1st week in Haiti

My first week in Haiti has been an interesting one, full of adventures (riding in the back of a pickup truck with 20 other people during a tropical storm), new foods (raw sugar cane), and God(Yay!).

We spent most of the week doing work around campus. Myself and 2 other girls worked at the school here. We reorganized their library, art room, and cleared out the field next to it (mowing a lawn with a machete is probably the best bicep workout ever). Other people from our team did yard work, cleaning other rooms, and refurbishing the sanctuary. One day, after work duties, we took a trip to the city hospital. White walls. No windows. The sick and the hurt in the same room. Disease everywhere. Every person we talked to had a sad story, but they are so full of hope. They all wanted prayer. Even when we prayed for healing and nothing happened right away, they were so thankful.

Another day, 3 of us went to an orphanage. 1 floor. 5 rooms. 15 kids. 2 adults. 2 meals a day. Rice or protein shake. Not enough toys. Not enough attention. The moment we walked in, they were hugging and kissing us. They didn't even care that we couldn't speak their language. They found ways around it. We danced, we played hand games, they taught us how to count in Creole. The kids melt your heart. They have absolutely nothing but hope and love, and they give it to you.

On Saturday, a group of 10 or so of us girls hiked up one of the hills that surround St Marc. It is a completely different atmosphere up there. Everyone is so relaxed and care free, where is down on the streets they are so busy. When we pass kids, they would just join our group, hiking the mountain with us.

The spiritual realm is so much more evident here than at home. Its the real deal. People worship satan and want to be demonically possessed because they think it is a good thing. The voodoo drums and chants can be heard at night. I can walk into a building and know there is darkness there, becuase my spirit can feel it. Others feel it too. This is where the power of prayer comes into play. What else can we do but call on the power of Jesus? It is not us who is going to change Haiti, but Jesus through us. He is going to cast out the darkness and reclaim Haiti as His child, as they were originally created to be.

I love prayer! here are a few things you can be praying for
-My team as we prepare to go into the tent cities next week
-Finances for the 200 hour burn
-Safety for my team ( no one has been sick yet, PTL!)

Thank you and love you all!