Crave Light Haiti Trip- April 2012
What a beautiful and eventful day. We were blessed to start the morning meditating on God’s word together. His precious words are so powerful and life-giving. Proverbs 11:25 states “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” Our Savior assures us that as we serve others, He is blessing us. Such a loving and encouraging truth to start a day of ministry.
After our breakfast, we may or may not have shown up late, we left for a one hour tap-tap ride to the village of Daniel. For those who may not be familiar with the term tap-tap, please let me enlighten you as all five of us are now intimately familiar. A tap-tap is a truck with wooden benches in the bed. Surprisingly, the benches are to sit on during long bumpy gravel/dirt roads. We made it to the village and had the opportunity to go hut-to-hut offering solar lights to the people in Daniel. We split up into different groups and gave out almost 60 lights, one per hut! At each hut we had the opportunity to share how the light represents the light of Jesus. What a blessing to be able to share about the love of Christ with the people of Daniel. As we walked throughout the village we invited all of the kids to a VBS at the school.
As the kids gathered inside many parents gathered around the building to listen and observe. We sang wonderful Haitian songs and then Meredith shared the story of the resurrection through her son’s lovingly loaned resurrection eggs. Then we did a craft where each child got a crown and some stickers to decorate them with. Kim shared how Jesus is our King and we are His children. YAY!!!!! Then we took the tap-tap back for lunch.
On the soccer field we threw a carnival for the kids in the Mole. We painted nails, played all kinds of games, face painted, and acted like clowns. The kids loved it and we had a blast. Afterwards we finished up and headed to the orphanage to love on the kids and take some pictures of the girls in their beautiful dresses. They all were a little groggy after their nap, but all it took was a rousing cross-cultural rendition of “If You Are Happy and You Know It.” Clapping and yelling amen is the same for kids in every nation. After changing in to our bathing suits in the room with a rooster. We headed for the beach. What a blessing to enjoy the beauty of God’s magnificent creation after a long but wonderful day of sharing His love.
*****
Addition to the blog
How honored and blessed to be apart of this team. Every has been so amazing because we have been keeping busy.
Today, passing the lights out to the families was so amazing. Can not wait to tell everyone about our trip..
I do miss the first Haiti team. It feels really weird being here without you guys.
I miss you and love you Danny and Gabby.
Kim
What a difference each one of you are making! God is using each one your talents and abilities to glorify Him and bless others. Keep planting those seeds!
Love and miss you Joy!
Gabby and I are so thankful to be sharing in your joy. Keep on lighting up the Mole for Christ, vanquishing the darkness and filling the hearts of those who are ready to experience freedom in Christ. The joy that comes from the Holy Spirit is evident in each of the pictures from your day. Our prayers continually lift each of you up by name.
You are our joy.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
Love you all, but miss my wife the mostest,
-Danny
So proud of you guys!!! Being the FACE of Jesus – what could be a better gift for these amazing people??!! We are loving the pics and stories, and will continue to pray for your strength and wisdom for the rest of your visit. (Thanks for the shout out, Kim & Meredith! Love you guys so much!! Got your cough drops??). — Katie
I so wish I was back there with all of you! You are doing amazing work for the Kingdom. I know the kids there are having an absolute blast being involved in your activities, as I have seen firsthand how Kim does a wonderful job with VBS. I just hope she doesn’t flash any of the villagers this time around… Jody, any chance you could put Meredith to work digging a ditch somewhere? Keep up the fantastic work, and I can’t tell you how anxious Katie and I are to hear in detail your experiences – those you’ve already had, and those awaiting you. The Mole will always be a part of you now! Remember, what happens in the Mole does not stay in the Mole!!!
Oh, and sorry my post wasn’t longer, but I have to go take a nice, long hot shower to get ready for work.
Tiffany and I are so excited to hear about this practical way to provide some comfort to the people of Haiti. We are also excited to see you getting to love on some beautiful little children. We are even more excited that you guys are getting a wonderful opportunity to boldly share the gospel with the villagers. Stay safe! Can’t wait to hear you share the story from the stage when you return!
Way to go Ladies!! So proud and excited for each and everyone of you!! All the pictures are so great and your faces are full of joy!! Love you all so much!! Thank you again for your service and your love for the Haiti people!! Have an amazing Day 3!!
-Heather Ferris
Wrote a healthy’ comment last night but not sure where it went. Love you ladies and our prayers of boldness against the darkness continue. For the light inside you is good, it vanquishes all darkness.
Miss my woman.
Danny
Kim had us laughing until we cried last night!!
Wow, ladies!!! You’ve been busy, busy, busy!! I’m so glad your time has been filled with so many opportunities to show God’s love! And I’m anxious to hear the stories behind EACH picture – I know they each have one! Praying for rest at night to sustain your long but amazing days! Your courage, boldness, and obedience make us all so proud and inspire and encourage us as well! Thank you for being the faithful servants that you are! Praying you through your remaining time on the ground there and as you travel home tomorrow! We love you all! Melissa Hoover
sooooooooooooooooo amazing!!! Love being able to see this through your eyes, ladies. At what point does the crying stop??? Prayers for enduring strength for your hearts and bodies! Patty Laramore
Loving the updates. So amazing to see the lights in action. Kim you are so strong – slinging those bowling pins around like that! Meredith – love hearing how you used the resurrection eggs – Awesome! Keep it up ladies – we are so proud of you all! Kelly, hate to tell you this but the North Carolina basketball program is under investigation. Just kidding!
Bart
Super excited for you guys! Just going through all the pictures just reminds me how much I miss the Mole. Gods creations is just simply beautiful. I’m so glad to know that we have women in our church who will stand up and be bold in the name of Jesus. Its been very encouraging! Cant wait to hear whats going on around the Mole with all that God has been dong through you ladies. We’ll I’m super proud of each you. Take care. LOVE and PEACE.
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.”
– Isaiah 42:16
HAHAHAHA I saw NINO!!!!!!! Hes gettin it with the sack race!!!!!!
So glad to hear things are going well. God certainly has his hands on each on of you as you share his story and praise his name with these children of his! I continue to pray for you to be guided in your journey and can’t wait to hear how these days have changed your life! Love to you all! Julie Jefferson