Category Archives: haiti.love

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soul sistah introductions.

May 16, 2008 – 10:06 pm

Amy if you ever read this blog know that title was for you.

Picture #1. Here we are single. At least for a week. We were laughing a large smile because the statement was made that there is a difference from before having babies and after. Know the difference? I did not know any of these women before our trip and today I can tell you that I love each one of them. From left to right. Kim, Ginger, me, and Amy (get a blog.)

Picture #2. I enjoyed my time with all the sistahs but there was a special connection with Lauren. She is a newlywed. I think she and Matt celebrate 6 weeks of marriage any day now. In the midst of all that we were taking in visually we were able to communicate life and God to one another. To sit and talk with her was nothing short of refreshing. I hope there will be many more conversations in the future.

Picture #3. Here is the sistah group (minus Lauren) and the so happy Amos and lovable Story. From left to right. Our fearless leader Jamie, Amy (get a blog), Ginger, Sarah (get a blog), me, my amazing roommate Kim, and definitely not least Chrystal.

This is one of my favorite shots from the week. It just feels good. This is me and Lauren taking the plunge into the most amazing water ever.

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captivating.

May 15, 2008 – 10:14 pm

Belle

This sweet face is what I am thinking about tonight. I can’t believe that at this time last week I was in the air typing away at these same keys. It seems unreal. It has now been a week since I last saw the friends that are my Haiti team.

Her face is captivating isn’t it? She is so beautiful. This picture was one of those moments when I was actually a little tired of snapping photos. It would begin to be much when all the sweet girls wanted one taken. “Photo Me?” That is the phrase I would hear over and over. I vividly remember snapping the photo then pulling away the camera to look at the image and stopping with lack of breath for her beauty. Somehow almost like magic this amazing tool captured the beauty of this sweet girl. There is no way that my words could paint the picture with enough justice for you to see her. I am so thankful for cameras. They seem to capture what my words cannot convey.

This was on day 6 when we visited a feeding center in Barbancourt. In a short time span children gathered, were fed and left full. It is a beautiful thing. These kids were so joyful. They were so intrigued by our color and our skin. I had so many little hands rub my arms to feel the texture. Simply put I miss them. I miss these faces.

View today’s project 365.

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project 365

May 13, 2008 – 3:34 pm

So I have decided to take on a new project. I have been watching people play this out on flickr and have honestly admired them for doing it. I think it is the right time for me to tackle it. If you want to play along that would be great fun. You can find more information and ideas from here. I plan to capture an image of myself, my kids, my husband, and or life for the next 365 days. I am all about documenting moments and letting more spill over than I probably should. That is just me.

project 365: day one

As you can see from project 365: day one my mind is still full of thoughts + emotions to process from my time in Haiti. This is the couch that becomes my office from the hours of 9-3:30 each day. I realized that the last two days I have been doing alot of this starring off into the distance. It seems my mind is just rolling through all the images I have seen and the places they fell in my heart. I am trying so hard to hold onto each one. I do not want to forget one small minute but I know that is bound to happen. I am sure it already has.

Yesterday I walked into Wal-Mart and the first thing I noticed was a large display of Goldfish crackers. Noah, one fun and spunky Livesays, carried around a box of goldfish crackers just like that one. The silly connection made me smile and share the news with Ernest. I went on to talk up fun stories of Noah and the other Livesay children (seriously great kids). I miss Haiti. I miss all the people there.

There is a brush in the bathroom that no one uses. I have no idea why it is there. Every time I come across it I remember Haiti. On the handle is the word belle. Belle is the creole word for pretty or beautiful. I used that word many times in my seven days in Haiti. Each time I would snap a picture of a Haitian girl I would turn the camera around to show her the image. The same thing would happen each time. She would see with her own eyes how beautiful she was. Her eyes would light up and soon a huge smile would be held on her face. I had the awesome privilege to look into her eyes and assure her that I saw the same thing…belle.

The days have been full since I have been home. Ernest started a 2nd shift job last night. This is a blessing all on it’s own. He will work there until his funds are raised with AIM. This is the same company he worked for while he was in college here in Houston. They remembered him and decided to re-hire him for this period of time. He just started an already worked out all the time off he needed for camps and other speaking engagements that he has scheduled. Only God. They are also fully aware of his short term agreement with them. Awesome. Ernest is so excited about all the opportunities that lay before him. AIM is wonderful as well as working with Chris to begin a Youth Ministry at our church. I am proud to be the wife of my blue collar preacher man.

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Re-Entry

May 9, 2008 – 1:05 am

A few random thoughts as I fly over Florida.

This morning I stood at the screen window to see children bathing themselves at the water well.

Tonight I will take the longest hot shower I have had in years.

This morning I drove away from a village where people are desperate for food.

Tonight I am noticing how many Florida homes have private pools.

In the last week I met many orphans who need someone to love them.

Tonight I will kiss and hug Carly and Colton.

This morning I saw a Tap Tap (Haitian Taxi Truck) carrying upwards of 20 people.

Tonight I will sink into my sporty SUV with leather seats.

Re-Entry.  It sucks.

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leaving.

May 8, 2008 – 8:56 am

In a few minutes we will load up in the truck for the last time.  I cannot tell you the amount of “feelings” I am having. I plan to journal while on the plane so check back for the rest of Haiti thoughts.

Our flight leaves Haiti at 12:30 and arrives in Miami 3:40.  Aaron, Jamie and I have a LONG layover in Miami.  Our flight leaves for Houston at 9 PM.  I plan to SMOOCH my husband at 11 PM.  I can’t wait.  Ernest get ready.

Until later.

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Haiti. Day One.

May 6, 2008 – 7:01 pm

The Rescue Center.

Waking up in Haiti was definitely a little surreal.  The morning alarm clock (also known as roosters) sounds off early.  After breakfast and morning devotions all 12 of us + Troy load up in the truck and head out to Cazale.  Lori and Licia work this center.  They literally rescue children who are dying and need medical attention to survive.  Some parents travel many hours just to reach their facility.  It is truly an amazing program.  Needless to say I was very excited to see this place and meet Licia face to face.  Lori is in the States right now.

The tour of the rescue center and clinic was more emotional than I had prepared for.  It was my first real glimpse of Haitian life.  We toured the nursery area and older children area quickly.  I think that most of us were in shock at the amount of sacrifice that is given to care for all these children.  There were at least a dozen babies in the nursery.  Most of them in a crib or sitting in a bumbo seat. There are four nannies who care for these babies.  Their hands were of course occupied with little bundles of joy.  Every time I made my way back through there I noticed that they were taking turns holding and feeding the babies.  I was so glad to see these babies feeling the touch of another human hand.  We take so many things for granted.

The hardest part for me was the older children area.  I think it is because some of these children are the ages of my own children. When we walked into the room there were about 20 children sitting on a mat along with their nannies.  They were so quiet.  It felt so strange.  With everything that was in me I desired to look away.  I didn’t.  I couldn’t.  As Licia was talking about their routine I looked at each child.  I grabbed the image but I did not have a clue what to do with it.  Most of the children come to the center suffering from Kawash which is a illness due to lack of nutrition.  This disease is fatal if not taken care of.  As I starred into the children’s faces I was so thankful for the ministry that Lori, Licia, and their Dad Zach have here.  If not for them a lot of these children would be dead today.

After our tour through the rescue center we walked over to the clinic.  They see patients and give medication here weekly.  Their work is essential to the Haitian community around them.  It is amazing that out here in the deep villages of Haiti God is giving love through none other than ordinary people.  of course.

Play time was the highlight of our visit to the center.  The kids were full of laughter and in awe at the simple bubbles being blown.  Jamie brought some sunglasses that were a riot.  The kids loved them.  We colored picture after picture all the while trying to steal a moment loving on some children.  I watched their smiles, the way that their eyes light up, and the pure joy the felt over simple things.  Songs were shared and piggy back rides given.  They enjoyed us and we enjoyed them.  I could feel the moments were coming to a close.  It made me sad.  How many times do these children see a group of weird white people come in play around and then just leave?  The answer is hard to take.  Once again I store it away for a later time.

Ronel and Crew

Coloring

Chrystal blowing bubbles

Chrystal having fun with some bubbles.

Matt giving Piggy Back Rides

Matt Papa doing his signature piggy back ride.

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Haiti. Day Two.

May 6, 2008 – 6:16 am

Each morning I awake to the sounds of eager voices chatting over the morning water duty.  Before the sun is up the sounds from the water pump outside my window become very real.  It begins with a hard thrashing of the handle and almost instantly the sound of flowing water overshadows the harshness.  It is such a normal task for these children that conversation flows with no break.  I wonder what they are saying.  At this place they are reuniting with their friends from the long dark night.  Their words sound playful and it seems they are at ease.

God never fails to work in a teachable moment.

As I sat on my bed grabbing at my bible and study book I realized a pretty incredible twist.  Just as the Haitian children were searching out for their water I was searching out for my living water.  I am no hero.  It just happened at the moment and with intense connection my breath was taken.  Living Water.  He is to be my living water.  I am to bring myself empty to Him each morning so that He may fill the longing of my soul.  I got it.  I hear it.  I stood up to even see it.  It is beautiful.

This day began with a walking tour of the surrounding village of LaDigue.  As soon as we stepped out of the gate our hands were suddenly held by little brown sweet hands.  It was instant and lasted the entire tour.  I guess you could say the children became our guide.  I met a girl down at the river.  She is beautiful, 15 and full of life.  She knew a little english so we were able to chat while she washed her clothes.  It is amazing how a normal conversation can be in the middle of this foreign land.  We spoke about school and family all the while next to another woman bathing her man child.

We were also able to visit an orphanage in the city of Bercy.  Immediately I fell in love with a group of dancing fools.  These girls made me laugh a hard laugh.  I do not usually take on dancing in public but on this day all the insecurity was hidden away.  I guess dancing is a universal language because it seems we all have similar moves.  The girls shared that this is part of their daily routine.  So dancing it is.  After I could jig no more we headed out the tabernacle to cool off.  Conversation was easy.  I shared words with a 16 year old girl who longs to be a doctor one day.  In a beautiful way she shared her Christ story with me.  With a much weaker tone she expressed her fear of funding for college.  We sat in silence for a moment.  Her eyes looked away only to look back with renewed hope.  “If God desires me to be a doctor he will send me to college to learn the ways.”  “I have faith.”  Her words were striking.  Yes, girlfriend, have faith.  Our words came to a close but I will forever hold her story in my heart.

The Market tour was the last venture of Day 2.  Incredible to say the least.  Vendors were selling anything from shoes to fresh meat.  The meat section is definitely not refrigerated.  Actually you can find children sitting in the mix of pork, chicken, and fish.  The section that peaked my interest the most was the field of coal.  Massive amounts of coal lay piled all along the ground.  Just past was one of the most breathtaking sights I have found in Haiti.  The most blue water that I can remember ever laying my eyes on.  Beauty.  It is just one of those sights that everyone grabs their camera to capture.

After a couple of days in Haiti my mind was far beyond overwhelmed.  I laid awake in my bed for many hours just thinking through the day.  I am beginning to understand that the processing will take much time.  I am okay with that.

The water well

Tour Guides

Laundry.

Getting our groove thing going...

Coal Vendor

Sight from the Coal Piles

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Haiti. Day Three.

May 5, 2008 – 6:27 pm

This day is bringing the sights and sounds together to form some kind of workable shape.

Day 3 in Haiti.

Up and ready by 6 AM to begin the journey that has been the source of the huge imagery in my mind. A literal mountain stood before me waiting to challenge the very depth of who I am. Along with my fellow teammates I was to climb this mountain. Over and over on the way I recalled I look up to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD the maker of heaven and earth. Serious words were flowing from my heart to His ears about His help coming to aid me up that mountain. It came for sure. It came in the form of a donkey that transported one weary and WIMPY traveler. He is good.

The donkey carried me to some of the sweetest hours of my journey in Haiti.

The village is busting with life. A friendly bonjour is given with each passing home. This long dusty road is now being overshadowed by the children that call this place their home. In the next moments we find ourselves at the Church we traveled to visit. The sounds of singing and teaching are echoing out of the walls of this place. It feels familiar in an odd way. From the moment I step into the church my heart begins to unleash all the feelings that have been stored for safekeeping. Tears. God you are here. You are here in this place with these people. They love you and you love them. God it is no surprise to you that there is suffering going on here. You are not surprised by all the images I have taken in. You know each heart and seek to bring them all to you. You speak to them in ways I cannot comprehend. They are yours.

If by only an inch I understand this love a little more.

After church I made my way outside. I am not kidding when I say that there where children everywhere. I snapped picture after picture to watch the children’s eyes when they looked at themselves in the viewfinder. They were amazed and I think they felt downright good looking. That made me happy. After the photo sessions were over came the most fun. I joined Aaron and Sarah with a group of kids singing and laughing. They taught us motions to their songs and laughed at us when we actually joined them. The smiles they gave where worth more money than I will ever posses. The fact they thought I was funny is enough for me to love them for life. Together we exchanged names and shared the love of Jesus. In a silly twist I will be known to them as Debra-me-too. I will never forget looking up to see Sarah’s sparkling blue eyes beaming. She was telling the kids through gestures “You make me smile.” That is almost enough to bring me to tears for a month.

The walk down from the village was long and hard. I could have filled a bucket with my sweat alone. The price made the journey more valuable. As I type here in my bed watching the endless bugs enjoy the light on my screen I feel renewed. Today God lavished his love upon me. Today God lavished his love upon a village up on a mountain top. I am amazed by the way He demonstrates his love.

One day a group of 12 Americans travel up a mountain. Through their sweat and confusion they touch, hold, and talk with village children in Haiti.

One day a remote village in Haiti does church. Through their simple beauty and endless joy they laugh with, smile at, and love on a group of 12 Americans.

Things to carry away: I love Jesus-me-too. laughter. squatty potty. The shade/breeze love language. The largest group hug in my entire life. Aaron’s misfortune. The mountain hike/donkey ride. The descent off of the mountain. A scrapped knee.

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Portraits from Haiti {1}

May 3, 2008 – 1:06 pm

Look at those glasses!

Beauty.

this is our truck! awesome.

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Haiti…I am here!

May 2, 2008 – 5:16 pm

As I type the sounds of creole are lingering in the background. I have made it to Haiti. The sights and sounds are as I had envisoined and yet affected me in a way that I did not expect. I have officially been in Haiti for less than 24 hours but I know that this place will leave a lasting impression upon all my days.

At the present moment we are at the Rescue Center. The work done here is truly amazing. I have been moved to tears many more times than can be counted. The children have grabbed onto our hearts as well as our hands. I have colored with, sang songs with, rocked to sleep, and held so many tender souls. I have seen what I’ve seen and I can’t forget it. It is true.

On our journey to the Rescue Center we crossed the paths of so much life. The rivers were full of people washing clothes, bathing, and socializing. I could not bring myself to lift the camera and shoot. I sat still and savored each sight. The countryside is beautiful. BEAUTIFUL. The mountains are nothing short of breathtaking. My current memory verse is so fitting for these days. Psalm 121:1-2 I raise my eyes toward the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD the maker of Heaven and Earth. I have said those words over and over today all the while gazing at the gorgoues mountain range. God is just better than He has to be. Yes He is.

This post may be full of spelling issues and rambling. I just wanted to write and share the very real fact that my heart is melting. And it is not because of the heat.

Melt on.

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