Day 14 | Shawn

Today was the dedication service for the ark. It was an overwhelming feeling that came over me as the kids started coming in. I especially got choked up when we got to meet Smiley Castel. He is the child Tiara and Holden picked out to sponsor. He was a lil’ shy at first but it didn’t take long for him to run, play and SMILE! I took several pics as Tiara and Holden taught him to swing, climb, slide, and play football. It’s such a good feeling to see, hug, play and pray with the family that we are helping. Our sponsorship will help with his schooling and provide some food. After that we went bartering. We got pulled in every direction. “come look in my store.” Come see my necklaces.” “Come.” “Come.” It was interesting. I talked a guy down from $15 to $5 for a very primitive broom. There were many neat things to look at. This evening was kind of laid back as we just got to sit back, fellowship and watch the kids play. Even though this has been one of the best opportunities of my life, I’m getting kind of homesick. I’m looking forward to the next trip not only to serve others but keep myself humble as well. This has been eye opening on so many levels! I have also enjoyed becoming closer to my church family. We have bonded in a way that probably would not have happened at home. This is an unforgettable experience!!!! I thank the Lord for allowing me to be a part of something so great!!!

Day 13 | Shawn

My group went on the first trip to the market today. That was interesting. I’m not a fan of crowds so you can only imagine how tight my chest felt as I walked (or squeezed) through each vendor. I accidentally got shoved and landed on a lady’s table. She was nice about it. Whew! Smoked dried out fish, raw meat and fresh veggies were everywhere. Mmmm! I can only imagine what “Behind the Kitchen Door” in the Citizens News would have to say. There were also herds of animals tied up just about everywhere if you preferred “very fresh” meat. After, we took a tour up the mountainside in the back of our dump truck while hanging from bars. Did I mention that we STOOD in the back of the truck? We did… the whole time. The scenic views were absolutely breathtaking so I actually forgot about not having a seat. When we got back, we worked hard to finish the ark. Lots of kids came to play before we got done so we ended up losing some of our youth while they joined in the fun showing them how to use the playground. ShonShon came back and played w/ Holden. James came back and I got to talk to him again. Tiara had an interesting time w/ a group of girls. See her blog. Looking forward to the playing all day tomorrow.

Day 12 | Shawn

We had service this a.m. and saw many new faces. I’m feeling more and more comfortable coming to worship together . Even though we don’t speak the same language we serve the same God! We had a busy work day to try and finish the ark from bracing, to painting and even yard work. I got a chance to “speak” to another local today named Luckson. He didn’t speak English. I didn’t speak Creole, but we still managed to have a conversation. I grabbed my bible and a French Creole bible then flipped them open to the same verses. I did figure out that he has asked Jesus into his heart and he goes to church. Isn’t that awesome that we couldn’t understand each other but could understand that! He also helped me paint while we talked about Jezi (Jesus). After quitting time Darren and I were still at the ark when several locals came to see what we had done. A teenage boy showed up and I asked him if he wanted to swing. Luckily he spoke English. He told me no at first, but when I said that it was fun he wanted me to teach him. Oh what we take for granted. Imagine not knowing how to swing. Tiara came over and helped him learn while I took pictures. Even a cook named Nadine came over and learned how to swing, climb the rope ladder and even slide. I wish you could see the smiles!! The pics I took are priceless!

Day 11 | Shawn

This morning’s church service was very different than what we are used to. First, I could understand very little of what was said but the atmosphere was nothing short of amazing. Everyone wore their best! Some prayed as they sat down to worship. Everyone participated w/ praises, shouts of amen and clapping. Service started at 6. We made it at 6:30 and many others filtered in after. It wasn’t over until 8:45 and no one left their seat during the service. I wished I hadn’t had 2 cups of coffee before, but none the less, I didn’t leave my seat either. A young girls choir sang “Heart of Worship” and even sang a few lines in English for us. I got a little emotional but fought back the tears as I didn’t have a tissue and Darren prefers I not use his sleeve. He will let me if I’m in a bind because he’s just that sweet. We went on a beautiful hike for 4 hours and 15 minutes. We made it up several extreme waterfalls, but stopped to soak up some sun and watch 3 little boys play in the water while some of the kids went on w/ our guide Johnny to the next waterfall. The walk back up the mountain to the camp was intense, but I really felt wimpy when I saw some ladies carrying laundry back up on their heads. They walk this daily. Ugh! We met a lot of people and shook several hands. It’s a blessing to be here.

Day 10 | Shawn

What an amazing day in Haiti! My tears overflowed this morning in devotion service when a few of the locals started singing Power in the Blood. We recognized the tune and started singing with them. I know that is running on, but my adrenaline is up, my heart is pumping and I had several cups of some pretty high octane coffee today. In addition to that, I got to share Jesus with a local named James. Holden & I were weeding a garden when James came up to talk to us. We talked about flowers, family and then our faith! I asked him if he knew God, and he said he did. I asked if he knew Jesus and he wasn’t real sure about Him. I told him who Jesus was and then asked if I could read the Bible with him. He said sure. He could speak English so I had him read several verses and asked him what they meant to him. He thought he was a Christian because he went to church, but realized after reading God’s Word that he had never asked Jesus into his heart. We knelt down by a tree and he repeated a prayer after me. My whole body was trembling with excitement as I welcomed my new brother in Christ. I took a picture with him and then showed him and his lil friend ShonShon (about 5 or 6 years old) around the ark. I also took pic of ShonShon on the slides with Holden.

Day 9 | Shawn

We got a tour of our camp after breakfast. It’s so neat to see how they supply a lot of their own needs with gardens, carpentry, masonry, steel shop and wood shop. We worked hard this morning and came in to a nice lunch. I fought back the tears as I looked at my team covered in sweat and dirt as I thought about how selfless they were. They could have gone anywhere else, but they chose to come here and work…and that we did! I worked with Allie, Madison, Gerri, Ashley and Rachel putting up sideboards on the arc. We had a real system working until Bill hollered for lunch and made us quit. I did not want to stop because we only had two boards left on the side we were working on…but the boss man spoke. I had to give a little on the OCD and start back up after lunch. Sun was HOT this afternoon while we worked. I dug multiple post holes with Allie, Madison, Becca, and Holden. Allie and I now have trophy blisters to show how hard we worked. This all is so uplifting…even the “bucket” shower wasn’t all that bad. I’m cleaner than I was! We did have a little funny when Trey and I shared a bathroom stall long enough to catch a cute lil nonthreatening green lizard. Trey eventually got him and our bathroom as back in business.

Day 8 | Shawn Hunter

The trip down was fine. We had the quiet church van cause most slept the whole way. The first day in Haiti was very humbling. It is a beautiful country even though there are areas that are absolutely heartbreaking to see. Some homes are literally tin, wood scraps and tarps. We are blessed in the US! What is really neat is seeing the people sitting together, talking, laughing, and seemingly unaware of the poverty I’ve seen. We are also so spoiled in the US. Perhaps a little too busy to sit together, talk and laugh. I pray my values change. I pray my priorities change. Most of all, I pray ALL of our lives and hearts are changed. I’m making progress already…I have flat hair and it seriously is not bothering me! LOL!