Friday, April 1, 2011

Balloons




Our American culture has lost track of the appreciation of the simple things. We have witnessed since yesterday afternoon the delight of a balloon. We gave them out as part of a gift to all the children at the service yesterday, so there are a few hundred of them around. I was surprised to find them still working today! The children have played with them for hours. Did I get annoyed as the balloons bounced around my head, as I nodded back and forth to duck it in the middle of conversation, absolutely not! Well… actually I did notice, but couldn’t be offended, I can’t remember the last time I saw such joy over a bubble of air wrapped in rubber! Children’s service was a blast, a blast of energy that is! We arrived at the church to discover the tent already full of children, before we could get things cut off, at last count there were 550! It’s good the numbers were down a little yesterday! We used the rest of yesterday’s supplies plus today’s. It is pretty intense at the kid’s service, always a little dramatic for the team. It will test your resolve to remain cool, but if you do, your steadiness is met with the reward of many smiles. I have shared their intensity in previous posts, but it all came back to me again over the last couple of days. The teaching is simple, but has the profound capability to change a nation should the children return to God! Robinson gets a golden star for his ability to handle 550 Haitian childen that are in the property for the children’s service as well as the 100 or so in the streets that came too late to get in. After the service we borrowed a neighbors truck and headed to the ocean. I remember when I baptized at this location years ago; it was a delightful spot. It was still a great picture zone today, but you needed to keep your camera focused up. We took some splendid Caribbean shots, but my heart was broken by the view of the shoreline. As far as my eye could see, rubble lined the sandy/craggy edge where the water sheds its awful cargo of debris. The people litter the riverbeds, which are dry right now, but when the rain commences in June, the trash is washed to the sea. As an active water well driller, it is one of the most tragic scenes to witness. With the growing awareness of the shortage of fresh water world wide, it’s difficult to watch this pollution occurring even when I know they don’t comprehend the damage they are assaulting on the ecosystem. Be that as it may, the water was warm, and the young people were led by none other than Brandon himself to do some rock climbing to stage for some pretty cool pictures, even the girls braved the circumstances to get up on top of the rock, although it cost Brandon and Krystle a dip in the ocean! We fed so many at the house tonight it was hard to count. What a blessing. There are lots of full bellies tonight. We will head to the mountain in the morning, and on to Desdunes in the afternoon. Rick and Ray are painting the front wall of the church as I type this blog post, hoping it dries by morning, so when the children congregate it won’t harm the paint or get the paint all over their clothes. Rick has been such a great help to Ray, I am confident that painting was not on his roster for Haiti, as he does it plenty in the States, but they have certainly brightened the property, and made Robinson very, very happy. Everyone deserves a break tomorrow, and will get one. So ends another day of our journey. Blessings tonight.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

I am really enjoying reading your daily accounts of the incredible journey God has all of you on. May He continue to bless you and the Haitian people you are serving.

Blessings,

Eric

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the reminder of the simple things in life. No matter where God places us if our perspective is in order we can see the good things in all. I'm struggling a bit tonight with things here on the home front, different challenges of course than what the Haitians face but it is real none the less and I'm blessed to be reminded tonight who is in control! God is good. I love you all and am praying that God continues to strengthen each of you on this journey! Thank you for sharing Jesus to our brothers and sisters in Haiti and those of here!! Niche'

Anonymous said...

I love you guys and miss you.I hope you are all doing great and having a great time.I'll see you when you get home. I love you all again.

LOVE ,Alexis Gallo

Anonymous said...

Wow where do i begin? First, i'm proud fo the work God is helping u all get done. Second tell Ray and Rick the painting looks great. Third wow the childrens service just keeps getting bigger and bigger these kids r amazing. Fourth its always good to have alittle fun in the midst of doing Gods work. Fifth I'm sorry there is no fifth but i love u all praying for u all please tell Rob Rob and everyone there niche,devante and i said hi and we miss them very much. Peace,Love and Soul Germaine

L said...

Wow those pictures are great. Hahaha, hey dad, try and smile in a couple pictures :) That Guard house GLOWS baby, great job. "Kids" try to look like you're suffering a little would ya :) Enjoy the sun because TC's suppose to get more snow tomorrow and Monday. Doyle, you da man, flat out. These posts have been amazing, you wanna type my research paper ;) hahaha. (FYI, American Airlines is back to normal now) Mom, saw a Cardinal this morning. Ray and Deloris, I had sea food on Thursday, ahhh I couldn't help but think of your blessing again… thanks. Brandon, how'd that salt water taste man :) When Jesus said "You are the salt of the earth" hahaha I don't think that's what he had in mind, but I could be wrong :) Beth, how's the hair darling? This morning mine was just an absolute mess! Hahaha, I'm sorry I just couldn't resist :)

Ohhh love you all. It's refreshing to hear of all the wonders God's doing through you. Hope your trip to Desdunes went smooth and please say hi to Rob and the family for me… I think of them often. Blessings my Brothers and Sisters.

Jake T said...

Sounds like things are going well, glad to hear it. We will miss you all at service in the morning bit we know you'll be in pew same as all of us. We are all one church, what an awesome concept! May God's blessings continue to guide and strengthen all of you.

Michelle Cary said...

Hello Haiti Team. I am so glad the children service went well. Balloons are fascinating to children. We tend to buy these extreme complicated toys for our children when all they really want is a cardboard box and some balloons, (LOL) and they would be entertained for the day. Actually balloons are Grace's favorite "toy" to play with. It was great to see some more pictures. The pic on the rock is beautiful.
Well tonight I go to pick up Chance in Clare. It will be nice to have another person in the house. The rest of the kids come home Sunday. Grace keeps saying she wants her daddy, and says "daddy in Haiti". Have been praying for all of you, and miss all of you very much. God bless
Michelle

rileychick said...

Hey All! Sorry I haven't written sooner, it's been pretty hectic trying to get Mike out the door to Portugal. They should have left Chicago about an hour ago though, so remember him and their mission there when he comes to mind. As always, I've enjoyed reading your posts -- knowing how to pray and feeling more connected with what is going on there. It sounds like you are doing great work and having many unexpected adventures (550 children, WOW!!!)! God is surely accomplishing His purposes through your hard work, flexibility, and can-do spirits! Love the pictures, can't wait to hear more in person when you return. Laurel

PS. Ask Noah if he wants to know how Dwaun did in the dunk competition, which evidently was actually held yesterday or last night. Or do you want to wait to watch it? :)

Anonymous said...

Hi to my favorite people in Haiti! :) We celebrate you all tonight! We had a nice time visiting tonight. John and Gail, Bob and Darlene, Sandy smith, Pastor Don and Ramona and her brother joined also. We ate some really good food! :) and took a picture JUST for you all! We are watching videos from our November trip with John and Gail. Helps us feel like we are there with you.... Can NOT wait to hear how your ride up the mountain went and Desdunes visit was! We hope you were able to give out lots of goodies! Your visit is coming to an end which is always so bitter sweet. Dad, be careful traveling..... Deloris and Brandon enjoy church and a relaxing day tomorrow! I love the things that are coming out of this trip.... and your not even here yet! Enjoy your remainder of your visit! We love you all...... I had to get my comment on quickly in case you got to the internet :) Hugs to you all!!!!! Alisa

Anonymous said...

We enjoyed our visit to the Gallo Haiti party this evening and watched Haiti videos. Little Krystle - I wrote like 10 to 12 pages about AI right after the show and didn't go. Jim showed us how to comment on Blog now. Bottom line is Thia and Naima are out. It was Elton John evening and Naima did a Reggae version of an Elton John song - Randy said "corny." I have all the notes on the whole show in detail. So I hope this rests your mind about AI. We are enjoying the writings and pictures of the trip. Be safe and well all. Gail