First Impressions

Our trip to Haiti started with quite an eventful travel experience speckled with fun and not so fun.  After leaving 12 Stone at 04:10am we made it to our first gate around 06:30.  Then, we landed in Miami at 10:00 and enjoyed our 4 hour layover by meeting some Haitians at the gate that were kind enough to help us translate words for our VBS lessons.  Once we boarded our flight at 13:30, we were geared up and ready for Jacmel!  Or so we thought.  Due to some last minute mechanical adjustments, paper work processing and a shift in the tailwinds, our wheels finally left the Miami ground at 17:00.  Good thing the plane was full of other mission groups, teams anywhere from Alabama to Minnesota, or American Airlines would have had some more issues to deal with (on top of all the luggage we witness dropping on the tarmac).  We then landed in Haiti at 18:30.  Here we met the kind and gracious Kerry (our World Hope Connection who happens to be a 12 stoner as well).  She showed us to our bus where we experienced our first 'change in plans'.  Since we got in so late, and we didn't want to battle the Saturday night traffic to Jacmel, Tony (World Hope Coordinator) was generous enough to allow us to spend the night in his house.  Writing about the kindness of Tony and his story is enough to fill up a whole other blog post.  He suggested we go in to town and eat.  So we unpacked our bags, and then went into the town of Pigeonville (Port Au Prince suburb) to grab some Haitian grub.  With tummies full and exhaustation from traveling, we headed home, debriefed, and went to bed.

- Sam/Molly

Our trip to Haiti started out with little to no sleep and an early flight.  After leaving the church we had an easy trip until we got to Miami.  We had a 4 hour layover in Miami where we were able to interact with some awesome people.  A group of Haitians were listening to music and helped us translate some of the stuff for VBS.  After the layover we boarded the plane, but  ended up sitting in the plane for about 2 1/2 hours before we were able to take off.  Once we finally got in the air,  I was able to have a conversation with a man who played soccer for Haiti back in 1989.  He told me something that really has ressonated with me so far, " Our country is very beautiful despite what the media has made it out to be.  Not necessarily because of the  buildings and material things but because we are beautiful people."  He also told me that Jacmel was one of the most beautiful places in Haiti. The Haitian people are very hospitipal and very welcoming.  Tony from World Hope opened his home to us and also took us out for a local dinner because we couldn't make to to Jacmel last night due to the delay. Today we are finally headed to our destination in Jacmel.  I'm excited to see what God has in store for all of us on this trip.

Brandi

Beauty is a word that really sticks out to me when thinking about our first glimpse of Haiti. Our first day of VBS  will focus on "beauty" and how God made EVERYTHING and made it purposefully and beautifully. When we were interacting with Hatians on the airport and on the plane, that was something they expressed. Haiti is a beautiful country with so much beauty within. As we were flying over and landing, I knew they were right. Haiti is beautiful. Then, you get closer and closer and see their struggles, which is hard to see. However, there is so much heart and love within Haiti, and that is comforting. I am so excited for what is to come and to see more of the love and beauty within Haiti and to share my heart and love for Jesus with the Haitians.

LetaAnn

There are a lot of thoughts running through my mind right now, most I'm unable to put into words. I can say that it has finally hit home what Ryan said at the All-mission team gathering that missions are not about me and what I can do. Seeing this life I call impoverished- crumbling buildings, no electricity, dirty water- there is nothing I can do. I could sell everything I own tomorrow and that little bit of money wouldn't even be a drop in the bucket of need. It's only God that can make a change, and because he's had this plan since creation, I can do nothing but come along for the ride. That's why it doesn't matter we're only here for one week. God and his work is always here changing people's lives and hearts.

-Laura

God forgot to send our team the memo to wear BRIGHT colored shirts that say HAITI on the front!!! I miss my iPhone, the shower and the sound of the toilet flushing.

~Hannah

gotta go! The bus is here to pick us up for Jacmel!  -Lauren