July 17, 2013

Three years ago today, God in His providence, caused my path to intersect with a little guy named Handy.  Handy was three years old at the time.  I met many, many children at different orphanages that day, but Handy was the one my heart could not forget.

Only God could have known what the future would hold.   About six months later, God brought our lives back together. The circumstances surrounding our reunion can only be explained as God's enabling.

When we said goodbye that day in early 2014, we had no idea when . . . or even if . . .we would ever see each other again.  But God knew!

In July 2014, our paths intersected again.  And this time, Rick and I knew we had to do something.  We weren't sure what something was, but we knew we had a future with Handy.

When Haiti Awake was founded in October that year, the very first children's Bible school we did was with Handy and the other children at his home.

Since that first trip, every Haiti Awake team has held Bible schools with the children, and thanks to team members who came and got a vision for the future, we are now doing life with Handy and his friends.  The children now have better living conditions and a constant food supply, and they are going to school.

One life encounter has turned into many friendships and lots of love for Handy.

“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.”

— Psalm 92:4

This photo was taken in January of 2015 as we said goodbye after a week of Bible schools with the children.  It was so hard to leave that day because, at that time, we had no communication between trips.   This entire team felt so burdened for the children, but we still didn't know what the future would hold.  But God knew.

Just over three months later, God provided a way for the children to move to their current home . . . which is roughly a mile away from our Haiti Awake home.   He provided funds for monthly food.  And He provided a vision of the future.

Just a month after that, God added Polo to our Haiti Awake staff . . . with his primary responsibility being the children.

And one month after that, God provided the finances for the children . . .  Handy and all of his friends . . .to go to school for the first time.

Now goodbyes look like this. . . because goodbyes aren't goodbyes.  They're "see you later"s.  We know there will be another trip soon, and we know Polo, Hudson and Wesly will send plenty of photos in the meantime.

“You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.”

— Psalm 40:5

Getting outside the walls

Yesterday our kids had the opportunity to go on a summer field trip with Hudson, Polo, Dieussait, and Wesly.    One of our goals as we walk through life with them is to expand their world, helping them to see possibilities they never imagined.  Each trip outside of the orphanage allows them an opportunity to learn and grow.

Thankful for monthly support that provides the funds needed for days like this.

Mutuality

So . . . I've been home for a week.  But it feels like much longer.  And, I'm counting down the days until I go back to Haiti.

As usual, people ask, "How was Haiti?" and as usual, I don't really have an answer.  It's like there's no explanation, no way to explain everything that's in my heart, everything that's on my mind, everything I'm still trying to sort through.

On the one hand, this trip was AMAZING.  For the first time ever, our family spent several days in Haiti . . . just "being" with our friends and co-workers.  It was incredible.

It's been a year since we were all in Haiti at the same time.  I treasured the days we passed together!

Also, I had the privilege of being with Steeve and Manoucheka again as they welcomed a new addition to their family . . . this time it was Baby Lorie.

Further, we hosted some wonderful people who encouraged us all greatly, including the group from Mission Made Jewelry - the first-of-its-kind trip for Haiti Awake.

On the other hand, this trip ripped my heart up all over again.  I tell myself that after 20 trips I should know "that"/ be able to process "that"/ be numb to "that" . . . and yet "that" can  bring my tears time and time again.

Often, the "thats" are too personal to share publicly, out of respect to our Haitian friends and co-workers.  And often a "that" can't be shared because, unless you've been there, unless you've seen it, unless you have some true idea of what life is like in Haiti, you won't understand why "that" is the way it is, or why it is so hurtful, or why it can't be fixed with a simple solution.

I'm thankful for American friends who, like us,  want to understand Haiti better, who are investing their hearts, their time, their money alongside of us.  I'm thankful for Haitian co-workers who are infinitely patient with our American ways, our impatience, and our lack of understanding on so many issues, Haitian friends who love us as we are and give us so much grace time and time again.

“True love flows out of mutuality, where we blur the lines between those who are serving and those who are receiving, and where we humbly acknowledge that we all have something to offer and something to receive from one another. ”

— Craig Greenfield

Happy birthday, Miss Phebe!

Happy 10th birthday to the sweetest girl with the cutest dimples.  We love you, Phebe.

“Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes.”

— Psalm 119:135

Donalson Antoine

On our very first trip to Haiti, we met a little boy.  His name was Donalson.

We came home from that first trip having met many, many people.  A few of them we just couldn't forget.  Donalson was one of them.  We knew him, and he knew us.

In fact, when Jared and I went back to Haiti a few months later, Donalson was one of the first people to greet us upon our arrival.  To say we loved him would be an understatement.  There was just something special about him.

And so a friendship began.  With each trip to Haiti, we looked forward to seeing Donalson and spending time with him.  He frequently came to visit.  He was bright, inquisitive, ready to learn.  He never once said, "Hey, YOU. YOU!" and he never asked for anything.  We knew his name, he knew ours, and what we shared was shared out of love.

He gave us beautiful drawings, and we often gave him the paper and pencils with which to draw.

When Haiti Awake was founded in October of 2014, Donalson began to come by our house to visit.  He then started coming to the neighborhood Bible schools, but it was obvious he was uncomfortable.  He wanted to be with us, but he is not a child anymore.

Soon Donalson was helping us at Bible schools - distributing crafts and snacks, helping with crowd control . . . even doing some interpreting.

And at some point . . . he became part of the Haiti Awake family.  He's an essential part of our team.

And so, today we are very proud to announce that Donalson Antoine is officially part of our staff at Haiti Awake.

God is good.

“
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

— Psalm 32:8

What a fine young man Donalson is becoming.  

A special announcement

We at Haiti Awake are happy to announce that Dieussait and Alanta have been added to our staff.  We look forward to an amazing summer serving together.

 Dieussait will be supervising the kitchen and other parts of household management, and Alanta will be assisting her.

Dieussait began helping us with teams in October 2014 when Haiti Awake hosted its first team.  Since that time she has been a consistent, faithful presence, and we are thankful for her kind ways and sweet spirit - as well as her amazing cooking skills.

Alanta began helping last summer when we had our busy June with three back-to-back-to-back teams.  She has been dependable and pleasant to interact with.  We are thankful for her willingness to help where needed.

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

— Luke 16:10

Happy birthday, Woodlin!

Look who's 11 years old today!

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

— Numbers 6:24-26

Praising God for His Goodness

“Thanks for all your prayers and support for the school year. I have learned so much for the first year.”

— Steeve Derard

Last night of the 2015-2016 school year

We often commemorate firsts in life and forget to acknowledge lasts, so tonight we want to acknowledge Steeve's last night at STEP for this school year.

When Haiti Awake was founded in October of 2014, we knew one thing:  Steeve felt called of God to pursue his education.  And we knew that God was calling us to walk alongside him on the journey.

Last year Steeve went back to high school and graduated.  And then he was accepted into STEP for this school year.    We thank God for so many things as we look back.  And as we look forward.

Thank you to those of you who have supported Haiti Awake with your prayers, your time, your donations, and your finances.  Without you, this night would not have been possible.

“My mouth will tell about Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot sum them up. ”

— Psalm 71:15

Happy Birthday, Stevenly!

You are a special part of Haiti Awake, and we praise God for you, Stevenly.  

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”  

                                                                                                                      -----Zephaniah 3:17

Happy birthday to Idelmy and Migerlson!

Idelmy is 14 today, and Migerlson is 11.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 1:6

Happy birthday, Boys!

Happy birthday, Hudson!

Today we celebrate the 24th birthday of our friend and co-worker, Hudson!  We are blessed to know him.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

— Numbers 6:24-26

Happy 1st Birthday, Caleb!

We love the Derard family.  Simply love them.  They are part of OUR family.

And today, as they celebrate Caleb’s 1st birthday, we can’t help by think about the goodness of God in their lives over the past year.  God is faithful.

Caleb's Birth Story:

http://www.haitiawake.org/news/2015/5/15/caleb-steven-derard-2

Caleb's first day at Bible school, March, 2016

“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
How great are Your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep.”

— Psalm 92: 4-5

“Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
Never once did we ever walk alone

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Ever more we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful.”

— Ingram, Redman, and Wanstall

Never Once by Matt Redman on the album 10,000 Reasons which is available from itunes. Enjoy, and God bless.

Looking in the Rearview Mirror

I journal a great deal, especially when I am in Haiti.  But I've never really shared any of that publicly.  But I think today is a good day to share a little bit of what I wrote back in 2013.

“July 15:
I am sitting at EpiDor waiting for Steeve. Maybe I will be able to bear the next few days if he visits for a while. The last 24 hours have been very difficult for me - emotional ups and downs . . . mostly downs.

I feel so isolated up there at Children’s Lifeline. I hope it will get easier as the days go by. I don’t know why I feel this way . . .

Sitting here, I am beginning to wonder, “Have I become too comfortable where we are at MTH?” God is definitely stretching me.

Micah 6:8 is running through my mind: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Evening:
Lunch with Steeve was encouraging. He had the words to say that I needed to hear. He reminded me of how the Bensons are leaving and it’s God’s plan. He reminded me that God has a plan for my life - each moment.


July 17:
Today I went with Hillary, Assiah, and Robenson into PaP to do sponsorship work. Three different orphanages. All so different.

July 18:
From Dan Huffstutler’s Facebook this morning. Luke 17:10: “When you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’

What an incredible week of seeing a land God has not forgotten.”

This photo of this sign eventually led us back to the children I met on July 17 - the children we now have under our care.

You see, today, April 12, 2016, is a day that brought all of this full circle.  A day when I can look back and see how God was working everything together for good.

Without that difficult week, I would never have met Tyler.  We would never have become friends.  And I'd have one less person in my life who gets me, gets my love for Haiti . . . and loves Haiti just as much . . . if not more!  Tyler knows how hard that week was for me because he was right there to listen to me cry.  We didn't know each other before, but we became friends and have kept in touch ever since.  And I'm so thankful for that!

Without that difficult week, I would never have met the children we now consider part of our Haiti Awake family . . . children we feel tremendous responsibility for . . . children we know by name and love with our whole hearts.

First photo of Handy and me together.  Such precious memories!

Without that difficult week, I probably wouldn't speak nor understand Creole as well as I do because a little over a year ago, Tyler introduced me to Gloria Board who became my Creole teacher, as well as a mentor.  I love Gloria, and I am so thankful that God providentially put her in my life to help me learn and grow and understand more.  

 In June of 2014 Tyler and I got the opportunity to visit Gloria and her husband at their home in Haiti.  What a blessing that was! Gloria has helped me in so many ways in understanding and loving Haiti better. 

Today I got a series of photos from Polo.  He was at our orphanage . . . and Tyler was visiting with some of his friends from Children's Lifeline.  And I was so struck by the goodness of God in bringing all of the circumstances of the last three years together.  

Partnerships in Haiti are so important.   Those of us who love Haiti need each other.  We can't do this alone.

Three years ago I had no idea where we would be today.   No idea.  But God did.

“My God is awesome
He can move mountains
Keep me in the valley
Hide me from the rain

My God is awesome
Heals me when I’m broken
Gives strength where I’ve been weakened
Forever He will reign”

— Charles Jenkins

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.”

— Psalm 40:1

"They are more than can be told"

Psalm 40:5
You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.

Reflections on Four Years

On March 12, 2012, the Graves family landed in Haiti for the first time.  Little did we know how this one trip would change our lives in so many ways.

One of the first photos we took after we landed.  Mountains upon mountains.

We have learned so much, and we still have so much to learn.  Perhaps the most important thing we've learned is summed up in this quote from the book, Overrated:

“We need to do away with the “I can change the whole world” mentality and language because it’s impossible, and actually unhelpful.

But we can impact the worlds of some. And some may be many. Some may be just a few. Some may be just one family or one person, but we can make an impact and in the process, be changed ourselves. This, in my opinion, is the best part of wanting to change the world. Inevitably, we will be changed in the process.”

— Eugene Cho

There are so many people in Haiti.  So many.   We'll never know them all.  
But . . . we're incredibly thankful for the few we are privileged to call friends.  Because their story has become part of our story.  

And, si Dye vle, there are many chapters still to write.

“ Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.”

— I John 3:18

Happy Birthday, Polo!

We are blessed beyond words to have you as part of Haiti Awake, zanmi m.  May God richly bless you in the coming year.

Keep living out I Timothy 4:12:  "Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

 

Happy 13th Birthday, Cesnel!

Cesnel, you are loved.  

Praying Psalm 20:4 over you today: "May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose."

Seven Steps to Poverty

From this morning's reading in He Walks Among Us.

'One of the most difficult things to communicate is what it feels like to be poor in the developing world.  How can Americans really understand global poverty without travelling to see it?  Let me try to help you understand, simply by taking seven things away from you, one at a time.  Ready?

First, I take away your clothes.  Don’t panic, I won’t take them all.  You can keep the clothes on your back and wash them each night.  Your children feel the brunt of this humiliation at school.

Next, I take away your electricity.  Now you come home to a dark house each night.  None of your appliances work: no refrigerator, telephone, television, computer or stereo.  Your showers are cold and you have to wash your clothes by hand.  Your quality of life has dropped precipitously.  But you are still better off than most of the world.

Takeaway No. 3 is really tough: clean water.  None of your faucets, toilets, or showers work, and the only water source is a stagnant waterhole about a mile away.  It takes hours each day to fetch what you need, and because it is teeming with bacteria, you and your children are constantly sick.  Despair starts to set in.

 I’m afraid I have to take away even more: your home.  Now you and your whole family must live and sleep in a 20-by-20 mud hut with a dirt floor.  When it rains, the roof leaks and the floor turns muddy. 

Takeway No. 5 is devastating: food.  Your children have long ago lost their smiles; now they are hungry with a gnawing pain.  You find a little food by picking through your neighbor’s garbage.  Already sick from exposure to the elements and from drinking dirty water, your children’s bodies become severely malnourished and cannot fight off diseases.  Your 4-year old girl seems to be slipping away.

 Getting her to the doctor is urgent but, tragically, No. 6 takeaway is health care.  To your horror, your daughter dies before your very eyes – of diarrhea.  How can this be happening?  Why has no one stepped in to help? 

What else could I possibly take away?  No. 7 is Hope.  Without these basic necessities of life, you and your children have no hope for the future.

 Poverty, for most of us, is distant and remote.  But this is the pain that billions on our earth endure each day.”

Author - Richard Stearns

"You Can Tell All My Friends in Haiti Awake I Am a New Person Now"

2 Korentyen 5 v 17
Kifè ankò, depi yon moun nan Kris, li se yon nouvo kreyasyon. Ansyen bagay yo pase. Epi, gade! Tout bagay vin nouvo.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.

We are rejoicing with Wesly. Glwa pou Bondye.

A Year of Abundant Blessings

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.”

— 2 Corinthians 9:8

January - March

Highlights

• The 2nd Haiti Awake team

• Food for Haiti Yard Sale 2015

• Steeve's 2nd visit to the United States

April - May

Highlights

• Time together

• Caleb's birth

• The children move into their new home

June - July

• Three Amazing Teams

• Strengthening relationships and growing together

August - September 

• Funding received for the children's schooling

• A 4th summer team

• Steeve began seminary

October - December

• Haiti Awake's 6th team 

• The children's first day of school

• A new wheelchair for a special boy

 

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. ”

— Ephesians 3:20-21

Believing Ephesians 3:20-21 as we enter 2016.