Back at Home!!!
What a feeling to be back at home! I was looking forward to coming home the last 2 days of the trip since I was not feeling well and really missing my family. And being home has been amazing, yet so different.The adjustment back to "my real" life is going to be a little more challenging than I think I anticipated.
While in Haiti I would joke about dreaming of ice, which I did. While on the plane, you should have seen the smiles when a beverage cart came around and a beverage was served with ice. Then, when we got to Miami, my first meal back in the US was a fresh subway flatbread sandwich. There wasn't any freshness in Haiti, so the thought of fresh cold lettuce, tomato, and fixings was a dream come true...and let's not forget the LARGE ICED coke:) I was set. (Note: there are fresh foods in Haiti, however we could not drink any of the water, eat anything that was fresh that did not have a hard shell or that you could peal, so anything had to be washed/rised was out!)
In Miami I had the opportunity to talk to my family for the first time in a week, it was so great to hear all their voices- my heart filled with so much joy! We arrived in MN at 11:15pm last night, and I was overjoyed to see Zach and the kiddos at the airport. It was so comforting to see their faces and get hugs and kisses from them, I missed them so much!!!
The drive home was my first trigger of missing Haiti: here in the US we have paved roads, that are maintained and smooth. This is not the case in Haiti. I savered the smooth ride with my family- our ride was full of stories, questions and laughter. What joy!
Arriving at home and walking in, wow, the abundance I have. The blessings I have. It's a lot to take in. My lens in which I see has been altered.
Who knew one would miss a shower so much! Don't get me wrong, I did shower in Haiti, however the experience is very different- there was not any hot water and the water pressure...well not so consistent? The experience was something. I appreciate the hot water and water pressure oh so much now!
There is so much emotion, so much to process, that I will try to keep the blog going for a few weeks while I decompress, process and transition back to "my real" life. I have been so blessed to have been chosen to serve the Lord, in this time of transition, I must take the time to reflect and incorporate all His great works back into my "real life". Our God is an Awesome God!
Thank you so much for all your support and love- I could not do this without you! God Bless each and every one of you. With so much love ~ Phuong
Closing verse today: 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things become new."
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Day 6
Day 6
Thank you for all the prayers for health. Our team was all back and able to go out in the field today. I wouldn't say we're all 100%, but well enough to serve!
Today started a little bit different for me. It was the first day that I was awakened with thoughts of home and really missing and wanting to be there. It's Saturday, and Saturdays are always the best! Snuggle time, breakfast with the family, the good old Target run, and church! However, it was another great day in Haiti!
Today started with two water truck runs, delivering water to Cite Soleil. Our first stop today was at a stop that we had earlier in the week. It was really nice to be back to a familiar place- the young boy that I previously talked about was there, and he hung out with me again. He introduced me to his father today- I really wanted to just take him home. When I left the sight, tears just filled my eyes as he was standing there waving and blowing me kisses. The next stop was new, and busy. It's just amazing how Healing Haiti delivers clean water for free to these people. Water is such a necessity, yet it's so hard to get for the people living in the Cite Soleil for free. I am honored to be able to serve and bring water to these people and play with the children.
Our final stop for the day was at the orphanage for the sick and dying children. I spent the whole visit holding the young girl I spent time with at the last visit. I could hold her forever. She is 15 months and is so fragile. She literally is all skin and bones. She is another one I would love to take home and provide nurishment. Oh, my heart just breaks leaving her.
What a week it has been, I am thankful for all the experiences that I have had. It's been truly life changing and so rewarding. Our God is so great!
My closing verse today: Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
In Him~ Phuong
Thank you for all the prayers for health. Our team was all back and able to go out in the field today. I wouldn't say we're all 100%, but well enough to serve!
Today started a little bit different for me. It was the first day that I was awakened with thoughts of home and really missing and wanting to be there. It's Saturday, and Saturdays are always the best! Snuggle time, breakfast with the family, the good old Target run, and church! However, it was another great day in Haiti!
Today started with two water truck runs, delivering water to Cite Soleil. Our first stop today was at a stop that we had earlier in the week. It was really nice to be back to a familiar place- the young boy that I previously talked about was there, and he hung out with me again. He introduced me to his father today- I really wanted to just take him home. When I left the sight, tears just filled my eyes as he was standing there waving and blowing me kisses. The next stop was new, and busy. It's just amazing how Healing Haiti delivers clean water for free to these people. Water is such a necessity, yet it's so hard to get for the people living in the Cite Soleil for free. I am honored to be able to serve and bring water to these people and play with the children.
Our final stop for the day was at the orphanage for the sick and dying children. I spent the whole visit holding the young girl I spent time with at the last visit. I could hold her forever. She is 15 months and is so fragile. She literally is all skin and bones. She is another one I would love to take home and provide nurishment. Oh, my heart just breaks leaving her.
What a week it has been, I am thankful for all the experiences that I have had. It's been truly life changing and so rewarding. Our God is so great!
My closing verse today: Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
In Him~ Phuong
Friday, August 5, 2011
Day 5
Day 5
Today was a tough day for our group- as the week wears on the stress, emotion, fatigue and a number of other things has truly begun to take it's toll on the group, including me. There are six of us, out of 11 that were not feeling well today, two of which did not feel well enough to venture out on today's mission. Please take a moment and pray for our health tonight.
A few of us woke up at 5am today to attend a church service at 6am with our Haitian staff, FanFan. What an awesome experience that was. We walked a few blocks to this church, the walk was very interesting- we hadn't walked the streets of Haiti yet. We walked through a tent neighborhood, up a hill, and down a few streets to arrive at an American owned school and open air church. The church typically sits under a huge white canopy, but with with recent winds and storms, the canopy was ruined. The benches were lined up in many rows and the view was breath taking. This church sat on a hill that overlooked the beautiful hillsides of Haiti. In the far distant, a natural rock formation of a cross lays in the hillside. God's amazing works. The whole service was in Creole, but that did not matter, the passion and praise that was being sung was so heart felt. I wish I could bottle up the emotion I felt after sitting through church. God filled me so much!
Our day was another amazing day. It was low physical impact, but another high emotional one. We started our day visiting a school named Elders, a school that Healing Haiti supports. It is located in Cite Soliel, the schools here a nothing like our American schools, but it's amazing what Healing Haiti has done to help improve it.
Our next stop was the mass graves. The mass graves are for all the hundreds of thousands (200,000+) who lost their lives during the earthquake. The mass graves are located in the country side, tucked on a side of a hill. There are no headstones, no plaques, just black crosses that line the field. It overlooks the ocean. A beautiful sight, a sad moment. The tears just welled in my eyes.
We then headed to Grace Village, that was a joyous stop! Grace Village is a community that Healing Haiti is building that will house two dormitories (one for girls, the other for boys) where two current orphanages will be moving to. The new site is beautiful. The orphans will have a nice place to sleep with real walls that are painted that are bright and cheery. There is also a feeding center to feed all the orphans and the surrounding community. What a glorious gift.
Our next few stops where actual visits to two elders at their home (tent). I visited one, and stayed back on the truck for the other. The first visit was really tough, a 78 year old man sat on his bed in a tent, blind and hard of hearing. Standing there touching him to let him know I was there he cried out, take me from my misery. It was really tough. The second visit, I did not attend, I was not feeling well enough so I stayed back in the truck. This visit was to a 107 year old woman.
The final visit for the day was Yvonne's Orphanage. This orphanage will be moving to Grace Village when it opens. The children at Yvonne's were just stunning. They greeted us with song and praise. I was saddened when we arrived as there was no field and little space to just play. Today we painted, did more spa treatment (head massages, and finger nail polish), as well as soccer and jump rope. It was a fun time. As we pampered and played with the kiddos, they in return started pampering us. While I was polishing a young girls nails, another girl started braiding my hair, shortly after another young girl polished my nails. I was so taken back at how much they were pampering me, when I was trying to pamper them. After spending time with the girls, I began to play with a young boy. He was so cute. He and I were throwing a glider back and forth. After the glider was broken, he and I just sat on a step. Then we painted a picture together, it was so moving. He kept the picture and protected it. Another little child that I really wanted to take home with me.
Even though I was not feeling well, God provided me all that I needed to get through the day and filled me up again.
He is so great!
Here is today's closing verse: Psalms 6:2 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
To Him be the Glory~ Phuong
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Day 4
Day 4
Oh what a day! I want to reassure all of you that may have been worried about Tropical Storm Emily- it never did come, and we haven't even received any rain :)
Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit the orphanage for the sick and dying children. Today we visited two additional orphanages. The first one was Gertrude's Orphanage for special needs children. What an awe struck morning. My heart was saddened, but filled with so much joy. Today I felt the need to just sing to the children. It just filled my heart with so much joy to praise God. I walked into a room and sat on the floor next to a blind boy in a wheelchair with other special needs and just began to sing, and sing. It was such an experience. The young boy began to smile and sway back and forth and then leaned in towards my voice in his chair. Though we have our language barriers, music is something that can connect us. Pure happiness and joy filled me knowing that singing God's song connected me so much to this young boy. I definitely felt connected to many children there this morning and definitely have many stories to share. My heart sings with so much joy!
In the afternoon we visited our second orphanage for the day, it was Guiliaume's. This is Healing Haiti's orphanage. What an experience- when our team got there and got off the truck, children just swarmed us with hugs and laughter. What a sight, what a glorious sight! Guiliaume's orphanage will be moving to Grace Village in the near future, what a blessing that will be. At Guiliuame's our team hosted a spa activity, bead necklaces, soccer and play- it was such a great afternoon. I participated in the spa activity, at the nail polish table. I truly felt like I was able to be God's hands and feet today. I polished many little hands and older hands too, and feet that were worn, tough, and dirty. These girls and women need to be pampered and feel that someone cares for them, and today, through Christ, it was me. What a privilege it was. After the activities, it was time to just play and love the children. A young girl who was under the weather bonded with me, and I held her for hours. When it was time to leave for the day- tears filled my eyes. My heart broke leaving, I wanted to take all the children home with me, especially the little girl who had been holding and clinging to me.
After we got back to the guesthouse after the orphanages, a few of my teammates and I were talking, I just have to share- that everyday here in Haiti has been better than the last. I don't possibly know how that could be, but I do know that God is great and He moving us in so many different levels. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings! Another Best I hope!
My closing verse today is:
Psalm 100:1-2 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
All Glory, All Honor, Belongs to Him~ Phuong
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Day 3
Day 3
I can't believe it's already day 3. What a miraculous day- the Lord is so wonderful. Today we had an opportunity to go to the orphanage for sick and dying children. As many of you know, I was very worried about going to the orphanage, and to be honest I was probably so worried about it that I hardened my heart and was a little numb to it. However, the Lord knew this and gave me another opportunity. We had gone to the orphanage in the morning, and then returned for the afternoon. This morning, I walked in and really was numb and would not let any emotion come through. We came back to the guesthouse for lunch and a break and during team time, I even said to the team that the orphanage was not as bad as I thought it would be...now fast forward to the evening visit...God opened my heart, and I walked into the orphanage tonight and my heart sunk. I stepped back, saw all the children and the little girl I had spent the morning with waiting in her crib for me just laying there crying, waiting for me to pick her up. At that moment, God un-numbed my heart and I began to see all the beauty, pain and hurt around me- emotion began to fill me. Oh, the day was another wonderful, best!
Then this evening- what a great group I am traveling with, our evening team time is always so amazing as we discuss our day and our experiences. Today our Haitian staff, FanFan, shared how he joined the Healing Haiti staff and his faith story- his story was so incredible! He then led us in worship, it was AMAZING, we sang Everlasting God, and Mighty to Save- our voices together filled the room as we gave all praise to God.
After the wonderful worship, Jean our Healing Haiti, Haitian Director taught us how to salsa dance- HOW FUN!!! And what a workout!
Such an amazing time- God is filling me up in so many new ways. Oh He is Great!
My closing verse today: 1 Chronicles 16:9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts
To Him be the Glory~ Phuong
I can't believe it's already day 3. What a miraculous day- the Lord is so wonderful. Today we had an opportunity to go to the orphanage for sick and dying children. As many of you know, I was very worried about going to the orphanage, and to be honest I was probably so worried about it that I hardened my heart and was a little numb to it. However, the Lord knew this and gave me another opportunity. We had gone to the orphanage in the morning, and then returned for the afternoon. This morning, I walked in and really was numb and would not let any emotion come through. We came back to the guesthouse for lunch and a break and during team time, I even said to the team that the orphanage was not as bad as I thought it would be...now fast forward to the evening visit...God opened my heart, and I walked into the orphanage tonight and my heart sunk. I stepped back, saw all the children and the little girl I had spent the morning with waiting in her crib for me just laying there crying, waiting for me to pick her up. At that moment, God un-numbed my heart and I began to see all the beauty, pain and hurt around me- emotion began to fill me. Oh, the day was another wonderful, best!
Then this evening- what a great group I am traveling with, our evening team time is always so amazing as we discuss our day and our experiences. Today our Haitian staff, FanFan, shared how he joined the Healing Haiti staff and his faith story- his story was so incredible! He then led us in worship, it was AMAZING, we sang Everlasting God, and Mighty to Save- our voices together filled the room as we gave all praise to God.
After the wonderful worship, Jean our Healing Haiti, Haitian Director taught us how to salsa dance- HOW FUN!!! And what a workout!
Such an amazing time- God is filling me up in so many new ways. Oh He is Great!
My closing verse today: 1 Chronicles 16:9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts
To Him be the Glory~ Phuong
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Day 2
Day 2
What a day!!!! Where do I start this blog...
This morning, I got up early, since I didn't sleep too well- it will take me a few days to get comfortable with my surroundings before I can just "sleep". I had a conversation with one of my group leaders saying that I hope that I could feel more connected to God and less connected to my "normal" life- because as you can see - I have access to the internet, which means staying in the loop with work, facebook and everything else...so I was just saying that I wish I could turn everything else off and let God do his work in me. Well...our AWESOME God did...today was AMAZING!
Today was water truck day in Cite Soliel. Cite Soliel is one of the most deprived areas in Port Au Prince. Today we delivered clean water to the people of Cite Soliel for free. Cite Soliel is a tent city, it truly is the slums.
My word for the day is: heartbroken. Today, my heart was truly broken, all for God.Yesterday when I arrived in Haiti, I was overwhelmed and the drive from the airport to the house was a lot to take in, but nothing like what I saw today. The house that we are staying in is in a nicer part of Port Au Prince, but I didn't realize that yesterday...today, driving to Cite Soliel, emotions filled me, my heart was truly broken. When we got to Cite Soliel, it was everything that the Healing Haiti video was, but more. It was truly a reality. Children swarmed me, and it was amazing. They had so much love- and all they wanted was to be held and played with. In Cite Soliel, half of the team played with the children, the other half worked the water truck. We ran 3 water truck stops today- all three stops in different locations within Cite Soliel- I got to experience working the water truck and playing with and loving the children. I cannot even tell you how awesome it was.
At my first stop, I bonded with an 8 year boy who just stayed by my side and really took care of me there, and a little girl who was 6 that was so sweet- these children reminded me so much of Hunter and Alexa- smiles and warmth fill my heart, and sadness all in the same moment- these beautiful Haitian children have so little, yet love so much. And their love for God is amazing.
A beautiful day! A quote I love from a song "Break my heart for what breaks yours, everything I have for kingdom come" So true, so true :) Thank you God for breaking my heart..
I have so much to say about today, but I will end with this was an AMAZING DAY!!!!!
As I end this blog, I have to say, Thank you God for all that you do, and for allowing me to be your hands and feet. To You be the Glory!!!!
My closing verse today: Deuteronomy 15:11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
All Praise, All Honor, to you Lord~ Phuong
What a day!!!! Where do I start this blog...
This morning, I got up early, since I didn't sleep too well- it will take me a few days to get comfortable with my surroundings before I can just "sleep". I had a conversation with one of my group leaders saying that I hope that I could feel more connected to God and less connected to my "normal" life- because as you can see - I have access to the internet, which means staying in the loop with work, facebook and everything else...so I was just saying that I wish I could turn everything else off and let God do his work in me. Well...our AWESOME God did...today was AMAZING!
Today was water truck day in Cite Soliel. Cite Soliel is one of the most deprived areas in Port Au Prince. Today we delivered clean water to the people of Cite Soliel for free. Cite Soliel is a tent city, it truly is the slums.
My word for the day is: heartbroken. Today, my heart was truly broken, all for God.Yesterday when I arrived in Haiti, I was overwhelmed and the drive from the airport to the house was a lot to take in, but nothing like what I saw today. The house that we are staying in is in a nicer part of Port Au Prince, but I didn't realize that yesterday...today, driving to Cite Soliel, emotions filled me, my heart was truly broken. When we got to Cite Soliel, it was everything that the Healing Haiti video was, but more. It was truly a reality. Children swarmed me, and it was amazing. They had so much love- and all they wanted was to be held and played with. In Cite Soliel, half of the team played with the children, the other half worked the water truck. We ran 3 water truck stops today- all three stops in different locations within Cite Soliel- I got to experience working the water truck and playing with and loving the children. I cannot even tell you how awesome it was.
At my first stop, I bonded with an 8 year boy who just stayed by my side and really took care of me there, and a little girl who was 6 that was so sweet- these children reminded me so much of Hunter and Alexa- smiles and warmth fill my heart, and sadness all in the same moment- these beautiful Haitian children have so little, yet love so much. And their love for God is amazing.
A beautiful day! A quote I love from a song "Break my heart for what breaks yours, everything I have for kingdom come" So true, so true :) Thank you God for breaking my heart..
I have so much to say about today, but I will end with this was an AMAZING DAY!!!!!
As I end this blog, I have to say, Thank you God for all that you do, and for allowing me to be your hands and feet. To You be the Glory!!!!
My closing verse today: Deuteronomy 15:11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
All Praise, All Honor, to you Lord~ Phuong
Monday, August 1, 2011
Day 1
Day 1
What an amazing day! I can't believe I am in Haiti!
The morning started at 1:30am, and hasn't stopped yet!
In the shower today, I realized this is REAL, and will be my last warm shower for the next week. But let me tell you, this whole experience has been surreal.
I met my team at the airport at 3:45am this morning, went through security and our flight was actually at 6am (not 10am like I said to some of you- sorry).
We got here around 3pm today- but the airport experience was like no other!
The guesthouse that we are staying at is very nice and comfortable- The ride from the airport back to the guesthouse was...another EXPERIENCE. The house is only 1.5 miles away, but took ~20 minutes to get to. We rode in a top truck...I'll post pictures later- I wasn't able to take in my surroundings because I was holding on...and there was a lot of luggage in the back with us :).
All and all, a great day- so thankful for this day!
Tomorrow- Water Truck day- I can't wait! I will be seeing and experiencing Haiti tomorrow!
Today's closing verse: 1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Blessings~ Phuong
What an amazing day! I can't believe I am in Haiti!
The morning started at 1:30am, and hasn't stopped yet!
In the shower today, I realized this is REAL, and will be my last warm shower for the next week. But let me tell you, this whole experience has been surreal.
I met my team at the airport at 3:45am this morning, went through security and our flight was actually at 6am (not 10am like I said to some of you- sorry).
We got here around 3pm today- but the airport experience was like no other!
The guesthouse that we are staying at is very nice and comfortable- The ride from the airport back to the guesthouse was...another EXPERIENCE. The house is only 1.5 miles away, but took ~20 minutes to get to. We rode in a top truck...I'll post pictures later- I wasn't able to take in my surroundings because I was holding on...and there was a lot of luggage in the back with us :).
All and all, a great day- so thankful for this day!
Tomorrow- Water Truck day- I can't wait! I will be seeing and experiencing Haiti tomorrow!
Today's closing verse: 1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Blessings~ Phuong
TODAY IS THE DAY!!!
Good Morning!!!!
TODAY IS THE DAY...He has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!!!!
THANK YOU all for following along as I have been preparing for my mission trip. Well, today is the day! Just wanted to thank all of you- and hope that I will have the ability to blog down in Haiti...if not, I'll be back and will provide an update then.
Praying that we all have a safe and full filling week. God Speed!
~ Phuong
TODAY IS THE DAY...He has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!!!!
THANK YOU all for following along as I have been preparing for my mission trip. Well, today is the day! Just wanted to thank all of you- and hope that I will have the ability to blog down in Haiti...if not, I'll be back and will provide an update then.
Praying that we all have a safe and full filling week. God Speed!
~ Phuong
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