Days One and Two in Haiti

I had to copy and paste this blog from my email, so the formatting is all messed up.  Sorry about that!!!  ~Stefanie~

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We are definitely in Haiti, my friends.  It almost seems like the trip
was not real up until we stepped off that plane.  I'm still trying to decipher
all the emotions that are running through my mind.  Like
all good trips, some luggage was lost, there was lot of confusion
while trying to find the bags that did arrive, and all the
sights and sounds of a third world country are overwhelming.

After arriving yesterday, we loaded up in our
van and truck and we spent an hour driving to Port-au-Prince to reach
our new home at Ebenezer (the name of the church and orphanage).  We
were immediately swarmed by 70 Haitian children, asking what
our names were.  All the boys really wanted me to give them my
watch.  We then ate some delicious  Haitian meatballs with beans & rice
and prepared for today.  Our team ended the night with a team meeting
  in which we each shared treasured memories of our childhood.  We do not
know each of these children’s stories but we do know they contain
loneliness, trauma and great pain and loss. Each of them need healing
and we believe that part of that healing begins with love.  The
amazing thing about love is that it needs no interpreter to speak --- it
speaks through hugs, soccer balls and laughter.  And that is what
today is about. It is not even 3pm and we are exhausted but that’s ok
because we did not come here on our own strength.   Betsy and I are both
doing well and love all the members of our team.  Please keep us in your
prayers.

Prayer Requests:
1.  Energy to keep going (it is HOT)
2.  Betsy is experiencing a little swelling in her feet and ankles
3.  Continue to pray for unity for our team (been great so far)
4.  Pray, Pray, Pray for these precious little children

We covet your prayers and have encountered less of what you see on TV.
Haiti is a cup half-full not half-empty.  A lot of love and care are needed
but God is at work.  We are seeing it all around us.

May God's power bring wonderful healing into these children's lives.