tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31912875870088635062024-03-21T10:39:37.484-05:00Joyful Spirit Haiti Team Blog 2018!!January 20 - 27th, 2018Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-67282011491144442132018-01-26T22:37:00.002-06:002018-01-26T22:37:42.240-06:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/26 Day 7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gina:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hello all, well it here it is our last night in Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are happy to be heading home, but saddened
to leave ours friends, our brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometime I can’t find the words to say what my heart really
feels. This year things are different, the words to the following poem came to
me, so I thought I would share them with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope Springs Eternal in Haiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti from the school kids on the street,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the taptap’s gospel beat .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti from the mountains high<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the ocean’s side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti from the Bible’s search<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the funky white Haitian church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti from the valleys and countryside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the lakes, streams, and hitches running wide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the Hearts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Arts, and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Marks of grace left by Christ , until all peoples see his face again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope, Hope in his face<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope, Hope in his grace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope, Hope in his love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When our team gels and fits like a glove.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we see Christ in a baby’s face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal when he uses our talents in this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">New and exciting place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When God’s voice is calling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope springs eternal in Haiti,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When God’s love is soaring,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is pouring,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is filling,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our hearts with faith to return to Haiti again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace & Blessings, <br />
Joyful Spirit Haiti Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-49454872083120598092018-01-26T21:49:00.000-06:002018-01-26T21:49:48.275-06:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1/24 Day 5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ginger: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Matthew
25:35-36<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“for I was hungry and you gave
Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took me
in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in
prison and you came to Me.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On our way to Balan, we stopped at VOH to pick up one of the
Doctors at the clinic and there, we met Raymond. Raymond was two weeks old and
was brought into the clinic by his neighbor, to get some formula and other necessities.
Most of us had a chance to hold Raymond and even feed him. Raymond captured our
hearts along with his new care taker; you see, Raymond’s mother had died the
day before from a heart attack and now the neighbor was his new family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As we drew closer to the village of Balan and passed the
child playing with a handmade pull toy made from a string and an oil can, with
wheels made from plastic bottle caps and a woman bathing in a stream of water
while another was washing clothes in the same stream, we realized that this
scripture was never going to be truer than today. Waiting inside their church were
105 children who mostly had never seen a “blanc” person before. Evens, our
interpreter, greeted the children with songs and praise as each team member
introduced themselves with, “our you ready to know me?” Gina read the story of
Jacob’s Ladder to the children while Evens interpreted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Dave lead the children in some music
and much to his surprise, they knew a song he thought he was going to ‘teach’
them. He continued the message of Jacob’s Ladder and that “God makes his home
in us”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We divided the children up into
two groups at this point, boys and girls and while the girls put together a
Jacob’s Ladder craft, the boys went outside and played soccer, duck-duck goose
and also played several different games with a parachute and then the groups
switched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After the activities, we gathered back in the church where
the pastor blessed the peanut butter sandwiches that were to be handed out to
the children; for most of the children, this would be their only food for the
day and in some cases, a couple of days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As we prepared to leave, the children lined up and were
handed a gallon size zip lock bag full of some snacks and small toys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On our return to VOH to drop off the doctor, some had an opportunity
to participate in a soccer game with some of the children while others we able
to talk to some of the older students, with the help of an interpreter of course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Once back at Hope House, there were projects waiting to be
finished and a delicious soup dinner with fresh fruit, salad and bread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As we do every night, we reflected on the day and shared our
thoughts and closed out in prayer and then had our nightly game of UNO before
turning in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thank you to all who have continued to pray for our team and
blessed us with all the donations, without you all, we could not be the hands
and feet of our LORD so, we thank you and may God continue to bless you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peace & Blessings, <br />
Joyful Spirit Haiti Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-49508106897802340362018-01-26T07:25:00.002-06:002018-01-26T07:25:28.255-06:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/23 Day 4 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mike:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was our earliest start yet! We were in the vans and on
the way by 7am to head towards the Village of Hope School (VOH) compound. When
we arrived, we were greeted by ‘The Parade of Cute,’ as our host Rob says. The
3-year-old, 4-year-old, and 5-year-old kindergarten classes greeted us and welcomed
us with songs and games!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We then spent time with the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> grade level
students playing games with them yet more importantly we told the bible story
of Daniel and the Lions Den and made a take home craft about the story. It was
great fun to lead this craft with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We even got to have lunch with the students which was a delicious
creole dish of fish and rice. It was quite amazing to learn that their lunch
meals are fortified with Mana Packs from Feed My Starving Children! I have packed
with Feed My Starving Children several times before and never thought I’d find
myself eating what I’ve packed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our afternoon was spent connecting 44 newly refurbished
computers for VOH’s brand new computer lab for their students. This lab will be
such a great benefit for the students of VOH. There is a vision that this lab
will be able to stimulate learning and growth far beyond the just the VOH students.
We then hiked up to the highest point of the VOH property for some spectacular
views of the Haitian countryside. A truly breathtaking view!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our evenings have been times of fun and fellowship as we enjoy
cold beverages and story telling around the dinner table. We then finish our
evenings with devotions which for tonight was spent packing roughly 150 peanut
butter sandwiches for our remote village VBS tomorrow!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Peace & Blessings, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joyful Spirit Haiti Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-89987716168539064442018-01-26T07:10:00.001-06:002018-01-26T07:47:18.094-06:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1/25 Day 6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jeff: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Today we had the amazing opportunity to visit Little
Children of Jesus (LCJ).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this
facility campus we were able to spend time with the Brothers (who are from Africa
serving in Haiti) who are caring for the disabled children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To put things in perspective, locals have told us that Haiti may be
one of the most rejected countries in the world and the children who are left
at the door steps of LCJ are rejected by the local Haitians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the Jesus says in the Bible “what you
have done to the least of these you have done to me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing to see how happy these children
are even among such challenging conditions and to see how the staff are doing
such a fantastic job with the limited resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is for these children to continue to
be loved and cared for by the Brothers and others who are able to serve
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Breakfast and lunch meals are simple, fruit, granola bars
and peanut butter sandwiches. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner was
a local meal prepared for us by local employees who come to the Hope House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They prepared meatballs and local rice pilof
(beats, onions, seasoning, rice) with a salad, local bread and a dessert with
carrots and jello?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was delicious and I
am so pleased how well we are eating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We finished the day with group devotions and playing Uno/cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The devotions were special as we shared how we
felt about being present at LCJ today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
of us have different feelings and comfort levels being around disabled
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a blessing to see Caleb,
who shared he is not comfortable being around these kind of things, playing
with the kids and doing exercises and stretches with the children who have
contractures and need positioning in order to prevent skin breakdown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was enlightening to also hear others share
how deep and moved we are from being around these precious children of God,
they are important and being a part of caring for them, even for a day, is part
of God’s plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good night and be blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peace & Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Joyful Spirit Haiti Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-14222555134589088502018-01-23T19:28:00.001-06:002018-01-23T19:29:27.022-06:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1/22 – Day 3:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lynn:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">A little change of plans for today. We were going to be
headed to the Little Children of Jesus Orphanage today, but they were having a
medical team come in for assessments and healthcare, and we would have been a
distraction for all of the kids! So, we decided to make today our Hope House
work day instead and it has been a flurry of activity. As soon as lunch was
over, the painting began. The guest houses are now a bright and colorful yellow
and aqua. A new bathroom vanity has been built and installed, screen doors
replaced, screens themselves replaced throughout the kitchen and common space.
So much has been accomplished and it really looks quite great. Several of the
local Village of Hope employees were also working today and it has been a joy
to work along side them and get to know them as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was nice being able to
love on Rob and Trish and showing some love to Hope House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so nice being a part of this team as we
have been working so well together and having a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are gelling nicely together and really
creating many great memories to last a lifetime!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the day of work, we had a very good dinner
which consisted of Haitian chicken, djon djon rice, milton squash, salad and some
fresh mangos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yum Yum!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dinner, I was surprised with a homemade
card and a Haitian cake to celebrate my birthday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was such a surprise and much appreciated!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to all of you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sure made my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wrapped up the day playing many games of Uno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Off to bed we went since we have an early
start to the day so that we can see all the children at Village of Hope!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great day that will be!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good night all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for the prayers while we are here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its been another great experience!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peace & Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br />Joyful Spirit Haiti Team</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">You can also check out some great photos of our team from the Village of Hope Facebook Page!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> Check it out here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Village-of-Hope-Haiti-814928685280131/">https://www.facebook.com/Village-of-Hope-Haiti-814928685280131/</a></span></div>
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Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-49350903415458069212018-01-22T16:44:00.003-06:002018-01-22T16:44:33.414-06:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/21 – Day 2:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pastor Dave:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Its our first full day and first overnight here at the Hope
House Compound. It has been incredible thus far to observe and drink in all the
that Haiti has to offer. For this first timer to Haiti, there wasn’t much in
the least that was familiar once we touched down in the Port au Prince airport.
But familiarity isn’t the experience I was hoping to have. There is a rhythm
and a flow to life here that works and makes sense from traffic to commerce to
social life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being that our first full day in Haiti is a Sunday, we all
went to church. For myself, it was a unique experience just being a parishioner
and not a worship leader! Unlike years past, we went to Port au Prince
Fellowship, which is an English-speaking congregation for worship service.
There was wide variety of people present from Haitians, to other American
live-in missionaries. And wouldn’t you know it, there is much that you all
would be familiar with from the Joyful Spirit worship experience. All of the
music was lead by a wonderful praise band. Much music was sung jubilantly, and
a living Word was heard by all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After worship Rob & Trish (our in-country mission
administrators and wonderful hosts) took us to one of their favorite
restaurants for lunch. Now this lunch spot is one of the places they frequent
for when they are wanting a bit of an ‘American Fix.’ The restaurant is located
in a complex that houses the majority of temporary in-country government
workers. To their credit, it was delicious! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After lunch we came back to Hope House and got started on
some of the work projects around the compound. Some of my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This Old House</i> viewing come into good practice! I changed out the
three drains in each of the kitchen sinks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our day rounded out with dinner, fellowship, devotions and
even a euchre game or two. And now, time for rest and sleep to be ready again
for tomorrow!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Peace & Love,<br />
Joyful Spirit Haiti TeamJoyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-24268859430686960502018-01-22T16:44:00.001-06:002018-01-22T16:44:59.979-06:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">1/20 – Day 1:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Steve:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Our first day. The airport experience was better than
expected. Under an hour, from the Immigration to the “finding Bags, to very
helpful Porters. We were loaded and ready to go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Along the way I noticed a lot of improvements to roads and
housing. It has looked better than I was fearful of. Has my years of coming to
Haiti actually helped? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So far – so good. Waiting for tomorrows journeys through the
landscape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Peace & Love, <br />Joyful Spirit Haiti Team</span></div>
Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-90836388297905139572018-01-20T18:04:00.002-06:002018-01-20T18:05:52.741-06:00Hello Everybody! We have made it safely to Haiti and to the Village of Hope compound. We're looking forward to getting everything started tomorrow. Stay tuned everyone!<br />
<br />
Peace & Love<br /> 2018 Joyful Spirit Haiti Team Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-49509814641301264752018-01-17T12:07:00.003-06:002018-01-17T12:07:48.202-06:00Almost Ready!January 17, 2018<br />
<br />
The team has been busy gathering donations and packing. They are all set to depart on Saturday (1/20/18). Thank you for your generosity and support as we prepare for this incredible experience! We could not do it without your support. Please pray for the team's safety and that we can be His hands and feet to those in need.<br />
<br />
Peace & Love<br />
2018 Joyful Spirit Haiti TeamJoyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-42775650205463303612016-06-23T22:16:00.001-05:002016-06-23T22:16:39.232-05:00Last Day... Let Us Praise!<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So, our time here is coming to a close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a bittersweet moment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we are all anxious to see our loved
ones back home, leaving Haiti is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The women took a final trip to Missionary for the Poor, and spent the
day loving on the wonderful residents there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gina helped David (a resident with CP) write letters, Sara and Francy
performed massage and myofascial release on almost all the residents, and
Meghan and Trish took the residents for walks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The men did phenomenal work at the Village of Hope School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They finished the ceiling, and started and
completed the vestibule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is honestly
astounding the amount of work they managed to complete!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As this is our last night, following this
summary, we are all going to take a moment to reflect on our week.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Meghan<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have said it over and over this trip, but I am going to
say it again… this trip was such a blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you to everyone who supported us spending our time here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arriving at the orphanage was overwhelmingly
emotional, but once I got my wits about me, it was hard to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, leaving it today was almost as
overwhelming as arriving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so hard
to say good bye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, hopefully we will
all be seeing each other again soon!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">George<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This has been my second trip to Haiti, and I continue to be
amazed by the spirit of the Haitian people. Although they have been subjected
to poverty and lack of necessities due to their corrupt government, they live
joyous and productive Christian lives. Their positive attitudes and smiling
faces are an inspiration to me. I will always remember this trip and will
strive to keep the plight of the Haitian People in my heart and soul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sara<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This was my first trip to Haiti, and I was immediately
struck by the natural beauty of the country-the hills and beautiful trees and
plants. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have met so many wonderful
people-our missionary hosts, members of the team from Purdue, and the orphans
at Missionaries of the Poor who stole my heart. We worked hard and accomplished
a lot, but there is still so much left to be done and so many people in need. I
am definitely hooked, and I’ll be looking for my next opportunity to return! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jim Cantrell
(Jimmy)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We took our project to the point where we could not continue
(building out the computer lab.). We framed and installed the ceiling as well
as installing the lights. We also installed the new door, framed in and walls
installed. A very good week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jim Culp<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have been so blessed on this trip; from seeing another
culture and comparing it to how I live, is just so unbelievable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been reminded time and time again how
blessed I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At graduation, the kids
reaching out and wanting to grab and hold on, and how well behaved they were,
was so touching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel blessed by my
parents that they gave me the traits that helped me serve God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank God for giving me the opportunity to
come here and pay forward a small portion of what I have been given. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that what I have done here will benefit
the people of Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in my other
mission trips, I will be leaving part of my heart here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Gina<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Wow, where do I start, to say my heart is moved every time I’m
here is an understatement!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
strikes me and leaves me in amazement every time, is the progress I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I said progress!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From a group of 40 kids meeting under a tree,
to a student body of 651, receiving a formal education, and a Christian education
no less. This is only possible by God’s grace and the support of many, many,
many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To think that Joyful Spirit
is just one team in this network of teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wow, that is the body of Christ working together! I hope and pray that a
many people as possible that read this blog, or hear of Village of Hope will
join us, in serving Our God, in such a meaningful and amazing way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Francy<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On my second trip to Haiti and the Village of Hope I felt
the spirit of Christ Jesus with me constantly, from the time we arrived, to the
work we were privileged to do in the orphanage, the school and exceptional
graduation event with wonderful music and dances performed by the children ages
3 to 5 to the hosts and staff here at Hope House. I have been blessed working with
a great team and thank all who prayed for us back home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Danny<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This is my first trip to Haiti, the Village of Hope, the
School, Medical Center, and the Orphanage. <br />
What a blessing it has been to get to serve here with the Joyful Spirit team.
What an impact these beautiful Haitians have made on me; it has been a life
changing experience. Rob and Trish Low are the best hosts! They have taken care
of the team and they are both such a Godsend to us and to Haiti. Thanks for
your prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Steve<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My third trip to the sunny dusty island of Haiti. Another
great week of construction / building maintenance, to improve the high school
and the new computer room. Hopefully, by the grace of God, my blessings to a group
of wonderful folks, or my extended family, has helped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Gene <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">On the way down I was seated with two young ladies that were
on their first trip to Haiti and were dumfounded when they asked if I have been
here before and I said yes, this was my 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> year. They asked what
was my best advice and I said do not be surprised by anything you see, hear or
experience. I have been thinking about that answer all week and realize the
better answer would have been to embrace every experience, that is how you grow
in life and in faith. The folks we interact with remind us that it is not what
you have but what you do with what you have is how your life will be defined. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
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Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-19866667964640069782016-06-23T09:16:00.000-05:002016-06-23T09:16:30.228-05:00The Magnificent Purdue Team!This trip we were greatly blessed by the addition of three wonderful individuals from Purdue, Bill Larson (also a member of the Board of Directors), Dr. Bob (an engineering professor ) and Claire (a graduate student of engineering). They were here to survey and soil sample the dozens of acres that Village of Hope owns out at the Village of Hope School. The long term goal is to move Hope House out to this land, and also to plant large gardens and orchards, as well as raise chickens. This would make the overall operations for Village of Home much more streamlined and efficient. It would cut out a lot of travel time, and allow for some revenue to be generated by renting out the current Hope House. The gardens, orchards, and chickens would also allow for real world application learning with the students. Bill, Dr. Bob, and Claire accomplished an astonishing amount of ground work while they were here to make this dream a reality, and we were so lucky to have them!<br />
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Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-46259690336391678822016-06-23T08:57:00.000-05:002016-06-23T08:57:00.628-05:00Big Man on Campus... TOROIntroducing the big man on campus here at Village of Hope... TORO!<br />
<br />
Toro's many talents include fitting his 40 lb. body onto anybody's lap, cleaning out peanut butter jars, tearing apart soccer balls until they are unrecognizable, and gracing us with an abundance of St. Bernardish drool. He greets us every morning, and every evening when we get home. Life here wouldn't be the same without him!<br />
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<br />Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-13464623845869549692016-06-22T20:08:00.002-05:002016-06-22T20:10:03.684-05:00Day Five... Feeling Alive!Today was an incredible day! The kindergarten students at Village of Hope School had their graduation ceremony. It was a two hour program, and consisted of about twenty songs, dances, and skits. The 3 year olds through 1st grade students performed every part by memory. They sang and danced their sweet hearts out! The theme of the program was the environment, and all of our hearts just melted when two little kids walked out dressed as trees. All of the decorations were made out of recycled plastic bottles and really showcased the students creativity. After the program, one of the family members borrowed Danny's guitar and taught us the Creole version of "Awesome God." Then, the men continued working on the ceiling, and the women cleaned one of the offices and started painting it. The men will complete the painting project tomorrow because the women are headed back over to the orphanage. Once our work was completed for the day, we were treated to a trip to the metal working village. The artistry displayed was truly one of a kind! Overall, it was a great mixture of work and Haitian culture today.<br />
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Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-15688254840278829822016-06-21T19:10:00.002-05:002016-06-21T19:10:49.825-05:00Day Four... Give us more!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was a wonderful day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the last full day at Village of Hope School, so we all piled into
the van and headed out to serve the students lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon arriving, we had some time before the
first round of lunch, so we got a tour of the school and the medical
clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going through the classrooms,
particularly the rooms with the younger kids, was so much fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teachers have complete order in their
rooms, and the students are learning quite advanced curriculum, and yet there
are forty kids in a classroom, and no technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing what they accomplish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The students were just as sweet as can be,
and greeted us with the biggest smiles and boisterous high fives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then headed over to the medical clinic
and got a tour there, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a beautiful
building with a triage, pharmacy, dental clinic (that runs once a week),
nutrition program, and the start of an optomology clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also run a malnutrition program every
Tuesday, so we got to see some sweet babies today as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been low crops the last few years,
so the nutrition program is vital for the young children and pregnant and/or
nursing mommas to thrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the tours,
it was time to start serving the meal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first round of classes atge at 9:30 and we
served the meal through about 1:30. It was great seeing all of the students
come through the cafeteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it was
the last day of school, they got a special treat of chicken with their rice and
beans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we were done serving the
meal, we split up, with some continuing to work on the ceiling for the computer
lab from the day before, and others sorting medications at the medical
clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our way home from Village of
Hope, we stopped by the Missionary of the Poor to say high to our friends from
yesterday, and to give a tour to some of us on the trip that will not have an
opportunity to serve there on Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All in all, it was a fantastic day, and we are looking forward to the
Kindergarten Graduation tomorrow!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-82807669434376962332016-06-20T20:34:00.001-05:002016-06-20T20:34:40.051-05:00Day Three... Yippee!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today we woke up anxious to jump into our work
assignments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The women, Trish, Gina,
Meghan, Sara and Francy, went to the Missionary for the Poor, and the men, Jim,
Jim, Gene, Steve, Danny, George, and Rob we to the Village of Hope School to
complete a ceiling in their new computer lab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night during our project meetings, the women
specifically were asked to pray for an opportunity to work hands on with the residents
at Missionary for the Poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had
been a change in leadership there, and with that change came a shift in
philosophy regarding how much hands on support the residents should
receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we all felt strongly called
to love on these residents, we prayed fiercely for an opportunity to work
directly with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon arriving at the
Mission, there was new leadership (unbeknownst to us) and he was incredibly
open to how we wanted to serve, and allowed us to move freely among the
mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an incredible
experience, and one we are all so blessed to have experienced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the school, the men were drilling holes in concrete holes
that had stone masonry behind the concrete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This presented a significant challenge, but they managed to pull
together, and framed the headers into the masonry and stone walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This prepares them to put up the ceiling
joists and paneling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are on
schedule, and excited to jump back into their project tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please continue praying for our team and the people of
Haiti. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-40763757443544931712016-06-19T20:35:00.001-05:002016-06-19T20:35:10.140-05:00Day Two, Yahoo!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a relaxing morning eating breakfast and visiting with
one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 9:30 we piled into
the van and embarked on the one hour drive to the American Haitian Church -
Port Au Prince Fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church
was incredibly welcoming, and had a wonderfully talented band and pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pastor spoke on being open to the divine
timing in our lives, and taught us a three part prayer centered on being open
to his calling – Be open to his calling, open your mouth, and open the ears
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an almost two hour church
service, we headed to lunch at the Observetoire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful restaurant up in the hills
and was also attached to a small marketplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Haitian culture treats meals a bit differently that American culture,
and we ended up spending about 3-3.5 hours at lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon our return to the Village of Hope, some
of the men fixed one of the broken picnic tables, and we unpacked some of the
school supplies we brought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow
will be an early morning as we head to our projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of us will be spending the day at the
Missionary of the Poor orphanage (previously Little Children of Jesus) and
others will be going to the Village of Hope School to help build a computer lab
for the students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all so excited
to start our work!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe5sOEoMVHH1sl6Hygrcpc-PeQVIgFUhkcDt74bcEqn7-t_jud02MT9tuYmUrSH07RK0aOacmZ0PwsI0BZDXQLWTWZsOzQ7OjkrBE-_R68DRaGwMCuZgfg-_Pw4q3pqImDOQkBEAb00Dy/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe5sOEoMVHH1sl6Hygrcpc-PeQVIgFUhkcDt74bcEqn7-t_jud02MT9tuYmUrSH07RK0aOacmZ0PwsI0BZDXQLWTWZsOzQ7OjkrBE-_R68DRaGwMCuZgfg-_Pw4q3pqImDOQkBEAb00Dy/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a> On the patio at Observatoire</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstDY9dGFc5wHtqeQymXaoNLW7HsPTcUoQLiG91MO_GB7jzxQNyzJYvc8qi_hOjeSrecX5HW54XWJiS3e-lD8O8TX9_yhYIY5ZqOlCWgZnDl6Dl50LztfCU5thEH6uw1_kgQw0Civ7TMwg/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstDY9dGFc5wHtqeQymXaoNLW7HsPTcUoQLiG91MO_GB7jzxQNyzJYvc8qi_hOjeSrecX5HW54XWJiS3e-lD8O8TX9_yhYIY5ZqOlCWgZnDl6Dl50LztfCU5thEH6uw1_kgQw0Civ7TMwg/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a> Looking down on Port Au Prince</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWl2dLQJuYOzz8LXIabQgtYicQa5RK0zzGQ2N88S3yXfjt2i2FTHPSaNFnpUFFek8eAMNH1eZPmDjN3O-CsPhe0JSUjpPd4TJlW1YN4KtAAH_-Hj0SN9HiuJ5Zg_TGpR66d2wztg-_WvOE/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWl2dLQJuYOzz8LXIabQgtYicQa5RK0zzGQ2N88S3yXfjt2i2FTHPSaNFnpUFFek8eAMNH1eZPmDjN3O-CsPhe0JSUjpPd4TJlW1YN4KtAAH_-Hj0SN9HiuJ5Zg_TGpR66d2wztg-_WvOE/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a> Working on the picnic table</div>
Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-24958303039998961042016-06-18T20:39:00.001-05:002016-06-18T20:39:22.896-05:00We have arrived!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have arrived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After meeting at Gene’s at 4:30 AM, we arrived at O’Hare without a
hitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a quick breakfast in the
airport food court, we had a lovely flight into Ft. Lauderdale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to a short delay with our first
flight, we did an almost complete turnaround back onto our plane and headed
into Port Au Prince, Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon
landing, we were greeted by our friends Populer, Lucine, and Rob (who is
stationed here from the States with his wife Trish).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our ride into the mission’s compound was a
great sight-seeing opportunity as we were driving through down town during
their market day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After settling into
our rooms, we were treated to a delicious dinner made by Trish and finished up
with a Bible Study led by Francy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are all so looking forward to the work we will be doing
this week, and are anxious to see how our gifts will be used and what gifts we
will discover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do
good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-30961473299164419532016-06-13T17:42:00.002-05:002016-06-13T17:42:48.681-05:00Almost Ready!The 2016 Haiti Team would like to thank you for your prayers, donations and support as we prepare to depart on Saturday (6/18)! Your generosity has allowed us to pack a large quantity of needed items for the people of Haiti. It has also allowed us to obtain supplies for our projects that we will complete while there. Please follow the blog to join us in this journey! Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-74586411386660147082015-01-23T05:16:00.001-06:002015-01-23T05:16:11.807-06:00And We're Off To The Airport!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhx7Zd4sSJ8_BqirL3ODZsYGHSh2yzamMzUERrWEB3UbMMZCXmblfgreS4YL4lrqe6qEmgqfYObFaHKC9qgyzQbdEVJ59JOYzN2JEa964XTM6L2C4n_d_2DsdDYUugfYkHv-y_mFbzFi3/s1600/20150123_061321-771808.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhx7Zd4sSJ8_BqirL3ODZsYGHSh2yzamMzUERrWEB3UbMMZCXmblfgreS4YL4lrqe6qEmgqfYObFaHKC9qgyzQbdEVJ59JOYzN2JEa964XTM6L2C4n_d_2DsdDYUugfYkHv-y_mFbzFi3/s320/20150123_061321-771808.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6107494058745390482" /></a></p> Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-13868104488333959042015-01-22T19:51:00.001-06:002015-01-22T20:13:05.185-06:00Changed<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is Thursday night. We have celebrated communion after our devotions and have had some time of reflection while considering the logistics of packing so we can be on the road to the airport at six AM.</div>
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The work was sometimes difficult but the spirit of those we came to serve, the Haitians, kept us focused. Time and again, at the school, the orphanage, at worship service and even moving the streets, each of us were captivated with the interminable spirit of the Haitians.</div>
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There is much beauty here, however, it is difficult to miss in the dust, the garbage and the difficulties associated with survival here in the densely populated urban area. Somehow, people are friendly and even joyful in their expression. It came through powerfully in the service last Sunday and it carried us through our week in many ways. Francy read a verse (Romans 5:5) during her devotion just last night that explained the impression. Looking difficulty in the eye when you need to sustain personal peace enough to make the next move and go forward, we should see not the disabled child or the possibility of disease. We must know we are looking into the eyes of Christ. We should then find the certainty that we will be sustained.</div>
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We are soon to be home again to our families and loved ones. We look forward to returning to our lives but we look forward most to living changed by this experience. May God give us the power to live the lessons learned here in Haiti. We want all to know that this inspirational trip is one we are ready to share.<br />
<br />
Greg Paulsen</div>
Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-50960663058793527272015-01-21T19:19:00.001-06:002015-01-21T19:19:30.778-06:00A Quick Update<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rohdNGGC3vLQy0ObfzeMFZghhFKTEOolM4DpKsdMAztGR-w7fYfzDlnaHlaJkLTcsNdMi6SWUlJ1Bi5b8k566carotqdSuxSUvnRAJGXO_ALbXUHUiXdgUBhAOUDv1xPFDYH-vEmw8wR/s1600/IMG_3065-770779.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rohdNGGC3vLQy0ObfzeMFZghhFKTEOolM4DpKsdMAztGR-w7fYfzDlnaHlaJkLTcsNdMi6SWUlJ1Bi5b8k566carotqdSuxSUvnRAJGXO_ALbXUHUiXdgUBhAOUDv1xPFDYH-vEmw8wR/s320/IMG_3065-770779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6106969206881356034" /></a></p> <div style="margin-bottom:0in">We're having some power issues tonight so we wanted to make a quick post to share that all is well. Had a great day out at the Village of Hope School and Medical Clinic, where the whole team got to tour the campus and be a part of the flag-raising ceremony for the kindergarten classes. The team that has been working at Hope House headed back mid-morning to continue work on the kitchen ceiling. They did a great job and all that is left for tomorrow is caulking and painting.</div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in">The rest of the team got the chance to lead some Bible lesson crafts for a kindergarten class and 3<sup><font>rd</font></sup> grade class. It was a great success as the kids had lots of fun, and clearly grasped the messages of the lessons. </div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"> Tomorrow we're looking forward to a morning of work followed by a trip to the metal worker's village. </div> <p style="margin-bottom:0in"><br> </p> Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-15628142550604074882015-01-20T19:04:00.001-06:002015-01-20T19:04:14.072-06:00God-Given Gifts<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2hO5bJqsAYOPt8ps_xLC2ht_1c3j3wo3-ECORIr1rnktaniq5CIZl7umGBsub_gi3HdKISDVdzbZjEZIOHC5j11wdzL2_9SGAh56t4MYxqqka9sgkZLpJ-gOoctis2e-hJJNgKcZfPEb/s1600/IMG_2745-754073.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2hO5bJqsAYOPt8ps_xLC2ht_1c3j3wo3-ECORIr1rnktaniq5CIZl7umGBsub_gi3HdKISDVdzbZjEZIOHC5j11wdzL2_9SGAh56t4MYxqqka9sgkZLpJ-gOoctis2e-hJJNgKcZfPEb/s320/IMG_2745-754073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6106594182423982354" /></a></p><div dir="ltr"> <div style="margin-bottom:0in">Today was another productive day. The crew at Hope House (Gene, Larry, Steve, Jim, Greg, and Chuck) continued to make progress on the ceiling replacement. Chuck's gift of height has been well-utilized as evidenced by his inability to raise his arms above his shoulders this evening. Gina, Sarah, Francy, and I were once again out at Little Children of Jesus where it was a full day of feeding, bathing, arts & crafts, and hanging out with the kids.</div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in">The days at the orphanage have been a little different this year, with the absence of the more capable and active kids who are now attending school. We decided to stay later today to be able to see them for a short time, as this would be the only day schedule-wise that it would work out. So many times in the past, those kids would be waiting to enthusiastically greet us as our truck would turn into the driveway of the orphanage. Today, I found myself in that same place, watching the clock as I anxiously anticipated their arrival. At about ten till four, their school bus finally arrived and Stevenson, Ben, Linda, Manu, Anderson, and the crew all all filed out of the bus, neatly dressed in their school uniforms. We were warmly greeted with hugs and smiles, and had some time to do a craft project that Francy and Sarah had prepared. While I have so greatly missed spending time with them this trip, I deeply encouraged to know that they are getting a chance to be educated and realize their God-given potential.</div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in">Tomorrow we head out to the school at Village of Hope where we will get another chance to witness kids who are receiving this amazing gift of education, being given the chance to grow into all God created them to be. </div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"> -Josh</div> </div> Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-60028808587630739492015-01-19T20:50:00.001-06:002015-01-19T20:50:14.122-06:00Try! <div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom:0in">Today the team split into two crews, the construction team of Gene, Larry, Jim, Chuck, Steve and Greg. Their job was to dismantle the existing ceiling in the kitchen area at the Hope House, cut down lumber to construct a frame for the new ceiling, but before the whole area had to be cleared and the supplies readied outside the dining area, i.e. lumber, saws, building material, ladders, tools, etc. The goal is to have the new ceiling up by tomorrow and they are half way done so well within the time projected. Meanwhile the other team assigned to help out at the Little Children of Jesus were driven by Debbie to the nearby orphanage with supplies graciously donated by members of our church, their families, friends, and co-workers. These gifts of clothes for the children, soaps, bottles of lotion, vitamins, wipes, and more are very much needed and so welcome by the staff. The order of brothers in charge of LCJ send their heartfelt "Thank you" to all back home. Pastor Josh, Gina, Francy and I went through a short introduction and then on to the open area dining facility where most of the children lay in beds, cribs, sit in chairs or strollers, and some walking about if capable. Bowls of breakfast consisting of a rice and vegetable cereal with mixed in vitamin tables had to be spoon fed to the children. This took some time since the feeding needs to be slow and careful as not all children have the ability to swallow easily. After breakfast all children got a bath, a fresh set of clothes and were returned to their beds that had been wiped clean in the meantime. The team did bond with the children too with interaction of dancing, talking, and just being with them and sharing their smiles and laughs. Pastor Josh, Gina and myself did tend to them again with moisturizing their bodies, especially the ones with skin issues like psoriasis and eczema. After a short lunch in the company of David, a handicapped resident well known to the team members that have been here many times before, the order of brothers invited us to visit their home, served us snacks and lemonade and we got to know each other better and their mission, personal backgrounds and history of the order. Debbie picked us up as agreed at about 3PM and back we went to Hope House for time of rest, reflection on the day, dinner of yummy lasagna, salad, bread and a banana cake with a brown sugar frosting and fresh watermelon, and a wonderfully prepared devotion lead by Chuck pointing out talents and gifts given by God but not always recognized by us. It can be done and you can do it. You must try and trust in the Lord. The biggest fear is fear itself and failure will never be the outcome. Try! </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom:0in">-Francy </div> Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-82763921311845539032015-01-18T20:24:00.001-06:002015-01-18T20:24:47.868-06:00Sunday's Best <div style="margin-bottom:0in"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Today was our first full day here in Haiti. It being Sunday we went to church. We left the compound and drove through the streets, then made a few turns off the main road down some side streets – barely wide enough for the van. After a few turns and a u-turn we made it to the small building that is the church. </font></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">We got out of the van and were immediately welcomed by an usher who showed us to our seats in the front of the church. I don't think that I could accurately describe the the scene or even begin to put into words the experience, but I will try:</font></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">The church was a small little cinder block building with a slanted tin roof, there was an old wooden pulpit at the front, a keyboard and a drum set (played wonderfully by a 8 year old boy). </font><font face="Arial, sans-serif">For church the Haitians are dressed in their best, pressed suits or dress pants, shirts and ties for the men and dresses for the ladies. </font><font face="Arial, sans-serif">There were wooden pews on both sides – and there was not a seat to be had. People were standing outside trying to listen. </font><font face="Arial, sans-serif">The kids were outside in a courtyard for Sunday school being held under a tree. When they were done they came over and sat on a pew outside pressed as close as they could to hear the pastor's message.</font></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">There we were in this little church, listening to words that we did not understand, singing songs out of hymnals written in another language: however we were there to worship and praise God so it did not matter. We sang and listened to the people give their testimony and praises. At one point a young family brought their baby to the front and they were praising God for the gift of the little girl and thanking the congregation for their support through the difficult pregnancy. It was a moving experience for all of us.</font></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">There was a little boy about 2 ½ dressed in tan pants, a dress shirt and a sweater vest who would wander around providing entertainment as he would peek around items and give a smile. As I sat there for the 3 hour service: I found myself amazed. Here I was in a this small church in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, yet people were dressed in their best – even though they had to walk and there was not an empty seat. No one complained about the length of the service, the heat or the strange Americans in the front row. </font><font face="Arial, sans-serif">I was humbled to be there and reminded that no matter where you are you can praise God for all that you have – no matter how little it is.</font></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><br></div><div style="margin-bottom:0in"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">After church we had lunch and then came back to the compound to sort all the donations so we can get them to we they now need to go.</font><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Tomorrow the work begins. The construction crew will start removing the kitchen ceiling while the other group will go to Little Children of Jesus to work with the children and help them however they can.</font></div> <p style="margin-bottom:0in"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">Thank you to everyone at home giving us their support.</font></p> <p style="margin-bottom:0in"><font face="Arial, sans-serif">-Chuck</font></p> Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3191287587008863506.post-84957170736600015682015-01-17T19:46:00.001-06:002015-01-17T19:46:48.885-06:00It Can Be Done <p style="margin-bottom:0in">The Team has arrived in Haiti and all went really well. Pick ups, transfers to the airport, check-in and off we were. That is Gina and Steven Baker, Gene Butcher and his brother Larry, Jim Cantrell, Chuck Knapp, Francy and Sarah McNamara, and Josh Auchenbach and his friend Greg coming in from Arizona.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:0in">We had about a 5 hour layover in Ft. Lauderdale but spent the time mingling and getting to know each other as well as talking about past experiences of some that have made this trip several times already. On we were for Haiti leaving at 2.25PM on time and without any problems. Flying over the country is such a beautiful sight that one might easily forget the problems that people here face. We will have many pictures to prove that. When we arrived at Port-au-Prince our "spotter" Cherie was waiting for us in the terminal but Gina, Sarah and Francy rushed right past him. Our drivers Lucien and Populaire were waiting outside with Bert and we quickly loaded all our supplies into the truck and the van to head to hope house. Quickly our rooms were assigned, we moved in with our belongings and shortly after dinner was waiting for us. And how delicious it was. With great appetite we indulged into yummy pasta, salad, fresh baked bread, lemonade and ice tea. Greg and Francy hurried to do the dishes and we got together for our devotion led by Gina from the book of 2 Corinthians 9:8: God will graciously provide all you need. You will always have plenty and an abundance left over to share with others. A great encouraging start for our work here at LCJ and VOH. We sang two familiar songs from JS accompanied by Josh on the guitar and Debbie provided us with the action plan for our two groups for the week. Lots needs to be done but this group is not only experienced but ready for action. Stay tuned. </p><div style="margin-bottom:0in">-Francy </div> Joyful Spirit Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753946151351788414noreply@blogger.com3