Day 9-Home
THANKS everyone for yourprayers and support while I was gone! Let me know if you'd like to meet and talk!
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Day 8/9- Travel
Cought the plane whch left late. so got to montreal late, had to claim my bags go through customes and run to cech in bags to leave for Toronto in the nick of time!
call for hotel shuttle (great idea will sleep there again instead of in the ...airport even with the rush) and now im in the soo.
Off to kids quest at 6pm.
I wrote a lady in Haiti and just got a responce. She operates a girls home. She would like to meet me, and know more, so MANY doors are opening!
I stopped off at a daycare and spoke with a lady in charge. Asked if I could volunteer to work with the disabled kids. I told her i had ECE, need experience so I could go back to Haiti to assit and start a program for the disable. She stated they wold like to put me on pay role LOL funny. (I don't even think she notice I had a disabliity myself LOL)
So I recieved contacts here so I can learn and posibly put into action what I learn for there.
Please pray that doors open for this as well. I believe in wil be benificial.
I never knew there were that many places needing help with my giftings. GODS GOOD. And I will never regret going for the week!!!!! NEVER EVER!!!!!!!!!!! God knew what i need!
Oh, and it felt like Christmas when i returned, as My 3 classes books arived. Next week I start school! Pray that I pass and Corespodence goes well.
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Day 8-Leave
This morning Assenique came to say good bye. Later I will go to meet 1 other person, and then head to the airport at noon, plane leaves at 3:30, I will stay in Toronto for the night then off to the soo at noon Wed.
This has been an eye opene...r, and very good for me to return even if its just a week. God knew what needed to be done, and I have closure, so maybe it will be esier for me to cope in Canada- Oh and of course I'll FREEZE lol!!!
--Dr Ed walked me to Dotty's school we had a tour by a teacher, then walk the other way to find her at the guest house. She has a place for me to say a month for free just need food (and will have a 24/7 working fridge.) She has been praying ...for someone to help or take over. She asked when I could start lol.
Then drove to Kathy's place. another school with disabled kids, and is in need of help to orginize things and teach and help build up a program Then whent to the airport
And theres more people that are out there that I didn't get to meet. Many of whom need my ECE skill!!!
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Day 7- clinic/travel
Was up early again, for some reason I can't sleep in, must be from excitment. Yesterday went to a ladies orphanage to do physicals on the new commers. I just held the babies.
One child was 9 months old, but wieghed nothing, she was so dehid...raded, had a fever/infection cried very litte, but there was not tears left for her to shed. They just got her in. Ed said this kids on deaths door step. So they brought her to the hospital She would have died that day if no help was gotten. The kids was actually slowly dieing in my arms. This is very common here.
The lady, said she learned a new Haitian fraise "10 dollar baby" Thy had a 2 week old, whos mom was a prostitute in the tent cities and a drugie. She sold her child to get her fix for the day. This is 10 Haitian dollars or 50 gourds equal at this time $1.25 US At least this child will be adopted out.
There was also a few disabled kids, shes getting many more since the earthquake so they want to start a program for them. There is so much I can do here! I was so sheltered before.
After we drove to T something town where mission of Hope is, to pick up a free dental chair, and clinic exam bed. It was a neat experience to see a little country side not senent every where. I even saw huge cati.
Then at night (evern in the rain) my friends came to once again say good bye.
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Day 6-Sunday/friends
Going to church, then heading to Epidor to hang with my 4 painters and 2 good friends and sponsor child!
--making stake for sunday lunch then off. Cant wait to see the whole gang lol! together before I leave.
--Glad the BBQ ran out of gas as the food would have been over cooked lol
--Wow is all I can say. My time with the 7 of them was better than Christmas morning as a kid!!! They wondered why I was not talking. (besides Epidors music being loud, I was soaking up there faces and languge, and everything about them.I WAS... SO OVER JOYED seeing them, at the same time wanting to cry, as I wont see them again till next year. I'm not a parent, but I have so much motherly love for them. They have become like family (my little brothers and sisters in Christ!)
As we left, (of cours I needed pictures) I explained I wont return for a year working at their church, but will go to bible school and when I am done, God willing, I will return. I told them how thankful I was for their friendship and hard work ministering and helping me last year. I belive I have a team to continue to do so when I return.
When I was done Tinque wanted to say something, then it snowballed and all 7 wanted to speak. Each one told me why I was special to them. Assenique said she never knew me before when i came on teams but this time she said she found me out and knows me, and all the good things in my heart and will practise English more so when i return so we can speak more (right now we speak Kreole- sometimes they forget and talk way above my language skills but one day with Gods grace I will understand their language a culture better)
For instance a few stated I was big or fat (4 months ago when they last saw me I was 20 pds lighter) I had to ask them if that was and insult of a good thing. The explained, that here it is a great compliment to say you have grown lol means your healthy LOL. I explain sometime its an insult to white people to so " my you've grown, or wow your fatter" lol Of course we all had a good laugh. second my boy (the painting 4) like to pet my hair, it feels like I am a dog LOL and said thats what we do to ower pets. But here its great afection for that person. Your mother, gradmother, or thier guardian if they have one, their kids do that to show their love for them. They say we do this because you are like a mother to us.
My sponsor child thanked me for taking me under her wing, paying for school and accepting her and teaching her things etc. And wanted to thank me. She will alway see me as her sister.
My boys (painting 4- magnifisant 4, TV show LOL) each spoke. They told me how thankful they were that I taught them in a kind gental way. They said they liked that I corrected them when they made a mistake and showed them how to do it right, as others just let them keep making the same mistakes and they don't learn. The said when they paint they hear my voice and advice so they do their best. Knowing I would aprove of their work. One said thanks for not pushing us, If we needed a brake, we could relax and you told us to take our time to do good work. (I saw how they worked-very pleasant, punctual, etc If they knew thier lines were getting bad or they where tired, they would sit for 5 minits collect themselves and continue) they thanked me for not pushing them. They still didnt like the fact that I piad them for their work Sat lol I explained agian it was a job not help.)
-- You have to understand, most Haitians love to take brakes and not work. But my boys where volenteers and only getting lunch to help paint the church, so why push them hard and turn them off wanting to help. It gave me the perfect opportunit...y to train them.
All of hem said they will keep me i their hearts. I was the first missonary on a team who took time to get to know them as individuals. (coming back proved that more.) Who knew my heart would be drawn to the youth to mentor them one to one. I still miss teaching the kids thou.
This has been such an eye opener to me. I was so close to give this all up because of hard times and being depresed when in canada. But I know this is the place God wants me. Now the hard thing is to grow as I finish school and find the direction and what God whats me to do here.
One boy said when i go to Canada, leave my spirit,mind and heart here. I had to stop him because I said thats what I did before I left and it was not a good thing. However, I said my mind will always be here....
Forget about cloud 9 I'm much higher LOL, WEEEeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!
Hopefully, I won't fall with a thud like last time. The youth even thanked me for being funny and joke with them (in Kreole lol) Now thats funny didn't know I did that lol. This has been a great week!!!
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Day 5- more painting
How could I so quickly forget. Alway check paint before leaving the store in Haiti. Went to go paint the second room, and the colour was a lilac purple, not cobalt blue. At least it wasn't green lol.
Made oatmeal in the morning and right on ...8:30 my 2 boys came. We loaded in the truck and drove to the clinic to paint.
I FELT SO PROUD OF MY BOYS! Couldn't say much for the floor but it washed up nice. They cleaned up the paint from the windows and wood as they went along. They eve remembered to scrap the paint from the empty can to the new with a brush. Ed was impressed at their work (lines that is, or cutting) I did little painting, some cleaning and how I managed to get that much paint on me is a mistery lol!
The boys were fed by the missionary at the school and they wouldn't eat till they finished the last touch up of the room they painted, After they ate they fixed up the other room. Oh and they even knew to make sure to cover the white slotches of uncoved wall- If that makes sence. Again I'm SO PROUD of their wor, and you can see that they take pride in it as well. I went to go pay them and they wouldn't take it. So I had to chase after him and stuff it in their pockets. One said we don't take money from a friend because we came to help. I explaind that It was a job.
They also asked how long I am here. I said I leave Tues and you should have seen his face, like a sad lost pup.
I said to Dr Ed eat light lunch so we did't eat, because when You eat rice and beans its good till you go to bed. lol. I took him to the resterant he likes as a thank you for letting me visit and introdusing me to other mission groups.
I did very little work (or at least thats what it seemed) but adjusting to the heat-which I'm fine with- just a little work tuckers you out.
--So it looks like I can come back and minister with kids every summer for 4 weeks as I finis Bible school-Please continue to pray for the direction an ministery I am to do here in Haiti.
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Day 4-painting lol
Today headed out to the school and clinic to paint. I felt so naked with out my boys! (the 4 youth I trained to paint. It took months but the are great at it) We will go back tomorrow, and I called 2 of them to come help-like a job, If Ed l...iks their work I hope he will tell others so my boys can get part time work. I worked with 2 eager 13 year olds and lets just say, clean more than painted, thankfully it was water base this time and not oil. For lunch we had Haitian street rice and beans, what a treat! Also spoke with another youth, in English, well he wanted to, but I spoke Kreyol. Then stared talking English and to my suprise, he asked me to talk in Kreyol because he could understand better. That was I good compliment to me 2nd language skills. lol. He also asked me to pray for him on the spot, while his friends laughed. Pritty cool to beable to do that!!!
Before we went, Dr Ed stopped by a place and I met a lady that has a progrome for adoption, and abused kids. Kinda layed out like a school and day care. We got to speak, and she said when ever I'm in Haiti they'll put me to work. Praise God I'm meating many "ex pats" here thats what a missionary is called.
A few more things planed this week. This has been so great to get in touch with other whites here. So It looks like I can come to minister in a few places for a month each year till I graduate. Cool! I definatly felt like I was in my nitch to paint - I think it was just being used that was the fun part. The word has gotten out that I'm back, they are so happy I'm back, weird. This has been So worth the trip!
--Oh and the coulor in the purple room with tan ceiling turned out real different but nice. And everyone likes them.
--To my suprise, a few whites I met speak less than me and not well. I was so blessed to have a great teacher
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Day 3- Headaeck
Today wasn't as buisy as I hoped. Dr Ed was not well so we started the day late. Well even if it was early, when you shop or run erands its an all day thing. Picked up the paint for the clinic. He had me choose the colours lol the cellings ...are tan because he liked that colour his office/sergery room a cobalt or slate grey blue. and the waiting room/nurse care ares is a gre purple.
Went to the new church where I worked before, to get my fridge (which was brought to the clinic for meds etc- I'm glad it will go to good use.) and came back with my things to sort give away and bring home things.
Well the exciting thing I met my 4 boys! (the ones I trained to paint) They showed me aroung at what they accomplished these past 4 months. And they were so proud to show off their work, thanking me for teaching them and me saying it was God! Of course had to hug them all!
Later went to the new clinic (remember there are two places/organizations I speek of) Unloaded more things and will go back early morning to work.
This evening, my translator, language teache, friend and little brother in Christ came by to say Hi.
Its like I never left. I am so on cloud 9 able to see my friends and Haitian team I ministered with. One thing you dont want to here is that you got bigger lol I tried to explain thats what sadness does to you (sit on the couch and eat lol) I gave out some heart key rings to my 2 good friends and one was so proud to show it off. When I left I said one day I'll return to love the Hatian people.come back for my heart (yes it made sence to us)
I'm already counting down my days to return. Yes it will be sad But This return I know I will work to return. I so needed this, to cope in Canada God is GOOD! Once again this is the people I belong with!
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I feel like I'm on VACATION!!!!!!!!!!! Haiti is SOOOOOOO my place! Thank you Lord once again for choosing me!!!!
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Day 2- Home
can't get into the camps, but thats ok
--sorry tryed to post sooner, but there was a storm.
here it is...
--The clinic has moved (I'm back in the delmas area. Today relaxed till noon my time I was up at 6, 5 am here. Went shopping for groceries at the old stompping grounds Eagle marke...t. Call the missionaries to ask if I could get my box of things. So stopped by , but can't get till tomorrow. Shower here I come when i get my shampoo, and deoderant! lol will have to smell till tomorrow. LOL
I am making some contacts, people I met, but actually let them know I would like and am trying to find a place to minister.
When I went to the old church where my friend was, I saw my friend Assenique. She was so suprised, and didn't expect my here. She flew out the door grabbed me and tossed me around like a rag doll. It was so GREAT to she her!.
I am here for closure till finished bible school so i can return. Dr Ed is in transition moving clinics, so he will bring me around to meet other missions with schools etc. this week. I spoke with a pastor already, and gave me several names.
I am pritty much relaxing compaired to the year of work I did with the other mission. I am seing how this person handles teams and life in Haiti. Its so good to see.
One thing I KNOW....... without a dought HAITI IS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!! And I'm being drawn to the excitment and wanting to work with children! So this week will add more experience to where I believe God wants me.!!!!!
We went shopping to buy things for the new clinic, They want me to paint, and I am happy with that, as I will use my artistic ability to paint a miral in the waiting/clinic room. The school will open on Mon and it is for many disabled kids so i hope to see it in action.
As I was driven home, I looked in the truck mirrow. I saw someone who looked whole. If you can see my eyes are so alive and with a spark something that was missing in Canada these past 4 months.
To finish my night I cooked my Haitian style lazana and luch had this weird pazeradi thing (with egg, hot dog, and hot cabage) Pritty interesting.
Good night and god bless!
Continue to pray God will open doors for new contacts here for me!
Oh and this place has a fridge plugged in all day. What a blessing!!!!!!!
--Im here for closure, wil finish bible school and my prayer is that after God will find me the right place to minister and stay full time here.
--Saw Assenique, called PJ and Herve, both new my voice. Some youth saw me yesterday . The cook Anna saw me I gave her a hug, and before I could go around back to find Assenique, she ran to get her. Its so need to feel the love and acceptance from the locals here that I got to know. I believe if I stay in touch thy'll stay friends for life. Something good for when! I return.
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Day 1-Here
Well I'm here safe! And yes I feel at HOME!!!!
--Got off the plane, and felt the heat hit like a brick wall. Went to the new building that will be a school and a clinic. Basically this might be a relaxing week. meaning not 24/7 mad dash like at the other place I ministered at last year. T...he clinic is moving for reasons, but found out that the school will open Mon I leave Tues. It is for disabled kids JK to 6 grade. I hope to make very many contacts.
Came to the place I will stay at met the gaurd dogs, (of course fell in love with the little pup. Also asked what the Dr does with his home when he goes to the states. I stated If you don't mind trusting me I'd love to house/dog sit for you. He said Id love to have you do this for me. So there might be an oportunity to live in Haiti every year for 6-8 weeks in the summer-the hottest months but who cares!!! Its worth it. Now, I just need a door to open to minister teaching kids or painting lol.
This week will be different. In Haiti, there is always 4 plans. A,B,C and try D which is go with the flow. I hope to get closure here and say good bye till I finish Bible school, and on day reunight ministering with the Haitian people. I'll take one step at a time!
So i was informed tomorrow will go shopping for groceries, go get me cloths and things, and bye paint.
Yes, it looks like I paint once again this time the waiting room, and ER 2, 12x12 sament rooms. Might get a chance to go to the camps, he seems pritty flexable. Will see what God has instore. but no matter what I do, I FEEL SO AT PEACE BECAUSE I"M HOME!!!!! even just for a quick visit.
Will try to keep in touch each day to quickly fill you in on what I do this week Thanks everyone for your prayer!
--Ya its "sum, sum summer time" song lol. x the factor of 10 but I dont care!!!! I'm loving it! Wish I could stay till spring!
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2:30 am and I'm up and ready to go. Funny, this is the time I usually go to bed lol
--finally arived at 2:30 pm or 3:30 your time.
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6 hrs and I'm off to the airport!
