The only word I can think of to describe the last few days is full. Not just in the sense that we have been very busy or eaten a lot of good Haitian food, but that it has been full of espwa (hope). Yesterday morning, we participated in a Christmas party for the children at Maison. It was full of treats for the kids like candy canes, crafts, pizza, cake and presents. It was so amazing watching their sweet faces light up over such simple treats.
Then, we had to leave the party early because I was speaking at Pierre's church. The church invited women from 40 different churches around the PAP area to attend. There were over 30 women there. Pierre said they had to serve food so the women would show up. Funny, how that works in America too, and most likely, they are not literally starving. They served a sandwich (not sure what kind or what it was, but we ate it with a smile) and a drink. I was told there was a group of women there from the mountains, which is rather difficult and often times dangerous for them to travel. It was an amazing experience. Pierre also told me that no one has ever come to their church or area to speak just to women. It was the first time these ladies had ever heard a message directly to them as women. They learned that they were special as a woman, that God loved them, and had a purpose for them. Next year, we are already planning a 2 day Woman's Retreat with these women.
Yesterday evening and the majority of today, we spent it with the children of Zan Fan la Kay. They were extremely generous to us, giving us lots of Coke (coca) and presents. We had the privilege and honor of being apart of their Christmas party as well. There are about 52 kids, and they each received an MP3 player. It was so fun watching those kids walk around and dance to the music. They were so happy.
As Brian mentioned in his blog, I also had the privilege to speak to the Nannies this afternoon. I have decided that I love speaking to Haitian women because I get a lot of head nods, and loud Amen's which fire me up. I am so humbled by how God moved so quickly in their hearts. During our 8 p.m. devotion the Nannies said they learned so much, and they now know that God values them as a woman. I believe there is espwa (hope) for the women in Haiti who have lived far too long under oppression and condemnation.
The evening ended well with a great trip to Epidor with our family, Pierre's family and Wilson. I have posted a few pictures for you to see.
The Guenther Family
The Guenther Family
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Brian's Perspective - Day Four
Christy will give you a better understanding of how the schedule went for us today, and you'll see that it didn't go at all like we had planned. I have so much work to complete before we are able to leave tomorrow, that I'm afraid that it will not get completed.
Spending the day Zan Fan la Kay (zahn fahn lah kai - House of children) was so emotional for me. I held back tears most of the day while learning more and more about these boys, and the conditions they have been rescued from. These children are not up for adoption. They are being raised to stay in Haiti, and prayerfully make a difference as they grow up. There is good work being done through this home and through Grangou (grain-goo - Hungry) http://grangou.org/, the non-profit that funds the home. There were infants, all the way up to young adults living and working there. The smell was horrible and the boys only had what they had on their backs. Today's Christmas party was humbling and convicting to say the least.
As we headed home, Pierre received a call from the orphanage. Apparently, the women had been waiting to hear Christy speak since 4:00. As we were turning into the driveway at 4:35, Pierre said, "Oh, I forgot. That thing that I said you would talk to the women about...they are waiting for us!" Christy had to rush in, use the only clean restroom we had seen all day, throw on a skirt and speak. She did the most amazing job! The Spirit truly spoke through her, and there were many AMENS and HALLELUJAHS coming from the ladies. These women have never been told by someone teaching from the Bible that they are important in God's eyes. These women have never been told that God created them beautiful. Lives were changed today! I am so proud of Christy. What amazes me most is that the messages that she has written for 3-6 grade girls are applicable to the oldest of women here. Man, it's amazing how God works.
Tonight, Wilson is sleeping with us in the tent. He knows we are leaving tomorrow, and it's going to be very hard for all of us to say good-bye. He wouldn't go to his room tonight, so Madame Klinide made him a bed in our tent. He and Caleb stayed up late playing games and laughing. I can't hardly wait until he can come home with us. I have a boy snoring on either side of me, at this very moment.
We were told tonight by the nannies what a blessing it has been for them that we have come. It's hard to make them understand that we are equally blessed, if not more than they! To God be the glory!
Spending the day Zan Fan la Kay (zahn fahn lah kai - House of children) was so emotional for me. I held back tears most of the day while learning more and more about these boys, and the conditions they have been rescued from. These children are not up for adoption. They are being raised to stay in Haiti, and prayerfully make a difference as they grow up. There is good work being done through this home and through Grangou (grain-goo - Hungry) http://grangou.org/, the non-profit that funds the home. There were infants, all the way up to young adults living and working there. The smell was horrible and the boys only had what they had on their backs. Today's Christmas party was humbling and convicting to say the least.
As we headed home, Pierre received a call from the orphanage. Apparently, the women had been waiting to hear Christy speak since 4:00. As we were turning into the driveway at 4:35, Pierre said, "Oh, I forgot. That thing that I said you would talk to the women about...they are waiting for us!" Christy had to rush in, use the only clean restroom we had seen all day, throw on a skirt and speak. She did the most amazing job! The Spirit truly spoke through her, and there were many AMENS and HALLELUJAHS coming from the ladies. These women have never been told by someone teaching from the Bible that they are important in God's eyes. These women have never been told that God created them beautiful. Lives were changed today! I am so proud of Christy. What amazes me most is that the messages that she has written for 3-6 grade girls are applicable to the oldest of women here. Man, it's amazing how God works.
Tonight, Wilson is sleeping with us in the tent. He knows we are leaving tomorrow, and it's going to be very hard for all of us to say good-bye. He wouldn't go to his room tonight, so Madame Klinide made him a bed in our tent. He and Caleb stayed up late playing games and laughing. I can't hardly wait until he can come home with us. I have a boy snoring on either side of me, at this very moment.
We were told tonight by the nannies what a blessing it has been for them that we have come. It's hard to make them understand that we are equally blessed, if not more than they! To God be the glory!
The last day in Haiti by Caleb
I am sad that I will leave tomorrow. Here is my day. For breakfast, I had oatmeal. For lunch we had rice. To make a long story short I had 3 huge Cokes Jimmy gave me!! My bracelet they gave me broke at Zan Fan la Kay. Jimmy runs Zan Fan la Kay. Last night I slept perfectly. Tonight, I will sleap nicely! Dinner was Epi'dor. I had a burger that I did not like, so I gave it to my dad. I had fries with my meal so I ate them. I miss the U.S.A. I will land in Texas at about 12:01 a.m. tomorrow.
Caleb
Caleb
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Day 3 by Caleb
Ok it is my first time blogging so hang on. Since the first day, I love Haiti. I was the first one to wake up, but the last one to brush my teeth. Today was a very nice day. For breakfast I ate spaghetti. At lunch, we had a Christmas party for the kids. We learned the candy cane story. We ate cake and pizza. A while later we went to Pierre's church and my mom spoke there. Close to the end of church, I had a very spicy sandwich. Then, we drove to Zan Fan la Kay. There we got a big coke. They gave me a necklace and a bracelet the boys made. We got home at 9:00 p.m. I my not go to sleep. At night sometimes we get cold! I will blog tomorrow.
Caleb
Caleb
Monday, December 20, 2010
How Great is our God
What a great day at the orphanage! This song pretty much sums it up. The morning started off with an Advent Devotional which was followed by reciting scripture and singing. I was so impressed with their songs and scripture memory. I was even more impressed with the dedication of Maison's staff including Pierre, the Orphanage Director and Angie, the American Missionary to teaching these sweet children the love of Jesus.
Caleb and I spent the majority of the day making chlorine water for the orphanage. We got water from the well and mixed in 1 1/3 cup of salt. Then, we hooked up a battery to a spout and filtered the water through to make chlorine water. This will provide the orphanage safe and clean water.
I also painted all the girls fingernails. Not sure who had more fun, me or the girls.
Brian began working on a project today. The people of Haiti do not have an opportunity to get water unless you pay for it. Often times, they have to fight for water on the streets. The orphanage never ceases to amaze me because they asked Brian to put up a door from the orphanages side of the well, so the people on the streets can use the well water. What a lesson on giving. The orphanage has been blessed with water, so what do they do, give it away.
It was a good day here in Haiti, hanging out and loving on kids. Tomorrow will be a big day. I will be speaking to a group of women from different churches around PAP. Please pray for God to do great things in the lives of these Haitian women, and the Lord will give me the words to say. Also, tomorrow we will have a Christmas party for the children here at the orphanage.
Greater things have yet to come...
Christy
Caleb and I spent the majority of the day making chlorine water for the orphanage. We got water from the well and mixed in 1 1/3 cup of salt. Then, we hooked up a battery to a spout and filtered the water through to make chlorine water. This will provide the orphanage safe and clean water.
I also painted all the girls fingernails. Not sure who had more fun, me or the girls.
Brian began working on a project today. The people of Haiti do not have an opportunity to get water unless you pay for it. Often times, they have to fight for water on the streets. The orphanage never ceases to amaze me because they asked Brian to put up a door from the orphanages side of the well, so the people on the streets can use the well water. What a lesson on giving. The orphanage has been blessed with water, so what do they do, give it away.
It was a good day here in Haiti, hanging out and loving on kids. Tomorrow will be a big day. I will be speaking to a group of women from different churches around PAP. Please pray for God to do great things in the lives of these Haitian women, and the Lord will give me the words to say. Also, tomorrow we will have a Christmas party for the children here at the orphanage.
Greater things have yet to come...
Christy
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Commitment- What would your Church Do?
The morning started out with beautiful sounds of Nannies worshiping Jesus at 5 am. Then, we had church from 6:30-11:30 am. The people at the church were very welcoming to this blanc (white) family. Brian did a great preaching the Gospel message.
During church, two sweet little girls that were sitting behind us handed Caleb a bon bon, which is like a Blow Pop to eat. Caleb and I were struck by their generosity. My first though was, "How much did this cost you? You are willing to give up your bon bon for my son?" Caleb loved his bon bon! He had green teeth, tongue and lips to prove it too.
After church, we had a few stops to make before heading back to the orphanage. One stop Brian and Pierre prayed over the Pastor at Pierre's church for healing from a bad shoulder.
The evening ended with another church service and Communion at 4:00 pm at the orphanage. Brian did an excellent job preaching this service, not just because he had more time to prepare, but he brought a message of faith and hope to hurting group of men and women.
At some point this morning during our 5 hour church service, the electricity went out. Now, keep in mind, the only thing that needed electricity was one microphone and keyboard. When, the electricity went out, the church didn't respond. It was like nothing had happened. They kept on singing, praying, waving their hands and worshiping Jesus.
I wonder, what would happen at your church? What if a service in America lasted 5 hours? How many of those people would actually come back the following week? How many people would have gotten up and left because they had to beat the lunch crowd at Lubby's?
How many church members do think would show up if your church met under a metal roof with no walls. Yes, that means no AC or heat either. Are we committed enough to worshiping with our fellow believers under conditions that are not ideal, or are we too comfortable where we are?
How would your congregation respond if the electricity suddenly went out. Could there even be a service? What about the guitars, mics or keyboards? What we would do if the words were not on the screen? Would we even know the words? What would your Pastor do without his Power Point presentation or video? Would he be able to even preach a message with nothing but his voice and Bible?
What would your church do?
As I type this, 8 pm, I hear another prayer service going on by the Nannies. Yes, that is right, another service today! Which leaves me wondering: How committed are you? How committed am I? How many times a day do we worship our Risen Savior like He is our only dependence?
Christy
See the videos from Pierre's church and the orphanage service.
During church, two sweet little girls that were sitting behind us handed Caleb a bon bon, which is like a Blow Pop to eat. Caleb and I were struck by their generosity. My first though was, "How much did this cost you? You are willing to give up your bon bon for my son?" Caleb loved his bon bon! He had green teeth, tongue and lips to prove it too.
After church, we had a few stops to make before heading back to the orphanage. One stop Brian and Pierre prayed over the Pastor at Pierre's church for healing from a bad shoulder.
The evening ended with another church service and Communion at 4:00 pm at the orphanage. Brian did an excellent job preaching this service, not just because he had more time to prepare, but he brought a message of faith and hope to hurting group of men and women.
At some point this morning during our 5 hour church service, the electricity went out. Now, keep in mind, the only thing that needed electricity was one microphone and keyboard. When, the electricity went out, the church didn't respond. It was like nothing had happened. They kept on singing, praying, waving their hands and worshiping Jesus.
I wonder, what would happen at your church? What if a service in America lasted 5 hours? How many of those people would actually come back the following week? How many people would have gotten up and left because they had to beat the lunch crowd at Lubby's?
How many church members do think would show up if your church met under a metal roof with no walls. Yes, that means no AC or heat either. Are we committed enough to worshiping with our fellow believers under conditions that are not ideal, or are we too comfortable where we are?
How would your congregation respond if the electricity suddenly went out. Could there even be a service? What about the guitars, mics or keyboards? What we would do if the words were not on the screen? Would we even know the words? What would your Pastor do without his Power Point presentation or video? Would he be able to even preach a message with nothing but his voice and Bible?
What would your church do?
As I type this, 8 pm, I hear another prayer service going on by the Nannies. Yes, that is right, another service today! Which leaves me wondering: How committed are you? How committed am I? How many times a day do we worship our Risen Savior like He is our only dependence?
Christy
See the videos from Pierre's church and the orphanage service.
In Haiti Once Again
In order to make our 6:00 am flight, we were up and heading to the Houston airport around 3:00 am. After spending all of yesterday traveling, we arrived in Port Au Prince, Haiti around 5:30. The flight was supposed to land at 4:50, but after multiple delays we landed late. To make matters worse, once we arrived, the airplane could not be opened, and the jetway cold not make it to the airplane. We were forced to wait some more, then exit out the rear of the plane, down some rickety stairs and onto the bus. Caleb was a trooper the entire way, mostly nervous and excited. In Haiti, there are no television terminals to alert those who are waiting that the flights are delayed. Poor Pierre had to stand outside all that extra time, wondering where we were.
We were taken straight to the orphanage where a dinner of spaghetti and hot sauce was waiting. Wilson, the boy whom we are seeking to adopt, was made ready to meet and greet us upon our arrival. He was dressed in a very nice polo, cargo shorts, and had obviously just taken a bath. He joined us for dinner, some family time, and prayer and worship before we retired to the tent for a short sleep. It was around 10:30 before we went down and we were up at 5:30 this morning.
We had to leave by 6:00 in order to get the church for the 6:30 service. Yes, I said 6:30. This service lasts until 11:30. When I arrived yesterday, I was told that I would preach at the evening service. I thought that I would have time to prepare and finish up my notes between the morning and evening services. However, halfway through the service this morning, I was asked, "Do you think you could preach a message this morning?" Going strictly from my heart, I got up to preach. No notes, no preparation, just preaching. This was the first time that I have ever preached with an interpreter, and it's something that I need to get more comfortable with. The people were gracious, and then we headed out for door to door evangelism. Our team prayed with 4 people to receive Christ, and the other teams prayed with about 5 people. This was an interesting and exciting experience. Because of traffic, it took us about an hour to get back to the orphanage, but we finally made it in time to enjoy fried chicken with rice and bean sauce. Now it's time to rest and prepare for the evening service. Pray for Christy as she prepares to speak to the women of the church on Tuesday...stay tuned.
We were taken straight to the orphanage where a dinner of spaghetti and hot sauce was waiting. Wilson, the boy whom we are seeking to adopt, was made ready to meet and greet us upon our arrival. He was dressed in a very nice polo, cargo shorts, and had obviously just taken a bath. He joined us for dinner, some family time, and prayer and worship before we retired to the tent for a short sleep. It was around 10:30 before we went down and we were up at 5:30 this morning.
We had to leave by 6:00 in order to get the church for the 6:30 service. Yes, I said 6:30. This service lasts until 11:30. When I arrived yesterday, I was told that I would preach at the evening service. I thought that I would have time to prepare and finish up my notes between the morning and evening services. However, halfway through the service this morning, I was asked, "Do you think you could preach a message this morning?" Going strictly from my heart, I got up to preach. No notes, no preparation, just preaching. This was the first time that I have ever preached with an interpreter, and it's something that I need to get more comfortable with. The people were gracious, and then we headed out for door to door evangelism. Our team prayed with 4 people to receive Christ, and the other teams prayed with about 5 people. This was an interesting and exciting experience. Because of traffic, it took us about an hour to get back to the orphanage, but we finally made it in time to enjoy fried chicken with rice and bean sauce. Now it's time to rest and prepare for the evening service. Pray for Christy as she prepares to speak to the women of the church on Tuesday...stay tuned.
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