Watch

The children at Matthew 28 Ministries playing soccer in the rain

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"Did you see?  Did you watch?"  Berlinda asked in enthusiastic and rushed Creole.

During one of the evenings spent in Bohoc, I got to go with the children from Matthew 28 to watch them play in a community soccer match.  If you're not already aware of this, much of the world, including Haiti, views soccer (football) as the best sport ever created.  During the World Cup this summer much of Haiti would shut down so that people could lose themselves in the excitement of a match.

I'm afraid that I don't have pictures from the soccer match the kids played on the community fields, but it was a pretty wonderful experience.  There were houses surrounding the field and neighbors all came out to watch the children play.  It reminded me strongly of going to watch my students play soccer each fall - it seems like the whole town turns up to watch and socialize and enjoy the quiet and simplicity of life in the country.

It was a really good game and the kids played very hard.  Berlinda was one of only two girls on the team, which is a position that she most certainly has earned.  She is one tough little girl!  

When we made it back to Matthew 28, Berlinda ran up to Hein and myself and wanted to know if we had seen her.  She asked me first and then asked Hein, her Papa.  "Papa, did you see?  Did you watch me?"  He nodded and smiled and reassured her that he was very proud of her playing.  There was such a smile on her face as she ran away - beaming that her "Papa" had seen her.

As I think about this summer in Haiti, there were many moments when life seemed full of uncertainty - uncertainties for myself and my family and for the Haitian friends that I have come to love.  There were many mornings I spent crying out to God as a weak and faith-shaken child and asked, "Did you see?  Did you watch?"  In the midst of the brokenness and hurt of this life, I am so often just like little Berlinda.  I want to know that He is seeing, that He is watching.  

As I transition back to life in New Hampshire and look forward to the end of summer and the start of a new school year, I'm praying for faith to trust that our Father is who He says He is, that even in the midst of uncertainty, I can be a child who rests securely in the truth that He is a Father who sees, who watches...

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Romans 8

...For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long, we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, 

nor angels nor rulers, 

nor things present nor things to come, 

nor powers, 

nor height nor depth, 

nor anything else in all creation, 

will be able to separate us from the love of God 

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Berlinda watching as the older boys do maintenance on the soccer field

Many thanks for following along with me on this summer in Haiti!  I'm so thankful for the words of encouragement, the prayers, and the physical support of my friends and family and church family.  You all make the privilege of spending summers in Haiti that much sweeter because I get to share it with you!  Much love and thankfulness in Christ, Jessie

Center

Food is a gift.  It is a privilege.  I don't think I really reflected on the sheer abundance of food I've known as a norm until I went to Haiti for the first time.  Growing up, our house was always full of the smells of my Mom's cooking - breakfast to give us energy to start the day, lunches packed with health, and hearty dinners shared around the family table.  


But even here in the states, with all of our abundance, I have seen glimpses of want, of lack... I've spent a year volunteering weekly at a soup kitchen in Salem, Massachusetts.  There I got to know the faces of people who regularly come for a warm meal to sustain and good company to ease their troubled minds.  

I've been a teacher to the rural poor.  I've had students who visited the food pantry in the nurse's office each Friday to get enough food to last until Monday when they could return to school and the promise of breakfast and lunch served on cafeteria trays.  

These glimpses of need here in the states are troubling and challenge me to action. My time in Haiti has sent me even deeper into the mind of hunger, to see the ugliness of lack, and to question how we as the body of Christ are called to respond.

 This summer's visit to Bohoc gave me the opportunity to see all the different parts of the Matthew 28 Ministry.  It was started with a simple mission - "To spread the gospel of Jesus Christ by feeding hungry children and caring for orphans."  There are some troubling statistics about childhood mortality in Haiti which is due in part to the lack of access to reliable and nourishing food for growing children.  The Matthew 28 Ministry has a straight-forward approach to hunger, to lack, to need.  They use their resources to support feeding centers.  The Matthew 28 Ministry buys the food and then finds Haitian community leaders - pastors and teachers - who will commit to cook and serve 5 meals a week to 50 nearby children.  As of right now there are 19 feeding centers in the rural communities around the Central Plateau that are providing for the needs of children in their neighborhoods.  

I was so thankful to be able to visit one of the feeding centers and to be reminded of the centrality of this simple gospel mission - provide bread for life as you share the Bread of Life.  I'm hopeful that the pictures below will tell you the story of the feeding centers and the ways that these little bodies and souls are nourished during their time there.

Lofted food storage to keep the rice safe from rats...

 

The children come to the feeding centers "armed" with their own spoons!

"Grandma" cooking rice for the children at the feeding center

 

Latrine

So you know when sometimes you've just got to...go?  

Indoor plumbing is a luxury that much of the world has no daily access to.  Running water and the supplies needed for a flushing toilet are just not available to many people all around the world.  While in Bohoc, I experienced what life is like with the reality of latrines.  Honestly, it was a relief to find that a dug hole in the ground serves as a perfectly simple solution to the problem of human waste.  

Additionally, I found that the gravity-fed outdoor showers work quite well, and also provide some pretty beautiful views!  

So, while things like bathroom use and showering may be a little silly to write about, I just had to celebrate the ways in which cultures without access to all of our "modern conveniences" have simple and workable solutions to daily needs.  It makes me wonder how many of these supposed conveniences aren't actually taking away from a more simple, more beautiful life experience.

Translate

There are very few English speakers in Bohoc.  As you would expect, the countryside has fewer opportunities to learn foreign languages. Additionally, in the countryside there are fewer foreigners who would benefit from translators, so language skills are not as meaningful work skills as they are in the city.

Being from the countryside, the teachers at Ekol Espwa Etenel are not fluent English speakers.  What's more, the philosophy of respect for the Haitian culture that permeates all aspects of the Matthew 28 Ministries, highly values the Creole language.  For me, this meant providing our weeks of teacher training in Creole.  Unfortunately, while I've learned a fair amount about this beautiful language over the years, I am not nearly fluent enough to teach in Creole.  Hein kindly hired a translator to come to teacher training to help make sure all of the content was accessible to the Haitian teachers.

Johnsey proved to be more than a translator - he was a friend and a co-teacher during the time in Bohoc.  I'm so thankful for the ways that Johnsey helped me convey words and meaning most effectively to the Haitian teachers.  The process of translating isn't just about knowing the one-to-one correspondence of words in different languages; it's about understanding how to convey meaning.  Johnsey would often ask clarifying questions of me before translating content to the teachers, wanting to make sure that the deeper meaning of my words would be clear to the audience.  He was also a really gracious teacher of Creole for me - letting me try to understand comments and only clarifying meaning when I asked questions.  Honestly, the depth of conversation and (hopefully) meaningful learning that we did together with the Haitian teachers would not have been possible without Johnsey.

This year I'm going to keep plugging away with my Creole learning, which is tricky to do in rural New Hampshire... But while I seek to be a more skilled communicator with my Haitian friends, I'm also thanking God for the ways He provides people with skills and servant-mindedness, like my translator and friend Johnsey.

Rescue

Tough, funny, determined and a bit mischievous... That is what you'll infer about the temperament of Judelove after about two minutes of interacting with her.  She is one of the children who call Matthew 28 Ministries their home.  Left at the gate as an infant, Judelove's family history is a bit of a mystery.  Along with the rest of the children and teens at Matthew 28, Judelove is growing up being well cared for by nannies and staff.  Like all the other children, she calls the missionary Hein "Papa" and knows sweet fatherly care from him.  At Matthew 28 Judelove has meals and medical care provided for her.  She is being taught the truths of the Bible and joins in the nightly devotionals - singing and praying each night with the rest of her Matthew 28 family.  Surely, in this special place, Judelove is learning about God's great "rescue plan", as Sally Lloyd Jones puts it in The Jesus Storybook Bible.  

Judelove has lived out her own story of rescue that mirrors so beautifully God's mission to save those who are lost...

In the not too distant past, Judelove was kidnapped.  She was walking with some of the other children on the quiet country roads of Bohoc between school and home when a moto pulled up and the people grabbed her and sped away.  As is true with much of rural Haiti, there is no real police presence in Bohoc.  The Haitian staff called Hein, who was in the states at the time, to let him know what had happened.  Very quickly Hein made his way to Haiti and the search for Judelove began in earnest.  

The different pieces that fell into place in this rescue mission are pretty remarkable - Hein's determination and connections proved invaluable.  There were friends in the police force who were willing to work in an "unofficial capacity" and rumors that were passed along to just the right people at the right time.  In the end, after what seemed like a completely impossible mission, Judelove was found in the overcrowded city of Port au Prince safe and sound.  It seems that members of her biological family who had abandoned her at Matthew 28 as a baby had determined to sell her as a restavek, a child slave, now that she was old enough to bring a good price.  There was no official justice sought against those who attempted this unspeakable evil, but the police friends made it clear, on threat of death, that no threats would be made against Judelove's safety or freedom again.

Hein was with Judelove on the ride home from Port au Prince back to Bohoc.  He said he spoke to her quietly, her papa trying to reassure her that she was safe - she was rescued.  

After I learned more about Judelove's story, I was struck by such powerful feelings...
  

Outrage that the family who was meant to care for and protect this remarkable little life would view it only as something to feed their own greed.  

Thankfulness that Hein and the rest of the Matthew 28 Ministry folks have made sure to create a place where orphans know the love of family as God designed it.  

Gratitude for the reminder of God, our heavenly Father, who rescues His own children with the same determination that Hein demonstrated in the rescue of Judelove.

~

As I continue to process through this summer in Haiti, I'm so thankful for my own friends and family who have loved me so well and pointed me back to the rescuing hope we have in Christ!  Thank you for following along with this summer's journey in Haiti!  Love in Christ, Jessie

Coffee

There are a lot of foods and drinks that I only have when I'm in Haiti.  I enjoy tropical fruits that taste so much better - sweeter and fresher - than the imports we can find in New Hampshire.  The flavors of Haitian mangoes and pineapple, melons and kenep make my mouth water!  Then there are the Haitian dishes that are delicious and unlike any of my familiar foods from back home.  Favorite Haitian treats include: warm, fried sweet plantains, the spicy slaw pikliz, creamy pumpkin soup joumou, savory vegetable mash legim, and the sweet hot cereal labouyi. 

While most Haitian food makes my taste buds happy, I think the flavor that I savor and miss the most is Haitian coffee.  I've been unable to replicate the taste of Haitian coffee when I'm back home, even if I manage to get my hands on some Haitian coffee beans.

The weeks in Bohoc introduced me to a dear sweet woman, Marita, who faithfully prepared delicious meals each day and also kindly prepared me coffee each morning.  When Hein explained the process of how coffee is roasted in the Haitian countryside, I understood better why it is so difficult to replicate.  It also gave me a greater appreciation for each delicious cup because of the effort that went into making it

The process begins with a carob pod (think molasses) which is wrapped in banana leaves and roasted until it's charred.  Then the green coffee beans are added and roasted until it's kind of a big caramelized mess.  Then mortar and pestle are used to create a fine ground powder which is often brewed in percolators over open fires.  

So, as I enjoy the luxury of a cup of coffee, I can't help but think of all the work that went into this cup.  As often happens when I'm in Haiti, my heart is opened to each gift - reminded to be thankful and to recognize the Giver of all good things... whether that's laughter shared with a friend, the gift of a new day, or a warm, creamy cup of coffee.

Many thanks for following along on this summer in Haiti!  Love in Christ, Jessie

Meander

One highlight of each day in Bohoc was the walk from the children's home to the school.  I love to meander through wild places, and I have so needed to stretch my legs after the first few weeks of summer spent in the confines of the city.

These are the views of God's beautiful creation in Haiti.  It makes my heart sad how often the only views of this island paradise that the outside world views are scenes of devastation and brokenness.  I hope you'll savor these images and glimpse the majesty and wonder of our Creator God on display in this special little corner of the world.

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork...

2

Does

The teachers at Espwa Etenel Ecol are really amazing people.  We spend the last two weeks together seeking to encourage and refine each other as teachers.  Even though my Creole wasn't up to the task of leading our sessions in their heart language, these teachers welcomed this outsider with grace and hospitality.

Why do we teach?  Group brainstorm activity...

One of the activities we did when thinking about what we believe about this calling of "teacher" was to list verbs.  What does a teacher do?  There was a board full of ideas about all that we teachers get up to on any given day.  When I looked through the list later, I found many verbs I would expect any teacher to have come up with: teachers write and speak.  Teachers ask questions and walk around the room.  Teachers correct student work and write plans.

 

But one verb, the one which was written more than any other, describes this little school so well.. Teachers pray.  How meaningful to this community, to these students and their families, to know that their teachers are praying for them!  How would my own school change, my own classroom be transformed, if my first action taken was not to organize or instruct or correct, but if my first move for my school was to pray?  

Teachers do...

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, 

but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

Rejoice always, 

pray without ceasing, 

give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

1 Thessalonians 5

Sounds

I've just returned from Bohoc, a rural community in the Central Plateau.  I have so much to share about this adventure.  Honestly it was a completely different sensory experience compared to the past seven summers spent in the middle of the city.  I think one of the first things that struck me about being in the Haitian countryside were the sounds.  We arrived later in the evening two weeks ago and bedtime came shortly after arriving.  As there's usually no electricity, the sunset is synonymous with bedtime.  I lay under the mosquito net on that first night (not so much to keep away mosquitoes, but more to ease my mind about other creepy-crawlies that might be tempted to visit me in the night...).  

Honestly, I was a bundle of nerves with all of the unknowns of the time spent in Bohoc on top of all of the unexpected ups and downs of this summer.  And there in the dark, I heard sounds.  In my sleepy state, I imagined these sounds meat I was at home... It really did sound like home.  I hear wind in the trees and the chirps and familiar sing-song melody of the countryside at nighttime.   Since I've been here, this is the list of sounds that have settled my sometimes fearful or anxious hear...

donkeys braying

cicada hum

hens clucking

bossy roosters crowing

chirps and whistles of lizards

goats bleeting

birds singing

In these small and simple sounds, it is just like Jesus speaking into the storms of my heart, "Peace, be still."  I'm thankful for sounds that are comforting and reminders of God's careful design of creation where all things sing His praises!  I'm praying that you too would hear the sounds that speak His comfort to your heart in moments of fear and anxiety and that your voice may in turn be lifted to praise Him!  Love in Christ, Jessie

Partner

After two weeks of adventures in the Haitian countryside, I'm back in Port for a quick visit before heading back to New Hampshire.  For lots of different reasons, this summer's visit has been shortened, but before we close the book on summer 2018 in Haiti, I have quite a lot that I've been journaling during my time in Bohoc that I am eager to share!  It may take some time to get these delayed blog posts up, so thank you for your patience and following along on this summer in Haiti!

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Matthew 28 Campus

My time in Bohoc was spent partnering with Matthew 28 Ministries.  Started by Hein Vingerling and a dear Haitian friend, Paulise, nearly 30 years ago.  The ministry started with feeding stations in rural communities all around the Central Plateau of Haiti.  Their mission is: "To spread the gospel of Jesus Christ by feeding hungry children and caring for orphans." The ministry has grown to include 19 feeding centers that each serve about 50 children with meals 5 times a week as well as regular access to medical care. Additionally, the ministry supports the Matthew 28 Children's Home with about 32 children who call this beautiful place home.  

Hein and Judelove

While I stayed on the Matthew 28 campus, which has a guest house, church building, and dorms for the boys and girls, my primary reason for partnering with Matthew 28 Ministries was to provide professional development for the teachers at the Ekol Espaw Etenel - School of Eternal Hope.  The school currently provides free education to the children of Bohoc ages 3-10.

My past two weeks was spent leading teacher training during the mornings.  In the evenings I played with the kids from the home and did some informal English classes with the teenagers there.  It was a sincere pleasure to be able to partner with this ministry.  One reason why I am so thankful for Matthew 28 Ministries is their consistently gospel-focused approach to all that they do.  This is seen in the ways the Haitis are viewed as partners and friends.  There is a great emphasis placed on respecting our Haitian brothers and sisters - by refusing to "Americanize" the ministry.  This means that Haitians are leaders in all aspects of the ministry and are doing the work of being Jesus' hands and feet for their neighbors.  

Teachers at Ekol Espwa Etenel

Partnering with Matthew 28 this summer has reminded me of the call to be faithful to reach my own people in my own spheres of influence back home.  The work of Matthew 28 was so encouraging to me.  If you're interested in learning more about Matthew 28 Ministries, you can visit the following links:

Matthew 28 Ministries Website

Matthew 28 Ministries Facebook

Many thanks to my friends and family for following along on this summer in Haiti - I'm so thankful for your support and encouragement through this summer of new opportunities!  Love in Christ, Jessie