Last Thoughts as We Prepare to Come Home

This morning started off with trips to two more guest houses to check out their accommodations as we prepare to see what a trip to Haiti would look like for a small group of people at our church. The first guesthouse was also an orphanage, which consisted of primarily children with special needs. It was heartbreaking to see these kids, some of whom were sick and most of whom were malnourished. I would say that this sight, and knowing that it can be replicated thousands of times around the country, was one of our personal lows for the week. It is very easy to be overwhelmed with the needs in Haiti and to see any work done as a mere drop in the bucket. However, by concentrating on small, strategic areas where one can make an impact and allowing God to work through us to make an even larger impact; we believe that we will see change that is evident of the Kingdom.


The second Guest House we went to was called Matthew 25 (not related to M25M in Cincinnati). The nun, who ran the guest house, appeared to have been traumatized by the quake and told us that she only recently stopped sleeping in a tent two weeks ago, even though the guest house was completely sound and intact. The guest house did have, however, an incredible gift shop made up of wares from various artisans in the PAP area. Ashley was particularly happy about this stop and it shows with her extra bag to check in, which she credits as a contribution to both the local artisans and the Matthew 25 ministry. Matthew 25 has a number of programs in the area including hosting a tent community of 700 (previously 2,000), primary school serving the tent community kids and surrounding area, basketball court, and previous emergency medical clinic immediately following the earthquake. Note: The picture of the colorful table was previously the surgical table used post-quake. 

We then went to an area of PAP, down a back alleyway known as the metal market. We entered small tiny houses made up of 2 rooms no bigger than our closets or half-baths displaying from floor to ceiling their beautiful metal wares. Our group purchased several things here as well. The team agreed that this area would be a great place to take a small team prior to departing Haiti.

We then came home and began debriefing the week. We went through all the things we had seen and what the needs were. We then brainstormed as to what each of our visions were of a small team week. Then we packed for the trip home in the morning.

We’ve seen many disheartening things this week: a severely impoverished and devastated nation, mass malnutrition, unmet medical needs, intense driving conditions, continued deforestation. While all of these have affected us, it has been our one on one encounters with children and families involved in restavek or in orphanages that will stay with us. This is not a place for the faint of heart.

However, there were also many positives: the five churches led by Pastor Leon, and its many programs in the poorest areas of the city. He has developed effective and efficient programs with minimal costs. Another bright light was the faces of the children, when we waved at them. Children are considered to be the lowest on the totem pole in Haiti, and rarely get played with. It was refreshing to see children play in Sous Savanne with Catherine and Ashley on an impromptu basis. It was really the only time I saw children play as a large group. It was also uplifting to see the people of Sous Savanne be excited and chip in to put up the Hope Force tents. Last, but not least, was all the great programs that the Restavek Freedom Foundation (RFF) had put into place. It was clear that Ray and Joan Conn, the founders of Restavek Freedom Foundation, had clearly invested in many if not all of them. Watching women, who were happy to have a meeting place, or people who were thankful to have a school to go to (because their tuition was paid or because their school had been reopened), due to the RFF. All of these were things that guided one to the truth that one can make a difference in Haiti, especially if their hearts are open to giving of themselves and allowing God to work through them.