What do you do?

Great question! Its funny to me how I can literally answer this question different everyday but I'll try my best to give you a general idea of what a typical week in Haiti looks like:

Monday--busy day!!
The beginning of the week for me, as one team leaves to go back to the states that same afternoon we welcome a new team to serve the most vulnerable in Haiti.
With a few hours between teams we try to do the majority of odd projects; delivering FMSC food, delivering materials to Grace Village, grocery shopping and just about anything else that needs a taptap for transportation.

Deciding on Tile for building projects

Tuesday: Water truck day for our teams. As I work with security I'm typically anxious for them to return from Cite Soleil, I know God keeps us safe but it still keeps me alert while they are away! What an awesome experience for our Cite Soleil Boys to play in the Blaine Soccer tournament. I loved watching all the facebook posts!

KSTP and other stations did stories on the U-14 team.

So proud of our Haiti boys! Next year there will be a girls team as well :) 

Wednesday: After the teams leave the guesthouse to serve for the day I attend a security meeting near Petionville. Its such a great opportunity to talk with other NGOs about what they are doing in Haiti for security and what we as Healing Haiti should be doing and what we are doing well.
I've really enjoyed this time with other people from foreign countries that have a heart to serve and truly believe that there is a difference to be made in Haiti.

The last Wednesday in July we attended Max's wedding: here with his daughter and nephew.

Wedding Party

God-mother; didn't know until just before :)

Max: "Elisa, can I have phaunis tacos for the wedding?"

Elisa: "OUI!"

For the rest of the week it seems to vary pretty heavily. Majority of the time I am answering emails, scheduling teams, coordinating transportation and general guesthouse needs. I also am able to assist Jean when needed as he continues to stay busy all the time. I feel so blessed to be able to work and live with such awesome people. Here's a glimpse into guesthouse happenings.

Fabrice seriously wanted me to eat this bird.

Brunet and Nick not as interested

Brunet just wanted to eat the bird himself

Katusha was bit by one of the dogs :/

She was ok-such a brave little girl!

Spotted: Martelly's(Haiti's President) son at Wahoo Bay

--with the bleached hair--

Spotted: Sleeping team members :)

We know how to wear you out!

Arm wrestling

Even Fanfan tried to beat the champion...

unsuccessful but entertaining :)

Oak!!

What a cutie!! We just love this kid!

Sunday: I try to make a day of rest. Trying to connect with family back home. Church in the morning at PAP fellowship and some down time while the teams are on their mountain tour after church. 

Sunday worship at PAP fellowship.

The power goes out for about 20 mins, doesn't fade us we 

just continue to worship! Love :)

Hope this post answers some of the questions about my job here in Haiti. When I am asked that question I typically say that everyday is different but its consistently different ;) So happy for the change in pace and the constant happenings! Hope everyone is having a great end of summer. Looking forward to a beautiful fall!

Always

Elisa Laura

Wedding!

Today was Max and Diane's wedding! We've been talking about it here at the guesthouse for months. Comments like "I can't wait for phaunis' tacos," or "do you think the clinic will be ready?"

To finally be able to see this whole day put together was such a joy. Starting with about 40 guests we assumed by the end it was closer to 115. :)

Per usual the ceremony started later than scheduled but honestly it was still such a special service. Pastor Gary and Wesley were amazing and as expected max could not stop smiling! 

So happy for the couple! Congrats!!

Thank you to everyone from grace village/guesthouse/ missionaries--everyone that made this entire event happen! So blessed to be working with so many dedicated people!!

Mesi anpil!

Elisa Laura 

Summa Time 2013

It is summer time in Haiti and busy is an understatement. Something new everyday-from dog duty to birthdays to two team schedules--however I wouldn't have it any other way. To know that the ministries that Healing Haiti partners with know that we will show up each week to love on Haiti's most vulnerable and that it will continue week after week. How cool is that?

Working at the guesthouse one of my favorite things is to meet new people and to see how God can transform hearts in just one week. Our God is alive and working everyday--I get to see hearts changed everyday! Its also nice to see familiar faces, a friend from Camp Dellwater and Teens For Christ days; Brian Royal was in Haiti. Also a friend of mine Kristine, who was on my first Haiti trip came a few days before her team came in June.

Dogs! Bitsy had puppies-one didn't survive but Gracie, another pup did and is doing well! Our other female dog Princess is also expecting and should have her litter any day now. Some of you may know that dogs are really not my forte, however I have come to really love little Gracie and can't wait for her to get bigger!

July has also been the month for birthdays and celebrations. Jean, Nickinson, Phaunis and Meliciane all had birthday's here at the guesthouse. Phaunis also got married at the beginning of the month :) We have been enjoying cake, cupcakes, ice cream and thanks to Skye from Aquaponics some yummy A&W root beer floats! Shout out to Skye--Fanfan and Jean still sneak upstairs to make 'em!

WOW lots have gone on since my last update. I hope to be better about my next blog post, hope everyone is having a great summer and loving the nice weather.

Enjoy the photos!!

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!!