The Lutheran Church of Hope team has another packed day full of serving and laughter, as they learn new ways to communicate and share with their new Haitian friends. 

Catch up on Lutheran Church of Hope’s Day 3 here. 

Bonswa! Good evening friends, family and prayer partners. Thank you for all of your prayers this week, God has been doing amazing things.

Today started with the team serving 2 different families in the community. We split into 2 groups with 1 group going to pour a cement floor and the other group going to paint a new home that was built for a mom & her 4 kids. It was a very hot day, but knowing the good we were doing for these families made the jobs easier. Then it was back to the Many Hands campus for lunch. Several in the group spent this time with the kids at Thrive while others used the down time to clean up and get ready for the next activity.

Ready to Paint Painting crew with the family Many Hands make light work

After lunch, we loaded up the pick-ups with 8 P.E.T. (Personal Energy Transport) carts to hand out. If you’re not familiar with these carts, they are basically a type of wheelchair that you pedal with your hands and are specifically made for the rough terrain in Haiti. It was amazing to see the people who received them learning to use them. One man had not been able to get around on his own for 27 years! We were all humbled to imagine what his life was like having to rely on someone else for everything.

Unloading PET carts Eight PET cart recipients

While the carts were being assembled, many of us took on the task of trying to find a way to relate with the Haitians who were gathered there. This is not always an easy task due to the language barrier. We were able to gather together a large group of women & children and with the help of a translator, we taught them the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes”. After that, they taught us how to sing “Jesus Loves Me” in Creole. I’m sure the Lord was smiling hearing us all sing that together. Then, somehow, a dance party started. Even though we had no music, we all danced and laughed together. Who knew Haitians knew how to twerk! (And no, we did NOT teach them!!) We wrapped everything up as the dark clouds started rolling in. It only rained briefly as we were driving back, but the air finally cooled and it turned into a very comfortable evening.

Back at the Many Hands campus, dinner was waiting for us and many got to try goat for the first time. The consensus is that it’s not too baaaaaad! When dinner was over, we had time to play with the neighborhood children which is always a highlight. The theme for devotions tonight was “It’s a beautiful day to change a life”. We talked about not only the impact we have had on the lives of the Haitians, but also the impact they have had on us. Our devotion time ended with a birthday celebration for Sarah, who turned 21 today and has been such a blessing to our whole group.

Sharing dolls and toys with the kids Kids in the neighborhood saying goodbye Dinner

As the night is winding down, the younger generation is playing a very loud game of Uno, while us older folks are getting ready to turn in for the night. We can’t thank you enough for your prayers, we feel the Holy Spirit all around us.

Blessings,
Sandy xoxo

Catch up on Lutheran Church of Hope’s Day 3 here.