Haiti. Joy.

Well, it's been a pretty crazy month! Coming back from Haiti, settling back into work and just the routine of life here, in Arkansas. So, I know an update from Haiti has been overdue.

To sum the trip up: Incredible. And this is such an understatement.

From the beginning, the group I traveled with all hit it off. Even though I hadn't met half of them before, we just all got along from the beginning and I really enjoyed the relationships we were able to build over the week. I will have some pictures up of all us soon! Not to mention the awesome hosts of the mission, the family that has such a heart for the Haitian people and for the teams that come to volunteer and learn. Bill Sr., the founder of Mission to Haiti, met us on the bus. He knew who I was, just from seeing my name come up in emails, and from that point on, the warmth and genuineness from him and his family, made me feel so comfortable and a part of them. They are people from whom love just pours out.

When I think back on Haiti, I see such a beautiful country and such a beautiful people. I miss that place and those people so, so much. I cannot wait to go back. But at first, I honestly was overwhelmed with everything I saw and experienced.

My first impression of Haiti was pretty overwhelming. Most of what I saw was chaos and devastation, not only from the earthquake, but the quality of life of the people I saw driving past. The smell was the first thing I noticed. You would think that being a port city, you would smell the ocean, but stronger was the smell of garbage that just sat in the heat and humidity, the smell of burning rubber, both mixed with foods sold on every corner by street vendors. Vendors were everywhere. You really couldn’t look without seeing SOMEONE yelling and trying to get you to buy something. Of course, I did :). But in all honesty, I have never seen such a densely populated area, with people, structures, and vehicles. Driving there was completely insane and kind of fun, but definitely scary at times. The first few days it seemed like there were no rules, just cars, buses, people, motorcycles all over the road, no lanes, and no traffic lights. Actually, I saw one traffic signal, but no one heeded it. The obvious lack of resources, devastation of the buildings and infrastructure and the seeming chaos of it all, was impactful.

However, as the week went those initial reactions and beliefs shifted. The people I met there really demonstrated three values that were consistent in my stay there and I took the impact of those values home with me.

First, the genuine joy that the Haitian people live out was incredible to me. Everywhere we met, we interacted with people who were so happy in life, even in the middle of very difficult situations. The VBS kids at the tent city in particular really impressed me. The kids truly have nothing. You walk into the camp and there are kids playing in trash piles with no clothes. They don't have access to education, because all education is privatized in Haiti and costs money. They barely have enough food, and they are living in tin shanties and tents made out of tarps. But they had huge smiles on their faces every day. They always wanted to play some game with us, they would grab out hands and follow us all over and walk us back to our camp. They talked a mile a minute in Creole and were so thankful and excited for the snacks, clothes and school supplies we handed out the last day.

Also, the emphasis and desire for education in Haiti was like nothing I’ve ever seen. Comparing their desire for and dedication to learning to many Americans dedication to education was very humbling.

There were four young guys that hung out with us each day and accompanied us to the different camps. On our drives there and back we got to know the guys. Hudson, Dave, John, and Big became like brothers to us. Each of them was lucky enough to be in school and they talked to us about their goals of getting through high school and going to the university with such passion. Even the kids in the VBS were so intent on learning the memory verses we gave them…they would run up the next day and rattle off all the verses they learned in Creole. They were such fast and dedicated learners, I couldn’t believe it— I don't see a lot of American kids dedicate themselves to their studies like that.

The last thing I noticed was this huge sense of community between the lower class in Haiti. There is not middle class there—a very small percentage is extremely wealthy, but the rest is extremely poor. However, the community within the poverty was beautiful. They take care of each other even they might have nothing for themselves. One of the workers at the mission couldn’t afford to support his young daughter and another of the staff members has let her live with his family and is putting her through school. He has three kids himself, but was still willing to help out his friend.

By the end of the week I found myself realizing that those first impressions of Haiti had so much more to them. I wasn’t seeing as much of the physical devastation and prevalence of poverty, but two other things. First, the joy in the midst of so much devastation. Secondly, in spite of the individual struggle, selfishness was put aside and there was so much community and care for each other.

When I left Haiti on Monday, the impact of these two values really changed my beliefs that Haiti was ONLY poverty and sadness. Those things are prevalent, but if you look deeper, and you get to know the people, you can see that the people have so much hope, and they are doing what they know and what they can to overcome the oppression there. I absolutely love those people. I love their love for their country. Even though they are living in the devastation, everyone I talked to said they loved Haiti and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I think that was one of the  most powerful things I heard there.

Leaving that following Monday, I think the biggest question I've been thinking about lately is this: How am I expressing joy each day? At home, with my friends, at work, just day to day, am I first, receiving the joy that the Holy Spirit offers, and second, am I living it out as I should be? Haiti was humbling. So humbling. The joy and love that our team received from the people there is something that I will not forget. I can't wait to go back sometime!

And now, a few more pictures!

Standing on the most beautiful lookout. The view of Port-Au-Prince was incredible. I wish it hadn't been so cloudy but still...you could see the entire port, and both capes.

Here are some of the kids we taught at VBS in Gallette Chambon. We had about 100 the first day and around 200 by the end of the week.

All of us girls with Steeve! He was our translator and such a dedicated and godly man. Awesome friend!

I love the expressions of all the kids in this pic. They were such sweet kids. This is during one of our rides to Gallette Chambon in the tap-tap, a covered truck that we rode in the back in...public transporation in Haiti. Crazy, but fun trips!

I just love this picture of the kids examining the camera. Such sweet kids!