Ambassadors of Christ from John

This fourth trip to Haiti was, in many ways, the most meaningful for me.  God really blessed this trip in so many ways.  First, He molded together just the right people to make a group of individuals from several different churches and many different backgrounds and skillsets into a team that he knew before the foundation of the world.  How neat is that!  Second, He brought us together with a remarkable group of translators so that we could minister to those that needed our help.  Third, He kept us all in good health and good spirits, so that we could minister to one another.  Finally, we attended two worship services where you really felt God's Spirit (expertise in Creole not needed!), heard from Pastor Esau and a real prayer warrior and marveled at how 70+ orphans ranging in age from 2 years to almost 20 readily participated in and benefited from God's Word and music.

I will never forget the many ways that God uses all of the many and varied gifts that He has blessed each of us with, so that the body of Christ is served in His name.  As ambassadors of Christ, it was truly a blessing to ask so many who came to us for healing if we could pray for them and have them light up and say "Oui!"  And the orphans showed us a level of love and acceptance that we felt from the first day entering the orphanage until the final day when we said goodbye. 

And ... special thanks to Emily, Pastor Daniel and Cliny for their help, support, smiling faces and Haitian hospitality!

John Zamzow
Short-Term Missions Coordinator
Faith Lutheran Church

Photo credit: Sarah ;}

Sarah's humbled and thankful....

As I transition back into my daily life, I find my mind constantly wandering back to my time in Haiti. I wonder if my little patient's seizures have subsided or if the worm medicine has helped the babies' tummy aches. The people of Haiti have made such an impact on my life, and I am so grateful to have had this experience. Someone advised me before the trip to "open your heart up to each and every moment," and that became my goal for this journey. I was humbled when I learned that my patients waited 12 hours in the sweltering heat to be seen. I was saddened when I saw the infections and diseases that were caused by a lack of clean food or water. I was amazed when the children's voices rang throughout the church, singing praises to God, thankful for everything that they had. I can only hope that we touched the lives of the people of Ouanaminthe in a fraction of the way that they
have touched mine.

I am also especially thankful for the team of people that went on this trip. My faith has definitely been strengthened through each member of this team in some way, and I feel so blessed to have spent this time with all of you. I want to especially thank Dr. Tim & Dr. Elizabeth for their constant support and guidance as I attempted to see my own patients and act as a physician. You both were amazing examples and role models of the type of physician I hope to become -- attentive to each and every patient while demonstrating God's love through your work. Thank you to everyone for such a great experience, God Bless! :)

Tim looks back....

As I return to my normal life I am thankful for every moment of my journey to Haiti. My faith has been strengthened by being in the presence of a group of people for whom God is such a central figure in their daily lives.  I have been humbled by the devotion of Pastor Daniel, he, like his name sake, stands surrounded by peril but remains protected by his faith in God.  To see life thrive in soil that is barren, enriched through prayer and faith, is a true miracle. I will always remember the simple dignity of the people of Haiti who waited hours in the midday heat to seek care for their children, then were quick to raise their hand in praise to God for their blessing.  It is easy for me to get lost in this life, in the pursuit of success and the daily grind of my life, I will strive to raise my hand as quickly to praise and thank God for my many daily blessings.  I will be forever grateful for the moments of clarity and grace that God gave me on my mission to Haiti.  I pray that I was able to give half as much as I received during my time there.  Tim Blanchet

Suzie's song and dance....

The song Jezi renmen tout timoun (Jesus loves the little children) is forever stuck in my head as well as images of Ouanaminthe: roosters, cactus fences, motorcycle taxis with five people on them, beans and rice, Haitian roadside food huts, and those laughing, smiling children.....all 73 of them. Handfree walking not allowed! If they see your hand is empty, they slip their's into yours, even on those sweltering days.

I'd been to Haiti before, but never to this corner and never have I been a part of a working orphanage, nor even part of a medical team! It was a unique and humbling experience.

God has gifted me with the ability to learn languages easily, and my French skills came in super handy as most of the orphans could understand moi. But, I would have been nothing without my great team of helpers...especially Janet and Kathy with all the crafts and games they came up with and medical team volunteers, Sandy, Ashley, Jessica, Rosie, Sue, Mel,  Lauren, Greg and X-Ray. Who would have thought the kids would so enjoy jumping rope in 90 degree heat?

When I wasn't working with the kids, I spent spare moments blogging about the trip and throwing up photos on our site so that friends and family back home could see what was happening day by day and continue to pray for us. Thanks to those who gave me their cards to download pics: Dr Tim, Rosie, Sue, Janet (above photo ;)  and Jen Wride.

This ragtag team that our fearless leader Mark brought together worked side-by-side in a very loving and efficient manner. Hats off to Pastor Paul and Cliny in their loving care of the orphans and visions for the future school and to whom I call the Mother Teresa of Ouanaminthe, Emily. To God be the glory. Ke Bondye beni ou.

Robert's Reflections

This was a remarkable mission trip in that there were so many people who have opened their hearts to do missions for the first time. I really enjoyed our evening devotions and sharing and felt as if this was an extremely cohesive team. I know that the transition back home is difficult and requires a lot of patience but I have realized over the years that those who stayed home did not experience the same things we did. I was very proud of Jessica in seeing a change and growth in her in the short week that we were there. I hope everyone will reconsider going again so that we can serve the Lord in our humble ways that we do.

-- 

May God Bless Your Day

Robert Antolak

Frantzie's trip planned by God

For me this Mission Trip was planned by God. I say this because when I returned home from Haiti last June I had not planned another trip until 2014, but God shifted my plan and allowed me to serve and make new friends. This trip was very different from any previous trip. The will of God will never take me where His Grace will not protect me.  This was a very long journey but when we finally arrived in Ouanaminthe at the “Maison Des Agneaux de Dieu” the welcome we received from the Children and the community was overwhelming. The members of the team that have been there previously were waiting with great anticipations to see the children once again but I did not understand their excitement until I experienced it myself.

 

On clinic days the patients waited for hours in the hot sun to be seen by the doctors. As you may know Public Health is a big problem in Haiti. This small village outside the City of Ounanimthe is in great need of support of healthcare. We were told that the public hospital in town is not equipped to care for people and also most of them unable to pay. The average families in the village only eat one small meal per day. It's was apparent the children looked malnourished.

 

I am pleased that this team was able to bring some hope to them. This is a huge blessing to be among a great group of Godly people that with God’s help we were able to make a difference.

 

Haiti Cherie je en vous oublierai jamais!

Ayiti Mwen renmen Mwen pap janm bliye ou!

Frantzie

Greg is forever changed

I saw, smelled, heard, tasted and touched things I had never before experienced and will forever be changed because of it.  No video, book or magazine could prepare me for the realities of extreme poverty. We were immersed in this culture for a week and at first it was easy for me to get overwhelmed with the great need, until I began to focus on the moments -- and there were many moments.  I also had to remind myself that God is God and I am not.  He asks us to be available, willing, and to move/go -- which we all did.  After that, He was in control. 

We gave of ourselves, but also got much in return.  The smiles, love and affection from children just wanting a little a bit of attention and to know they matter just melted my heart.  The hours (sometimes all day) that people waited patiently and with gratitude in the hot sun for a few short minutes with a Doctor was humbling.  Singing in church "Here I am to Worship" with the orphans reminded me that we are all one people serving a Great God. 

Although I do intend to go on more mission trips in the future, we all need to live our lives as if every day is a "mission trip".  People need to be served and experience the love of God in the United States, Michigan, Detroit, our communities, neighborhoods, workplaces and families.

Photo credit: Jen Wride ;}

Sandy's blessings from Haiti

It is difficult to put into words what a true blessing this mission trip to Haiti has been for me.  I knew upon hearing that the mission team would be returning to The House of the Lambs of God Orphanage that I wanted to go.  I so wanted to once again be with precious girls that share their love with you the minute you walk through those gates.  I wanted to once more tell Emily, Pastor Daniel and Clynie how no one is as selfless and committed to doing God’s work as they are.  I was eager to see the boy’s orphanage completed and filled with joyful little boys.  But most of all, I was looking forward to seeing how God would use our team to do His work. God never disappoints, so I will just say He did it perfectly.  Each team member brought their unique gift each day with joy and happiness.  These gifts were designed by God completely for the needs of each day.  Everyday was a blessing to us as we did our best to serve His loving children.  Personally, my favorite part of each day was asking each patient after their triage form was filled out if we could pray together.  There was always a shy smile (male or female) on their face and a “oui” response.  The prayers were mostly for healing and hope but also for sharing God’s love for His children. 

I feel honored to have been a part of this mission team.  I am grateful for knowing and loving all of you and most of all thankful to our divine and loving Heavenly Father.  

Janet elaborates on Ouanaminthe

What did the Haiti mission trip mean to me?  What a question to answer.  I could elaborate on what I saw: the poverty, diseases, the children’s faces, a loving team working together, a pastor with a vision making an impact in his corner of the world.  I could elaborate on what I experienced, language barriers broken down with love/smiles/hugs, forgiveness/patience/dedication/passion among team and staff, heat/dirt/sweat, Jesus at work in hearts~stretching me/others.  I could elaborate on what I know:  prayers were answered, medical and dental needs of Haitians were provided, AND Jesus Died For All with many still needing to experience the hands and feet of Jesus through us.  Maybe what this trip means most to me is “what next”?  The impacting experience can not/should not/I pray it won’t let me go back to who I was before.     

God works through us--Ray Pratt

We landed safely at DTW at 10:50 Monday night. Thank you for your prayers!

I think this trip put me back in touch with a passion that I had lost. I've seen the poverty of other nations as a soldier. I've been on various aide projects.  But somewhere along the way, I just started going though the motions and soon felt helpless to make a difference.

The trip to Haiti has shown me that it's not about what I can do but what God can do through me.  I had to pray constantly in Haiti for strength and wisdom to face those children and adults with a positive and accepting attitude. And God provided. There were may times that I asked myself what was I doing there? How could I help? And honestly I didn't know the answer. I would pray and before I knew it there would be an angel at my side smiling and giving me the answer.

So what did the trip mean to me? I think in many ways it meant a return to what God intended me to be.   X-Ray

Reflections from Jessica Lobaido

Wow what an adventure. This was my first mission trip, and really my 1st time out of the country. I felt God's calling to go, so I went and now I feel so grateful to have had this experience. It was so eye opening to me. Parts of the trip were tough physically and emotionally, but I felt God with us every step of the way. It was a spiritual journey for me. I had to break out of my comfort zone. But I read in a book once that 'God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if he doesn't come through.' I had situations happen to me on this trip where I had nothing else to do but put my complete trust in God and leave it in His hands. And the awesome part is He always came through for me. My favorite memory from the trip was when we stepped inside the orphanage for the first time and all the girls came running towards us with hugs and kisses. And one girl jumped into my arms. It brought tears of joy to my eyes. 

Another favorite part about this trip for me was the group of people I got to go with. Every single person was such a blessing to me. They all took me under their wing and I felt like I was part of a big family. If I was struggling, they prayed for me. I will always remember each person from the group because they each impacted me in a special way. Overall it was an experience I will never forget. And I praise God for our health and safe return. Gods blessings.

Looking back from Sue Mutter

If each step of our lives is a chance for us to learn from God, these trips to Haiti are invaluable.  The Haitian people have nothing (lacking food, clean conditions, medical help, basic utilities, etc) and yet, they have everything (a strong faith in God, love for one another, smiles, and hope for the future).  In America, our people become sick because we eat too much (diabetes, heart disease, etc), while in Haiti they become ill because they eat too little (especially of nutritious food). Somehow, we as a nation, have to learn how to better share our food supply.

I count it a huge blessing to be a small part of such a great team that withGod's help, was able to make a difference. Lord, help us to take "Haiti home" and not forget our friends there and the great lessons we learned.

Dominican Republic

We are rejoicing our arrival in Santiago with pizza and Coca-Cola and Fanta Orange.

The beautiful Caribbean

 Emily and Pastor Paul took us to a secluded beach in MonteCristi.  Wht gorgeous scenery. We spent a couple of hours here playing in the waves.

Leaving Ouanaminthe

 We walked from the orphanage across the border.

 We said good-bye to our friends playing checkers with bottle caps.

We passed a typical Haitian restaurant on the way to the border.

Group farewell

Emily tool this group picture with Dr Tim's super dooper camera and lens.  We gave all the books to the children and they were having a field day. We will soon be crossing the Dominican Republic border and beginning our journey home.  We had a very meaningful time here in Ouanaminthe!

Palm Sunday Church

Last scenes from Ouanaminthe. This is a papaya tree.

Colorful laundry hanging out on the cactus fences on our way to church.

Keyboard, guitar and accordeon at the church service this morning. Mike gave the sermon and Pastor Paul translated.

Dr Tim saying goodbye to Cliny.

The Jesus Film

Paster Paul uses sheets to make a screen and projected the Jesus film using his truck as a platform for the projector.  At least 200 people from the community attended as they hardly ever get to see any kind of tv or movie.  What a great message.

Thanks, Dr Tim, for the photos.

NBA basketball

Mel engineered a basketball hoop out of a chair seat with a hole in it.  He put it high enough so the kids could not hang on it. It is also removable! It hangs on the back metal framed window of the boys' orphanage.

The boys tested it out this afternoon and found it to be fantastic.

Saturday afternoon

This is lunch time with the lovely Cliny and her husband, Pastor Daniel Paul, who are in charge of the girls' and boys' orphanages and provide church services on the property.  Tonight they are showing the Jesus film to the community.

Each child made a booklet today to tie in the 5 themes this week. Station one put the yarn in the holes and tied the pages together. At station 2 they wrote their names on the front.  Various stickers were placed on the booklets at station three and at Station four, they drew the 5 symbols for the daily themes.

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Day 1: Feet, walking with God. Day 2: Hands, praying to God. Day 3: Eyes, I want to see Jesus (like Zaccheus) Day 4: Ears, speak, Lord, for your servant is listening and Day 5: heart, love in action, love God, love others

Greg reading to the kids. Guvenold still has his paper airplane from yesterday ;}

Using white board, dry erase markers and little erasers was fun to teach them English and Bible verses.

Saturday morning

Kathy is wearing the perfect medical shirt for this mission trip.

Some of our group went to tour the dental office and Hope for Haiti this morning.

Frantze stopped a wheelbarrow vendor to buy some of her peas or beans. She said they are different fro m those in the US and they are delicious!

Ranashka guve Lauren a good morning Bizou.

The children all know "Ashes, ashes, we all fall down" but they taught us a Haitian one where they fall down multiple times.  Much more taxing!!

At the orphanage, today our theme was the HEART and Love in Action (1 John 3:18), Love God and Love others.