6 months in!

Today marks my 6th month in Haiti! Can you believe? It has gone by so fast I can't even stand it! Some of you may know that I went to Minnesota for a few days last week. It was real quick and I really needed time to relax before summer began! Sorry I wasn't able to see everyone that I wanted to but I will try to come back to Minnesota Aug/Sept, summers are busy in Haiti and so at the end!

These past few months I seem to get lots of questions about Haiti and what its like to live here full-time. Especially as an American girl living in Haiti many people often ask the question, "Is it safe?," which honestly I have to say is not my favorite question. Its not my favorite because I truly believe being "safe" isn't the life God has called Christians to, I know God brings situations into each of our lives to grow closer to him and further from the worlds agenda. The word safe to me really means I am safest in God's will and I believe His will for me is to live at the guesthouse in Port-au-Prince Haiti.

In the past few months we have made many changes and have been able to help things flow easier here at the guesthouse. There are still several more projects that need work; from painting jobs to new hires but I am so grateful to be able to work alongside some of the most faithful and diligent workers I've ever met. Haiti isn't the place where everything gets done exactly when you want it done but man somehow God finds a way to make things happen just when we need them to.

Enormously Blessed by:
-watching Jean constantly working, I truly wonder if he ever sleeps?
-witnessing the love Jeff has for the people of Haiti--his heart is the real deal!
-willingness of Maxim to be anywhere at anytime to help us out!
-listening and understanding of Karen Moen whenever issues arise
-prayers from the mission team/board members throughout this experience
-encouragement given by family and friends that sincerely believe the work being done in both the states and Haiti and for its eternal significance.

I feel so fulfilled by the stories that I get to hear each week by working at the guesthouse and the living power that our Father still has today. So blessed! There are days when work may seem heavy but I know that God has called me and that he will see this through. I am so honored to be entrusted with these responsibilities and grateful for the opportunity to work in Haiti. For those that are considering a trip to Haiti but are on the fence I want you to know it truly has changed my life and I do believe its one of the best decisions I've made, to take the leap of faith and serve Him. Come! I know a place you can stay :)

Special birthday shout out to my sister CAROLINE who turns 21 tomorrow! So proud of you sister and the woman you have become! Hope you enjoy your birthday in South Carolina on the beach! Love you.

Blessed

Elisa Laura

Junior and I at his first communion open house

 Gramma and me at her house

 A little JB 

 fun times at GV

Birthday Girl!!

LEAP Foundation

Living in Haiti there are several instances where God breaks your heart in a new way, a way that you yourself didn't know was possible. For me last week was that moment.

LEAP foundation, is based out of Dallas, TX and performs surgeries at no cost for the poorest people in the world. Haiti is one of their stops twice a year. What a blessing they are all over the world for giving freely of themselves, their resources and time. Truly I felt so humbled to be served by them.

As an organization there are constantly requests for help financially and especially in the area of medical help. Weekly we deliver water to cite soleil, the poorest slum in the world, one young mother continued to ask if her 4-year-old son could have hernia surgery. Another boy who is 16-years-old approached us that lives in a tent city, after the 2010 earthquake many had to seek shelter in a tent city, that he needs hernia surgery as well.

This process started in November of 2012 and the boys waited in line to see LEAP doctors for surgery, unfortunately they weren't able to be seen in 2012 but were promised to be on the priority list in 2013 .

For me this is the part of the story that I was able to be a part of. Thursday April 25 the Haiti director, one of our drivers Renel, the boys, their guardians and myself all headed to the hospital. The sounds of crying babies, sights of parents in desperation and the smell of soiled clothes filled the outside waiting area. Even though we were able to be seen earlier than others I began to think, "what if we weren't here? What if God didn't bring these boys into our lives? Could they have been seen?" Again I am so thankful for what LEAP is doing all over the world but when the need is so great and the workers are so few there are going to be those that aren't heard-their names never get called.

Thursday afternoon turned into evening and after both the director and I talked with a few doctors and administrators our name was called. I remember just praying and asking God, "Lord please let them be well enough for the surgeries and let them be able to be seen." The Lord did answer the prayer and after the screening process and pre-surgery exam they were scheduled for surgery the following Saturday.

On our drive back to the guesthouse I remember thinking about the voice we were able to give these boys, the voice their mom and sister gave them when they asked for help and the voice of God that calls each of us to His purpose.

Saturday came and the boys had to be reschedule to Sunday because of a more trying case, I was shocked as everyone seemed ok about having to wait again and just relieved that the surgeries would still take place. Sunday they were the first patients of the day and did so well!

Walking out of the hospital Sunday felt like such a blessing. I felt blessed to see the smiles on everyone's face, to know that God put the boys in our path and that both LEAP and Healing Haiti are in the field working to serve these little ones.

When I came to Haiti I asked God to break my heart in the way he wanted it to be broken. Through the eyes of two boys and their families God showed me a glimpse of his heart and the way it breaks for his people.

I only wish I would have taken pictures Thursday as we waited for our names to be called however I was too much in the moment and I didn't take pictures until after the surgeries. Enjoy these beautiful faces and the blessing they have been to me.

GLWA POU BONDYE

Elisa Laura

Birthday!!

This past Sunday was my 3 month mark in Haiti and my birthday! Lots to celebrate. I had a great week with the EBC worship team and Rockpoint women's group, both churches so special to me. Very eventful!!

About a week after I returned to Haiti from the outerbanks my toe/foot continued to bother me so I decided to get it checked out, turns out that it was broken from my time in the obx and it just needs to be taped up for support. Dr. Sem our doctor at Grace village was kind enough to tape it.

Last week everyday was busy whether running between the two teams, working with some new ministry opportunities but also going through some key improvements that will be happening at the guesthouse.

It was so nice to have Saturday and Sunday be fun days. Saturday was the concert at grace village with the worship team and Sunday was birthday celebration on the balcony.

Having lived in Haiti for over 3 months I've definitely had moments where I wander what I'm doing here and why God has me here. There's a few things I'm beginning to understand: 1. God knows the right message/email/person that I need to encourage me and strengthen my faith. 2. When I get frustrated I need to seek God and make Joy an intentional part of my life because if I don't make it intentional I will be the one that suffers, as well as those around me. 3. I am able to work with some of the most hard working/dedicated individuals. Last week 3 board members were in Haiti and man were each of them busy! Honestly I have been so blessed by just observing them and watching as they serve.

I know it's not always easy to communicate my thankfulness to all those that continue to cover this ministry in prayer and support. I am grateful and I wish there were more hours in a day to tell everyone how encouraging they have been. As I learn to be ok with not getting everything done in one day, I will get better at communicating. To friends and family that I have been lacking know that I love you and know how truly thankful I am for you!

Blessings

Elisa Laura

Restore week

This was my first week of restore and I was able to take my 3 month break to the states. I flew into Virginia to meet family and then drove down to the outerbanks NC for the week.

It has been so nice to be quiet, rest and see family. Such a blessing! We enjoyed lots of family meals laughing and joking as well it was nice to have Christine and Michelle visiting. Breakfast in bed was a plus thanks to the boys for cooking! What a bonus to have the hot tub as the first few days were pretty chilly for this Haitian girl. We all were introduced to hibachi for the first time and even celebrated my birthday a little early.

I feel so blessed to be able to take a break and feel refreshed :) I am eager to get back home to Haiti and am definitely missing everyone. Goodbye beach house...now for some real beach weather!

This week I am reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us. Not because he deserved the punishment but because WE did. What an encouragement to know that the God of this universe cares for each one of us. Whether we have $5 in our bank account or $5 million God came and died for each one of us. I encourage you, myself included, to show that kind of love to the people you interact with. God has equipped all of us with the ability to love and cherish one another. May you enjoy this characteristic and choose to love even when it's difficult.

Hope everyone has a great Easter!

Blessings

Elisa Laura

Sister sister

So happy! I had so much fun having my sisters in Haiti :) they were both such troopers willing to help out in every way.

Some highlights: Caroline's initial response to Haiti her shock and blunt expressions were priceless.
Sophia's ability to get sunburn every time she goes to the beach ;)
Caroline's willingness to help during the week--from daily chores at the house to setting up/cleaning up for a party her last night.
Sophia's patience and endurance as we moved several pieces of furniture into the upstairs of guesthouse 2.
Caroline's love for Haiti was so evident and I was so blessed to be witness to her---what a proud sister I am of the woman she has become and the blessing she is to me.
Sophia's heart for the children of Haiti-from the start she said that she really desired to work with orphans in Haiti. How neat to hear about her wanting to return and bring more family members!

I am so humbled by the grace and love that both the girls showed over the last two weeks. God has been so gracious and kind--truly blessed

Elisa

Working with boys

We have had a busy week in Haiti! It was so nice to take a break for a day, last Thursday, we drove to a small town near Jacmel to look at a water pump. The technology used doesn't require any gasoline or electricity--what a blessing!! So the only repairs need to be done are post storms (Hurricane Sandy). The water provides clean and safe water to a school as well the surrounding area. I didn't understand The entire process completely but that's why God gives different gifts to each person!


The drive up the mountain was beautiful and a little bumpy. The view though was gorgeous--mountains and all the vegetation! It's just a beautiful part of Haiti. One of my favorite moments was trying to cross this little strip of land that was damaged from Hurricane Sandy. After measuring our tire's width and the width of the road we decided to go for it!


Guesthouse 1 has been empty for two weeks since there has been only one team. We have been able to work on a few projects around the house. To me it seemed like the boys needed an excuse to dig a big hole and play with some rocks :)


Salsa--Maxim and Jourbert have been helping with night security which means they are also able to engage in some late night salsa lessons! Jourbert, who is a construction supervisor and Jean's brother has been such a joy these past few months. We are excited that Guesthouse 2 is almost complete!!


Today Caroline flys into Haiti! I'm excited to see her and spend the week with her. The following Saturday Sophia will be coming for her spring break as well. Looking forward to showing them Haito and the blessing it is to me.

Elisa Laura

Babies.Baptism.Blessings

I am so grateful for the blessings of friends and the warmth they have shown me during my time in Haiti. Family is so important to me and so I'm grateful to know its important to so many in Haiti as well :) Madame Keslet works in the guesthouse and is always such a positive personality. She continues to surprise me with her new English phrases and watches for my shocked face so that she can throw her head back and giggle in accomplishment of a new phrase! What a joy she is!! Last Saturday was her day off but she brought her youngest, Roseminka into the guesthouse so that I could meet her! I loved her beautiful face and her smile is just like mom's. We enjoyed some snacks and coloring!


That same day Natacha--who has been such a blessing, asking and answering all sorts of questions about Haiti, food and life--brought her son Kennedy so that we could meet him as well! A shy little boy that is learning English and just so adorable. However he did pose for a picture with mama Erika and sweet baby Oak :)


Baptism time! Maxim whom always has a smile on his face was just glowing at his baby's baptism! She looked just like a cupcake in all white from head to toe! I wondered how warm she was in all those layers... She looked great and her family was so proud, as we are of princess! Erika and Oak came along for the event which was great since the entire service was in Creole I was so blessed to have her there to help decipher how the service was playing out:) Nickenson, a translator/driver at the guesthouse was the god-father and so it was especially nice to see everyone dressed up!


I am blessed to be able to work with so many people that care for me both here in Haiti but especially in Minnesota. What a blessing it is to know I am supported on all sides:) I know that as God called me to Haiti he provided/still provides the right people at the right time. Jesus Calling, the devotional has been such a blessing when I need a daily pick me up, God has the exact phrase that I need which only strengthens my faith in a powerful God.

Blessings!

Elisa Laura