Opening Eyes: Day 2 - Wed, June 10th

Amy -
This morning, after breakfast at Matthew 25 House, we traveled to Jeremie. The small plane only holds 10 passengers, so we flew in two groups. The girls left early with Ron, Francie and Kerrie to take the first flight. That allowed Ron to check-in with some of the students sponsored by families in our parish. The guys and I hung out at Matthew 25 while waiting for the second flight. They shot some baskets and played some soccer on the field behind Matthew 25, and Aidan - giving his all, as usual - took a fall that ended up impacting the rest of his trip. He was dealing with pain and open wounds all week.

Soccer Game

The aftermath

An all-American game of HORSE

Jent -
When we arrived at the airport in Jeremie, we were immediately bombarded by a group of boys wanting to sell us bracelets personalized with our names. It's crazy what the people do for a couple dollars. I just spent a large chunk of money at the mall last week for stuff that these people may never even see, let alone have. It makes me thankful.

Jent's view of the cockpit

Arrival in Jeremie with the boys.

Riding in the back was a favorite part of the adventure.

From there, we loaded up in the back of the truck and when we got to the Sisters' house in Jeremie, we relaxed and ate our first round of authentic Haitian food. It was DELICIOUS. I would eat that kind of meal every day. Fresh fruit, juice, chicken, rice & beans. It was great.

Ready for lunch

Then we made our way up the mountain to Carrefour Sanon. On the way, we passed many places and people who were just genuinely excited to see us. It was amazing to see these people, who have so little be happy about, it seems, ARE happy. Truly happy. After a hot (and sweaty) afternoon of soccer, hacky sack, and trying to communicate, we had dinner, a group meeting and prayer. Tomorrow is an organized soccer game. We are going to be demolished...

Mountaintop view of God's amazing artistry.

Jent and Sabrina

Some of our new friends.

Lauren -
I woke up at 5:20 am to shower. The shower felt good. I am not going to complain about anything! We had fruit, eggs, and bread for breakfast, then all the girls left for the airport to fly to Jeremie. When we got to the Sisters' house, Dapheka (the girl Ron and Francie have sponsored for years) was waiting to see my grandma and grandpa. It was so emotional to see her. I cried because I was so happy for them to see her. They love and care for her so much. After the boys arrived and we ate lunch, we left for Carrefour Sanon, and the drive up was very interesting and crazy to say the least. People were so extremely happy to see us. We finally got to where we were staying for the trip and WOW! The kids had my heart from the start.

Lauren with some new friends.

They had every reason to complain, but they never did. When we all got around, the kids stared and you could tell they were curious. We got warmed up to them and vice versa. We built relationships until 7:15 pm. My 2 favorite girls were Ceezly and Sabrina, but they were all amazing. They wanted everything we had, and I wish I could give them everything!

Krystyn getting a squeeze from Grandma.

Meeting "Grandma" was amazing. She is 103 years old and as happy as can be. (Grandma is
well-known in the Carrefour Sanon community and loves to have visitors. In 2011, she received a cement floor from the Flynn family. Krystyn was on the trip with us and we all joined her today to hand-deliver a card and some money from Joni. Grandma greeted us with a HUGE smile, dancing, and hugs for everyone.)

I couldn't believe what true poverty was like until I experienced it. It was life changing. I thank God every second for this and I pray that all those little children know how much I love them. Knowing they got maybe one meal today made me feel guilty for having 3 meals. I love this community and I am so thankful for the changes that St. Bernard parish has made and continues to make.