Yes, we are here - HERE! Haiti! All the months of raising funds, planning and anticipating came to fruition this morning, maybe-not-bright but definitely early as we boarded a narrow tube of a plane and flew to Miami and then to Haiti. We are a team of fourteen - thirteen women and one lone, brave man, Vincent. He, because of his manliness, is called upon to lift and carry the things we more delicate creatures cannot. He was rewarded by being given his own, peaceful room. Eight of us have experienced the blessings of this trip before; six of us are ready to be wowed.
I am one of the newbies....Kim, and one of your "Blog Babes" for this trip. What I noticed immediately, and repeatedly snapped pictures of, were Haitians nonchalantly toting various items on their heads. I saw a woman carrying a stalk of bananas, probably 25 or 30 men carrying bags of cold water to sell, women with what looked like plastic bins full of cargo on their heads and on and on and on. I can't accurately describe it. They walked uphill, downhill, erect and unaware that they were such a fascination to us.
Here is what stood out most for each of the other team members:
Newbies:
Our awesome Haitian guide, Marc- the way you all came off the plane with big smiles on your face. You were so excited to see me!
MaryBeth- all of the color used on houses and buildings...everything is so bright!
Amber- the tap taps (Haitian taxis) and how many people they can stuff into them!
Vincent- the landscape is so beautiful!
Donna- how the women walk around with big baskets, carrying everything you can think of...on their heads!
Shirley- the inspirational sayings painted on all of the vehicles...they're so positive!
Returning Members:
Tracey- how good the familiarities felt...home sweet Haiti!
MaryChris- the airport had an extreme makeover! We wondered if we were in the right place! The transformation is unreal.
Megan- in the center of Port-au-Prince" there used to be a tent city. It has now been transformed into a beautiful park.
Helen- there was much less trash in the streets than previous years.
Yolanda- it was awesome to experience Haiti through the newbies eyes...to see how excited they are and how much they want to learn about everything.
Sandy- how much progress has been made...it's amazing"
And finally, Kristin...the other "Blog Babe!" Last year on our last day, we drove through the heart of Port-au-Prince. After spending the week in a community like Leveque...a model community making so much progress, I felt disheartened seeing the poverty and destruction. I couldn't even imagine how things might get better. I was astonished today as we drove through the same city. Buildings were renovated, new construction is underway and everything just appears so much cleaner. I feel like I've been away much longer than a year...it makes me so proud of Haiti and just proves that even though it may feel small, what we are doing here will help Haiti make big changes! How blessed are we to be a part of this?
Nice job Kim and Kristin! Wow, I am so excited to read this. It truly warms my heart to see so much improvement that has been made in Haiti over the last year. Praise God for all those there who are proud of their country and doing their part. I've always complimented the Haitians as proud people. They are always on the go doing something....and now, look what they've done! I am so glad y'all's first day was awesome. I can't wait for tomorrow's blog. Love to each of you,
ReplyDeleteLaney
This bible verse makes me think of those many Haitians working together for a common goal --to glorify our Father God!
Colossians 3:23-24
23 Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.