February 18, 2015


Today we went with Dr. Francise to one of the mobile clinics.  This is one I had previously gone to up in the mountains.  It is called Tapyo.  I was amazed to see the improvements to the clinic.  A team from Indiana came and built a shelter with a floor to provide the patients and the staff lots of shade. We only saw about 25 patients that day.  Last time I was there we saw 250+ so I was surprised at the lack of patients today.  Haiti was celebrating Carnival (similar to Mardi Gras) that week and apparently that is why the clinics were slower.

There were alot of sick babies, one with pneumonia who was very sick.  I saw a sweet little boy with Downs syndrome who was precious.  I can't imagine how hard it is to raise a special needs to child in Haiti.  There are no resources like we have in America.  He as completely nonverbal.  I sat down and rocked him to sleep.

Hope help drain an abscess that a poor woman had on her face.  It was really big and about 1/4 cup of material was drained.  The lady had no anesthesia or numbing medicine.  I can't imagine how painful it was for her.

After we finished up in Tapyo, we went back to Cabaret and helped in the clinic there with organized supplies for Drs. Vlad and Merline.

Church tonight was awesome as always.  It is so filled with the Holy Spirit.  There are no "reserved" worshipers here!  Tomorrow we will visit a school, New Generations, that is supported by Green Springs Baptist Church (near Fayetteville). All of the children who go to that school are orphans who lived with family, friends, or just whoever would take them in. 

Tuesday, February 17, 2005

Janice, Hope, Cathy and I went to work at the Alpha Omega Clinic today with Drs. Vlad and Merline.  Seeing the fixed clinic was awesome and knowing how hard the doctors have worked to make this happen was so exciting.  They are truly God's people who love their country and their people.  The lived in a tent and still managed to practice medicine after the earthquake taking care of others.  They established mobile clinics and went to the people to provide healthcare.  I was fortunately enough to work with them on my three previous trips.  I love them so much and am so proud of them.  They are in the process of buying land to build an official clinic and eventually a surgery center.  God has used them in a mighty way.

When we arrived, a lady came in who was pregnant and was dilated but the sent her to walk a little bit and try to progress even further.  She came back in around noon and was ready to be hooked up to the IV and begin to deliver her baby girl she was going to name Mary Laura.  She pushed for 4+ hours with no pain medicine, no modern conveniences that our hospitals have.  She is a tough woman. Through her labor, Dr. Merline was able to share her story of how when she found out she was pregnant, she wanted to have an abortion.  Dr. Merline refused but did provide her with an ultrasound and then she left.  A few days later, she called Dr. Merline and said she was keeping the baby.  She is a second year law student in Haiti and if she had the baby, she would lose her funding for school. The people who were helping her, would not help any longer. As she was in labor, she shared that she wanted to go back to school and finish her law degree.  We were able to meet her mom and husband through her labor although they were not in the room with her.  

At 4:08 PM, her 7 lb (estimate) baby girl was born.  She decided to name the baby Julie Marceline, after me.  I was honored to be a part of this special day and praying to continue to be a part of her life as long as God allows.  

Since I was not a part of the construction team this time, I don't have alot of updates but I do know from sharing time at night that they made alot of progress and got the materials they needed to continue working on the chicken house.  God is using Romil in a mighty way and it has been exciting to see him grow over the last 4-1/2 years!  He needs all our support (financially) we can provide and continual prayers!  He is doing great things in Haiti by providing a church in a community that practices voodoo, providing a school that hopefully one day will also provide school to learn a trade (brick laying, sewing, etc).  He has become a pastor, which is a huge honor in Haiti to be recognized by the government as a pastor, taken in family members, teaching Haitians how to be self sufficient, etc.  

Prayers:  Baby Julie and family, clinic tomorrow, construction team.

February 16....arrival in Haiti

Flight was uneventful from Atlanta to Port-au-Prince.  I was so surprised to see how far Haiti has progressed since I was last here in October of 2011 and from when I first came in November of 2010.  The tent cities are almost all gone, the tarp shelters are few and far between, the main roads are paved, the airport has had a complete transformation, there are no buildings and businesses, and even a few signs letting you know when you go from one village to the next.  The progress stunned me all week.  Words can't describe how much better it is.  To those who think we aren't making a difference, I beg to differ. Looking at my pictures from the previous 3 trips show a tremendous difference!

Our home is a beautiful 2 story house with an upstairs balcony (my favorite spot), a front porch, and a small courtyard.  It is gated and we have visitors daily peeking through the bars at us.  The village is very friendly and we are able to walk to church, the school, chicken coop, and garden area.  We are staying in Saintard, about 45 minutes northwest of Port-au-Prince.  It is a beautiful community.  Below is a picture of our house.  It is the green one.

Our team consists of 16 people, 8 men and 8 women and we are sharing the house with Romil and 5 of his family members who will cook for us and make us feel at home for the week.  There are 2 bathrooms between all 22 of us.  The shower consists of a trickle of water (washing my hair was difficult), can't flush the toilet paper, 8 women to one room, no air conditioning, power out several hours a day but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  It's amazing how we can actually LIVE without modern conveniences we think we have to have!  It's so simple here!

Tonight we will go to Romil's church and worship with the Haitian people.  I enjoy church over there so much.  The people are so excited to worship, there is loud singing, dancing, hands in the air, and alot of "amen" shouted.  Words can't describe it, you just have to experience it.

I love Haiti, the sights, the smells, the land, the people, everything.  While I'm there, I just take it all in and enjoy it.  I wish I could bring it home with me.

On my previous trips, I became friends with a guy named Reggie who worked with us in construction.  He was a very sweet young man, very hard worker.  When I first met him, he was a little standoffish.  He wasn't quick to warm up to but once he did warm up to us, he became a lifelong friend.  One that I thought of daily and who actually sent me a gift from Haiti via a team from Charlotte once.  At dinner tonight I was informed that he had several encounters with some men who were harassing him because he was a Christian.  He continued to stand up for what he believed in and continued to worship God.  Because of this, they burned his house killing him.  Needless to say, it was quite devastating and effected me the entire trip.  To hear of people being persecuted because of their religion is one thing but to know someone who was killed because of their belief in God is another.  Me and my dear friend Reggie from November 2010.

Prayer requests:  strength, endurance, safety, the people we will meet, finding materials for chicken coop (not an easy task in Haiti), Romil and family.  Trying to please 16 American's can't be an easy task!

Monday, February 16th

Not a lot to report other than we had a smooth flight to Atlanta from Raleigh. Patiently waiting to board the flight to Port au Prince now.  Lots of thoughts running through my head. Anxious for this new adventure and opportunity and thankful for all of those who have helped me get here. We will be staying in a Haitian community living among the Haitians this time. I've been three previous times but this will be my first staying in the village. We will be near Archaie.

As we were sitting passing time for our next flight, we were talking about how corrupt the government is in Haiti and how they held donations after the earthquake in port and wouldn't give them to their own people. Some of those medical supplies could have saved lives but their govt decided to hold them and give them to the highest bidder.  Now, I'm not saying our govt is perfect, it is far from it but it could always be worse. I don't want a political debate but I also wish that people who gripe all the time about our govt realize it could be a lot worse. So....stop and be thankful for what you have today.  

Prayer requests:

Health-still not feeling well 

Safety-I'm not a bit worried about it but prayers can always help!

Our team-13 team members (I think) living in close quarters in the heat and emotionally charges environment is hard.  

Finally finished....

We lost internet 3 days after we got there so I wasn't able to update the blog. I did keep typing though although missed a few days so I combined them. Here is the last week!!

Day 4, June 2, 2012

Day 4 started off hot and kept getting hotter, and hotter, and hotter. It was a long hard day by far. There wasn’t a lot of work for everyone so I was able to spend a lot of time playing with the kids. They are just precious. The faces, smiles, hugs, and kisses make this trip worthwhile. Norma taught them to play tic tac toe which is their new favorite I think. The giggles as they “won” were priceless.

The house is very close to completion. The trusses were mostly set and now the roof just needs to be put on then we will start the flooring work. I shoveled gravel and the boys/women were hauling it inside the home. Hopefully we are done as that was hard work. The pilas are done, flooring looks awesome and I can’t wait to post pics of it (probably after I get home). The latrine has started being built up and only a little inside and the outside walls need to be completed. We will be finishing up Monday, spending the afternoon playing futbol, slaps, ring around the roses, etc with the kids. We are planning on trying to get ice cream brought in for the kids. Praying that happens.

We did leave the worksite early due to a storm however it was 4:15 so only 45 minutes early. We had a horrible storm last night which unfortunately zapped the modem so it looks like we are without internet for the remainder of the time in Honduras. Not sure about El Salvador yet.

Last night Flor made a typical El Salvadorian meal of enchiladas. I promise, it is nothing like the enchiladas in the States, even in Mexican restaurants. It was a hard tortilla, beans, slaw (not like ours), chicken, eggs, cream, and cheese. Awesome, even for a picky eater J

Tomorrow is Sunday…praying for an awesome day!

Day 5, June 3, 2012

Hallelujah…we got to sleep in today…woke up at 6:30. Church service was awesome. We went to Pastor Pablino’s church, which is a new church plant. The people were very welcoming and excited to see us come. We were the first North American team to come to their church. Their typical offering is $5 week. Not sure what it was today but I’m sure it was much more. It’s so great to be able to give to people who are so needy and grateful.

After church we went to a Pizza Hut. It was just like in America but much better. Afterwards we walked to the grocery store that was right next door. Slowly our grocery buggies got fuller and fuller. By the time we finished, we were able to donate a bag of rice, beans, lard, spatula, ketchup, eggs, salsa and cookies to the six homes in the village. There are approximately 75 people who live in the six homes.

After lunch we waited out a storm and rode to Pastor Guillermo “Pastor G” house where his wife had cooked for us. We met his family which was his wife and 6 daughters. It was such an honor to sit in his home and eat with his family and visit his church. He is such a Godly man and is a great example to the Honduran people.

Being in Honduras again reminds me of how blessed I am at home. Running water, a toilet, air conditioning, and food are a few of the many things that I take for granted. We were able to do a lot of work and donate a lot of things but without God, none of that would have been possible. It’s not about us and we can accomplish, its all about Him.

Day 6, June 4

Last day in Honduras…..such mixed emotions. Started the day early because there is a lot of work to do. The village is called Carriso. It is one of the most loving communities I have ever worked in. The house only needs a roof and the floor finished, and the latrine needs to be finished up. With everyone working together, we were able to finish by mid afternoon, just in time for a huge thunderstorm to come. We went into a nearby church and had a church service while waiting on the storm. Many seeds were planted and watered that day.

After the storm ended, we went to the house for the house dedication. It was awesome. Everyone who was there put their hands on the house as we prayed to bless it. We gave a gift of 2 pans, 2 spoons, dishes and cups to the homeowner who was excited to receive them. We also gave a Spanish Bible and presented her with the key to her home. Many people broke down including one of her family members who said he never thought he would live in a home.

Goodbyes were said and we sadly left the village of Carrismo. Went back to the house to pack for El Salvador.

Day 7, June 5, 2012

Up early packed and ready to leave for a 3 hour ride to Santa Elena, El Salvador. We were stopped by police twice, one time pulled to the side to be searched. Another officer realized we were missionairies and told him to let us by without searching. Praise the Lord!! Arrived in Santa Elena and went to a family members of Mario’s for dinner, which was there version of a vegetable soup.

Days 7-10, June 6-9^th

I combined these days to make it quicker. On Wednesday we prepared the wheelchairs for the distribution on Wednesday afternoon. It was amazing to walk into the room and see the wheelchairs there after 4 years of the EBA trying to get them there. The government has been holding them and wouldn’t release them without bribes, which were eventually paid so we could get them.

The evening of the wheelchair distribution was overwhelming. There were people being brought in who were laying on lawn chairs in the back of pick up trucks, a man being carried with a sheet, men and women being carried in chairs and men and women being carried by other adults or their children. It was emotionally overwhelming. I couldn’t help but think of the story in the Bible where a man was carried to see Jesus. There was a church service before the distribution in which one woman was saved. Hallelujah!! There were many children who received wheelchairs as well.

Once we reached Raleigh we had another God moment in which a lady, who by chance and musical seats on the plane ended up sitting with me and Flor. She was from Sao Paulo, Brazil and could only speak a little English. We were able to communicate a little with us both speaking Spanish since it is similar to Portugese. Flor and Mario were able to communicate more. When we got to Raleigh her family wasn’t there to meet her. She didn’t have a phone. Mario realized something was wrong. She had been put on the wrong plane in Miami and was supposed to fly to Greensboro. Her friend and daughter were in Greensboro waiting for her. James and I were able to take her to the Greensboro airport to meet her family. We were home an hour later than we would have been but it was worth it to pass it on. When she tried to pay us for gas, we simply told her to pay it forward.

Believe it or not, we spent most of the time on our flights home planning our next trip to El Salvador and Honduras. How awesome would it be to have 200 wheelchairs for distribution. The need is so great and with God, we can do it!!

To all who supported this trip financially and with prayer, I simply cannot thank you enough. This trip was not about me or us and we accomplished nothing but God accomplished a lot…we owe it all to Him. I’m always amazed that God uses normal people to do His work if we will just allow Him to. I’m nothing special by any means and without support and prayer, I wouldn’t be able to fulfill what I am called to do.

Again…thank you and love you!! Can’t wait to start blogging for the next trip.

Day 3, June 1, 2012

Great day today!! This morning we prayed for great weather and guess what we got.....great weather. It was a tad cooler, only 90 and overcast. This allowed us to work 10 hours today and get alot accomplished. The house only has the roof left to be put on, one bathroom is done, one only needs the floor finished and the latrine has been dug...10 feet deep to be exact.

We are all doing well, everyone is staying healthy and lots of God moments today. Every night everyone is asked, "What was your God moment today?". It is so exciting to hear what everyone is seeing and their God moment was.

The community we are working in is amazing. Everyone is so gracious and the oldest person to the youngest walking baby is willing to help. A little girl about 4 was helping bring mortar today. She was so proud of herself. The children are gorgeous, sweet and smiling constantly. Watcing them play marbles is my favorite thing to do during break time. Who knew marbles could be so entertaining :)

It is 9:29 here and we are winding down for the day. We have had some amazing Honduran food including chicken tacos (made by a workers wife) and tamales ordered from a local restaurant. Tonight we had spaghetti which was different but great!! Ginger treated us to ice cream tonight which was awesome.

Thanks for all the prayers and I have really enjoyed the emails. Keep the prayers coming, we still have a couple of hard days ahead. We are still planning on leaving to El Salvador on Tuesday, instead of Wednesday.

Prayers:
The wheelchairs will be released in El Salvador
team
families at home
community we are working in
Honduran workers

Love to all!!

Day 2...May 31st

Early days....if you know me well, you know how much I hate getting up early. Believe it or not, my alarm clock was set for 4:45 AM. Isn't that a sin?

We are building a home for a lady whose current home lost a wall a few months ago when they had alot of rain. She was so very grateful and it was humbling to see her carrying 2 blocks at a time in order to start the building process of her house. She is a grandma by the way.

She layed the first block and we all prayed over their home before we started building. We managed to to get 5 layers of rock up, and the foundations poured for the bath houses. It was a very long day. We worked 8 hours laying block. I actually learned how to do it and am becoming pretty efficienty :) It's amazing what we can do on missions trips but don't get any ideas, I am not up to NC building code....yet. In Honduras, its all good.

Richard shared about Jesus with a group of kids today and one accepted Christ as his Savior. That's what it's all about!!

Every day on a mission trip is amazing. I wish I could bottle all this up and bring it to America to share but it is impossible. I have so much to share but the words just aren't coming tonight for some reason.

Prayer request:
team members
families at home
Honduran workers
People in the village