HAY HAY its Alyssa
Today was such a fun day, an early day for some, but a fun day for all. My small group was on construction day, but I was lucky enough to get to work in the medical clinic. I promise I am not just using excuses to not put in manual labor, I am going to make it up later in the week so I can show the boys what hard work looks like. The other two small groups went to Ka Pa Fu (they woke up at 5:45am…yikes) a fishing village that they had to take a boat to.
The medical clinic saw 23 patients today. We saw babies, toddlers, teens, and the elderly. I took vitals and got to spend quality time with one of our translators, Va Va. He took the time to truly understand how to take the blood pressure and O2 levels, so that he could help me out on the translation side of things.
After I saw all the patients, I went to help with the pharmacy and it is just as cool as last year. It’s so rewarding to physically help the Haitians when they are suffering from an illness. I am so glad that I got to be inside today because I hate sunscreen and my forehead is F-R-I-E-D. In the afternoon we did our usual VBS with the children in the Mole and close by fishing villages. I shared the story about when Jesus broke the bread and the fish to feed 5,000. I truly feel like this story hits home with the Haitians. I hope and pray that that story of Jesus having compassion over his people will give them hope that even when they feel like they have nothing for tomorrow and don’t know where their next meal will come from, that God will be good and faithful to those who love Him.
Yesterday I met two zamis (friends) – Wilanda and Chelnise. They walked through the gate today and immediately came running to me, and latched on. It is so special to know that despite the language barrier and them laughing every time I attempt to speak creole, they remember me. I made another friend today – Makenson. He was the sweetest 5-year-old boy. The only thing he said all day was “wei”, and he said it so soft under his breath I had to read his lips to know what he was saying. We were sitting next to each other on the bench in the church and he slowly started to lean harder against me. I pulled him into my lap and not even 2 minutes later, he was out cold asleep. I have never loved watching a child sleep more than right then. He had sweat pouring down his face and I had sweat pouring out of everywhere, and yet I felt so much peace pouring out of that kid while he got to sleep. I love that the children here don’t care about the sweat pouring down our faces or our entire bodies. They just genuinely want to be held, whether it is physically holding their bodies up, holding their hands, or letting them lean against you despite how gross it actually is because of our sweat.
To be completely honest, I didn’t expect to be hit this hard by the language barrier and what the the people of Haiti go through each and every day. This is my second year, and I genuinely thought that I was prepared for what the Lord was going to do and didn’t think that I was going to struggle with the language barrier. Apparently, I assumed I was fluent after spending 10 days here an entire year ago??? The Lord had way different plans for me than what I thought, but thank goodness for that, right?
@Mom, Dad, and Bub – I miss you guys a lot! I can’t wait to share my experience with y’all when I come home. I hope everything is good. Tell Mimi that I am doing great down here and everything is safe. @Mom and Landon, can’t wait to see Landon’s senior pics that are Sunday (I think). Look at Pinterest for good outfit ideas… wish I was (but glad I am here).
@Trev, I don’t know if you’re reading this, but I love you and miss you. Can’t wait to be back in the LBK to see ya and hug your neck!!
XOXO, Lys
***
Hi hi hi everyone Hayden here and ready to tell y’all about my day!!! If you do not know who I am, I am the only one from Lubbock Christian University. I am the one in the team picture where everyone had their guns up, and I held up my chap. (lol PECK ‘EM)
Like Alyssa, I also was in the clinic. But unlike Alyssa I cleaned ears! You might be shocked to hear that I enjoyed this job, but you might be even more surprised that I requested it. I’m not going to lie and say it was all roses and butterflies coming out of those beautiful people’s ears, because mostly it was gobs of earwax mixed with a couple of bugs. The people squirmed in their chair, but how could you blame them, a random person is sticking something in your ear and pulling things out!!! When I was finished with ears, I started passing out color sheets EVERY person in the waiting room. Whether they are 4 or 84, they all want to color a My Little Pony coloring book page. Their faces would light up when I made eye contact walking over with the crayons.
MAN THESE PEOPLE HAVE MY HEART
After lunch VBS began. Somehow I got pulled into jumping rope with four or five little girls. Those girls can literally jump for an eternity, or so it felt because my arm was on the verge of falling off from swinging the rope. In the midst of nearly losing a limb a little 7-year-old named Alfonzia grabbed my hand and was stuck to my side for the rest of the day. One thing about these kids, is that once they decide that you are their American, you’re done. That’s it. They will search for you in the swarm of many humans of all sizes. They will run for you from the other side of the basketball court. And forget needing to go to the bathroom, because they will follow you and wait out side the door.
The first thing I told Alfonzia was that she was beautiful. She looked at me as though I had lost my mind, but the more I told her the more she believed it. After an entire afternoon of me constantly telling her she was beautiful and good job, it is my prayer that she begins to see she is worthy of love and respect.
MAN THESE KIDS HAVE MY HEART
I am no where near ready for this week to be half way over, but I know the Lord has such powerful things in store.
Good night/ Good morning Mom! I have no idea where you are, but I hope it is all that you have ever dreamed of!! I love you all the way from Haiti!
Dad I hate to tell ya that I kinda got slightly sunburned… but its totally fine!! I love you daddy!! Miss you!!
B, I love you and miss you bunches! (also you are allowed to leave a comment or two ;))
I love each and everyone who reads this blog. I may not know each of y’all personally, but y’all love someone here and they are becoming my family too.
Orevwa,
Hayden
***
Hello Manale family and McCue family. Everything is going swell. Love Bullett and Hayley
Hello Lester clan and those who belong with me, Jake. This will not be long because we have to go to bed in a few minutes. Haiti is very eye-opening. It is such a neat experience to gather with this people and despite our differences, see all the similarities we have as people. The weather here is very hot, and some of the most humid conditions I have ever been in. I’m pretty sure everyone’s ankles and fingers are swollen. Anyways, that’s all from me. I hope everyone is doing well back in the states. I love you all and cannot wait to see everyone when I get back. Deuces. Jake.
***
Hi this is Kayla, a group us us got up early to take a 45 min boat ride to Kapafu. The water was beautiful, so crystal clear you could see the bottom as if it was within touching distance! When we got there we were greeted with smiles and one lady said “Averie. Dance.” They all remembered her as the girl who brings the music and the dance moves. We danced for a few songs in both English and Creole. They absolutely loved it, didn’t hold back, and danced like children. As well as when handed coloring pages and crayons, plates and stickers.
Even though they were adults, they had the simple joy of children. It was absolutely amazing to see them light up when we were there. It was also cool to see the women cleaning fish, something they do daily for food. There is so much more I would love to say, but it is late. Goodnight! I love all of y’all.
p.s. I love Cole’s mom’s comments. Thank you very much! They are soo sweet, keep them coming
***
Thanks for your comments – the group can’t wait to hear them every night!
