The April Trip to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien

This trip to Haiti started on Monday, April 14. I left my house a little before noon, headed to Florida where I would overnight before boarding the flight to Cap-Haïtien on Tuesday. When I stepped off the plane in Cap, Zacharie just happened to be there for another reason, so we had a few moments together. It was the perfect start to what would turn out to be a perfect nine days in Haiti.

I did not exit the Cap-Haïtien airport, instead choosing to stay in the customs area while waiting for the next flight. Lorvens and Idelmy were coming to Port-au-Prince with me, and airport staff were incredibly kind in allowing them to come in and wait with me for what would turn out to be four hours.

And then we were off to Port-au-Prince. Being able to share Idelmy and Lorvens’ first plane ride with them was special.

We arrived at the Guy Malary airport in the late afternoon. Guy Malary was quiet, a sad reminder of how many people have lost their jobs in recent months.

The rest of Tuesday included dinner and a competitive game of Monopoly.

Wednesday morning was for meetings and working on MMJ with Hudson. Wednesday afternoon we had the opportunity for an in-home visit with one of our CCS children. And, of course, the day ended with more Monopoly.

The days went by so quickly. Thursday was all about The Jesus Film. It was also the first day I was able to go to Tabarre 14 in quite some time. Being there brought both sorrow and joy as I was present in the moment, yet recognizing all that had been lost in the community.

Friday was a day full of fun and surprises. We spent the morning and early afternoon preparing for Caleb’s 10th birthday party, as well as visiting seven of the boys we are closest to at CERMICOL. Steeve treated us all to lunch at the Montana Hotel, a sweet, generous gesture I will not forget.

It’s hard to believe Caleb is 10 years old. Steeve told me about Manoucheka’s pregnancy before we founded Haiti Awake. I remember feeling the weight of that when we did go all-in on starting our organization.

I realized we weren’t making a commitment for today. We were making a commitment to the next generation. Caleb is so very special to me. I’ve been in Haiti for many of his birthdays. And this trip was planned so that I could be at his party, celebrating this milestone. To say I love him is an understatement.

The CCS Easter party was Saturday. And what a celebration it was! The staff at Haiti Awake went above and beyond in planning, and I was so proud of them all, so thankful to be able to see firsthand the execution of a well-thought-out plan.

We have a number of donors who monthly give to “where needed most.” You are the reason special events like this can take place.

After the party, we had a short staff meeting where I was able to speak words of life from my heart over the amazing men and women who lead our ministry day by day. This group. I stand in awe of them. It is my great honor to call them friends.

And then it was Sunday, Resurrection Day. I woke up singing the lyrics:

“Every demon shakes
As we shout Your praise
All the stones have rolled away
You have robbed the grave
So we celebrate
Your eternal victory”

— Jubilee Worship

What a special celebration it was as we did dance on that empty grave, and all of the big boys except Cesnel were able to come home to celebrate with us. My heart was full.

I wept as they walked away from us in the street at Fleuriot. Though I had released them each to the Father’s care in days past, the pain was real on Sunday as I knew the life they were going back to. My heart is with them day-by-day, and I can hardly wait until the day we are fas-a-fas again.

Monday came with the realization that my time in Port-au-Prince was nearly over. I had joked with friends before coming, “I appreciate your prayers that I will make it, but I think I more appreciate your prayers that I will get out.” Monday the tension was real as I wanted to enjoy every second and yet was anxious to leave.

Steeve and I had an amazing meeting with the leader of another well-known ministry in the morning, and after that I was able to meet with an American friend who still resides in Haiti. I’m not sure which of us was more encouraged by our visit. The boys also returned to school on Monday, after their Easter break.

And then it was Tuesday. My last full day in Port-au-Prince. We decided it would not be wise to go to Tabarre 14 because the risk of getting “stuck” was real. So we stayed close to home. We had a senior-level staff meeting, and we took the boys to a local restaurant to celebrate Idelmy’s upcoming birthday.

Wednesday morning around 7 a.m. I started my journey home. It was hard saying goodbye to everyone, but we really believe it is a “see you later” versus a “goodbye.”

We met our pilot at Guy Malary Airport again, and by 9:15 a.m. we were in Cap-Haïtien. My friend, Darren, met me at the CAP airport, and we had a wonderful time together at Sans Souci. I am so thankful for his friendship.

One of the last things that happened on Thursday morning before my flight out of Haiti was a prayer from my sweet little friend, Haven. She asked Jesus for something I really need, something I didn’t ask her to talk to Jesus about on my behalf.

I was reminded that children are incredible, and they know much more than we give them credit for. How thankful I am that this three-year-old encouraged me, and how thankful I am for my time with her sweet little family.

I arrived safely home Friday, April 25, about 2 p.m., after overnighting in Florida. The journey into and out of Port-au-Prince was incredibly long, but it was worth it for the moments described above. I’ve been thinking on this quote:

“Holy places are dark places. It is life and strength, not knowledge and words, that we get in them. Holy wisdom is not clear and thin like water, but thick and dark like blood.”

— C.S. Lewis

Ayiti, you have given me life and strength.