General Hospital

This morning we were all up and dressed in our matching t-shirts, excited to do the water truck again today.  After another delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, oatmeal, fruit, and freshly squeezed juice (we are really getting spoiled with these huge breakfasts), Jean came in and told us we would not be doing the water truck today.  He had gotten word this morning that things were not safe enough for us to go to our water truck stops.  After some initial disappointment we regrouped, thankful that we have an amazing organization that knows the pulse of the city and always has our safety in mind.  We soon came to realize that God had orchestrated all the details for our next assignment -- General Hospital.  

Each group that comes to serve with Healing Haiti has certain donations assigned to them, depending on the need at that time.  Our assignment was to fill "goodie bags" for the 40+ staff down here, and thanks to so many generous friends and family our group did an amazing job collecting all kinds of toiletries to fill these bags with, things like shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, lotion, bug spray, etc.  We filled our bags for the staff the other night but still had boxes of things leftover.  So when the idea of going to General Hospital came up, and we realized we could pack more goodie bags for people at the hospital, we knew it was meant to be.  Even though we all had an amazing water truck day on Thursday and couldn't wait to do it again, I did not hear one complaint of disappointment all day from anyone on our team. 

We headed to the hospital, stopping along the way for water to bring with us.  They don't have bottled water here like we are used to;  rather, they have water in small plastic baggies.  We asked our driver Maxim how much water we could get for $10, and he came back with 6 giant bags, each full of about 50 small bags of cold water.  What a deal!  

We arrived at the hospital, a place no one on our team had been before (which is rare since several members of our team have been here multiple times.)  We didn't quite know what to expect but came with willing hearts to serve in any way we could.  It seems that often when we arrive at a new place it takes a few minutes to settle in and get a feel for how best to help.  We were in a children's "wing" (2 rooms with about 50 beds/cribs), most being infants or toddlers but a few a little older.  Most of them had their parents with them but a few did not.  We started passing out packets of cold water as well as the goodie bags.  We came with a large bag full of goodie bags but they were quickly gone.  We then started doing whatever we could to bring joy to the patients and their parents.  We held babies, brought smiles to the children's faces, massaged the moms, painted toenails (even Travis got some nail painting in - blue polish of course), clipped nails, sang to some, and prayed over others.  It's hard to even describe to you what we saw in there but I will try to mention a few stories.  

I held a baby there for awhile that was about 2 months old.  Her mom was there as well but I wanted to give her a break.  I assumed it was a girl by the pink outfit she had on.  As I was holding her I could tell the baby was filling her diaper, no problem.  I gave it a few more minutes and then asked the mom if I could help change her diaper.  She agreed and then started to take her baby's diaper off.  She didn't seem to be getting a new diaper out so I went to ask our driver/translator Maxim to ask the hospital staff for one.  He said they don't have any, that patients have to bring all their own supplies.  It broke my heart to go back to the lady and tell her I had no diaper (which I'm sure she expected, but still.)  I also realized that the baby I thought was a girl due to her pink onesie was actually a boy.  I realize that a pink outfit on a boy is not that big of a deal, especially here in Haiti where some kids are lucky to have ANY clothes, but it was just one more reminder of the things we take for granted, like a closet full of gender-appropriate clothes and access to an abundance of new diapers.  

We saw one baby girl with a cleft palate, another with intestines hanging out of his body, and so many more serious conditions so treatable in the U.S, but perhaps the most heart-breaking of all was one baby girl with hydrocephalus.  She was laying in a bed all alone, and based on the condition of her eyes and skin, it was just a matter of time.  My heart was breaking as I saw her condition, thinking about a good friend whose daughter also has head/brain issues but access to world-class medical care.  My emotions ranged from gratefulness for what we have in the U.S. to sadness and anger that this little one who Jesus loves just as much was laying helpless and alone in a hospital bed.  I don't know the full story but God does and his ways are so much higher than ours.  We prayed over this little girl, all we could do was leave her in God's hands.  

After spending the morning at the hospital, we headed up the mountain, making a few stops on the way for some souvenirs.  We had a lot of fun as a team, bartering with the vendors and even building relationships with some.  When we got to the top of the mountain we looked out over the city, a city with such amazing beauty but also such poverty, a city full of people loved by God.  

There are so many other stories I could share from the day, but it all boils down to the fact that our visit to General Hospital was truly orchestrated by God.  From the extra supplies and water we had to the joy we brought the patients and their parents, God truly multiplied our efforts today in a modern day "Feeding of the 5000."  Thank you, Jesus, for working through us today.  

"They said to him, 'We have only five loaves here and two fish.' And he said, 'Bring them here to me.'  Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing.  Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.  And they all ate and were satisfied.  And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.  And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children."  Matthew 24:17-21

Glwa pou Bondye (Glory to God),

Steph 

Simple Comfort

We began our day bright and early with Tent Church at 6am. We experienced an hour worshiping God with the Haitian people of the neighborhood.  It is awe inspiring to worship with a group of people who show a profoundly deep love for the Lord.  They are uninhibited in their worship of God- something we have never experienced before. This was an awesome experience all by itself. Imagine starting your day like this everyday.   

After breakfast, we traveled to the Home for Sick and Dying.  As we arrived we were able to watch a group of 50 plus children at camp playing a friendly game.  It was joyful to see such excitement and pure happiness from a large group of children at one time.  It was like seeing kids at camp in Minnesota; bursting with energy and passion. 

We then went into the building and were given instructions by the Sisters who run the home. We split into three groups. The men cared for the men and the women cared for the women.  We spent the remainder of the time giving massages with lotion, painting nails, cutting toe nails, and laughing with the men and women of the home.  One member of our team, who is a nurse, was able to assist the in house Dr. with physical exams among other things. We expressed after our time there that this was a peaceful experience, simple comfort can go a long way.  

We had the opportunity to visit the Apparent Project next and get a tour. Simply an incredible organization. This is a NonProfit artisan guild empowering and employing Haitian parents whose poverty puts them at risk of relinquishing their children. Take a moment to visit the website .  It really is inspiring www.apparentproject.org.

Next we stopped at Gertrude's, a home for children in Haiti who have special needs.  Our time was spent rocking, singing, dancing, and loving on these incredible children.  It was a great reminder that we don't always have to be grand in our gestures. Sometimes it is the simple comforts that make the most difference in a child's day. God was seen in the little moments, a smile, laughter, and in the voice of a child.

Our final stop was at a local Missionary Pizza shop.  We had a great time laughing and reminiscing about our trip so far. 

Last but not least, we took some time to celebrate  Maddie's birthday with silly gifts, a homemade fun fetti cake, and bubbles. 

Altogether another GREAT day in Haiti

Au Revoir,
Kim and Kelly 

WATER TRUCK DAY!

We started out this morning by visiting Haitian Initiative in Cite Soleil where we were able to observe and help with their daily ruitine.  First we were able to watch the soccer team tryouts that were going on on the HI soccer field. From there we walked to the feeding center where all of the soccer players are fed breakfast each day in the summer, but fed dinner each day during the school year. Many of the kids greeted us on our way in to the center. We were able to take part in serving the food to the children as well as playing games and dancing. After Haitian Initiative, we had the pleasure of walking with our team to our first water truck stop of the day.

We delivered water to two neighborhoods in Cite Soleil today. Here are some facts about Cite Soleil:

Cite Soleil has a population of about 400,000 and is one of the most impoverished communities with some of the largest slum areas in the Western Hemisphere . Over 70% of people do not have access to a latrine. Half of the homes are made of cement blocks with tin roofs and the other half of the houses are made of a variety of found things like sheets, cardboard, and sticks. There is no sanitation system; therefore, the garbage swims in the mini-ditches along the sidewalk in the city. Many of the children do not have clothes so they run around the streets bare.

All of this does not slow their love for life. They are such sweet people and speak with kindness.

Healing Haiti, founded in MN, is the only organization allowed to bring free water to the neighborhoods. The people of Cite Soleil are grateful for the water and gave us a big welcome when we arrived. The second neighborhood had children everywhere in the streets when we arrived with very few adults in the distance. The children chanted, "Hey You! Hey You! Hey You!" when our Tap-Tap (taxi bus) and water truck were coming down the street.

The neighborhoods were quite different in personality. The first neighborhood had order and waited in an almost perfect line behind the water truck. There was definite desperation and they quickly took their five gallon pail of water when it was full, but yet there was order. No one was allowed to budge and only a few tried. I was able to help on the water line to fill the buckets and get them out of the way in order to waste as little of water before the next bucket started to fill. The hose was as large as a fireman's hose, so the pressure was quite high. We were soaked after helping with the water line.

The second neighborhood was not as orderly, but I think that was mainly because they didn't seem to have as many buckets. The line was shorter, but the energy was higher. It seemed more impoverished, if that was even possible.

When we weren't on the water line, we were entertaining the children, walking pails of water to people's homes, or lifting buckets on top of the girls' heads for them to walk home. It was common for 4-5 children to be tugging at each of us begging us to hold them. If only we could hold that many! We sang songs like "Tooty Ta" which was easy to entertain many children with that song. The children loved to be held and they also loved to play with our hair. Their immediate love for us was selfless and all-knowing.

The day was emotional and empowering and took time to process when we returned to the guesthouse. I know when we return home to Minnesota next week that I will still be processing today's water truck day and all the experiences we've had here in Haiti. I am thankful for all of the blessings I see here in Haiti and that God has allowed me to be present in the moment.

Glwa pou Bondye
Glory to God

Alesia

Day 3-Shannon's Point of View

We spent our time at two orphanages today playing basketball, kickball, showing the children how to make paper airplanes, dancing with them, organizing relay games, singing and praising The Lord together. 

I couldn't get enough hugs and kisses from these beautiful children. I was amazed by how they can have so little material items, yet have an enormous amount of love to give. They give it away so freely and expect nothing in return, besides wanting lots of love and attention. 

One boy named, Lovinsky, melted my heart. He walked up to me with arms wide open and said, "Embrace me, Love me." This was another day I was happy not to be wearing mascara. 

I thought it was a little ironic that my husband and myself are at the end of trying to adopt, our adoption plan expires tomorrow. God was definitely challenging my emotions today. How desperately I wanted to take some of these kids home, love them unconditionally and have them call me mom. 

I learned that God is always trying to teach us something, and we have to be open to listen and hear his message. I also am learning that sometimes we may not fully understand Gods plan, but we do have to trust and continue to have faith in where we are currently in our life. 

I am inspired by the children's faith and love for The Lord. When we were leaving Grace Village, I heard one of the boys yell out, "Jesus loves you." That's a smart kid!! He is spiritually rich for sure🙏👍

It was a spiritually moving day and I can't wait to see how God works through us tomorrow.

Day 3--Teamwork, hey what's your name again? (Grace Village sportscamp/Juno's Orphange

  Well, this day actually starts on the evening of day 2. The other team in guesthouse one came to our guesthouse as we were going to team with them to kick off their Grace Village sports camp the next morning.  We all introduced ourselves and discussed what we would be doing at the camp.  To save space on this blog I will spare details, but basically we spilt the GV(Grace Village) kids into three groups by ages and determined what activities they would be doing for the day.

  On the morning of day three, about two thirds of our group went early to get the camp t-shirts ready and the other third came a little later. I was with the second group and once we got there, the other team members had almost all of the GV kids in their camp t-shirts with their names written neatly(and correctly) on the front and backs of their shirts. We had a time of worship and explanation of the first group of activities. Then, we broke out into our three age groups and got them started on their first round of activities. Now let me pause here.  Trying to organize an activity, for kids, who we don't speak their language, in 100+ degree heat........I might compare it to herding cats....nearly impossible and could drive a man crazy. Luckily, that is not where our story ends, our two Healing Haiti teams, blended and molded together the night before pulled together and delivered an outstanding experience for these kids. A little snack and juice part way through definitely did not hurt to keep the kids energized (as well as the adults!!!)  We left around lunch time, but not before saying our goodbyes and being generously thanked by the other team for helping them kick off the first day of their sports camp. 

  Now, as we drove off, I could tell some teams members, myself included, were running on empty. We had one more stop though, Juno's Orphanage, a place none of us had visited, not even our most seasoned member of our team, our fearless leader Michelle.  We refueled and were given a second wind knowing we were all newbies at this stop and would need to lean on each other in unknown territory. Now, if we were comparing the two places we visited today, it would be comparing Ceasars Palace to the Super 8.  But wait, that is only a comparison in appearance and amenities. The kids at the orphanage made me smile on the inside and out from the moment I stepped off our Tap Tap(taxi bus/truck).  They introduced themselves and told us their age using perfect English.....I was very impressed. We sang songs with them and then made special paper airplanes which they made airborne time and time again with team members and each other. Finally(sadly), it was time to leave, each of us received a hug and an orevwa (goodbye) from each child.  

  I feel a continued growth within our team as each second, minute, hour and day passes. Our night time sharing, playing games and joking around is infectious. We are blessed to have come to know each other. This blog entry is just one man's quick account of the day. I cannot wait until we share tonight to see what other took away from our experiences today.

  For those of you who are back home and may read this, nothing that happens down here, anyone could adequately put into words. We just try to help you understand just a sliver of what we experience here during the week in these blog entries. A question that we ask ourselves down here is "What is God trying to teach me?" (A question co-founder of Healing Haiti, Alyn Shannon would ask and has continued since her passing). But why not ask this where you are? What is God trying to teach you in the good times and especially the more trying times? Nothing happens by chance, what will you do that might stretch you out of your regular, comfortable routine?

Ke Bonjye Beni'ou!

Travis

 

Elder Visits and First Time At Grace Village

Today was spiritually moving to say the least. We got to see so many things here that you can't see anywhere else and it was truly amazing. We had a great breakfast filled with good food and good people. Oatmeal, mangos, scrambled eggs, french toast, it was a wonderful way to start the day. After breakfast we met on the balcony for a morning devotional led by Michelle. It was about how God works through us and sends us out into the world to be his hands and feet. Then we headed down to the tap-tap and were on our way to Grace Village.

On our way we started to play two truths and a lie. After explaining it to Jonas and Valery it turned into the game of what doesn't belong. It was hilarious and so much fun. Once we arrived we got out of the tap-tap and could see some kids beginning to gather by us. Their faces lit up when they saw everyone getting off and ran up and hugged some of the people that they recognized from previous mission trips. It was really amazing seeing how happy they were to see us all. Once we were ready to go we loaded up the tap-tap with our team, along with five kids from Grace Village, and we were on our way to visit the first elder.

We visited Pierre first and he was so sweet, he helped every person down the small hill and hugged people upon arrival. We washed his body, clipped his toenails, and massaged his back.  Then he was ready to get up and dance. We played music and all sang along and danced with Pierre. It was so moving to see the pure joy he had just from spending time with us. Gaustf, Pierre's son, sang for us and had some really genuine words for us. He told us to not have pity for them because they are poor, but to instead pray for him and his family, and he hoped people would keep coming back to visit them. We also painted some of the little girls' nails and a little boy named Edwins painted my nails a lovely shade of pink. 

After hugging Pierre and saying goodbye we got back on the tap-tap and were on our way to the next elder's place. The second elder we visited was Marie and she was 104 years old! There were many kids there because she loves children. She got her nails and toes painted, you could tell she loved being pampered. She was the happiest one hundred and four year old lady I've ever seen. ;) 

After visiting with Marie we got back on the tap-tap and went back to Grace village for our tour. It was amazing getting to see what Healing Haiti does for these kids that wouldn't have a home if it weren't for them. We got to see where the girls live, the soon-to-be family houses, classrooms, feeding center, and aquaponics. Everything about Grace Village amazed me, the people, kids, even the great playground in the middle amazed me! 

After the tour we went to another elders home and his name was Edmund. He loved everyone's company and smiled so much. Edmund had a lot of animals at his house, chickens, pigs, and dogs. There were also a lot of kids that came over to our team while we were there and they all just wanted us to love them. One little girl Kelly from our team was holding told her "Jesus loves you" in Creole and that really pulled at my heart strings. I don't know many little kids that would say that and it was so touching to see this little girl say that to her, she didn't want Kelly to let her go but we had to say our goodbyes and get back on the tap-tap. 

Overall, the elder visits were so amazing and moving because we got to see all of the happiness they still have and that that joy doesn't come from material things or anything else, but that their joy comes from people, and relationships, and love that's shown towards them. That's real happiness. It's so hard to put into words what we saw today and it was so amazing that it can't simply be described in words. It was just such a spiritually moving day. ~ Molly

Day 1--Monday, July 28-- We Arrived!

We started our venture bright and early meeting at the airport at 3:45 a.m. We shared many similar emotions as we prepared for this journey. We felt excited, anxious, lots of anticipation, but most of all it felt right and God led us together for a common purpose.

Throughout our layover in Miami, we spent time bonding, getting to know each other, and doing fun activities like scavenger hunts in the airport, lots of laughter was spread throughout the day.

The flight from Miami to Haiti helped us begin to learn more about the pride Haitians have of their country and the appreciation they want us to embrace for their culture. They were so open to share about themselves and also wanted to know more about who we are. They spoke with such kindness and love, which showed how important relationships are in their culture.

Around 5:00 p.m. we landed in Haiti and then went to baggage claim to gather our 18 large suitcases filled with donations that family and friends have so graciously contributed. We then got onto the tap-tap (taxi bus) on our way to the guesthouse where we will be staying, we quickly learned the rules of driving in Haiti (which really means there are no rules, except that the bigger the vehicle...the better, and stop signs, if any, are a nice friendly suggestion. On the 20 minute bumpy drive to the guesthouse we were thankful for loud horns, as that is the main way drivers communicate.  :)

Haiti has slowly been rebuilding since the 2010 earthquake and we learned there were less tents that people were living in not even a year ago. There was a lot of hustle and bustle to see on our 20 minute drive. Vendors were selling goods on the corners and cars were motivated to get places.

We were greeted by the Haitian staff with an amazing welcome and settled into our guesthouse. At our devotional team meeting we discussed our goals for the week. We shared that it's important to step out of our comfort zone, be vulnerable, open our hearts completely and be committed to spreading the love of God. Our focus for the week is to understand and demonstrate, "What is Christ's love?" We shared a few words to describe what that will look like for us this week (unconditional, selfless, sacrificial, tangible) and will strive to reflect His love throughout our week.

We are looking forward to being the hands and feet of the Lord and being present where we are needed.

Our favorite quote of the day that brought tears to our eyes when we walked in the guesthouse was, "Thank you God for blessing me with much more than I deserve."

We are so thankful to be part of this wonderful community in Haiti!

Glory to God
Glwa pou Bondye,

Alesia and Shannon

Day 4

Today we went to two orphanages; La Pherre, one that none of us has ever been to, and Gertrude's an orphanage where many of the children have special needs.  

 When we first arrived at La Pherre, the 20 kids sang us some songs, which gave many of us goosebumps!  Then, each child's name and age was presented to us, so we also had our children announce their names and ages.  Next, we introduced the craft/activity that we brought.  We brought paint sticks and paper plates, with duct tape to adhere the plate to the stick.  Then we blew up balloons, and played a game with our new handmade paddles!  We all had such a great time with it, and even involved some of the older women in playing.  We also had some kids blowing bubbles, some of the older kids drawing pictures, and a game of "knots" going.  Everyone was fully engaged and had a great time.  

Here are some thoughts/highlights from various team members about the day:

Today I would pick the word "hope~filled." At La Pherre there were two boys in their late teens. When we arrived they were not very repsonsive. One of the team members brought a sketch pad and, as they began to draw, it was amazing how creative they were. They were so proud of their pictures and were writing beautiful things about their relationships with Christ. In conversation they were talking about their love for Jesus and their love for Haiti. As we left, the team taught them a simple song and we caught them writing down the words. I believe that the more of Christ they put in, the more of Him will come out. It gives me hope to think of all of the wonderful things they can accomplish with their lives and the change that will come from it.   ~Beth

"Today we were at an orphanage and we were singing and dancing with the kids, then me and another girl from the team saw a young woman with a child so we went and talked to her and even though there was a "language Barrier" we still kind of got to know her and that the little boy was her son she seemed super sweet.  We had a great time at La Pherre."

"Today was super fun! We got to go to La Pherre and Gertrude's orphanage. The first one La Pherre we got to draw and blow lots and lots of bubbles. One girl did not look very happy and then I put up the end of my hair up to her face, and she started laughing! She had a really big smile. At Gertrude's,I got to feed one girl and that was way out of my comfort zone, but I just told myself to be "flexible" and it all turned out ot be great, and I had a blast. Today was a really memorable day !"    ~Abby

Michelle Carpenter Cassidy's highlights:

~Watching Emily figure out how to tie the garbage bag onto the tap tap.

~ Exchanging e mails with a young man named Dany (16)  from our first stop at the ophanage.  He reminded me of my own 2 boys ~ Josh (18) and Dan (15).

~ Dancing with a young girl from the 2nd orphanage.  She could not walk or stand but she sat in her chair and held my hands and we danced while I sang (bad voice and all)!!

~ Discovering that a woman that has 6 kids should not sit at the back of the tap tap.  Too bumpy!!!

~ Watching Emily "take charge" of our group while explaining the rules of some game named Mafia.  She couldn't leave her teacher hat completely at home.

~ Sitting under the trees eating key lime pie at a a restaurant...somewhere in Haiti.

~ Watching Becca lead a workout with Cade and Ally.  Becca even did a push up with Cade on her back!!

~ Enjoying the delicious peanut butter balls that Cathy made and put in her carry on to Haiti.  They didn't even melt!

~ Most importantly, enjoying, treasuring, and taking in all of the wonderful and amazing experiences our day in Haiti has offered us.

Peace~ Michelle Carpenter Cassidy

Day 3

We had a great day today!  We started the day with a 6 am church service.  The Haitians know how to worship!

Second, we went to Grace Village to take a tour.  What an amazing place!  We  loved how they are striving to create jobs and train Haitians how to support themselves and to be not only independent, but creative.  We loved the future plans of the bread ovens, to place them in the community and in the churches.  The aquaponics system, the school, feeding center, clinic, orphanage...each of these areas of Grace Village had an amazing story and we loved hearing how each piece came to fruition and how they are being managed.

After the tour, we headed out to visit the elderly.  Healing Haiti supports some elderly in the community of Titanyen.  We visited with them in their homes, rubbed lotion on them, sang with them, gave them a "meals on wheels" and prayed with them.  It was interesting to see how they lived.  They told us, through translators, what they've been through and how they are doing.  One of the elderly that we visited was Marie, who is 104 years old!  That is close to twice the life expectancy of those that live in Haiti!  She is the most beautiful, joyful person.  Just a sweet, sweet soul. She laughed, sang, and prayed with us, and LOVED taking photos! What a blessing it was to spend time with them! They blessed us with their exuberance for the Lord and their thankful hearts.

Finally, we had an opportunity to bring all of the Grace Village kids back to the guest house for a taco dinner! This was a special field trip for them that God totally orchestrated to come together through generous donations.  We brought about 18 of them with us on the tap-tap, and about half of them fell asleep!  They woke up when we arrived at the guest house ready to play and explore.  The kids from our team played soccer with them, enjoyed the parachute, and learned new card games.  Dinner was amazing! We had fresh tacos and guacamole, and it was so nice to have some leisurely time to just hang out with them and get to know their personalities. They loved the technology on our phones and were enthralled in taking photos.

Such a LONG day, but by far a memorable one! We are so blessed in so many ways that we take for granted each day! We taught our Haitian guide, Cadet, a new song today which he is mastering quite well. Here are the lyrics that we will leave you with for the day that sums it up very well:
Lord prepare me
to be a sanctuary
Pure and Holy
tried and true.
With thanksgiving
I'll be a living
sanctuary, for you.

Day 2-Water Truck

Today we had our first day out serving in the field.  Our team was ready to deliver water; especially the kids. There are 3 kids on our team whose parents have all been to Haiti before. So they have been looking forward to seeing for themselves what the parents have been sharing with them. We also have 2 teenagers with their parents on the team who all have never been to Haiti. We delivered water to the poorest area called Cite Soleil.  We drove in on our tap tap (our big taxi) with the water truck to various stops and people would come running out with their buckets to get them filled up. They were desperate for water. We decided that tonight's blog would be from the kids' perspective:

"It was memorable.  I never really had so much love and attention.  I've never experienced kids wanting you to pick them up so much. They really liked to braid my hair!"  ~Abby

"It was very very fun to just play games with the kids.  We taught them games and they even taught us games! I was overwhelmed at the first truck stop as the kids mobbed me." ~Cade

"It was fun & inspirational today. I enjoyed that all the kids wanted to be held & played with. It was nice to end the day by cooling off in the pool" ~ Avery 

From our teens:

"I felt very hopeful as we met some older teens who were learning English and were studying. It was good to see that they wanted to make the best of their future despite their current circumstances." ~Becca

"I was thankful that we were able to bring the water to the people safely and that this organization has a good standing with the people. It was amazing to hold the kids and have them love on all of us. ~Morgan

*We look forward to tomorrow as we are going to Grace Village which is the Healing Haiti Orphanage!