Day 7 | Randy Riffle

Last day in country. We had an amazing week. The house dedication was this morning and everyone went to present the house to the family along with the gifts. The family was very grateful and had already moved in. They had been staying in a tent since April and was pretty anxious to be in the new house. We had a pretty relaxing day and as we reflected on the week there was a lot of discussion about the work that was done and the memories that were made. We all had our hearts touched by these children. Im sure the peoples lives we touched here will be ingrained in there hearts and minds for along time but i do believe that our memories will last a lifetime. Its hard to explain this country and its people to someone who has never had the privilege to be here. We made friends and family that we will miss. One day i will return and hopefully get to see my Haitian friends again. Hopefully the next group will make more friends and more memories.. Hopefully i will get to be home Friday and see the ones i miss most and tell them of this experience.. P.S. Miss you bunches and bunches Jen.. See everyone in a few days..

Day 6 | Randy Riffle

Today we finished the house. It was probably the hottest day we have had but we finished early and had time for the kids. As a group we played with the kids and read books to them. I got the chance to sit back and watch Miranda read to them. She was the center of attention for most of the day. She had 6 -8 kids at one time today. Lots of bubbles. As the little girls tugged at her all day she had lots of time to teach and learn. It was pretty awesome to watch her learn as well as teach the little ones. I got the opportunity to play with a small boy about 4-5 today. He was a lot of fun and got used to Bryson and I. As the day progressed he was hanging all over us and we took every opportunity to toss him around and play with him. As this trip comes to an end I look back at the smiles that will always be in my memories. This experience has been a blessing but getting to experience it with Miranda has made it really special. I really will miss the people that I have met and this place. Hopefully one day I will get to return and hopefully get to see some of the kids that I have enjoyed this trip. See everyone in a couple days…………….P.S. Miss you bunches Jen..

Day 5 | Randy Riffle

Today was vbs day.. Holy smokes it was controlled chaos. I counted 113 kids at one time but they were showing up at different times and I’m sure there was more than that. Seeing the kids with the games and crafts was a treat. So many smiles pasted on their faces. It’s hard to understand unless you have been here just how simple a life these people have. Most of these families survive day to day but they do with what they have. A task that most of us WOULD be better for if we would simplify our lives and take life as it comes. Try it for a week and see what it changes. I bet u will be amazed at how it goes.

Day 4 | Randy Riffle

Day four is over. This day began early with church. Very different from what we are used to. We started at 6 30. The service was over 3 hrs long and people was coming in the whole time . we had a interpreter for a little while but it was very hard to stay focused with the language barrier. It was interesting to see how they run a service. After service we relaxed for a bit then went on a hike to the water falls that I have heard about from the group..It was very beautiful scenery and a was an experience that everyone should try.It still amazes me how beautiful this country is and how these people use every inch of it for something. Headed back to the church tomorrow for work and vbs..Miss everyone and I am really enjoying every minute of the experience . More smiles tomorrow , I guarantee it.

Day 3 | Randy Riffle

At the end of the second day most everyone is exhausted. I got to experience the dreaded truck ride to the church. The truck ride will get most anyone closer to GOD. As beautiful a place as this is the mountain terrain makes it near impossible for four wheel drive vehicles. I got to experience a lot today but the Vbs children were a blessing. LOTS of kids got a chance to experience God today an opportunity that some have experience some have had and most haven’t. I watched as our group interacted with those children and had a lot of fun out of it. Although the language barrier is there they always got smiles. The universal sign of happiness. That’s what I experienced today over 100 happy kids..

Day 2 | Randy Riffle

The first work day is over. Very long and tiring. Our team started the house that will be complete and dedicated on Wednesday. We packed all the block from the road to the job sight. First thing this morning we got to meet the family that we are building the house for. Such a blessing to see the family being so grateful for our work. The husband spoke to us and thanked us all before we even started. As work went on throughout the day we got to witness to different folks and intern was witnessed to. Our translator taught himself our language and does a good job with us and also the workers. We worked hard and our team never complained once, everyone stayed busy and will sleep well tonight. The opportunity to serve others is a blessing in its self but to watch so many serving for one cause is the best ending to a hard day.

Day 1 | Randy Riffle

Finally arrived. Lots of travel time and rain..Being my first time in Haiti I am surprised with the scenery.. It has gorgeous mountains. The travel to the compound was to say the least interesting. Lots of traffic with no where to go. The city is total chaos and no traffic lights or signs.. My group is going to start on a house that burnt down about four months ago. Looking forward to the opportunity to help..