Second update!

We received this email late Wednesday night.  The first part of the email is from Libbie, one of the adult sponsors on the trip.  Following her message is a brief paragraph from each of the students.  I'm including all the student messages as well as the sponsors (Rob, Libbie, Bethany and Emmanuel) along with Kat's as they all have different perspectives that I think you'll enjoy.

Also, I am not editing any grammar or spelling. Enjoy!

Dear Families,

Sorry you didn't hear from us yesterday but when you read the email, you will see how looooong the day was plus the fact that we had no internet when we arrived due to a heavy rainstorm.

Yesterday morning Heather read us part of her devotion that said, "Let me help you through the day. ...You will get through this day one way or the other. ....There will difficulties along the way, but you can face them confidently in My strength....Thank me for each problem you encounter and watch to see how I transform trials into blessings." The Lord KNEW we needed this reminder, as our day proved to be hard, long and tough. BUT...there were small blessings and smiles and laughs along the way.

Our usual 2 hr. trip to Dessalines took almost 8 hr. due to a huge traffic jam in a certain small town. We sat for 2 hr. waiting to see if the traffic would go, but it didn't and we finally took another, much longer route to Dessalines. We did arrive safely and we were quite tired.

Along the way though, we met a Haitian family who allowed us to sit with them while we waited - the team's first encounter with Haitian kids. There were many hugs and kisses when we left. Also, along the way, we passed the lady we had met in the Miami airport who had asked us to pray for her Nicaraguan friend who was being delayed in immigration. Guess who was sitting in the front seat of the car? Yep...the Nicaraguan man! We had a flat tire along the way too -such fun! And of course the girls immediately found children to play with! A rainstorm hit, yet it had stopped raining during the "flat tire" incident. Bathroom stops were interesting...yep, Bethany and I found a large tree....no one else would attempt to do that! When we arrived in Dessalines, we were excited to have flowing water, nice cool showers, food and a good night's sleep - yep, we had electricity all night long!

OK, today we started painting and what joy we had! I'm going to let the kids tell you about their day today...they are having a wonderful time and doing an incredible job!

Kat - Let me just say that this has been the best experience I have ever had and I have found out there is a special needs orphanage, so I WILL be back! This morning before we left to paint the church we played with the kids around the compound and let me just say that I already have my babies picked out that I'm bringing home. At the church we painted half already and then I did arts and crafts and made a new friend with a six grade girl. I got to practice alot of Creole and some spanish too! When we left they gave many hugs and asked if we were coming back tomorrow. This week isn't even half way over and I already think I could live here and work at the special needs orphanage! Thinking of everyone and miss you!

Joel - Today was very fun, despite the extremely hot weather. We left Dessalines and went to a sort of church/school combination, kinda like RRCA. We painted two sides of the church a bright blue and then we played soccer and other games with the children. Overall, it was a great day, but I'm extremely tired.

J-Flan- I am very tired but it has been a fun day. I played soccor longer than anyone. I almost played the whole 2 hours we had with everyone, but I just got to a point wher I had had enough. The best part today was riding in the back of Dr. Dan's truck. Haiti has very very bumpy roads. Some people almost fell out a few times, there were seven of us in all in the back of the truck. It's been wonderful so far.

Heather - Hello Mom and Daddy. Let first say that this is the coolest thing I've ever experienced. Today we painted and played with kids. The language barrier makes things difficult but I'm learning more words and how to communicate better every minute. I love all the little children and I want to bring them all home. Everything is well. I love yall. I hope yall are having a WONDERFUL week!

Tiffany - Hi mom and dad who are about 1/5 of a mile from me ;) I am so blessed to be here again, its is an amazing experiance! Today we painted half of a church, and ran around with kids! Its funny because even though we didn't have a clue what the kids were saying we all had a great time! It just goes to show you that God is bigger then languages! I am super close to just taking a few kids in my suit case...maybe I can take 2? haha Love you all! I hope your having a great week!!  (Note from Dawn: Tiffany's parents are also in Haiti but working on a different project.)

Ben - Hi mom and dad. I'm fine. Dad would be jealous. Izuzu Amigos, GMC trackers, Nissan Partols. Also, there's fresh mangos, and other fresh fruit. It's been a pretty good trip so far, and my french is coming handy when I talk to the kids. I played soccer, and it was pretty fun. Tell Jon I said hi when he comes.

Clayton - Hey mom and dad. I'm having a blast! It's hard to descirbe how amazing this place is but I love it. We had goat today, which was interesting but I really enjoyed it. The landscape is so beautiful but the contrasting poverty all around just breaks your heart. Well, not your heart per se since yall aren't here but whatever. I love yall and tell everyone I said hey.

Sean - The last few days have been hard but good. I miss you guys. There are these realy cool trees out side called Flame Trees. They have bright red flowers all over there branches. The mangos are awesome. I have never had a 100% fresh mango before. The kids are sooo cute and FULL of joy. A few people got sick but they are good now. God has blessed me with good health. I can't wait to see you.

P.S. I am going see if I can get Tommy a Machetie.

Bethany: Bonswa! We are having a wonderful time and have such a great group! Today Libbie, Kat, Sean and I led a group of girls in a craft time which they highly enjoyed! Continue to pray that the Lord would allow us to share His love with everyone we come in contact with and that we would be able to communicate with ease. I love you parents! 

Emmanuel: Howdy everyone! This trip has been awesome! These students are such hard workers. Today we went and painted a church and everyone was amazed at how much we got done and how well it looked. Im so impressed with our team and how hard they worked! Please continue to keep us in your prayers! 

Libbie and Rob - We are truly loving watching these teenagers transform and fall in love with Haiti and the children right before our very eyes! It is so good to be back in Haiti where we have seen so many friends. The church/school we are working at is great and our team just fit right in. They work hard and played hard and are excited about a new day.

Keep praying for our safety and protection and good health. We love you all and are so grateful you allowed your kids to come experience Haiti and increase their servant hearts! Love to all our family!

Until another note comes...... blessings to you all, Libbie, Rob, Emmanuel, Bethany and the whole team.