Today's agenda was different than what we have had so far on this trip. We finished VBS yesterday so there were no churches to go to this morning. Instead, after upper room and breakfast we loaded up the bus and took our groceries and other items to the children's home. The trip there was stinky - as we had to ride in the back of the bus with a couple of cases of stinky dried fish. In 100+ degree weather the smell can be quite overwhelming, and attracts flies. At the children's home we planted some trees; sorted through boxes of donations of toys, crafts, and other materials; worked on cleaning up the dust in the library and rearranging bookcases to make room for more books; and worked on Miss Sherrie's computer to make sure she had some security on her Internet connection (Sherrie is the person who oversees the children's home). It was hot!! But what a blessing to know we could help them. I just wish we had more time to spend on doing things they need done.
We came back to the House and rested for a short while, then headed out for a drive and to a local market. This was a big treat for us and we got to see downtown Port au Prince. This place is truly heartbreaking. If you don't know, there are really no white people here. We have driven all over this city and have seen no white people other than other mission teams staying here at the House with us or at Miss Sherrie's school. Haitians assume that Americans have money and they love it when you do anything in public so they can get close to you. When we stop at red lights we have women and children coming up to the windows begging for food, water, and money. Unfortunately we cannot give them anything. If you give anything to 1 you end up with a mob and things get out of hand. This part just kills your soul. You want so much to help them and you feel so helpless. We stopped at the palace, which had been destroyed by the earthquake. Some of us got off of the bus to take a few pictures and within seconds we were surrounded by Haitians who wanted to sell us things. After only a few minutes we got back on the bus. As we prepared to pull away a couple of ladies who looked as though they were starving came up to the windows and begged for money. Again, heaatbreaking. The worst part was that directly across the street was 'tent city' where more than 2,800 Haitians are homeless living in tents made of poles and tarps. This is not the only place here where tents are found. They are everywhere. After getting back on the bus, we stopped at a local market to buy some souviners. Almost everyone got off the bus to look around, but all were a little cautious of the circumstances. We stayed together in a group and the local Haitians - pastors and translators - that are working with us stayed with us and made sure we moved along. That was great because the merchants all came at us with their items as soon as we got off the bus. For so many here what they sell in the market is what they live on. We got some things to take back home and got back on the bus.
We came back to the house and sat around this evening which has been so nice. Pastor Kevin, Arnie, and Brother Joe went out to church this evening and Brother Joe preached. Fifteen (15) people gave their lives to the Lord tonight, 6 rededicated their lives, and 130 were in attendance. This week we have seen (so far) 110 saved and 182 other decisions!!!!!! Praise God!!!!!!
There is no infrastructure here. Roads are horrible and there is no trash collection so trash is everywhere. To attempt to get rid of some of it the Haitians burn the trash and this is a smell that is almost always present. Drinking water is a prized possession and we have witnessed people in their desperation for water. On the way to church one night I saw an older kid filling an empty soda bottle with water out of a ditch filled with garbage. Even today at the childrens home as we were wiping down shelves - some of the children were trying to drink the water in the buckets, which was full of concrete dust and other debris. Water is something we take for granted everyday in America. Think about that the next time you turn on the water and thank God that you have it!
Tomorrow we have church in the morning at some local churches and have church here at the House tomorrow night. In between we will be packing and preparing to leave early Monday morning. We will post tomorrow to let you know about our day. Have a great night and God bless!!!
Patricia
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