The Journey To Cap-Haitien

The journey began one bright Thursday morning in a little town called Montrouis, located on the west side of the small island of Haiti.

Four brave souls set off early on an adventure to deliver gifts from the King to his children in Cap-Haitien…which is a (normally) five hour car ride. 

                Paul, Jami, Love, and Shane traveled to the crossroads where they would not sell their souls to the Devil to be masters of the Blues, but to find a northern bound tap-tap to hop aboard to travel to the great northern city.  The small band did not have to wait long before their first craft approached.  It came to a halt at which time our group boarded…the journey had started. 

                The ride in the open air vehicle was a relief from the approaching heat that is so familiar to Haiti.  The truck went to and fro on the winding road and stopped here and there to drop off or to pick up new passengers.  After about a forty-five minute ride we arrived at our first station, St. Marc.  This was the first great city on our way north.  We had to switch vehicles as our current transport was turning around to head the way we had just come.  Our interpreter did a marvelous job at securing  us some new, two wheeled, vehicles to bring us around the wrecked vehicles that were preventing bigger four-wheeled (or more) vehicles from passing.  In and out we zoomed through traffic with our three packages fastened (not so securely) between our moto driver’s arms as he brought us to the next tap-tap station. 

                Again, we boarded another tap-tap.  However, this one wasn’t a little pickup truck with a cover, this one was a van.  We once again headed north passing the gigantic twenty-five foot tall garbage pile that was obviously overflowing out of the landfill.  Not too much farther and another road block stood in our way.  This time it was a broken down bus.  We paid our driver and headed north on foot…around the bus we went and to another open air tap-tap we embarked upon to the next city which we were told would have a nice air conditioned  bus to take us to the great northern city of Cap-Haitien.  We arrived in Gonaives about an hour later where our grandiose transport was supposed to be waiting…it wasn’t there.  All that was available to bring us the remaining four(ish) hours to Cap-Haitien was another very cramped, very hot and sweaty tap-tap.  But, being on the King’s business we had no choice but to accept the cramped quarters and head up the mountains on a tap-tap.     

                The four of us began our decent up the mountains tucked in the back like Sardines in a can.  The truck zoomed its way through the city and wound its way around the switchback road that lead to our destination.  Stomachs churned and sweat poured as our ride continued. We rounded a curve and then another and another and another…around the mountain we kept on going until we ran into our third and definitely the worst road block yet.  A semi-truck had fallen half off the mountains side where it conveniently blocked another semi from getting around it.  Traffic had backed up on either side of the one lane, curvy, mountain road.   School buses and semi-trucks were at head to head standoffs.  Cars were tucked neatly behind these beasts making it almost impossible for any vehicles to back up and get out of the way to make a clear path for one lane of traffic to get through.  But after a couple hours of Haitian planning, some yelling, moving cars by hand, and other non-traditional ways of unblocking a road we made it through.

                Our tap-tap driver wasted no time on zipping through the traffic and bringing us safely (we weren’t too sure at times) to our destination in Cap-Haitien.  Once we arrived, another short moto ride brought us to our final destination where the King’s children were awaiting eagerly. 

                We delivered the packages which contained toy cars, dolls, basketballs, soccer balls, bubbles, shoes, clothes, household decorations, peanut butter, and other wonderful treats.  Paul, our craftsman, was able to build three tables for the kids and their caretakers while we were there. 

                Not even two days after arriving in Cap-Haitien we had to leave.  However, this time we traveled home on an air conditioned bus knowing that we had accomplished our mission of delivering the supplies.  We left with happy and satisfied hearts knowing we had created some happy hearts.    

                So the moral of this story and my latest adventure is: the king’s business is always worth it in the end…no matter what kind of rough adventures the road takes you on, the end product of serving the King is a joyful heart and (in this case) some happy children.  So serve the King well fellow soldiers.     

A Renewed Vision

Sometimes (Or a lot of times) God puts you in a situation that IS too much for you handle on your own…just for the fact that it puts you in a place where you have to lean upon Him and in no way upon your own understandings.  Sometimes, a person gets notions when going through these “situations” to try and find a way out through their own human efforts.   I had such thoughts over the last couple of weeks. 

I don’t know how many of you know this, but I got into a car crash about two weeks ago (I’m fine and everyone else is ok too).  After that, I went through a rough day with another random different thing.  I had two days in a row of just being dumped upon.   Haiti in general takes a toll upon you physically and spiritually, so to add these two things to just the everyday living in Haiti made for an “I want a break” moment.  I’ve only been here for about four months but I’ve gotten pretty tired in that time.  I love my job and what God has me here for…however as I said before, Haiti just wears on you. 

So I thought my solution was a nice vacation to the Dominican Republic or to the pirate cove of Tortuga (which is in Haiti) however, God had a different plan in mind…and one that was so much better than anything I could have thought up. 

His plan wasn’t to send me on some vacation or grandiose adventure but to give me a renewed vision of why I am here. 

I have been part of several home-going parties since I’ve been here in Haiti but this last weekend I got to be involved in the beginning phase of the adoption…meaning, I got to witness the first uniting between the loving parents and the needing-to-be-loved child.  We had a Giving Hope Adoptive Parent Visiting Weekend where some of our adoptive parents got to come to Haiti and love on their children for a weekend.  For some of the parents this was a second or third visit, but for a few, this was their first time meeting their child. 

My role throughout the weekend was to play host (along with the other missionaries) and just be there for whatever the families needed.  In my time of interaction with the parents and families God gave me a renewed vision. 

“This is why you’re here.” He said to me.  “You’re here to take care of these kids and to love on them while the parents aren’t here to do so.  You’re not here as a replacement for the parents but as a temporary guardian to invest in these kid’s lives…ultimately preparing them for going home to live with their forever families in America who have given their all to raise these kids.” 

This last weekend was amazing.  Throughout the weekend we had things such as: a talent show, a staff tells all, a couple of public speakers who shared some words of encouragement, a family photo shoot, just some alone family time, and some other fun activities.  This weekend was a great time of interacting with godly families who have given their time, energy, and money to make these kids forever part of their family.    

So, if and when you’re thinking you need a break from that which God has called you to do, know that sometimes all you need is just a renewed vision of why you’re doing what you’re doing.  So pray for that in addition to whatever else you may be asking of God.  I know a renewed vision gave me the oomph to keep on keeping on, and maybe it will do the same for you. 

Facial Hair, Cat Poop, And A New Stove :)

Apparently my attempt at facial hair growth has made individuals question my nationality.  This week I was asked if I was Israeli, French, and Jamaican…by three different people.   I also was told I look like a hippie. lol  

Anyway this week has been one of great joy as we got a new stove.  That’s right.  It’s goodbye to having to start the charcoal every morning and night.  No more waiting for 25 minutes as the flame lights upon the charcoal.  Now it’s just pop a switch, light a match, and BOOM…we’ve got fire to cook upon.  I know all of you are like what’s the big deal about a stove?   Well, I challenge you to try and use a charcoal grill (with no lighter fluid) two times a day for two months and then you’ll know how big of a deal a propane powered stove really is. 

With our new stove came the giddiness of a twelve year old girl going clothes shopping for school.   All of us missionaries just kept going on and on about all the things we were going to make and could cook now that we had an oven.  Our bellies have been quite full the last few nights as we have had mango pie, a birthday cake, and biscuits.   We’ve definitely been eating like royalty :)

Something else that is new that I never blogged about is the new mouth in the household that I am responsible for feeding.  Some of you may be thinking, “He’s at an orphanage…maybe he was put in charge of special care for a child.” Well to put your mind at ease, that isn’t the case.  I got a cat…or “chat” in Creole :)  Her name is Sparrow.  Ryan and Sheena (the other missionaries that are here) also got a cat.  So instead of my room smelling like baby poop and having to clean up from babies (which some have going for them here) my room smells like cat poop and I have to clean up from their messes :)

Prayer…what is it?  It is calling upon or talking with God anytime about anything.  I’ve learned what that means this last week as both the kids and I learned about prayer.  God sometimes calls us to labor in prayer having us ask again and again and again until He answers.  The example that I used/was given this last week was the story of Elijah and the rain cloud.  He prayed seven times before God answered His prayer.  I have no doubt that He would have kept praying longer too if God had not answered after the seventh time. 

So, something I’ve learned about prayer is that sometimes (a lot of times) prayer requires persistence until the answer comes.  But along with that we need to be watching for God’s answer.  In Elijah’s case, the answer came in the form of a cloud the size of man’s hand.  That isn’t very big but Elijah had been praying and he knew it was the answer.  He even got so excited about the answered prayer that he outran a chariot. :)

Along the lines of prayer, I just want to say a GIGANTIC THANK YOU to you all for your prayers.   I can’t say it enough.  But the reason I have gotten thus far in my time here is because of prayer.  Your prayers on my behalf have given me:  patience that is needed, creativity for teaching, finances, energy, consistency, and encouragement.  Thank you.  Know that you all are in my prayers too :)

Love ya guys,
Shane 

No Generator...again!

So another generator-less week visited us here in Haiti last week…and at the current time of writing this post, we still remain without a generator.  So, I was given the opportunity over the last seven days or so, with no running water, to get very well acquainted with our ever seemingly so deep well as I have drawn at least fifty gallons of water a day…if not more.   

This week started for me with a day working at another ministry (this was on my day off) helping to take down old solar panels so they could put new ones up.  It was fun…and really hot as the sun beat down upon us from our nice and extremely open hot spot on the roof of the house.  I got to enjoy two free, very filling, and amazing meals for my work there.  Plus I had the opportunity to make some new friends and more contacts here in Haiti.

I had a few new joys this week as (number 1.) I bought a bicycle.  I figured why not buy one?  They’re a great way to get around: there’s no cost for gas and it’s a great work out too.  Win, win, win!!!  Everyone needs a bike!!! Lol Also, every once in a great while you find something here (usually at one specific store) that you didn’t know they sold and are ecstatic to find.  Well, one of those finds visited me (actually) a couple weeks ago.  But I haven’t gotten to blog about until now… I found, or one of my fellow missionaries found for me, wait…wait a little more…AND…MONSTER (energy drink)!!!  I know all the guys out there are like, “Yes!!! Shane’s life is now complete living in Haiti.” And well, you may be right:) lol  As I’ve said before, little things here in Haiti mean the world.  It’s surprising how when you’ve been living without ice (or anything little like that) for three months, how special of a treat it truly is. 

And that brings me to the next point; I’ve been in Haiti almost three months now!  It’s crazy how fast the time has gone living here.  These are some things I’ve, or God, has help me accomplish in these last few months: I’ve gotten Creole down such to where I can go to the market and get my own food, have little conversations here and there, and get the gist of conversations.  God’s been faithful to give me ideas for teaching the kids.  I’ve made lots of friends, both young and old.  I have a personal moto chauffeur for whenever I need a ride :) And I’ve grown in my faith as I’ve seen God provide for me and show himself faithful.  This has been a great few months and I definitely look forward to the next nine or so months I have left…that’s if I don’t end up staying longer.              

I just want to say thank you to you all once again.  I can’t tell you enough how much having all of you supporting me means to me.  Keep praying!!!  I feel it...and it’s needed. 

Orevwa to you all…  =)

It's about time!!!

Alas my faithful followers, I have been estranged from you for far too long.  I apologize for my untimely delay in this post.

So, what has been happening lately in my life here in Haiti over the last few weeks?   Well, I have been doing more of the same thing…I’ve  had morning Bible time with the kids before school where we learn about characters from the Bible and what it means to be a follower of God.  We also memorize one verse a week which the kids are so enthusiastic to learn, because if they can recite the verse to me by Saturday, I take them up to the gas station where they get to pick out a treat. 

Tuesdays and Thursday have been sanctioned now to be guys and girls time.   It’s a time where I take the guys and do manly things like pushups, arm wrestling, and spitting contests.  The girls do much more girly things…at least I think so.  I’ve never been a part of their time because God deemed it fit (which I thank Him immensely for) that I should not be a gal but a lad. 

This last Tuesday was a little different though in the fact that we had another going home party for one of the girls.  It was such a blessing to be part of another celebration of a child going home to a forever family to be loved, cherished, and doted upon for the rest of her earthly life.  The day was filled with decorating, eating, singing, talking, playing, laughing, and rejoicing…and Avocadoes :p  I found them in the market for the first time on Tuesday after the party…“My sweet friend, Guacamole, here I come.”  I know, some have deemed me to be a lil crazy at times.

Anyways, what else has gone on here in Haiti?  Well I discovered pretty much last minute that Easter was this month…that tells you how much I pay attention to the days here :p We were blessed by our dear friend Heather, with a nice meal at the buffet at Club Indigo for Easter dinner.

I have played Yahtzee and basketball.  I’ve jump roped and played soccer.  I’ve danced and sang.  Laughed and not cried.  I’ve thought and discovered new things.  I’ve enjoyed random conversations around the dinner table about how we’re going to start random businesses to raise support for our other crazy idea about starting a pirate theme park on Tortuga (which is part of Haiti) where Jonny Depp is going to be our lead pirate.  We started, as a missionary group, reading aloud, The Scottish Chiefs.   And I’ve enjoyed thoroughly eating fresh mangoes as they’re in season right now.   Fights have ensued over these delectable treats as they fall from our mango tree and the children have literally dove for them, creating dog piles upon the rocky ground…and all for a mango.  Once you eat a fresh mango, you’ll understand why they’re such a craze around here.  

Now, something God has been teaching me: 

I’ve been reading through Leviticus and I’ve discovered that God pretty much has made it impossible for us to live a victorious life without Him.  There is no way possible to keep all of the laws and commandments that He has set literally set in stone.  But that’s the point.  If we could live a perfect life without Him, then there would be no need for Him.  He knew though that we couldn’t do it by ourselves so He made a way for us to live perfect…and that’s with Him living our life through us.  So all of you stubborn people (like myself) give into Him and quite thinking you can live this life on your own…you can’t!!!  You’ll fail miserably.  “With man this is impossible.  But with God all things are possible.”  He states it, so believe it!  It’s the only way to live this life. 

So to you all, (my faithful blog followers) thank you for your support.  The only reason I have made it through this first two and half months is because I have a prayer team back at home.  That team includes you.  And I am so blessed that so many of you have committed your time and energy to pray for me. 

Keep strong and let God live through you…Ta ta for now.