Grand Goave Day 2: A Unique Experience All Around

Today has been a day of contrasts.  Tent cities surrounded by beautiful scenery.  The dense chaotic atmosphere of Port Au Prince compared to the laid back environment of Grand Goave.  Cold showers when its 90+ degrees outside.  Poor people worshipping with all their hearts next to fortunate Americans who, by comparison are quite reserved.

One team member admitted their hesitance to come on the trip, but when a Haitian girl hopped into their lap at church, their attitude changed immediately. 

Lamar praying while Tiga translates

We experienced a worship service unlike anything I've ever seen. First, it was 3 hours long. I don't think that anyone wants us to adopt that model at FBCD. But, that 3 hours was filled with sincere, passionate and uninhibited worship of the same God that we serve. I didn't understand a word, but I left with great respect for their love of God, and challenged to not hold back in my enthusiasm for God.

FBCD worships with new friends

We learned of the great need of resources to support education in Grand Goave. CBF has helped and great progress has been made, but that funding source is coming to an end next year. They face a great challenge in preparing the local population to begin to work again, to pay for education. But they have a great spirit and look to the Lord to provide. 

We were able to spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach. Most of the group swam in the ocean. The water was perfect. Some bought souvenirs to bring home, including a cool item for the church. Most enjoyed some of the island's best resources: plantains, conch, and lobster. We saw the locals pull the lobsters from the ocean... You can't get fresher than that!

Fresh Lobster!

Tomorrow the real work begins. We are ready. We are excited. But we are here to support the local efforts, not to take over and lead. We may be challenged to curb our desire to make immediate progress. We appreciate your prayers. 

Riding in (and on) a Tap Tap Cab

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;

may the Lord rejoice in his works— he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,

who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. (Psalm 104:31-33 NIV)

-Curtis C.