This past weekend was a busy one with plenty of exciting things going on. Friday morning it was decided that evening we would all go up to Fort Jaques and have a cookout. :-) So late that afternoon we headed up to the new land and put together Hobo dinners (meat balls, potatoes, carrots, onions, butter and spices wrapped in foil and cooked over the fire) for about 45 people! As night settled in, we all partook of a meal bursting with flavour. It got pretty cool when the sun disappeared, so the fire was a great source of warmth! Later on, some of us practiced our rat shooting skills on pop cans. let's just say that i won't be recruited for rat patrol any time soon! lol.
Saturday morning we went up the Baptist Mission to shop and eat lunch. Since i've been here so often, there's really nothing for me to buy, so i pretty much go for the food. And the food is amazing! After lunch, some of us took the short walk to the zoo where they have many rabbits, a monkey named Ti Fifi, some turtles and tadpoles, peacocks, and some other varieties of birds. There used to be an aligator or crocodile (i don't know the difference) but he is recently deceased. :-(
Sunday consisted of Haitian church from 8:00 - 10:00 where everything was in creol and i couldn't understand much of what was said. Now, church being in creol wasn't a new thing. it was the fact that it was all Haitians who spoke that made the difference. i can understand when non-haitians speak creol, but i have a pretty hard time understanding Haitians speak when they're on a role like they are when speaking in church! lol. when i can understand a haitian church service, i'll know my creol is pretty good! :-)
following that, we had english church up on balcony at the Main house. it was a great service with many people in attendance. the sun joined us as well, so it was a warm service! :-)
later that afternoon a bunch of the staff went up to Brandon and Nikki's to watch the Bears vs. Packers football game. there was one die-hard Packers fan, while most of the others who really cared were Bears fans......and the Packers won. :-) it was fun to hand out with the people we work with and just have a good time together!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
By The Grace of God
Today marked the one year anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010, taking thousands of lives and forever changed the lives of those who survived. The earthquake that devastated the nation but did not keep them down.
This morning at 4:30 a.m. seven of us piled into the Montero and drove down the dark, still mountain into Port au Prince. it was 5:30 when we arrived at the National Palace, and the city was cloaked in darkness. We were some of the first ones to arrive at the stage where the Celebrez la Vie (Celebrate Life) Crusade was to be held - other than those who had spent the night watching the sound system and everything else. One of the girls in the car said 'you'd think that after living in Haiti for all these years, we'd know not to come early!' (it was to start at 6:00).
Slowly dawn kissed the city and painted the sky in pink and purple. We walked the short distance to the ruined National Palace, and after spending some time there, returned to the stage area. People were arriving and surrounding the roped off area around the stage. Shortly after six the worship began. I love to watch Haitians worship their Saviour! These beautiful people never cease to amaze me. Even though - and maybe even because - this was the anniversary of the day the brought so much suffering and loss to these people, they worshiped with passion and joy that is rarely see in our Western churches. The Spirit of God was very present this morning.
The crusade went from 6:00 to 11:00 am, with various singing groups and speakers taking part. People surrounded the area for such a distance that it was necessary to stand on something to see where it ended. it was a sea of faces and raised hands.
this morning as we were driving down to the city, a song went through my head that i think is very appropriate to the event:
'In Your eyes i can see / I am not just a man vastly lost in this world / lost in a sea of faces / Your body's the bread / Your blood is the wine / because You traded Your life for mine / If only my one heart was all You'd gain from all it cost / Well i know You would have still been a Man with a reason / To willingly offer Your life' ('Sea of Faces', Kutless)
Eventually the security tape was taken down and people moved in closer to the stage. I was standing by a truck with the other girls i was with, and i had to be careful not to give away my space by turning sideways, because once you give up space in such a place, it's very difficult to get it back! i was closely surrounded by the Haitians, and i have to say that i enjoyed it more than when i was separated from them by the security tape. To be surrounded by their joy and enthusiasm made it so much easier to feel their spirit.
This evening us GLA staff/volunteers/people who live here had a special worship service up on the balcony. It was so good. We had two worship leaders who came from Louisiana to visit for a couple days who led out in worship, and several videos were shown. Paster Brandon shared about how it is only by the grace of God that we have come through this last year in the way that we have. It is only by the grace of God that we are here.
We came to the feet of the God who is in total control of the universe, the God whose heart breaks when ours do. The God who treasures every tear we shed and feels the pain in our hearts. The God who wants us to allow Him in to heal the hurt and pain and give us new life, vibrant joy, and peace that we can't understand. It was to this God that i bowed my head and let the tears flow as the reality of the events of this year sank in and made my heart ache. And it was this same God who wrapped his arms around me and filled me with His peace.
It is this God who has plans that we can't comprehend, this God who wants to be the God of this city and this country. It is this God who loves each of us with an overwhelming love that cannot be equaled by anything of this earth.
This past year was one of trial and heartache in Haiti. But God's grace has been sufficient. Now we look to this new year with hope and expectation for change orchestrated by God through people who seek His heart.
"For i know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." Jeremiah 29:11-13
I'm so glad i could be in Haiti to be part of this important day! Please keep Haiti in your prayers as there are many unknowns!
This morning at 4:30 a.m. seven of us piled into the Montero and drove down the dark, still mountain into Port au Prince. it was 5:30 when we arrived at the National Palace, and the city was cloaked in darkness. We were some of the first ones to arrive at the stage where the Celebrez la Vie (Celebrate Life) Crusade was to be held - other than those who had spent the night watching the sound system and everything else. One of the girls in the car said 'you'd think that after living in Haiti for all these years, we'd know not to come early!' (it was to start at 6:00).
Slowly dawn kissed the city and painted the sky in pink and purple. We walked the short distance to the ruined National Palace, and after spending some time there, returned to the stage area. People were arriving and surrounding the roped off area around the stage. Shortly after six the worship began. I love to watch Haitians worship their Saviour! These beautiful people never cease to amaze me. Even though - and maybe even because - this was the anniversary of the day the brought so much suffering and loss to these people, they worshiped with passion and joy that is rarely see in our Western churches. The Spirit of God was very present this morning.
The crusade went from 6:00 to 11:00 am, with various singing groups and speakers taking part. People surrounded the area for such a distance that it was necessary to stand on something to see where it ended. it was a sea of faces and raised hands.
this morning as we were driving down to the city, a song went through my head that i think is very appropriate to the event:
'In Your eyes i can see / I am not just a man vastly lost in this world / lost in a sea of faces / Your body's the bread / Your blood is the wine / because You traded Your life for mine / If only my one heart was all You'd gain from all it cost / Well i know You would have still been a Man with a reason / To willingly offer Your life' ('Sea of Faces', Kutless)
Eventually the security tape was taken down and people moved in closer to the stage. I was standing by a truck with the other girls i was with, and i had to be careful not to give away my space by turning sideways, because once you give up space in such a place, it's very difficult to get it back! i was closely surrounded by the Haitians, and i have to say that i enjoyed it more than when i was separated from them by the security tape. To be surrounded by their joy and enthusiasm made it so much easier to feel their spirit.
This evening us GLA staff/volunteers/people who live here had a special worship service up on the balcony. It was so good. We had two worship leaders who came from Louisiana to visit for a couple days who led out in worship, and several videos were shown. Paster Brandon shared about how it is only by the grace of God that we have come through this last year in the way that we have. It is only by the grace of God that we are here.
We came to the feet of the God who is in total control of the universe, the God whose heart breaks when ours do. The God who treasures every tear we shed and feels the pain in our hearts. The God who wants us to allow Him in to heal the hurt and pain and give us new life, vibrant joy, and peace that we can't understand. It was to this God that i bowed my head and let the tears flow as the reality of the events of this year sank in and made my heart ache. And it was this same God who wrapped his arms around me and filled me with His peace.
It is this God who has plans that we can't comprehend, this God who wants to be the God of this city and this country. It is this God who loves each of us with an overwhelming love that cannot be equaled by anything of this earth.
This past year was one of trial and heartache in Haiti. But God's grace has been sufficient. Now we look to this new year with hope and expectation for change orchestrated by God through people who seek His heart.
"For i know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." Jeremiah 29:11-13
I'm so glad i could be in Haiti to be part of this important day! Please keep Haiti in your prayers as there are many unknowns!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
With A Full Heart
When we landed in Port Au Prince on tuesday, we disembarked onto the tarmac (last time we went right inside, and it was rather disappointing). When i stepped out that door onto the steps, the breeze caught my hair and caressed my face while the bright sun wrapped its warm beams around me. I hadn't realized till then just how much i'd missed this!
later after we'd all (i flew from montreal with some volunteers and another staff member) collected our luggage, we pushed our way through the crowd of very helpful people who wanted to put their helpfulness to good use.....;-) i think i'd even missed that! then i was bumping along the back streets of port au Prince (we were trying to avoid rush hour traffic which is pretty brutal) heading up the mountain toward the place that holds my heart :-) i guess i'd even missed the bumpy roads. lol.
We made a quick stop at the toddler house to drop off luggage, and i slipped into the kitchen to say a quick hello to the kids who were eating dinner. They were pretty excited to see me, as i was them!
Upon arrival at the main house, i went upstairs to see the babies. i was in URG B holding one of the babies when my little guy came backing up in line with the door. when he saw me, he immediately changed course and made a beeline for me with a slightly startled look on his face, like 'oh my goodness, she came back!' :-) it made me SO happy! Now, whenever i go into the nursery and sit on one of the little short chairs, toddles on over and plants himself between my knees, quite content to stay there on a long-term basis ;-) that evening when my little lady saw me, she smiled big, as did my other little man. most of the kids seemed happy to see me, although one of them looked at me rather strangely....but he's over that now and happily comes to me when he sees me. My heart just swells with love for these babies!
These last couple days have been interesting, learning some of my new responsibilities as office assistant (we recently decided that that's my title. lol). Not only do i help out with some office tasks, but if there's a time when my assistance isn't needed, i have the privilege of going to hang out with babies and volunteers on the balcony! not a bad position at all, i must say! :-)
I'm excited about what the coming weeks/months hold! My prayer is that i will be used to be a blessing and encouragement to everyone i work with.
later after we'd all (i flew from montreal with some volunteers and another staff member) collected our luggage, we pushed our way through the crowd of very helpful people who wanted to put their helpfulness to good use.....;-) i think i'd even missed that! then i was bumping along the back streets of port au Prince (we were trying to avoid rush hour traffic which is pretty brutal) heading up the mountain toward the place that holds my heart :-) i guess i'd even missed the bumpy roads. lol.
We made a quick stop at the toddler house to drop off luggage, and i slipped into the kitchen to say a quick hello to the kids who were eating dinner. They were pretty excited to see me, as i was them!
Upon arrival at the main house, i went upstairs to see the babies. i was in URG B holding one of the babies when my little guy came backing up in line with the door. when he saw me, he immediately changed course and made a beeline for me with a slightly startled look on his face, like 'oh my goodness, she came back!' :-) it made me SO happy! Now, whenever i go into the nursery and sit on one of the little short chairs, toddles on over and plants himself between my knees, quite content to stay there on a long-term basis ;-) that evening when my little lady saw me, she smiled big, as did my other little man. most of the kids seemed happy to see me, although one of them looked at me rather strangely....but he's over that now and happily comes to me when he sees me. My heart just swells with love for these babies!
These last couple days have been interesting, learning some of my new responsibilities as office assistant (we recently decided that that's my title. lol). Not only do i help out with some office tasks, but if there's a time when my assistance isn't needed, i have the privilege of going to hang out with babies and volunteers on the balcony! not a bad position at all, i must say! :-)
I'm excited about what the coming weeks/months hold! My prayer is that i will be used to be a blessing and encouragement to everyone i work with.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Heading back
the goodbyes are over, and i'm sitting at my gate waiting for my departure. I look forward to being back in Haiti, at GLA, with all my great friends and the wonderful babies and kids! i'm excited for what the new year may hold, as i continue to follow God's leading. I know that if i continually allow Him to guide my life, the journey will be incredible. That is not to say that it will be easy, because there are bound to be experiences that stretch me, bring pain, and possibly loss. But even in those times i can know that God is still in control and will be with me every step of the way.
On the drive to the airport, i was reminded that i need to trust God. the lesson started off with me thinking 'should i close my eyes and rest?' the roads were kind of snow covered, and the snowplow hadn't gotten it all cleared off yet. my thought process went a little like this: can i close my eyes, or should i keep watching the road (i wasn't driving, so to have my eyes open or closed really would make no difference)? then i felt like God whispered 'Do you trust me?' i was like 'well, yah!' and He replied 'then let ME do the driving. i won't put you in danger'.
The road isn't always smooth. in fact, it's rarely without its bumps and potholes, but i needed to be reminded that even if we go off-roading, God will still be in control if i continue to allow Him to take the wheel.
i had a wonderful three weeks at home, and they went really fast! now i take the next step of my journey with God, starting off the new year in Haiti, the country that three years ago captured my heart!
On the drive to the airport, i was reminded that i need to trust God. the lesson started off with me thinking 'should i close my eyes and rest?' the roads were kind of snow covered, and the snowplow hadn't gotten it all cleared off yet. my thought process went a little like this: can i close my eyes, or should i keep watching the road (i wasn't driving, so to have my eyes open or closed really would make no difference)? then i felt like God whispered 'Do you trust me?' i was like 'well, yah!' and He replied 'then let ME do the driving. i won't put you in danger'.
The road isn't always smooth. in fact, it's rarely without its bumps and potholes, but i needed to be reminded that even if we go off-roading, God will still be in control if i continue to allow Him to take the wheel.
i had a wonderful three weeks at home, and they went really fast! now i take the next step of my journey with God, starting off the new year in Haiti, the country that three years ago captured my heart!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)