The DRUMS and BONUS

Another day in Haiti….

Camp has been a Joy! The drums have been off the hook. Today we had the pastor of the church, another leader of the church, four of our counselors drumming and all the children running around in a circle singing and playing other instruments. Some might call it noise, but to my ears it was glorious worship and smiles.

Moments of joy, have been acting out plays with the counselors. Today was the parable of the lost sheep. We had Jesus (wilfet), sheep (Caitlin and Leah), the lost sheep (Avery), what a sight we were.

Today was our last day with the 6-9 year olds, hard to think about how a week is already done. Comes and goes so fast. Been really neat to see growth in the team this year. We seem to fit together. Been neat to see the relationships that have formed between the counselors from this camp. Wilfete and Louvenet were not really friends three years ago when camp started, now they interact like brothers. Joking with each other, hugging, sharing stories. Been really neat to see that relationship cultivate.

Today is piñata day. It will be a crazy mess. They always go crazy for the piñata.

Some of the neatest moments this week, teaching Lou and Wilfet how to play UNO. What a riot. I hate the game, but somehow playing with two Haitians and teaching the game in Creole and watching them respond to the game was hilarious. Love them so much. Caitlin and I were reflecting the other night on how much we have gotten to know Wilfet. He truly has become like a brother. The other night we were praying together and Wilfet said he wanted to pray for us. Was neat because about two years ago Wilfet would not pray in front of us. Been beautiful to see the growth of his heart.

Tonight we are taking care of a little 4-month-old baby. Lost his mother during birth. This morning he fell asleep with me, such a sweet blessing to the day. He can’t be bigger than a football. They are waiting to test him for HIV. His mother was diagnosed with HIV before she passed. His eyes are so alert and beautiful. A prayer that his test is clear.

Funny moment of today. Caitlin taught Wilfet the word “bonus.” Bonus is a word that we use when something is really good. Now Wilfet says bonus all the time. He acts just like us. Been a good day!

Beidler Sister's and Avery Head to Haiti

Beidler sisters and Avery in the house of Haiti is going great. We had one too many bumps in the road, but we are finally kicking it in Passé Catabois for the camp. Day two of the camp. The highlight of the camp was yesterday; we brought drums this year to jam with the children. This week we have children ages 6-9, they are so precious. We gave them drums and we just jammed. It was so fun. At one point everyone got up and we were dancing around in a circle singing, Jericho, Jericho, Jericho….it was sweet music to our ears. Caitlin and Avery were out of control in dancing, what a sight. A bunch of blancs (that is what they call white people) and a bunch of 6 year olds dancing for Jesus. We have had two great days of activities, sports, and worship.

We have been acting out bible stories for the kids. Today Avery and Caitlin were the thieves in the story of the Good Samaritan. Hilarious to bring life to the stories. Kids are laughing at our silliness, but so worth it. Acting out the stories has brought a different richness to the stories. Another day Louvered was Zacheria and Caitlin, Avery, and I were the angry crowd.

Moments that have been pure joy. We have two friends here, Louvenet and Wilfet who have really become brothers to us. They work for us, hang with us, translate for us, laugh with us. It was funny the other day Wilfet was being a goof ball and as I laughed with him it was so funny to think about how much we are alike. A brother is Haiti. Yesterday I had to go into Port-au-Paix to figure out a goof that was made by the airline here. They sent our bags to the wrong place. So I had to get a motto, Louvenet and Wilfet came along. Picture this, one moto, three Haitians, and one blanc. Now put all those 4 people on ONE BIKE. Bouncing over a dirt road, through three rivers, get a rowboat across the river, hilarious. But pure joy to embrace Haiti together!

Haiti has become more beautiful. The people, their smiles, joy, they’re welcoming us, and it has humbled me. Last night we sat under the Haitian sky and I was amazed by his vastness. So beautiful. Falling more in love with Haiti.

Camp Hope: Another Year of Sweet Surprises

Today we hopped on a moto at 9:30 and headed for Port-de-Paix where we would once again say goodbye to Haiti. I found myself smiling at the richness and beauty of the culture. The little children all waving to me in pure joy, people heading to church in their Sunday's finest, and many people eager to wave. I have fallen more in love with Haiti. The awful roads, the moto rides, crossing the river in a row boat that might sink at any moment, the rice and beans, the love that people pour out, it has caught hold of me once again.

Crossing the river I saw ten boys playing in the most disgusting mud, but all I could hear was the pure joy of their laughter. There is this deep richness to Haiti that is so hard to explain, but the beauty and people of the country has captivated me more and more.

Today as we left all I could think about was, "God is a provider." This whole trip I have seen nothing, but God providing for our team, camp, travels. Today we had 10 squares of toilet paper left, jut enough, we had one more teaspoon of dish soap to do dishes, just enough, I had three dollars to buy crackers, just enough, money for camp, just enough, not too little, not too much, luggage got here, just right...it has been amazing to see how God's provision for our team.

One of the sweetest moments of our time in Haiti was sitting with two of the pastors before we left. We had a chance to share a meal and exchange conversation about what it would look like if they tried to run an after-school camp for Passé Catabois. It was such a neat conversation and answer to prayer. We have been praying that we could come alongside the Haitian people and together we could partner and help equip them to serve their country. It was such a beautiful blessing to watch that begin to unfold.

Tomorrow we are home. Back to AC, back to diet cokes, grocery stores, flat roads, and apples, phones...seems so far away, but on our way. Going to miss the bumpy moto rides, Creole, rowboats, and people. But leaving Haiti with a smile of JOY and thankfulness.