Category: Other Travels

Bonswa,

Around 4:45am we (the guys, the girls couldn’t wake up till 7) awoke to a beautiful glowing orange light that shone through the sky and into the bedrooms. After coffee and a group stretch on the roof and a quick instant oatmeal breakfast, we joined the people of Terre Blanche to worship God at Church. Inside the tiny hall, we were welcomed (sat in the front) and looked out at the beautiful smiling faces listening to Pastor Delamy lead the service. Michelle and Justin sang a couple of worship songs and our team leader Linda, gave a wonderful sermon about thinking on what is good, holy, and pure and as an example, asked them to consider the story of William Willburforce (Wikipedia it if you don’t know who he is, or watch “Amazing Grace” the movie, one of our favs).  Linda also encouraged me to share something about my experience so far with the congregation (she introduced me saying that I was the one on the group that liked to talk)

After lunch we toured the surrounding area which included a visit to a neighbor’s newly built home, watching kids play in the river, a mango grove, and greetings from smiling children and residents (pictures to come later, sorry). All in all, life here is simple, but joyful and we have felt extremely welcomed. One thing of special note is how extraordinary the care is for our team. Every detail is thought of from making sure that we have TP at a rest stop, to cleaning every dish and place with extreme care. They always watch out for our safety and go out of their way to make sure that we are comfortable and cared for.

Tonight Justin performs for the people of Terre Blanche at an outdoor concert and tomorrow we will observe the medical clinic in action with Papa Joe and Dr. Janan.

More to come…. Nou dwe ale (we have to go),

J & M

Bonswa! (greetings in Haitian)

After a 25 hour trip (three planes & and six hour memorable drive) we finally made it to Terre Blanche, Haiti, where God greeted us through the people here with songs and love. So beautiful. I wish we could describe to you what we have experienced so far but this won’t do it justice (you’ll have to wait for further posts). We have limited time to blog but just wanted you all to know that we are safe and loving everything we are experiencing. Thanks for all your love and support and we’ll keep you updated throughout the week.

Na we anko,

J & M

In less than 24 hrs. Michelle and I will be heading out to Haiti (Terre Blanche to be exact, east and close to the city of Gonaives, north of the capital or Port Au Prince) and the one question that seems to be on my mind is “why?”. With all the busyness that has been happening in our lives, I haven’t really had a chance to really reflect on why it is that we are going to Haiti, nor do I feel I have a good or true sense of what the answer is. All I know is that I have a strong feeling that being there, I will find my answer.

I have mixed emotions about the trip. I’m excited (never been traveling to such a destination before), i’m nervous (never traveled to such a place before), and even a bit anxious for fear of my own safety and security (as I know what I am about too experience is nothing I can even imagine). To be honest, i’ve never really thought of myself as one who could ever see themselves travel outside the country to serve or seek this type of life experience. I’ve always used the excuse that I wasn’t really interested, but in fact, I was just scared. I love to travel, discover, and meet knew people. I also love my own comfort and safety and I think a part of me knows that going to a country with so much need would rock my world, shake my foundations, and change my outlook on life. I won’t be able to ignore what I know exists. It’s like seeing people holding cardboard signs on the side of the road. I want to do something but don’t know what and instead of doing anything, I distract myself with something that I think is important and do nothing.  Maybe that’s “why” I am going to Haiti, to find a way to do something in this world for others and not worry about myself….

J

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We travel from Portland to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to Florida, and Florida to Haiti

Please keep the team and people of Terre Blanche (the area that we will be serving) in your thoughts and prayers.

Michelle and I will be updating this blog if we can, as well as my twitter account: jeddster

You can also track what our team is up at the Haiti Foundation of Hope’s news section found here. (The main page link can be found to the right)

To learn more about the Haiti Foundation of Hope and the amazing things they do, you can either read or watch their video