Sunday, July 1

Home Again

Thank you to all who followed us over the week we were in Haiti. And thank you for your donations and prayers prior to and during the week. We were humbled by your support and encouragement. YOU helped make this trip happen!

It is a bittersweet feeling to be home. We miss our Haitian friends deeply. The week had a huge impact on each one of us, and I believe each of us feels that we received much more than we could have possibly given. One of the many things that we learned from the people of Haiti was what real faith looks like, and what it means to trust the Lord.

For one of our devotions, we took note of the different scriptures on the different tap-taps (taxis) that we saw on the road. We had a list of 20 or so in a single day! The clear theme that stood out was TRUST in the Lord. One of tap-taps had Psalm 27:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation —
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?...."

"....I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord."

This was a huge testament, as it came from a people who have been afflicted with poverty, natural disaster, and political unrest for years. Watching Haitians live this everyday challenged each of us to take another look at our personal faith. 

Thank you again for all of your support, whether it be by prayer or donations. We couldn't have done it without you!

And click on this link to view a video of some of our photos from the trip.

Blessings!

Joyful Spirit Haiti Team 2012
Pastor Josh, Cheryl, Julie, Gene, Gina, Steve, Pam, Jim, Katie, Christiaan, Jimmy, + Shannon 




 

Friday, June 29

Back in the US!

We had a safe arrival into Ft Lauderdale airport, and went through immigration and customs without any issues! We have a long layover and will be catching our 8pm flight back to Chicago. Looking forward to sharing stories and pictures with all of you!

Thursday, June 28

Where does the king live?


Hello everyone, Gina Baker, here,
 So I asked the question, Where does the king live?  I know many of you are saying Kentucky, maybe Alabama.  NO, let me clarify, I'm not talking about that king (Elvis).  Where does Our King live?

Today, I met our King, living in Haiti.  After, a hard, hot, humble week, we were treated to a wonderful lunch, and an emotional "Thank You" party.  Our plan for the party was for us to hand out the donated gifts to all the workers at Little Children of Jesus orphanage and say ThankYou for  all their hard work, 365 days of the year.  And how it ended was with them saying Thank you to us for 4 days of, compared to Haitian days, is hardly work.

Anyway, back to my original though, I met our King today.  His "earthly" name is David.  He lives at the orphanage.  Cerebral Palsy as robbed him of his ability to speak clearly, to walk, to dress himself, to feed himself, to go to the restroom, and the list goes on.  What it has NOT robbed him of is, his mind.  David understands everything you say to him in English, in French, and in Creole. I invited him to our Thank You party, and his was so thrilled.  But remember, I said this was an emotional party and when my joy began to overflow (when I began to cry), David comforted me.  He put his arm around me, held my hand, and gently put his head on my shoulder.  At that moment, David, was Our King reaching out to me, comforting me!!

You have to understand, I am a Joyful Spirit team member oldtimer, I began coming to Haiti, off and on since 2003, and meet David in 2004.   When I meet him, he was 13 or 14 years old, now he is a young man of 22 and over the years, I have provided him with some physical therapy, tried to help with some of his material needs, and tried to show him Christ, in me.  I haven't shown him anything! He  has shown me! And today that was more evident than ever!

So, remember, if anyone asked where's the King,  you can say for sure, where he is NOT.  He is not in Kentucky or Alabama, or in a Sunday morning church, or in a collection of 66 books (the Bible).  That's not to say that you won't encounter him in one of those places.  It's to say that Our King, Jesus, truly lives in the Love, the Grace, and the Comfort, that we show and share with one another.

So go and find Him! And go and share him!
Peace and Love, Gina



Wednesday, June 27

Pride

Today was absolutely incredible. It was life-changing. It was fun. And I can't believe how quickly it ended. By the way, this is Jimmy Westenberg from GPS Faith Community, invited by Pastor Josh. It seems like only a few short hours ago we were waking up at the crack of dawn for another incredible breakfast of fresh mangos, yogurt, and cereal from Mrs. Debbie. 

Today was different because it was our first day off in two days. We took a day off from volunteering at the orphanage and the health center for a special ceremony marking the graduation of the kindergarten class at the Village of Hope School. Once we arrived to the Village of Hope, we took a quick tour for the people that haven't gotten a chance to see it yet. Soon after the tour, we rushed into the front row of the chapel to witness the graduation. The graduation was so enlightening. All of the children entered into the chapel singing and dancing to some traditional Haitian music. Throughout the graduation, the children sang songs, danced, and showed us that they knew the English version of the ABC's. Throughout the graduation, I don't think there was a single team member that wasn't smiling from the joy that the children gave to us. To me, the graduation was the best part of the entire trip so far, and it was one of the highlights of my year so far, as well. The graduation was a perfect showcase of Haitian culture, education, and pride. The look on the children's faces as they were singing was unreal. No words can describe how happy everybody was in that room today. 

Soon after the graduation, we moved over to the cafeteria to serve chicken and juice to the students' usual lunch of rice and beans. For two hours, we served almost 600 children a special lunch for the end of the year/graduation day. After the students were done eating, we were lucky enough to have a meal of the rice and beans with chicken. It was great. SIDE NOTE: if anybody knows the recipe to the rice and beans, please give it to me! 

After the school lunch was over, we left to go to the metal working village to buy some hand-made Haitian art. I, for one, spent WAY too much money, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. But seriously, how could you resist? After spending some time shopping, we left to do some odd jobs around the compound. We then had yet ANOTHER amazing meal from Debbie. I wish I could tell you what everything was called, but I would fail miserably if I tried to pronounce everything correctly. 

Today was a day of rest, sweating, shopping, and working. It opened my eyes to many different aspects of Haiti, and was, quite honestly, one of the most memorable days of my life. This trip has been life changing for me, and has helped me grow even closer to the lord. And as far as I can tell, it has been helpful to some other of my team members, as well. So, goodbye from us until tomorrow!

Tuesday, June 26

What God's Love Really Looks LIke

        Hello all! I can not believe day two of work has come to an end. Everyone here has been putting 100% effort into every project despite the heat and lack of sleep. My name is Katie Phares and I am so incredibly proud to say I am a first time member of the Joyful Spirit Haiti Team. Ever since my brother came here I have had a strong desire to experience Haiti for myself. Many years have passed since then but I believe that God had a plan for me to come this year and I couldn't agree more. I have to admit that being the youngest on this team intimidated me at first, but I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to spend my first trip in Haiti with. Since the time we stepped into the van at 4:00 a.m. last Saturday morning, God has been continually melding us into a tightly knit community.
        Today Christiaan, Gina, Julie, Josh and I went to Little Children of Jesus. When we arrived we helped feed the little ones breakfast. Then some of the members enjoyed some play time with the kids during rec time. Christiaan even played his guitar and had the kids actively engaged in playing musical instruments. Throughout the day Julie, Gina, Christiaan and I did some therapy with some children and we finished the day off with some crafts that resulted in neon circle stickers stuck to not only the kids' faces but all of us as well!      
         Our other team members; Pam, Cheryl, Jim, Gene, Shannon, Steve and Jimmy went to Village of Hope and painted up a storm while battling high winds. I have to give them credit for doing such hard manual labor out in the blazing sun. At the orphanage we are fortunate enough to have shade! They also enjoyed time with the children from the school, who socialized and watched them as they worked. I have not yet been to VOH but can't wait to go tomorrow as we have front row seats at the kindergarten graduation. 
         Tonight during devotions we discussed the initial sadness we experience when we see the severe disabilities the children at LCJ deal with each day and how difficult it can be to not question God about why these children are the way they are. It can be heartbreaking to see child after child with complete mental capacity but trapped in a body that to our standards does not work right. Especially when many of the disabilities we encounter in these children, are to an extent we will never observe in the states. However, these kids have more joy, love and trust than I will ever have. They are our example of who Christ really is and in God's eyes are great. The short time that I have spent here has taught me this and has allowed me to realize that what the world sees as great is no where near God's view of what the Kingdom of Heaven is. I have personally never seen the love of God shining more brightly that I have at LCJ. 
   

Monday, June 25

And the Work(?) Begins

What do nine individuals ages 20 through 65 who attend Joyful Lutheran Church in Bolingbrook, IL, one individual age 38 who attends Life Changers International Church in Hoffman Estates, IL and two 21-year college students who attend GPS Faith Community Church in Rockford, IL have in common?  God's plan to bring us together "for such a time as this".  We set out on the morning of Saturday, June 23rd on a six-day journey (missions trip) to the country of Haiti.

Hi I'm Shannon - the 38-year old from Life Changers Church - and I'm excited to be here with this wonderful group of folks on my very first missions trip.  Today, was our first official work day and while we worked it was in many ways NOT like work.  We sweated.  We got sunburn.  We were tugged and pulled on by many little children.  We bobbed around on the back of truck.  We got dirty.  We even got a bit tired.  But at the end of the day after having yet another tasty Haitian dinner and some time of devotion, we all shared our experiences from the day and NO ONE spoke in terms of "work".  Several of us went to the Village of Hope school and clinic to help with some painting projects.  In addition to helping improve the appearance of the buildings/structures, we had the opportunity to interact with the beautiful children and the friendly staff.  Others who went to the Little Children of Jesus orphanage were able to spend time with the children - administering physical therapy methods, feeding, playing games and caring for them.  If you put together all that was done today (at both places) it all adds up to LOVE.  And that's exactly what God has equipped us to do here in Haiti - i.e. pour love on the people of Haiti.

As was shared in one of our nights of devotion - "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." - Ephesians 5:1-2.  How I pray this continues to resonate with us not only while we are here the next few days in Haiti but also when we return home.  For that's exactly what God has equipped us to do here in earth.

Thanks Cheryl and Joyful Spirit Church for inviting me to come along.... I'll be forever grateful for this experience.


Sunday, June 24

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

AAAAH, my second day here in the caribbean. Steve here, so far it's been a very moving experience for me. People everywhere on the side of the road. Are they homeless or just looking for direction?

We started the day with one eye open. Sunday morning breakfast. A bumpy ride to the church for Service. On Sundays everyone dresses to the nines. The Sunday service was fabulous. A lot of interaction with the crowd. It reminded me of Us for our once a year revival tent service. Afterwards we had a nice lunch buffet at the Visa Hotel. Very nicely done. We even watched NASCAR.
Afterwards we headed off to the St. Christophe Earthquake memorial area. This is where all the bodies were buried after the January disaster. The best way I can describe this scene is to imagine looking up at a pretty blue sky. Then look west at the waste dump off of Royce Road in Bolingbrook, IL., filled with black crosses placed unequally along the hillside. To me, this is what loneliness feels like when you drive by, or just stare at that hill.

After the visitation a respect of life, we went back home and just took it easy, for 30 minutes. Then we pre packed all tools and donations for the next 4 days to be handed out.

Tomorrow, the work begins. To make life just a little bit easier for a few of our fellow neighbors.

We woke up with one eye open, and ended the day with both eyes open.

Peace Out

sb

Saturday, June 23

Safe and Sound!

Hey everyone! This is our first post from Hope House here in Haiti. We have made it safe and sound. We had only one delay in Ft. Lauderdale but it wasn't too big of a set back. We landed and made it through immigration without too much trouble and were able to pack up the truck and hit the road in no time. The majority of us rode in the bed of the truck to the compound and were able to see everything up close and personal. We got to Hope House, unpacked, settled in, and had some amazing bouillon for dinner. We wrapped up the night with a devo and some worship and now everyone is settling down after a long, long day of travel.

Now I will actually introduce myself. My name is Christiaan Letsinger and my friend Jimmy and I were invited on this trip by our Pastor, whom Pastor Josh contacted about openings on the trip. This is the the first international missions trip that either of us had been on... and quick frankly, we weren't sure what we were getting in to. Our distance from Bolingbrook only allowed for us to make one meeting about this trip and we only briefly were able to meet everyone. Needless to say we were not only nervous about coming to Haiti but also coming with complete strangers. Everyone from Joyful Spirit has shown nothing but kindness and love and we fit in like we have known each other all along. I personally am thankful for that.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when we got here and I still have not taken all of it in. What I have seen is a country that by all standards should be extremely broken but it seems like so many people have such great faith and take life day by day just like the rest of us. It astounds me and already has me challenging myself to make changes for when I get back home.

I am so blessed to be on this trip and could write so much already but have about 10 minutes til the generator is turned off and would love to take a cold shower because even though it was cool today (cool as in only 90 degrees) it is still super humid. I am excited to see what God has in store for us this week and I am sure one of us will be back on tomorrow to update!

God bless.

Here we go!

Sunday, June 17

Diapers, Hand Soap, Toothpaste, Children's Tylenol...


Thank you to all of our tremendous supporters! Thanks to your generosity, we will be able to fulfill the current needs of the orphanage, medical clinic, and school. With all of these helpful supplies sent from strangers in the US, we are certain that the people of Haiti will feel cared for and loved.

We have already packed 16 industrial sized duffle bags and have a few more to wrap up this week.

Thanks again for helping us fill these bags with love!

Saturday, May 26

School + Health Clinic Needs List

We've received the needs list for the school and health clinic! If you can contribute any of the items on this list or the orphanage needs list from our previous post, please contact any teammate to make arrangements for pick up/drop off. We will need any donations by June 10th.

Thank you in advance!
 
School + Health Clinic
Chalk – white
12-inch Rulers
Jumbo Crayola crayons - 8 pack
Regular Crayola crayons - 24/box
Colored Crayola pencils -package of 12
Liquid anti- bacterial hand soap
Bar soap –antibacterial  (like Dial)
Bar Soap - moisturizing (like Dove)
Empty film canisters or other small containers with caps. We use them to dispense creams; empty prescription bottles work, too. Remove labels before sending.

Thursday, May 3

2012 Trip Preparations

This is the start of our 2012 trip blog! The team is preparing for our upcoming trip - we'll be departing on June 23rd. Our team will be devoting our week to the Village of Hope (http://www.lazarusprojecthaiti.org/) and are excited for what God has in store for our trip. Please subscribe to this blog so you don't miss a thing!

Also, here is a list of the items that are needed at the Little Children of Jesus Orphanage for Disabled Children. If you can provide any of these items, please drop it off at Joyful Spirit Church (260 Sunshine Drive in Bolingbrook). Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Diapers-Sizes: x-large infant – adult
Exam gloves
Baby Powder
Petroleum jelly
Toothpaste
Bar soap
Shampoo
Q-tips
Hydrogen Peroxide
Alcohol
Clothes- Sizes: Children age 4 through adult
Men’s underwear size 32-40 (boxers or briefs)
Girls and Ladies underwear – all sizes (from size 4 children through adult)
Pants for boys (size 4 children through adult)
Shoes for boys and girls – both sneakers and dress shoes for church (sturdy shoes)
Powdered milk
Lawn mower (money for-we would need to buy this in Haiti)
Vitamin C
Iron
Ibuprofen
Tylenol
Imodium
Albendazole 400 mg
Bronchoflex
Robitussin
Carbamazepine
Phenobarbital