Reflection: Emily Sobeck

            Bonsoir! This year I was extremely excited to return to Cap Haitian. I was curious if the girls would remember me, if they would like the stuff I brought them, and if we could pick up where we left off. When the truck pulled in and I jumped off, I was immediately greeted by several of the girls and my heart was immediately warmed by their embraces. They remembered me. J When I left Haiti last year I felt as though I could say I “knew” some kids in Haiti, leaving this year I can honestly say I have friends of the heart at EBAC. We were able to move past the “getting to know you phase” and spend time joking, playing games, dancing, and catching up. It was as if I never left. I couldn’t remember all the details that the girls remembered. For example, one girl wanted to play a Haitian card game with me in the same spot we played last year! The students at EBAC have a special spot in my heart. <3

            As many of our team members shared earlier this week, we were able to serve at a much needier orphanage – Peace and Joy. I can honestly say, aside from marrying the best guy in the world, that taking those kids to the beach was one of the best experiences of my life. The belly laughs, salt water gags, smiles, and death grip they had on our arms and backs when each wave came crashing down will be something I will never forget. Rocking precious Berlin to sleep and holding her as she drifted off melted my heart, as I figured she probably has never been physically rocked to sleep like most babies in America are every night. There is plenty of progress needed to be made at Peace and Joy, but I know the Lord used us to be his hands and feet this week and ridiculously bless those kiddos.

            One of the most “unique” parts to this trip was the crazy horseback ride we did to get to the citadel- 2 hours up and 2 hours down. Sketchy saddles, malnourished horses with no horseshoes, rocky and steep pathway, and lots of Haitians running alongside of us will be an experience I (and my bottom) will never forget. Conversations on Thursday night typically started with, “My butt hurts,” “I have a rash on my legs from those horses,” “I feel like I was hit by a car,” and “I don’t think I can move my neck.” It was a beautiful ride for the eyes….but a rough ride for the tooshie. ;-)

            As we set out to depart tomorrow I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve, and I am reminded of the importance to keep EBAC, Peace & Joy, and the full time missionaries here in Haiti in my prayers. I am also challenged to continue to support these places and individuals while back in America. There is so much that can be done from home, but yet our busy lives and materialism often push the things that are really important in life aside. The kids and adults I shared the past week with have encouraged, uplifted, and inspired my heart, and I can only pray that I was able to provide a glimpse of the abounding love the Lord has for each and every one of them.

Reflection: Keaton Linberg

Being that this was my third trip to Haiti, I thought that I had a pretty good idea of what the country is like.  I was wrong.  From staying at EBAC enough I had come to realize that orphanages were often the “Taj Mahal” of Haiti.  Unlike people living in the streets, being an orphanage kid meant that you would get fed everyday and have a roof to sleep under every night.  Apparently though, this is not true.  Peace and Joy showed me a new type of poverty.  At this orphanage you are lucky to get a meal everyday and even if they get a shipment of food it doesn’t mean that the leaders will feed the children.  The children spend their days sitting in a circle underneath a tree.  I’m sure that the days we were able to entertain these kids are something that they will remember and dream about for a long time.

This new view of poverty smacked me in the face even harder when a few of us “blancs” made a trip into the city for rice and beans.  Riding on the back of the truck through the streets gives you a pretty good feel of what the city is like.  Or at least this is what I thought until I put my feet on the ground and walked through the streets of a crowded inner-city market.  Only four of us Americans yet we drew the attention of hundreds of Haitians solely because they knew we had money that they didn’t.  There are no words that can truly describe an experience like that. 

All of this gave me a new view of the poverty and need in this country while also making me cherish my friendships with the Haitians at EBAC even more.  While I do feel that I am in Haiti to serve and help out as much as I can… I now feel like I’m also here to visit and reconnect with friends, just as any of us would do with long distance friends that live in the states.

Reflection: Samantha Romito

We have now been here 7 days; I have had an amazing time and learned so much.  When I first arrived I saw poverty and an opposite way of life compared to the standards we are used to.  The trash and smell is something that is un-comprehensible.  Most buildings are not finished and the market is shacks on the side of the road.  There is so much need. 

We had the pleasure of staying EBAC and understanding how well they have it (for Haiti standards) and hanging out with the kids.   They just want to build a lasting relationship and have someone love them, even if it’s only a week at a time. I got to know Tamara, she is 17 and in 6^th grade.  She came to EBAC a couple years ago because her father passed away.  Her mother is not able to provide for her so she had to come.  It is interesting talking to her about her future, and the Haitian way of life.  She takes care of many other children and is very mature.  We talk a lot about the similarities of life, and had many laughs.  It is truly humbling for me to see people to have so little yet be so fulfilled. 

Visiting Peace and Joy is when reality hit me in the face.  I realized the children do not have the basic necessities of life.  They are not guaranteed food every day.  The youngest did not know how to use a toilet when we were at the beach and the oldest girls are not provided with woman necessities.  These children are just so hungry for relationships, love, and fun.  One little boy, Rolex, just wanted me to kick the ball with him all the time.  He was just so happy to have someone spend some time with him and kick the ball the way he wanted to.   I was honored to be able to share the love of Jesus with the children.  Our team only started the help they will need.  I was so saddened when our truck pulled away from them yesterday.  They did not want us to leave and some of the littlest ones cried.  All I could think about was about what their future may not be.  It is great to know that we will pray for them and know it is in the Lords hands that they will be provided for. 

The more time I spend here the more I see their way of life.  Our last ride down the road I saw people not poverty.  The lord has moved my heart and opened my eyes to have compassion for the people of Haiti.  I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend here!