HungryForLifeInternational

Just an update to let everyone know that Team 4 is home, safe and sound. Our flights were great, luggage came with us all the way, and we really appreciated the homecoming at the airport!

Thanks again for your prayer, encouragement, and support throughout the trip.

There will be a short video presentation this Sunday at church, with a full report from Team 4 on November 29 at SAC. You won't want to miss it!

-Aaron

On our way to Pastor Bazu's home.


In transit.


King of the Kia.


Steve the "blanc."


A final walk.


Julihomme's front porch.


A story of propane & juice bottles...

Tonight we had the opportunity to visit the homes of the pastors at HAM. Eye opening to say the least. The last home we visited was Pastor Julihomme's. This is a man who does the plumbing, the driving, leads the kid's church in Tapion, and is supporting 5 of his own children...not to mention several other relatives who also live in the house. And this house - a two bedroom home, all concrete, bare-wire electrical lines powering two small light bulbs on the ceiling, a manual water pump outside, and an outdoor kitchen - it's simple to say the least. Julihomme has a propane stove, but told us it was too expensive for him so they used charcoal instead. And yet, he and his wife served us each a cold bottle of juice. Juice that took up all the space in his small refrigerator. The reality of that gesture is that those drinks cost him a large portion of his monthly earnings. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Propane to cook food is too expensive, but here are cold drinks for 16 North Americans. As we thanked him he said, "it's nothing." Those words will forever be burned into my mind. "It's nothing." Actually, I think it was quite something. In that moment, in the middle of Haiti, under the light of one dim lightbulb, God shook us.

Right now I'm listening to our team share with Mark and Lisa some of their favourite moments of the trip as part of our final debrief. Some find it easy to share. Some are finding it difficult because their thoughts are so scattered and deep, but through the tears they're trying. :) There is no doubt that this has been a monumental experience and it has run deep.

Today at noon I dropped the hammer on the conclusion of all our projects. It ended with a frightening moment when all the power to the buildings and the water pump conked out on us. We got it back on thankfully! I was not looking forward to leaving the place in that condition. Mesi Jezu! :) I can happily say that we got WAY more done than anyone thought we would upon arrival.

I have to say I am so proud of this team. They have truly functioned as a team, they have worked their tail off, and they have stepped out of their comfort zone in huge ways. I have watched them share their faith in the streets...even during "non-evangelism" times. I have watched them work from sun up to sun down...and not because they are just hard workers, which they are, but because they believe so much in what they're contributing to. I have watched them serve and fight through challenges with such joy, patience, and hope. It has really been my privilege to be here with this team.

So this is it. How weird is that? Saying good-bye to this place never gets easier, and I think those of us here and you at home are going to miss this blog too! :) It's been cool to see the online community this has created over the past days. My prayer is that this new-found sense of community will continue in a new and fresh way for the betterment of SAC, Haiti, and our surrounding community at home.

On behalf of Team 4, a HUGE thanks to all of you who have interacted with us here. We have appreciated it a great deal! Thanks for your prayers, your encouragement, and for walking with us on this journey.

We arrive home Friday morning at 12:45a. We're expecting the same kind of homecoming that championship teams receive after the big game. :)

If there's time I'll try and post a blog on our way home. No promises though.

Thanks again everyone, and for the last time from Haiti, good-night.

-Aaron

Hey y'all,

No one seems to be jumping up and down about blogging tonight. Don't take it personally as I think everyone's just in chill-out mode. A few guys are up on the roof enjoying the cool breeze...some are sitting out on the yard chatting...and some are sitting around the dinning room tables laughing and singing. This team has really come together as a small community of friends. It's been pretty cool to watch.

Tuesday was another full day of work. Amazingly enough we're seeing the completion of several projects we began last week. A few of these projects are done, and last week we didn't think we'd get close to finishing. It's all very exciting and it gives us a great sense of accomplishment.

Tuesday also means there's church in the evening. Enjoy these pics and let our experience of worshiping in the Haitian night soak in. On a side note, Lisa N likes my pictures. I'm honoured. :)

















I'd like to ask you to pray for the team as the trip winds down. This can be an emotionally charged time as people begin to say good-bye to place that has made a deep impact in their lives. As odd as it sounds, leaving an experience like this can be quite painful even though the team is returning to their loved ones. "It's not you, it's me." That line actually rings true in this sense. I remember on my last trip many of the students were feeling guilty about not wanting to go home. I sent an email to their parents before we arrived home warning them that it may take time for the kids to verbalize their experience. The sense of connection to Haiti can grow quite strong.

Now I have to get myself psyched up to kiss Rainer again. Poor guy.

Until tomorrow,

-Aaron

Rest assured there will be another blog later today. To be honest with you, I'm just trying to escape the sun for a few minutes. Sitting at a computer makes it look like I'm doing something important. :)

There is such beauty here in Haiti. I told Mark this morning that there's something about this place that gets inside you. I have been in Haiti for a total of 36 days of my life, but it feels like home somehow. Everywhere you look you see poverty, things that need fixing, problems, brokenness...but after the initial shock of those things the beauty of this place, the small glimmers of hope, and the knowledge of a God who is in the business of restoration and redemption seems to take over. I still see the pain and suffering and all the problems, but I see them now through a lens of hope.

What do you see when you look at the pictures on this post? What do these pictures provoke in your mind and heart? Do you hear God say anything to you as you look at them?

I know it will take time for this country to be healed, and there will continue to be setbacks along the way, but something is happening here. Something good is happening here. And there is something that changes in me as I get to be a part of the change here.

In God's economy we learn that the last will be first. In our economy of things the privileged are always first. I often think of that when I'm down here. What does God see when He looks at the impoverished follower of Him here, in Haiti? Maybe for all our books, buildings, schools, and opportunity these Haitian Christians know more than we do about inheriting the Kingdom of God? If community is a central part of the Christian faith, than we have a lot to learn from our Haitian friends. If the life of the local church is supposed to intersect with all aspects of our daily life, than we have a lot to learn from our Haitian friends. This isn't a utopia down here by any means, but Haiti has so much to offer us.

Just some thoughts.

On a lighter note, as you may or may not be aware, I read all of your blog posts to the team each night. I am getting increasingly comfortable hugging, smooching, and kissing your loved ones. I figure I have to do all those "xoxoxoxo" justice. It was awkward at first, but everyone seems to be used to it now. :)

Talk to you later,

-Aaron

The technical school.


One of the computer classes.


Training on the new tire machine (yes, I know how to use a tire machine).


Adam and crew working. Doug drinking water.


I wonder if Apple envisioned their products being used on a Haitian street like this?


Closing down a street to start work on the last sign. This is Mark & Lisa's house and subsequently their wall. Not a normal sight in Haiti at all.

Mwen fatigue.

I think we're all pretty tired. The team has been pushing pretty hard since we got here and the pace is slowing now. Still getting things done, but each step feels longer and heavier. :) I think my favourite moment that displayed this fact was when I was looking for Gord this afternoon...yelling out his name...and then I saw this arm stick up from a pew bench in the church. Only an arm. Gord had conked out. He deserved the break. :)

I have the privilege of video-interviewing each team member as part of my HFL responsibilities. Its been pretty cool listening to this team talk about their experience so far. God is good, and He has been among us in unique and powerful ways.

Today our team was involved in another trip to Port-Au-Prince, working on/in the technical school, painting, wood working, grouting, tile work, and I'm sure there was much more that my tired brain can't remember. The beauty of all this was we were able to do all this alongside our Haitian friends.

Gord was also able to meet the computer class that will be using the laptops donated by Telus (and loaded up with help from Lisa's bro-in-law). What those students and teachers said as they thanked us was powerful. They have such a passion to change their community and their country. It's odd to be thanked so much for 12 laptops. I mean really, 12 laptops? Could 12 laptops change a community and a country? Maybe. Maybe with a bit of Jesus-hope and an organization like HAM it just might be possible. I was really proud of Gord too. He reminded them that they have been poured into by people, and they in turn should pour themselves into others. He did great.

Thanks for your prayers. Everyone's healthy again.

Tonight you will be blogged at by Lisa and Janette.

Until tomorrow,

-Aaron


Greetings from Haiti! Lisa and Janette here.

To our families, thank you for supporting and encouraging us to make this trip, it has impacted us in more ways than we can yet articulate. To all of you who have prayed so faithfully for us and encouraged us with your words, thank you, we have felt strengthened by them. To Michelle and Joan thanks for making us laugh, and making Dan squirm!

FAQ:

1- Is it possible to look presentable in Haiti?

Well, at 30 plus degrees and high humidity our clothes are wet, sticky and smelly. Repellent and sunscreen attracts a layer of itchy dust and so far we have had 7 bad hair days. As a contrast the Haitian women always look beautiful; we haven't figured out their secret yet.

2- How many times does Marc have to drive to Port Au Prince in one week?

Today, for the third time this week, Marc, along with Eldon and Dave drove the 1.5 hours one-way to the Port Au Prince Eco-Depot. The big purchase today was a cement mixer, among other things. Eldon finally realized the best way to survive this bumpy maze-like trip was by swallowing two Gravol.

3- What does theatre night look like in Grand Goave?

We are encouraged to see the light at the end of the sign painting tunnel. Our last sign to be painted is on the outside wall of Marc and Lisa's house in town. Tonight we began the prep work which involved projecting a powerpoint image to trace. This, inevitably drew a crowd, which provided an opportunity for Amy to show her 'Lavez Men Ou' video. The Haitians seemed very amazed and interested.

4- What is a comforting sound in Haiti?

It doesn't matter what time of day, you always hear the gentle hum of conversation. Sometimes we don't even see them, but their voices drift and give evidence of a close knit community. What a contrast to the absence of human voices in our own isolating neighbourhoods.

5- How do Haitian women pray?

Today we, along with Amy, attended the Women's Bible Study. We loved how they described their service as the 'work of God': ministering to those in jail, visiting the sick, collecting clothes and money for those in need, cleaning the church grounds, and more. We were amazed as one woman stood up and repented of her discouragement and gossip. We felt a beautiful sense of openness and accountability. At the end of the meeting, we had the opportunity to stand up and pray 'Haitian style' with the women, individually praying, out loud, and all at once. You would think this would create an atmosphere of confusion but in reality it eliminated the performance aspect of publicly praying. Oddly enough, we found that we focused better.

6- How have we been blessed by our team members in Haiti?

To all the wives back home, you would be proud of your husbands rising to the many challenges that this trip has presented. We have seen their gifts being used in serving one another. In fact, Marc wants them all back as soon as possible. We have been challenged by their honesty and blessed by their transparency in sharing with the team. As for Kelly and Amy, we love them! It has been such a great blessing to get to know them both. Their humour and kindness, their stepping out in faith, and being vulnerable and obedient to God has challenged us in our own walk.

7- What questions will we still be wrestling with when we get home?

How is this going to change the way we live our lives when we get back home? How do we extend this sense of community we feel here to the community of Surrey Alliance? What do we do with Haiti now that it has become so endeared to our hearts? How do we begin to use our gifts to bless others in the same way this gifted community has blessed us?

There is lots to think about........

love to Doug, Hanna, Matthias, Rick, Gillian and Jake, we miss you!!!

A debrief time.


Sunday AM.


Sunday AM.


Sunday AM.


Sunday AM.


Sunday AM.


Health video in Tapion kid's church.


Story time in Tapion.

Water.


Sunday morning worship.


Some of the seven you will read about shortly.



Preacher man.


Tapion children's church.



Reading your words.




Sup y'all,

It's day 7, and today was really about "7." Last night the offer of sharing in this mornings service was put forward to the team. Two people said they would. This morning, seven people shared. As I write this we are sitting in our daily debrief and I am listening to your husbands, wives, and friends share about their experiences of sharing this morning. I wish you were all here in this moment right now. I wish you could see the change, the challenge, and the Spirit at work, right now, in this moment. What a powerful night.

Many of you in your blog posts have noted that everyone is here for a purpose. You're right, and half way through this trip I think it's becoming obvious to the team. When we first arrived there were some people who were wondering why they were here. I think it's safe to say no one is wondering that anymore. :)

Keep praying for this team. We've got one upset stomach and just got through a "back end" issue with someone else. No one likes being sick, especially on an experience like this.

Tonight you will be blogged at by Jonathon Pawsey and Eldon Ortlieb.

Until tomorrow,

-Aaron

PS - I'm trying to do my best with getting everyone's picture up. I think I've got everyone at least once?
PSS - I'm also doing my best to proof read all the blogs before I post them to correct grammar, etc (Shalene stop laughing). I must say, there are a lot of two-finger slow pokes here! :)


It’s my turn to blog.

Two realizations:
1. I have never blogged
2. I should have blogged at the beginning when people were being factual and talking about the weather and the trees. Now I am bound to blog outside my comfort zone.

Today was Sunday, a day that we have all been anticipating. In our debriefing time last night, Steve had requested we share our testimony. After some time (and what some considered to be a heavy handed volunteering session), Steve did coax two people to present their testimony. The time came for us to be introduced and those who were to share were to remain on the stage. Thinking that only the two were to stay it was quite a surprise to see most of the team move out of their comfort zone and stay. (I’ll keep you guessing who, but Grace you will be disappointed). The messages we heard from our teammates was inspiring and truly a God moment. The worship time again was as inspiring and humbling as expected (no reggae) and Steve’s message challenged us in both English and Creole.

At lunch Steve presented his theory on drinking hot tea on a hot day - saying that it made you cool. So we all ate two bowls of piping hot soup then proceeded to the meat locker (otherwise known as the testosterone and mustard gas laden room of Dave, Gord, Mike, Jonny P, and myself) to seek refuge in front of the air conditioner.

This evening we went to the children's church held about 15 minutes away in Tapion. Again an inspiring moment to see 80 kids come from up to a 1 hour walk away to sing and study God’s word. We were all amazed at the memorization these kids have done. It would put most adults to shame. Janette shared the story of the prodigal son and Amy shared the DVD on hand washing and sanitizing. Did you know that Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is 20 seconds long??

Our day finished off with a debriefing time where Steve shared how we must support each other as community. We started off praying for our Church and proceeded into a Spirit filled time of intercession prayer for many of our personal needs that were shared.

Tomorrow, Dave and I will be going into Port au Prince to get what we hope to be the last bits of material to finish off our project goals. What would take 15 minutes at Home Depot in Surrey takes 4 hours of driving and 3 different stores here. Pray for our health (last time I got really motion sick) and that the tasks we have before us will be completed.

Miss you all. Give Grace some company. I’ll be home soon dear,

Eldon


Hey everyone, Jonathan here. Today we were able to sleep-in because church started at nine. I stayed in bed until eight because I went to bed feeling sick. I have been that way all day.

I didn't go to church today but stayed back to help Aimee with the children church. They watched DVD's on germs and how to brush your teeth. Even though they were in creole they were really funny. After church I went back to bed while the rest of the group went for a walk down to the ocean where I got baptized.

At three o-clock we went to Tapion where the children's church is. I was feeling a bit better but really light headed. When we got back we had a late dinner because dinner is usually at four o-clock, but I didn't because I'm not taking any chances.

That has been our day. Tomorrow a couple of the guys get to go back to PAP for the third time.

Jonathon

PS. Mike and I laughed so hard when the wii broke down because we thought you would be thinking, "where's Mike when we need him?"