Our trip to Haiti September 18th to 24th, 2017

9/18/17

Traveling to Fort Lauderdale today to head to Hait early tomorrow morning.  It was awesome to see how God confirmed this trip throughout the day.  We had a great travel day.  Blessings came throughout.  First was a cart given by another traveler so we could bring in our 9 bags with ease to the ticket counter.  Next was the man we stood behind in the TSA line.  He was amazed we were heading to Haiti even with the threat of hurricane Maria knocking on Haiti’s path.  He was very encouraging about our trip to encourage missionaries!  Our kids did amazing navigating through the airport and keeping themselves entertained for the 5 hour plane ride.  Lastly was the hotel driver.  Encouraging words to hear from another believer. I do believe he will be praying for our family.  As the day progressed hurricane Maria is predicted to miss Haiti.  We will keep a watch, but trust the LORD.  Praising Him for a different direction for that storm!  Excited to get to Haiti and hug my dear friend Erin!  It’s been a long time!

Lord thank you for this day.  Continue to show your desire for this trip.  Lead the way so that we may follow.  Amen

9/19/17

What an amazing long day.  We made it to Haiti early this morning.  I didn’t get much sleep last night – about 3 hours, but we got to the airport with plenty of time.   I was so tired and didn’t show compassion to the TSA agent who had to look through two of my bags and pat me down.  I was thankful when that was over.  Arriving in Haiti was very smooth.  We made it through customs without any hiccups.  Simon was able to meet us with our baggage.  That was a huge help!  Oh what a great reunion to see our dear friends.  I miss my friend and to give her a hug was truly amazing.  

We got to see some of the city as we drove around to find fruit, veggies and eggs.  Although their normal fruit lady was not there, the veggie lady was excited to see her returning customer, and the egg lady who was out of eggs.  So proud to watch my friend be bold in a new language and negotiate.  Fun to see!  They also took us to a local grocery store. I was impressed how clean it was.  

I loved being able to see where they are living.  It’s a great house, lots of stairs and plenty of room.  Honestly though I’m not sure I could live like this full time.  Electricity comes and goes.  They rely on solar, batteries, and generator when the city power isn’t available.  Not being able to use water out of the sink to cook or drink.  Bleaching fruit and veggies so your family doesn’t get sick.  It’s a lot to maintain.  Erin definitely has her system down!  She’s a pro!  

My family enjoyed giving all the gifts to them.  It was truly a blessing to be able to bless them.  Thank you God for leading our family in what to bring.  Each prayed for one member of the Simon family of what to bring.  God directed us!

We also got to visit Elsie’s school today.  She was so proud to show us her classroom, her seat in class, and the playground.  I think Greg had more fun chasing the kids around then the kids did.  I’m so thankful for this experience.  Praising God for the opportunity to visit friends.  The riots that are threatening this week did not occur today!  Praise the LORD.  Excited to enjoy tomorrow without being so tired.  I did take a nap today though.  It was needed!

 9/21/17

Yesterday we were able to to go on a scenic tour of Haiti.  What a cool way to support MAF and see more of Haiti. Dave flew us around.  We got to see from the air where they lived in La Gonave.  And hear more stories about their time their.  I was thankful that demonstrations did not deter our plans.  So far they have not been an issue for us.  Praise the Lord!  An answer to prayer for sure!  

When we came home we went for a quick swim in the house across the street.  It was a great refreshing swim.  Chrismene made us a Haitian dinner.  Bean sauce over rice, a Haitian coleslaw mixture, and a friend plantains.  All very good!  Thankful we got to try some local food.  She also makes jewelry and ornaments.  We bought out all she had with her to take back and sell at church.  I’m excited about that!

Today we went out to eat at Papillon.  It is a business that provides a way to prevent adoption due to lack of income!  We had pizza at the cafe along with smoothies.  We also had a great time in their gift shop!  Lots of fun treasures!!!  We learned that they have a store in Olympia, WA.  Excited to go and check that out.  We got to tour their facility and the non-profit Apparent Project.  It was awesome to see so many employed workers and a place for their children to receive an education.  We loved going!

Tonight we painted the Simon’s living room.  Loved being able to help them in such a practical way.  Plus what a great way to spend time with them.  On a fun note our feet were so black and covered in paint.  I had to take a picture!

I also got to attend the women’s bible study with Erin and other missionaries.  Loved being able to learn with them more about demons and know how to pray for the missionaries. I cherish these moments.  It also gave me an opportunity to share with Erin and the ladies how proud I am of Erin and the work she is doing in Haiti for our Lord!  Maybe someday I can and encourage more missionaries on the field!  

Thank you Lord for this opportunity to come to Haiti.  Amen!      

 9/23/17

Yesterday we went up to lookout Mountain.  It is a place that you can see Port-au-Prince and the ocean.  Unfortunately it was over cast up there.  What we could see driving up was very beautiful.  After that we headed up to Mission Baptist.  They had a playground, zoo, and a museum we could explore.  It was very cool to see all the animals at the zoo.  The kids really liked the alligator, bunnies, and alpacas.  The playground was a big hit too!  It was Noah’s Ark!  A big jungle gym for the kids.  Greg got out the balloons and made swords, flowers, and helmets for the kids.  Even though our family couldn’t speak the kids found a way to play through the language barrier.  It was quite the surprise for the Haitain’s when they realized the Simon’s could speak and understand a little Creol.  What a blessing that was for our family to have our own interpreters.

Driving home was quite an experience for two reasons.  First was the demonstrations that we were starting to come together.  Lots of commotion, piles of tires, etc.  Second was the car we were driving lost the brakes as we were coming down the mountain.  Simon did a great job keeping us safe by using the emergency brake and downshifting to get us home!

Going up to the Mission Baptist and these past few days has really shown me how much the Haitian’s pride themselves in their appearance.  They always look amazing, nice clothes and jewelry.  Yesterday I was convicted about my clothing that I brought.  I chose all my ‘work’ clothes.  I didn’t bring a skirt because I didn’t want to get it dirty.  So selfish!  Especially since I have the best washer machine money can buy back at home!  It has opened my eyes a little to try and understand the culture better before arriving.  I don’t want the way I dress to interfere with the gospel!

Lord thank you for opening my eyes.  May your truth reach the people of Haiti!

9/24/17

As we leave Haiti I want to reflect on what I want to remember.  As we came into Haiti the verses I read came from Romans 1:18-20. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”  

I couldn’t help, but think what an incredible passage to sum up Haiti.  As the week continued on it was so evident to see God’s light shining through all the wickedness.  It made me wonder who is hurting more for the light to shine Haiti or the USA.  Both are filled with wickedness and the Light.

I am thankful for the time we got to spend blessing and encouraging the Simon’s this past week.  What a blessing to our family as well.  It brought me great awareness about missionaries.  They have the same worries and prayers that I do, all while trying to learn and embrace a new culture.  Their food, language, shopping, dress, driving, etc.  My heart is desiring to be the gap to help supporters understand how they can support with pray and be an encouragement to them.  To remember they are in a ‘fish bowl’ with everyone watching and quick to critique.

I’m also thankful what we were able to watch their children so they could go on a date.  It’s hard enough to date when you are fully supported, let alone with limited resources.  Pray that they will continue to find ways to make that happen.

No matter where God has called you, we are to be truth-bearers.  Lord help me to spread truth about you!

 

Last note:

We were able to enjoy the beach in Fort Lauderdale as we waited for our flight home!