2nd day in Cite Soleil

Day two and we found ourselves on a busy road leading out of Cite Soleil. We started off strong and ended sun burned, swollen elbow, and tired. We had a crew of about 10 men today helping us. This picture captures the essence of the day. We painted, talked, painted, laughed at my broken Creole, and painted some more. Had some interesting conversations with the people passing by, some thought the person Caitlin was painting was Aristide, one thought it was the devil, but we ended the day with a portrait of a beautiful Haitian representing the people of Cite Soleil.

It was neat to see the people that the painting drew out. During our sitting moments it was neat to embrace conversation with the people and talk about the mural. What words to add to the photo? What to draw on the mural? Was neat to watch them take it over. By the end of the day we had a graffiti artist join us and help with the drawing. He was not too fond of the tears that Caitlin was creating on the mural. He decided to contribute his skills. He is coming back tomorrow to work with us.

It has been so neat to be in the streets of Cite Soleil. We have been blessed with workers and men to help with painting and security. Today Caitlin crossed the street and one of the guys that was with us watched her like a hawk. He did not like that. Been neat to form relationships with the team and people. Looking forward to tomorrow as it will be another day on the streets with the people.

Highlight of the day had to be taking an hour to sit with the guys and talk about Haiti. Haiti continues to captivate me. One of our workers and I got into a discussion about Aristide. Was neat to hear him speak about how he does not put his trust or hope in Aristide or Man, only God. His smiles and conversations have been highlights of the day.

Continue to pray for safety and time with the people. Pray for endurance. Pray that God would expand our borders and conversation with the people. Pray for this trip that it might continue to birth vision and fruit for Haiti and Making Roots.

Cite Soleil

8 small signs to 5 murals. Cite Soleil 2011

The day started with a young man telling me I was prettier last year. Hhahahah, almost lost it. Day ended with a little boy breaking it done to Micheal Jackson and showing us some karate moves. Good beginning and close to the day! My sister and I almost lost it. I think people are wondering about the crazy “blancs.”

The trip has been encouraging so far. God has provided every little detail. The trip was a blessing. Every plane on time, bags here, paint here, we are safe.

We were anticipating 8 small signs while we were here. We arrived to find walls. The first “sign” we found was definitely a small mural. All of them seem equally big, but we love it. The crew that we are working with has been pure joy. Mostly men, and one gal that if I were to give her a name it would be, “Rough Rider.” She seems like a trooper. Looks tough, but such a sweet spirit, willing to help wherever we go. We were tromping around the city today. By 12 o’clock I felt like it was time for bed. We were able to prime all the walls and get some time to enjoy sitting with friends.

Falling in love with Haiti all over again. Tomorrow we head in for another day of sketching and painting. Please continue to pray for safety as we are working in the city. Most of the time we are on our feet working in the city. Pray for safety, endurance, and time with the people. Here are some photos of beginning stages of our “signs,” which we are now calling murals.

Our crew of Workers

Our crew of workers this year was a beautiful blessing to the camp and children. We have had the same 6 for the last three years and it was so neat to see the growth. The worked beautifully together. There was a deeper richness to the team this year, almost felt like family. At one point we were drumming and laughing and Titus, Children’s Pastor at church took off dancing in circles with the children. It might have been one of my favorite moments to see him cut loose with the children. Bobbing his shoulders up and down, singing, getting kids to join in, it was precious to watch it all unfold.

Each and every person added a piece to the team. Wilfete and Lou brought strength and humor to the day. They were a team. Side by side, fun to watch them interact. One day Wilfete and Lou acted out the story of the Lost Son. Wilfete the father and Lou the lost son. As Lou came running back to Wilfet and embraced in a hug their smiles showed great friendship, joy, and love. It has been so neat to see that cultivate over the years. They didn’t really know each other year one.

Titus, Children’s Pastor was a riot. Brought laughter to the day and strength to the singing and stories. Also brought discipline when out voices didn’t seem to cut it. Lin Lin and Michelda brought a sweet peace and love to the crew. They working hands were always nice to have when we were singing. Lin Lin is a quiet, young, woman. We put her in charge of leading the singing. One day she was trying to focus the children to sing, but somehow the drums were carrying over her voice. Instead of getting frustrated she grabbed a drum from an adult and started drumming faster, louder, and with more JOY. It was hilarious. Made me smile.

Great team. We would not have been able to do it without them.

A Mural of Magic

Caitlin found amazing JOY this year in painting the mural. The last picture is of a little boy named, Chodly. He became Caitlin's painting partner. Everyday he would be waiting for her and would work side by side until the day was done. She found so much joy, laughter, and peace in painting with him. Caitlin, also enjoyed painting with the people in the hospital. I would often show up after soccer and she would have put down a tarp and about twenty people would be sitting on it. All of them participating in the activity. Coloring, painting, bracelets, you name it, they were all participating. From old men to young, from mothers to daughter, everyone was working together. Neat sight!

Caitlin also had the opportunity to paint the bakery this year, which was classic. We were buying bread one day and asked the owner if he would want a mural on the bakery and all we heard was a big YES! Great experience because it attracted a different crowd of people. The bakery is located right in the middle of a big crossing of roads. So we got people coming and going, the motto drivers, and other children. We left and the owner said, "Come back and do the inside next time." Soon all of Passe Catabois will be covered with Caitlin's finest! The Pastor asked for the school to be done, inside and out!

A SOCCER TEAM of the toughest CATS!

I was blessed to have a soccer team this year. 5 little kiddos, the size of peanuts, but amazingly, big hearts. Everyday they would find me at about 3:30 and ask, "Are we playing today Miss. Leah?" One look at their cute little smiles, how could I say no. I gave them all jerseys and one would have thought it was Christmas morning and Santa just showed up with a new Gameboy. Little Ester said, "Is this really for me?" So darn precious. I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but Ester was my favorite. Opened up so much and became my little buddy, sidekick, partner in crime. Just precious. Our practice was about 30 minutes, but somehow they never noticed it was so short. From kicking to headballs to penalty kicks they found themselves part of a team. It was some of my sweetest moments in Haiti. Kicking around the soccer ball with these little kiddos. The day always ended with a team cheer. It went something like this, "1, 2, 3, WHOOOO!" They are only five, didn't want to make it too difficult!!!