Day 1 - Arrival In Haiti
Today was one which will be etched into my memory forever. I saw reflections of myself in the faces and eyes of the beautiful people of Haiti. The weather was warm but nothing compared to the burning fire in my spirit to share God's word of hope, love and faith with the children we are here to serve. I had the opportunity to learn some greetings in Kreyol (Creole) and talk with individuals who seemed so happy to teach me....here we are educators of some sort here to share with others, yet learning ourselves. I love it! As we pray, worship, and prepare for the week ahead, I ask that each of my family and friends keep us in your thoughts.
The best quote I heard today was shared by a team member who stated that:
"Education is not filling a pale, but igniting a fire"
I think that says it ALL!!!
I would like to end my thoughts with a brief story which I think others may be able to learn from as well. In the airport, we experienced a brief moment of short lived chaos. For a second, my heart was pounding. I felt a sense of anxiety building in my stomach because I felt confused and in some ways, out of control. But thank God for his angels in disguise, my team members! I felt a hand on my shoulder and in a soft voice, someone said, "Stay close, follow close, stay tight. We're okay." Just as quickly as it started, the anxiety and fear ceased as if God himself was speaking to me. I knew I was in the right place at the right time.
Father, God, thank you for each and every member who is serving you this week in Haiti. Bless them to be instruments in your holy work. Bless their families, friends, churches and all that they love. Restore and refill them to continue to do your work. And thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful experience. Amen.
Shantay Bolton-Phillips
a.k.a. Dr. Bolton, PhD in Psychology...trying to figure out Sue :)
God in the Airport
Early in the morning, leaving for Haiti, Beth and I are going through security. The TSA agent heard us mention Eagle Brook Church, she said "Hey, I heard a lot about Eagle Brook Church." Beth said, "Yeah, we go there and Sue is one of the pastors." In a heartbeat, we were in a major discussion telling her all about our church. There was a long line behind us, people were waiting, people were detained, we got several looks but continued in discussion. The TSA agent faked that she was working on Beth's passport so we could continue our discussion. We were encouraging her to come and see. With getting our shoes off and everything through the X-ray machine, raising our arms in the special tubes, making our way through the security without any metal/wire bleeping....I turned and saw the TSA security woman coming towards me wanting to talk some more. So, I invited her to come this weekend and she will be coming to the White Bear site. I think she'd make a great CONNECTOR and we've already talked about SMALL GROUP. What a GREAT way to start the day!! Beth and I toasted the morning with a Starbuck. Let's hear it for caffiene at 4 in the morning.
At the airport in Haiti, we ended up having to wait for our ride...not long but maybe 1 hour or so. But during that time, I was with Shantay and Beth...and we ended up meeting a lot of Haitian people around us. We were sharing language, learning Creole, teaching English and singing songs...including the ABC's, which was a mess on our part. With the sound of music, I could not help myself but take out my Uke and we broke into an invigorating tune of the famous kids camp song, Alleluia, Praise the Lord, only in a mixture of French and Creole. By this time, there are about 12 of us, more gathering and we had church at the airport. And Lord, God, this is your beginning for us.
This evening, our team ended in song...Lord God You Are My All in All. I'm so greatful to be here. I'm so thankful for friends, family, all the new people that I'm meeting...God's people are AMAZING! Open my heart Lord that I may see what it is that you want me to see...and to all that you would teach me. Thank you for this day Lord. Amen.
Sue Lennartson
a.k.a. Dr. Susanista, PhD in Holy Hilarity
Today was one which will be etched into my memory forever. I saw reflections of myself in the faces and eyes of the beautiful people of Haiti. The weather was warm but nothing compared to the burning fire in my spirit to share God's word of hope, love and faith with the children we are here to serve. I had the opportunity to learn some greetings in Kreyol (Creole) and talk with individuals who seemed so happy to teach me....here we are educators of some sort here to share with others, yet learning ourselves. I love it! As we pray, worship, and prepare for the week ahead, I ask that each of my family and friends keep us in your thoughts.
The best quote I heard today was shared by a team member who stated that:
"Education is not filling a pale, but igniting a fire"
I think that says it ALL!!!
I would like to end my thoughts with a brief story which I think others may be able to learn from as well. In the airport, we experienced a brief moment of short lived chaos. For a second, my heart was pounding. I felt a sense of anxiety building in my stomach because I felt confused and in some ways, out of control. But thank God for his angels in disguise, my team members! I felt a hand on my shoulder and in a soft voice, someone said, "Stay close, follow close, stay tight. We're okay." Just as quickly as it started, the anxiety and fear ceased as if God himself was speaking to me. I knew I was in the right place at the right time.
Father, God, thank you for each and every member who is serving you this week in Haiti. Bless them to be instruments in your holy work. Bless their families, friends, churches and all that they love. Restore and refill them to continue to do your work. And thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful experience. Amen.
Shantay Bolton-Phillips
a.k.a. Dr. Bolton, PhD in Psychology...trying to figure out Sue :)
God in the Airport
Early in the morning, leaving for Haiti, Beth and I are going through security. The TSA agent heard us mention Eagle Brook Church, she said "Hey, I heard a lot about Eagle Brook Church." Beth said, "Yeah, we go there and Sue is one of the pastors." In a heartbeat, we were in a major discussion telling her all about our church. There was a long line behind us, people were waiting, people were detained, we got several looks but continued in discussion. The TSA agent faked that she was working on Beth's passport so we could continue our discussion. We were encouraging her to come and see. With getting our shoes off and everything through the X-ray machine, raising our arms in the special tubes, making our way through the security without any metal/wire bleeping....I turned and saw the TSA security woman coming towards me wanting to talk some more. So, I invited her to come this weekend and she will be coming to the White Bear site. I think she'd make a great CONNECTOR and we've already talked about SMALL GROUP. What a GREAT way to start the day!! Beth and I toasted the morning with a Starbuck. Let's hear it for caffiene at 4 in the morning.
At the airport in Haiti, we ended up having to wait for our ride...not long but maybe 1 hour or so. But during that time, I was with Shantay and Beth...and we ended up meeting a lot of Haitian people around us. We were sharing language, learning Creole, teaching English and singing songs...including the ABC's, which was a mess on our part. With the sound of music, I could not help myself but take out my Uke and we broke into an invigorating tune of the famous kids camp song, Alleluia, Praise the Lord, only in a mixture of French and Creole. By this time, there are about 12 of us, more gathering and we had church at the airport. And Lord, God, this is your beginning for us.
This evening, our team ended in song...Lord God You Are My All in All. I'm so greatful to be here. I'm so thankful for friends, family, all the new people that I'm meeting...God's people are AMAZING! Open my heart Lord that I may see what it is that you want me to see...and to all that you would teach me. Thank you for this day Lord. Amen.
Sue Lennartson
a.k.a. Dr. Susanista, PhD in Holy Hilarity
I'm going to LOVE this blog!! Write lots :)
ReplyDeleteSo thankful you are all in Haiti safe and sound!
Love you Lis!!! My heart's beating so fast picturing you there...finally...another dream come true~~
I'll be praying for all of you sweet sojourners!
Love~ Traci
Keeping you all close in prayer!! :o)
ReplyDelete