the new year

this year

i got married
alicia and i went to haiti 3 times
we paid off over 12k in debt

i'm sure there's a lot more that i am forgetting about. but those were probably the highlights.

i think it's funny how we get a day off because the year is ending. who decided that december 31st is the last day in the year? there are 365 perfectly other good days that could be the end of the year. It would be weird though if the end of the year was like in the middle of a month though. It probably wouldn't be weird if that's the way it had always been, it would just be normal. But thinking about it from how we have it now, yes it would be weird.

Why do people get all wasted to celebrate the new year? The first thing they have the next day is a hangover. What a great way to start the new year haha. The first day, we don't work. We just do nothing. We are so weird.

what is more scary

someplace where you body could be physically harmed, but you feel connected with God

or

someplace where you and your body is safe, but you are definitely lacking spiritually?

this is what i am thinking. i wish i could have the best of both worlds haha. maybe i just need to work more on being fulfilled where i am at.

Update

Hi All -

 

We are back from Haiti and had an awesome Christmas there.  We were updating the blog at http://lucastheexperience.blogspot.com  I also just finished uploading all the pictures.  You can take a look at them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157611333604717/

 

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

--
Lucas

tragedy

“I will tell you what a tragedy is, I will show you how to waste your life. Consider this story from the February 1998 Reader’s Digest: A couple took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30-foot trawler, play softball and collect shells. … Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgment: ‘Look, Lord. See my shells.’ That is a tragedy.” - John Piper

I have to say Christmas in Haiti was unlike anything I have experienced. In a good way, first we went to Christmas Eve service which I thought we were going to miss out on because of our rule about being out after dark (which was to not be out after dark). It was a really great time with the kids and we had a candle lighting and everything. Then we went back to the guesthouse where we had everybody on the roof - oh my gosh God please let that roof never collapse - and shot off fireworks. Now in California, they ban you from buying even the little piddly fireworks in most places. These were like the bigtime fireworks you see in professional shows, but probably a little less safe haha. So that was a great time. Then we went to watch a movie at the boys house which skipped so much I couldn't tell if it was in English or not. Then the younger boys all were excited because I was staying over that night. These kids are crazy, they were up until 3am playing video games and when I tried to fall asleep they stuck a cat in my face so I decided I had to stay up with them to avoid the torture haha. The other weird thing was that that night there was a party going on next door until 3am. There was also people welding throughout the night, which is great for them because they have no form of real eye protection. The guys on the street were a little bit nuts and a couple gunshots went off which I thought were just more fireworks haha. God is in control and no one was hurt as far as I know. That happens in America too, I am just never around it.

Christmas in Haiti is much like Christmas in America. When I was out in the city, you saw Christmas lights and images of Santa Claus. As Christmas day got closer, the streets got more crowded. As impoverished as this country is, it seems like consumerism has attached itself to Christmas just like in America.


I have been thinking about this guy Alicia and I met at Delmas 2000 which is like a lame version of Big Lots or Pic-N-Save. He was from Palestine, and was kind of managing this store which had seemingly thousands of Haitians coming through it to buy anything from dirty fabric to fake potted plants that lit up and moved when you plugged them in. We started talking to him because I am fascinated what brings people from Syria or Middle Eastern countries to Haiti because a lot of people managing stores like this or grocery stores seem to be from Middle Eastern countries. Alicia and I found out he had no family here, he had only been in Haiti for two years and he was from Palestine. So we asked, "Why Haiti? What brings you here?" He said, "Just my luck!" Just my luck?! That's it?!!? That's what I wanted to ask, but I smirked and moved on to other questions... I pray and hope to God I am following God's will and not just being blown around by the wind and following my luck or collecting seashells.

jodia

we had a great time of worship in the morning and prayer for aaron and katie too. then we went to the ravine and handed out toys and candy and stopped by fritznel's house to see his mom. then it was lunch time and then we went shopping at delmas 2000 again for the kids. to end the night we watched a jackie chan movie in french at the boys home and i slept over there. i put some pictures up last night...

a day out on the town

yesterday i got to go out of the orphanage a lot which was really interesting. there was a businessman who came to speak to the kids last week and he runs a computer store on one of the main streets here in Port-Au-Prince. I wanted to go check it out and plus I wanted to buy a memory card. It was pretty nice and I was surprised with all the stuff they had there. The prices were a bit high, but that's the way everything is here. I bought something anyways.

Then Bill & I went to epidor which is like Haitian McDonald's after that...

Then soon after I got back the kids got 10 dollars a piece from an american donor to buy something for someone else. We went to this place called Delmas 2000, which just has all sorts of random stuff to buy. Toys, fake flowers, furniture... I went out with them and I did not realize it was going to take 4 HOURS to shop for 15 kids haha. I was mostly helping Keso who could not make up his mind at all. He and Alicia must be related lol. I was excited to see Keso wanting to buy stuff for his mom and sister, since I never really see them talk... Anyways, we finally got out and it was about 5:30, but then we had to wait in line to get the presents wrapped. I think we got back at like 7:30. While we were there there was a kid begging for money and I of course being the one white guy in the sea of Haitians was his target for getting "just one dollar" I prayed for him, the kids said they already gave him something and I would rather pray for a kid than give him a dollar. I can give people dollars all day and it won't do anything real for them and I will be out of dollars pretty soon. I can't run out of prayers. The kid said thank you after that but then proceeded to go back to his begging me for one dollar... I wished i had some candy or something to give him too... maybe i should keep candy on me or something. On the way home another kid asked us for money and Keso asked if he could give one of his presents to this kid on the street. I was so proud of him for doing that!

New pictures are up

today

we went to church. the pastor, when he saw us was like you guys should just move here haha. I told him we are bringing people to Haiti right now and he said "one day you will be receiving people" lol

Another interesting fact I came across while looking at my Haitian Creole book this morning is that the phrase that sounds like Yahweh in Creole means they will see.

After church we went to lunch for Carolyn's birthday and had an amazing time. I got to ride standing up in the back of truck, holding on real tight to the bars that run around the truck for blancs like me to stand up with. It was fun and almost like a ride at disneyland some of the time.

then we came back and played with the kids some more.

pictures are uploaded

christmas outreach

most of the day today was taken up by the christmas outreach. There was practice in the morning and just general preparation like making costumes. Others worked on construction projects. We started the program at 3pm. It was so cool to see all the different talents the kids had, and we had a LOT of kids from the neighborhood. In fact there were so many, there were some that couldn't be let in... There was an altar call and a bunch of kids came up which was the whole point we were doing this!

I am uploading 60 pictures tonight, there were just so many good ones. Dancing, singing, skits, that lifehouse sketch thingie. Wow. What a day.

christmas

We are gearing up for the Christmas outreach tomorrow. Most of the day was spent practicing for it. I went to the airport to get our two lost bags and it amazingly only took me 5 minutes. The people in this country, are so curious to me. I had five guys helping me to get my 2 bags. I guess I should have shook the other ones off or carried the bags myself. When we went to give them a tip... I didn't know what to do and they refused the amount we offered. Weird. I would think that they would rather take something than nothing but all 5 of them agreed not to take what we wanted to give them. Anyways, after a little bit of hassle with the customs guy I got all my bags out of there and EVERYTHING even my two flat panel monitors were in there. Thank you God!

Back at the ranch, Some of us went to the ravine to gather some grass for a skit tomorrow. Then it was back to practicing, which lasted most of the rest of the day and I am pretty excited about how it will all turn out.

There are a lot of other things going on including making costumes for the play, fixing sinks and probably other things I haven't heard about or taken pictures of. I am also working on getting a little computer lab set up now that I have most of the supplies. A Haitian businessman came by to speak to the boys about his business, which sells computers... Unfortunately I was not there because I had to go retrieve my bags but Alicia told me all about it and I hope to stop by his shop sometime this week.

It has been a great time so far this past 24 hours. I love the peace God gives me here in the midst of everything that is going on. I am laughing at how stressed I was before I came here with work and packing and just going to Haiti. I always imagine it a lot worse than it actually is and I am really having a great time hanging out with the kids and all the people here. I love going out of the orphanage and seeing Haiti too, which I got to do a little of today when going to the airport.

I have so much more to say probably but I am going to sign off to work on other computer stuff now. Thank you for your prayers and pray for the outreach tomorrow...

New pics are up at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience

here we are

we are finally in haiti. LAX was, as expected, insane but we arrived well ahead of time to get everything through even in the insaneness. we thought we would have to pay for our bags, but apparently on int'l flights you don't have to. after a flight to texas, a plane change there and then a flight to ft. lauderdale. we deplaned and found the airport empty and ourselves with 6 bags and 12 hours to kill. Alicia used her powers of persuasion to get Pizza Hut to deliver to the airport, we discovered her Bible was left on the plane to Texas (please pray for that as it is sentimental to her) and we slept on some funky looking carpet that was not very comfortable.

We got to Port-Au-Prince on time and were eager to get out the door. Unfortunately, half our bags - including the bag with two flat panel monitors - are delayed a day. I am not asking for prayer on that one unless you feel so inclined. We can live without them and I have travel insurance so it is really not a big concern. Pray that the bags are going to come because there are shoes and items that would probably be of more use to the kids here...

Anyways we had a great first day even though we can barely think straight. Everybody from the US is here now, about ten of us total. Some of us went to watch the kids perform a Christmas show which included songs about Christmas trees, which I have yet to see here (although i did see a tree made out of pinecones), Santa Claus and other seemingly American traditions. It seems our ways have seeped over here somehow... but it's still exciting to see a different culture and all the different things they do compared to us. I believe I heard "Here comes Santa Claus" today sung in haitian creole.

I am updating pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience

Ayiti

Hi everyone,

 

We are going back to Haiti tomorrow until the day after Christmas.  We actually get there Thursday because of crazy holiday flights... I don't know how much we will be in touch as we are not bringing a computer but when we can we will be updating the blog at

 

http://lucastheexperience.blogspot.com

 

and pictures at

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience

 

or if you have facebook... when i update one of the above two my facebook automatically updates.  :)

 

Alicia is going to be teaching a dance for the Christmas outreach and I'm sure we will have a LOT of hang out time with the kids as they are not in school...

 

We are so excited that God is taking us back to spend our first married Christmas in Ayiti!

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Lucas and Alicia
--
Lucas Simmonswww.lucasyalicia.com

Like Robinson Crusoe, It's Primitive as can be

I am sometimes not a fan of technology.

I plan to escape, mostly. For a period of about 8 days. Call it a fast, or what you will. I need a break. All this connectedness, I can't get away from it. Remember when you didn't have a cell phone, a computer?

I am over it.

Forgotten shot: View from a ravine in Port-Au-Prince

Forgotten shot: View from a ravine in Port-Au-Prince
Originally uploaded by LucasTheExperience

wow

1 Timothy 6 3-16
Love of Money
3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Paul's Charge to Timothy
11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

There are certain things in life that make me so frustrated I want to scream. But I'd rather just be content that I have food and clothing. Life is pretty crazy when you think about it. I am constantly amazed by the things everybody takes for granted. All our technology, just being ALIVE oh my gosh. Being alive to me is such a miracle I wish that I would dwell more on what a miracle is everyday... I am so blessed but I let these stupid things get me all worked up that in the long run have really very little if any consequences from an eternal perspective.

6 days to Ayiti.

Wow

I just ate my fourth steak of the day and the plate was supposedly 500 degrees. I am so full. I am talking about haiti at the church in shandon tomorrow!
Lucas Simmons
www.lucasyalicia.com
619-277-5288

Haiti - One more update for now

Hi everyone!

I have a few items I wanted to share with you:

1. We are having a share time at King's Harbor Church on December 13th from 1-3pm in the Fellowship Hall. The address is 23915 Garnier St. Torrance, CA 90505. We'd love for you to come and hear all the stories we have to share about what God is doing in Haiti!
2. We have a new photobook from the last trip, I just ordered my first copy yesterday. If you want to see it, it's at: http://www.mypublisher.com/bookshelf/bookviewer.py?d=tq%3Ey-cppl%60je%3E3553249 If that link doesn't work and you want to see it, just email me or come to the share time.
3. Alicia and I are going back for Christmas! We will be helping out with the Christmas program, hopefully helping out more with the garden. You can keep up to date with us at http://lucastheexperience.blogspot.com/ We will be leaving on Dec 17th and returning Dec 26th.

I think that's it for now...

Hmm

I did not write this. But I thought it was pretty funny.

I stare at you from across the room.
I know you are watching.
I sit, still, wondering.
Will you be the One?

You've been watching me for sometime.
Debating how to make your move.
Part of me has forgotten you
But I question again, will you be the One?

You want to rest your hand on mine. You try.
But I do not want you.
You ignore my rejections, which come even violently.
And I have to wonder, will you be the One?

I wish you would just go away
I know what you want, but I cannot be that for you.
Nevertheless you stay, and I wonder
Will you be the mosquito that gives me malaria?

And here is a good information Disney video on that same subject: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4lYtSEkiLc&feature=related

horrible

Children dying in Haiti, victims of food crisis

haiti for christmas!

Alicia and I are going to Haiti for Christmas! WOO HOO! Dec 17th - December 26th

i really don't understand our economy

It's based on people spending
So people spend
They spend more than they have
And then they can't pay for things
Then the economy goes into recession
And the government comes in and says wait we'll help, here is a bunch of money and we'll help you spend money you don't have again.
But that money is the money taken from taxes. Which was the people's to being with

so confusing.

Photos are up

I just put my photos online from the Haiti trip.  See them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157608896015769/

--
Lucas Simmons

One final update

I have posted a new blog at http://khchaititeams.blogspot.com a link to new pictures are there

Saturday

Please see http://khchaititeams.blogspot.com

This is either the last or next to last update I will be sending out... 

Lucas

Update

I'm sure a lot of you have heard a school collapsed in Haiti... some of our team went to go help at like noon today.  5 of us stayed behind... 

Read more at http://khchaititeams.blogspot.com  I will be updating it when I can as I hear more.  

pray

a school collapsed in the city here.  a bunch of our team is going to see if they can help.  the situation doesn't sound good and it was a lot of little kids.  

i will try to update more tonight.

Thursday Update

I have a post at http://khchaititeams.blogspot.com

and more pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience

Another Update

Please see http://khchaititeams.blogspot.com/ 

Thanks!

Lucas

We have landed in miami

Lucas Simmons
www.lucasyalicia.com
619-277-5288

-----Original Message-----
From: loomtronic@gmail.com

Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2008 10:03:37
To: Haiti blog 1<loomtronic.khcteamoct08@blogger.com>
Subject: We have landed in miami

Unfortunately will smith was not here to sing to us.

I read an entire 170 page book called touching the void

And we made a haitian friend from orange county on the plane. Yay for new haitian friends!
Lucas Simmons
www.lucasyalicia.com
619-277-5288

1 Week until we leave for Haiti!

Thank you for all your support.  In case you have forgotten or haven't got an email there is a team of 10 of us from King's Harbor Church going to Haiti leaving October 31st and returning November 10th.

 

http://khchaititeams.blogspot.com/

 

Check it out!  We are updating it daily.  We just had our last team meeting Thursday... There still is a LOT to do (like pack), but we are all very excited and God is good, all of the time.  We are all SUPER excited.  

We found out this week that we will be staying at guest house where we are not sure if there is electricity haha!  And other amenities, like water I hear are questionable as well... I haven't quite experienced anything like that before, except when I am camping.  So I am thinking of it like 3rd world camping.  Should make for an interesting time, and interesting is bound to be exciting. 

 

Pictures and more to follow when we are on the ground.  I will be sending daily updates, hopefully.

--
Lucas Simmons

i am confused

so I saw this movie tonight call + response about how there is a horrid amount of slavery going on in the world. like enough to make any sane person sick to their stomach. so I liked the movie and I totally agree with the message. Ok, but so I was looking at the people that they were showing with the people being trafficked were Westerners... our society sells ludeness, immorality and relativism. we can combat slavery all we want, and I think it is a good fight to fight no matter your background - but I think it is a losing battle without Jesus. and I think there is more than one direction to fight this battle in. Yes, stop the human traffickers. But also rid ourselves of the immorality that has taken over our culture. you should definitely see the movie and go here http://chainstorereaction.com/ i am kind of tired so my thoughts aren't all meshing together. take from it what you will.

Short Haiti Update

Hi Everybody!

 

We are 21 days away from leaving for Haiti

 

I just wanted to send you a couple of quick updates:

 

We are updating our team blog daily.  You can subscribe via email or RSS feed: http://khchaititeams.blogspot.com/

 

We are having a booth at the Lomita Art Fair tomorrow in front of the Lomita City Hall. It runs from 9am to 3pm.  The address for the City Hall is 24300 Narbonne Ave Lomita CA 90717

 

On Sunday October 19th we are having a Haiti Hunger Dinner to raise money for the neighborhood kids to go to school and also just Haiti in general.  You will get a real glimpse of how the rest of the world lives and survives on so little.  Doors open at 6, and we are asking for a donation of 10 dollars.  The address is 23915 Garnier St. Torrance, CA 90505. 

 

Please feel free to forward this email along to anyone who you think would be interested.

 

Thanks!

Lucas

Our country is ridiculous

Yes. I am about ready to drop everything and I don't know what. So, our American greed has finally come back to get us. We are whining because our houses we couldn't afford are getting foreclosed on. Yes, I admit the banks weren't all in the right but somehow we have this idea that we can get whatever we want and just charge it or refinance and pay it off later. Then, something bad happens and we can't afford it. We couldn't really afford it to begin with. The government is scrambling to spend 700 billion dollars to fix the situation, because of course government has to do something. What would happen if government didn't... and we actually said yes I spent too much money, money I didn't have. Wow. Owning up for our mistakes, that's something new. Admitting we are wrong. As Steve Martin once said "I'm sorry but I am pissed" That's not really what gets to me. I am sorry if I offended anyone, if you want to write a blog about how I am wrong, then go ahead. What gets to me is these politicians. I am a Republican but when John McCain says one day we will not spend money on researching bear DNA and weeks later votes FOR 112 billion dollars in pork barrel spending, well that is just plain ridiculous and downright idiotic. We are worried about our economy and our houses being foreclosed on and meanwhile there are people in other countries starving. Take Haiti for example. The country is on the brink of famine and donations and aid is down because of the bad economy.

Well let's see how the math works out here:112 billion dollars divided by the population of Haiti which I will overestimate at 9 million. That's about 12 thousand dollars. Most people in Haiti couldn't imagine that much money. Most people live off a dollar a day. A dollar a day. At 12 thousand dollars a person you could feed a person in Haiti for over 30 years at a dollar a day. But instead that money went to making movies or credits for energy efficient appliances or hurricane disaster relief for Americans. Not that that is a bad thing, but I don't get why we are touting this as a bank bailout when a huge portion of it isn't doing what we are saying it is doing. Some people might think well this is what we need to get a bill passed. That is a bunch of a malarky, you don't need 100 billion dollars in extra spending for a bill to be passed.

Just think about the whole 30 years thing if nothing else. Haiti is on the brink of famine and we are worried about our nice cars, our houses. People can't even eat there. 30 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My gosh people.

Haiti!

Hi Everybody!

 

You may already know all this but Alicia and I are excited to let you know that we will be returning to Haiti, leaving on October 31st and returning November 10th.  Alicia and I will be leading a team of 8 people (10 including us) from our church to the same place we have gone the previous 2 times.  We have purchased our tickets and are so eager to get there.  There is so much going on there right now, the country is on the brink of famine.  This crisis has received little attention in the news compared to the economic crisis in our country, the people are literally starving there.  There is a desperation beyond there beyond our imagination.  In America if there is a natural disaster the government normally responds and other aid agencies come alongside them.  Haiti really doesn't have an infrastructure like this.  The government does little to help and aid agencies aren't prepared or don't have enough funding to help get the people out of the situation.  If you want to read more, go to: http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=haiti

 

There is only so much 10 of us can do for 10 days, but we hope to help build up the ministry that is there in whatever way we can so they can continue to do the work down there in new and exciting ways. 

 

We will also be arriving on a Voodoo holiday in Haiti and are planning to just pray and worship with the kids that first day. 

 

We have quite a list of projects, more than we probably can accomplish:

1. Prayer
2. Garden
3. Painting/Organizing/Fixing-Up New Guest House
4. Medical Clinics
5. Bible teaching for the kids
6. Dance
7. Computer Lab & Guest House computer repairs/upgrades
8. Arts and crafts
9. Baking
10. Picnic benches
11. Village Outreach
12. Photo/Video
13. Visiting

 

We are so excited to share this experience with you!  We will be sending e-mail updates and updating our blog which can be found at www.khchaititeams.blogspot.com

 

We also have a couple of events coming up which you can support our team at.  If you want to help with either, please do let us know:

 

Lomita Art Fair - Oct. 11 - 9am to 3pm.  We will have a booth set up selling plants and donated art.  It will be in front of Lomita City Hall. 

 

Haiti Hunger Dinner - Oct. 19 - 6:00pm - Experience a taste of the economic divide between one country to the next. We are having a hunger dinner!! Come and support the work God is doing in Haiti through the Manasseros at Maison de Lumiere and the team that will be traveling there while you participate in a community centered event that will raise your awareness about poverty in our world today. A $10.00 donation is requested.

 

There is still so much to be done before we leave, but we are confident God will work out all the details.  Please be praying for us.

 

Thanks!

Lucas and Alicia

 

-------

Here is our support letter for those of you have not received it:

                                                                                                                                                                                                Dear Friends and Family,

Haiti is on our near horizon!  Lucas and I will be leading a team of 8 from our church Kings Harbor.  October 31 – November 10.  We are in great need of your prayers on our behalf.  This will be our first time in a leadership role of this proportion.  Last October Lucas and I had the opportunity to lead a trip to Mexico.  This was an amazing experience for us.  We learned most of all what a great responsibility you carry as leaders for the direction, encouragement, and safety of your team. 

Please pray for:

Haiti.  Hurricanes Gustov and Hellen, have killed 200 people.  40,000 are in shelters.  Many towns are still under 10ft. of water.  And Ike is storming through Haiti as I type this now.  Please pray for God's mercy.  Pray that the people would turn to Jesus in their time of need.  Pray that He would rescue them.   Pray for the food crisis.  The WFP has delivered water.  Pray that efforts like this will continue.  Pray for Maison de Lumiere and God's protection of the children, staff, and missionaries. 

Team unity and unity between Lucas and I is our essential need.  It is crucial that we each are fine tuned to one another and firstly to Christ.  In the heat, the insecurity, the spiritual battle ground of Haiti, our team and our leadership will be quite tested, and your prayers for us in this regard will aid us to fulfill the work God has called us to do.

Team and trip development.  As we are getting to know our team, talking with them and serving with them, each individual team member's gifts and qualities are coming to the surface.  Pray that our team will be able to put our talents and gifts to work meeting the needs at Masion de Lumiere.  Pray that we would be able to use our team's multiple gifts of: gardening, painting, art, service, organization, leadership, prayer, computers, photography, and dance.

Learning the language makes such a profound difference when ministering to the Haitian people.  It impacts them in an unspeakable way showing them a intimate care for their nation.  Pray for God to give us the gift of the Haitian tongue!

The developing relationships with the kids and staff at Maison de Lumiere and with other Haitian people we meet.  We hope to be a part of the healing process these kids are going though.  We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, not only to help on a practical level, but also on the emotional and spiritual.  Pray that those we touch would feel Jesus' love streaming through us – that we would be empty vessels of His everlasting love.  Pray for lasting relationships, ones that remain past our 10 day trip into eternity.

Provision for each of our team members to reach their support raising goals.  The first goal for each member is to raise $575 by Sept 18^th to cover airfare.  The second goal will be the remainder of the trip costs including our projects, food, and lodging.  We are estimating that this will be an additional $625 for each member.  Anything above the need that we raise will go straight to the ministry of Maison de Lumiere wherever they have the most need.  Lucas and I will be partially financially supported by our church.  Any you give to us over what we need will go to our other team members.

To support our team: 

Send your check made out to Kings Harbor Church with Haiti Oct Trip – Simmons in the memo to:

Lucas and Alicia Simmons

24369 ½ Pennsylvania Ave.

Lomita, CA 90717

 

Please keep updated with our team via our blog: www.khchaititeams.blogspot.com

 

Thank you in advance for all of your support and time praying for us!!

 

Lucas and Alicia Simmons

Fwd: Photobook!

here is the photobook alicia and I made from our latest haiti trip.  Feel free to order copies.  I think they come out to about 45 for the 30 page book.

 

Share your project online Friends and family can order too. With MyPublisher's free Online Sharing and Storage, your family and friends can easily access your projects and place orders. Plus you can reorder any project without having to upload it again.   Click on the image above to View, Share or Reorder.     For future reference... Your book ID # is: M735792 Your password is: 1223372   Please e-mail customer service with any questions/comments at customerservice@mypublisher.com MyPublisher 400 Columbus Avenue, Valhalla, NY 10595

 

one last update, for now

we are home.

 

I put a blog up of the last few days at http://haiticampinabox.blogspot.com

 

photos are online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157605133107968/

 

lucas

one last update, for now

we are home.

 

I put a blog up of the last few days at http://haiticampinabox.blogspot.com

 

photos are online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157605133107968/

 

lucas

funny things about haiti

A new car costs less than a used one

 

I think if you have one cell phone you have more money, but if you have 2 or 3 you are either poor or just careful with money.  You might use one for text messaging, one for calling people in Haiti and one for calling other countries.  Rich people can just get one to use for everything

 

People look at you funny until you start speaking Creole to them.  Sometimes they look at you even more funny, but most of the time smile.

 

The line to get into the airport felt like there was going to be a riot at anytime (ok maybe it wasn’t that bad)

 

The last hotel we stayed at had a no smoking sign.  The room came with two ashtrays. 

 

Bottles of Acid are the equivalent of Clorox

 

Haitian culture dictates that if you have two of something the other one is excess and therefore can be taken without asking.  I never actually experienced this, but this was what I was told.  When you get there and realize how little people have, you are ready to give it up anyways.

 

Lucas Simmons

 

fini for this time

Friday-the end

What?  Today is our last full day with the kids Haiti is a different place than what you hear about in American media.  We tend to forget, I think, that Haitians are people and instead focus on all the safety concerns.  These children in are glowing with God’s glory and are such happy kids.  I love them and I hope I don’t get all worked up about coming back again.  I am definitely being changed by being here.  Today we piled into three trucks and a bus.  Alicia & I were in the bus and I can only describe this adventure as a constant game of chicken.  The best part was the gas tank for the bus was sitting right next to the driver.  We are on our way to Kaliko now, a beach resort in Haiti where we will play with the kids in the pool. 

 

That place was amazing and most of them loved the pool.  It had air conditioning too so we were actually cold.  We had a great time of worship and prayer that night and got to really encourage each other.  The next morning we returned and finished our time of worship and prayer together.  How awesome.  Then we all went to the pool again.  Then, it was time to leave and we had a teary goodbye.  I don’t think any of us can believe that week is over and I know my heart is still there.  Seeing the kids leave knowing they are still there – it is so hard for me to imagine now that I am back in California.  After we left Kaliko, the bus we were on broke down 3 times.  Good thing we had some handy guys around.  After a 4 hour journey, we arrived at the Hotel Montana, which is a nice hotel in Port-Au-Prince.  We shared a meal, debriefed and went to sleep.  This morning we got up and the hotel had no clue they were supposed to take us to the airport (not a surprising thing in Haiti) but eventually we got a bus.  As soon as we sat down in the terminal, they started boarding the plane.

 

More pictures coming soon…

 

Lucas Simmons

 

pa gen internet

i think that's how you say we had no internet in creole.  That was what happened yesterday and why I didn't update.  This week has been a blur sort of, so I am trying to remember things as best I can.  yesterday, our medical guy, Kurt, gave the kids some basic medical training which they really enjoyed.  We had worship after that and then Alicia showed the kids the dance she made up (which they loved!).  You would think in a normal camp day you would have worship first, but we have to plan our worship times around when we have electricity.  That's not always easy because it doesn't seem to always have the same schedule.  Group dicussions followed.  Then we had these big air filled bumper things that we put on and had relay races.  After that it was just a normal day of soccer and crafts and playing around followed by an amazing time of worship at night.  After the "official" time of worship was finished we played worship from a CD and most people danced around and worshipped.  Oh yeah and we got to see what's for lunch today, goat.  They bought them on the street.  The goat slaughter also woke me up this morning.
 
Today we had a time of worship, but in Creole.  This normally makes me cry, I was on the verge of crying... it's just so beautiful.  It was only drums and singing.  No guitars!  Tonight we are having a talent show.  Tomorrow we head to the beach and then we are almost done.  I don't know about everyone else, but I certainly don't want to come back to America :)

 

This whole electricity thing is limiting the amount of time I can read/respond to e-mails, sorry.

More photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157605133107968/

i will try to update you all again, but keep us in your prayers for the last couple of days that God would touch their hearts and that we would just be a blessing to them

update but no pictures

No pictures tonight, I am working on a slideshow of the kids for tonight's gathering.  Maybe in the morning, when we get electricity. 

 

"If God created all this and it's this beautiful, then how beautiful is God." - Patrick one of the kids from the orphanage

 

Today we started out eating breakfast with our teams and then went to chapel and had bible study afterwards.  The kids love soccer and pretty much any other game on the soccer field.  We continue to meet and connect with more people that are here at the facility.  Today we talked with Pierre who is one of the owners of this place (or that's what we got from talking with him.  I also talked to a man named Joseph who asked me to call his fiance in California when I get home and let her know he is ok.  Then, it was back to the soccer court again.  The kids are so great and the people are so friendly.  I just enjoy saying bonjour or bonswa to everyone passing by...

 

Anyways it's almost time to eat...

 

Lucas

another ayiti update

sorry i didn't update yesterday.  there's this thing called electricity and another thing called air conditioning, showers and toilets that are not overflowing with gross stuff that we take for granted in America.  Part of me gets grossed out and part of me goes hey you're in the third world what do you expect?  I try to let that part take over and just figure out how I can survive in another way haha.  I don't think the toilet situation is helped by the fact that they put acid down them.  That's at least what the bottle said, who knows what was in it.

Right now we are at our camp facility in Port-Au-Prince.  Electricity is spotty and internet is slow, we brought our satellite connection with us.  I was going to update last night but I opted to sleep.  First I would like to say that the guitar we thought was lost forever was indeed found at the airport.

So here is what I wrote for yesterday:
Today we woke up early and got ready to go to camp.  We loaded all our bags and mattresses in the truck.  We arrived after about 30 minutes and then did the opposite.  The place is pretty nice for Haiti and there's a lot of staff working here and I have tried to talk to them.  One of the cool things is that the worship we do is really loud.  So people who are at this place just come and sit down and hang out.  The kids arrived over an hour late, but they are excited for camp.  We played soccer, but we had everyone tie their leg to a friend's leg.  Worship and the message was great.  Our topic for the week is heroes of the faith, tonight it was Abraham.  Earlier today we made t-shirts for our different color teams.  The cool thing to say around here is "I am the best"  It sounds so funny with their Haitian accents.  It was cool to see them put "Jesus is the best" or "Jesi se pli bon" on their shirts. 

Back to now, this morning I am realizing how we cannot do this on our own and we need Jesi to be able to do this.  In a few days I will be back in America and these kids will be here.  Pray that we follow Him and that He touches their hearts this week.

Anyways that's the update.  I better go before the electricity cuts out.  Somehow it takes me about an hour to do these!  I will try and have another one later today, but who knows.

here are more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157605133107968/
lucas

another ayiti update

sorry i didn't update yesterday.  there's this thing called electricity and another thing called air conditioning, showers and toilets that are not overflowing with gross stuff that we take for granted in America.  Part of me gets grossed out and part of me goes hey you're in the third world what do you expect?  I try to let that part take over and just figure out how I can survive in another way haha.  I don't think the toilet situation is helped by the fact that they put acid down them.  That's at least what the bottle said, who knows what was in it.

Right now we are at our camp facility in Port-Au-Prince.  Electricity is spotty and internet is slow, we brought our satellite connection with us.  I was going to update last night but I opted to sleep.  First I would like to say that the guitar we thought was lost forever was indeed found at the airport.

So here is what I wrote for yesterday:
Today we woke up early and got ready to go to camp.  We loaded all our bags and mattresses in the truck.  We arrived after about 30 minutes and then did the opposite.  The place is pretty nice for Haiti and there's a lot of staff working here and I have tried to talk to them.  One of the cool things is that the worship we do is really loud.  So people who are at this place just come and sit down and hang out.  The kids arrived over an hour late, but they are excited for camp.  We played soccer, but we had everyone tie their leg to a friend's leg.  Worship and the message was great.  Our topic for the week is heroes of the faith, tonight it was Abraham.  Earlier today we made t-shirts for our different color teams.  The cool thing to say around here is "I am the best"  It sounds so funny with their Haitian accents.  It was cool to see them put "Jesus is the best" or "Jesi se pli bon" on their shirts. 

Back to now, this morning I am realizing how we cannot do this on our own and we need Jesi to be able to do this.  In a few days I will be back in America and these kids will be here.  Pray that we follow Him and that He touches their hearts this week.

Anyways that's the update.  I better go before the electricity cuts out.  Somehow it takes me about an hour to do these!  I will try and have another one later today, but who knows.

here are more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157605133107968/
lucas

fini jou 3

bonjou -

 

please look at our blog as I updated that earlier today go to http://www.haiticampinabox.blogspot.com we went to church this morning so cool!  to preface that, Alicia Kelley Robert and I were talking about following God's will and following with what He prompts to do.  So read that knowing that we talked about not missing opportunities for what God is calling us to do.  

 

Today I was hanging out and talking with the security guard Juancito here again and he wanted me to come and hang out with him up front.  So I think I stood there and talked with him for about 30 minutes in Creole.  I can't even remember what we were talking about, but it was cool just to communicate somewhat.  I still had to pull out my Creole book every once in awhile to understand :)

 

Today some people went downtown to the airport to see if Aaron's guitar ever made it.  It somehow got lost on the way from Florida to Ayiti.  I don't think they had much luck... Others worked on the plumbing and most of us went to the boys to hang out with them.  I got to talk to Israel, one of the older boys just about where I am from and everything.  It's been an incredibly busy day for everyone and camp starts tomorrow.  We are not sure how tomorrow is going to work out... we were planning on taking some stuff to the place we are having the camp, but that did not happen.  After a little while we went (or joined in) on the kids playing soccer and basketball. We also got a good amount of rain just before dark, all the kids were running around enjoying it.  Now we are just trying to get ready for tomorrow...

 

look for the latest pics @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157605133107968/

 

lucas

Get your bounce on

That's what John McHoul, the pastor at port-au-prince fellowship told us while worshipping.  If I saw on the street I would probably think he was homeless.  But this church was so spirit filled.  You could feel God's presence there.  We were worshipping and dancing and John told us to "Get our bounce on"  I so wanted to turn on my little camera and grab some video/audio of it.  I doubt I could have captured it for you and I think you need to come here to experience what is going on in Haiti through the ministries down here.  The sermon today was on Matthew 6:19-34 which happens to be my favorite part of the Bible.  A Haitian man sat next to me and as we were reading the verses I felt God telling me to ask him if he had a Bible.  So I said "Eskee ou gayay La Bib?" and he replied no.  How many  Bibles do I have at home?  This guy probably can't afford one Bible.  So I gave it to him and wrote him a little note.  After service, he asked if I would be back next week and I said no I would be going back to California... so he asked for my number and I gave it to him and he gave me his and I told him I would pray for him.  Such a great experience just following what God asks for you, it's so easy to reach out and the whole sermon the guy preaching kept talking about how you need a Bible to be able follow God.  This guy has the opportunity to do that now.  Yay!

 

anyways i can't just sit here and blog all day i need to go be in ayiti

AYITI Jou 2!

Day 2 was awesome... but first I forgot a few things from yesterday
 
First off.  I think I forgot my toothbrush.  One of the many joys of being married haha.  Also, I brought a copy of my Haiti book and the kids are loving it and tearing it up!  I didn't think it would be such a big hit?!  One of the guys I worked with on the playhouse at the girls home Fritz(nel) was saying he really liked it.  He kept saying this, so we finally got to the point that he wanted a copy.  So I think I will be leaving that here with him.  I was excited to bring it and show the kids and some of them yesterday were reading all the way through it.  Another thing that amused me yesterday was that I am wearing the same hat and shirt and glasses that I wore the last time and one of the kids that came to the airport said he recognized me.  Fritz(nel) also said he recognized me, and Renald too.  How awesome! 
 
Today we got up early and then we worshipped and prayed.  That was an awesome time to just reflect and thank God for what He is doing through us.  Then we went to a VERY crowded Haitian market and I'm not thinking anyone bought anything.  When is the last time you have been to a market and they had live chickens flapping around and everybody was yelling at you to buy something?  It was a different experience, 20 americans in the middle of a thousand or so Haitians.  I was excited to practice my Creole.  On the way back we also saw a parade for some Haitian rapper(s) that died recently.  We also were able to hang out with the boys and girls at their homes and play soccer, football or make bracelets.  I love the look on people's faces when Alicia or I speak Creole.  We talked to the guard today at the Manassero/Hojara home about if he likes it here, where he is from and stuff.  So much has happened today I feel like, I am trying to still process it all.  Then we got to go check out the ravine, where it seems to be some of the poorest people.  We gave some of the kids candy and talked to the people.  One guy was shaving with a razor blade, so I got to ask him if he cuts his face with it in Creole haha.  I think he thought it was funny that I knew how to say that.  Tonight, some are going to the boys home to watch Zorro and tomorrow we are going to church!  I am really excited about that.  Maybe tomorrow I will have a better update about today, just like yesterday.  I am trying to write everything down as it happens, but sometimes there is just not enough time.
 
Thank you for your prayers, everyone here is doing great.  It's not THAT hot, but it is hot and the mosquitoes seem to be relatively non-existent. 
 
More photos!  I think I'm up to around 300, i try to be as discreet as possible because people do get mad if you take a picture without them giving you permission...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157605133107968/

 

lucas simmons

day 1

We made it!  We've had a long day, but it's been so cool being back here and seeing all the kids.  So awesome!  So here's an update I wrote earlier today.  I wrote a couple of others, but wasn't able to send them to everyone so check out www.haiticampinabox.blogspot.com
 
Here is my updat efrom earlier today.  After arriving at the airport, we walked thorugh customs.  Then Ted and Lisa and some of the kids were waiting for us when we came out of the airport.  We split into different groups - some wento to Eco depot others went to buy mattress and still others to an orphanage tour.  Alicia and I went on the orphanage tour, even though I had been - I just wanted to hang out with the kids.  Then I got whisked away to youth group on the roof of rod and Brittany's.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring, not really much planned except planning for camp! 
 
The internet is kind of slow, so i had to cut down the size of the pics alot, but I still wanted to send something along.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience/sets/72157605133107968/
 
Lucas

On our way

Nap ale ayiti. Its excited to be surrounded by other team members and of course my wife. Darin and Carolyn gave us some reading materials on the plane. I think most of us are spending this time bonding with other teammates or sleeping. We are on our way to fort lauderdale and only have a fifty minute layover and I think we are running late. Everything else has gone smoothly... In fact I don't think they even weighed our bags! We spent so much time worrying about a few ounces haha. Hopefully we make it through haitian customs without a hitch. We are anxiously counting the hours until we arrive. We pray that God goes before us and clears a path for us. How exciting is this???
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

bonjour!

Hey All!
I hope you don't mind if I e-mail you every few days while I am in Haiti.  Some of you I know better than others, but most of you I figure have either been or have an interest in Haiti.
Alicia (my wife) and I are going for nine days and we are SO excited.  We leave tonight at 10:45 and will get there sometime tomorrow morning. 
I went to Haiti in August of last year.  My poor wife Alicia - she didn't go.  Boy has she heard about it ever since.  I think most times people get culture shock when they're in a different culture and are relieved when they go back to their "normal" way of living.  Is that how it works?  I came back and have just wanted to go back to Haiti ever since.  There's something so wonderful about people having joy even with so little.  In America, we live our days rushing around going in a little circle all day.  something has just changed inside me and I can only explain it by telling you that it was God doing a new work in me.  The story is so crazy and totally God and this e-mail is already long but if you want to know more, then just ask...
 
so finally after many months of waiting we are ready to go back tonight, for nine days.  we are going with a team of 20 other people and are stoked on getting to use our creole and connect with the kids through a summer camp we are putting on in port au prince.  i will be sending updates when I have internet, assuming I do.  mosquitoes, bugs, voodoo, guys with guns and funny blue helmets, intense heat and humidity and sticking out like a sore thumb - these are all a part of haiti.  but there is also the kids at the orphanage.  in the middle of all of this absolute destitution (where people literally eating dirt) there is hope for this nation through what Jesus is doing with these kids.  It is an absolute honor to be able to be a part of this and I am so excited...
 
please keep us in your prayers if you are a pray-er... we are also hoping to connect with a haitian guy we met who runs a  restaurant in downtown LA who will be there at the same time, hopefully that happens but who knows.  it's haiti!
 
please forward this along to whoever you like or direct them to www.haiticampinabox.blogspot.com like I said I will update when I can hopefully with pictures!
 
lucas simmons
p.s. if you forget about the blog:  my facebook, lucasyalicia.com, flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience (when there are pictures), lucastheexperience.blogspot.com, and aliciatheexperience.blogspot.com should all be updating
 
p.p.s. alicia actually went to the bank in AMERICA today and told the teller she was going to Haiti and the guy started talking to her in Haitian Creole!  How funny and totally God is that???

 

bonjour!

Hey All!

I hope you don't mind if I e-mail you every few days while I am in Haiti.  Some of you I know better than others, but most of you I figure have either been or have an interest in Haiti.

Alicia (my wife) and I are going for nine days and we are SO excited.  We leave tonight at 10:45 and will get there sometime tomorrow morning. 

I went to Haiti in August of last year.  My poor wife Alicia - she didn't go.  Boy has she heard about it ever since.  I think most times people get culture shock when they're in a different culture and are relieved when they go back to their "normal" way of living.  Is that how it works?  I came back and have just wanted to go back to Haiti ever since.  There's something so wonderful about people having joy even with so little.  In America, we live our days rushing around going in a little circle all day.  something has just changed inside me and I can only explain it by telling you that it was God doing a new work in me.  The story is so crazy and totally God and this e-mail is already long but if you want to know more, then just ask...
 
so finally after many months of waiting we are ready to go back tonight, for nine days.  we are going with a team of 20 other people and are stoked on getting to use our creole and connect with the kids through a summer camp we are putting on in port au prince.  i will be sending updates when I have internet, assuming I do.  mosquitoes, bugs, voodoo, guys with guns and funny blue helmets, intense heat and humidity and sticking out like a sore thumb - these are all a part of haiti.  but there is also the kids at the orphanage.  in the middle of all of this absolute destitution (where people literally eating dirt) there is hope for this nation through what Jesus is doing with these kids.  It is an absolute honor to be able to be a part of this and I am so excited...
 
please keep us in your prayers if you are a pray-er... we are also hoping to connect with a haitian guy we met who runs a  restaurant in downtown LA who will be there at the same time, hopefully that happens but who knows.  it's haiti!
 
please forward this along to whoever you like or direct them to www.haiticampinabox.blogspot.com like I said I will update when I can hopefully with pictures!
 
lucas simmons

p.s. if you forget about the blog:  my facebook, lucasyalicia.com, flickr.com/photos/lucastheexperience (when there are pictures), lucastheexperience.blogspot.com, and aliciatheexperience.blogspot.com should all be updating

p.p.s. alicia actually went to the bank in AMERICA today and told the teller she was going to Haiti and the guy started talking to her in Haitian Creole!  How funny and totally God is that???

 

FW:

Notes from my last Haiti trip in August of 07

 

A family came to the front gate of the orphanage today.  I'm not sure what happened, but from what I heard she fell off a ladder and was in pain.  We took her to the hospital and originally they said it was dislocated.  Then they said it was dislocated and broken, then they said that she would need an operation and would have to stay overnight.  The original price they gave us was about 500 US dollars.  After that, they told us that if she didn't have the operation her arm would go bad in 5 days and they would have to amputate.  They also told us she would need some metal inserted in her arm, which put us up to $750 US dollars.  Attached is a photo of the Xray (of course I thought to myself before I left, why would I need my good camera? so this is the best I have - it's the full size photo).  If anyone has any doctor friends or friends who have doctor friends and can take a look at the xray and e-mail me back it would be greatly appreciated.  We're leaving tomorrow early in the AM so the sooner the better...
 
Please pray for her.  Sorry I don't know her name, but God does.

Another update

Notes from my last Haiti trip in August of 07

 

Hey all!
 
Thanks for your continued prayers.  Today was an awesome day, we got to take the kids to the beach.  No matter where you go, taking kids to the beach is always a great time to connect with them.  We also got to experience a lot more of Haiti, which we did not think we would be able to do.  There are so many people sitting out on the street, it's so different but so beautiful.  We drove through the countryside and saw some witch doctors houses (the country still has a lot of voodoo activity) and after a 2 hour car ride we were at the beach.  My favorite part was talking to the vendors there, which I think a lot of us did.  It's crazy because it seems like they only really hound Americans to buy stuff, and we seemed like the only Americans there.  Imagine making your living off of such a small market!  No wonder they are so persistent.  I've included a picture of Daniel and myself, who has two kids and a wife.  I've also included a picture of Cicero and Marie.  Pray for them, please.  On the way back, Karl was tossing out toothpaste and toothbrushes out of the van to people on the street.  We hoped to go to a village tomorrow to visit one of the kid's families but it looks like we're going to try and finish the work we didn't do yesterday.  It's so weird to only have one more day here.
 
I hope you enjoy the pictures.
 
Lucas

Notes from my last Haiti trip in August of 07

Hey all,

Sorry for the late update. I had a fever of 102.2 earlier tonight, so i was
kind of worn out the whole day because I was getting something. Luckily I'm
down to 100, and i took a bunch of medicine. No one else here is sick,
which is good. God willing, I'll be over it tomorrow morning so I can go to
the beach with all the kids.

Last night we all sat out on the porch and watched the lightning storm.
I've never seen anything like that. It's hard to capture in pictures,
though. This morning some of us woke up early and did devotions watching
the sunrise over the mountain which was pretty amazing. Then, we did a
soccer clinic at a nearby church with all the kids. These kids pretty much
ran circles around us. Then, we piled everybody in the big truck and went
up to the baptist mission. The scenery there was absolutely amazing and I
bought a couple of paintings from a street vendor and a Creole Bible. Then,
we all went to the Baptist Mission zoo. Which had under 10 animals. An
alligator, rabbits, snakes and a weird monkey. And some birds.

I'm on a mac and i'm running out of battery so no photos this time.

Another update

Hey all

Our first day was great.  We got to meet most of the kids, and when we went to the boys house they started worshipping just clapping and singing.  It sounded so beautiful, I honestly had trouble holding back tears (especially when the kids sang Blessed be Your Name).  It was also cool to hear "our" worship songs in Creole.  As a team, we also did our nightly devotion which was a little different since we're conserving power so all we have is a candlelight and a headlamp.  Everyone was super tired, I think most went to sleep at 8pm.  Today the team is spread out, some are doing Bible class, others working on a playhouse at the girls home.  Our dentist is hard at work pulling teeth and Stephen's doing electrical.  And of course, Andrew is taking video and I'm taking pictures (and we're both trying to work too).  It's pretty hot here and we're trying to drink lots of water, so please pray for protection against any heat related illness.  I've included a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure.  Tomorrow we're probably going to continue construction and maybe do a soccer clinic. 
 
Lucas

HEY!

Notes from my last Haiti trip in August of 07

 
Hey Guys!
 
We made here fine.  God is so good.  We're all really exhausted after the flight, but super excited to be here.  We got off the plane and as we were walking in there was some guys playing music right outside the airport.  Which I thought was super cool.  A guy helped us gather our bags and then we went through customs.  They didn't even check one of our bags, we pretty much walked through.  Which is amazing because we had 20 bags full of supplies for the orphanage.  And outside Bill and Sue were waiting for us in a huge truck with a cage around it.  Even better is right now it's not even that hot.  We just had lunch and are planning to go visit the boys and girls houses soon.  So there's really not a whole lot to say, since we've only been here a few hours.  It's so different from home though, it's hard to describe.  Here are four pictures.  The internet is surprisingly good here right now, so I'll try and send updates when I can.  I'm sure everybody misses everybody haha.
 
Lucas