A Journey of the Heart - Ti Marche

We were about to venture out for our first full day of ministry.  Our Itinerary noted: Tour of Port au Prince on the way to Ti Marche.  Mini-VBS/Games. Prayer Walk and Home Visits.

We were up early – I quite early due to my sweet “alarm clock” which crowed first at 3 am – and again at 5 – continuing throughout the wee hours of the morning.  Prayer, quick breakfast, packing supplies for our journey; items to be used for a mini-VBS, medical supplies for a small medical clinic we would run, water bottles were filled, sunscreen and insect repellent applied, and out the door.

Our Tap Tap was waiting outside – as it always would be whenever we were to leave.  Our Team boarded, including Polynice – our guide, translator, historian, and dear brother in Christ.  Polynice would travel with us throughout our week – filling us in with the history of Haiti; the past struggles, victories and present demise of this nation; sharing details of Port au Prince as we drove through; insight on the people of Ti Marche, who were extremely excited about our plans to visit and minister to their people.  The knowledge and wisdom he shared was priceless and helped us to understand the people we would come in contact with throughout our stay.

We traveled out of L’Espinasse – down the rocky road, bouncing all over the place.  Being this was only our second time traveling in the Tap Tap (with our trip from the airport being our first), we were all still such novices in trying to remain in our seats and avoid smacking our heads and backs on rails, sides, and corners as we rode down towards Port au Prince, where there would be paved roads.  I will say, as we continued our journey throughout the week, we each learned our own way to stay stable, and “hold on” during each of our trips.  We were still shaken around each time, but most times remained in our seats and avoided the black and blues along the way.  Being a “short trip” would be 1 hour, some 2-3 hours each day, this was a necessary feat to conquer.

The traffic was unbelievable.  We travelled along the road with cars, trucks, motorcycles, people and animals all along our travel.  People crowded the streets and sides of the streets, markets all along the road, storefronts (which were small buildings on the side of the road which usually stored the items to be brought out front to sell to the local people.

We eventually drove away from paved roads and once again headed towards some dirt paths, into the remote country – toward Ti Marche.  As we drove through – I again was amazed at the beauty of this country that was yet such a contrast to the poverty, darkness and needs of the people throughout Haiti.  We passed many villages with people waving and smiling – as they saw “foreigners” driving through their area. 

Small homes far out in the fields we passed were usually smaller than my bedroom in my apartment back home.  In these areas, many were mud homes, some “better homes” had tin roofs.  Children ran to the road to cheer, wave, many running from the shallow streams they were bathing in.  Many women washing clothes alongside as well, paused to wave and smile.  They knew when visitors came to their villages – something special was going to happen.

As we continued further and further into the countryside, we turned on a path that led to the small stone school.  Outside, children were cheering with excitement, since they were told we would be visiting today.  As we got out of the Tap Tap and unloaded all the supplies we brought, we were greeted by Emmanuel Alcius, the Director of this small remote school.  Emmanuel spoke some English, and had a beautiful greeting for us as we gathered around to speak with him, welcoming us with such love.  The children were told to go into their classroom and wait – which they did, patiently and quietly, until we finished speaking with the Director.

We then headed into the classroom, where we were greeted with songs that were prepared for our visit.  Emmanuel introduced us to the children and then introduced his teachers to us as well.  Due to the lack of funds, his teachers hadn’t been paid for months, but were determined to continue giving these children the only chance they had to break the cycle of poverty – an education.  Most of the grandparents and parents of these children cannot read or write.  So anything they could possibly do to give their children (many times having to choose one or two of their children) a chance to have a better life than they had was worth any sacrifice.

Their classroom, with open windows, a dirt floor and desks (that sometimes had to be held by one of the boys to prevent it from falling over), had an energy and spirit that is hard to match.

The children had prepared something for us; songs in Creole, with such volume and energy, that I’m sure, there was a sweet song in the distant background that you heard that very day, and wondered what it was.  They also recited many different Psalms – loud and so proud that they could do this for us – their visitors. 

Once they finished their “greeting for us” – Krista greeted them and our program began.  With our translators, she shared how excited and glad we were to be here with them.  She shared Matthew 19:13-15 – explaining how much Jesus loved the children, blessed them and did not want anyone to keep them away from him.  She told them he felt the same way for each of the children in Ti Marche. 


Krista then led the children in some fun songs with movement and hand motions.  They were so excited – smiling, laughing, singing and jumping with joy!  We would sing a few lines in English – and they would repeat them, perfectly.  Afterwards they sang some of their songs in Creole – and we “tried” to sing in Creole, bringing much laughter to the children.

After awhile, Annabelle, our Pastor’s wife, shared with the children about caring for themselves to stay healthy.  She gave a lesson on dental health, how important it is to care for their teeth, and the proper way to brush.  They responded to questions, mimicked the proper way to brush and had a wonderful time.  When we were finished, the children lined up and each received pencils, a toothbrush and toothpaste.  Beautiful smiles - “Merci, merci, merci” – such an appreciation for what they were each receiving.

At that time, the children returned to their homes for lunch and we prepared for a small medical clinic that we would be holding at the school.  Some remained at the school, playing games with a few of our Team.  Once word was out that foreigners were here with nurses and would be offering some help, lines of people formed outside the school; men, women, women with babies and children.

The folks living in remote villages rarely ever see a doctor.  With absolutely no health system available, money needed upfront for any care and again for any medication needed after the care, as well as the need to travel by foot for days before even getting to any major city – which may or may not even have a hospital - most people in Haiti receive very little medical care.

Being we were blessed to have three nurses on our Team (including one pediatric nurse practitioner) we were able to offer some major assistance.  We had supplies and medication that had been obtained by various sources, including some donated and brought from the US.

Following the medical clinic – some of our Team went into the village for some home visits, to pray with the families in Ti Marche.  The people were so humbled and honored that we would take time to visit and pray for them.  Many had a very strong faith life - dependant on the Lord to carry them through each day and each hardship - always focusing on the blessings they had rather than what was lacking.  As soon as our Team began to pray, the families would all fall to their knees, humbling themselves before the God they so loved and trusted in.

We all then went ‘prayer walking’ throughout the village; walking throughout the area, calling on the Lord to bless these amazing people, to protect them, continue to bless their children with an education, and strengthen their faith as they faced the struggles of each day.

As we walked through the village, we saw where they had once built a church to gather and worship together.  This building was destroyed by the earthquake of 2010.  But they continued to worship their Lord, in a makeshift church, with open sides and a tin roof.

As we walked through the area, children would flock around us, smiling, grabbing hold of our hands, posing for ‘photos’ and then laughing as we showed them on our cameras.

We gathered one more time at the school before we left - to give balloons to the children.  Someone on our Team knew how to make balloon animals and thought it would be fun to give them to the children.  But as word spread that the visitors were giving things away – more and more children from further areas were added to the crowd around the school.  In an effort to have something for each child, we all “attempted” to make a balloon animal – which ended up created twists of colorful balloons, some representing a creature of some sort, some becoming hats, or whatever.  But the smiles and joy of each and every child was a gift to each of us.

As we climbed aboard the Tap Tap – crowds of children ran behind waving goodbye.

One day, in one small remote village, touching the lives of children and families - If memories of our visit remain in their minds - just a fraction of what was left in my mind and heart – then we may have made an immense difference in their lives.

A Journey of the Heart - At Home in Haiti

Our Team stayed in the home of Jeannette & Chris– the founders of Children In Need Haitian Project & School. Chris is Haitian born and Jeannette was born and raised in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. They married and had one son, Sean – who is now approximately 16 years old. 

Our hosts were so gracious having all of us stay with them for duration of our mission trip.  It was such an honor to live with this Godly family, and continually hear how they responded to the calling of the Lord to move their family from the US to Haiti, their work in Haiti, the Children In Need Haitian Project, and their vision for so much more.  Theirs was truly a mission of love. 

A few years after they had moved, Chris began to expand their home – not only for their family’s use – but to enable groups to stay with them when coming to Haiti to work alongside of them.  This also gave employment opportunities to Haitian workers working with Chris to literally expand and build their home.

In Haiti there is no credit system at all – either you own land and slowly build a home, or possibly with some assets from selling a home or bringing funds from outside of Haiti – you may be able to start building a home.  Most Haitians work years and years, saving as much money as possible – then purchase supplies with cash, and either with family members or by hiring laborers begin building their home.  Due to the lack of any credit opportunities – they usually use all their money to start the foundation of their home and begin to work again, saving more money to continue building their home.  Because of this, most either live in small 1 room homes, or take many years, sometimes up to 25-30 to finally build a larger home – which will be used for future generations of their family.

Many who had either completed their homes or were years into the process, lost everything after the earthquake of 2010 – leaving them with no home, no funding, no opportunity to borrow any money to rebuild.  So the cycle began again – working, saving to put aside, building – knowing that years later they may not even have their home complete during their lifetime.

The home we were blessed to stay in is magnificent!  But I believe what made it even more amazing – was that all the work was done by hand, hiring Haitian people, giving opportunities for work, with a vision for the future.  The stone walls around the home, as well as the stone walls in the home (especially the dining room) were all handmade, hand cut and laid.  The massive doors, at the entrances as well as into each room, were handmade as well.

There was a garden area where much of the vegetables consumed for any meal were grown.  Anything else needed would be purchased at “Market”.  These were all stored in an area to be used as meals were prepared throughout the week. 

There were massive banana trees outside my window - growing in abundance as a major staple of food.  There were also avocado and mango trees - which we feasted on each night with dinner.  The more self sufficient a home can run, the better.

While we were there, Chris proudly showed us his newest project.  Behind his house, there was a guest house being built – with sleeping quarters as well as a conference room.  Once again, this project is giving employment opportunities to local people.  Chris has a vision of his home continually being used to serve the Lord in many ways.

Once we arrived, they took us around their home, showing us where each of us would be sleeping.  Some had beds of their own, others shared beds.  Some had air mattresses in rooms with others – but all were given a comfortable place to rest our weary heads after each day's travels, hiking, working, and ministering to the people of Haiti.  On one hand it looked like a beautiful bed and breakfast Inn set in the beauty of the Mountains of Haiti.  But reality hit when most hours the electricity went off – and although they had a generator – they used it sparingly to not overuse the batteries and spend unnecessary money.  Many times our bedtime was determined by the lack of lights.  Water is such a precious resource in Haiti – so learning to conserve every drop was a must.  My “showers” were 75% cold – 25% cool.  With water being pumped during certain hours and then filling buckets – pouring cupfuls sparingly over myself, washing quickly and rinsing even quicker.

 

Each night we returned to a cooked Haitian meal – prepared for us by loving Haitian women, and served by a young man.

Watching each of them tend to the home, making sure all our needs were met, with pleasant, sweet smiles, truly blessed us.  Each served with love and care – helping us to feel truly at home.  Our meals were always made from scratch, no instant, no microwaves, no take out!  Fresh eggs, breads, fruit & ceral each morning.  We had a variety of rice and beans with each dinner – always accompanied by a different sauce to be poured over it.  Fresh vegetables – plantains made in a variety of ways – even into porridge.  Yucca – White Sweet Potatoes – amazing.  So many more delectable meals – healthy, hearty and satisfying. 

And the coffee – Oh the coffee!  Many of us are avid coffee drinkers – and a good cup in the morning was a necessity.  And many times after a long days work to help us stay alert after dinner, as well.  One day we had the privilege of seeing coffee made from the green coffee beans -yes green!  They start out green – and aren’t roasted already – imagine that!  We watched as they were roasted over a fire outdoors – slowly changing color – green, tan, brown, red, black.  Each phase being a different strength.  The whole area outdoors had the fragrant aroma of roasted coffee.  Then small amounts of the roasted beans were placed in a wooden mortar and pestle – half my height – and crushed by hand. 

After being sifted and the process repeated for all the roasted beans – it was time to brew. No need for Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, or Seattle’s Best. This was coffee!

When our entire team gathered in the dining room – it looked quite a bit different from the beautiful room we first saw upon our arrival.  But it was filled with life, stories, prayers, laughter and love.   

Each night we met in the sitting room with our Pastor, Mark and his wife Annabelle, for prayer and to debrief with our team.  It was a time for us to review our days work – share how privileged we were to be able to touch so many lives – and especially how the people of Haiti were touching our lives.  We prayed and shared about the many difficult emotions we were also dealing with after seeing the poverty and lack of care the government had for its people.  Then we would review our itinerary and plans for the next day’s activities.  Confirming what our departure time would be – being it took anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to get anywhere we were going - sometimes leaving as early as 5:30 am for our journey in the Tap Tap.

Rising was never a problem for me – since I had a personal alarm clock outside my window – which crowed loud and bold most mornings beginning at 3:00 am – then again at 5:00 am and continued into the morning hours.  After a few days, I saw the first crow as the beginning of my snooze alarm – giving me a little more time before I had to actually rise.

"Our Home” was a serene, safe, loving place to come back to, rest and be refreshed.  We were able to be ready for each day’s activities.  This home was filled with the love of the Lord – empowering each of us to continue on this amazing journey.