Thoughts About Haiti…
by Deb Strock-Kuss, Associate Minister
Matthew Tippel has posted over 500 photos on his Flickr site. Click the image to view the photo gallery on Flickr.
You know how when you go to somewhere really beautiful, it moves all your senses right to the center of your being? And you want to take a photo to remember it by? So you do. And later, when you look at it, the photo just can’t capture the whole of the experience? Somehow, it’s just not possible. Well that’s the depth and breadth of the experience I had in Haiti two weeks ago. It is just not possible to capture the whole of it in pictures or in words or in stories. Nevertheless, let me share with you some images that have remained clearly in my mind and heart.
In this poorest of third world countries, there were such extremes of poverty, pollution, people and yes, even potential.
Using my 5 senses:
Most memorable sights: crazy-crowded and car-filled streets; people carrying heavy loads on their heads; deranged and confused people walking through the crowds; a once-beautiful part of God’s creation that has been stripped of trees, birds, colorful flowers and nutrient-rich soil; people looking so old when they are so young; lots of different colors in school uniforms; many smiling and hopeful children
Most unforgettable smells: carbon monoxide, thick and green; piles of garbage rotting and burning on the sidewalks; plantains, seasoned chicken and beans with rice cooking in charcoal burners on the sidewalks; the sea
Most impressionable sounds: the language of Kreyol; car horns in out-of-control traffic; vendors trying to sell anything and everything; “Please, take the baby. Her mother died and she is hungry;” the sound of no birds in a tropical environment; “I love you, Sister in Christ. Thank you for coming.”
Most distinctive tastes: cooked goat; bottled water – always; lunch shared with Haitian people working together to rebuild walls of a church; communion shared on Sunday in honor of those of us who were visiting from the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, where communion is celebrated every Sunday; cold Coca Cola from a tall bottle after a very hot afternoon
Lasting touches: By the man who propositioned one of us from the street through the open van window; by the hungry child who reached out for food; by the church members who hugged each of us after worship with a kiss on the cheek saying, “I love you;” by the teachers with whom we worked who shared their appreciation for our ministry of presence with sincere hugs and tears
Now that I’m back, I ask myself these questions about Haiti:
Why should we care? Because God calls us to love our neighbor and to love even (and maybe most especially) the least, the last and the lost. There are too many Haitians who are in a seemingly hopeless bind – caught without education and without a way to improve their lives. God is there. God is active. There is Hope for Haiti, and we need to do our part.
How can we care? Give. Give of your prayers. Give of your interest to keep up with what is happening politically in the country. Give of your dollars to the Division of Overseas Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to help the life-sustaining efforts of CONASPEH – a consortium of churches in Haiti that is making a lasting difference in the lives of many.
Finally, in this rather random sharing of thoughts about the trip to Haiti, I wish to thank Charlie and Ruth Wallace who care so deeply about the people and place that is Haiti. They led a group of 14 with energy, thoughtfulness, and a good deal of knowledge. No one became sick. No one was seriously hurt. All were deeply affected by what we did and saw and by the people we met. Meci Pastor Carlos et Pastor Ruth!
–Peace for the Journey, Deb
Children ringing the bell during the commissioning.
Commissioning the members of Allisonville that are traveling to Haiti.
Updates from the team:
Haiti Team member and director of music at ACC Matthew Tippel has been posting brief updates on Facebook describing their work for each day. He has given permission for us to repost his comments here:
Feb 12, approx. 6:45am:
Haiti: Day 8: We are all up, packed and ready to leave for the airport. Looking forward to being back with my family, friends and pups. But, I have left a piece of my heart here in Haiti and wish I could stay longer. I’m already thinking of making another trip here. I look forward to sharing pictures and my reflections with you all up on my return. This trip has been AMAZING! May God bless our journey home.”
Feb. 11, approx. 10:45pm:
Haiti: Day 7: The day before we leave. We spent today relaxing on the beautiful beaches of this country and reflecting on our experiences this week. What have I taken away this week? I have left behind my past and took back a renewed spirit. My heart, mind and soul have been changed. Through all the poverty, smells, sounds and rumble there is hope, faith and love.”
Feb. 10, 8:44pm:
Haiti: Day 6: I should expand on the image that changed…about 5 minutes after exiting the van, Haitians desperate for money, help of some kind swarmed the van. The man holding his daughter was wanting give away his child for a better life. After closing the van door on them, the young girl reached in with a smile on her face. I was changed because as much as I wanted to help, I could not at the moment.”
Feb. 10, 7:04pm:
Haiti: Day 6: Went downtown Port Au Prince to see the destruction. When we got out at the National Cathedral, swarms of desperate Haitians crowded our van. The image I will not forget is seeing a 2yr old girl reaching in our van window with a smile on her face touching Deb as we pulled away. First time I cried on this trip, it was a moment that changed me.”
Feb. 9, 6:45pm:
Haiti: Day 5: Majority of us spent most of the day on the construction site. I got to talk to Frantz, helped Pierre David (18 yrs.old) on his English pronucation and even got a marriage proposal (Kate did too!). David is very ambitious kid wanting to help the kids of Haiti. I’m going keep in touch with him on his success. Charlie and Joel got interviewed for Haiti National TV about our work here with Conaspeh.”
Feb. 9, 7:30am:
Haiti: Day 4: Was unable to get online yesterday to post so you are getting two today. Yesterday Kate and I got to work with the kids of Conaspeh, singing and acting, and they loved it! I also made several new friends on the construction site. France is 16, 1 of 10 siblings, a musician and wants to be a translator. What neat kid, looking forward to speaking more with him today.”
Feb. 7, 9:07pm:
Haiti: Day 3. Construction on a church we attended yesterday and teaching at Conaspeh. My incredible moment of the day was the kids in school on the construction site. They flocked to us sharing with us songs such as Jingle Bells in their native tough, and vice versa. Haitian children are beautiful, their eyes full of joy and trust. Looking forward to moment like this in the days ahead!”
Feb. 6, 9:28pm:
Haiti: Day 2. Took part of an AMAZING worship service with a Hiatian congregation who’s building we are helping to rebuild. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It was amazing how music connected us and transended our spirits together.”
Feb. 5, 6:39pm:
Haiti team from ACC has arrived safely….. may God bless our journey.”