The title of this blog does nothing to allude to the theme of my story. It only assists in creating build up for a testimonial:
On Monday, I was hit on the head with a small but dangerous falling mango.
I was simply sitting on the ground, washing dishes over a bin, when WHAM! The blow was so sudden and unexpected that my mind could not process its source. After seeing the faces of my friends as they nervously eyed my head, then the fallen fruit, I knew.
A Haitian ran to me and began rubbing my head. Obviously, he could relate to the pain. The initial shock and concern of my squadmates quickly turned to laughs at the girl who was whacked by the mango.
I share this warning to all who ever live beneath tasty and fruitful trees: beware.
A special thanks to Travis, Austin and Janelle for your hard work as my reenactment crew.
Ministry this month has looked much different than service in the Dominican Republic. We are serving through assistance in construction, and I can feel my arm muscles strengthening by the day (who needs P90X?).
Our primary goal has been to finish laying a foundation of concrete for both the school at Mission of Hope International (MOHI) and the Be Like Brit orphanage. Without a fancy concrete mixer/pourer, we form a bucket brigade and pass the concrete, pour it, then pass the bucket back. The labor is challenging yet rewarding, as I truly believe in the work being done within these organizations.
Austin, king of construction.
MOHI’s purpose is to give the children of Haiti a promising future through a Christian education and love. Through sponsorship, the kids enjoy warm meals and knowledge: two things that are invaluable in this impoverished country.
Entrance to MOHI, along with our daily ride.
Lex and Renee, a power team couple who have given their lives to serve Haiti, founded the organization. They moved back to Lex’s home country from America with their two small children and began the mission. Together, they effectively love the community of Grand Goave as well as the teams from all over the world who come to serve.
Candice, Sarah and JC with me at the MOHI construction site
To the right of MOHI, up a mountain, stands the under-construction Be Like Brit orphanage. The building is in the shape of a B, and it is set to be finished by 2013. The story of how the orphanage was established is one of the most incredible stories I have heard.
Britney Gengel, a nineteen-year-old student at Lynn University, visited Haiti in January 2010. A few hours before the earthquake hit on January 12, she texted her parents and told them that her dream was to return and open an orphanage.
As tragedy struck the small country of Haiti, Britney lost her life in the rubble of Hotel Montana in Port au Prince. Her body was recovered 33 days after the earthquake.
Britney’s family chose to keep her spirit and memory alive by establishing a non-profit organization called Be Like Brit. They are building an orphanage in Grand Goave for 66 kids. 33 girls. 33 boys. The number of children represents the days that passed before her body was found. They hope to open on the third anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake.
This week, I had the opportunity to work under Britney’s dad, Len, at the Be Like Brit construction site. He is a big, warm, construction boss man who felt like a dad away from home. He encouraged us as we worked, gave us snacks on our breaks and talked about his sweet daughter as much as he could.
The Haitian bucket brigade that we daily join. They beat us in speed and stamina. We bring the spunk.
Len usually comes down for two weeks at a time to oversee the construction. During one of my breaks, he asked about my degree and showed me floor plans for the orphanage. With the “B” shaped building comes two central courtyards and lots of natural light. Len would light up as he talked about opening the doors to the orphanage and carrying out his daughter’s vision.
"B" shaped Be Like Brit orphanage, complete with a beautiful view of Haiti
We watched a video about the Gengels’ journey, and I could not keep the tears away. Britney looked so full of life in each picture we saw of her in Haiti. Len told us that burying a child is the most unnatural event a person can endure, and he took every chance possible to encourage safety on our adventure.
Knowing Len, working rooftop on the orphanage, seeing the beauty of Haiti below . . . it was all so powerful. The chain of events that led to Be Like Brit was full of tragedy and beauty. Len’s love for his daughter brought him to Haiti. He met Lex and began a fruitful partnership. The organizations share tools. The kids from the orphanage will attend the school at Mission of Hope.
My month in Haiti had a rocky start with disappointment from the lack of relational ministry. What I have been given instead is inspiration. To see people fully walking in their callings has been an invaluable gift, one I am incredibly thankful to receive.
The view as we leave the MOHI site
