Today was our first full day in Haiti! This morning started with packing rice in bags for families who attend the church on campus. Following this, we had the privilege to go to that same church and listen to Pastor Hans and the youth group lead us in worship.
While waiting for lunch, we played with the orphans – dancing and running around. The food here is amazing. The kitchen staff cooks delicious Haitian food and we are well fed every meal. After lunch, Liv led a dance camp for the older orphans, and the kids were full of energy in the best way!
After dance camp, Hannah Hess (along with a translator) led the youth group in a lesson about the armor of God. The big event tonight was the celebration dinner for one of the dance companies on campus – Our Generation. The dinner was full of laughter, yummy food, encouragement, and awards. It was incredible to watch a group of young adults come together as a community and bond over dance. Their appreciation for Emma was so obvious and touched us all.
Saturday night, we had the opportunity to watch Our Generation, and the younger company, Opening Act, perform their year-end concert. The Haitians have so much talent, and it was awesome to watch them enjoy moving together as a unit. We were all in awe of how natural and effortless they made dancing seem.
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We are a day and a half into our time in Haiti and I am loving it more than I thought I would. I didn’t think I came in with a lot of expectations, but I quickly found out that I had preconceived expectations that are quickly being broken. No matter how many things I had heard about Haiti prior to coming, nothing compares to actually being here and experiencing it personally. Talking with and dancing with these people has made me think really hard about a lot of things. Being a dance major, I at times get caught up thinking “dance isn’t that important, it doesn’t really mean anything in the grand scheme of things”. However, being here, watching the Haitians dance, and dancing with them has completely changed that for me (and it’s only day one haha).
Another thing that has been fun for me is trying to communicate. While we are quickly learning simple words and phrases, smiling, dancing, and yelling “ayyyeee” is pretty universal. Again, the meaning of dance as a communication tool and for community bonding is being refined for me, and I couldn’t love it more. – Megan
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Wow, it feels so surreal to be here in Haiti – I am so grateful for the time we have all spent here already! The Haitians and countryside are so beautiful. And the sunshine has been so refreshing for our cloudy Michigan. The language barrier can be hard at times because I so often want to have a conversation with someone. However, smiles and laughter are universal and it is really cool to find other ways to communicate. God has been so present on this campus. God is in the smiles of all the Haitians we see, He is in the beautiful mountainside landscape, and He is clearly working in the community. I believe we can learn so much from the way the Haitians live and act as a community – it is a blessing to be able to experience this. There is so much joy and I am so grateful we get to experience it! I can’t wait for our week to continue! – Hannah Hess
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I’m working on a separate blog with pictures/videos from the concert last night!
Please feel free to leave comments. Comments will be read each night at dinner!
Hi this is Kendra and I’m so thrilled to read about everything you guys are experiencing and love the photos! I’m so thankful your trip is off to a great start and the wonderful community there too! Prayers for more amazing days to come! And to Hannah I love you honey and I’m so proud of you!!
Emma, I am so happy that your group was able to visit Haiti. I was blessed to spend time with you while we were there in February. The Haitians in the town will certainly miss your bright smile. God bless you!!
It is so great to hear that you made it there safely and how you jumped into ministry as soon as you got there. Rob and Lisa, thank you for your leadership on this trip and for communicating with us so well. Megan and Hannah, thank you for sharing your personal thoughts and experiences after being there just a day and a half. God has given you the gift of dance, and using that passion to further His kingdom is definitely important! I am looking forward to hearing from the rest of you, and about how God continues to work as the week progresses. There are so many people praying for you!
Hugs for all of you – but especially Megan. 🙂
Delaine Elseth
Everyone looks so very happy! So thrilled your trip is off to a wonderful and meaningful start! We are looking forward to seeing more pictures and hearing all about your adventures! Love you all!
Marianne Walsh (Caitlyn’s mom 🙂
What a meaningful and blessed experience for the dance team and the Haitian community. A profound and life-changing experience. Very inspiring.
Wow, what a vibrant community! The world is very small and big! Thank you for sharing a taste of your new experience there so far.
Today’s verse is so apropo — “Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you.”
John 13:12-17 MSG
May many blessings abound throughout your time. You are in our prayers.🙏
Love reading this post full of joy and hope that crosses cultures! Praying for God to do immeasurably more than you could ask or think!
Thank you so much for the updates! This will be an unforgettable life experience and I’m happy to enjoy it also through the wonderful blog and pictures. Glad everyone arrived safely and is already finding so much fun and joy!
Monica
Fantastic first couple days! Super excited for the group and for those whose lives you impact.
Thankful for your safe arrival! Praying for continued safety and opportunity for ministry. Beautiful seeing dance a part of your outreach.💜💜💜💜💜💜