Construction team returned to Bon Repos today to continue working on the block house. I went construction today which was quite a challenge. The work is hard, mixing mortar, hauling mortar in buckets, knocking out center of blocks, hauling block, sifting sand, etc. The blocks are concrete blocks and weigh 25 to 30 pounds each. By lunch time it seemed like progress was slow but after lunch, things really took off. The walls are coming up and hopefully by Friday, they will have a home.
There were alot of children around, very aggressive children. It isn't something I'm used to experiencing in Haiti so it took some getting used to. They weren't happy with one sucker, they wanted more, more, more. They were much like American children :) There was an elderly lady (something you don't see alot of in Haiti) washing clothes at the home next door. I went to sit on her porch for a break and before long, was sitting a her bucket helping her wash clothes. Shed used a bucket with a block of soap and rocks to scrub the clothes. It was a long process and she worked at least 6 hours that we saw just scrubbing clothes. It was humbling to sit and wash clothes as the Haitian people do. I think of all the times I complain about my laundry and all I have to do is throw them in the washing machine. New perspective for me :) The lady also didn't own a pair of shoes. I got a translator to ask her what size she wore and she wears an 8, same as me. At the end of the week, I know who is getting my shoes and can't wait to give them to her.
Construction team went to Titanyen and Caberet today. They saw alot of malnourished and undernourished children. There was a 7 month old that weighed 10 pounds. They saw over 350 patients yesterday.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
First day...Monday, October 24, 2011
Joined the medical team today in Bon Repos. Clinic was held in a church and people waiting patiently for hours to be seen. No complaining, yelling, just patiently waiting. There were alot of children, lots of sick babies with conjunctivitis and pneumonia. There were also several older people with gastric pain. There was one who passed out from dehydration and one who had to be carried in.
The clinic was held in a church with no cushioned pews, no air conditioning, no carpet, and barely had a roof. The church is packed when the doors are open. Haitians are so grateful just to have a place to worship, despite the lack of comfort.
Construction people were able to witness alot today and begin to build a block home. There were 20 salvations today...the true reason we come to Haiti.
Love to all!!
Juli
The clinic was held in a church with no cushioned pews, no air conditioning, no carpet, and barely had a roof. The church is packed when the doors are open. Haitians are so grateful just to have a place to worship, despite the lack of comfort.
Construction people were able to witness alot today and begin to build a block home. There were 20 salvations today...the true reason we come to Haiti.
Love to all!!
Juli
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Well...after several months of planning...
the day finally arrived. We left FBC at 3 AM heading to RDU. After a long layover in Miami, a 2 hour flight to Port-au-Prince, and a 45 minute bumpy ride...we have arrived in Titanyen, Haiti.
There are 17 of us on this trip, all coming together for a common purpose...serving the Lord. We will work, sweat, share stories, laught, fight over bathroom time, and cry together. The next 6 days will be challenging, met with unexpected things, but again...all for one common purpose.
I was a little disappointed that I'm not seeing the progress I had hoped for. I hope to hear about it and see more tomorrow. I will be working with Team Alpha in Bon Repos, Haiti in a medical clinic. They see anywhere from 200-300 patients per day with only 2 doctors on staff and one nurse. We will be handing out Evangel Balls (soccer balls with scripture), clothes, and shoes. Most of all, we will be giving them care, spiritual and physical care. A hug, a smile, a reassurance that someone cares. We all need encouragment and I am privileged to be a part of this.
Tonight during our devotion, we drew names for prayer partners for the week. When we see this person or think of this, person, we are to stop and pray. Nothing fancy or even obvious, just an uplifting prayer. This is what gets us through the long, hard, hot days.
I love Haiti and am so excited to be back for the third time. I do wonder, if this will be my last trip to this great country with sweet people and smiling faces.
I will try to update as much as possible. As always, internet is not dependable at all but cold showers are.
Love to all!!
Juli Lamberth
There are 17 of us on this trip, all coming together for a common purpose...serving the Lord. We will work, sweat, share stories, laught, fight over bathroom time, and cry together. The next 6 days will be challenging, met with unexpected things, but again...all for one common purpose.
I was a little disappointed that I'm not seeing the progress I had hoped for. I hope to hear about it and see more tomorrow. I will be working with Team Alpha in Bon Repos, Haiti in a medical clinic. They see anywhere from 200-300 patients per day with only 2 doctors on staff and one nurse. We will be handing out Evangel Balls (soccer balls with scripture), clothes, and shoes. Most of all, we will be giving them care, spiritual and physical care. A hug, a smile, a reassurance that someone cares. We all need encouragment and I am privileged to be a part of this.
Tonight during our devotion, we drew names for prayer partners for the week. When we see this person or think of this, person, we are to stop and pray. Nothing fancy or even obvious, just an uplifting prayer. This is what gets us through the long, hard, hot days.
I love Haiti and am so excited to be back for the third time. I do wonder, if this will be my last trip to this great country with sweet people and smiling faces.
I will try to update as much as possible. As always, internet is not dependable at all but cold showers are.
Love to all!!
Juli Lamberth
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Team 97
Well...we are only 3 days away from departing this time as Team 97. We will be the last NCBM team that will be doing construction, according to the current plan. Medical teams will continue through 2012 but only 6 person teams.
There are 19 of us on our team (pretty sure that number is right) and we will be leaving Raleigh at 7:05 AM on October 23rd. We will land in Port-au-Prince, Haiti at 3:05 PM. We have a long layover in Miami unfortunately but people watching is always exciting there!
I will try my best to keep blog updated daily when I arrive but it always depends on the internet connection.
Please pray for our team as the next few days are hectic and crazy as we prepare ourselves and our families. Also pray for the Haitian people that we will be in contact with next week.
There are 19 of us on our team (pretty sure that number is right) and we will be leaving Raleigh at 7:05 AM on October 23rd. We will land in Port-au-Prince, Haiti at 3:05 PM. We have a long layover in Miami unfortunately but people watching is always exciting there!
I will try my best to keep blog updated daily when I arrive but it always depends on the internet connection.
Please pray for our team as the next few days are hectic and crazy as we prepare ourselves and our families. Also pray for the Haitian people that we will be in contact with next week.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Finishing touches.....
My week in Haiti went by way to fast but through God, we were able to accomplish so much. All of the numbers below represent what a team of 18 was able to do however, that 18 would not have been there without everyone of you. This isn't about "me" or "us", if you gave a monetary donation, clothes, and/or prayer, you are part of these statistics. You were as much a part of this trip as I was. I am forever grateful and honored that I was able to be there.
1543-Number of patients who received free medical care
16-Number of homes built
88-Number of people who now have a shelter to live in
53-Souls saved by the love of Jesus Christ
Too many to count-People who now have clothes or shoes
25-children who now have school books thanks to $750 that we were able to donate
9-children who now will attend school thanks to $900 that was donated for a need
7-volunteer construction workers who received more than a years pay last week thanks to donations we were able to give (the average Haitian makes $59/year)
$150,000-worth of medication that was donated by Dr. Watts in Clinton, NC
$18,000-money it took to get 18 team members to Haiti
18-American lives who were forever changed thanks to your generosity and prayers
1543-Number of patients who received free medical care
16-Number of homes built
88-Number of people who now have a shelter to live in
53-Souls saved by the love of Jesus Christ
Too many to count-People who now have clothes or shoes
25-children who now have school books thanks to $750 that we were able to donate
9-children who now will attend school thanks to $900 that was donated for a need
7-volunteer construction workers who received more than a years pay last week thanks to donations we were able to give (the average Haitian makes $59/year)
$150,000-worth of medication that was donated by Dr. Watts in Clinton, NC
$18,000-money it took to get 18 team members to Haiti
18-American lives who were forever changed thanks to your generosity and prayers
Friday--Day 5--February 4, 2011
Today we all woke up with heavy hearts. We know this is our last day and we still have so much more we want to do. The need here is overwhelming and there is so much more that needs to be done. We left for the job site a little later than usual as we had to load the truck with materials. We were all excited when we pulled up to the home of the lady who practiced voodoo who gave her life to Christ a few days earlier. We were building her home. We were able to give her clothes for her children, her, and a few of her neighbors. We went time with her just sharing about ourselves. Her home dedication was something that words cannot adequately describe. The feelings were overwhelming for all of us as we held hands and sang with her. Imagine my surprise when Freugens started singing one of my favorite songs, "Thank You for Giving to the Lord". If you haven't heard it, please go listen. Those of you who are reading this blog, praying for me and my team and/or gave monetarily will one day meet this lady in heaven. She is the life that was changed. Part of the words to the song say "thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed, thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave". You see, without your prayers and financial support, none of our team members would have been there at that moment when she accepted Jesus. I may be the one who was physically in Haiti, but without your support, I would not have been. Your role is just as important as mine. I hope you all realize that and I can never adequately thank you enough. You will get your reward in Heaven I know!
The second part of the morning was more emotional. It was a God thing. You see, back in November, the last day I was there, we walked approximatly 2 miles up hill in the blazing sun and 90+ degree whether only to reach a homesite that had a gated and we weren't allowed in. We sat for over an hour singing and talking with our Haitian team. Imagine mine and Paul's surprise when exactly 12 weeks later, we were sitting at the exact same spot with the materials for the home we were going to build. Just another reminder that we are on God's time, not ours. See, 12 weeks ago, we were ready to build that house and were more than frustrated that we didn't get to. Now 12 weeks later, I am in the exact same spot building this home. It was an awesome finish to the week.
The afternoon was spent going into Port au Prince visiting a market and seeing the capitol building (or whats left) and the devastation in the city. We visited a local eatery which was alot like our food court. The food was not very good but the ice cream was a nice treat!!
Evening was spent packing up and going for a walk. We hung out at the pool talking about our week and sharing. Saturday morning...I will be heading home!
The second part of the morning was more emotional. It was a God thing. You see, back in November, the last day I was there, we walked approximatly 2 miles up hill in the blazing sun and 90+ degree whether only to reach a homesite that had a gated and we weren't allowed in. We sat for over an hour singing and talking with our Haitian team. Imagine mine and Paul's surprise when exactly 12 weeks later, we were sitting at the exact same spot with the materials for the home we were going to build. Just another reminder that we are on God's time, not ours. See, 12 weeks ago, we were ready to build that house and were more than frustrated that we didn't get to. Now 12 weeks later, I am in the exact same spot building this home. It was an awesome finish to the week.
The afternoon was spent going into Port au Prince visiting a market and seeing the capitol building (or whats left) and the devastation in the city. We visited a local eatery which was alot like our food court. The food was not very good but the ice cream was a nice treat!!
Evening was spent packing up and going for a walk. We hung out at the pool talking about our week and sharing. Saturday morning...I will be heading home!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Day Four--Thursday, February 3
Today the construction team built two shelters in the morning and two shelters in the afternoon. It was blazing hot but every now and then, a nice breeze would come through. The homes we built today were in places that were unbelievable!! Tiny narrow streets, trash everyone, homes that are now rubble. There were children everywhere wanting to play with us. We played ring around the roses, slaps, and many other games that they taught me. They are such loving children.
Before we left there village, while Bryan was showing the kids the evangel ball (soccer ball) a voodoo priest came up. He listened to Bryan and Ramil and began to ask questions. Before we left that house, that voodoo priest accepted Jesus Christ along with the 3 people who will be living in that home. How awesome is God!! We passed out candy and several dresses in the village. We made a quick exit (which we are good at) as people began running towards us wanting something.
Tomorrow is our last day and if all goes as planned, we will work until noonish. Hopefully we will be able to go into Port au Prince, something I didn't get to do last time. We will do a mini tour and visit the palace and the cathedral before going to dinner at the Haiti version of McDonalds...wonder if I'll be eating...I doubt it!!
The excitement of the day was me putting on my shoe, feeling something in it, taking it off only to sling it across the kitchen when a baby lizard came out of it. Something I will never get used to is the lizards, geicos, and bugs. Our other excitement was on the 2nd house we were building, when we starting digging to level the ground off, about 10 tarantuals came out of the ground and started running everywhere along with a lizard that was huge by our lizard standards!! Lots of creepy crawly things in Haiti!!
If you haven't checked out the other blog, go to the Eastern Baptist Association website and read it. There are alot of great posts from all of my team members.
Before we left there village, while Bryan was showing the kids the evangel ball (soccer ball) a voodoo priest came up. He listened to Bryan and Ramil and began to ask questions. Before we left that house, that voodoo priest accepted Jesus Christ along with the 3 people who will be living in that home. How awesome is God!! We passed out candy and several dresses in the village. We made a quick exit (which we are good at) as people began running towards us wanting something.
Tomorrow is our last day and if all goes as planned, we will work until noonish. Hopefully we will be able to go into Port au Prince, something I didn't get to do last time. We will do a mini tour and visit the palace and the cathedral before going to dinner at the Haiti version of McDonalds...wonder if I'll be eating...I doubt it!!
The excitement of the day was me putting on my shoe, feeling something in it, taking it off only to sling it across the kitchen when a baby lizard came out of it. Something I will never get used to is the lizards, geicos, and bugs. Our other excitement was on the 2nd house we were building, when we starting digging to level the ground off, about 10 tarantuals came out of the ground and started running everywhere along with a lizard that was huge by our lizard standards!! Lots of creepy crawly things in Haiti!!
If you haven't checked out the other blog, go to the Eastern Baptist Association website and read it. There are alot of great posts from all of my team members.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
We are waiting for the election announcement and what it brings. I am very hopeful that we will be able to continue as usual!
Today I went with the Omega medical team to the mountain clinic. I was amazed that people actually lived on top of the huge mountains. I worked in the pharmacy all day which was very busy. We had about a 15 minute sit down break in 7 hours. There were 209 people seen. There were alot of very sick people some with cholera, scabies, malaria, and many other illnesses. They were so grateful for their medical care. We were able to pass out some clothes and shoes as some of the children had no clothes.
At the end of the clinic, we played a few games with the kids, taught them the hokey pokey, sang Father Abraham, Jesus Loves Me, and many other songs. Kiersten and I taught them "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" which was a huge hit. There were laughing and joined in a few times. The faster we got the harder they laughed.
We did have one kid, early teen, who was angry that we wouldn't give him any candy. He told us if we didn't, he was going to throw a rock at us. Come to find out, that is typical of him as he threatened Dr. Merline a few weeks ago.
I cannot so enough how thankful I am to have the opportunity to be here. It is such an honor to work along with the Haitian people and serve them. They live hard lives and deserve whatever help we can afford to give. They have a special place in my heart and always will. I know if I don't see them again here on earth, I will see them in heaven!
I am already praying that I will have the opportunity to return to Haiti before the NC Baptist Men pull out.
Today I went with the Omega medical team to the mountain clinic. I was amazed that people actually lived on top of the huge mountains. I worked in the pharmacy all day which was very busy. We had about a 15 minute sit down break in 7 hours. There were 209 people seen. There were alot of very sick people some with cholera, scabies, malaria, and many other illnesses. They were so grateful for their medical care. We were able to pass out some clothes and shoes as some of the children had no clothes.
At the end of the clinic, we played a few games with the kids, taught them the hokey pokey, sang Father Abraham, Jesus Loves Me, and many other songs. Kiersten and I taught them "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" which was a huge hit. There were laughing and joined in a few times. The faster we got the harder they laughed.
We did have one kid, early teen, who was angry that we wouldn't give him any candy. He told us if we didn't, he was going to throw a rock at us. Come to find out, that is typical of him as he threatened Dr. Merline a few weeks ago.
I cannot so enough how thankful I am to have the opportunity to be here. It is such an honor to work along with the Haitian people and serve them. They live hard lives and deserve whatever help we can afford to give. They have a special place in my heart and always will. I know if I don't see them again here on earth, I will see them in heaven!
I am already praying that I will have the opportunity to return to Haiti before the NC Baptist Men pull out.
Tuesday...February 1, 2011
Tuesday, like Monday was a great day. In the morning we built 2 shelters. During the dedication of one home, we there was a lady there that one of the Haitiian workers was witnessing too who practiced voodoo. Bryan and Ron were able to talk with her through a translator. She accepted Jesus Christ and they immediately went to her house and she burned her voodoo items. After praying with her and burning her items, she said she felt "free". That is why we are in Haiti!!
During the afternoon we built 1-1/2 shelters. We had alot of children around and were able to pass out soccer balls and candy.
Words cannot express the feeling of being in Haiti. When people ask me why I go back to Haiti or any foreign country, I only wish they could spend a day here. In America, we have poor people. America's "poor" is nothing compared to the poverty in a third world country with no government help. You are on your own. When you walk through the villages and see children with no clothes, who are filthy dirty and smell with knats and flies all around them, you understand what poverty is.
During the afternoon we built 1-1/2 shelters. We had alot of children around and were able to pass out soccer balls and candy.
Words cannot express the feeling of being in Haiti. When people ask me why I go back to Haiti or any foreign country, I only wish they could spend a day here. In America, we have poor people. America's "poor" is nothing compared to the poverty in a third world country with no government help. You are on your own. When you walk through the villages and see children with no clothes, who are filthy dirty and smell with knats and flies all around them, you understand what poverty is.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 2---posting a day late :) January 31, 2010
having a little trouble posting this morning...
things are going great. i spent yesterday morning sorting through meds and clothes getting them ready for the clinic...not to exciting but something that needed to be done. in the afternoon i headed out with the construction team and was greeted by my Haitian friends. It is so good to see them again.
We are anxiously waiting the announcement tomorrow and wondering what it will mean for us. i pray the predictions are wrong and the rioting will not happen. If it does, we will wait it out and watch from afar.
the medical team saw 364 patients and 2 were saved. the construction team built 3 homes and 4 were saved that we know of right now. It was a great day in Haiti and I am so blessed to be here. I only wish everyone had this experience. As bad as it sounds from afar (cold showers, no air, power outages constantly, etc) when you get here, all that is not important. The relationships that we build and the people we meet will forever change my life. Right now, sitting in Haiti with a fan blowing on me to stay cool, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. If my boys were all here, I know I would be.
Love you and keep praying!
things are going great. i spent yesterday morning sorting through meds and clothes getting them ready for the clinic...not to exciting but something that needed to be done. in the afternoon i headed out with the construction team and was greeted by my Haitian friends. It is so good to see them again.
We are anxiously waiting the announcement tomorrow and wondering what it will mean for us. i pray the predictions are wrong and the rioting will not happen. If it does, we will wait it out and watch from afar.
the medical team saw 364 patients and 2 were saved. the construction team built 3 homes and 4 were saved that we know of right now. It was a great day in Haiti and I am so blessed to be here. I only wish everyone had this experience. As bad as it sounds from afar (cold showers, no air, power outages constantly, etc) when you get here, all that is not important. The relationships that we build and the people we meet will forever change my life. Right now, sitting in Haiti with a fan blowing on me to stay cool, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. If my boys were all here, I know I would be.
Love you and keep praying!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Day of Arrival....
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Haiti--Day of Arrival
Flights were great although RDU is much harder to fly out of than Greensboro. They are very strict on the weight of the bags which is something we didn't experience in November. The airport was chaos which was expected. There have been quite a bit of improvement since being here in November and also alot of change. The police are doing alot of checkpoints and trying to keep their people from being exploited.
We were told on arrival that there is going to be an announcement on wednesday regarding the Haitian election. Unfortunately they are expecting more rioting and the anger is directed toward Americans as they believe we are influecing their election. So...we will be watching carefully to see what transpires.
We spent the afternoon going through medicines and packing them for the clinic. We will be doing more tomorrow. Me and another girl will be spending the morning sorting through clothes to get ready to take them to the orphanage.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
How appropriate...
I'm studying for my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow, Sunday, January 23, 2011 which is one week before I leave for Haiti. The first scripture is:
"Listen, my dear brothers: Didn't God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him? Yet you dishonored that poor man...If you really carry out the royal law prescribed in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well...What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food, and oneo f you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you don't give them what the body needs, what good is it?"---James 2:5-6, 8, 14-16
"Listen, my dear brothers: Didn't God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him? Yet you dishonored that poor man...If you really carry out the royal law prescribed in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well...What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food, and oneo f you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you don't give them what the body needs, what good is it?"---James 2:5-6, 8, 14-16
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Countdown is on....
I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted!! Wow...so much has happened. With the help of some great friends, I was able to plan a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on December 1st. I raised $791.50 that night with more coming in later. I also sold ornaments for $6/piece and several hundred dollars doing that. I have received checks in the mail from people I didn't expect them from and several unexpected things have happened. Obviously it is meant for me to go!
My trip is January 30-February 5th. I can't believe how quickly it is approaching. Back in December it couldn't get here fast enough. Now, I'm ready for it to slow down. I am super excited about returning but also have to wonder if it will be my last time I visit Port-au-Prince and Titayen Haiti. That...makes me sad. I've had alot of donated clothes that I'll be bringing to give away and the rest of the team is bringing medicines and clothes. I am flying out of Raleigh this time since I'm the only one from the Greensboro area. I didn't want to do the flights alone and have those long layovers by myself!
The challenges are still being thrown out me which hasn't been easy. It's amazing how the devil works when you are trying to do good. It is so sad that he is able to use people who you trust and are friends with to discourage you. It is so important for us to be aware of how we affect other people. I know this has made me very aware of things that I may say or do that may discourage someone.
I'm slowly learning to quit focusing on the bad and look forward to the good. I know people are praying for me and the Haitian people. The phone calls, emails, and questions about it reassure me of that.
So....I can't wait to land in PAP and see all my Haitian friends but most of all, see His work being done in Haiti!
My trip is January 30-February 5th. I can't believe how quickly it is approaching. Back in December it couldn't get here fast enough. Now, I'm ready for it to slow down. I am super excited about returning but also have to wonder if it will be my last time I visit Port-au-Prince and Titayen Haiti. That...makes me sad. I've had alot of donated clothes that I'll be bringing to give away and the rest of the team is bringing medicines and clothes. I am flying out of Raleigh this time since I'm the only one from the Greensboro area. I didn't want to do the flights alone and have those long layovers by myself!
The challenges are still being thrown out me which hasn't been easy. It's amazing how the devil works when you are trying to do good. It is so sad that he is able to use people who you trust and are friends with to discourage you. It is so important for us to be aware of how we affect other people. I know this has made me very aware of things that I may say or do that may discourage someone.
I'm slowly learning to quit focusing on the bad and look forward to the good. I know people are praying for me and the Haitian people. The phone calls, emails, and questions about it reassure me of that.
So....I can't wait to land in PAP and see all my Haitian friends but most of all, see His work being done in Haiti!
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