A quote that I heard these last two days really touched me and I wanted to share it with you...
"If you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love"~Mother Theresa
Today, we went to an orphanage called Guillaume's and played with the children. We painted their nails, made necklaces and played soccer with them. The children at this orphanage especially touched my heart, especially Laika, a fourteen year old girl. She was tall and had the greatest smile, but liked to keep it hidden behind her shy eyes. I was walking and she opened her arms to me and gave me the biggest hug. I found out how old she was and was amazed. My heart broke to think of her life. When I think of teenagers, I think of them as only thinking of themselves and not caring about others. Before leaving for the trip, I imagined being so touched by the little children at the orphanages. I was so surprised that I was so taken back by this teenager, by this girl that only wanted to be touched, to be loved by someone. I continued to share with her and just continue to share small touches of love to her. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for her to be a teenager and trying to find where you belong. Being a teenager is difficult enough, let alone to have no one in this world and to just want to be loved. It made me think of my own boys, who want to be so independant, yet still need that love and still want me to tuck them in and give them a kiss goodnight. I just could not imagine growing up and not feeling that love.
I continued to love this girl and when the time came to say goodbye, I could not get enough of the hugs. It hurt to let her go and not know what will happen in her life. I will continue to love this girl through my prayers and even though it hurt and I feel so drained, I know God has filled me with enough love to give. Just as in the quote, the love that I gave hurt and brought me tears and broke my heart, but I know that God will continue to watch over all these children.
He is the HOPE and in Him is the FUTURE. God is Good and His love endures forever!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Day 3
Day 3
I can't believe it's already day 3. What a miraculous day- the Lord is so wonderful. Today we had an opportunity to go to the orphanage for sick and dying children. As many of you know, I was very worried about going to the orphanage, and to be honest I was probably so worried about it that I hardened my heart and was a little numb to it. However, the Lord knew this and gave me another opportunity. We had gone to the orphanage in the morning, and then returned for the afternoon. This morning, I walked in and really was numb and would not let any emotion come through. We came back to the guesthouse for lunch and a break and during team time, I even said to the team that the orphanage was not as bad as I thought it would be...now fast forward to the evening visit...God opened my heart, and I walked into the orphanage tonight and my heart sunk. I stepped back, saw all the children and the little girl I had spent the morning with waiting in her crib for me just laying there crying, waiting for me to pick her up. At that moment, God un-numbed my heart and I began to see all the beauty, pain and hurt around me- emotion began to fill me. Oh, the day was another wonderful, best!
Then this evening- what a great group I am traveling with, our evening team time is always so amazing as we discuss our day and our experiences. Today our Haitian staff, FanFan, shared how he joined the Healing Haiti staff and his faith story- his story was so incredible! He then led us in worship, it was AMAZING, we sang Everlasting God, and Mighty to Save- our voices together filled the room as we gave all praise to God.
After the wonderful worship, Jean our Healing Haiti, Haitian Director taught us how to salsa dance- HOW FUN!!! And what a workout!
Such an amazing time- God is filling me up in so many new ways. Oh He is Great!
My closing verse today: 1 Chronicles 16:9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts
To Him be the Glory~ Phuong
I can't believe it's already day 3. What a miraculous day- the Lord is so wonderful. Today we had an opportunity to go to the orphanage for sick and dying children. As many of you know, I was very worried about going to the orphanage, and to be honest I was probably so worried about it that I hardened my heart and was a little numb to it. However, the Lord knew this and gave me another opportunity. We had gone to the orphanage in the morning, and then returned for the afternoon. This morning, I walked in and really was numb and would not let any emotion come through. We came back to the guesthouse for lunch and a break and during team time, I even said to the team that the orphanage was not as bad as I thought it would be...now fast forward to the evening visit...God opened my heart, and I walked into the orphanage tonight and my heart sunk. I stepped back, saw all the children and the little girl I had spent the morning with waiting in her crib for me just laying there crying, waiting for me to pick her up. At that moment, God un-numbed my heart and I began to see all the beauty, pain and hurt around me- emotion began to fill me. Oh, the day was another wonderful, best!
Then this evening- what a great group I am traveling with, our evening team time is always so amazing as we discuss our day and our experiences. Today our Haitian staff, FanFan, shared how he joined the Healing Haiti staff and his faith story- his story was so incredible! He then led us in worship, it was AMAZING, we sang Everlasting God, and Mighty to Save- our voices together filled the room as we gave all praise to God.
After the wonderful worship, Jean our Healing Haiti, Haitian Director taught us how to salsa dance- HOW FUN!!! And what a workout!
Such an amazing time- God is filling me up in so many new ways. Oh He is Great!
My closing verse today: 1 Chronicles 16:9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts
To Him be the Glory~ Phuong
Honored
Today I was very honored to serve God. We went to the Home for Sick and Dying Babies. As I walk in I see crib after crib lined up. Babies arms up in the air, just waiting for someone to hold them. For 3 hours I held babies and toddlers who suffered from malnutrition, AIDS and Tuberculosis. All they wanted and all they needed was love and healing touch. I felt so honored to do that for them.
This afternoon 4 of us from the team went to the wound clinic where people line up to receive free care for their wounds. The people were so gracious that we were cleaning and redressing their wounds. I felt so honored to do Gods work.
After dinner FanFan, our translater/man of faith told us his amazing story of how he got involved with Healing Haiti. AMAZING! Then we sang together and whorshiped God. FanFan is an amazing singer and I was honored to sing with him and the team.
We ended the night with Salsa Dancing lessons from Jean the Healing Haiti Director of Engineering. Wow, he is good! I will keep practicing :-)
God, thank you for this experience! I am truly honored.
This afternoon 4 of us from the team went to the wound clinic where people line up to receive free care for their wounds. The people were so gracious that we were cleaning and redressing their wounds. I felt so honored to do Gods work.
After dinner FanFan, our translater/man of faith told us his amazing story of how he got involved with Healing Haiti. AMAZING! Then we sang together and whorshiped God. FanFan is an amazing singer and I was honored to sing with him and the team.
We ended the night with Salsa Dancing lessons from Jean the Healing Haiti Director of Engineering. Wow, he is good! I will keep practicing :-)
God, thank you for this experience! I am truly honored.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Imagine
Imagine yourself outside on a hot, steamy day. The sun is shining and you have been working hard all day long. In the distance, you hear the chiming of familiar bells and the whimsical music of the ice cream truck coming down the street. Your children storm up to you asking for money to buy a cool treat. You think to yourself, "that does sound like a great thing after a hot day" So you head to the truck and purchase an popsicle and savor the coolness.
Now imagine outside on a hot, steamy day. The sun is shining bright and you have no job, live in a cluster of tin put together to resemble a home and have no idea when you will eat. In the distance, you hear the sounds of a truck honking it's horn loudly...Praise the Lord! You grab your stack of 7 buckets and head out to meet the truck. This truck carries the neccesity of life...water!
Can you imagine not knowing if you will have water today? This is what we did today, we went out to a few areas in Cite Soleil and delivered free water to the residents of these areas. As we drove up to these large communities of homes (clusters of metal built to protect from the rain and the sun) people would see the truck and hear the horn and head out with stacks of buckets to get water.
Today, really humbled me and made me realize what I take for granted. I kept looking at the water and how it renews, strengthens and refreshes the body. God also renews, strengthens and refreshes the soul. I hope that through me, God's love can heal the citizens of Haiti and strengthen them. I know that they have strengthened my faith and my love in Jesus and how he will always provide for what I need.
Now imagine outside on a hot, steamy day. The sun is shining bright and you have no job, live in a cluster of tin put together to resemble a home and have no idea when you will eat. In the distance, you hear the sounds of a truck honking it's horn loudly...Praise the Lord! You grab your stack of 7 buckets and head out to meet the truck. This truck carries the neccesity of life...water!
Can you imagine not knowing if you will have water today? This is what we did today, we went out to a few areas in Cite Soleil and delivered free water to the residents of these areas. As we drove up to these large communities of homes (clusters of metal built to protect from the rain and the sun) people would see the truck and hear the horn and head out with stacks of buckets to get water.
Today, really humbled me and made me realize what I take for granted. I kept looking at the water and how it renews, strengthens and refreshes the body. God also renews, strengthens and refreshes the soul. I hope that through me, God's love can heal the citizens of Haiti and strengthen them. I know that they have strengthened my faith and my love in Jesus and how he will always provide for what I need.
Day 2- Water Truck Day!
Day 2
What a day!!!! Where do I start this blog...
This morning, I got up early, since I didn't sleep too well- it will take me a few days to get comfortable with my surroundings before I can just "sleep". I had a conversation with one of my group leaders saying that I hope that I could feel more connected to God and less connected to my "normal" life- because as you can see - I have access to the internet, which means staying in the loop with work, facebook and everything else...so I was just saying that I wish I could turn everything else off and let God do his work in me. Well...our AWESOME God did...today was AMAZING!
Today was water truck day in Cite Soliel. Cite Soliel is one of the most deprived areas in Port Au Prince. Today we delivered clean water to the people of Cite Soliel for free. Cite Soliel is a tent city, it truly is the slums.
My word for the day is: heartbroken. Today, my heart was truly broken, all for God.Yesterday when I arrived in Haiti, I was overwhelmed and the drive from the airport to the house was a lot to take in, but nothing like what I saw today. The house that we are staying in is in a nicer part of Port Au Prince, but I didn't realize that yesterday...today, driving to Cite Soliel, emotions filled me, my heart was truly broken. When we got to Cite Soliel, it was everything that the Healing Haiti video was, but more. It was truly a reality. Children swarmed me, and it was amazing. They had so much love- and all they wanted was to be held and played with. In Cite Soliel, half of the team played with the children, the other half worked the water truck. We ran 3 water truck stops today- all three stops in different locations within Cite Soliel- I got to experience working the water truck and playing with and loving the children. I cannot even tell you how awesome it was.
At my first stop, I bonded with an 8 year boy who just stayed by my side and really took care of me there, and a little girl who was 6 that was so sweet- these children reminded me so much of Hunter and Alexa- smiles and warmth fill my heart, and sadness all in the same moment- these beautiful Haitian children have so little, yet love so much. And their love for God is amazing.
A beautiful day! A quote I love from a song "Break my heart for what breaks yours, everything I have for kingdom come" So true, so true :) Thank you God for breaking my heart..
I have so much to say about today, but I will end with this was an AMAZING DAY!!!!!
As I end this blog, I have to say, Thank you God for all that you do, and for allowing me to be your hands and feet. To You be the Glory!!!!
My closing verse today: Deuteronomy 15:11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
All Praise, All Honor, to you Lord~ Phuong
What a day!!!! Where do I start this blog...
This morning, I got up early, since I didn't sleep too well- it will take me a few days to get comfortable with my surroundings before I can just "sleep". I had a conversation with one of my group leaders saying that I hope that I could feel more connected to God and less connected to my "normal" life- because as you can see - I have access to the internet, which means staying in the loop with work, facebook and everything else...so I was just saying that I wish I could turn everything else off and let God do his work in me. Well...our AWESOME God did...today was AMAZING!
Today was water truck day in Cite Soliel. Cite Soliel is one of the most deprived areas in Port Au Prince. Today we delivered clean water to the people of Cite Soliel for free. Cite Soliel is a tent city, it truly is the slums.
My word for the day is: heartbroken. Today, my heart was truly broken, all for God.Yesterday when I arrived in Haiti, I was overwhelmed and the drive from the airport to the house was a lot to take in, but nothing like what I saw today. The house that we are staying in is in a nicer part of Port Au Prince, but I didn't realize that yesterday...today, driving to Cite Soliel, emotions filled me, my heart was truly broken. When we got to Cite Soliel, it was everything that the Healing Haiti video was, but more. It was truly a reality. Children swarmed me, and it was amazing. They had so much love- and all they wanted was to be held and played with. In Cite Soliel, half of the team played with the children, the other half worked the water truck. We ran 3 water truck stops today- all three stops in different locations within Cite Soliel- I got to experience working the water truck and playing with and loving the children. I cannot even tell you how awesome it was.
At my first stop, I bonded with an 8 year boy who just stayed by my side and really took care of me there, and a little girl who was 6 that was so sweet- these children reminded me so much of Hunter and Alexa- smiles and warmth fill my heart, and sadness all in the same moment- these beautiful Haitian children have so little, yet love so much. And their love for God is amazing.
A beautiful day! A quote I love from a song "Break my heart for what breaks yours, everything I have for kingdom come" So true, so true :) Thank you God for breaking my heart..
I have so much to say about today, but I will end with this was an AMAZING DAY!!!!!
As I end this blog, I have to say, Thank you God for all that you do, and for allowing me to be your hands and feet. To You be the Glory!!!!
My closing verse today: Deuteronomy 15:11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
All Praise, All Honor, to you Lord~ Phuong
Awesome Cite Soleil
Today we went to Cite Soleil to deleiver clean water to the poorest area in Haiti. As we stepped out of the truck at our first stop we were greeted by Haitian children who just wanted to be held and played with. Overwhelming at first I felt God nudge me to love each one as much as I could. A task I know I could do being a mother of 4 children.
At our next stop I expereinced the water line. The need for fresh clean water is so great that people fight and cut in line to get it. Something I know that I take for granted back home. They were so thankful that we were there.
We then walked a ways till we reached an area that the Haitians use as their bathroom. Piles of garbage and human bodily waste. I look up and see the beautiful ocean and my heart just sank. But then the Haitian children and our team begin to sing, "God Is So Good." How AWESOME! Cite Soleil may have nothing but they still have faith in God. WOW, how AWESOME!
At our next stop I expereinced the water line. The need for fresh clean water is so great that people fight and cut in line to get it. Something I know that I take for granted back home. They were so thankful that we were there.
We then walked a ways till we reached an area that the Haitians use as their bathroom. Piles of garbage and human bodily waste. I look up and see the beautiful ocean and my heart just sank. But then the Haitian children and our team begin to sing, "God Is So Good." How AWESOME! Cite Soleil may have nothing but they still have faith in God. WOW, how AWESOME!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Beautiful Haiti
Today we arrived in Haiti. As we began to land I looked out my window and saw how beautiful Haiti was. I then realized why I was here. God has made such a beautiful land for us to live in and now I get to meet some of the beautiful people he created. I feel so small and insignificant but so blessed I am here to help those in need. Tomorrow we will go to Cite Soleil to deliver fresh water to the poorest of the poor. So simple, yet such a gift to the Haitians who live there.
Jennifer Klein
Haiti Team Member
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