On my arrival back to NC, I knew that I would be in Haiti soon. The Tuesday after I got home, I received a text from Paul Langston asking if I wanted to go back January 30-February 5th. I had prayed for an opportunity to return soon and the door opened.
Unfortunately it has been met with challenges. First and foremost is the cost. It is $1000 to go plus any extra money I take. Luckily I won't need all those shots again which will save me a few hundred dollars! My shots are taken care of for five years!
I'm not going to lie or sugarcoat things, it is what it is. There has been talk from a few people about how we need to focus on our community and take care of our own people first. Wow!! I really feel sorry for people who feel that way. My Bible says we are to go to the ends of the earth, not just in our community, state, or country. I do believe we should take care of our own and I do my part in our community, more than what people know.
So after being discouraged for the past week, I am going to try to accept things and just focus on my trip.
With the help of a few friends, I am having a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on December 1st at 5:45. Hopefully people will come and eat before church service and donate as well. I'm not going to expect a big crowd but will be grateful for who shows up. I'm also selling ornaments and have sold about 30 so far. I've had 2 Thirty-One parties. All in all, I am about $250 closer to going. December 15th is my deadline so I'm working hard :)
When going through trials, I try to remember the trials that Jesus went through for me. He was tortured and crucified for me. I should be able to handle a few negative people easily right?
So if you're reading this pray for me. I will get through this!!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Saturday
My heart is heavy as I prepare to leave a country that I have grown to love and people who I truly care about. I am anxious to see my family but the need here is so great. We all struggle with the fact that while we worked hard and gave our all....we only covered a small fraction of what needs to be done in Haiti.
The Haitian people are to be admired. They work hard, live hard lives and still manage to give a smile and a wave when we pass by. They are appreciative that we are there helping them. The Christian Haitians worship like I have never experienced in America. They sing of how Jesus hasn't forgotten them and he loves the Haitians as much as he loves the Americans. We are all important to Jesus. No one is greater in His eyes.
My prayer is that I grow to experience Jesus like the Haitian people, that I don't get distracted and lose focus of what I am called to do as a Christian woman. In the grand scheme of things, my pet peeves are nothing. I am ashamed of my complaints and what I consider to be struggles. They are nothing! I want to live life, have fun, and most of all, love my Jesus. If I never see my new Haitian friends on this earth again, I look forward to meeting them again in heaven. We will have the biggest dance party ever!!
The Haitian people are to be admired. They work hard, live hard lives and still manage to give a smile and a wave when we pass by. They are appreciative that we are there helping them. The Christian Haitians worship like I have never experienced in America. They sing of how Jesus hasn't forgotten them and he loves the Haitians as much as he loves the Americans. We are all important to Jesus. No one is greater in His eyes.
My prayer is that I grow to experience Jesus like the Haitian people, that I don't get distracted and lose focus of what I am called to do as a Christian woman. In the grand scheme of things, my pet peeves are nothing. I am ashamed of my complaints and what I consider to be struggles. They are nothing! I want to live life, have fun, and most of all, love my Jesus. If I never see my new Haitian friends on this earth again, I look forward to meeting them again in heaven. We will have the biggest dance party ever!!
Friday--Day 5
Wow...can't believe it is over. Has it really been a week? We raised one shelter in the morning and I mostly spend time with Amos and Reggie looking around the village. We finally got to see a tarantula which was huge. I got a pretty good picture too!
In the afternoon we went to a village were our Haitian workers live. We visiting another orphanage with precious children. Not sure how many were there but it was alot and half of them were in school. We visited the workers homes and were able to bring some clothes, candy, and hair bows to give to the children. Everyone was thankful and we had a great afternoon laughing and playing!!
In the afternoon we went to a village were our Haitian workers live. We visiting another orphanage with precious children. Not sure how many were there but it was alot and half of them were in school. We visited the workers homes and were able to bring some clothes, candy, and hair bows to give to the children. Everyone was thankful and we had a great afternoon laughing and playing!!
Thursday--Day 4
The end of the week was approaching much faster than I would have liked. While I was anxious to get home and see my family, the need in Haiti is so great I hated to leave. I really wish I had volunteered for a 2 week trip.
Thursday morning was almost unbearably hot. Despite that we built 3 shelters before lunch. I spent some time getting to know our volunteers and learning about Haiti. The volunteers have my complete admiration for what they do. I am completely in awe of them. At lunch we went for a dip in the pool to help cool off. It was a much needed break.
In the afternoon we were joined by 4 from the medical team, Ike, Mike, Barbi, and Lori. They were hard and I think they enjoyed seeing what we did. Ike swings a hammer like no other and I was a little worried about him hitting his hands considering he is a thoracic surgeon. He took our teasing well and kept working away.
Thursday evening we attended an engagement party for 2 of Haitian doctors who are employed by the NC Baptist Men. It reminded me alot of our wedding receptions. There was a little dancing and alot of toasting!! It was a great evening.
Thursday morning was almost unbearably hot. Despite that we built 3 shelters before lunch. I spent some time getting to know our volunteers and learning about Haiti. The volunteers have my complete admiration for what they do. I am completely in awe of them. At lunch we went for a dip in the pool to help cool off. It was a much needed break.
In the afternoon we were joined by 4 from the medical team, Ike, Mike, Barbi, and Lori. They were hard and I think they enjoyed seeing what we did. Ike swings a hammer like no other and I was a little worried about him hitting his hands considering he is a thoracic surgeon. He took our teasing well and kept working away.
Thursday evening we attended an engagement party for 2 of Haitian doctors who are employed by the NC Baptist Men. It reminded me alot of our wedding receptions. There was a little dancing and alot of toasting!! It was a great evening.
Wednesday---Day 3
The construction ladies went with the medical team to an orphanage in Port au Prince. There were 16 children who were actually very well taken care of. I was impressed. I cut their little finger nails which was emotional for me. I think of my boys and the love and care they receive daily and these precious babies who have no one in the world to cuddle and love them. What an honor for me to spend time with them. I love them so much and wish I could do more than cut their finger nails, give them hugs and kisses, and some clothes. We were able to spend an hour or so playing and singing songs. The smiles were priceless. Goodbye was hard and I will remember each little face as I pray every night.
After lunch we headed back to the construction site. Again the volunteers were excited to see us. We had quite the fan club. The village we worked in was pretty much like the rest. The children were precious and loved to show us their art work or how they write their names. I did figure out how women use the bathroom, they just squat wherever they are and pee. The world is their bathroom!!
We built two shelters after lunch then headed back to the compound for the evening.
After lunch we headed back to the construction site. Again the volunteers were excited to see us. We had quite the fan club. The village we worked in was pretty much like the rest. The children were precious and loved to show us their art work or how they write their names. I did figure out how women use the bathroom, they just squat wherever they are and pee. The world is their bathroom!!
We built two shelters after lunch then headed back to the compound for the evening.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Finally...an update!!
Obviously I am very behind on my blog. Internet is very slow in the evenings and almost impossible to connect to.
I will get it updated when I get home hopefully!!
I will get it updated when I get home hopefully!!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
November 9--Day 2
I'm finally typing the blog on the current day.
This morning Hilda & I spent the morning putting together bags to be delivered to an orphanage. There were several donations of children's clothes (900+ dresses).
After lunch we left and went back to the construction site. Cynthia stayed behind and finished up what we started. Apparently I was pretty missed because as soon as I was spotted, I was met with hugs and lots of yelling "Juli". The construction site was in a small village. We were greeted again with waves and curious stares. We had to walk through a narrow path to reach the house site. Once that house was finished, we left and walked to our other job site. Along the way, people came out of their homes to see us. Felt like a parade. Before long I felt a little hand slip into mine. I looked down to see a sweet little girl smiling, holding my hand. When I turned around, there were several children following us.
My little friend was sweet as she could be. She loved looking at my skin and rubbing it. The children stayed with us while at the job site. We played many games of slaps and I learned another hand game as well.
Today went very well. The medical team saw approximately 300 patients and we finished 3 houses. Tomorrow we are visiting an orphanage in the morning and will return to the construction site in the afternoon. Hopefully I will find time to post pictures tomorrow but until then...look at the Eastern Baptist Association blog and you will see some great ones!!
Love everyone!
This morning Hilda & I spent the morning putting together bags to be delivered to an orphanage. There were several donations of children's clothes (900+ dresses).
After lunch we left and went back to the construction site. Cynthia stayed behind and finished up what we started. Apparently I was pretty missed because as soon as I was spotted, I was met with hugs and lots of yelling "Juli". The construction site was in a small village. We were greeted again with waves and curious stares. We had to walk through a narrow path to reach the house site. Once that house was finished, we left and walked to our other job site. Along the way, people came out of their homes to see us. Felt like a parade. Before long I felt a little hand slip into mine. I looked down to see a sweet little girl smiling, holding my hand. When I turned around, there were several children following us.
My little friend was sweet as she could be. She loved looking at my skin and rubbing it. The children stayed with us while at the job site. We played many games of slaps and I learned another hand game as well.
Today went very well. The medical team saw approximately 300 patients and we finished 3 houses. Tomorrow we are visiting an orphanage in the morning and will return to the construction site in the afternoon. Hopefully I will find time to post pictures tomorrow but until then...look at the Eastern Baptist Association blog and you will see some great ones!!
Love everyone!
November 8--Day 1
Today was our first day heading out to the worksite. After breakfast, our Haitian construction team came in and gave us a brief orientation. I understand nothing but figured once we got there, I would figure it out there.
Some of rode in the back of the tap tap to the site and others rode in the back of a large truck. We are working in a mountain village which by American standards, the road would be unfit to travel. We stop at different points on the way up to pick up volunteers that work with us. No compensation at all, they just come. We bumped and bounced our way up and made it safely. We were met with warm smiles and curious stares by the villagers. The lady whose house we were building was anxious and was unloading materials and carrying them down the hill before we had a chance to begin.
The first house came up fairly quickly considering we had no idea what we were doing. We finished it before lunch. My name became pretty popular with one of the Haitians who loved to teach me how to hammer. He got quite a few laughs at my hammering skills but slowly, we perfected my skill (if you can call it that). The entertainment was to call me (or someone else over) and watch while we tried to do what they were teaching us. They would all laugh while speaking in Creole. We just laughed along with them.
The children were a little slower to come around than what we found in Honduras. A few came pretty quick but others showed up slowly. We were able to pass out some candy (suckers were popular). That is a rare treat for them. Quite a few didn't have clothes at all and some only had a shirt.
The living conditions were as we expected for a third world country. The people have very little and what they have, clothes wise, is dirty, smells, and has holes. If they have shoes they are lucky even though they are falling apart.
After lunch we carried a bag of dresses and flip flops up and passed them out. We were mobbed as word spread very quickly there were clothes. We also finished a shelter that had been started last week but they stopped because of the hurricane. It was literally down a cliff and we had quite a few falls on our team...thankfully no injuries, just sore bottoms.
Day 2 begins in about 20 minutes so we will see what the day brings. I know 2 things for sure, heat and more heat!!
Love to all!
Some of rode in the back of the tap tap to the site and others rode in the back of a large truck. We are working in a mountain village which by American standards, the road would be unfit to travel. We stop at different points on the way up to pick up volunteers that work with us. No compensation at all, they just come. We bumped and bounced our way up and made it safely. We were met with warm smiles and curious stares by the villagers. The lady whose house we were building was anxious and was unloading materials and carrying them down the hill before we had a chance to begin.
The first house came up fairly quickly considering we had no idea what we were doing. We finished it before lunch. My name became pretty popular with one of the Haitians who loved to teach me how to hammer. He got quite a few laughs at my hammering skills but slowly, we perfected my skill (if you can call it that). The entertainment was to call me (or someone else over) and watch while we tried to do what they were teaching us. They would all laugh while speaking in Creole. We just laughed along with them.
The children were a little slower to come around than what we found in Honduras. A few came pretty quick but others showed up slowly. We were able to pass out some candy (suckers were popular). That is a rare treat for them. Quite a few didn't have clothes at all and some only had a shirt.
The living conditions were as we expected for a third world country. The people have very little and what they have, clothes wise, is dirty, smells, and has holes. If they have shoes they are lucky even though they are falling apart.
After lunch we carried a bag of dresses and flip flops up and passed them out. We were mobbed as word spread very quickly there were clothes. We also finished a shelter that had been started last week but they stopped because of the hurricane. It was literally down a cliff and we had quite a few falls on our team...thankfully no injuries, just sore bottoms.
Day 2 begins in about 20 minutes so we will see what the day brings. I know 2 things for sure, heat and more heat!!
Love to all!
Monday, November 8, 2010
We arrived!!
No problems at all with the flights. Layover in Miami was interesting...lots of people watching.
Arrival in Port au Prince (PAP) was chaotic. Getting luggage was interesting and thankfully all of our bags showed up. As soon as you walk outside, you are met with a lot of men trying to "help". We had quite a few start arguing over who was going to help us. It was pretty much what I expected though having traveled out of the country before.
We loaded the luggage onto a tap tap (truck with rails on the bed used as a taxi) and followed in the van. Two people rode the tap tap to get anyone from jumping on and taking our bags. Going through the city was much worse than I had anticipated. There were people everywhere, sometimes what looked like mobs completely lining the streets. The roads were huge holes basically. You came out of one and hit another. We saw families with young children on the side of the road with small pans of water, completely naked by the way, bathing.
It started getting dark while we were still in the city so I didn't get alot of pictures today. As it was getting dark, the people started building small fires we assume to cook on. It definitely isn't cool enough to need a fire for warmth, at least not to me!!
I saw quite a few roaming cows, dogs, and pigs all in trash piles looking for food. The trash is unbelievable. Never seen anything like it.
Our house is about a 20 min ride (of course that is on really bad roads) from PAP in Titayen (the city of the mass graves). We went through 2 security gates to get in and we are surrounded by wire on the bottoms and tops of the fence and several guards with AK 47. Immediately when we got in we had to wash our hands in water with clorox. We also had to rinse our shoes and leave them outside to dry.
During orientation I found out there are tarantuals here. I even learned how to get them out of their holes. I'll definitely be getting pictures before I run away!!
Accomodations are a little better than I had expected. Small house packed into rooms, lots of stepping over stuff but this isn't exactly the Hilton. Curtis and Joyce Thrift (worked with them in Gulfport twice before) are our hosts and cook our meals. We had a great meal of chicken pie, left over beef stew (they said it had rat meat in it while teasing me), green beans, and some cake. We spent last night sorting over 900 dresses that will be delivered to an orphanage along with some little boy clothes too. The medical team sorted alot of medicine as well.
I have a family practice doctor, thoracic surgeon, ER doctor, medical student, 2 Haitian doctors, an x-ray tech, paramedic, and several nurses in the house with me. No worries about getting injured and not having care here!!
That's all for now. Internet is extremely slow in the evenings with everyone trying to email so I may have to get up early and do most of my updating.
Love to all
Arrival in Port au Prince (PAP) was chaotic. Getting luggage was interesting and thankfully all of our bags showed up. As soon as you walk outside, you are met with a lot of men trying to "help". We had quite a few start arguing over who was going to help us. It was pretty much what I expected though having traveled out of the country before.
We loaded the luggage onto a tap tap (truck with rails on the bed used as a taxi) and followed in the van. Two people rode the tap tap to get anyone from jumping on and taking our bags. Going through the city was much worse than I had anticipated. There were people everywhere, sometimes what looked like mobs completely lining the streets. The roads were huge holes basically. You came out of one and hit another. We saw families with young children on the side of the road with small pans of water, completely naked by the way, bathing.
It started getting dark while we were still in the city so I didn't get alot of pictures today. As it was getting dark, the people started building small fires we assume to cook on. It definitely isn't cool enough to need a fire for warmth, at least not to me!!
I saw quite a few roaming cows, dogs, and pigs all in trash piles looking for food. The trash is unbelievable. Never seen anything like it.
Our house is about a 20 min ride (of course that is on really bad roads) from PAP in Titayen (the city of the mass graves). We went through 2 security gates to get in and we are surrounded by wire on the bottoms and tops of the fence and several guards with AK 47. Immediately when we got in we had to wash our hands in water with clorox. We also had to rinse our shoes and leave them outside to dry.
During orientation I found out there are tarantuals here. I even learned how to get them out of their holes. I'll definitely be getting pictures before I run away!!
Accomodations are a little better than I had expected. Small house packed into rooms, lots of stepping over stuff but this isn't exactly the Hilton. Curtis and Joyce Thrift (worked with them in Gulfport twice before) are our hosts and cook our meals. We had a great meal of chicken pie, left over beef stew (they said it had rat meat in it while teasing me), green beans, and some cake. We spent last night sorting over 900 dresses that will be delivered to an orphanage along with some little boy clothes too. The medical team sorted alot of medicine as well.
I have a family practice doctor, thoracic surgeon, ER doctor, medical student, 2 Haitian doctors, an x-ray tech, paramedic, and several nurses in the house with me. No worries about getting injured and not having care here!!
That's all for now. Internet is extremely slow in the evenings with everyone trying to email so I may have to get up early and do most of my updating.
Love to all
Friday, November 5, 2010
Packing...
much harder than I thought. It seems so simple, clothes, shoes, shampoo, soap and meds. Looking at my list, it really hit me how different my packing list is from a vacation packing list (yes I am a list maker, compliments of my daddy). My list includes: bug spray 40% Deet, economy size hand sanitizer, baby wipes, non melting snacks, water bottle with cap, ear plugs, utility knife, hammer, permetherin, mosquito net, tape measure, precooked bacon, malaria meds, Cipro (in case of food/water contamination), shower shoes, and many other things that aren't "typical".
Trying to figure out what to put in carry on in case luggage doesn't make it easy!! I can't figure out how to wear two pairs of shoes. Figuring out which backpack I can take to worksite that won't return me and I won't miss.
My worries are so trivial right now but in the big scheme of things, it isn't like I can run to Wally World if I forget my toothbrush or socks.
Trying to figure out what to put in carry on in case luggage doesn't make it easy!! I can't figure out how to wear two pairs of shoes. Figuring out which backpack I can take to worksite that won't return me and I won't miss.
My worries are so trivial right now but in the big scheme of things, it isn't like I can run to Wally World if I forget my toothbrush or socks.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Feeling discouraged
I am scheduled to leave for Haiti on Sunday, November 7th at 7:10 AM. As of right now, Tomas is being upgraded to a hurricane and is scheduled to hit Haiti on Friday. The team who is there before us is making plans to leave early as they are afraid the airport will not be functional after the hurricane hits. What this means for me is, if the hurricane destroys the airport, we will either not be able to go or will be diverted to Dominican and will drive across the border. For obvious reasons, I hope the later is what happens. After preparing mentally and physically for this trip, I need to go Sunday. Not a day later.
Obviously this isn't just about me but the Haitians as well. They are currently living in tent cities with material they were able to find and put together. These tents will not stand a chance with hurricane force or even tropical force winds. I can't imagine what will happen as Tomas passes over. It will be devastating. My prayers are with the Haitians and the teams that are there now.
It makes me angry at all the little things I take for granted (our homes, electricity, TV, washing machines, clean water, medical care, available medicine, available food, etc). No matter how little we have, it is alot compared to the way others live. I learned in Honduras that they are happy without all the modern toys that we have. Give a kid 1 stick of gum, and he/she thinks it is great. I am so thankful for my family and friends who are supporting me (emotionally and financially) in my journey to Haiti. I can't wait to share when I return and hopefully start planning another trip back in the spring!!
Obviously this isn't just about me but the Haitians as well. They are currently living in tent cities with material they were able to find and put together. These tents will not stand a chance with hurricane force or even tropical force winds. I can't imagine what will happen as Tomas passes over. It will be devastating. My prayers are with the Haitians and the teams that are there now.
It makes me angry at all the little things I take for granted (our homes, electricity, TV, washing machines, clean water, medical care, available medicine, available food, etc). No matter how little we have, it is alot compared to the way others live. I learned in Honduras that they are happy without all the modern toys that we have. Give a kid 1 stick of gum, and he/she thinks it is great. I am so thankful for my family and friends who are supporting me (emotionally and financially) in my journey to Haiti. I can't wait to share when I return and hopefully start planning another trip back in the spring!!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Three weeks...
that is how long I have until I leave. We did receive flight information. On November 7th, I will leave GSO at 7:10 AM and arrive in Haiti at 4:10 PM. Unfortunately we have a 4 hour layover in Miami on the way down and back. On November 13th, I will live Haiti at 1:05 PM and arrive in GSO at 9:30 PM.
I got my second series of Hepatitis A and B shots on Tuesday and started my typhoid meds on Wednesday. They leave me feeling like I have the flu (body aches, tired). I have two more doses of typhoid (Sunday and Tuesday) then I will finally be finished. I won't get my 3rd series of Hep shots until March 2011.
The waiting begins...
I got my second series of Hepatitis A and B shots on Tuesday and started my typhoid meds on Wednesday. They leave me feeling like I have the flu (body aches, tired). I have two more doses of typhoid (Sunday and Tuesday) then I will finally be finished. I won't get my 3rd series of Hep shots until March 2011.
The waiting begins...
Friday, October 8, 2010
One Month Countdown
It's hard to believe but we leave one month from yesterday. I am slowly getting prepared. I have visited the International Travel Department and started receiving my vaccines (DTAP, hepatitis A and hepatitis B) as well as my prescriptions for typhoid (need to being now) and malaria and cipro that I will carry with me. I've read many pages of precautions, most of which are common sense.
We are staying at a compound owned by Global Outreach. The women stay in a 4 room house and the men sleep on a screened in porch. We will not have hot water but we will have a swimming pool!! We have a distant view of the blue sea and armed guards surrounding our barbed wire compound. We will be escorted everywhere we go. We are staying in Titanyen which is where the mass graves that were shown on TV are located. It is right outside the capital of Port-Au-Prince.
There are 2 different teams, one medical and one construction. More than likely I will be on the construction team but this isn't always decided until we arrive in Haiti. We will be building small shelter homes that are quick and easy to put up. These are donated by Samaritan's Purse. They are "2 year" homes. The plan is to put these up quick to give families shelter then return to build more permanent homes.
I think that is about all the info I have now. If you have any questions, please let me know. Can't wait to arrive!!
We are staying at a compound owned by Global Outreach. The women stay in a 4 room house and the men sleep on a screened in porch. We will not have hot water but we will have a swimming pool!! We have a distant view of the blue sea and armed guards surrounding our barbed wire compound. We will be escorted everywhere we go. We are staying in Titanyen which is where the mass graves that were shown on TV are located. It is right outside the capital of Port-Au-Prince.
There are 2 different teams, one medical and one construction. More than likely I will be on the construction team but this isn't always decided until we arrive in Haiti. We will be building small shelter homes that are quick and easy to put up. These are donated by Samaritan's Purse. They are "2 year" homes. The plan is to put these up quick to give families shelter then return to build more permanent homes.
I think that is about all the info I have now. If you have any questions, please let me know. Can't wait to arrive!!
Haiti Mission Trip--November 7-13
In July, I made the decision to go to Haiti on a mission trip. Thankfully, two friends have decided to join me, Keith & Hilda Talley. This will be mine and Keith's 4th mission trip together (Honduras, Gulfport twice, and now Haiti) and mine and Hilda's 2nd trip together (Honduras & Haiti).
For the most part, I have had a positive response to my trip. There are always a few who choose to be negative but they will not change how I feel or why I am going. I have chosen to avoid those people :)
The following days and months after the earthquake, I watched Anderson Cooper 360 constantly, sometimes staying up until 2-3 in the morning. I couldn't pull myself away. There are so many faces that stayed with me and I often wonder what became of them.
For the most part, I have had a positive response to my trip. There are always a few who choose to be negative but they will not change how I feel or why I am going. I have chosen to avoid those people :)
The following days and months after the earthquake, I watched Anderson Cooper 360 constantly, sometimes staying up until 2-3 in the morning. I couldn't pull myself away. There are so many faces that stayed with me and I often wonder what became of them.
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