Today I had a full day of traveling and a lot of time to think about the past week. Last Tuesday I was so nervous I was scared I wouldn't feel comfortable and I just remember on the plane last week crying because my nerves took over. And today, I cried because I had to say good bye to all these amazing people that I met in Haiti. I first had to say bye to Marjorie and Donald- all week its been really fun to hang out and laugh with them. We're all the same age and even though I didn't speak Creole and they're both learning English we were able to become really good friends and have a lot of fun together. It was really hard to say bye to them. Then I had to say goodbye to Mona, Raymond and Tipaul. I never imagined that it would be so hard to say good bye to them. In one week I have formed such a strong connection with them. They became like family to me and I know they'll always been in my life and I can't wait to visit them again. I'm hoping to go sometime in the winter like December or January. Mckayla, from the Kentucky team, and I are going to try and go together.
I am so thankful that God put these people in my life and I'm so blessed to have been able to go to Haiti. I feel like I have a calling to do God's work there. I'm not sure what it looks like but I can't fathom never going back again- I fell in love with the country and the people there.
I've tried to write all about my trip on my blog posts but it's hard to put everything on here so I'd love to tell you about my trip more in person. Also, I'll be adding pictures of my trip to Facebook sometime this week.
Thank you for your prayers during the week!!!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Day 6 & 7
I'm home but I didn't get a chance to update on the past couple days.
SUNDAY
On Sunday was the church service at Lance and Mona's house. At 9am they have Sunday School for the kids and one for the adults, then at 10am is their service. It was really cool to worship with them because they are so passionate and get so in to it. Pastor Jason (a pastor from the Kentucky group that came) gave the message. On Sunday they just have a late lunch and so we did that and were just able to hang out with each other. Later on we went to a look out point, I don't remember the name of the village where it was. But when we got up there it was so foggy that we couldn't see anything it was really disappointing but we were able to shop around the stands a little bit. Later on in the night I colored with Marjorie, Donald & Tipaul (people who I met in Haiti) And I also go to know Olivia & Mckayla (two teenagers from Kentucky)
MONDAY
The day started off at 5:15am. Theresa, Mckayla, John Wesley, Diane (people from the Kentucky team) and myself decided to see what Tipaul and Raymond have to do everyday to get to work. We walked down a mountain, thru a river- but there was not water in it, and then back up another mountain to Boucan. Tipaul and Raymond do it everday then work a full day and climb again. It took us close 4 hours and it usually takes them 1 hour- although we stopped a lot because people were tired. It was so amazing once I got to the top it was so rewarding that we finished! Once we got to Boucan we took some more pictures of the kids to sent out to people who support them, then we were able to do some crafts with all of the kids. When we got back to the house it was sad because it was the last night to hang out with all of my new friends! :)
SUNDAY
On Sunday was the church service at Lance and Mona's house. At 9am they have Sunday School for the kids and one for the adults, then at 10am is their service. It was really cool to worship with them because they are so passionate and get so in to it. Pastor Jason (a pastor from the Kentucky group that came) gave the message. On Sunday they just have a late lunch and so we did that and were just able to hang out with each other. Later on we went to a look out point, I don't remember the name of the village where it was. But when we got up there it was so foggy that we couldn't see anything it was really disappointing but we were able to shop around the stands a little bit. Later on in the night I colored with Marjorie, Donald & Tipaul (people who I met in Haiti) And I also go to know Olivia & Mckayla (two teenagers from Kentucky)
MONDAY
The day started off at 5:15am. Theresa, Mckayla, John Wesley, Diane (people from the Kentucky team) and myself decided to see what Tipaul and Raymond have to do everyday to get to work. We walked down a mountain, thru a river- but there was not water in it, and then back up another mountain to Boucan. Tipaul and Raymond do it everday then work a full day and climb again. It took us close 4 hours and it usually takes them 1 hour- although we stopped a lot because people were tired. It was so amazing once I got to the top it was so rewarding that we finished! Once we got to Boucan we took some more pictures of the kids to sent out to people who support them, then we were able to do some crafts with all of the kids. When we got back to the house it was sad because it was the last night to hang out with all of my new friends! :)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 5
Today we woke up early, 5:15am! And to make matters worse my air mattress deflated in the middle of the night and I had a bad night sleep. (Tepaul & Donald blew up my mattress tonight so it won't happen again!) We had to get ready for the clinic. The first group left around 6:30 while the rest of us stayed at the house until like 8:15 for our ride to get here. We all rode on the back of a pick-up truck (with benches) I sat on the end. My leg hurt so bad afterward and I honestly thought I was going to fall off. We got to to the orphanage, where the clinic was being held and there was a ton of people! I first started just separating medicine and writing on baggies but then a little later I helped Marjorie (a Haitian girl I met) call out people's names, which I was really bad pronouncing their names because their french names! It just amazes me that people waited ALL day to see a doctor. We get upset with our doctor is running 10 minutes late. I couldn't imagine waiting for hours to see a doctor for less than 10 minutes. When the clinic was over we had to walk in the POURING rain up to catch our ride because it was so muddy we probably wouldn't have been able to get back up. So we were all soaked and then had to wait in the rain so he could get the next group of people. After that a bunch of us had to ride in the back of pick up, again in the rain! We finally got back to the house and thankfully we made it back to the house and changed into dry clothes. We've just been hanging around the house tonight. I can't believe I only have 2 full days left! I already have been thinking about when I can come back again. I really love it here! Tomorrow we have church and I think we are going to some "look out" point.
Day 4
Today was my "day off" and I went to the Baptist Mission. There was a small museum of Haitian history, artifacts, art work and a lot of different stuff. They also had a clinic, pharmacy, emergency room for people to come to. There was a zoo but it just had an alligator, bunnies, a monkey and some random birds. I got a bookmark and a t-shirt at the gift shop. We went across the street to get some more souvenirs. I got a lot of cool stuff, but it was overwhelming because everyone wanted me to bu stuff from their little shops. After that we went to the restaurant at the Baptist Mission they had all American food there. I got my favorite, hot dog and fries! We were the only ones in the place and the food took forever. I came back that afternoon and read on the porch. Later on Donald and Ralph and I walked to the store. The other team came today, they have a team of 15. I am now sharing a room with Mckayla and Olivia.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day Three: Thursday
Today I slept in a little later till about 7:30, for breakfast I had oatmeal again. After that Debbie, Ralph and I walked to the store, which is about a 15 minute walk. I bought some food for me and then I bought some stuff for my family.
When we walked there it was pretty hot but yesterday when we were up on the mountain it was a little chilly and even today its hot when the sun is out but when the sun isn't out its breezy and really nice. Some of the people here were wearing jeans and sweatshirt yesterday because it was so cold even though it was just like 60 or so.
After we got back from the store Mona braided my hair. It took a long time like an hour and half maybe but I really like it and also I wanted it done so that I wouldn't have to worry about washing my hair ;)
For lunch I hate some bread and Nutella and a PB&J and some crackers. After that we started getting stuff together for the clinic on Saturday. We put all the medicines they had on the table and just sorted through stuff that was expired. After that we had to count some pills so that we could give people like 30 vitamins or 24 Tums- so they have things to take with them.
We'll probably just hang around tonight- I think it's going to rain. Tomorrow we are going to the Baptist Mission, not exactly sure what it is but I'm sure I'll find out. Tomorrow night another team of about 15 are coming so I'll have to share my room for a couple nights.
So far I have really loved being here. It's such a different culture then ours and it really opens your eyes. I'm just so blessed to been able to come down here and work with really amazing people!
And I'm sorry, I wanted to add pictures but I don't know if I'll be able to while I'm here. If not I'll have an album on Facebook for sure.
When we walked there it was pretty hot but yesterday when we were up on the mountain it was a little chilly and even today its hot when the sun is out but when the sun isn't out its breezy and really nice. Some of the people here were wearing jeans and sweatshirt yesterday because it was so cold even though it was just like 60 or so.
After we got back from the store Mona braided my hair. It took a long time like an hour and half maybe but I really like it and also I wanted it done so that I wouldn't have to worry about washing my hair ;)
For lunch I hate some bread and Nutella and a PB&J and some crackers. After that we started getting stuff together for the clinic on Saturday. We put all the medicines they had on the table and just sorted through stuff that was expired. After that we had to count some pills so that we could give people like 30 vitamins or 24 Tums- so they have things to take with them.
We'll probably just hang around tonight- I think it's going to rain. Tomorrow we are going to the Baptist Mission, not exactly sure what it is but I'm sure I'll find out. Tomorrow night another team of about 15 are coming so I'll have to share my room for a couple nights.
So far I have really loved being here. It's such a different culture then ours and it really opens your eyes. I'm just so blessed to been able to come down here and work with really amazing people!
And I'm sorry, I wanted to add pictures but I don't know if I'll be able to while I'm here. If not I'll have an album on Facebook for sure.
Day Two... a day late
I didn't get a chance to update this yesterday but I did write in my journal so that I would remember what I wanted to write, so here it is...
I woke up at 7, partly because I had to and partly because of the sun shining and the roosters crowing. For breakfast I had oatmeal and a mango, the mango was good- very sweet but made my stomach hurt. I took a shower, which was a new experience- no running water so I had to use a bucket and combination of warm and cold water. I don't think I've ever taken a shower so quickly. I went to the store and exchanged some money so I had money to buy stuff.
After that we drove about 45 minutes to Boucan, where the school is and where they are building the Hope in the Light orphanage. The ride was a little crazy, most of in 4-wheel drive and a lot of the road wasn't paved. It was amazing how far some of these kids walked to get to school, there are some kids who are 3 and 4 who walked like a mile and half by themselves. I helped and took pictures of each of the kids so that people could sponsor them. We got about 50 kids pictures taken, and there is about 160 kids at the school. They were so cute and I wish I spoke French or Creole so I could have talked to them. After that we hung around the orphanage for a while and watched the men work. We then left Boucan and came back for some of the church service. Although I didn't understand anything they were saying it was cool because even thought they spoke a different language I knew they were worshiping the same God! After that we had dinner and I played with Angie, Lance and Mona's daughter. She is only 3 and speaks 3 languages: french, creole, and english- I found that amazing!
The food so far has been okay, and I try almost everything, but I do have granola bars I brought with me from home! :)
I woke up at 7, partly because I had to and partly because of the sun shining and the roosters crowing. For breakfast I had oatmeal and a mango, the mango was good- very sweet but made my stomach hurt. I took a shower, which was a new experience- no running water so I had to use a bucket and combination of warm and cold water. I don't think I've ever taken a shower so quickly. I went to the store and exchanged some money so I had money to buy stuff.
After that we drove about 45 minutes to Boucan, where the school is and where they are building the Hope in the Light orphanage. The ride was a little crazy, most of in 4-wheel drive and a lot of the road wasn't paved. It was amazing how far some of these kids walked to get to school, there are some kids who are 3 and 4 who walked like a mile and half by themselves. I helped and took pictures of each of the kids so that people could sponsor them. We got about 50 kids pictures taken, and there is about 160 kids at the school. They were so cute and I wish I spoke French or Creole so I could have talked to them. After that we hung around the orphanage for a while and watched the men work. We then left Boucan and came back for some of the church service. Although I didn't understand anything they were saying it was cool because even thought they spoke a different language I knew they were worshiping the same God! After that we had dinner and I played with Angie, Lance and Mona's daughter. She is only 3 and speaks 3 languages: french, creole, and english- I found that amazing!
The food so far has been okay, and I try almost everything, but I do have granola bars I brought with me from home! :)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
I'm here!
After a full day of traveling I made it to Haiti!
The flight to Port-au-Prince was a little delayed but I got here. The airport here was ruined in the earthquake so they converted an old warehouse into the airport. I got off the plane then took a bus to where customs and luggage was. A man named Miami found me and took me past the long lines for customs/immigration and as he said I was "VIP" Then I went and waited for my luggage which took a little bit but thankfully both suitcases made it! Then we drove from Port-au-Prince to Lance and Mona's house in Petionville. It was about 30-40 minutes away. Just looking around while driving you could see the damage the earthquake did and it was just so crazy to me to see how little these people have. At the house where I'm staying there's Lance and Mona, they run Hope in the light here in Haiti and they have a three year old daughter, Angie. Then Lance's parents, Ray & Debbie are also down here and they help run it as well from the states. Then Mona has family who also stays here because they lost their houses in the earthquakes.
They currently don't have running water so to flush the toilet you have to put water in there and also to take a shower you just use a bucket of water. I think I will get my hair braided to so I don't have to worry about my hair all week.
Tomorrow I am going to go to the school, then they have their church service tomorrow night.
Hopefully I'll be able to update everyday if not, I'll write stuff in my notebook so I can remember what I did.
The flight to Port-au-Prince was a little delayed but I got here. The airport here was ruined in the earthquake so they converted an old warehouse into the airport. I got off the plane then took a bus to where customs and luggage was. A man named Miami found me and took me past the long lines for customs/immigration and as he said I was "VIP" Then I went and waited for my luggage which took a little bit but thankfully both suitcases made it! Then we drove from Port-au-Prince to Lance and Mona's house in Petionville. It was about 30-40 minutes away. Just looking around while driving you could see the damage the earthquake did and it was just so crazy to me to see how little these people have. At the house where I'm staying there's Lance and Mona, they run Hope in the light here in Haiti and they have a three year old daughter, Angie. Then Lance's parents, Ray & Debbie are also down here and they help run it as well from the states. Then Mona has family who also stays here because they lost their houses in the earthquakes.
They currently don't have running water so to flush the toilet you have to put water in there and also to take a shower you just use a bucket of water. I think I will get my hair braided to so I don't have to worry about my hair all week.
Tomorrow I am going to go to the school, then they have their church service tomorrow night.
Hopefully I'll be able to update everyday if not, I'll write stuff in my notebook so I can remember what I did.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Less than 24 hours...
Tomorrow is the day! Right now my nervous/anxiousness is taking over a little bit but I'm still so excited for my trip and I can not believe that I leave tomorrow! My bags are packed, just have a few things left to pack. I have one suitcase full of shirts, coloring books, medical supplies, etc and then one for my clothes.
My flight to Miami is at 9:05am, then I have an hour and half lay-over there then I fly to Port-au-Prince, I'm suppose to be there around 4ish. While I'm down there I'll be staying with Lance and Mona Ware, missionaries in Haiti- they run an organization called Hope In the Light (hopeinthelight.org)
Please pray for safe travels tomorrow and to calm my nerves about my trip. I know it will be an amazing experience and once I get there I know I'll be okay and the time will fly by.
I'll be blogging while I'm down there and I'll add a few pictures as well.
Thanks in advance for all your prayers and support during the week I am down in Haiti!
My flight to Miami is at 9:05am, then I have an hour and half lay-over there then I fly to Port-au-Prince, I'm suppose to be there around 4ish. While I'm down there I'll be staying with Lance and Mona Ware, missionaries in Haiti- they run an organization called Hope In the Light (hopeinthelight.org)
Please pray for safe travels tomorrow and to calm my nerves about my trip. I know it will be an amazing experience and once I get there I know I'll be okay and the time will fly by.
I'll be blogging while I'm down there and I'll add a few pictures as well.
Thanks in advance for all your prayers and support during the week I am down in Haiti!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
ONE WEEK!!!
ONE WEEK from today I'll be on my way to Haiti! I can't believe it! My flight next Tuesday leaves at 9am and then I fly to Miami then to Port au Prince. I won't be staying in Port au Prince, I'll be staying in Petionville,Haiti which is about 5 miles away from Port au Prince (I google mapped it)
And I'm happy to announce that I have raised all the money I need for my trip. I do have some money that people have given me and I'm going to buy some coloring books, crayons, t-shirts and maybe some other stuff I can find, I want to bring some things for the Haitian children and adults.
Please continue to pray for me as I prepare for my trip, and for safety in my travels.
And I'm happy to announce that I have raised all the money I need for my trip. I do have some money that people have given me and I'm going to buy some coloring books, crayons, t-shirts and maybe some other stuff I can find, I want to bring some things for the Haitian children and adults.
Please continue to pray for me as I prepare for my trip, and for safety in my travels.
Monday, May 3, 2010
It's finaly starting to set in that I'm going to HAITI in 14 days! I've been pretty busy lately with school and other stuff. But thankfully classes end Friday and then I have finals Monday and Wednesday, I can't believe the school year is almost over- so crazy!
Some final details are starting to come together. I learned I can bring 2 fifty pound bags down there which is nice so I can bring an air mattress to sleep on while I'm there. Also, I'm bringing a lap top down there so I can blog and add pictures but also I'm able to Skype!
Currently, I'm waiting to hear what my total funds raised is... I'm hoping to be pretty close! So please pray that God will provide and the right people will be lead to support me. And it's not too late if you still wanted to donate money:
Please make checks out to: Heaven Sent Ministries
In the memo box write: Brooke Pawlak-Haiti
Also, you can mail it directly using this address:
Heaven Sent Ministries
400 City View Heights
Princeton, WV, 24740
Thanks so much for reading my blog and supporting my trip!
Some final details are starting to come together. I learned I can bring 2 fifty pound bags down there which is nice so I can bring an air mattress to sleep on while I'm there. Also, I'm bringing a lap top down there so I can blog and add pictures but also I'm able to Skype!
Currently, I'm waiting to hear what my total funds raised is... I'm hoping to be pretty close! So please pray that God will provide and the right people will be lead to support me. And it's not too late if you still wanted to donate money:
Please make checks out to: Heaven Sent Ministries
In the memo box write: Brooke Pawlak-Haiti
Also, you can mail it directly using this address:
Heaven Sent Ministries
400 City View Heights
Princeton, WV, 24740
Thanks so much for reading my blog and supporting my trip!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
And the countdown begins...
25 days! I've been really busy latley that I feel like I keep forgetting that I am going on my trip. But I have started preparing for it: last week I got some shots I needed and I have to start think about what I am going to pack. But I'm starting to get really excited for my trip, but also a little nervous! I'm going to a place I've never been with people I've never met- who wouldn't be nervous? But I'm excited for the adventure God is sending me on!
While I am in Haiti I am staying with a missionary family who run a ministry called Hope in the Light. (hopeinthelight.org) I'll be staying in their home, along with other people who will be coming and going during the week.
I think I am doing pretty well with raising the money I need so far. It's been hard to know how much I have for sure because Heaven Sent Ministries is all the way in West Virginia and it sometimes takes a little bit for them to have everything updated. But last time I checked I think I was close to $1100! If you feel led to help me go on this amazing journey I would love for the support!
Please make checks out to: Heaven Sent Ministries
In the memo box write: Brooke Pawlak-Haiti
Also, you can mail it directly using this address:
Heaven Sent Ministries
400 City View Heights
Princeton, WV, 24740
Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support as well- it means the world to me!
-Brooke
While I am in Haiti I am staying with a missionary family who run a ministry called Hope in the Light. (hopeinthelight.org) I'll be staying in their home, along with other people who will be coming and going during the week.
I think I am doing pretty well with raising the money I need so far. It's been hard to know how much I have for sure because Heaven Sent Ministries is all the way in West Virginia and it sometimes takes a little bit for them to have everything updated. But last time I checked I think I was close to $1100! If you feel led to help me go on this amazing journey I would love for the support!
Please make checks out to: Heaven Sent Ministries
In the memo box write: Brooke Pawlak-Haiti
Also, you can mail it directly using this address:
Heaven Sent Ministries
400 City View Heights
Princeton, WV, 24740
Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support as well- it means the world to me!
-Brooke
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I need your support!
On January 12, 2010 Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake. As I was looking at photos on the Internet and watching news coverage I felt I was being called to go to Haiti and serve. I am partnering with a organization called Heaven Sent Ministries based out of West Virginia. The dates of my trip are May 18-25, 2010.
The main reason I am writing to is to ask for your prayer and support. I would love for your continuing thoughts and prayer now until I get back on May 25th .
Another area in which I could use your help is through financial support. If you feel led I would be very grateful for your financial support as well.
Please make checks out to: Heaven Sent Ministries
In the memo box write: Brooke Pawlak-Haiti
Also, you can mail it directly using this address:
Heaven Sent Ministries
400 City View Heights
Princeton, WV, 24740
Thank you in advance for your prayers, thoughts, & support!
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 (The Message)
The main reason I am writing to is to ask for your prayer and support. I would love for your continuing thoughts and prayer now until I get back on May 25th .
Another area in which I could use your help is through financial support. If you feel led I would be very grateful for your financial support as well.
Please make checks out to: Heaven Sent Ministries
In the memo box write: Brooke Pawlak-Haiti
Also, you can mail it directly using this address:
Heaven Sent Ministries
400 City View Heights
Princeton, WV, 24740
Thank you in advance for your prayers, thoughts, & support!
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 (The Message)
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