Haiti, Day Nine (10/1/17): Down the Mountain

"This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad it is. This is the day that the Lord has made." Today I received sign number two that I am meant to be in Haiti doing God's work. I saw sign one while I was going up the mountain. I saw my favorite scripture, Romans 8:31, which I have placed permanently on my body, written on a house that was not too far from a voodoo temple. Voodoo is a very powerful curse here, but God always prevails.

Overlooking the mountains

Today we trekked back down the mountain. The entire way was tough. The rocks were wet and the ground was slippery with mud. It rained on us as we ventured, making the journey even harder. The only way I can attempt to describe what this adventure has been like is to make reference of the Disney movie, Holes. Do you recall when Stanley and Zero ran off and began hiking the mountains to reach God's thumb? Well this experience was kind of like that, but more intense and more pure; maybe even more gratifying and more fulfilling.

We reached a certain point and Pastor Reggie looked at me and said "Alyssa, look how far you have come." I looked across two mountains and could see a small white rectangle; the roof of Bouvier school. I could not believe myself or what I had accomplished, so I'm sure you don't believe that I did it either. If I've never been inspired to get into shape, I am now. I am determined to change my entire life.

​When I was in high school, I walked 15 to 20 minutes back and forth each day and I complained. These children at Bouvier hike miles up the mountains each day to receive minimal education. The closest school in the other direction was miles away, across a deep and fast flowing river. These kids literally have no other options than to make the most of what they have.

Before we left the school today, we had a parent meeting with the community and towns people. It happened right after the church service that is also held in the school's classrooms. I actually took a really nice nap as the Haitian people sang songs in Creole. It was peaceful. However, the meeting was important because not only was the Frontier Projects team present, but the 7 teachers, the school's director and the mayor came too. 

Myself at the community meeting (Courtesy of Dave)

It was so exciting to pass out all of my Kiddos' pictures to the teachers. They loved that we colored the American flag as well as the Haitian flag and the helping hands.​He explained to the people that he is ashamed in how they no longer provide for their school as a community, but they wait for the white people to come and do the work and give the money. Pastor Reggie spoke for about 20 minutes and encouraged the families to come together and reminded them of the true vision and reason why we were all there. Each of us has a special love for children and for the nation of Haiti. I did not know I had this love until I arrived. This love I have for Haiti and its people runs deep into my core, my veins, and even into my existence. I believe that there is work to be done and I am an important part of getting it done.

Featuring Kiddos Artwork

Random: For about 10 minutes today, I rode a donkey. Due to the steepness and rockiness of the mountains, it was a terrifying experience, but an experience none the less. I can tell people that I rode a donkey down the Haitian mountains.
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Pastor does not speak to me in English anymore. Well, he does, but only in times of danger; like when I lost my footing on the mountain side and slid down in the mud. He grabbed my hand and led me. "God said, 'and the people came one by one.'

​This week, I truly relished in all of God's beauty. I heard the voice of the river and saw the many faces in the trees, like in Pocahontas. I guess I've never been so in tune with nature and my spirit.

I almost lost my shoe today when it was time to cross the river. I tried to throw it across and it ripped downstream. A young boy and a man went racing for it. My feet hurt  just watching them cross over the rocks.

I apologize; I'm so over the place in my writing  today because I do not remember a time frame. I do not remember when things happened, but there are so many great things that I am trying to remember and to express on this page. 

Before I got tired (Courtesy of Dave)

Racing Down the River with Chez (Courtesy of Dave)

When I got on the donkey, Joseph left me. He never came back. Viximan jumped in to my rescue and helped me. It was the first time all week that he and I truly attempted to have conversation. We spoke in French, and I learned about his family. He told me that his parents are both deceased, but he has 4 younger brothers that live in another part of Haiti. I'm  not sure who they live with or when is the last time he saw them. I'm also not sure if he knows how to contact them, but he has good things coming.

​While in Bouvier, he wrote a letter to Chez, explaining that at 19 years old, he is so far behind in his schooling and that he really really wishes to attend primary school. He received a sponsor from Australia while we were in the mountains. I'm not sure if he will start at first grade, but he doesn't care. He is just so grateful for the opportunity.

As I sit here and write, I am amazed by all of God's glory. I am wet. I smell. My clothes are muddy. My feet and ankles hurt. I have a heat rash on my neck. BUT, despite all of that, I am happy, I am blessed and I know that I have met several of my yearly goals by coming to Haiti. This experience was truly meant to be. Hurricanes, political unrest, fear; they all are so small when my God is so big!