March 15, 2015 Haiti day 3 counting travel
I woke this morning before the sun. Not wanting to rise yet, I laid in bed thinking about the devotional Morgan gave yesterday morning. She talked about the body of Christ and how we are all vital parts of this body. I began to pray for our team, that they feel valued, that they come to know the part that they are. I prayed for the lips to speak truth, the arms to touch those in need, and the pinky to keep us balanced. I prayed for their individual bodies as well, that their eyes see people the way He does, for their hearts to break for what breaks His and their ears to hear their whispers. The wind howls and I think about the Holy Spirit, coming like the wind to fill this place with all that He is. Something big is coming, we’re waiting.
I stayed in the mole this morning to help with children’s church (AKA my happy place). The pavilion became a church as little ones flooded in wearing their Sunday best. Only 4 of us stayed so we are immediately bombarded by tiny bodies, ready to braid our hair and use us human jungle gyms. I sat with Fedna for a while, playing with her hands and writing words on her palms. Her grins and giggles could cure cancer, I swear. Church began with a memory verse and I did my best to keep up. The babes found my Creole hilarious, as did I. We moved to games where I noticed a certain little person attached to my leg. I looked down to see Sondley, the precious boy I took to the orphanage 3 years ago on my first trip to the Mole. My perfect little angel, with dark eyes and an innocent smile. My heart throbbed with joy. He reached up to be held and I obliged ungrudgingly. He wrapped tightly around my neck squeezing me, occasionally releasing to kiss my cheek and return to the embrace. Holy cow, I love this boy. The next hour and a half was spent with him pointing where he wanted to walk, me taking him there, and him kissing me on the cheek. Point, walk, kiss, repeat. I wasn’t even a little bit mad.
Sunday afternoon was reserved for the Sabbath. We spent this time enjoying the Haitian sun and team bonding. We’ve been so blessed with our team this year. Please pray for us as we travel to different villages this week. Pray for our Body and the people of this sensational country.
As I type this, I’m getting my whole head braided. Closest think my hippie head an get to dreads. Sorry, mom.
Love love love,
Shannon (YLA)
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Today some of us were able to travel to a small fishing village about 20 minutes out side of the mole to attend church, they told us it would be a nice little walk but the nice little walk ended up being a hike. Once we got there we were able to walk around town encouraging the residents to join us in community to listen to Gods word. At least 30 or 40 showed up to listen to the message given by none other than Al Martin! Al just hit them with the Gospel! It’s always so cool watching peoples facial expressions hearing the Gospel no matter if they have heard it before. I know for me each time I hear it I am reminded of how GOOD my God is, and how much He loves his people, while we are still sinners Christ died for US!!
After church we were able to just play with some of the local children and adults. We were able to play Little Sally Walker, it is SO cool to see how even though there is a major language barrier we were still able to dance around and act silly. Being silly is international. While we were there I encountered a little boy about 4 and I noticed that he couldn’t move his elbow, we assumed he had broken his arm before and it wasn’t adjusted into place properly. My heart broke for this child as there was nothing I can do to help him, but I KNOW my Father can. Something I have to remember while I’m in Haiti is I’m not here to “save” these people, I’m here to love and serve these people, I can’t save them only Jesus Christ can.
The rest of the day was spent team bonding! Growing together as a team is something that is so important just because these are the people that you are serving and loving with. These are the people that you will turn to when you see something that breaks your heart, they are the ones who will build you up when you feel like you can’t move another inch. One of my favorite things about coming to Haiti is growing and bounding with people that you may of just met. Some of my best friends I made a year ago on this trip (shout out to you Ashlyn! LYLAS) I also took an incredible nap, much needed rest!
Another day in Haiti and another day of the Lord reveling himself through precious smiles of Haitians from all ages. Even through tough situations, not great living conditions and HUMID heat they still find a way to smile and show us love, their smile encourages me to love stronger, hug harder, and that the reason we do have hope in tough situations is through our Savior Jesus Christ. Pray for the hearts that we will encounter as we start the youth conference tomorrow.
Romans 8:37-39,
Averie
I blogged for you Rita Holder!
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