Haiti June 2010 Day 1

My basketball league in Saskatoon is doing a fundraiser for Haiti Arise on Thursday. It's called the Super Six league and I believe the website is www.supersixleague.com. Anyway, My first order of business once I got here was to give the captain of the basketball team here in Grand Goave, Louisito Leveille, a signed Jon Thiessen jersey, get a picture and email it back to the league, so I'm sitting here with the internet going quite slow and I figured I'd blog while I wait.

These are Tamara's thoughts so far

She said

"I felt overwhelmed by the poverty. Felt like I was in a dream. It was surreal. It was as if I was watching it on a television and not actually taking part in being here"

"The landscape of the country is absolutely gorgeous and I think it is a Hidden Treasure"

"I find the people to be extremely gentle and a joy to be around"

"I am sweating perfusely"

"I feel absolutely covered in prayer. I am shocked that I am not experiencing a major culture shock or feeling overwhelmed."

"I find myself increasing in my compassion"

The next part is Karen Chan's experience so far

At the beginning of the trip in Saskatoon she found out that her name had been written wrongly on the plane ticket as it didn't completely match her passport. She was warned she may only be able to go as far as Toronto and not be able to enter the States. We prayed for favor however and got it as we were able to go through the airports smoothly. God performed another miracle to get us all here.

Karen says

"Thanks for getting us here with your prayers."

"I couldn't even talk to people in the van in Port au Prince because I was in my own little world. I was soaking up my surroundings."

"Seeing the people here makes me love them"

The next part is Josh's experience so far

He has been serving with fervent passion as he has grabbing the luggage at every stop, and being blessing in helping wherever help is needed.

He says

"I don't have words right now to describe what I am feeling. You'd have to be here to know what I am thinking."

Back to me. After all that talking the loading has not noticeably increased on my picture. I just said a little prayer for the internet here. I think I am going to use this window and try again, while still loading the other. I dunno.

I am good, happy, and cheerful as always. Well at least most of the time. It's been good so far.

Tomorrow we are handing out hygiene packs in the tent villages. Friday, Saturday, Sunday we are having our kids VBS camp. Then next week we are having our 3 day basketball camp for the team here. God Bless you all, or in other words Bondieu Beni.