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Mission trip, July 2010
The Prison, Dajabon
We made arrangements to go and speak to the prisoners in Dajabon Dom. Rep.
Randy spoke and Joe translated. He spoke of God and how we know that God
exists. The oxygen levels in the air... The distance from the earth to the sun... All
conducive to life but none of this could be mere coincidence. So we must have
been put here by God. Joe spoke briefly but it was in Spanish so I did not know
what he said. Then Daryl got up to speak and again Joe translated. He told of
visiting his father in prison when he was a small boy. He then asked who among
them had children. Almost all raised their hands. He told them what it was like to
grow up with a father in jail. The torment from the other children and not
understanding why his father couldn't come home. He reached these people
through their children. A room full of prisoners crying and praying and praising.
No matter who you are or what you have done, God can reach you. There is still
time.
The Hospital, Dajabon
After the prison, we went to visit the hospital. We saw the adults first. We passed
out literature and some food. The conditions are terrible. So hot and dirty. Many
have wounds treated and then die from infection. We then saw the children. In the
middle of the room a doctor was working on a small baby. I don't know what she
was doing but it was difficult to watch. The baby looked to be premature and it
looked like the doctor was inserting a feeding tube. We passed out crackers and
candy, tooth brushes and some toys. The children are so happy to receive
anything. In the worst conditions, they can still smile. God is good.
The Breakdown
The country is so beautiful and the Haitians are a proud people. I guess you
would have to be proud to be able to survive in a place like this. The women dress
so nice all the time. Everyone seems so happy with the little bit that they have.
Friday morning we crossed the border into Ouanaminthe, Haiti. Gerald is Randy's
contact in Dajabon. He talks to the border guards and gets us through the gate
without paying a fortune. If it weren't for the network that Randy has built in this
country, none of our work would be possible.
We arrived at the work site at by motorcycle at about 10:00. The Haitians were
prepping the roof to pour the concrete on Saturday. We helped with the rebar and
did what we could do. The local children were all watching us work. They get so
excited and yell "Blanco, Blanco" when they see us. One small girl caught my eye
for some reason. She was a pretty little girl with high cheek bones. I took several
pictures of her and her friends.
Later that afternoon I was in the building by myself. We had eaten lunch earlier
and left our trash inside. I walked through a doorway to find her digging through
our trash to try and find some food. I gave her all of the snack food that I had
packed for myself that day. She whispered "Merci" and ran out the door. When
she was gone I sat down by myself and sobbed like someone who had just lost a
close friend or relative. It breaks my heart to see the children in such poverty but
they seem so happy because it is all that they know. I am afraid it will break my
heart even more when we have to leave. I later learned from Rodeley that her
name was Dalin.
The Girl and the Bar
Late Sunday night I had poked my head into Randy's room to say hello. This
turned into a two hour conversation. We spoke of many things. Although Randy
may not look it, he is a very intelligent man. I pray that someday I might know
Gods word the way that he does. He told me that he doesn't believe that "true
miracles" happen any more. No more seas parted or reattached ears. These
miracles that were inexplicable to the natural world. He believes that before the
compilation of the Bible, these miracles were the proof of Gods existence and
power. He believes that all of these "true miracles" stopped when the bible was
completed. When the beaches fogged over before the invasion of Normandy, while
some would call this a miracle, it was not an anomaly of the natural world. This is
simply God showing his favor. A sign of His sovereignty. I call things like this
"subtle hints" of Gods existence. Just a glimpse of the absolute power of our
Lord.
It was past 10:00 and we suddenly realized that we needed water. Randy suggested
that we get some from across the street where Gerald had been getting it. The
place was a Haitian bar. I said that I didn't think that it would be a good idea for
a couple of gringos to go into this place at night, even if it was for water. We
didn't know what to do. We came out of the hotel room and found Daryl and Joe
sitting on the balcony. There was a girl with them and Daryl was bandaging her
knee. She told me later that her name was Jinette. She had been in a bus crash in
Port Au Prince the day before. Randy and I started talking to Joe and Daryl
trying to figure out what to do about getting some water. She pointed to the bar
and told us that she could take us in to get water. Randy and I walked in with her
to get it.
After we came back to the hotel, everyone else went to bed. I stayed out on the
balcony with her and we talked for about two hours. I talked about God and why
we were in Haiti. I told her about the orphanage and my church group back
home. She listened intently. Daryl had given her a New Testament that was
printed in Creole. She asked if we would be there the following night so she could
come back and talk more. I told her that yes we would be there and that she was
welcome to come back.
She returned the next night to see us again. Again everyone else went to bed and I
stayed with her. I asked her if she had read any of the book and she said yes. We
talked a little but not much. I think that she really just enjoyed the company. She
said that she had a two year old son with her in town. Joe and I had given her
some food earlier to take to him. She got up saying that she was going to take the
food to her son and that she would be back. The rooms are so hot that sleep is
nearly impossible so I sat out there for about another hour writing. She never
returned. I went to bed that night with a heavy heart knowing that we would be
leaving tomorrow and I didn't get to say goodbye.
Tuesday morning we were all outside of the hotel. We were sitting on motorcycles
with our drivers ready to go to the work site. I heard Randy calling my name so I
turned to see what he wanted. I saw him pointing so I turned to look and there
she was, standing right beside me. I took her hand, pulled her to me and gave her
a hug. Then we were gone. I had told my mother before I left for Haiti that I
didn't know why God saw fit to send me there, but that I would know by the time
I got back. I truly believe that God sent this girl not only to provide us with water,
but that He put her there for me. In the brief moment that we knew each other, we
both touched the other in a way that I cannot explain. Subtle hints.
Tuesday, the last day of work
Another long and HOT day. Thank God for those Haitian men. They work so
hard for so little. We had poured the concrete for the septic tank on Monday. If it
weren't for those men, we would have never finished it. This morning we had
come to form and pour the septic tank lids. I had to ride with Rodeley to find
lumber to build the forms. We found the "lumber yard" there in the market place.
After digging through the rough cut slabs and finding suitable pieces, we carried
the wood to a carpenter who had earlier agreed to cut it to size for us. For the
most part, the trucks here are motorcycles. We had even seen someone on one of
these small motorbikes with a refrigerator strapped across the back. They ride
with three or four people on 50 cc bikes. We tied the boards together with one end
to the back of Rodeley's motorcycle and dragged them back to the site.
While we were gone, Daryl had given Kedex some money to go and buy rice and
oil for the locals. They passed it all out before we got back with the form boards.
We had also brought a suitcase full of clothing, shoes and other small items to
pass out. After the work was done, they let me walk with Kedex to pass it all out.
This was my first time doing Gods work without the rest of our group.
The best thing to do is to go house to house and give it out inside. If you try to
give things out in the street, you will quickly be over run. We had to separate
everything into dark plastic bags. If they see what you are giving away, they will
fight over things that they want. The people need supplies so bad that they will
take anything.
Kedex and I had handed out almost all of the bags and I had about four left. The
children were grabbing me, desperate to get anything. I handed the remaining
bags to the closest hands and let go of the larger carrying case. They even fought
over the large empty bag. It was very sad to see. They all need so such and we
have so little to give. I have described the whole situation as a double edged
sword. While we are there to give all that we have, at the same time it is crucial
that you be able to shrug off the groping hands and say no. Randy puts it
perfectly. " If you cut the pie into too many pieces, no one gets to eat."
At about 3:30 we crossed the border back into Dajabon. Air conditioner,
wonderful wonderful air conditioner. The Hotel Massacre is five star compared to
the hotel in Haiti.
After dinner, we went to a church service with Gerald. It was a small group and
everything was in Spanish. I didn't understand much of what was said but the
spirit was strong in the air. Gerald invited us all to come up and introduce
ourselves and say a few words. I told them that I was there because God had done
so much in my life and now he had put it in my heart to go and do what I can to
help others. I told them that I was honored to be among them. Not just my new
friends, but my new family. We finally showed a film after some technical
difficulties with the projector. After the film, our mission group gathered in the
front and the people prayed for us. I was so happy that I didn't have to miss my
Tuesday night prayer meeting. I just never thought that it would be in another
part of the world. I find myself wondering where God might send me next.
Wednesday, the last day
Today we visited the the prison and the hospital in Ouanaminthe. The conditions
are much the same as in Dajabon. However, there are fewer prisoners in
Ouanaminthe. Only five, four men in one cell and one woman in another. There
are very few police. The UN seems to be the only real law enforcement. Knowing
this, we were wondering what would one have to do around here to be put in
prison. Kedex told us that the men were probably caught stealing or fighting and
the woman was probably arrested for prostitution. We gave them some small
items, a New Testament and some cloths. The guards let us go and buy them some
food and drinks.
The conditions in the Ouanaminthe hospital were terrible. There is very little
sanitation but it all that these people know. We handed out shoes, toothbrushes,
clothes, and some literature. The people don't even care about the size of the
shoes and clothing. They will take anything.
The children in the street will follow you and ask for money. They don't speak
English but they know enough to say "give me one dollar". There are many
shoeshine boys that roam the streets. They will ask and ask and ask. They will
even start to clean your shoes when you stop walking. This is another situation
where you have to be able to say no and you must be firm. They are persistent
and sometimes even pushy but they respect a firm "gracias, NO".
We went for an ice cream while we waited for the bus to Santiago so Randy let
one of them shine his shoes. There were four boys that followed us into the store.
We bought them all a popsicle and gave them a little money. It wasn't much but it
was probably more money than they see in a week.
The bus ride from Dajabon to Santiago is about three hours. It was a good time
to rest. While we were working Tuesday, Rodeley had asked me if I was homesick.
I told him that I missed my family but it didn't upset me. I think that while there
is a job to do, maybe you don't have time for those emotions. But with our work
finished and plenty of time to myself, a weeks worth of emotions fell on me like a
ton of bricks. The longing for home and the sadness of leaving all rolled into one.
I want so badly to see my wife and children. To hold them and kiss them and tell
them how blessed we are. At the same time it tortures me to have to leave the
people that we have come so far to help knowing that I will never see some of
them again. When we were burning in the Haitian sun the hours seemed so long
and hard. But now that we are leaving, the week seems to have passed like wind in
the meadow.
It has just begun to rain and that only adds to my sadness. It is as if God sees my
sorrow and is crying with me. I find it hard even to write this. I think back again
and my eyes well up and I can't see the paper through the tears. I keep trying to
stop and regain my composure. It isn't working.
The last night
There is a woman named Cookie that lives in Santiago. Randy met her in a
church on his first mission trip to Haiti and they have been friends ever since. We
actually ran into her in a hardware store in Dajabon on the first day of our trip.
Coincidence? I think not.
We met Cookie at her apartment and took a taxi to a restaurant called Camp
David Ranch. Darryl tells me that they try to make it tradition to eat here at the
end of every trip. The restaurant sits on top a mountain that overlooks the city.
The view is absolutely beautiful and the food is delicious. The best ribs that I have
ever eaten.
This trip has been the most inspiring event of my life. The best thing to happen to
me after marrying my beautiful wife and having our children. It has changed my
life. To be able to see a small part of the world that few outsiders ever get to see. I
will never look at things the same again. God has truly blessed me and my family.
I pray that someday soon I will be able to come back and do more to help these
people. Until then, I will do what I can to support our cause. So many claim to be
Christian and claim to walk with God. If God has touched and blessed you the
way that he has me, and you want to help, THEN PROVE IT.
David Henderson
July 2010
The Prison, Dajabon
We made arrangements to go and speak to the prisoners in Dajabon Dom. Rep.
Randy spoke and Joe translated. He spoke of God and how we know that God
exists. The oxygen levels in the air... The distance from the earth to the sun... All
conducive to life but none of this could be mere coincidence. So we must have
been put here by God. Joe spoke briefly but it was in Spanish so I did not know
what he said. Then Daryl got up to speak and again Joe translated. He told of
visiting his father in prison when he was a small boy. He then asked who among
them had children. Almost all raised their hands. He told them what it was like to
grow up with a father in jail. The torment from the other children and not
understanding why his father couldn't come home. He reached these people
through their children. A room full of prisoners crying and praying and praising.
No matter who you are or what you have done, God can reach you. There is still
time.
The Hospital, Dajabon
After the prison, we went to visit the hospital. We saw the adults first. We passed
out literature and some food. The conditions are terrible. So hot and dirty. Many
have wounds treated and then die from infection. We then saw the children. In the
middle of the room a doctor was working on a small baby. I don't know what she
was doing but it was difficult to watch. The baby looked to be premature and it
looked like the doctor was inserting a feeding tube. We passed out crackers and
candy, tooth brushes and some toys. The children are so happy to receive
anything. In the worst conditions, they can still smile. God is good.
The Breakdown
The country is so beautiful and the Haitians are a proud people. I guess you
would have to be proud to be able to survive in a place like this. The women dress
so nice all the time. Everyone seems so happy with the little bit that they have.
Friday morning we crossed the border into Ouanaminthe, Haiti. Gerald is Randy's
contact in Dajabon. He talks to the border guards and gets us through the gate
without paying a fortune. If it weren't for the network that Randy has built in this
country, none of our work would be possible.
We arrived at the work site at by motorcycle at about 10:00. The Haitians were
prepping the roof to pour the concrete on Saturday. We helped with the rebar and
did what we could do. The local children were all watching us work. They get so
excited and yell "Blanco, Blanco" when they see us. One small girl caught my eye
for some reason. She was a pretty little girl with high cheek bones. I took several
pictures of her and her friends.
Later that afternoon I was in the building by myself. We had eaten lunch earlier
and left our trash inside. I walked through a doorway to find her digging through
our trash to try and find some food. I gave her all of the snack food that I had
packed for myself that day. She whispered "Merci" and ran out the door. When
she was gone I sat down by myself and sobbed like someone who had just lost a
close friend or relative. It breaks my heart to see the children in such poverty but
they seem so happy because it is all that they know. I am afraid it will break my
heart even more when we have to leave. I later learned from Rodeley that her
name was Dalin.
The Girl and the Bar
Late Sunday night I had poked my head into Randy's room to say hello. This
turned into a two hour conversation. We spoke of many things. Although Randy
may not look it, he is a very intelligent man. I pray that someday I might know
Gods word the way that he does. He told me that he doesn't believe that "true
miracles" happen any more. No more seas parted or reattached ears. These
miracles that were inexplicable to the natural world. He believes that before the
compilation of the Bible, these miracles were the proof of Gods existence and
power. He believes that all of these "true miracles" stopped when the bible was
completed. When the beaches fogged over before the invasion of Normandy, while
some would call this a miracle, it was not an anomaly of the natural world. This is
simply God showing his favor. A sign of His sovereignty. I call things like this
"subtle hints" of Gods existence. Just a glimpse of the absolute power of our
Lord.
It was past 10:00 and we suddenly realized that we needed water. Randy suggested
that we get some from across the street where Gerald had been getting it. The
place was a Haitian bar. I said that I didn't think that it would be a good idea for
a couple of gringos to go into this place at night, even if it was for water. We
didn't know what to do. We came out of the hotel room and found Daryl and Joe
sitting on the balcony. There was a girl with them and Daryl was bandaging her
knee. She told me later that her name was Jinette. She had been in a bus crash in
Port Au Prince the day before. Randy and I started talking to Joe and Daryl
trying to figure out what to do about getting some water. She pointed to the bar
and told us that she could take us in to get water. Randy and I walked in with her
to get it.
After we came back to the hotel, everyone else went to bed. I stayed out on the
balcony with her and we talked for about two hours. I talked about God and why
we were in Haiti. I told her about the orphanage and my church group back
home. She listened intently. Daryl had given her a New Testament that was
printed in Creole. She asked if we would be there the following night so she could
come back and talk more. I told her that yes we would be there and that she was
welcome to come back.
She returned the next night to see us again. Again everyone else went to bed and I
stayed with her. I asked her if she had read any of the book and she said yes. We
talked a little but not much. I think that she really just enjoyed the company. She
said that she had a two year old son with her in town. Joe and I had given her
some food earlier to take to him. She got up saying that she was going to take the
food to her son and that she would be back. The rooms are so hot that sleep is
nearly impossible so I sat out there for about another hour writing. She never
returned. I went to bed that night with a heavy heart knowing that we would be
leaving tomorrow and I didn't get to say goodbye.
Tuesday morning we were all outside of the hotel. We were sitting on motorcycles
with our drivers ready to go to the work site. I heard Randy calling my name so I
turned to see what he wanted. I saw him pointing so I turned to look and there
she was, standing right beside me. I took her hand, pulled her to me and gave her
a hug. Then we were gone. I had told my mother before I left for Haiti that I
didn't know why God saw fit to send me there, but that I would know by the time
I got back. I truly believe that God sent this girl not only to provide us with water,
but that He put her there for me. In the brief moment that we knew each other, we
both touched the other in a way that I cannot explain. Subtle hints.
Tuesday, the last day of work
Another long and HOT day. Thank God for those Haitian men. They work so
hard for so little. We had poured the concrete for the septic tank on Monday. If it
weren't for those men, we would have never finished it. This morning we had
come to form and pour the septic tank lids. I had to ride with Rodeley to find
lumber to build the forms. We found the "lumber yard" there in the market place.
After digging through the rough cut slabs and finding suitable pieces, we carried
the wood to a carpenter who had earlier agreed to cut it to size for us. For the
most part, the trucks here are motorcycles. We had even seen someone on one of
these small motorbikes with a refrigerator strapped across the back. They ride
with three or four people on 50 cc bikes. We tied the boards together with one end
to the back of Rodeley's motorcycle and dragged them back to the site.
While we were gone, Daryl had given Kedex some money to go and buy rice and
oil for the locals. They passed it all out before we got back with the form boards.
We had also brought a suitcase full of clothing, shoes and other small items to
pass out. After the work was done, they let me walk with Kedex to pass it all out.
This was my first time doing Gods work without the rest of our group.
The best thing to do is to go house to house and give it out inside. If you try to
give things out in the street, you will quickly be over run. We had to separate
everything into dark plastic bags. If they see what you are giving away, they will
fight over things that they want. The people need supplies so bad that they will
take anything.
Kedex and I had handed out almost all of the bags and I had about four left. The
children were grabbing me, desperate to get anything. I handed the remaining
bags to the closest hands and let go of the larger carrying case. They even fought
over the large empty bag. It was very sad to see. They all need so such and we
have so little to give. I have described the whole situation as a double edged
sword. While we are there to give all that we have, at the same time it is crucial
that you be able to shrug off the groping hands and say no. Randy puts it
perfectly. " If you cut the pie into too many pieces, no one gets to eat."
At about 3:30 we crossed the border back into Dajabon. Air conditioner,
wonderful wonderful air conditioner. The Hotel Massacre is five star compared to
the hotel in Haiti.
After dinner, we went to a church service with Gerald. It was a small group and
everything was in Spanish. I didn't understand much of what was said but the
spirit was strong in the air. Gerald invited us all to come up and introduce
ourselves and say a few words. I told them that I was there because God had done
so much in my life and now he had put it in my heart to go and do what I can to
help others. I told them that I was honored to be among them. Not just my new
friends, but my new family. We finally showed a film after some technical
difficulties with the projector. After the film, our mission group gathered in the
front and the people prayed for us. I was so happy that I didn't have to miss my
Tuesday night prayer meeting. I just never thought that it would be in another
part of the world. I find myself wondering where God might send me next.
Wednesday, the last day
Today we visited the the prison and the hospital in Ouanaminthe. The conditions
are much the same as in Dajabon. However, there are fewer prisoners in
Ouanaminthe. Only five, four men in one cell and one woman in another. There
are very few police. The UN seems to be the only real law enforcement. Knowing
this, we were wondering what would one have to do around here to be put in
prison. Kedex told us that the men were probably caught stealing or fighting and
the woman was probably arrested for prostitution. We gave them some small
items, a New Testament and some cloths. The guards let us go and buy them some
food and drinks.
The conditions in the Ouanaminthe hospital were terrible. There is very little
sanitation but it all that these people know. We handed out shoes, toothbrushes,
clothes, and some literature. The people don't even care about the size of the
shoes and clothing. They will take anything.
The children in the street will follow you and ask for money. They don't speak
English but they know enough to say "give me one dollar". There are many
shoeshine boys that roam the streets. They will ask and ask and ask. They will
even start to clean your shoes when you stop walking. This is another situation
where you have to be able to say no and you must be firm. They are persistent
and sometimes even pushy but they respect a firm "gracias, NO".
We went for an ice cream while we waited for the bus to Santiago so Randy let
one of them shine his shoes. There were four boys that followed us into the store.
We bought them all a popsicle and gave them a little money. It wasn't much but it
was probably more money than they see in a week.
The bus ride from Dajabon to Santiago is about three hours. It was a good time
to rest. While we were working Tuesday, Rodeley had asked me if I was homesick.
I told him that I missed my family but it didn't upset me. I think that while there
is a job to do, maybe you don't have time for those emotions. But with our work
finished and plenty of time to myself, a weeks worth of emotions fell on me like a
ton of bricks. The longing for home and the sadness of leaving all rolled into one.
I want so badly to see my wife and children. To hold them and kiss them and tell
them how blessed we are. At the same time it tortures me to have to leave the
people that we have come so far to help knowing that I will never see some of
them again. When we were burning in the Haitian sun the hours seemed so long
and hard. But now that we are leaving, the week seems to have passed like wind in
the meadow.
It has just begun to rain and that only adds to my sadness. It is as if God sees my
sorrow and is crying with me. I find it hard even to write this. I think back again
and my eyes well up and I can't see the paper through the tears. I keep trying to
stop and regain my composure. It isn't working.
The last night
There is a woman named Cookie that lives in Santiago. Randy met her in a
church on his first mission trip to Haiti and they have been friends ever since. We
actually ran into her in a hardware store in Dajabon on the first day of our trip.
Coincidence? I think not.
We met Cookie at her apartment and took a taxi to a restaurant called Camp
David Ranch. Darryl tells me that they try to make it tradition to eat here at the
end of every trip. The restaurant sits on top a mountain that overlooks the city.
The view is absolutely beautiful and the food is delicious. The best ribs that I have
ever eaten.
This trip has been the most inspiring event of my life. The best thing to happen to
me after marrying my beautiful wife and having our children. It has changed my
life. To be able to see a small part of the world that few outsiders ever get to see. I
will never look at things the same again. God has truly blessed me and my family.
I pray that someday soon I will be able to come back and do more to help these
people. Until then, I will do what I can to support our cause. So many claim to be
Christian and claim to walk with God. If God has touched and blessed you the
way that he has me, and you want to help, THEN PROVE IT.
David Henderson
July 2010
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