Two questions

Will we change Haiti or will Haiti change us?

Can someone save Haiti......He can.

It is really amazing to see how God works in all of the different people here in Haiti. Haitian, missionaries, and others alike.

Great day

Today we went to Ft. Jauques and built a portable garage (glorified Tent) and put together the bags to deliver to a tent city. Mostly toiletries. About 500 plus bags! Jessica is a little under the weather today, so pray for her speedy recovery! After lunch we all tried our ability to bargain in the streets. One machete, about 4 paintings, a globe and some bracelets later, we headed back. (Don't worry Nikki, I did NOT buy a Machete, but I wanted too!)

On a side note, I can't send pictures because the it clogs the computers, but I promise that I'll do it as soon as I get home! (By the way, I tried yesterday and lightening struck the house as soon as I clicked the mouse! I tried again and it struck the house again as I hit the mouse button.) I about needed a change of shorts because I saw it spark on the wire about 20 feet to the left of the computers. I logged out shortly there after, no pun intended.

Feels like we've been here for a while!

Another great day. Very productive. More of the same as yesterday, and I have to say that it is pretty amazing to see this country and it makes me very proud to know that there are so many people back home that are willing to support the Haitians and their children. Rick and I went down to the warehouse and helped unload a second 40 ft container and had about a three hour ride up. Lucky for me I got to sit in the middle seat in the back. I prefer the top of a truck much better....as long as Watson's not driving. We made record time back to GLA after we stocked the warehouse. It is literally full from floor to ceiling. I just saw the view today from Ft. Jauqes (the GLA compound where the new orpanage will be built). It was amazing. I could see all of Haiti, and even to the Dominican Republic. Aside from that a lot of sweat, and fatigue from working hard today. Tomorrow, we organize bag, and then distribute. We all can't wait! I'll try to post some pictures, and of couse one of my favorites. Out of about 150 pics so far...it'll be hard to pick! God Bless!

I'm having a hard time posting photos. If I can figure it out, I will. Sorry! Hopefully if I can find a way, I will.
Patience is key on mission trip!

If you have never....

....Rode on the back and top of a pick up truck through Port Au Prince, then you haven't lived! Lucky for all of us, Mamma T and Drea included, we got to experience that. Rick and I woke up at 7 AM to a lightening fast breakfast so that we could get down to the warehouse in Port Au Prince to unload a container (40ft) that is in holding and full of supplies onto two box trucks to be taken to the other house for GLA where we would seperate and organize everything. The ladies were at the house organizing diapers, diapers, and....more diapers. The other property is about 1/2 hour drive up the mountain from here and the view is pretty surreal. With gear and tent crew abilities, and Rick's brute strenght, (and about 12 other Haitian workers) we unloaded the supplies and boxes on to the box trucks. Then Rick and I had about a 2 and half hour ride through downtown traffic in Port Au Prince, heat and sun, and a lot of car horn honkin and broken down cars. Even one of the trucks with supplies had a flat tire and was over heating. However, it was an amazing (AND BUMPY) ride. I've never done anything like that. We arrived at the compound for GLA and unloaded one truck into a brand new warehouse they just had built. By the way, I must note that all of this is heavily gaurded by private security with shotguns. With all the volunteers at GLA at this warehouse, they unloaded box after box, diapers, an Xray machine, diapers, baby wipes, shoes, and more diapers. That was just the first box. While waiting for the next truck to arrive, I happened to dose off, Rick took a dirt bike out on the property, and after about a 45 minutes of sleeping I woke up and saw how sweaty and dirty Rick was. I asked him what he'd been up to and he said, lifting and unloading that other truck. I thought he was joking, but sure enough this truck had came, been unloaded, and was gone in 45 minutes. Pretty impressive, except I missed it. Once that was finished, everyone hopped into the back of the truck and we enjoyed a scenic, race care/demolition derby type ride back to GLA headquarters. Mamma T and Drea were troopers, and we all made it. Even Johnny and another Haitian worker who just held on to the back bumper and cage. Everyone is still doing fine here, and we sure have our work cut out for us tomorrow, as we'll do the same thing with another container. Then we'll organize, bag and distribute all of the goods to a tent city with a population of about 55,000.

On a side note, as I read our small group study/bible study last night I read this:(I think it's from Phillipians or Ecclesiastes or somewhere I was reading) I'm paraphrasing here- How easy is it for us to judge people based on their wealth, color, status, abilities, looks, talents, riches, etc. Instead of judging eachother based on these things, we should judge eachother based on gladness of heart. Rick said it best today when he told me, "It's great to see this contry moving on and rebuilding." From what I learned today, Haiti doesn't need our sypathy, rather they need our help. I'm glad that I am here and with the people I've come in contact with because I know we all feel that we are helping. It is overwhelming because there is so much to do, but it has to start somewhere. With out your support and belief in us, we wouldn't be here, so you are just as much a part of this as we are. Remember to judge eachother on the gladness of heart. I see a lot of that here, and there is no doubt, that one day soon, Haiti will recover.

We love you.

Day two.

Bon Ju'
Are we really in Haiti? We're staying with a family in the "guest house". I woke up to the smell of pancakes, bacon, and coffee! What a nice surprise. Last night we saw our living quarters and they are really nice. Nikki and Brandon are a married couple with three young children. Talk about being incarnational in their faith! They are from the states, and they have been here before, during, and after the quake hit. They actual have a house in Port Au Prince, but stay in the guest house because it is more comfortable for the younger ones. Brandon is a young, passionate pastor that has been going into the tent cities and preaching the gospel. He speak pretty fluent Creole. When he is down in the tent cities and leading a service he says that he can have anywhere from a few hundred to a FEW THOUSAND! people attend. That must be something to see! The view from their house is breathtaking, and the frogs at night sing this amazing little dripping sounding song that I could listen to for hours. In fact, I just sat on the balcony listening, reading, and watching a thunderstorm over the mountains. Again, very unexpected, but amazing nontheless.

Today we are working at the orphange. We have gotten the tour, met about a dozen other missionaries, and we painted one of the nuseries and a railing. The kids here are precious. No wonder there is a waiting list to adopt! Mission trips are all about flexibility. (Our driver got sick today, so we'll be destributing goods in the tent cities, most likely tomorrow.) Our lunch was great. A beans and rice mixture, with cubed pork and some cooked plantains. (I know Nikki will be jealous! ;)) Thank you for your prayers, and keep them coming. Phone service isn't that great out here if we have any, so keep checking the blog for updates. The only time I'll be able to write will be between 12 and 1ish and between 5-7. I sure don't want you to miss one! I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow. Nap we` pita! (see you later)

We are here safe

Wow. Words cannot describe our trip up. Not for the faint of heart or of stomache. Very bumpy, but our drivers Johnny and Watson got us here safe. We are all accounted for as is all of our luggage! Praise God! The country of Haiti was welcoming, customs went well, and if I spoke a lick of Creole or maybe even French, I might be able to tell you more about our conversations, but...I can't. However, we made it to God's Littlest Angels and were welcomed with open arms, a little dog, a medium sized dog, and a Great Dane! No joke. Did I mention there were pigs in the middle of the roads and goats, and people, and tents. Very overwhelming to realize how blessed we are in America. The people here are getting by on very little, and are still as social as ever. I think I learned a few new tricks about driving stick, and how to steer a motorcycle up a mountain. Unreal! Did I mention that many roads are not paved. WOW! Dinner was great and we're heading up to the guest house for the night. Sounds like our plan of action may be unloading three 40 foot containers from Colorado, putting together bags of necessities, and delivering them to a tent city of about 55,000. Pray for us, those who are taking care of us, and especially for all the people that are in need in this country. We love you all!

Ready to fly

We are at the airport and all checked in. Hope our luggage makes it there!

Almost there!

Packing. Packing. Re-packing. How much do we get to take on board? Two bags.....hmmmm???....how heavy?......Re-packing. Smooshing, sitting, shoving, squishing....zipping...and then....ta-dah!!!! All packed.

Meet the team members

Good morning! This year we have 6 people going on our Mission trip to God's Littlest Angels in Haiti. I will be posting their introductions as I get them. Alison, who is a church member at Christ Community, has been instrumental in organizing a preparing this mission trip. Without her hard work, our work would not be possible. So....THANKS ALISON!

Leslie (AKA Mamma T): I have been married for 23 years to a wonderful man and I have 3 great children Nathan17, Micah15, and Hannah 13. This is my 7th

missions trip and I am looking forward to just spending time playing and holding the children

making them feel special and loved. I also love spending team time together! Go Team Haiti! :)

Vicky: I am a grower at Ball Horticultural in West Chicago. I have been married to my best friend for 29 years. My Son, A.J., is 27 and daughter Kate is 26. I love knitting, all animals and of course people! God has been guiding me toward this Haiti trip for a long time. I hope to succeed in his goals for me! "During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I (God) carried you. "

Drea: I am married to a wonderful man, have four beautiful daughters and teach preschool. I love my family, including my very large extended family, and enjoy doing things with them. I am most looking forward to seeing Haiti and loving on the children at GLA. I know God is doing amazing things! "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Phillipians 4:13

J-me- I'm a 5th grade teacher. I am married to Nikki, my amazing wife. This will be my 3rd mission trip and I am most excited about spending time with some of the older children at the orphanage who may not get as much attention as some of the others. I look forward to sharing my love for reading as well as my love for Christ. "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3

Jessica: I work for a business valuation company, but I also nanny/babysit; it's the best of both worlds! I love my family and friends - and thanks to them I am getting the opportunity to go to Haiti to serve God and hang out with kids! 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." Have faith like a child!

Rick: I love spending time w/my family and friends. I enjoy learning from the bible, riding my Harley, playing ice hockey and

reminiscing about playing rugby around the globe. I moonlight as a Certified Personal Trainer at LifeTime Fitness. I'm most looking forward to seeing the eyes of those little angels light up when we pour out our love for them!!!

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

Getting ready!

Good Day!

Well, our team leaves in about 5 days! We've been getting our vaccinations up to date. Packing. (Which means we have to decide what to bring and what not to bring, as well as what can we leave behind!) Christ Community Church has been very supportive of our mission to go to God's Littlest Angels. The GEMS group donated a ton of supplies for us to bring to Haiti. Needless to say, we are all very anxious and excited to land in Haiti and bring God's love to all those we come in contact with. I am certain that I speak for all of our group when I say "THANK YOU!" to our friends, family, and church members for all of your spiritual and financial support up to this point. Take care and keep us and the people that we will encounter in your prayers!

J-me