping to eat we started our walk towards the
school. Haitians came to help us carry our things. I’m still amazed at how much
they can carry, and how well they walk. Some men were carrying two back-packs
as well as holding our hands so that we wouldn’t fall, and trust me; those
back-packs were anything but light-weight. Our walk took about two hours, and
once we reached the school we had what seemed like a hundred Haitians walking
with us. We set up camp that night and slept under the frame of the school.
Cold and uncomfortable, it’s safe to say that none of us slept well over the
next few days.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Working
on the school over the next few days was amazing. As a team I think we have
come to realize something, our mission isn’t to build a school, it’s to build
relationships with the Haitians. We come to Haiti and work with some amazing
people and create bonds that will stay with us forever. Working along-side the
Haitians to create a school that is beautiful is only part of the equation. Our
team had so much fun interacting with the Haitians. We sang, danced, colored,
and played games with the children and we sang and danced while moving bags of
dirt up to the school. While working on the school was fun and something I
truly enjoyed doing, nothing brought me more joy than playing with all of the
amazing Haitian children. I even made a little “Haitian buddy.” Leaving him as
well as all of the other Haitian children today was heart-wrenching. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Every
night Debbi asks us, “Where did you see God today?” I can tell you where I see
God in the beautiful country of Haiti. He is in this amazing team that I have
become so close with. He is in the people of Haiti that love us so much. He is
the children of Haiti that get so excited when we bring out things like jump
ropes and soccer balls. God has provided us with so many amazing opportunities
on this trip, and for that I am truly grateful for. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Our
climb back home to Borel today was exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting. I’m
so proud of our team though, we walked the whole way without complaints. When
we had to say goodbye to our Haitian helpers, it was truly heart-breaking. I can’t
imagine my life without these amazing people and feel so blessed to have met
them. I know our team is looking forward to an amazing day at the beach with
some of our close Haitian friends. I also know that we are excited to get home
to tell all of our loved ones about our adventures. Thank you for all of your
prayers thus far, and continue to pray for us as we get ready to make our trip
back home.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Caitlin
</span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-27992831895447340472014-03-03T00:48:00.000-05:002014-03-03T00:48:06.206-05:00Day 2 in Haiti - Team March 2014
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">March 2, 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today our group experienced our first full day in
Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We began the week like we would
have back in America, with Sunday Mass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We traveled by truck to the town of Verrettes with the whole group plus
two Haitian friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roaming along the
streets of Haiti in the back of a pick-up is an unforgettable adventure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many faces turn to watch as the “Blan”
whiz by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children wave and chase after
our vehicle while adults stare intently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are merely an arm’s length away from other traffic and pedestrians
along the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Haitians seems to
enjoy “people” watching on the road as we would in a mall back home – searching
for familiar faces, shouting to friends, and looking on curiously when seeing
something out of the ordinary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we arrived at the church I immediately felt a sense of
familiarity as Catholicism knows no land barriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mass was spoken all in Creole with
speckles of Latin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only recognized the
word “Hosanna,” and yet I felt my heart understanding more through our universal
Catholic rituals and gestures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
feel the raw emotion in the Priest’s voice and sense the honest adoration in
the harmonic singing of the choir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first several rows of the church were occupied by school children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They looked dashing in their matching
uniforms of white and brown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girls
all sported white bows and vibrant smiles while the boys rocked ties and wide
innocent eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they departed as the
Mass ended each held the hand of another in honest camaraderie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later in the day we assisted with a food program benefitting
some of the most in need children from the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids in the program receive food and
assistance with school supplies until they graduate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this time I was able to interact with
a few boys who spoke English!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times
it was difficult to interpret their accents on specific words, but I realized I
was listening more with my heart than my ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Words can carry meaning, but the body can convey true emotion that
exceeds cultural barriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times we
were laughing and at other instances I could sense feelings of passion,
awkwardness, hopelessness, and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
boy, John Le, confided in me his desire to become an English teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This of course cut straight to my heart as a
fellow educator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke of his longing
to help those in his community and inspire younger children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I identified with this passion, but was
saddened when I saw the distant look in his eyes yearning for an easier way to
accomplish his heart’s desire. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Le
knew there would be no easy path to this calling, but still he held tight to
this dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hoped to see me again as
I did him when we said our goodbyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
became overwhelmed with emotion upon his departure as he hugged me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many times in life I have met children and
wondered what their future holds and how I can help them to recognize their God
given talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Le seemed to already
know his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope one day I will be
blessed to see him again spreading his joy and passion with the world by
teaching others as he taught me on this blessed second day of March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>~ Jacque</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-21659028100981255202014-03-01T21:16:00.003-05:002014-03-01T21:16:18.520-05:00
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 2 March 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> 2014.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us were not
able to sleep last night at the airport. We tried, honestly we tried, but the
floor was hard, the chairs were not comfortable, the lights were bright and
there was some construction going on down the hall from where we were.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got through
security, we only had about half an hour before our plane started boarding, so
we sat down to wait and about ten minutes before we could star boarding, the
flight attendants said that our flight would be delayed because they had to fix
something that got loose during the previous flight, so our plane now left at
7:40am instead of 7:05am. We got delayed once more until 9:00am.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got into Porta-Prince
Haiti at 11:00am and from there was picked up by Andy, who agreed to come get
us. On the way to the Guesthouse, we rode in the back of an open cattle truck, which
was really cool. I’ve never done something like that before. We got stuck in traffic
so instead of the two hours it should have taken us, it took four. The views
that we saw coming though, were breath taking, and I don’t think any of us
really minded the long ride until about the third hour rolled around. Then we
just wanted out and off that truck. By the time we got to the Guesthouse, all
of us girls had really snarly hair.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For supper we had rice
and a hot sauce to pour over it. We also had meat balls or chicken legs, a
coleslaw and bread and plantain, which is kind of like a banana that’s pressed together
and fried. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it was a big flat French-fry.
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> In all that we did today, everything was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ride was amazing and eye-opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was shocking to see how much the people have to do to survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meeting the “family” at the guesthouse was
really cool as was getting to know the other team members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was all about smiles and waving and
getting to know people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Margaret </span><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-5850789676509908912014-02-28T23:40:00.000-05:002014-02-28T23:40:06.717-05:00Reflection<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_53115ffac08a94b16429352">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow we will be leaving on our College Spring Break mission trip to Haiti. Then on Monday morning we will be leaving for a hike into the mountains. This is a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to take a team into the mountains and this time we will fulfill that dream. But... h</span></span></span></span></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ow did I get here? </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I was packing this morning, I was overcome with emotion. Overcome with God’s grace being<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> poured all over me. I felt the strength of His Holy Spirit who will be guiding us. I felt the army of His angels that will be accompanying us. Sometimes I find myself just stopping and wondering, “How did I get here?” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">I realize that He wants me to trust Him. As simple, yet hard as that is sometimes, that is what we need to do. And if we do, we will CLIMB MOUNTAINS!! I just thank this team that has put their trust in the Lord and in me. I thank all of the people that have supported and prayed for us. I thank the people in Haiti that have been preparing for us. We will ALL climb this mountain TOGETHER!!! And God will be glorified! And God’s people will be blessed!! </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="font-size: large;">Amen.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-84723619514066246492013-10-28T11:34:00.001-04:002013-10-28T12:55:55.587-04:00Spring Break Teams Forming<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">SPRING BREAK <span style="color: #f1c232;">~</span> </span></strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Teams Forming!!</strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #073763;">Click here for our Hands for Haiti Mission Trip Packet</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/165832837/Hands-for-Haiti-Mission-Trip-Packet" target="_blank">Hands for Haiti Mission Trip Packet</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
----------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Team March 2014 - College Spring Break</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black;">Saturday, March 1 - Saturday March 8, 2014</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click below for costs and information:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/179598180/Team-March-2014-Trip-Information-Detail" target="_blank">Team March 2014-Trip Information Detail</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/179597945/Team-March-2014-Cost-Detail" target="_blank">Team March 2014-Cost Detail</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
----------------------------<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Team April 2014 - School Spring Break</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black;">Saturday, March 29 - Saturday, April 5, 2014</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click below for costs and information</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/179598242/Team-April-2014-Trip-Information-Detail" target="_blank">Team April 2014-Trip Information Detail</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/179598150/Team-April-2014-Cost-Detail" target="_blank">Team April 2014-Cost Detail</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Future Trip ~ Fall 2014</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">dates yet to be determined</span></strong></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-44256126913712989442013-10-28T10:30:00.004-04:002013-10-28T10:30:32.587-04:00Never Give Up!From my devotional reading this morning: <em>"...It is often true that we do not persist in doing what we have begun, inwardly or outwardly."</em> <br />
<br />
How does this relate to our mission at Hands for Haiti? Sometimes I find that there are so many things I would like to help with, I get overwhelmed. I need to constantly remind myself that a few COMPLETED projects are better than a lot of unfinished projects. It's the same with my own life. I need to focus on changing one thing at a time. If I try too many at one time, I get discouraged that I have not accomplished anything. <br />
<br />
The Haitians have this mastered, I think. They focus on their basic necessities first - LOVING, LIVING, GIVING - then they worry about the rest. And why should I be surprised at this? God has been using the poor to teach us how to live for Him from the moment He gave us His Son!! I am privileged to be among amazing people every time I am in Haiti!! <br />
<br />
God bless your day today!! <br />
<br />
~ DebbiHands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-19929610458127865982013-09-06T12:53:00.004-04:002013-09-06T12:53:58.987-04:00We need a TEAM for DECEMBER!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are accepting applications </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">our next</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Hands for Haiti Trip!!!</b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">~ Team December 2013 ~</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wed., December 4 - Wed., December 11, 2013</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you are interested or know anyone who is, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>please click on the link below</i> to download and read through our </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Informational Packet/Application</b> and <b>Cost Detail Sheet</b>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/165832837/Hands-for-Haiti-Mission-Trip-Packet">Hands-for-Haiti-Mission-Trip-Packet</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/165834514/Team-December-2013-Cost-Detail">Team-December-2013-Cost-Detail</a></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-52142459838332971822013-09-06T12:35:00.000-04:002013-09-06T12:35:01.193-04:00Library project - May 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look at our amazing <b>before</b> and <i>after</i> photos from our</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Cool Kids Haiti Trip</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May 2013</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnRVBkxgbzh8fJokejVLGTfaCSWIy7nWtB1LgSOR0YAHKeopHzatrzeBIXRg-8aFHBTFZMIewX6qky4vY1VZ7Mm-GyJ_8kSeRlFi4vahQiWq_MwPGbiXZB4hhkz9RP_VuKGVy8X4kdxTw/s1600/DSC01095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnRVBkxgbzh8fJokejVLGTfaCSWIy7nWtB1LgSOR0YAHKeopHzatrzeBIXRg-8aFHBTFZMIewX6qky4vY1VZ7Mm-GyJ_8kSeRlFi4vahQiWq_MwPGbiXZB4hhkz9RP_VuKGVy8X4kdxTw/s200/DSC01095.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNodz8OQ_NQpHRyf-oCQUEAWdnkvQd4MC8Mbt7F3TzUi6ac-oYq3w5OsKyVCyiXbwHzneAU_t0ye6etP2M_Y7avv1kQLKWjlRV2L9dEfunYki9vxnmQS2zheJ9RGif-ddVpYIoUgidJ01w/s1600/DSC01709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNodz8OQ_NQpHRyf-oCQUEAWdnkvQd4MC8Mbt7F3TzUi6ac-oYq3w5OsKyVCyiXbwHzneAU_t0ye6etP2M_Y7avv1kQLKWjlRV2L9dEfunYki9vxnmQS2zheJ9RGif-ddVpYIoUgidJ01w/s200/DSC01709.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWdleQfdgP_5Pf-etNuNZUaXP71lWaLapjqnXMQB-sVh9zNk6hXYaXmNL_Y6zy0XUFwVgbUQ4ZE-m6gqVdlvlNiXrcmPram-QvqPgXZA3G9PlPgCSbrWg4Q8Ln4P0rOThmRjlmkuqKnJe/s1600/DSC01708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWdleQfdgP_5Pf-etNuNZUaXP71lWaLapjqnXMQB-sVh9zNk6hXYaXmNL_Y6zy0XUFwVgbUQ4ZE-m6gqVdlvlNiXrcmPram-QvqPgXZA3G9PlPgCSbrWg4Q8Ln4P0rOThmRjlmkuqKnJe/s320/DSC01708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our finished project!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-79705809927555486552013-08-06T16:30:00.000-04:002013-08-06T16:33:00.077-04:00New email address!!Please change my email address to: <a href="mailto:teamgischia@gmail.com">teamgischia@gmail.com</a>
<br>
<br>Thank you and have a blessed day!!
<br>
<br>Joyfully,
<br>
<br>Debbi
<br>
<br>"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great
<br>love." Mother TeresaHands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-16142864886543152172013-08-05T17:14:00.000-04:002013-08-05T17:14:21.935-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>We are busy planning our next trips!!! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Check back for upcoming dates!!!</b></span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-61244345850842059632013-05-04T11:33:00.000-04:002013-05-04T11:33:16.871-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwxsm1conaeigntcnpzf1IzyFk2DTfPbJW5eY_dj4jjngqS9TLKwwTgZr4To0h1m7Tc_1NDlabmo6VG0Xl5LXCCbTuYnf3lUAEOv0vg3jNl5EvG5darTvBV-snhC_XSGZVXjneqx63xCX/s1600/DSC01274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwxsm1conaeigntcnpzf1IzyFk2DTfPbJW5eY_dj4jjngqS9TLKwwTgZr4To0h1m7Tc_1NDlabmo6VG0Xl5LXCCbTuYnf3lUAEOv0vg3jNl5EvG5darTvBV-snhC_XSGZVXjneqx63xCX/s320/DSC01274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-68682065937714419812013-05-04T11:26:00.004-04:002013-05-04T11:26:34.556-04:00Friday, May 3rd!!!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s blog from Justen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ok today we cleaned out the food storage room and helped install a new ceiling
to protect<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the kids school books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned how to build Haitian style!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played soccer with school kids on their
recess, tried to catch lizards with some boys and celebrated Debbi’s birthday.
We went to the river to cool down and after that we went to a bar for some cold
pop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we went to another
missionary’s house and met his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After that, we came back to the compound to eat dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that we had our group chat and talked
about how our day went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing
we noticed about today was that the kids we played with were excited to be with
us and actually remembered our names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was really cool and made us feel welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow we will have tons of fun delivering
fruit trees and helping build the shelves for the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to everyone that help us get here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-32993398553113392482013-05-02T23:21:00.002-04:002013-05-02T23:21:27.061-04:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday, May 2nd</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hello Haiti! We arrived in Haiti a very tired bunch from
a long flight and travel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got a
little culture in before we went to sleep. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning we woke around 7:30 and had a
wonderfully prepared Haitian breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We then headed off to our first day of work at a school in the
village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There we emptied a storeroom of
its books and cleaned it out thoroughly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then we sanded and painted the room. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are set to build and put in new bookshelves
in the next few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also had a
great time interacting with the Haitian school children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw many interesting sights including a
place called the chakune, which is a learning center for the Haitian children
where they congregate and sing and dance and learn. …tomorrow we work again at
the school - more good times to come </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sean<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-77052820276002356772013-05-01T01:10:00.000-04:002013-05-01T01:11:35.150-04:00And... We're off!!<div><br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-qZMXaCmRMG19Nu0iaI0un7_0tGz3QaP4BvCz3EIqPilqqrBc07kA7Kbnf0KS02ne5PkQ80V9inxt83Q4gGUIAo0IEWwbyXOPYYekIlgvDH6ZcqH63oAkEdLM4hUi0wt3nvFo3RHjtPV/s1600/photo-795150.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-qZMXaCmRMG19Nu0iaI0un7_0tGz3QaP4BvCz3EIqPilqqrBc07kA7Kbnf0KS02ne5PkQ80V9inxt83Q4gGUIAo0IEWwbyXOPYYekIlgvDH6ZcqH63oAkEdLM4hUi0wt3nvFo3RHjtPV/s320/photo-795150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5872874270891817362" /></a></div><div><br><br><div>Joyfully,</div><div> </div><div>Debbi</div><div> </div><div><i>"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Mother Teresa</i></div><div><br></div>Sent from my iPhone</div>Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-59452496170875560712013-04-24T13:10:00.000-04:002013-04-24T13:10:08.768-04:00Help us build Bo's house in Haiti!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Help us build Bo's house in Haiti!!</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Cool Kids Team</b></span> is leaving for Haiti in 1 week </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and we need to finish raising funds for our project. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We have worked very hard to fund-raise for our trip </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and have had great supporters! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now we just need to finish fundraising for our project. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Any amount will help! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We hope to build a home for our friend, Bo and his family of 10. Please mail any donations to:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hands for Haiti, 7421 W. Blue Rd., Lake City, MI 49651 </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">or use the PAYPAL button on this blog site.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj05pbE0gC7ZEOVvpUoWmvHH18k2UYJB_5uLchRIlPdWyHg8onOYAdySq_AYueCsqwlcb9pxV7MgjPBqgKhVwPUtcpCP54IednMPmu-2WN3Qi68ZE66EtiTQ3stSBeaq4wR-1U2CusPp6z/s1600/DSC00006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj05pbE0gC7ZEOVvpUoWmvHH18k2UYJB_5uLchRIlPdWyHg8onOYAdySq_AYueCsqwlcb9pxV7MgjPBqgKhVwPUtcpCP54IednMPmu-2WN3Qi68ZE66EtiTQ3stSBeaq4wR-1U2CusPp6z/s320/DSC00006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is Bo's current home. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With it's dirt floors and roof that leaks, it is very difficult to live in, especially in the rainy season. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Despite having a wife and 8 children to feed, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bo spends a lot of his time volunteering </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">to help others in his community. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We would love to give him the gift of a safe and dry home. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It will cost us approximately $10,000 to build. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please join us!!</span></span></div>
Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-10270968726163968342013-04-19T08:28:00.001-04:002013-04-19T08:28:20.285-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Our COLLEGE SPRING BREAK team!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uhk0ISOsjaVaX2zCLubVJ6J8k0Df14vZgS7z6ysT7LOYhSs1VjpTQSdisHm4cCxdEXtRLN3PMTdmhkZOgpkRxn8V2w9IslNfMVs_5d_ka2MTCwkuewX1Xv59-zIQoUg_e2esGRcMAkJZ/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uhk0ISOsjaVaX2zCLubVJ6J8k0Df14vZgS7z6ysT7LOYhSs1VjpTQSdisHm4cCxdEXtRLN3PMTdmhkZOgpkRxn8V2w9IslNfMVs_5d_ka2MTCwkuewX1Xv59-zIQoUg_e2esGRcMAkJZ/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-40005419868467268312013-03-16T11:14:00.001-04:002013-03-16T11:14:29.468-04:00Holy Thursday experience in Haiti<div>I have to tell you about my "Holy Thursday" experience in Haiti. </div><div><br></div><div>It was last Friday, Day 7 in Haiti and our last day at the bench building site. We were getting into our truck, saying tearful goodbyes to the children and new friends we had spent the week with, when I stepped right into the sewage that runs along the roads. (And I was wearing sandals!) I don't know if you have ever seen sewage like this, but it is their only means of waste disposal, if you know what I mean. </div><div><br></div><div>Not wanting to put my foot into the truck like that, I was asking anyone if they had a plastic bag to put my sandal in and I thought I could scrape my foot off on some rocks, when one of the Haitian carpenters we were working with came out of his home with a bucket of water and parted the crowd that was forming around me. He held the bucket low and just as I thought how wonderful it was that I could wash my foot off in the bucket, he looked into my eyes and shook his head no. He instead, picked up my foot and scooped water out of the bucket and with his own hand, very gently washed the sewage off my foot. I was speechless. A very humble feeling came over me that this man who I thought poor was so rich in his heart! He didn't think twice, came to me in an instant, willing to serve his sister - me. </div><div><br></div><div>Haiti is a place where God is present all around us. It is a place that teaches me over and over again what it means to love unconditionally. As I attend Mass on Holy Thursday in a couple weeks and watch the 12 men have their foot washed on the altar, I most assuredly will be reliving my own personal, humbling experience - one act I will never forget. </div><div><br></div><div>Have a Blessed Lenten Season in preparation for a Glorious Easter!!</div><div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div></div>Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-21633360431043655312013-03-10T12:12:00.001-04:002013-03-10T12:12:39.867-04:00With the school kids from the mountains. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AIs4FtI0rVLNj96Qvm5zg9rjQfRaRbD8LQHmXuUpjHKFkSiJPczFVr9Xd2p4QBUaR09R2768hC9SxZ30lD1lVITMP4wFURVIfeBJ5MSqlcVVZngG30VIc5pI7fQunGTydZisD96QBsGZ/s1600/image-759867.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AIs4FtI0rVLNj96Qvm5zg9rjQfRaRbD8LQHmXuUpjHKFkSiJPczFVr9Xd2p4QBUaR09R2768hC9SxZ30lD1lVITMP4wFURVIfeBJ5MSqlcVVZngG30VIc5pI7fQunGTydZisD96QBsGZ/s320/image-759867.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5853748190584698210" /></a><br><br><div>Joyfully,</div><div> </div><div>Debbi</div><div> </div><div><i>"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Mother Teresa</i></div><div><br></div>Sent from my iPhone</div>Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-30364068656872389922013-03-08T23:33:00.000-05:002013-03-15T19:56:51.262-04:00Day 7 - Friday<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well we are winding down to our
last days, hours, minutes, seconds and moments in Haiti and let me just tell
you how truly amazing our time here has been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cannot stress enough how blessed I am to have gotten the opportunity
to know each and every person on this trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First of all my team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team March
2013 is awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have gotten the
chance to return to Haiti for the second time now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to Haiti last year with my family and
three Minnesota boys, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of whom returned with me this year, and it opened
my eyes to a whole new world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year I
was engaged with a brand new group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
had the chance to get to know them and share in Haiti’s wonderful life changing
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second of all our Haitian
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joe, Jacob and Fresnel have become
our best friends and it will be hard to say goodbye.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today filled our hearts with many
emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent our last day in Verettes
filled with activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We headed off to
our job site we had been at all week to finish up our project of building the
benches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got almost all of them done
and our super amazing carpenters will finish the rest after we leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the kids were the hardest part of
leaving the site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many friendships
were created and relationships were tied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One particular friendship that stood out to me was between a boy named
Zita and Jessy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her love and passion for
this one boy was outstanding and it touched my heart to see how much she cared
about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know we are all going to
miss those kids and they are going to miss us as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made our week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
we rode over to Tom and Fecilta’s for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fecilta made us the BEST PIZZA EVER!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were so proud to have us as company and even little Ryan (their
son) opened up and played with Nathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were all overwhelmed with joy to see Echo who sang for us and put huge smiles
on all of our faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After we visited for a while at Tom’s
we packed up and made our way to a spot to buy some sugar cane!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We packed the truck with sugar cane and drove
to the river to eat the sugar cane and dip our feet in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bonding time today with each other was probably
the best part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joe and Fresnel then
decided to take us to a Haitian bar! We sat with one another had a soda and
enjoyed each other’s company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we
were at the bar sipping on our drinks, smiling and talking it hit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am really going to miss this great group of
people and this was by far the best way to spend my spring break.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We then had the privilege to go and
visit the Albert Schweitzer Hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
all had different expectations and were amazed to see how everything worked and
how the place was run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like
hospitals so I won’t elaborate a whole lot on this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can say is it was worth seeing and
touched a few people in our group to go more into the medical field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the hospital Alaina was intrigued by
the small vendors on the sides of the street and really wanted to try some
Haitian candy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped, grabbed a bag
and then proceeded to go on our way back to Borel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our day finished on a relaxing note and we
spent some time with our friends on the compound playing just dance and
socializing about how much Haiti has touch our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I honestly and truthfully can’t explain
how happy and blessed I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip wouldn’t
have been possible without my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
has touched my life in ways that are hard to explain and I owe her so
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She makes this all possible and
without her none of us would have been able to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think we understand how much she puts
into these trips and it is so worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mom has such a big heart for Haiti and the Haitian people and I admire
her and her missionary work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She truly
is amazing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s going to be extremely hard to
leave our friends of Haiti and tears will fill my eyes when tomorrow comes upon
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been so much fun working side
by side with our brothers and sisters and doing God’s work at the same
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has shown his light to us
through Haiti in everything we saw, did, and experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to come back but till then it is
never goodbye it is see you later…</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ONE BLESSED CHILD OF GOD -Bekah<o:p></o:p></span>Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-84674610338467568512013-03-08T22:38:00.000-05:002013-03-08T22:39:09.371-05:00Drinking coconut milk!! Mmmm. <div><br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iweyu93Bw9KD0RsjAKBQaMy79VAKSCih_tmkr2xtYKkLMlAlnAvhzoZnoCbqbRFWbmPrF0QqP-3VwZ4r3rSw7QYWZ6Naq2NInFK40jdp1e8pfQtEpjp1wSyvFuk1mN0R0i7IPhs1p4Fe/s1600/photo-749372.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iweyu93Bw9KD0RsjAKBQaMy79VAKSCih_tmkr2xtYKkLMlAlnAvhzoZnoCbqbRFWbmPrF0QqP-3VwZ4r3rSw7QYWZ6Naq2NInFK40jdp1e8pfQtEpjp1wSyvFuk1mN0R0i7IPhs1p4Fe/s320/photo-749372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5853182933668730610" /></a></div><div><br><br><div>Joyfully,</div><div> </div><div>Debbi</div><div> </div><div><i>"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Mother Teresa</i></div><div><br></div>Sent from my iPhone</div>Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-32524455703832863012013-03-08T10:26:00.001-05:002013-03-08T10:26:34.487-05:00Thursday Day 6<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">He pursues them and passes on safely, by paths his feet have not trod. Isaiah 41:3</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">This was our day today. We had a path we were going to take today, but God clearly had a different path for us. We were supposed to drive then hike to the school in the mountains that we built the benches for. It was to be a long trip, but we had all our supplies - both for the school and ourselves - and were prepared for the challenge... but were we? </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">Early on in our venture, things began to change - the terrain, the truck, the path. We realized we were not going to make it. We had a decision to make. Do we turn back after we had come so far? We came up with a compromise. Lets see if the children could meet us part way. We could still deliver our supplies and they were expecting to see us anyway. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">The next few turns of events clearly showed us that the path that was laid in front of us was not our own. We were completely NOT in control. God was. We were able to be blessed by a whole different group of children that needed some attention. And we also witnessed a harsh reality. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">We came across a "restavek" (a sort of slave child inHaiti) working in the fields whose feet were so badly infected it had a profound affect on us, moving many of us to tears. How could this be? Where is the justice? Why were we here, at this precise location to see this? Oh the many whys that were going through our minds. As a few of us prayed over this little boy of about 6 years old, lifting him up to our heavenly Father, we felt some of the pain and sorrow of this child and realized God had brought us to this little tiny part of Haiti this day. We spoke with the family he lives with and they promised to get him to the hospital and we promised the bill would be taken care of. Unfortunately as we were leaving, our Haitian team leader informed us that there are many like this little boy in these mountains.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "> We were privileged to be able to make a difference in one of God's children that day. In fact, I believe a difference was made in the lives of many, including our own. To complete our day, we finally met up with the school children from the mountain. About 20 representatives walked 4 hours to thank us for our gift of the benches. The only regret I had was that we could not see the school ourselves. But that's ok. One day we will get there. When that day comes, we will follow another "path our feet have not trod" with another amazing experience I'm sure. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">Wow! What an amazing thing it is to put our complete trust in God's plan!! Thank you Haiti for showing us how to do this. </div><div><br></div>Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7781255411574215736.post-52819499035943557222013-03-07T08:44:00.000-05:002013-03-07T08:49:57.553-05:00Hiking <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV3poxq5YvHU0sL03UbSd9alkz5mNupOcNsAck412lHn7TZid8_lFwcr8Xw47kgRaP7ihTfCPkJd0ZyTszrs8j8eyJIaB9GHkBYyvxots6ekRM7BMkL48dDzlF8lfphFjnAxURRs_OEOb/s1600/image-797554.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV3poxq5YvHU0sL03UbSd9alkz5mNupOcNsAck412lHn7TZid8_lFwcr8Xw47kgRaP7ihTfCPkJd0ZyTszrs8j8eyJIaB9GHkBYyvxots6ekRM7BMkL48dDzlF8lfphFjnAxURRs_OEOb/s320/image-797554.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5852598162190983154" /></a><br><br><div>Joyfully,</div><div> </div><div>Debbi</div><div> </div><div><i>"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Mother Teresa</i></div><div><br></div>Sent from my iPhone</div>Hands for Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13105422509891076863noreply@blogger.com0