Or as I like to refer to it as the John Martinez Weight loss fitness program.
As John, Sherá ( tall smiley Haitian) and I set out I as nervous. Anything new no mater what makes me nervous. Thank goodness my curiosity gets the better of my nerves or I would never leave home.
We drove to Dajabon (the boarder town) Monday met up with the pastors at a restaurant there got some chicken and John discussed some matters. Handed out some small gifts and tracks in Creole for them to use. Then these men seemed like strangers.
It started to rain so we stayed the night in Dajabon. Woke up the next morning and headed for the border. Once over the boarder and through immigration and we were met by those same pastors.
After a long day of travel we arrived in Cera Cavajal. I have no idea how to spell these names so bear with me and sound it out. J We arrived to Icene’s home where we were greeted by his wife and brothers. I always struggle with the hospitality... I have been shown in third world countries. As there generosity is overwhelming and I always feel undeserving.
We went to church that night. Church consist of LOTS of singing, it was great to be in this little hut with these people crying out to God. Again their passion almost made me feel like I needed to step it up. Then the next day we went to see the neighboring town and father of Icene and Sherá. Etene who live in Min Dos. It is about 10 minuets away. We visited their school. Most of the pastors we are partnered with in ministry have a school I though this was cool they were wanting to reach out and provide schooling for the kids in their community.
The next day we went to Piogn to visit Philip and saw his church and then visited a hospital. The hospital had the smell of sickness. The faces of the people in the beds was one pain and exhaustion. We visited a associate pastor who had had surgery. I shutter to think of surgery there and the recovery. He had not had any pain medicine. We stayed and spoke with him and his wife to see if they needed anything and prayed over them.
IN man ways Haiti’s country side could be seen as a pristine place. The stuff od movies. The creeks, mountains, even their gardens. Yet life is hard there with little work. BUT what I see that is oppression is ignorance. I don’t’ mean that in a derogatory way. Ignorance is passed down from generation to generation. What I see is they have gardens, chickens, goats available, water for washing. Yes there are Huge needs but knowledge is the gift that keeps going. If the little boys are running around naked then maybe it would be hardened for worms to spread. In schools I am sure they are teaching the normal subjects. But it would be neat to see if we could do some thing to spire their students to become something. Doctors, nurses, teacher, ect.
My observations were that these people are precious gems preserved by their isolation. Yet behind due to isolation. I pray were guard that and pray about the right approach because it is a fragile Eco system in their culture, in our doing good be are mindful that we can also damage.
We have been privileged and allowed into a special place in this world. The people were friendly welcoming. We have so much to learn from them as well. Yet we are able to share also. Even in my conversation about salvation I was explaining that you are not born a christian you have to choose. God give you a choice. We are to tell a our kids about Christ so that they may know the truth.
I would think Hygiene, and inspiration for them to grow up a generation that will strengthen Haiti. That our schools would prepare them more than the other schools that it would demand more and that they would be prepared to do great things. Int that that Haiti would slowly be changed. That these kids would also become Christians that they can share what it looks like to have integrity and character. To not take bribes and to not fight with every one. I saw what looked like heated arguments. This is a sign of lack of training.
I loved my trip And count my self so privileged to be able to go. I captured man photos. I like them but I will let you be the judge of whether you think they are good or not. There are many dark places and rooms that you defiantly needed a SLR camera to capture the low lit spaces. Which ther are low lit spaces every where as they have no electricity.
While there I thought of The Great Depression and how there were work projects started to get people moving again. I saw many just sitting around.
While we were there John delivered the audio bibles to the preachers. After it was explained to them they seemed to really enjoy it. I couldn’t help but to think what it was going to do for those families, in way of knowing what the bible says. How those kids would be exposed so much more of the word. Each of them had it playing seemed like 24/7 after we gave it to them. To the point that I was ready to take them back so I could turn it off.Non the less what a blessing that will be.
I think it was a great trip. I was able to capture as much as I could. I thank God as I felt prepared for the experience thanks to all the camping/hiking my family has done and I truly LOVED IT. All except the germs I got on the last day. But but a little Cipro took care of them. I am back to normal now. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I do. These people are truly special.
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