Rooted 2016… Day 5

Hey everyone, it’s Katie here. Tonight’s blog has two people writing so sorry for any confusion. The day started out bright and early today as the group went out to do hut-to-hut evangelism in downtown Mole. I stayed behind to rest from the busy day before and to play with the orphans (which is why Bailey will chime in later on). The market came and we were able to buy some beautiful souvenirs for our families. There were beautiful paintings, wooden boxes and pots, and so many other amazing things that are hard to believe were handmade. It was amazing how everything was cheap compared to what we Americans are used to, but every cent helped the Haitians get what they need.

After lunch, we took the orphans to the beach, where they collected hermit crabs, or “” in a plastic soda bottle. Although we all tried to save the hermit crabs from their doom, our efforts were pointless since they put them back in the bottle. After an hour or so, we were able to take a break and play in the ocean without little kids to keep track of. Overall, it was a beautiful day at the beach even though the recent storms caused higher waves. Although it was still hot and very humid with a slight muggy feeling, the cool ocean breeze made the bright sun less intense and the humidity less noticeable.

Tonight is another movie night for the orphans and tonight we are watching Peanuts. This is one of many examples of how language and culture barriers never stop them from having fun.

Hey all! Bailey here to tell you about the awesome hut-to-hut evangelism we did today! When we first started out I was pretty stubborn mentally. Evangelism is not something that I am comfortable with whatsoever so this was really coming out of my comfort zone. We split up into two small groups of 5 and headed out with our interpreters to go evangelize to the people of the Mole. While we were starting our journey to find some people to talk to, my thoughts were going a little like this: “there is no way you are going to get me to go up to someone’s hut and ask them if they know Jesus or if we should pray. I’m gonna be as stubborn as a donkey and make everyone else do it. I’ll play with the kids, but I’m NOT going to go out on a limb and talk to these people.” Clearly, God had different plans for me.

Some of our most seasoned veterans helped start us out by showing us the ropes. With the help of our interpreter, Kenson, we walked up to our first hut. Although this woman didn’t want prayer, we kept on going and found another place to ask. These people were very open to having us pray for them. Within minutes, we had a ton of children running up to us and wanting their nails painted or to play jump rope. Now, I’m not a woman who enjoys wearing skirts, nail polish, make up, or anything of that sort (this trip has brought me WAY out of my shell). Before I knew it, I had a bottle of nail polish and a bunch of little girls surrounding me, begging to have their nails painted. I have never painted anyone’s nails before so I did not do the best job, but the girls were smiling and so happy to have pretty colors on their nails (also, how cool is it that I can say my first time painting nails was in Haiti!?!?). As we continued onto different huts, this crowd of children followed us down the road.

After this first hut, this evangelism thing didn’t seem too bad or too intimidating. Next thing I knew, I was in the front of the line and asking a woman if there was anything we could pray for. She requested that we pray for her children’s education and that their house gets the repairs that it needed. This woman also told us that she had seven children! Praying for someone with an interpreter is incredibly interesting but it was so powerful to hear the prayer I was saying being spoken in a different language. It is such an incredible reminder that God knows no language and hears our cries no matter how we speak. We continued on for another hour or so before we began to head back to our mission base. As we were walking back, a little boy walked up to me and grabbed my hand. A minute or so later, another little boy grabbed my other hand.

My heart has been so full since we landed in the Mole. Children are not afraid to walk up to you and hold your hand or ask to be held. Random children that I have never seen will run up to me with a smile on their face and give me a great big hug. I have never had a child hold onto me like some of these kids have before. I have never had a child look at me like the kids of the Mole have. I cannot put into words how these children make me feel. I have had to hold back tears every day since we have been here. Not because I feel sad for these people, but because I am so touched by who they are and how they have touched my life. Their smiles light up my day and fill my heart with so much joy. These children have put a handprint on my heart that will never fade away and will never become dull. This hut-to-hut thing turned out to be quite the amazing experience!

Eric Beyler: I hope the kids are treating you well on Sunday! I miss all of them dearly and cannot wait to see them soon! Give them lots of love from Ms. Bailey!

And… it’s Katie again. As the ten days to the Mole comes to an end, I think of how crazy and yet amazing this journey has been. Before we left, we were told to have no expectations because anything can happen, which is so true. I never expected to dislocate my knee getting into an airplane of all places or even something as simple as the intense heat and humidity. Thank you all for your prayers and support—it means so much to every single one of us. God has truly done amazing things throughout this trip and not just to the Haitians. I know that all of us have grown so much from this amazing experience, all thanks to you for supporting us. Also, thanks for the comments—it makes our day to hear from you guys (thanks, Mom, Grandma and Grandpa :P). Goodnight, everyone, see you tomorrow!