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The 2014 Slumberland Haiti team is back home.  What a week…words and pictures fall so short in sharing what we experienced.  Slumberland has been blessed to have so many great people part of the Slumberland team throughout the years.  It was a true honor to lead a team representing the Slumberland family.  We went to serve the people of Haiti and as many of the team shared, they felt like they were the ones blessed for going.  Slumberland has a rich heritage of giving back and we would encourage you to get involved serving on a regular basis both here locally in the Midwest and abroad.  We will be announcing the next Haiti trip dates soon… stay tuned and then sign up for an experience you will never forget!

Lisa and Michael

Bitter Sweet Endings

It’s hard to believe our time in Haiti is quickly winding down. I can’t wait to see my husband and kids; to hug them.

We said goodbye to the neighborhood kids tonight. After seven short days there are a few that tugged hard on my heart strings. There is also one girl in particular at Juneau’s orphanage that stole my heart. And then there’s the countless others. The eyes that stare back at you in wonder as you drive past on the dusty road. Usually if you smile at them and wave, they will do the same. 

Before leaving for Haiti there was a song by Hillsong, “Oceans”, which I kind of claimed as my personal Haiti song:

“You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail. And there I find You in the mystery, in oceans deep, my faith will stand. Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, where ever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and my faith would be made stronger, in the presence of my Savior.”

I’ve seen Jesus in the Haitian people, and I have been blessed.

Susie Passons

Beach Day

We brought 21 of the guest houses’ neighborhood children to the beach at Wahoo Bay.  What a blast!  Their joy was highly contagious.  There was a big floating trampoline that was a huge hit.  Though I may have seen some of the most disturbing things in my life while here in Haiti, this was the most beautiful thing I have seen. From the blue waters, to the palm trees, to the majestic mountains in the background, and the happiness in these kids, these are the balancing factors of Haiti’s misfortunes.  I also must admit, that I was every bit as excited as the boys we brought with.  May God bless this country!

Ben

Visit to Juno's Orphanage

Worship and water, Friday, Sept 12

Today was another one of those days in Haiti. Just when you think it couldn't possibly get more emotional, God exposes another level of depth you didn't think you had.  We woke up early to go worship in a Haitian church. From the moment you stepped inside you felt His spirit. The band was playing up tempo songs and the paster was on fire. The people were so deep in prayer very few even noticed we had walked in. The whole service was in French/Creole but many of the songs were familiar.  The ones that weren't familiar you could tell what they were saying by the expressions on their face and the passion in their eyes.  Truly a beautiful service.

We then met the water truck in Cite Soleil to deliver water.  This time I knew what to expect and I knew my role, so I wasn't necessarily expecting anything new. We exited the vehicle and started serving water.  Since we really only need a few peeps to man the water hose, the rest of us can help carry water, help lift onto the heads of those needing help, or my favorite, hug a child and give him or her love. After meeting a few, laughing and playing with them, a young girl slowly walked up, gave me a shy little smile, and motioned for me to pick her up. When I picked her up she gave me the tightest little hug she could give....and held on tight. After a few minutes I gained her trust and she was able to loosen her grip, and sit comfortably in my arms.  We were standing directly behind the truck where most of the chaos is. Hundreds of buckets lining up, hundreds of children running about, trying to find a spot in line and/or asking for help to carry their buckets.  It's a pretty crazy scene. When all of the sudden the little girl I was holding started to gently sing a song in my ear.  Her voice was tender, innocent, and at almost a whisper.  At that moment the whole world stopped for me. All the noise, screaming and laughing disappeared. It was as if I was in a movie.....you know when the sound cuts out and everything turns to slow motion? That was what I felt. Nothing on the entire planet mattered at that moment. It was just me and that little girl, and her whispering voice, singing a song in French/creole. I will never forget this moment.

Another amazing day in Haiti. Again, thanks for your support!

Trevor

Pictures from delivering water