Saturday update from Haiti

Dear Friends and Family,

 

Wow! What a day! It is Saturday but we still worked...well, it was all fun work! Many got up early and climbed a HUGE mountain, Rob and I cooked pancakes and bacon for everyone, we finished painting, gave out rice and beans and then handed out shirts and dresses for hours! Oh, and of course there was the daily soccer and basketball game going on, along with the newly learned game, Duck Duck Goose that the kids love!

 

The team is still doing great! I am so proud of them and how big their hearts are! Here is the latest from them - you too will be proud....

 

Kat: Today was another fun day! This morning we got up at 5am to go climb a mountian to one of the forts from the Haitian Revolution....I attempted the climb but asthma got the best of me and Heather was done too so we stopped about half way which was plenty for me. We went back to the church today and passed out the little dresses and other clothes donated as well. We also passed out rice and beans for the poor and to the staff. This has been a GREAT trip and I'm really sad that it's coming to an end but my bed sounds really good right now ;) I miss you guys and love you all! Daddy I hope you have a good fathers day and I'm sorry I'm not there to celebrate. Love you and see you soon!

 

J-Flan: Today we had a very grueling climb. Very steep rocks and I've never seen so many rocks in my life! We very slowly made our way to the top of the mountain. We stopped at forts that were used by the French. I did the whole thing in my Vibram five fingers. What was I thinking!! The descent was much worse. I had to be very careful not to slip and the toe shoes made it very difficult. I survived though with a sore knee and sore feet which feel fine now. I got the chance to speak to the people before we gave out the rice and beans. People are calling me pastor J-Flan now. I talked about Saul's conversion, and Joquoline our translator helped a ton. I will be bringing home a machette. See you guys soon and be safe. Love you guys!

 

Bethany and Emmanuel: Today was another great day!! We started early by climbing a few hills/mountains in order to get to the top where ancient forts remain. The sights were beautiful! Later we went back to the church/school and were able to pass out rice, beans and clothing. The people seemed so appreciative and they melted our hearts. J-Flan gave a short testimony and did a fantastic job! We might have a preacher on our hands. Emmanuel also got the chance to speak and did great as well! The people heard the gospel and it is our prayer that it will sink in and they will choose to follow Jesus if they haven't already. We have such a great group of kids and it has been a joy serving alongside the Seatons and Snyders! Keep praying for us! We love yall!

 

Joel: Today was fun! We climbed up one of the mountains near Dessalines, and it took an hour and a half up, then another hour and a half down. I got stung by a wasp at the top, then on the way down, part of a cactus got stuck in my calf...but I'm fine! Every single Haitian kid who sees us starts yelling, "Blanc! Blanc!" which literally means "white person." Anyways, I'm pretty worn out, and I can't wait to see you! I love you!

 

Clayton: Okay, I've been glancing (possibly not spelled right) at some of the other kids' entries and I kinda feel bad about only writing a few sentences about what has happened to me so I'll make today's entry really long. We woke up this morning and climbed up a mountain to see some of the forts the French made. I took tons of pictures but those could only capture a fraction of the beauty I saw. I also was the only person who wasn't kidding when they said they wanted to do it again. Guess I'm in better shape then yall, and I, thought. After climbing, we went back to the church to hand out beans and rice, and then I played soccer with some of the kids. They put all of us white kids vs. all of the Haitian kids and needless to say, they creamed us. Hope yall are well and I love you.

 

Heather: Hey Mom and Daddy, I hope yall are having a good weekend. Today was awesome! We got to give out clothes and food to the community and the kids and the people who work at the school we painted this week. I love yall, I am safe, I'll see you in a couple days. Have a great Sunday :)

 

Ben: Mom dad, I'm fine. I know I have repeated alot of what I've said, but that's only because it's true. Love y'all and hope you are safe.

 

Sean: Today I hiked a huge hill. I was first too reach the top. Later we went to give out rice and beans. I love you guys.

 

James Snyder: Dad, I miss you. Hope you are doing well.

 

Libbie and Rob: As you can see, the kids are doing well and enjoying every minute. They are tired, but are definitely finishing strong. As they see the last days coming, it is very bittersweet for them. Keep praying for us - pray the tiredness and heat doesn't spoil the last few days. Pray for church tomorrow. Several girls will be speaking and the youth will be singing. They will also visit the orphanage, climb another fort, go to a birthday party for 2 of our Haitian friends, and hear Pastor Charite's testimony about growing up with a father who was a voodoo priest. Good stuff!

 

Blessings,

Libbie, Rob, Emmanuel, Bethany and the "Gang"