Haiti Mission Team
Friday, May 29 through Friday, June 5, 2009

The Haiti Team includes:  Joey, Melissa, Olivia & Sawyer Davis; Bobby & Carol Golden; Jake & Shelly Hendrix; Caitlyn Higgins; Thomas & Callie Mitchell; Bobby, Bonnie, Emily Ann & Allie Ray; Sheri & Corynne Schannuth; Mary Rose Teague; Rebekah & Lauren Van Eaton

News from the team while in Haiti:

June 4, 2009

I have been blessed to write on the last day before we go home.  Today, we visited the preaching school.  They take 12 students through a 3 year program of Bible study, history, English, community service and homeletics.  This school is the central point for God's work in Haiti.  Judging by the preachers I have met, they are doing a remarkable job.

We also visited a beach today to round out the obligatory tourist part of the trip.  It was beautiful and water was very clear.  Just another view of God's handiwork in Haiti.

But my week hasn't been wasted.  The more I know, the more I realize that I know nothing.  On this trip I learned many things.  I learned….

-         They say it's not the heat, but the humidity.  LIARS!  It's the heat.

-         Haitians are always in a hurry even if there's nowhere to go.

-         Under the right circumstances, Americans who drink the water turn a lovely shade of green.

-         Leaving American airspace takes 20 years off of Jake Hendrix who is the oldest young man I know.

-         Daihatsu is Japanese for “No shock absorbers!”

-         Judging from the gas station attendant's rifle, drive offs are zero tolerance.

Also, I learned…

-         Children are the same everywhere.  They go from innocent to sassy to obnoxious, depending on age.  But there is good in all of them.

-         Haitian preachers are truly the called.  They understand more than most the responsibility of being God's man.

-         Hernby is not just heaven bound.  Hernby will inherit the earth.  No doubt about it.

-         Moises is a special brand of Jesus that loves, encourages, and brings hope.

-         “Luckson” is welcome to “my son” anytime!

-         For such a big guy, Michele has a light foot.  (slow driver)

-         Fred is a serious Haitian dude with a good heart!

I'm not sure anyone has seen Jesus in me this week.  My job has mostly been crowd-control.  To keep the natives in line, you have to be serious and assertive, all the while wearing a “no” face.  Hard to see a “yes” Jesus in any of that.  I honestly hate it!

But I have learned why people love mission work in Haiti.  You might think it's because of the sweetness of the children, the patience of the elderly, or the pride in the faces of young mothers as you swoon over their children.  Or maybe it's the ability to help, even if it is just a band-aid.  At least it is a band-aid they didn't have when we got here.

This could be part of it, but I think there is much more to it.  You see, in our gated “neighborhooded”, sterilized, homogenized home towns, we rarely have the opportunity to do anything truly noteworthy.  In places like this, we get the opportunity to sift the salt of the earth through our very own fingers, knowing that our efforts enhance the salt and give their lives a little more flavor for a very brief time.  Once you do this, you are never the same and crave the next shift in God's salt mine.

Some of you may be overwhelmed by Haiti's poverty.  I am impressed with their pride.  Where many see hopelessness, I see a people being prepared for a purpose...tribulation bringing patience and all.

This country is a magnificently broken civilization, a people who know suffering, yet do not fear it.  I recently heard Luckson wonder aloud why God would allow Haiti to suffer so much?  I wish I had a good answer.  But God is God, and I'm not.  What I can tell him is that God is faithful...even in Haiti.  He has provided for this nation in creative and unique ways.

Paul told the Romans, “Though we are put to death all day long and are counted as sheep to the slaughter, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”  So it is for the Haitians as well.

My calling is not Haiti, but Clear Creek.  I look forward to my return.  But there will always be a part of me with these people I've loved, and who have loved me in return.

Joey Davis

This trip has been a long and scary one.  When I first got here, I got told that I was rooming with a stranger named Luckson.  After awhile, I learned a lot about him.  He reminds me of an older Haitian version of Chris Reagan.  He speaks English very well and has taught me a little Creole but still it's really hard to understand.  There are some things I've learned.  Happiness comes from the heart and not items.  Also, that all people need to try to help and not just be so hateful.  Life can be great if you make it great, and be happy with who you are.  Then also, that life in Haiti can be scary like when I walked out of the church gate to go help Bonnie and the Haitians were already starting a frenzy.  Also when I was chased by 30 kids just for bubbles.  I’m so surprised someone didn't scream “Run, Forrest run”.  There is also a 14 year old boy that just shows up everywhere we go.  His name is Eric and he is extremely nice.  I gave him all my shirts because he has had the same shirt on for a while.  I also gave him my flip flops.  Plus I duck-taped a Bible to make it more manly.  I don't have anything else to give.  I wish I did but I don't.  Bobby G. has been sweating like a pig.  I'm glad he wears deodorant.  If he didn't, we would all be running because of all his sweat.  I know there is a little we can do but these people go crazy for a little bit of Advil.  When we were at a school, there was a break-in and Haitians started running in.  I could have sworn I saw a lady swinging an umbrella at people.  I'm glad that I showed people Jesus.  Everyone has an option...”live free or die hard”.  In other terms, help and make your life useful or be lazy and don't.  Help just be a face in a crowd.  After this trip, I decided “die hard”.  Help until the end.  Stand up for yourself and your opinion.  These children are happy with bubbles.  I think it's time for Clear Creek to do that:  be happy with what we have and not what we want.

P.S.  Next time you get told you're rooming with a stranger, remember they might be new, they might be weird, but also they might be nice.  My roomy is the nicest of the people in this hotel.  He helps when he can, lives like he should.  Plus, he cares about other people and that's what makes him great.  He is a friend and also a funny guy.  I would love to room with him again.

Sawyer Davis

This morning we went to the Preacher's School.  The class consists of 12 men who live there for three years.  Immediately after our arrival, the students came downstairs and introduced themselves to us.  They told us their name, where they were from, and where they preached at.  The director told us a bit about the school and the courses.  The students sang a few songs, as did we.  Then, we were given tour of the building...I was actually a little shocked by how nice the facilities were! 

Right now, we are at Cormier Beach.  I love the beach, but have never seen one as beautiful as this.  It's no crowded like American beaches; in fact, our group is the only one here!  And as I listen to the sound the waves crashing on the shore, it makes me think about the fact that this is our final day on the island.  At the beginning of the week, all I could think about was how much I wanted to go home...now, all I can think about is all the work we've done and how much I wish I could stay in Haiti.  During this week's clinics, we have helped around 900 people, but there are so many more that we haven't been able to assist.

Everywhere I've looked this week God has been there.   All of our team members have been ready to jump in and do whatever is needed.  I have really been impressed with the middle school girls, though.  I have not seen the smiles leave their faces since the moment we stepped off the plane. Corynne always waves to every person she sees from the back of truck.  Lauren has been doing more than her share of the work all week!  Allie has just been the most cheerful, bright spirit.  And I didn't ever see Emily Ann take a break any longer than to eat her lunch!  These girls are the four youngest members of the team, but I think they have definitely worked the hardest!

It's hard to believe our week here is almost over.  I have been so blessed to be able to go on this trip.  Even though it has been very hot and extremely tiring, I will never regret going on this trip!  I hope I can come back to Haiti very soon to see all my new friends, but I feel comforted by the fact that we will one day be reunited in heaven.

P.S. I will NEVER complain about heat or potholes ever again!

Mary Rose Teague

This week has been great!  I have seen Jesus in so many Haitian faces.  The joy these kids have among the poverty is amazing.  Today, we went to the preacher school and the beach.  We left our hotel at around 9:00 to go to the preacher school.  I really liked meeting all the new people there.  They live there for 3 years and go back every other weekend.  Most of them have families they leave, just to go and learn about how to go and preach to others about Christ.  I was really impressed.  Then, we ate and drove to the beach.  We went over mountains and through little towns.  Finally, we got there and jumped right in the water.  After a few hours spent drinking diet coke and sitting on the warm sand, we left.  The day was really fun.  It was also special because it was our last day in Haiti.  I have made friends and I have gotten closer to people I knew before but now it's like we're best friends.  I feel like I made a small difference in the Haitian's mind that will stick and something they can look back on when we're gone.  I really like Haiti and I will miss people like Holly, Fred, and Luckson.  Holly jumped in with our group and has really helped us.  Fred is one of our translators and Luckson is too.  I will always consider Luckson as my big brother.  It turned out that today was awesome and this week was a blessing.

Allie Ray

June 2, 2009

Today was my day to hit the wall. I always feel great here until exhaustion creeps up – not just being physically exhausted, but emotionally tired. I spent the day giggling uncontrollably and weeping quietly. Truly when we follow God out onto the water, where we are not used to being, he reveals many spiritual truths.

Last night was dinner with Bob, our missionary friend at the orphanage. Most people would think he has gone off the deep end, leaving a lucrative career, to live poorly while giving most of his support away. While I quietly chided him about taking care of himself, he reminded me of the widow in Luke 21 . . . ”Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins and he said the widow has put in more. All of these people gave out of their wealth and she out of her poverty gave all she had to live on.” Bob said he wants to live not out of excess, but in sacrifice.

I've also been thinking about sacrifice. God's sacrifice of His Son, and how He gave until it hurt. He suffered and bled and died for me, for you, for us all. The first century Christians who with great endurance faced troubles, hardships, distresses and persecution through glory and dishonor, regarded as imposters and unknown, dying, beaten, sorrowful yet rejoicing, poor yet making many rich. They had nothing yet possessed everything. 

I need to remember in my daily life in the U.S. that I am called to great sacrifice. It is easy for me to give what I brought to give away. It is harder to think about giving out of what I think I need to hold on to. It is easy to follow Jesus until I think about Luckson being here alone and being sick or hurt and suffering for Christ.

 My prayer is that in my life, I can be a living sacrifice for Christ, and that I can welcome suffering as a gift.

 Holly Eckhart / Rifle, Colorado
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Hello from beautiful Haiti! Today was spent in the mountains. We did a third clinic at the church that also houses a school. We were able to treat many today of all different ages. It is such a blessing to do anything for them even if it is just a short prayer and some Advil.

I've seen God working through everyone on the team, both those from Chattanooga and from other countries. It's great to be able to work with everyone and I'm truly glad I came. Today we are just over half way through the week. I look forward to the comforts of home, but know I will miss everything here that is so different, even the traffic and the heat

Caitlyn Higgins
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As my perspective has changed through the years, my summary word for this week is “growth.” Growth in the churches we're visiting. Growth in the preachers, and growth of the kids I loved years ago at the orphanage. 

One boy, Fred, was about 11 when I met him. I have so many pictures of his bright smile. Now he is a man who is our interpreter at our clinics this week. Today Fred translated for a small group of us outside the clinic as we sang and read Bible stories to the children of the village. I saw that same bright smile on Fred's face as he sang songs in Creole with great animation. After translating the story of Joseph for Corynne, he began teaching on his own. That blessed my day.

Then, when we returned to our hotel, another special boy from the orphanage was waiting for me. Dieudonne attached himself to me the summer of 1991 when we spent 5 weeks at the orphanage. He would hold my hand and go everywhere I went. I am not sure what won him over. I think I defended him when someone made fun of him at school. We continued to reconnect every summer, but as time went on, I lost track of Dieudonne. He grew up and left the orphanage. This week I heard very good things about him. I also heard the he is struggling and hungry. I do not write that sentence easily. Tomorrow, he will spend the day with our team. We are seeking God's guidance as we figure out how He wants us to be involved in this young man's life in the future

 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”

 Bonnie Ray

June 1, 2009

 Bobby Golden

Today was a hot and sunny day in Haiti. We spent about two hours getting to Ouanamenthe where we did our clinic in the church there. Weariness, nausea, and GI distress is taking a toll on the group after only 3 days here. I was blessed today with having the pharmacy set up outside the very hot building. We had shade and a breeze sometimes so my sweat meter was on low today. We have a great team who worked hard and rotated around to each different job. All of our young people have worked in the pharmacy and are very skilled at reading the doctor’s and nurses’ writing on brown paper bags; the bags have a name, age, and list of medicines. When we finish putting the medications in the bags, we pass them to the interpreters who explain the instructions. I am so proud of our group in their efforts and attitudes. The people in the church waiting to be seen today were singing hymns (very beautifully). I won’t try to name each helper because every team member has done their part and more. We always end in a circle with our team, the interpreters, and the preacher from the church. Bobby Ray thanks them for welcoming us and helping us. The preacher, through an interpreter, thanks us for coming and supporting his congregation. Something is always mentioned about Christian brothers and sisters together from different countries loving God and each other.
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Emily Ann Ray

Wow! Haiti! I can’t believe it! I’ve heard my parents talk about their mission trips here and all the sweet people they’ve met since I was little. But to be here, to experience those places, to meet those incredible people is beyond words! Sometimes it can get a little tough-like when Thomas’ and my bag got lost or when everyone’s so hot that Bobby G’s pants are wet down to his knees, but as Corynne and I were waving at all the Haitians as we rode in the Tap Tap down those bumpy, dusty roads today I saw something in the little sweet children’s faces that you don’t see everyday-I saw Jesus! And I realized that it doesn’t matter where you go, whether it be China, America, or even Haiti-the poorest country on this side of the world-Jesus is there and He will show Himself to you in the simplest yet most meaningful ways! And the joy that was shown in the big smiles on those sweet kids’ faces made everything so worth it!!
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Luckson Previl - Where did I see Jesus?

I remember several summers ago when many of you came down to serve God’s people with love and compassion. I also remember the blessing you have been in my life.

As a native Haitian, it hurts to see my fellow Haitian brothers and sisters go through so many hardships. Sometimes it is hard for me to see Jesus in people here because all that I see is their physical issues. A few years ago, I made it a goal of mine to look beyond the physical needs and after that I started to see Christ in people in Haiti.

As a 2^nd year optometry student, I can diagnose simple ocular disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, myopia, and hyperopia. I was frustrated today when I looked into a patient’s eye and found that he has glaucoma and ocular hypertension. I was not able to do anything about it. After looking at this patient’s eye, I put up my equipment and decided not to continue to give them false hope. As I was translating for Dr. Ray, all of our patients complained about ocular discomfort.

As I was sitting there just trying to make it through the day, we called for the next patient and she showed up with joy reflecting all around her. Dr. Ray asked her if she was a Christian and with great enthusiasm she answered “yes” and began to recite John 3:16. She proceeded to tell us how great God is to her. That woman lifted up my spirit and I saw Jesus in her. She changed the course of my entire day.

Another 80 year old patient told us about how she had pain all over her body. That patient with all the pains and hardships that she endured throughout her life was happy and you can tell that she has Jesus in her life. She told us that she was old and ready to go meet her Father in heaven. She was not afraid of dying because she believes in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I see Jesus in everyone in our group throughout this week. I know that you are tired and hot but yet you smiled and played with the kids. I am extremely blessed to be around Godly people like you. Thank you for giving me the privilege of seeing Jesus in your lives today and in the past few days.

May 31, 2009 

May 30, 2009

Cap Haitian orphanage

Rebekah Van Eaton

      As I reflect on the events of the day, and try to put into words the rollercoaster of emotions I have felt, I am struck by the wisdom in Jesus’ command that we are to become like little children.  I am reminded everywhere children are giving and loving—even children in Haiti who have so few earthly blessings but are rich in things eternal. 

     One precious boy named Emmanuel spent some time with me today.  We visited as best we could, I gave him Jolly Ranchers, he showed me his card trick and his pebble trick, and then he did something that brought me to tears.  He put a simple wooden-bead necklace in my hand.  I tried to convince him that he should keep it, but he insisted that I have it.  As he fastened it around my neck the tears began to fall.  I am so humbled by his sweet generosity and want so much to give him something more permanent than the extra snacks that I had in my backpack.  I plan to send him a soccer ball and water bottle when I get back to the states.  But as we know—even that is not permanent.  I want to forever be connected to this young boy—to reach into his life and help lead him to the one and only permanent thing there is—the love of God.

Cap Haitian Children’s Home

Lauren Van Eaton

     Today was so awesome! I met one of the sweetest babies ever!  Her name was Shanalove and she was a little baby girl at the orphanage that we were at today.  She has little curly-cues on top of her head and sweet, big, dark brown eyes.  You know, God tells us to be like the little children by humbling ourselves, and that’s what I saw in Shanalove.  Contentment and just making people smile.  Also, at the orphanage I saw God when I was holding Shanalove and small kids would come up and give her a little kiss on the cheek, or if they had a lollipop, they w ould share with her.  I know God was there.  Just the love these orphans had between each other makes me want to try and make peace at home with my family. 

Thomas Mitchell

     So I was thinking to myself…there isn’t as many people here at baggage claim as there were a few minutes ago.  Few minutes later…. Emily Ann it looks as if it’s just me and you.  Few minutes later…It’s just me and you.  My favorite quote is Attitude Determines Altitude, and it’s something that I try and tell myself everyday.  So when my bag didn’t show up, my initial thought was…OH GREAT. No food or clothes for a week.  But, after reminding myself that my attitude about the situation will ultimately be what dictates how I’m able to adjust and after riding to the hotel, I started to feel bad that I would even consider having a bad attitude b/c after all, most of these people go their whole life w/out having enough food or clothes and I didn’t want to be inconvenienced for a week.  It was awesome to see people today w/ smiles on their faces.  They wake up every morning w/ the various problems and etc. but choose to do so w/ a positive attitude.  A verse that kept popping into my head today was “Do all things w/out complaining” as I would complain it was hot or it stunk or I was tired.  So I’m going to keep a positive attitude and see how His Spirit will lift me.

Callie Mitchell

     We went to an orphanage today.  That’s something I was hoping that we’d get to do.  I’ve been on a lot of mission trips, but I’ve never been able to go to an orphanage.  I had in my mind that it would be a rough place with tons of really sad kids and babies.  I mean, they live in a third world country, no parents to love on them and probably not much food.  I was excited about going and loving on them and encouraging them.  Well, I had it all wrong.  Those kids were so happy!  They had so much joy and excitement in their hearts.  They ended up encouraging me!  I saw Jesus in those kids’ eyes! Just like we talked about last night!  I just think about how God has blessed me. And yet, why do I complain?  God, thank you so much for this opportunity today!

Well, we have arrived in Cap Haitien and there is much for which to be thankful.  We had safe travel, we made it through Atlanta airport without much of a problem at all with great help with our luggage from one of the Delta employees.  He set us up with our own agent to check us in.  All of our luggage was within the 50 pound limit.  Hallelujah!  We had time to get breakfast in the airport after leaving the building at 5:00am.  We arrived in Providenciales on our way to Cap Haitien.  Unfortunately, 2 bags were lost, Emily Ann's and Thomas Mitchell's.  Hopefully, they will arrive in Providenciales on Sat. and then be sent on to Cap on Sunday.  The good news is we have the phone numbers of several people who are working on it for us so we should be able to stay updated with the progress.  Be praying for that.  We have been able to share amongst ourselves to take care of them so hopefully no problem there.Another great blessing is that everyone in Haiti seems to have a cell phone so communicating is easier than in the past and the hotel where we are staying has wireless internet service - HOORAY!!  So, as long as we can keep the connection, we should be able to send back our daily updates. We have all checked into the hotel and been able to rest some after a long day of travel.  We met old friends at the airport.  A tiny taste of heaven when one day we will all be reunited with family from all over this world for eternal praise together of the Father and the Son!  Wow!!!  We had a nice dinner of Shrimp Creole, Pepper Steak, Beef Kabob, Spaghetti with meat sauce and/or salad.  For those who have been to Haiti before, some things never change, they only get better.Be praying for us tomorrow as we visit an orphanage, a nursing home and orphanage combo and Children of the Promise(a place that takes in and cares for abandoned, ill children with HIV and other devastating diseases.  Pray that we will love on the orphans and widows as Jesus would have us do.  We just want to be used by Him to just BE here in this place for Him. Thanks for all of your prayers and just keep them coming.  We feel them and need them!

In Him,
bobby

June 3, 2009

            Well first, state the obvious—it was hot.  It was a great day, though.  Today, we went to a place called Cadouche.  While I was outside playing with the kids, the sweetest little girl walked up to me.  I held out my hands and asked her if I could hold her.  Of course, she just stared at me with a blank expression on her face, but I picked her up anyway. I learned her name was Ladise.  We went and sat in the shade for a little while, and she was content with mumbling to herself and touching my skin in amazement.  But it wasn’t long before other kids were crowding around us, asking for my bandanna and sunglasses.

            After a while, I had to go eat lunch, and I couldn’t bring her inside with me.  So I put her down, and she followed me to the doorstep.  She waited there patiently for me to finish my lunch. 

When I finished, I took her to the health charts with me.  She sat on my lap quietly, and eventually, her mom came to take her to the clinic.  While I waited for her, I decided I would give her my bandanna.  When I gave it to her, for the first time that day, I saw her smile.  I saw Jesus in her.  I almost cried because I knew I probably wouldn’t see her again in this life.  But I knew that God had a special place for Ladise in Heaven, and I would see her there.

            As we were riding back in the truck, I saw her and her mom in front of their house, and she was wearing my bandanna up in a little du-rag.  She was waving and yelling as loud as she could, over and over again, “Aurevoir! Aurevoir!”  This time I felt joy instead of the sadness of leaving her.  That little girl really made my day.

            Corynne Schannuth

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Dear Clear Creek,

            Greetings from Haiti – Bonswa!  Today, our destination was a small church in a field that resembled a barn at home.  When we arrived, the church was already PACKED FULL of Haitians that had been waiting for us.  It was a little overwhelming but today was still my favorite day.

            Due to sooo many people and time constraints, I explained to my interpreter, Arry, the term “Get ‘R Done!” as we saw patient after patient.

            We left this clinic early so that we could see Moses’ home.  Moses is a Christian man that has been our right arm in orchestrating our journeys.  He runs, from his home, a program to give the neediest children at least one meal a day (about 60 kids).  These children are not able to attend the “uniformed” schools so Moses and his helpers teach the children.  They learn English, other subjects and Moses teaches them of the love of Jesus.  They serenaded us with song after song.  Their exuberance was unparalleled to any VBS.

            I have a big language barrier in Haiti – but I understand the smiles of the people, their nods of gratefulness, and the laughs of the children as we pass out small trinkets of  “suryets” (candy), bubbles, and balloons.  We know and they know that amongst incredible poverty, God is here.  God is their only hope.  These people will not receive any TennCare, Medicaid, food stamps or belong to any WIC program.  There will be no government bailouts, yet they still smile and laugh.           

            Truthfully, our clinics are only “band aids”, temporary change for the Haitian people.  The biggest change is in the hearts of our team members.  All of us will leave wishing that we could do more.  All of us will now slip into the circle and grab the hand beside us without any hesitation, as we sing and pray.  All of us have a clearer mission of what God wants us to do.

            Bon dieu beni ou!  ( May God bless you!)

            Melissa Davis

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            I’m sure all of you at Clear Creek are wishing you could be sweating profusely here in Haiti with us.  Well just so you feel a part, let me give you a few highlights.

            First of all, I’d like to inform you that Corynne will be on the ballot as the next President of Haiti.  She’s got her campaign off to a good start as she waves to everyone.  Judging from the responses, I think it’s in the bag.

            Corynne and I have also done well not getting sick.  And yes, Bobby Ray, I’m convinced it’s the herbs.  However, I did start out the week with a healthy dose of herbal fiber.  Pretty sure I won’t be taking any tonight.

            And yes…  the clinics…  Corynne is great with all the children.  I thought I was doing well when a sweet little girl attached herself to me and would not let go of my hands.  Of course, my hopes were dashed when she used my finger to wipe her nose.  That same day, I began thinking I should use more sunscreen when Jake couldn’t pick me out in a group of Haitian children.

            And last… today.  The day got off to an entertaining start as a group of us belted out the themes to The Adams Family, The Brady Bunch, Gilligan’s Island, Green Acres and, of course, The Beverly Hillbillies as we rode in the back of the truck.  I’m pretty sure the Haitians were thoroughly impressed.        

            We were also able to visit Moses’ feeding center which he runs from his home.  Moses is one of our interpreters and a dear friend.  I am convinced this man has the biggest heart God could give a man.  He feeds 60 children from his neighborhood every day.  They sang church songs and recited Bible verses for us.  It was amazing.

            We then went to the nursing home he manages.  We struggled, however, to get Bobby Golden to come in as he was afraid we would leave him there.

            Well hopefully, some of these tidbits have given you a glimpse of our trip.  These trips are truly a blessing as I meet some of the most incredible people and take just a small part of them home with me.  But at the same time, it is painful as a part of me is left behind.

            I have a special young man here in Haiti who is connected to me like one of my own children.  It’s as if my heart is torn in half each year I have to leave Hernby behind.  But I have seen the Lord bless Him and know he has a plan for him which comforts me.

            The Lord is an awesome God and because of him, I can say with confidence, “Every day I am in Haiti is a good day to me.”  And last, thanks so much to my family at Clear Creek.  To Scott and Caylee, who are left behind and to the many friends who make it possible for me to go.

            Sheri Schannuth

Wow, today was our last clinic day, it is strange how fast time flies by. In a few short days we will be getting on a big metal bird and flying home. It’s hard to think of leaving Haiti.  It certainly is a beautiful country with sweet and vibrant people. However, I must admit I am starting to miss Zach, my friends, and happy hour at Sonic. What I want to share with you tonight is something I experienced today that I can truly say broke my heart. One thing that I was excited to do today was reading bible stories to the children. Mrs. Bonnie, Mary Rose, Caitlyn, and I all took turns reading enthusiastically, with the help of Fred, to twenty or more hungry children. It was finally my turn and I have to say I was STOKED! It wasn’t until halfway through the story I realized how cruel it was to read this to them… It was the tale of how God brought manna to his people. The moral of the story was that God provides for His people, yet I stood in front of a group of people that knew more hardships than I could imagine and were starving. It wasn’t fair. Then after I had taken my break and had already eaten lunch I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. Their eyes sliced through me from a small gap in the harsh wood that they were able to squeeze their delicate fingers through to beg for food. I had none, and I hated myself for it. I know we have done good here, but I couldn’t help but think “Could I have done anything more? Is there any more I could do for them?” I had to keep reminding myself that throwing food off the truck at any point might cause a riot. I hope we helped as much as we could, actually I am sure we did. But that comforting fact for some reason does not subside the feeling to do more. I hope someday to return to Haiti and continue the work we did on this trip (besides, Caitlyn and I have already made a pact to hike the Citadel). Until then I want to pray for the people here, and hope they know that their God provides for them even in bleak situations.

Olivia Davis