Haiti is like no other place we’ve been, or we think we’ll ever be. Driving through the towns and countryside, being thrown into the richness of the Haitian culture, there was such a contrast between the beauty of the landscape and the brokenness sprinkled throughout the society. We were shocked seeing the overwhelming amount of people tackling each other with desperation to beg for even a small amount of our American money. It broke our heart to not jump out of the bus and help every situation we witnessed. Seeing the children along the side of the road created such an enormous longing to hold and care for each one of them. The immense pain that this country is drenched in almost resembles a movie scene, in that it was a surreal difference from our day to day lives.
Two vans full – people and supplies
The further we were into the drive, the greater the desire was to get to HATS because we knew it was a place worthy of the highest honor and praise. Entering into the gate gave us a rush of serenity and it felt like we were entering into a haven. The moment we got out of the bus we were swarmed by the children in the same manner as before but this time, instead to asking for money, the motivation behind it was so pure. The trust within these kid’s hearts to walk up to complete strangers and give engulfing hugs was uplifting. Having Luc run up to see us again gave us so much joy, and you could see the joy on his face too. They immediately wanted to learn our names and interact with us. All the girls surrounded us and started braiding our hair and kissed us on our cheeks.
Kids welcoming everyone
Family hugs
Accommodation – HATS-Hilton
Hair Shop is open
It is so fascinating to watch them socialize and network with each other, in their own culture and language. They always find it very amusing when we attempt to say something in Creole or French. Dieunel has the ability to speak not only Creole, but English, French, and some Spanish, like most of the other kids. As we messed around, marking up the sidewalk with chalk, Jofky went around the corner and wrote every team members names and placed a gigantic heart around them all.
Fun times together
John David knows basketball
Play time
The conversation almost always made its way back to them saying they would beat us in soccer. After an exhausting 2 hours of kicking the ball, we discovered they were right because they killed us with only flip flops on. JJ told us that he watches videos online of Christiano and Messi to learn new tricks, and let’s just say, we think he’s better than both of them.
Next, they all wanted to take a walk by the canal. The weather and scenery was beautiful and we were in complete awe when Moise made his way up to the very top of a 40 foot tree. We laughed and had fun teaching them games like Ninja and thumb war. We finished the night playing an intense round of Uno where “there are no friends in this game”(Moise).
Tree climbing beauties
In thought. Or in mischief
Uno at it’s best
This morning we gathered for devotionals, where we struggled to keep up with the upbeat songs in Creole. But mostly we just sat in amazement at the sight of them fellowshipping and praising God. Leica, a twelve year old girl, led the worship beautifully.
Sweet friends
Friends for life
We have so much love for these kids already and are growing in our relationships with them every second. Something that struck us was hearing Karen say, “children are the same everywhere,” which made us realize even in their desperate situation, all they want is to be tickled and chased and hugged on.
