Day 4: Water truck and Haitian Initiative fields

                Day number four! The long awaited day arrived, water truck day! We all rolled out of bed and shortly after jumped on the TapTap. We proceeded to the water filling station where we waited for an hour for the Healing Haiti water truck to arrive. Lupe and Michelle befriended a few local Haitian boys, while Sydnee led the group in a game of Big Booty. After the water truck was full, we loaded up on the TapTap and took off to the poorest part of Port-au-Prince, Cite Soleil.  As we pulled in, children ran behind the TapTap attempting to jump on and anxiety set in. The first filling station was chaos. Dozens of hands reached up to us as we stepped out of the TapTap. It was nearly impossible to reach the water hose to help because no one could refuse to pick up children, desperate to be held. Anna almost reached the hose, but sat down inches away to allow the children to sit on her lap. For the next hour, we became jungle gyms for the children. Matt and Jens had children piled on them. They transformed into mounds to children. Others clung to children as they were their own. Hannah picked up a boy who clung to her, soaking in all the love she had to give. When we were done filling buckets, we headed to the location where the new church and school were being built. (It wasn’t far at all) It was a place where they used to bury bodies and trash was thrown, being transformed into a place of love and hope. The children that followed us sang and danced, “God is so good, Bondye mna bon”. With heavy hearts, we set down the children, climbed back onto the TapTap, and took off to the next location.

                The second stop was less hectic. However, there were still children awaiting our love. Within seconds, all the girls had lost their hair binders and that’s where the fun began. Noelle, Hannah, Jackie, Michelle, Anna, and Logan where all plopped on the grounds while young girls attempted to become hair stylists. Our hair was pulled out and had crazy rats nests. Luckily, a few older women came to our rescues with a comb in hand. We left with gorgeous braids, including James. Joe was the only boy who didn’t become a jungle gym, but protected a baby who fell asleep in his arms. Colleen was the only one who managed to keep her sunglasses and braid in. Her inner librarian shown through as she tried to keep the children in order. While everyone was being pulled in every direction, Thibbs befriended a Haitian man who had learned English by himself. He took advantage of the opportunities to speak English every time Healing Haiti pulled up! Once again our time seemed not long enough as we climbed into the TapTap with tears in our eyes.

                We were fortunate to be able to go the Haitian Initiative. A soccer program in Cite Solei with the purpose to bring unity and opportunity to the young boys and girls.  We pulled in and were welcomed by the young soccer players. While we waited to play soccer the players grabbed us and forced us to play a “fun” game. The boys placed their hands under ours and then tried to smack our hands before we could pull them away. They were really good and the bruises on Matt’s hands are proof! While they abused our hands, Sydney was off making a special connection with Peter, a ten year old boy. They’re married now. We then began our workout aka “warm ups”. We got our butts kicked, by kids half our age… When we arrived back at the guest house we went swimming and had a delicious Haitian meal.  

                Today was a very emotional draining day for everyone. We got to see the poorest of the poor and connect with them on a level we never imagined. We were able to reflect on our life back home and realized how blessed we are to have the things we have. We encourage everyone to take a moment to thank God for all of the blessing in their lives and to pray for the less fortunate. On the other side of things, we are having a blast and loving each other and this country more and more each day. We send our love and gratitude to those back home praying and supporting us.

With much love,

Hannah and Michelle.

P.S. We’re burnt. 

p.s.s. - internet is being stupid and not loading photos. sorry - debbie