Day 4 photos

Day 4 - Titanyen - Grace Village Tour & Elderly Visits 5-14-15 Bell/Alamco Healing Haiti

What an amazing day!!  Today went to Grace Village which is in Titanyen, a 45 minute drive away from the guest house in Port Au Prince.  It is a school, orphanage, medical clinic, fish farm, garden, bakery, homes and so much more all built by Healing Haiti for orphans and the local community. It was so wonderful; we’ll do our best to put it into words...  We were driving in the noisy, bumpy tap-tap driving up a mountain when we all saw it, gorgeous purple everywhere (Healing Haiti’s color it seems).  We were given a tour of the entire compound starting at the bakery to the school then the tilapia farm (yes, that’s right, they have a fish farm; harvested every 3 months) to the houses and finally the medical clinic.  Our wonderful team managed to get 5 whole suitcases stuffed to the brims of donations including multivitamins, hand sanitizer, lotion, and various other things they require at Grace Village on a regular basis.  This is the first stop of the trip that I felt was truly a step in the right direction for Haiti.  The clinic was so touched and thanked us profusely for all of the donations; they will make a huge difference! 

After the village, we went to visit various elders in the community of Titanyen, one of which was only 45 (yes, that is considered an elder as the average lifespan in Haiti is 53).  We were truly God’s hands and feet today…  We started with a very elderly man who was blind and when we entered his shanti he was actually lying on the floor under his bed because that is the coolest place.  We washed and moisturized his feet, sang him songs and asked him questions.  The next visit was to a 74 year old woman she came out of her shanti to meet us.  I (Tina) washed her feet; they were very rough and dirty as most can’t afford shoes in Haiti and go barefoot.   As I washed her feet she smiled and enjoyed it very much.  I then had the pleasure of painting her toe nails pink (this was the hardest part for me (Kate), these women are just girls too; they like to look pretty too, just can’t afford it). It was a great feeling to do something so simple yet so satisfying.  The most amazing part was all of these people need so much help and then we ask them “is there anything you’d like to ask of us?” and all they want is us to pray for someone else, usually their families; so beautiful...    I (Kate) was fortunate enough to wash and moisturize a man with leprosy and he was so happy with all of us taking the time to see him and his pet goats (aka his children).  Singing with a guitar and keyboard was absolutely amazing, as well, and such a tear jerker with the children and elders joining in!

We ended the night with our word of the day. Mine (Tina) was “strength” as I saw the strength of Healing Haiti building this compound with all of its features and necessities for the children. I also felt that these elders had amazing strength to be where they are at in their lives especially after living through the earthquake in 2010 where over 230,000 Haitians perished.  They all also had amazing strength in God.   My (Kate) word of the day is “beauty” and  I can’t get over the unbelievable beauty everywhere here; the gorgeous Grace Village and the beautiful smiles from all who see us.  I truly believe today was the first day since we’ve been here that we got the honor of seeing kids being kids; the most beautiful site in the world.  Thank you for continuing to read our posts and please continue to pray for our team and these beautiful people that we are so blessed to meet. <3

By Kate & Tina

PS  Photos of today will be posted tomorrow...

Day 3 - Water Truck - Bell / Alamco Team Wed. 5/13/15

Today we visited the Cite Soleil to deliver water to the poorest of the poor in Haiti. The day started out at the watering station, we waited while the truck owned by healing Haiti sat in a line of other water trucks waiting to be filled. The trucks hold 3500 gallons of water so it does take some time to fill them up. Then off we went on a short drive to the separation point where the Haitians don’t even want to go. The UN has a station post on the edge of the city to keep the gang and violence from spreading to the rest of the city, the first time I have seen any presence of the police force.

                When we arrived at our first stop the first thing you see besides the garbage and tin shacks is the children. As soon as they see the tap-tap they run up and with big smiles and want us to pick them up. Without hesitation we pick them up and they hug you and just want love, and to be held. Some kids are wearing no clothes, all of them have no shoes and they are running around in sewage and broken glass.

                As soon as the water truck pulls up people come from all directions with buckets and anything that will hold water, then they line up and the water just continues to flow filling bucket after bucket till it is run dry. As the buckets are being filled the push the full ones off to the side and the women ask for help to put them atop their heads and we carry any buckets that we can as far as we can without leaving site of the tap-tap. We are told not to go too far because it is not safe and you could see why but honestly I didn’t feel in danger at any time. I think the love of the children makes you feel safe and protected.

                After the water ran out they showed us the building site (garbage dump) where they were building the future church/school for the people of that part of the city. It is amazing to see some sort of progress for the people. Then they did a lil song and dance with the kids and we all loved to see the smiles and joy of all the children.

 

By Austin

                We stopped at Elder’s school.  It was a joy to see all the kids learning English and Spanish, we chatted with them for a bit and got to see what they were learning. The teachers were a joy to chat with as well; it’s great to see that other people are helping the Haitians learn more than one language. We joked and laugh with them and it was sad to leave them.

                For are second trip for the water truck we stopped at a near location where we stopped at the first location, it was great to see all the kids. We were all overwhelmed and excited to be serving and helping them. Seeing smiles and hearing laughter was a joy, I couldn’t believe in my life I would be here in Haiti. God put us all here in this situation to help out. Helping bring water to the Haitians put a smile on my face and wished I could do more.

                While were we delivering water we seen the struggle that these people were in. It definitely hit us all. It makes you feel so special helping them but at the same time sad. The kids were great!! They wanted to be held and loved, just bringing them joy lit up everybody’s heart. Finally it was time to go which none of us wanted to but we had more of God’s work to do.

                After the water trucks jobs we went back to the house to reflect on what we had seen and experienced. We took a little time for ourselves to go swimming, chat. We all had so much to say and express. We huddled around in chairs had the word of the day after swimming. Everyone was feeling all types of emotions and exhausted as well but it was great to hear what everyone had to say just brought us closer together. We enjoyed the rest of the night by relaxing and chatting, getting to know each other better and talk about are lives. We all had our own words to express but mine was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect but once we got to are work I felt like God was there with us all and helping us. It took me a minute to bring it all in but once I did I enjoyed every second of it. I hope whoever is reading this prays for us and Haiti and maybe thinks about doing a mission one day because it’s a great experience!  We are only on day three and I cannot wait to experience more of Haiti with these wonderful people I’ve got to know.  AMEN

By Hernan

Day 2 Healing Haiti- Tuesday May 12, 2015 Bell/Alamco Team

First full day in Haiti.  Started off with a great breakfast and learned so much about my co-workers.  Hopped on the tap-tap, with half the group going to the Home for the Sick and Dying children, and my group went to the Christian Lighthouse School.  They desperately needed a plumber.  How many pole guys does it take to fix a pipe?!  Apparently 5.  Without the tools and proper materials, we pieced together the waterline from the storage tank to their living quarters.  It took about 3 hours, but it was so needed.  Nobody was able to shower for about 3 weeks.  Prior to fixing the pipe, we toured the school, which was awesome!   The first group of students through 12^th grade is now graduating this year! 

We then went to the Apparent Project where Haitians are paid a real living wage to produce jewelry, pottery, clothing, blankets,  and trinkets out of all local material that Americans typically would throw away.  Their ingenuity was unbelievable.  The skill and craftsmanship that went into these items was remarkable.  The beads and coasters were made from empty cereal boxes, old newspapers and clay mined in Haiti. 

Our next stop was Gertrude’s home for special needs children.   I pushed a child around the yard on a wheelchair.  He was so wiggley, he ended up laying on his back in the wheelchair with his legs straight up in the air.  The smile on his face was priceless. 

Sam W.

 

What a full day we had!  Emotions ran high for most of us as we were overwhelmed with our visits.  We were treated to a full breakfast cooked by the Haitian ladies.  I’ve been so fortunate to have the opportunity to serve with my new friends and co-workers.  At 8 AM all of us rode on the tap-tap hanging on tight as roads were so rough with rock and cement.  Bonding with the babies was our first serving mission at the Home for the sick and dying.  These teeny, tiny babies with their big brown eyes looking up at me, was heartbreaking.  I can’t help but think some of the babies were hurting badly, with their sad cries and most likely many are under-nourished.  But holding them, hugging and kissing them made me feel  good, and that I was helping even for this short period of time I was there.  The little girl I was holding was named Thamala, and I did get her to laugh a bit but most of the time she layed in my arms, as I sang softly to her.  Someone walked in from outside with another baby.  She hurriedly put him in my arms and she ran out.  His name was Joseph and he quietly layed in one arm, while Thamala lay in my other arm.  I was in happy land.  The hard part was putting Thamala down, as she cried and reached her arms toward me.  She just wanted the simple act of being held.  I had a profound feeling of love, sadness and  that God had wrapped his arms around me. 

The next visit was unbelievably profound.  We visited the Apparent Project where the program was geared toward Haitians selling their wares and earning a living.  Such detailed, skilled handicrafts they made.  Sam’s blog said it all.  About 300 Haitians are employed here, (about the same # that Bell employs) men, women and teens were all making intricate beads from colorful empty cereal boxes, beautiful jewelry, pottery, trinkets.  The detailed metal sculptures were all hand pounded with a hammer and nail.  They made coasters from the cereal boxes, rolling lengths of cereal boxes tightly, with colorful outer rims.  They were all so happy.  I got the feeling they had a sense of purpose, and they were all enjoying their job.  My word for the day is “opportunity”.  These folks working  have been given the  opportunity to feel self-worth, where so many  Haitians don’t have this opportunity. 

Without opportunity brings me to our 3^rd visit of the day, Gertrude’s Home for Special Needs Children.  Everyone grabbed a child to play with, or found a wheelchair with a young one, and brought them outside to be pushed around, talked to, and to see the outside.  I had a little wheelchair-bound child that was strapped into her chair whom I cared for.  With so much need in Haiti, I think these particular children will fall through the cracks in a matter of time, which makes me sad.

God has blessed Haiti with people from all over the world who came to live and help the folks in Haiti. Thanks to Healing Haiti, and Tommy Bell for this trip.  I’m hot, sweaty, emotionally drained, physically exhausted, but so very, very grateful.

Sue P.

 

 

Quiet conversation in the common area.  Dogs barking outside.  The thankful hum of window air conditioners…it’s 10pm in Haiti, and our team is tired, but thankful.

It’s been a long day—up at 2:00am for many of us, to rendezvous at the airport and begin the journey to Haiti.  We hail from the geographic extremes of our company—Canada, Pittsburgh, and Texas, with some Minnesota and Wisconsin mixed in for good measure.

We got to Haiti in the late afternoon, and were greeted by a busy airport throng of folks.  Noisy, hot, and a bit on the chaotic side.  We made it through the crowds to the Tap-Tap, which is what our transportation is called, maybe because people would “tap tap” on a similar vehicle if they wanted to get on or off?  It’s part van/part truck/part trolley/part cage, and all bumpy and loud as we navigate the busy streets that seem to have minimal traffic control.

We arrived at the Healing Haiti compound around 4:30pm, unloaded our suitcases, and had our first meal together as a group.  We spent time going around, sharing bits of who we are with one another.  Plenty of laughs, some deep thoughts shared as well, and a collective appreciation that we can be on an experience like this together—with the backing of our company and the encouragement of our colleagues.

After dinner and dishes, most of the group went for a swim.  Yes, it stays hot even into the night here (back to thankful for the hum of window A/C)…Then we unloaded supplies and re-organized them for the days to come.  Tomorrow, our immersion into the realities of life and service in Haiti will be upon us.  Tonight?  Some much-needed rest.

 

John O

Pictures from Saturday