tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29274049603420295022024-02-06T23:33:31.665-08:00Healing Haiti-KJMUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-5213329855459575192014-05-05T06:05:00.001-07:002014-05-05T06:05:51.176-07:00There is Power in the Name of Jesus to Break Every Chain and Move Every Mountain<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hi there, this is Chris Mason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our last night in Haiti was one that I will never forget.
There was heartache and suffering but at the end of the day my heart felt
rejuvenated with all of the joy and peace I felt. God’s spirit was present. He
was working in each and every one of us. Giving us the opportunity to walk
through the door He had opened. And we did. With this being my third trip to
Haiti, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But just like every other trip I have been
on, I made the decision to go in with no expectations except for the fact that
God would be present and do way more than I could ever imagine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We made our way back to General Hospital for a second time
this week. At General Hospital, we experienced young children fighting for
their lives. Some of them had parents some of them did not. One of the hardest
parts for me, was not knowing what was going to happen to them. But to see my
team love on these kids while a few of us played music over them and prayed for
them, gave me the small ounce of hope that I needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As we left the children, we made are way to an area where
adults were staying. The conditions were tragic. People using fabrics as thin
as paper for mattresses and people crying out in desperation because they were
in so much pain. People were struggling, but God opened up the door to serve
and comfort these people. And so we did. As we played music, our team overcame
all fears and discomfort and just massaged the people with lotion. To give you
some perspective, these are people who are never visited. They lay on this
concrete floor every day in pain and agony with no one to comfort or love them.
People are encouraged to not even touch those who are in this room. But we
walked through the door and we did it. The people loved it. They were overcome
with joy that we would humble ourselves enough to touch them and serve them.
Jesus did it, why shouldn’t we? When we love as radically as Jesus did, lives
our changed. As we played music, those who were able, were clapping and yelling
with joy. It was beautiful to worship them. And as we left, we left with
discomfort and sadness not knowing what was going to happen to these people.
But even with that, we knew they were in God’s hands and we were so thankful to
walk through the door and serve them. Even if it was just for an hour, those
people were loved. I left with a sense of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As we came to our last night in Haiti, we had the
opportunity to do a little worship service at Grace Church on Sunday night and
we got to play with the Grace Church band. We worshipped, people from the
community performed and we had the opportunity to hear an amazing message that
led people to Christ and then we worshipped some more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was unreal! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">During worship our drummer Mike got to play drums, our
guitar player Zack played cajon and tambourine, I played acoustic and our
vocalists sang along side some wonderful people that sing at Grace Church each
week. The rest of the band was filled with musicians from Grace. The electric
guitarists were shredding all night long! It was a party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It was so great to just sit back and experience the way
that they do things all of time. We were able to just step in and support them.
It didn’t matter that I didn’t have a mic. It didn’t matter that Zack didn’t
get to play guitar, it didn’t matter that Mike didn’t know some of the songs.
What mattered is that we were all there for one purpose, to worship Jesus. We
allowed the Holy Spirit to work in us that evening and that changed everything.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By playing
with their band we were able to come together and play as a collective.
Worshipping one God in both Creole and English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To see hundreds of Haitians and Americans worshipping
together just overwhelmed my soul. As I looked out, there were many different
people in the crowd. U.S. missionaries, Healing Haiti workers, elderly who have
no family left, orphans and young women who were once in slavery but now are
free and alive. Even though every one of those people had difficult
circumstances in their lives, they did not allow those circumstances to dictate
the strength of their relationship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We sang words like,” Savior, He can move the mountains. My
God is mighty to Save, He is Mighty to save” or “Take me as you find me ALL of
my fears and failures. Fill my life again” What if we believed in every season
of life that our God could move the mountains that are in front of us? Because
I truly believe that even though the people of Haiti have been through so much,
they believe that Jesus can move the mountains that are in front of them. They
continue to worship God no matter what is going on around them because they
know that there is a greater reward in heaven. And when we have a perspective
like that, it changes everything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Josue, who works for Healing Haiti, led the worship service
and he asked everyone, “ What is that mountain that is in front of you today?
Because there is hope in Jesus Christ and He can move that mountain that is
front of you today. For there is power in the name of Jesus, to break every
chain and move every mountain.” I am pretty sure God longs for us to believe
that He can move every mountain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As we ended the night, the band ended with one last song. “Go
Jesus, Go Jesus, Go!” (Think ninja turtles, go ninja, go ninja, go) Everyone in
the place went crazy, jumping around and dancing. I left the stage and joined
in on the fun with a group of young Haitian boys. As I jumped around, singing
and dancing, I couldn’t help but smile. This was a small glimpse of what Heaven
would be like, A big party where people from all nations come together, dance,
jump and scream at the top of their lungs, “Go Jesus, Go Jesus, Go!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because at the end of the day that is
what it’s all about. Jesus. It was a moment I will never forget as we just
jumped and celebrated who God was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So as we prepare to leave, I am leaving with a rejuvenated
spirit. I am heading home with a fresh new perspective on what it means to
allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. I am leaving thankful to know the people I
have met here in Haiti. I am leaving knowing that there is power in the name of
Jesus that can break EVERY chain and move EVERY mountain. God opened the door,
I walked through it and it changed everything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-61154591637067078962014-05-04T06:13:00.002-07:002014-05-04T06:19:27.264-07:00Overcome<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Every
evening, our group gathers together, each team member selecting a word to
reflect our day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, 3 words
repeated:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Restored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
morning began back on the water truck, delivering free, safe water to Cite
Soleil and to a tent city just beyond its borders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tent city is a newer stop, its conditions
atrocious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nearest water
station, where chlorinated water can be had for a fee, is a mile away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broken glass, crumbled rock and garbage
cover the roads, where children walk barefoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A seemingly endless number of tents are crammed together, in
shambles of tarps and tin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
need is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poverty beyond the
mind’s ability to comprehend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet
here, also a sense of community, pride in their children, love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
next two stops were different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were overcome with children and their need, not for water, but for human touch,
for notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, several of us
were knocked to the ground by children; children climbing up our backs, clawing
at our sides, clamoring for position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once there, safely in the crook of an arm, they clung tightly and
snuggled heads into our necks, refusing to let go.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBj7fCVwv4O1YbsIqDu6_GEZIVqADikoNEbHbY_zoJpNh-yXjU5L_CS24RVk6Tg6_3P0si3IWTPLCw2TKZLQLMt27x6htDOtfJGzdTZT1rRr72krPnil_J0TKI7mYb3w_CxLDJMFOHEg2A/s1600/IMG_3328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBj7fCVwv4O1YbsIqDu6_GEZIVqADikoNEbHbY_zoJpNh-yXjU5L_CS24RVk6Tg6_3P0si3IWTPLCw2TKZLQLMt27x6htDOtfJGzdTZT1rRr72krPnil_J0TKI7mYb3w_CxLDJMFOHEg2A/s1600/IMG_3328.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">At
these stops, my eyes and heart were constantly fixed on the hollow ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bellies distended by malnutrition,
dressed in remnants of clothing at some point worn by children like my
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These children, desperately
pleading with their eyes as they were pushed over and displaced by their bolder
counterparts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, I was
overcome by the needs of these children and my need to show them love in a
place where they were all so very unloved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
evening brought the other side to this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are over 300,000 children living in Restavek, or child
slavery, in Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight, we
visited the Restavek Freedom House, the home of 15 girls who suffered the worst
end of this spectrum of abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They now live in a beautiful home, with house mamas teaching them the
most basic of things:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How to sleep
in a bed, rather than all alone on an uneven dirt floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How to eat a meal from a table, rather
than foraging any scraps of their owner’s own meager food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, they are learning
they are loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are loved by
a God who created them, by a Christ who died and rose for them, by people on
this earth who are advocating for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are learning that they are equal and valued and they are being
restored by Christ’s promise and hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
have been blessed this trip by a talented music team and the girls squealed
with excitement as Chris, Zack and Mike began to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The band’s rendition of “Man in the
Mirror” had one of the house mamas singing along with every word and Zack’s
original “Playground” was an instant hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The girls, one by one and in groups, sang for us from the very core of
their souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shy to approach the
stage, suddenly powerful voices sang out:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,” “Who Am I,” “Break Every Chain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us were overcome with emotion
as we watched these girls, at varying stages of restoration and healing, belt
out their strength, their victory.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwIQ64z2xjUzXwE9-9sWZbvTmgEs3IFGwy1EECwyq7dhIQ1rRx1gxY6FvkH9SyOXh5wX7lkuo7cLzdVkEl2-IRPJhHkWTXD9osPZWakWQywHhjoC7haSh6glHsQHlB6Sqi6yFyelOCKy3/s1600/IMG_3489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwIQ64z2xjUzXwE9-9sWZbvTmgEs3IFGwy1EECwyq7dhIQ1rRx1gxY6FvkH9SyOXh5wX7lkuo7cLzdVkEl2-IRPJhHkWTXD9osPZWakWQywHhjoC7haSh6glHsQHlB6Sqi6yFyelOCKy3/s1600/IMG_3489.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Following
the fellowship, Amanda donated her beloved, but unused guitar, to the Freedom
House, where it will be used to create music to tell the stories of these
beautiful girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In doing so, she
reminded us to hold loosely to our possessions, for they are not our own to
hold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
evening ended with some play, dancing, hand games, hopscotch, deep hugs and
requests by both sides to visit again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of the goodbyes were painful, not knowing when treasured girls
would be seen next, yet trusting God has them exactly where they need to be, in
this very special place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Restored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overcome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sandi Cariveau<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-80244730040619345392014-05-02T18:19:00.002-07:002014-05-02T18:32:13.633-07:00BEAUTIFULLY DIFFICULT<div class="MsoNormal">
Five days ago when I landed in Haiti I could not have
imagined the pain and suffering I would see. I didn’t realize such desperation
and hardship was happening in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had no idea what poverty and hunger actually looked like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In one single moment today I saw all of those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There I sat in the back of the tap tap
(the vehicle that our team rides in) outside of the general hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were waiting for the team leaders to
come back from a meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
standing at the front of the tap tap but facing directly out the back
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I watched people walking
from building to building a man and his small son walked right up to the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am certain the boy was
around the age of my son (6).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
belly was distended as if he was 9 months pregnant and his breathing was very
labored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His voice was so weak it
was barely audible as he was saying ”papa” and reaching for his father’s
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had no food or money
and were looking for us to give them some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were not in a situation where we were able to help that
little boy today and that was heartbreaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared deep into his eyes and tried without words to let
him know that I cared about him, that he mattered, that I feel compassion for
him in his desperate situation, that I wished I could take away his pain and
suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The truth is; no matter what I might have been able to do
for that boy today I could not have rescued him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not have taken away his pain or healed his
sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything I could have
done would have been so very temporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wanted to feed him, to love him, to make him feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is I can pray for that boy
and today that is all I can do. So, today I pray healing and comfort and
support and love over him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
most of all I pray he knows Jesus. The truth is; that is the only way any of us
will ever be rescued from this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Five days ago when I landed in Haiti I could not have
imagined the beauty, endurance, perseverance, gratitude, faithfulness, and
strength I would see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
inspired to watch these beautiful people press on day after day fighting just
to survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smiles of appreciation
for our simple acts of bringing food, water, a hug, or a song light up their
faces!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never seen such pure
worship when we bring music to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Praising freely with all that they have and all that they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BEAUTIFUL!</div>
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Five days ago I came to Haiti hoping to bless as many people
here as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead they have
blessed me beyond measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
been a beautifully difficult time in Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am blessed.</div>
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Five days ago when I landed in Haiti I could not have
imagined how different the world would look to me!!!!</div>
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Mandi<br />
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Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-43489753621233470372014-05-01T20:14:00.002-07:002014-05-01T20:14:41.517-07:00R-E-S-P-E-C-TThis is our third full day in Haiti. We toured Grace Village, visited five of the elderly sponsored by Healing Haiti, played some music at Isaiah's Orphanage and rehearsed for concert we are doing with Grace Church worship band. I can't wait for the concert on Sunday, it's going to be amazing. The thing that hit me the most today was our visits with the elderly.<br />
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Our second visit was an 80 year old man named Lindor and man was he a fire cracker! He captivated us all the moment we walked into his yard…if you can call it that. He absolutely LOVED the music we played and it was so inspiring to see a guy like him bringing so much joy to his community. There were a ton of kids who followed us in there to watch us play. At the end of our time we asked him to dance for us since he had said he loves to dance. He put on a show for us as well as his neighbors and he had us all engaged.<br />
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The next stop was a sweet woman named Felicie. I got roped into being the spokes person this time. Although I was apprehensive at first I quickly felt completely honored to be speaking with her and looking her in the eyes as she shared with us how she was feeling and that she had cramping in her toes. We quickly started the music and grabbed to lotion to take care of those toes! The thankfulness in her eyes as she said, "merci", will stay with me forever. It was a true blessing to serve her and show her the respect that she truly deserves.<br />
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Felicie's favorite verse is Psalm 91:2 "This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting him." What a perfect verse to encompass what we saw today. I am so thankful that they know and can trust in Jesus and pray that I might have a measure of the faith that they have.<br />
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Rachel Holvig<span id="goog_2009395417"></span><span id="goog_2009395418"></span><br />
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Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-74471725333422427352014-04-30T20:53:00.001-07:002014-04-30T20:53:12.866-07:00GOD's LITTLE ANGEL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">Today was an Amazing, but very heavy day. We started the day by visiting Elders School. Elder, the man who started the school welcomed us with open arms. We immediately made our way to the front of the class and jumped right into singing. The children loved it and especially loved getting their hands on the instruments. However, once we left the school, we learned that the children didn't get served lunch because we were there. That made us feel terrible, but we were reassured from Elder that the singing and love we shared filled their bellies much more than food for that day since they never have that.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfU9Q-kdkAK7u9-j10wgwz9doNO4Zb1au2XuWufUAFwvHKFtCgEoplwW1K9nIZBSuTVIJ7UUy6xfrQddpSxBhUunoPr6LbiFm_SFj17o0CibWqaz0XTmRta52Bwc_0DyMUEZGd4uXy2a2/s1600/IMG_2896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfU9Q-kdkAK7u9-j10wgwz9doNO4Zb1au2XuWufUAFwvHKFtCgEoplwW1K9nIZBSuTVIJ7UUy6xfrQddpSxBhUunoPr6LbiFm_SFj17o0CibWqaz0XTmRta52Bwc_0DyMUEZGd4uXy2a2/s1600/IMG_2896.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">Our next stop was Gertrude's, which is a home for the special needs children that have been abandoned. That rocked a lot of us and for me my flood gates opened. We played with the children and Loved on them like crazy. A boy found me right away and took his shirt off handed it to me and I put it ba<span style="text-align: center;">ck on. He probably did that one hundred more times. It was great and he was sure a joy to be around. Another little boy in a wheel chair grabbed my attention and when we broke out the instruments and started singing, I couldn't help but get him out of that chair and hold him the rest of the time. Not to mention the girl Kristina who climbed all over everyone, especially Mike while he was drumming. She definitely lovedwhat was happening. </span><br /> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">The last stop of the day was a place I know only God could give us the strength to get through. There was no way to really prepare ourselves for the General Hospital. We visited three buildings with sick and dying children. The first one we walked into my eyes could not believe what I was seeing. It wasn't long before Jeff and I tried figuring out who this one little girl belonged to. She was sitting up, but was the size of a one month old baby. The Haitian lady standing nearby tried telling us to not hold her because she had a very soiled diaper and no momma and has been abandoned. Jeff then figured out it was ok to pick her up, her little hand clung right to Jeff right away and because she had no momma, I then knew I had to hold her when he was done. He handed her over to me and right then we started singing the song "10,000 Reasons", we got to the third verse where the lyrics say "and on that day when my strength is failing, the end draws near and my time has come, still my soul will sing your praise unending"..... and that's where I lost it. I held on to her even more as if she was my own. As she was cradled in my arms, I looked up and saw Nicole and Jeff sitting on a bed with Raphael and he too was abandoned. He is thirteen, he stopped eating and his strength was failing. No words can really be said on the power of that moment. When it was time to go, I walked back to the crib to lay her down on a terrible crib mattress. I walked into the hall, looked at her one more time through the open window and saw her holding onto the crib railing. She had nothing to hold onto, not even a stuffed animal. A piece of my heart was left in that crib, but today I got to be her momma and I named her ANGEL. We are all God's children and that is HOPE that we can walk away with at the end of a hard day.</span>Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-53369060425340994102014-04-29T20:14:00.001-07:002014-04-30T05:47:30.629-07:00Our Day in Cite SoleilToday was our first full day in Haiti and it was water truck day. Delivering water to the people of Cite Soleil has become one of my favorite things in Haiti. To see His beauty and Love in one of the darkest places is an experience tough to describe, but our morning devotion from Matthew 25:31-46 was good preparation. "Truly, I say to you, as you did to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."<br />
For me personally, this being my second trip has so far brought a different perspective, but one I don't yet know just how to express adequately. I had what felt miraculous happen today. On my first time in Cite Soleil 6 months ago I left our last water stop on day one in tears over one baby. Today my feet were not on the ground even 30 seconds at that same stop (our first stop today) and my tears were flowing again over this same one baby. Today they were happy tears!<br />
Last October at this stop, a mama handed me her crying, 5 month old baby, pulled the baby's shirt down and showed me a golf-ball sized abscess on her chest. She said her baby didn't sleep and wanted me to help. All we had as a first aid kit in the tap tap at the time was a few small band-aides and a half tube of bacitracin. I put the ointment on four little band-aides to try to cover this red, hot, closed infection and then gave the rest of the tube of bacitracin to her mama. Knowing how differently and the lengths we would go to treat this back home I couldn't help but think there was a good chance this baby would die. I struggled with that thought so much driving away from the water stop that day knowing this was completely treatable if only they had the resources. I did get to see her and treat her infection again, giving the mama more ointment our second day back in Cite Soleil 6 months ago, and while it was better than day one, it was still there. Today, as we pulled up to that water stop I recognized the place and instantly thought of her and started looking. As I stepped out of the tap tap today, I had taken no more than 10-15 steps and there she was!!! Mandy was already holding her as her mama handed her over so she could go get water. I can't express the absolute Joy I felt in seeing that little one's smiling face, and in seeing her mama. When I said her name Jenvien (sp?) to her mama, she said wi and looked at me smiling over the recognition. I pointed to her chest where the abscess had been and she instantly remembered, smiling and showing me this sweet baby's chest - completely healed! God clearly has a purpose for this sweet baby girl, now age 1, waiving and saying "Hey you"!<br />
Amongst all the horrible, heartbreaking, unspeakable sites we each saw today, there were also moments of beauty and sites of joy. Dancing and singing God is so Good with the children will always be a sweet time I pray and trust they know the depth of. Watching team members dig in, hot, sweaty & dirty, serving, laughing, playing and bonding with the precious Haitian people brings such light in a dark place. I know I more clearly saw the Light in Cite Soleil today because God showed Himself to me boldly, only a few steps in.<br />
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Another moment to note today is the blast we had playing soccer with the sweet, guesthouse neighbor boys who not only schooled us with their amazing soccer skills, but also shared their sweet voices in worship with us in the tap tap while driving to the soccer fields! Their spirit is so strong and beautiful!<br />
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And lastly, Happy Birthday to our amazing leader, Karen!<br />
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Goodnight from Haiti!<br />
Ke Bondye Beni'ou<br />
AmyJeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-81856357829695233082014-04-28T18:46:00.003-07:002014-04-28T18:47:12.465-07:00We Made It!We've got a really great team here this week. 4 men and 8 women, 6 of whom are returning and 6 here for the first time. <br />
<br />
Shortly after arrival we had the opportunity to deliver Feed My Starving Children manna packs to a Tent City. This was our first exposure to the beautiful Haitian people, some full of joy, some desperation. While passing out food in in a tent city there is never enough for everyone. It is a brutal, unfair process trying to decide who gets food and who doesn't. We know some will have full bellies as they go to bed tonight. Wish that was true for all.<br />
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As we arrived back to the guest house we were full of emotions: gratitude and guilt, underscored by the big question "Why." <br />
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Broken and poured out, Jesus died for us. In this, He gave us the incredible gift of eternal life. He also showed us how to live. Broken and poured out. We will approach the week being willing to let our hearts break and to pour ourselves out so that He can be made known.<br />
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-karen moen<br />
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Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-64503621562175766772013-11-24T20:33:00.001-08:002013-11-24T20:33:24.600-08:00Beach Day in Haiti<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Today was a very fun day for
everyone on our team. We got up this morning and we went to grace village
church. It is like no church in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For starters, everyone is crowded into the feeding center where tables
are turned into benches and people are everywhere shoulder-to-shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people came up from the town below
to worship. The pastor sang like he has never sang before with more energy than
I have ever seen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wonderful
and everyone was caught up in the moment. Everyone kept shouting praise to God
and kept thanking him for everything. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing to hear them thank God and worship him, even
when they seem to have so little to be thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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After church our team was set to
meet up with twelve amazing girls from Restavek Freedom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all have been rescued from slavery,
and now live in this wonderful home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We got to meet them the last time I was in Haiti, and they quickly
became our new friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of us
girls from our team went to play with some of the kids from Titanyen while we
waited for the Freedom Girls to get here. I really love playing with the kids
down in Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are so kind,
and love the attention.</div>
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Once the Freedom Girls arrived, we
all headed off together to go to Kaliko beach. It was so beautiful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never been to the Caribbean Ocean
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing we did was
go to the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people got
stung by see-through jellyfish, and some of the girls even picked them up and
threw them (not me). Since the ocean had too many jellyfish we decided to spend
our time swimming in the amazing pool. After swimming a while, they had us come
and eat buffet style. We got to see what real Haitian food was like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, no one got sick!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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After a great lunch, we had fun
playing more games in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think it is so great how quickly and easily we became friends with our 12 new Haitian
girl friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were all so
kind, and easy to play with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it was time to go, we went down to
the ocean for pictures. We ended up seeing a real live lobster! It was huge!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all said good byes, and we tap-tap
surfed on the way back to Grace Village to drop off some people. We all had a
very fun day and laughed at A LOT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was such a fun and happy day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a great way to end an amazing week in Haiti!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Blog Post by: Kayla (12 years old)</div>
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Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-13939303546848666612013-11-23T20:14:00.001-08:002013-11-23T20:14:12.336-08:00A Full Day!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today was our third full day in Haiti. It’s a funny thing how the crowded streets and tent cities start to look normal and familiar. Yesterday was a long, hard day visiting the general hospital and spending time with the special needs kids of Haiti. We were all ready for what Saturday would bring. </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-1f6d7446-87a6-5de2-0506-d1d33111d1b1"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our first stop of the day was The Apparent Project - an organization that gives Haitian parents a place to sell their work in an effort to provide a source of income and avoid having to give their kids up to an orphanage if they can not support them. After a little shopping, we took a formal tour of Grace Village. Grace is home to 52 orphans, and provides schooling for 380 students. It was a pleasure to spend a few days with Jenn and Sierra, who are living at Grace Village long term! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the many things that Grace Village does outside of its walls, is sponsor a group of Elderly who have in many cases out-lived their children. Orphaned elders is a concept I had never explored before. They all live in their homes in Titanyen - a village outside of Port-au-Prince. We brought them a meal, fresh water, prayed with them with and asked how they are feeling and if they need anything else. They are checked on often to ensure they are receiving what is donated to them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our day thus far was busy but we all were looking forward to Esaie's orphanage. I was especially excited to meet the kids because I was in charge of the craft we did with them. Esaie is a 33 year old Haitian who has an incredible story. He and his brother were orphans themselves, he went to school to become an accountant and when he would receive his paycheck he would take everything he earned and go and give it to the poor in Cite Soleil. After the earthquake in 2010, Esaie went to see the disaster in Cite Soleil - what he saw was children in the street gathered together, crying. He went up to them and asked what was wrong. All of them had lost their parents in the earthquake just a few days prior. They had left that morning and never come back. He told the story to us of going home to his brother and not knowing what to do. The very next day he got in a cab, drove to where he had seen these kids and loaded up all 16 of them. They would become his children. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Still trying to wrap our heads around the story, those same 16 kids stood around us, proudly listening to him recall the story. We took a tour of the orphanage, a courtyard, small classroom, tiny kitchen, and 2 bed rooms. One room for the 10 boys, roughly 12x8 with 3 bunk beds, 3 rows high neatly made with mismatched sheets and not much else on them. The second bedroom was identical for the 6 girls, complete with a pink door frame! The kids ranged from 6 to 15 years old and they all introduced their name and ages to us in very good English. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had transported chocolate covered pretzel sticks all the way from Minnesota and gave each kid one to eat and then everything they needed to recreate their own. They were so thrilled with the colored frosting and fun sprinkles! Most opted to save their second treat for later - which was a messy task when trying to explain 'press-and-seal' wrap!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our second project for the day was to make polar-fleece tie pillow inserts - complete with IKEA pillows! I wanted to bring something that would be fun for the kids to make and use again and again that wouldn't get tossed aside when another group came to visit. I was (regretfully) happy to see that their bare beds did not have pillows, which meant we were making an even greater impact than we planned on. Each child picked their fabric and partnered with one of our team members to make their pillow. They finished their pillows - collecting the scraps as treasures. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They concluded the day with sharing a few songs with us that they had practiced. The set consisted of: If your happy and your know it clap your hands, The Hokie Pokie, and Jesus loves me. We then had a 'sing-off' which if you watch our video - we clearly did not know what was happening! Karen led the group as we taught them all Joy to the World and sang together. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leaving Esaie's Orphanage, I was comforted that these kids were in good hands. They had a loving role model, and the support of Healing Haiti. When my head hits the pillow tonight, my thoughts will be with the 16 heads that will be hitting their pillows for the first time tonight. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good night Haiti! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blog written by Hanna </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13615373372019487920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-49088676242054747342013-11-23T19:19:00.002-08:002013-11-23T19:19:49.339-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Light";">Yesterday
was definitely the hardest day so far. We first did water therapy with 6
special needs kids from Gertrude’s. Then we went to the General Hospital in
Port-Au-Prince.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Light";">We
went to pick up the kids from Gertrude’s right away in the morning. The age ranged
from about 4 to 13. All of the kids had been abandoned because of their special
needs. Some had cerebral palsy, none could talk but all were very aware of what
was going on. They were all ready to go, suited up in their swimsuits. When
they got in the tap-tap, they were full of smiles and laughter. The team
brought them to a hotel by our Guest House. We got to the pool and all got in…
the water was freezing! Some of our buddies thought it was cold too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our team made lots of new friends. We
splashed water on them, rubbed their tense muscles, and many more (hopefully)
comforting, relaxing things. The experience was absolutely amazing. My Auntie
Brenda and my partner, Christine, was a joyful bundle of love inside a broken
body. She had the cutest little laugh and the biggest smile. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TO DIE FOR. </b>It was so hard to bring the
kids back to Gertrude’s where they didn’t have the proper care that they
needed. The crowded room, with<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>few
staff that worked so hard to care for the little kids. One little boy, who
couldn’t hold his back or neck up, had a wheel chair that was straight up.
Unable to meet his needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Light";">Next
we went to the General Hospital in Port-Au-Prince. I had no clue of what to
expect. I was really nervous. We pulled into the green gates of the hospital, the
inside crammed with beautiful, needy, anxious Haitians. We were led by one of
Healing Haiti’s staff, Wilson, into a hot, dark, desperate, sick room filled
with poor, sick, and dying children from the ages of 0-15. There are so many
other words that could <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">almost</i>
describe this place but just cant. We brought in care packs (filled with 2
rags, 2 bars of soap, 1 tube of tooth paste, 4 tooth brushes, 1 comb, 2
packages of peanuts, and 1 granola bar) that were in black bags. The people
were so desperate for love, joy, comfort, and essential things that we always
take for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried to hand
out the packs only to the mothers/fathers of the patients, but other people
there ended up getting themselves one. The 15 yd by 3 yd green hospital room
was filled with kids getting IVs, malnourished kids, and just sick kids. About
¼ of the babies had a mother/father by them. One little baby, with no teeth (to
give an approximate age range), had both of his legs in a cast with a little
blood on it. My mom and I immediately connected with the little guy. He had the
cutest little face with the curliest black hair. I cannot get his face out of
my head. He was damp with the heat of the musty room. The baby had wrapped
himself up in a little blanket in his metal crib in the back corner in the room
was abandoned. I was glad to see that the mommas who loved the babies across
from him made sure that he had supplies for his bottle, a new blanket, and a
onesie in his tiny crib. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Light";">I
don’t ever see that I will forget this day…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Light"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">KE BONDYE BEINOU<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Light";">-
Annie Moen (11 years old)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-35775975278211127132013-11-21T20:04:00.002-08:002013-11-21T20:04:31.389-08:00Haiti- day 2: Water truck <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-736d0506-7d96-5387-8c5f-9d4300c6de1c"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What an amazing day. We had water trucks today. That's where we fill up a tank of clean water and distribute it to different stops in Cite Soleil. All the stops we went to were very calm. I </span></i></span></span><i style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">absolutely </span></i><i style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">love being able to pick up any child that wants to be held. Its just one more way to show God’s love.</span></i><br />
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<i style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I met some incredible people today and also had the opportunity to play soccer with some of the neighborhood boys who are strong in their faith and soccer skills. I witnessed joy, love, the need for touch, and desperation. When we got to our first stop it was mainly playing with children. I didn't work the hose until the last stop. We got to pass out manna packs at Elder's School. If you've ever been to Feed My Starving Children and packed the bags of food this is what we delivered. I really felt like this made a difference because these kids can take this home and feed their family, not just them.</span></i><br />
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<i style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Playing soccer with the boys today was such a blessing and fun! Our team played against the boys. We sang the MN Rouser in our pre-game huddle. They (neighborhood boys) led us in worship songs on the tap-tap and we all had a blast! I'm so glad to be on this trip. We have an awesome, hardworking team. I can't wait for tomorrow! </span></i><br />
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(Happy Birthday, Hanna!)<br />
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Blogged by Ellie</div>
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<i style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13615373372019487920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-64598745539549003692013-11-20T19:03:00.000-08:002013-11-20T19:19:45.214-08:00Creating a Gap<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: 1.15;">The original title of this post was going to be, “Waiting for the Sabbys”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There were multiple little speed bumps for Ellie and I (mostly me) today. By the end of the day when I had to re-write my “green sheet” entering Haiti… Ellie said, “Mom, come on. Everyone else is done and over there waiting for us again!”</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-541c2196-7899-50bf-5ec9-e6ef50953c19" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The little speed bumps felt like mountains to me all day. Totally small things, but they were piling up. And I struggled this week to feel like I wanted to go on this trip again. In my mind I knew it would be right once I got here (I hoped) but getting ready felt hard, and the small travel-annoyances today capped it off. At one point I texted my prayer warriors back home saying, “I just want to come back home!” (that was right after a slightly turbulent take-off)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’ve never been on a mission or service trip, you might wonder… Who goes on a trip like this? I did. Some people I knew who had gone talked about “always feeling called” to do something like it. I never felt that. I don’t like to travel. Not really even for pleasure. I’m content at home. Where I have all my routines and supplies and things are predictable. So this trip (was last year) and is still this year a big act of obedience for me. I have to talk myself into it. “You can do this. God will meet you and give you the courage and the tools you need.” It even appears easy for my 11 year old. She’s excited and anxious to get here. Can’t wait to get started. It’s hard for me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tonight at our group time, Karen referenced the idea that we need to “Create the Gap” (a message from ebc) We were talking about trusting God to supply what we need on a trip like this. And if we don’t step outside our comfort zone, or go without, we don’t create opportunity to see how God will provide. And it occurred to me… that’s what I’m doing: creating a gap. And that’s what I’m struggling with: creating that gap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m writing this for people out there who are thinking, “I could never do a trip like that…” I want to tell you, “You could.” Because I am not that brave. And earlier in the week I wanted to chicken out. And today I wanted to go back to my comfortable routines (and products…) But I am here now. And I have a wonderful sense of hope and peace for the week. And I love my team. And I love how God has met me here. And how I feel ready to go out tomorrow and serve. Creating a gap… I’m working on it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13615373372019487920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-17868920272146596842013-10-13T20:26:00.003-07:002013-10-13T20:26:32.099-07:00Worship is Universal<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we sit here on the eve of our departure and reflect on our week, we are struck by many things. Listing them all would be impossible but what we can all agree on is that we have more questions than answers. How can God allow people to suffer this way? What impact did we have? Did we do enough? What else could we have done? How do we process what we've experienced? How can we help people understand what we've encountered? Why is it so much easier to feel God's presence here in the midst of such devastation than in the comforts of our home? What now?</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We may never know the answers to these questions but as we sat in worship at Grace church this morning one thing became clear than ever to all of us...He does. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon our arrival into Titanyen, we were struck by the vast number of people hiking up the dusty hill and orphans from Grace Village coming over in their Sunday best, (mismatched shoes, clothes that were too big or too small, wearing their new beaded jewelry from yesterday's craft project) taking such pride in their appearance, just to show their love and appreciation through worship. They pack into the small, hot space...people sitting in "pews" and on the floor, standing in the back and pouring out the doors onto the stairs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the service was mostly in another language, we all felt what Pastor Gary and Pastor Wesley were preaching. Their passion for Jesus was clear. And while we didn't understand a lot of what was said, we all agreed that it was one of the most powerful worship experiences we've ever had. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After church, we had the chance to stay and play with the children at Grace Village for awhile. We were grateful to get the chance to spend more time with them. The tap tap was silent for most of the ride as we reflected on the deep impact these amazing children made on our hearts in such a short period of time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our day continued with a trip into the mountains to shop in the local markets. Standing at the top looking over the city, we were amazed by how calm and beautiful everything looks from so high above. Another reminder of how God's light shines in even the darkest places. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trying to sum up the week during our group discussion was difficult. The "words of the week" from the group; love, objective, serve, stay, family, Bondje (God), called, moment, awake, impact, relaxed, privileged, community, immeasurable, worship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we may have experienced this week in different ways, we experienced it together. And though our hearts were broken time after time, we pray that as they mend, they do so in a way that more closely resembles the heart of Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Glwa pou Bondye...Glory to God.</span></div>
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Jeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-88008339322650112052013-10-12T18:47:00.003-07:002013-10-12T18:47:49.351-07:00Trusting on Day 6<blockquote type="cite">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today's devotional set the tone for our visit to Grace Village, the mass grave site, and an impoverished tent city. The devotional calls out scripture from Matthew where Jesus was preaching about the importance of having trust in God. What we have learned in Haiti is that not much is needed to serve others apart from the gospel and trust in God. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Grace Village, the orphanage operated by Healing Haiti, is truly a diamond in the rough. This beautiful place has been uniquely constructed to bring opportunity and education to the children attending. Pastor Wesely had a unique and animated approach to introduce our Healing Haiti team to the children, and by the time he was done, the children knew all of our names. Pastor Wesely also engaged us in a friendly battle of "We love Jesus yes we do, we love Jesus how about you?!". Pastor Wesely and Jeff then led the energized group in a lesson of the day from Acts 2, in which children had the opportunity to choose from a bag of props that would help them understand the message of Pentecost. Then we split into small groups. Some of the children went outside for a spirited game of futball while others stayed inside making necklaces and painting toenails. However, no matter how beautiful the new surroundings appear, it is difficult to fix the emotional suffering that has already been endured.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After our visit to Grace Village we had the honor of visiting the mass grave site. This trip was truly unique in that we were able to hear first hand accounts of survival from our three Healing Haiti guides. The visit hit close to home listening to these moving stories. One guide was spared his life by leaving his school building for a bottle of water only to find the building turned into rubble upon his return. The mass grave site was the result of the 7.0 earthquake on January, 12th, 2010. Approximately 300,000 perished in this terrible earthquake and this mass grave site is the burial grounds for at least150,000 Haitians. We found the gravity of loss during this catastrophe incomprehensible. In an act of respect we were joined by Haitian children as we held hands in a circle and prayed for this tragic loss of life.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Next, we visited a tent city with several meal packs provided by Feed My Starving Children. The tent city was built into the side of hill and was packed with God's children looking for relief. The tent city is within walking distance of our guest house where we sleep and eat comfortably. We delivered 240 meal packs that feed 6 people each. As desperate as the conditions were, we followed important rules regarding the distribution of the care packages. Unfortunately, we did not have enough care packages for every family in this tent city. We all felt the emotional impact of leaving some of the families empty handed. Our saving grace is that there will be future teams from Healing Haiti visiting this tent city to distribute additional manna packs to these families.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Whether you are serving water, holding children, building relationships, rubbing a persons feet, feeding small children, praying for the hurting, changing a bandage or playing a a game of soccer you have the ability to be present and communicate the love of Christ to others.</span></blockquote>
The Boyz<br />
Jeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-17281924312127898182013-10-11T20:56:00.001-07:002013-10-11T20:56:32.985-07:00Equipped - Day 5<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"God does not call the equipped, he equips the called." A quote that could sum up the entire trip but was especially powerful today. Our morning started with a stop at Elder's School in Cite Soleil that Healing Haiti partners with. The school educates 500-600 students each day in one of the poorest locations in the world. We were all amazed that even in the midst of such vast poverty, education is so highly valued. Students come from homes made of tarps and rusty tin. Many sleep on dirt floors. Yet they arrive at school in clean uniforms, ready and eager to learn. The students were engaging and excited to show us their schoolwork and classrooms. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After leaving Elder's School, it was back to the streets of Cite Soleil to deliver water to two of the locations we were at on Tuesday. We were able to reconnect with some of the children we met before, which was especially rewarding because this time we came equipped with more basic medical equipment to tend to some of the issues we encountered before. At the water truck refill station, we often get visits from the children from the nearby tent city. It was here that Marcia had an extra special surprise from a girl her husband and brother-in-law met and connected with a year ago on their trip to Haiti. It was good to see that she was doing well...</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The afternoon was one of our toughest experiences yet. We went to the Port-au-Prince General Hospital to visit with sick children. While we were all expecting less than ideal conditions and children in pain, none of us were prepared for what we walked into. As we stood in the dark cement hallway and began to feel the gravity of the situation we were about to encounter, many of us found ourselves in prayer...asking for God to help us put our own overwhelming sadness aside and equip us with what we needed to comfort these families. Our first room had four children who had been abandoned. They were severely crippled and deformed. Bones protruding. Cheeks sunken. And yet there was light in their eyes. We held their hands and stroked their heads. We prayed over them for God to bless and keep them, to make His face shine upon them, and to give them His peace. We met a father who was there with his ill daughter who took Jeff's guitar and began playing our songs as we sang. We held babies with fevers. We delivered basic care packages and visited with parents. While the situation itself was difficult, we all felt hope in the many dedicated mothers, fathers and grandparents that were there with their little loved ones. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our evening ended with a swim at the local hotel and a salsa lesson from our resident dance professional, Jean. Music and laughter spilled over the balcony of the guest house and our hearts were reminded of God's goodness and the joy and encouragement we receive from being a part of the body of Christ.</div>
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Jeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-18650962773883370212013-10-10T19:49:00.002-07:002013-10-10T19:49:27.861-07:00Moen and Cody HH Team Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Friends + Family back home...</div>
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Noel, Mariann, and Leann blogging for Moen/Cody HH Team. Today was our third day in Haiti, which started out early with tent church at 6am. Pastor Gary came to sit near us and translated during the service for the people sitting around him. It was amazing to see how many people were there at six in the morning on a thursday for this daily service, and lasts for a couple hours. It was a dynamic service and incredible to see the love for Christ these people have, especially when facing hardships most people probably couldn't imagine. </div>
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After church, we headed up to Grace Village. We had a quick tour of all the progress that has been made with the medical/dental clinic. We also got to see them breaking ground on the church in the community and family housing units going up. The kids were in school during the tour, we got to play with them for a couple minutes on the playground. Our team is excited to head back on Saturday for a full day with all of the awesome kids up there. So more to come!</div>
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After leaving Grace Village, we were able to participate in Healing Haiti's Eldercare Program by visiting 5 elders who live in Titanyen. We visited them in their homes, brought them food and water, checked on their needs and how they've been feeling, and sang to them. This is Elie, pictured below, a 77 year old local who lives with his daughter and grandchildren. Elie lives at the bottom of a steep hill way out in Titanyen. When we arrived, Elie stood up to greet us and welcomed us into his home. When he stood up he motioned he was hungry and was glad to see that we had brought food and water for him. Meeting and praying with each of the elders was an amazing experience and showed us another side of Healing Haiti's outreach in this community. </div>
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Our last visit of the day was to Isaiah's Orphanage, home to 17 kids orphaned by the earthquake in 2010. Healing Haiti has been involved with Isaiah's since 2010 and teams have recently began visiting this year. Healing Haiti helps with donations, supplies, and food 3 times per week for the orphanage and school. We were so impressed by their respect and honor for one another and for Isaiah. We spent the afternoon playing soccer and making bead necklaces with the girls. The boys on the soccer team are relentless and schooled us. Graiziger took MVP with a spill/bicycle kick goal for our team. </div>
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We were blessed to meet Isaiah and "his kids" as he proudly refers to them. Isaiah is a true role model to these kids, as well as us, showing God's love in selfless ways.</div>
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We're off to bed with another day out on the water truck at Cite Soleil in the morning. Will update you all again tomorrow!<br />
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With love,<br />
Cody/Moen TeamJeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-91231142217568699812013-10-09T19:57:00.000-07:002013-10-09T19:57:05.849-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello to all back home! </div>
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This is Kimberly, on behalf of the group we want to thank you for the continued prayers and support while we continue this amazing journey. Today was impactful, as they all have been. We spent our day visiting sick & dying adults, as well as Gertrude Orphanage. Our day was filled with songs, giving massages and playing with amazing children. The experiences are challenging to put into words. One of the barriers we face day to day is language. I was reminded that smiles, love, laughter and bright spirits are universal, providing more of a connection than words ever could. </div>
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While the others went to Gertrude's, Mike, Marcia, Faith and I (Amy) went to a wound clinic. Even with my medical background there is no real way to be prepared for this experience. In many ways, having some medical knowledge and knowing our American OSHA standards, it was in terrifying. Thankfully, we were able to use the gloves that we brought with us. It was really a blessing to not only see my donation item used, but to get to use it myself. The drive to the wound clinic through downtown Port-au-Prince was surreal. We turned down a market street, horns honking wildly to get the people to part, pulling their mats and baskets and livelihood out of the way to let us through. (Picture being on the midway at the state fair on the busiest day, only all the people were pushing wheelbarrows or were carrying giant packages on their heads, and all the food trucks are set up without a truck, just food on the ground...and driving your car through the middle of it.) When we arrived, and after a quick lesson on what to do, we dove in. We were told our job is only to clean and dress these wounds, that these are not curable for these people. They come back 3 times a week to have their wounds cleaned and dressed again. Saline, betadine, bacitracin, gauze, hemostats, gloves, and bandages made of strips of sheets were our tools. We saw men and women of all ages with the most horrific wounds I've ever seen. One man who basically had no skin on his feet and was missing toes had to have plastic bags taped over his bandages because he did not have shoes, but he was able to walk out of the open corridor we treated in. When all the wounds were cleaned and the bandages applied,while we were waiting to leave, I was overcome by the music coming from the tent church nearby. "Hallelujah" was the only word I could understand, but it was beautiful. Knowing how little we did in the big picture did not matter, because we mattered to the people lined up there today and they all expressed their gratitude. Even in terrible pain, with wounds we can't imagine, everyone we touched gave the most genuine smile. We were there to help them, but I think I can speak for all of us in saying it was our privilege to be His hands and feet, and we were greatly blessed by the experience.Jeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-54419736856537133482013-10-08T19:58:00.000-07:002013-10-08T19:58:05.535-07:00Perspective<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Perspective". That was my word of the day. Within a mere 36 hours, my perspective on just about everything has changed more than I ever could have prepared myself for. The most basic of tasks - delivering water to people who are thirsty - became a life-altering experience...one that I don't know if I'll ever really be able to wrap my head around. Here is a glimpse of what we encountered today in Cite Soleil...</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children yelling "Hey You!" and clamoring for our attention as our truck pulled into each stop.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kids playing and splashing in dirty gutter water.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bandaging a baby with an infected wound.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The overwhelming smells of rotten food, sewage and sweat. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking a dirty condom away from a child, who was using it as a balloon.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Helping countless barefoot women and children hoist full five-gallon buckets of water onto their heads.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A group of naked, dirty children clapping and dancing as they sang "God is so Good" while standing on a pile of sewage, garbage, and broken glass (which doubles as the area's mass grave area).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trying to determine which of the children were slaves (in Cite Soleil it is estimated that over 40% of them are).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The light in the eyes of the children as we hugged, cuddled, kissed, and held them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Helping a young mother bathe her one-year-old in the only clean water she had to try and help bring his fever down.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carrying buckets of water to the doorways of what they call "home".</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Putting antibiotics on a boy's broken, bloody, cracked toenail.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being surrounded by such vast and extreme poverty is a feeling I'll never forget. It's overwhelming to look out and see such intense need...and have no idea where to even start. So you just jump in. You hug, you love, you kiss, you hold, you sing, you pray, you smile, you cry...and you just hope that you're making an impact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My heart was broken into a million pieces today. And I've never felt so blessed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Kari Uetz</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-5539406631544110372013-10-07T19:59:00.002-07:002013-10-07T19:59:22.058-07:00Moen and Cody HH Team Day 1<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Supporters, friends and family back home...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />This is Leann on our blog tonight to give you an update on day one. Our team has arrived safe and sound in Haiti after a long day of traveling! Our entire team successfully made it to MSP airport by 3:45am and we were lucky to make it to both Miami and Port au Prince without any delays or complications. We made our way through the airport here and headed to the guesthouse. Tonight we spent time as a team talking about our first thoughts after arriving here in Haiti. We all realized very quickly that regardless of how many pictures we had seen or videos we had watched, it was an entirely different experience to see firsthand out the windows of the Healing Haiti tap tap. I don't know that anything could have truly prepared us for what it feels like to see this kind of devastation. Within five minutes of being in Port au Prince it was easy to see an incredible amount of joy in the smiles of people here. While we were driving by an area lined with tents and people living in the most indescribable living conditions, I noticed a sign that said Only Jesus. It is amazing to see the faith people have in Him when so many others would look around and wonder how it is possible to see beauty in a place so broken. <img src="webkit-fake-url://1AE6ED38-35B7-4F1D-95F3-6792906A70FE/imagejpeg" /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />Earlier tonight some of us were up on the roof of the second guesthouse and saw some boys playing soccer down below the fence who started talking to us and asking if we could come and play soccer with them. After a few minutes they started motioning 'water' and looking to see if we had any to give them, I don't know that any of us could have imagined what it would be like to have someone asking for something as basic as water, when we live everyday without ever thinking about where we will find clean water.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />Our team's new home for the week. Some incredible photos in the living room at Healing Haiti's second guesthouse that was just built this January.<img src="webkit-fake-url://66F9837D-D974-4B21-92E7-FCF052D42F61/imagejpeg" /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />Tomorrow we have a full day ahead in Cite Soleil out on the water truck delivering clean water to more than 300,000 people in a 5 sq. mile area. The team is prepared and ready to experience our first day in Haiti. We ask for your prayers for strength tomorrow, and also for our hearts to be open. To allow God to show us what He needs to show us, and to take in every minute of the day. God has put together one incredible team down here this week and we are so excited to see what He has planned for us in Haiti. Our team is ready to go with a couple of Clif bars and electrolytes packed for day two.<img src="webkit-fake-url://C1EC3E61-95E3-4880-811A-DF6B705611EE/imagejpeg" /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ke Bondye Beni'ou</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">His hands. His feet. His work. His love.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />God bless,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moen & Cody HH Team</span>Jeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-29960573791847434312013-10-07T19:54:00.002-07:002013-10-07T19:54:33.686-07:00Haiti Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-84457194358496944942013-10-01T14:17:00.000-07:002013-10-01T14:17:04.338-07:00Final PreparationsFamily, Friends, and Supporters:<br />
I would just like to thank everyone who has stepped up in so many different ways to make this trip possible for our team. We just completed our final meeting (<i>packing-party</i>) last Sunday and now eagerly await take-off next Monday. We are ready...<br />
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Pat, Jeff, Mike, Marcia, Amy, Mark, Pat,<br />
Kim, Leann, Mariann, Kari<br />
Faith, Andy, (<i>we missed you Noel</i>) <br />
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Can't wait to share the week with this team!<br />
<br />
Jeff Moen<br />
<br />Jeff Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04848822333394033967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-78795362772730671742012-12-03T19:25:00.002-08:002012-12-03T19:25:35.837-08:00Flight Home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">While on the flight home, I have seen God use His power in miraculous ways. Rebekah has severe asthma and severe allergies. It was my biggest fear of this trip. She didn't get sick. No one mom or daughter got sick, except for minor things such as sweet little Sierra Imsland who had stomach aches, my migraines, and whatever else I didn't catch on to. :(<br /><br />On the long flight home, after using our hands and feet to serve our God, Jesus used a beautiful African American flight attendant to serve us in a powerful way. <br /><br />There are outlets under each seat. Rebekah was having an asthma attack on the second leg of the flight home. The flight attendant and I tried multiple outlets, on multiple rows, with my iPhone, iPad, and Rebekah's nebulizer ... no outlet could handle the voltage or something, even though others similar devices could.<br /><br />Rather than us serving others, the flight attendant shined her Light, and sat next to Rebekah, talked to her about the healing only Jesus can provide, and followed up by praying over her to calm her lungs. Just thinking it through brings tears to my eyes. We came to serve, yet over and over, we are the ones who have been served.<br /><br />The flight attendant asked many questions about Healing Haiti, and her love for our God shined brightly throughout the evening flight.<br /><br />Rebekah is now sitting next to me, breathing calmly, without use of her inhaler or nebulizer. <br /><br />What a glorious God we serve. Thank you Jesus for Rebekah and her servant heart, and thank you for the flight attendant I will never forget, who sat down for 10 minutes mid-flight, to use her faith is Jesus to minister and pray over my daughter. <br /><br />I love you God. Mesi Jezi. <br /><br /><br />Now may I cry happy tears?<br />Sandy Anderson</span>Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-32093768390456652732012-12-01T19:11:00.001-08:002012-12-01T19:11:06.929-08:00Visual snapshotsGrace Village and Gertrude's Orphanages: Grace Village is a visit that I just love. I adore each of the children that live there. Every time I go there I try to touch each one with a smile, a back rub, a hug. Each time I go God puts a different one in front of me that needs a little extra. It is so good to be used by God. <br />
Sierra bonded with a few of the children but was struggling with some mild tummy troubles. She did however, connect with a young man who is able to draw beautifully. She told me that she enjoyed talking to him as he drew pictures.<br />
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Gertrude's was Sierra's favorite stop of the day. She found a baby (her true passion) and held her almost the entire time. She clung to Sierra as Sierra walked around showing her things and playing 'mama'. Watching her be a little girl and give love is a wonderful thing. <br />
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There is a boy named Maxo that I have been holding almost every time I come to Gertrude's. He is 4 years old and is blind. A volunteer told me today that he has cataract (which is common among Haitian babies because of malnourished moms). They have been trying to get him a surgery for a year but have not been able to get it to go through. Apparently it can be reversed if the surgery is done before 5 years old. She told me that currently they have a surgery scheduled for February, but in Haiti a lot can change in that much time. This makes me feel many emotions; sad that a boy may stay blind, angry at the unfairness , hopeful in that he still has some time, and determined to pray daily that God will be his advocate. <br />
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On these mission trips we get to some amazing things, hard but amazing. We come home exhausted and yet filled. Sometimes the mamas need to let loose, the mamas went outside and danced in the rain. <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-53519934154373981012012-11-30T17:34:00.001-08:002012-11-30T19:43:40.041-08:00We loved...Today we went to Home for the Sick and Dying. We served there for almost 3 hours. Our little girls held, fed, and comforted babies the entire time. Photos aren't allowed at the Home so I took some mental pictures. One is of Sierra looking at me with pleading eyes asking that we take the 18 mo old baby girl that she was loving home. Another is of the moms scrubbing the cribs with strong bleach water to help prevent a cholera outbreak. My final picture is Harry (sp) a lovely Haitian worker that I have seen many times but have never been able to develop a deeper relationship with. I was able to chat (in Creole) about a few things and begin to connect with a man that has kind eyes, a gentle spirit, and who does amazing maintenance work to keep the Home going. <br />
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We were also blessed with the opportunity to have the girls from Restavek Freedom come over for dinner tonight. Eleven girls and two house moms came over, the girls' ages ranged from 10-20. Our girls showed them around, took pictures with them, and then we introduced them to tacos with Doritos. Yum! They had never had it before so it was fun to watch them put their plates together (I even think they liked it). I tend to over think these kinds of things; how will they communicate, won't it be awkward, what if someone is bored? But dinner ended and the girls, Haitian and American, went straight to what they do best, play. They played UNO and dominos and would have continued on indefinitely. Karen has met with them numerous times and they had blessed her with songs. So Karen suggested that we sing for, and with, one another. It was beautiful. They sang the song, "Who am I". It brought me to tears to hear those lovely voices sing their praises to our shared God. Our God is so big. We laughed, praised, and shared...we related which is what God has called us to do. It was beautiful. </a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2927404960342029502.post-7403970381258444502012-11-29T19:45:00.000-08:002012-11-29T19:45:05.349-08:00Water Truck Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mother/ daughter team headed out for water truck day in Cite Soleil. Clean shirts, open hearts, and lots of anticipation! Lots of words were used to describe todays adventure, but the common theme amongst the Moms was humbled and proud of each one of these little selfless servants. Their hearts are very big! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan: "While the water truck was getting filled with water I met a little girl. I felt very very happy playing with her. I was so happy because she was very happy and I was having a lot of fun."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellie: "I handed a little boy a small cup of water, when I handed it back to him, the smile on his face filled me with joy. But it also made me sad to think about America, and how when we get something big we are happy, yet when Haitians get 1/2 a cup of water they are even happier than us."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra: "When I got out of the truck the kids surrounded me. They were holding my hands and trying to get as close to me as they could. One was a little girl, she didn't talk. She was always reaching her hands up to be picked up. I held her until my arms hurt. This made me feel happy because I was giving her love and she was giving love back to me at the same time."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebekah: ""When people saw us their faces lit up. We went to the elders school and a group of girls about our age came and grabbed us and brought us back to their classroom. They sat us down and played with our hair. Their laugh was so joyful. It felt so good."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie: "A mom tried to give her baby to me. I felt helpless because I couldn't take her or support them in any way. "</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayla: "We were filling up the water truck and Haitians came running. I was glad when one of them asked me to come too. I felt spellbound that even though they are so poor, they are so happy. God has blessed us more than we know."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glwa Pou Bondye! <br />Glory to God!</td></tr>
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Jeff and Karen Moenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08222742301998717729noreply@blogger.com0