Thou Shalt Not Speak!

Hello All!

   Currently the team is participating in a fast from speaking. It began last night after we had communion and will go until we say the blessing over breakfast this morning. It has been interesting to see how we interact with one another and find other forms of communication when we need to say something. It seemed as though as soon as I stopped talking, God completely took over my thoughts. I have felt him in the back of my mind last night and this morning as I woke up. So that has been really great to see that as we stop talking, God is able to begin. It is like a conversation I suppose. 

   Today we leave Hotel Panorama at 8am. I am sad to be leaving this place and Kiria, but I am excited for the future; hopefully it brings me back! Yesterday during the "going away" ceremony the school had for us, the community's council gave each one of us a special name. My name was Njoki, which means "the one who keeps coming back." As soon as I heard what the meaning was, I lost it! haha I can't imagine not coming back to Kiria and these kids. I love them very dearly and I can't wait to see them next. I was thinking about heaven and how I cannot wait until all the believers are there. There won't be any more air fares to pay for, excuses to give, or schedules to overcome just in order to visit with these wonderful people. That will truly be amazing!!


Faith

Make Chipati and Rejoice!!

Hello All!

   The team had a MARVELOUS time today!! We started the day off by arriving at the school to say hello to the children for a few minutes before we ha to leave to begin our home visits. The preschoolers my group and I had yesterday were the only ones out playing when we arrived because the older children were still in class. So we had a couple of minutes to give the little ones some attention before the bigger kids came out. It was so cute to watch their little faces light up when they recognized us from yesterday. Precious!

  After playing with the older children for a few minutes and taking many more pictures, we all loaded into the bus to head out to our respective homes that we were going to visit. We stayed in the same three groups we had split into for church and each headed to a different home. My group went to the home of a woman we believe was in her 80's. She lived by herself because he husband died in 2000 and her sons were unable to live with her. A few other women in the community came to assist during our visit however. At the homes, we prepared chai tea and chipati to share with the families we visited. It was hilarious to see myself try to roll the dough into a flat circle and cook it on the cast iron skillet on an open flame. I think they only laughed at me a few times, haha. The time we had to spend with the families at their homes went by extremely fast; we all agreed that we could have stayed a few hours longer had time permitted. The experience to just be in their home cooking with them and to witness some of their daily activities was incredible.

  After our home visits, we headed back to the school for the Rejoice Project. This project basically consisted of game time, crafts, and story time. Everybody split up to the different sections to help out. The kids had a great time listening to the story of the woman who touched Jesus' robe to be healed that I told. It was a great example of Initiative; the main message we were trying to teach the kids through the Rejoice Project.

  It's really hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day in the village already. I know I will probably cry when I have to leave. It's just really hard to leave the people once you get to know their names, personalities, and really connect with them. I definitely see why Ros has come every year since New Hope began going to Kiria. Pray that we all handle tomorrow well; I believe this trip has really impacted each one of us tremendously and I think it will be hard for all of us to leave the people we have met here. Keep us in your prayers!


Faith

Crayons, Water, and Zebras!

Hello again!

   Today the team and I had a fantastic time at the village again. On our ride up to the community, we saw two zebras out in a field we were driving by! They were a bit too far off to get any good pictures, but they were really cool to see for the first time. When we arrived to the village, we split up into two groups - one to stay at the primary school to do an activity with the youngest kids, and the other group to go work on the village's water source. My dad, Amanda, and Dusti and I stayed at the school to work with the kids. We brought along coloring books and crayons for them to color with. They spent the entire time that afternoon coloring a single coloring sheet! They are the most well behaved little ones I have ever met! It was really neat to learn all of their names and to get to know them and their different personalities. 

  The other group hiked into the forest up a little ways on the mountain to the community's water source where they were going to lay pipe down. This piping would eventually bring water access to the school and surrounding area once the pipes were all connected. I snapped a few shots of Dana and Stephen as they were carrying the huge pipes! 

  When we had finished at the community, we took the bus up a mountain to hopefully spot some elephants. Although we did not find any, we saw places where they had broken down trees and foliage in the process of eating/fighting with other elephants/walking. We did see some really cool monkeys though! Today has gone very well; everyone is really enjoying their time spent with the kids in the community. I could 
definitely come back to Kiria again!! 


Faith

Kuha-na Atia!

Hello again!

   Yesterday the team and I visited the village for the first time at their primary school where we had the chance to meet a tonnnnn of kids. From the moment we stepped off the bus, the children were grabbing our hands and hugging us; they were just so glad to see us! They would ask us what are names were and then tell us their own names. We have a hard time remembering all of the children's names! There's just so many! The kids would take each one of us to a different part of their school, showing us where their classes were. When the little girls guided me to one of their school rooms, they tried teaching me some of Kikuyu, which is the language they speak in Kiria. Kuha-na atia, which is the post's title, means "Good afternoon!" They wrote down some words on a small piece of paper so I could remember them. Below are some more words they taught me! (Hopefully I'm reading their handwriting correctly, haha!)


mother - mami
father - fafa
friend - murata
what is your name? - wetagiatia
my name is .. - jitanguo..
how are you? - wemuenga
I am fine. - ndimuenga
finger - nduara
mouth - kanua

   I have been trying very hard to pick up on some Kikuyu words as well as Swahili words; it would be great to learn! Many of the adults in the community are not able to speak English very well, so I would love to be able to learn some of their language so I could converse with them a bit better. The people here are all so welcoming; they definitely want us to think of Kiria as our second home!

  Today we started the day by dividing into three different groups so that each group could attend a different church once we arrived in the village. My group consisted of my father, myself, Dusti, and Dana. The service was GREAT! They really bring the word like Pastor Benji! At each of the services, the team members were given the opportunity to introduces themselves and recite a Scripture verse that was meaningful to them. After the services, two out of the three groups were served lunch by the church members. My group was given chipati (delicious!) with boiled potatoes and lamb soup. It was all absolutely delicious! We ate so much that no one in my group was hungry for the lunch we had packed to eat on the bus.

  After church, the three groups met together again for a crusade, where members of the community sang praise songs and a pastor preached again to everyone. When they were finished, our team presented a play we had prepared for the kids. Kimberly was in charge of organizing the skit and she did a great job! The kids were really intrigued with the story and our bad acting! haha.

  Below are some pictures from today and yesterday; I hope you enjoy them!

Kwahari! (Goodbye in Swahili)

We Made It! Finally!

Greetings from Kenya!!

   I am sooooo happy to say that all members of our team arrived safely to our destination at the Panorama Hotel in Kenya just a few hours ago. Our luggage even all made it here! All in all, the trip went smoothly and we did not have any problems on flights or in anything else. The trip was just extremely long (Dave calculated that we had traveled for a total of 32 hours for those who met up at 3am at New Hope the first morning). Jet lag was very real, but I believe we are all looking forward to a good night's rest tonight. 

  Tomorrow morning we leave the hotel to head to the village in Kiria, Kenya, for the first time! We are all really excited to get to spend time with the people there. Not exactly sure what the agenda is for tomorrow, but I'll keep you posted! No worries, we're having a great time! 


Faith

Off We Go!

Starting at 6am tomorrow morning, the team and I will be finally beginning our travels to Kenya! Below is our planned itinerary -


6am-7:16am                Depart RDU and arrive in
                                   Washington DC.

10:15am-7:45am         Depart DC and arrive in Addis
                                   Ababa, Ethiopia

10:40am-12:45pm       Depart Addis Ababa and
                                   arrive in Nairobi, Kenya




Check back for future posts and updates! Keep us in your prayers as we begin this journey!



Faith

Team Kenya 2013 Travel Team and Their Prayer Requests

Hey, everyone...

Here's the team from newhope church (Durham, NC) that's heading to Kenya this coming week (July 25, 2013).  Please keep all of us in your prayers as we travel and as we spend time in-country with our Kenyan friends.  Also...please feel free to keep up with us as Faith Bauer, Team Kenya 2013 Blogmaster, blogs about our tip on this blog site:  http://hmi-nc.blogspot.com.

We will be in Kenya from Thursday, July 25, 2013, thru Saturday, August 3, 2012.

God's peace to all of you!!

Dave
On Behalf of Team Kenya 2013

Drew Bauer's Prayer Requests:

For God to continue to prepare each of us on the team for whatever situation we might find ourselves in.

That each of us would be used to let God's glory shine through, and that there would be many opened doors to share His love.

That each of us would be kept safe, healthy, and energized

That each of us would open our hearts and allow God to change us in only the ways He can

Keep my son, Andrew in prayers for his safety and wisdom while he is in the Dominican Republic

For my wife, Donna, that she will be kept safe and have some great alone time while Faith and I are gone.

That our travels will go as planned and that ALL our luggage will arrive at the same time we do!

Faith Bauer's Prayer Requests:

Safe travels and good health for our team throughout the trip.
A heart and mind open enough to allow God to work to His fullest capacity during our time in Kenya.
Growth between my father and myself as we embark on this journey together.
A revitalized desire to work in the medical field via overseas ministry. 

Stephen Bozzone's Prayer Requests:

For my wife Karen and son Nicholas while I’m gone and that they will be safe while I’m away.

That God would open my eyes to see others the way he does, and to have compassion.

I’ve been working on an idea for non-profit organization called InnovatingHope.org and I want to move it from the back burner and get going so I need courage and direction.

For everyone's health and safety.

Ron Brooks' Prayer Requests:

Father, Open our hearts, and clear our minds that we may feel Your presence.

Fill us with your spirit, let Your Words flow through us, and let Your light shine through us.

Open our eyes to see the beauty that surrounds us.

Let Jesus be show in us through our actions, thoughts and deeds.

Have us plant a seed in the hearts of the lost that You may work through them.

Keep us safe in our travels, healthy and strong that we may do Your work.

Grant us wisdom that we may fulfill our purpose.

Dave Brown's Prayer Requests:

Father, bless our Kenyan brethren as they seek to follow Jesus and to create a sustainable community devoted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Prepare the heart of every travel team member to be an open conduit of Your loving kindness to everyone they meet.

Erect a high hedge of protection around every team member.

Bring the team together as a family.

Help Dave live a surrendered life.

Give Him Your Mind and enable Him to feel Your Heart

Enable him to humbly serve his team members.

Keith Fox's Prayer Requests:

Heavenly Father, I pray...

That our mission team has a safe passage to and from Kenya, is illness and injury free during the duration of the trip and that your divine presence is felt the entire mission.

That the family and friends supporting our mission team come to terms that you are with us and that worrying about what might or could happen to us is unnecessary.

That our time in Kenya is spiritually enriching to the mission members, the Kenyan people and those supporting us from afar.

That the Kenyan people are receptive and we find them in good health and spirits.

In your son’s name, Amen.

Kimberley Pierce Cartwright's Prayer Requests:

I pray that I can meet my financial obligations for this trip.

I pray that God will use me, and that I will be open to His call.

I pray that my family will be protected while I'm away.

I pray for good health and that I will be protected from disease.

I pray for good relationships for our mission team.

I pray for time for devotion and quiet time for meditation.

I pray for protection against enemy warfare.

I pray for safe passage to Africa and back home.

I pray that I will be able to witness God's answers to my prayers and that I will be humble in accepting His movements in my life. 

 
Roz Lloyd's Prayer Requests:

That our newhope team will have a safe and enjoyable flight.

That we will experience the joy of serving God.
That our Kirian brothers and sisters will experience God in a Grand Way.
That our friends and families will be well and that they will keep us in their daily prayers.

Amanda Mancuso's Prayer Requests:

God, help me to...

Reset:  Help me turn off the demands of home and be fully present.

Surrender:  Open my heart and mind for this experience.

Serve:  May I be a servant to everyone I encounter.

Connect:  Help me build meaningful relationships with those I encounter.

Return:  Seal the experience in my heart for when I return to "normal" life.

Dana Raines' Prayer Requests:

Safe travels for our Kenya 2013 team.
A continued strengthened relationship with our Kenyan brothers and sisters.
For us to see what God wants to do IN and THROUGH us.

Dusti Sellers' Prayer Requests:

Father, take what each of us has to share and multiply it to glorify your purposes.

Prepare our hearts, and the hearts of all we come in contact with, to encounter You in each and every moment.

Open the eyes of each team member to see how truly blessed we are to be able to serve alongside our Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ.

Work within each of us so that Your Son is clearly seen in our actions, thoughts, and deeds.

Open the hearts of those who don't know You, and use Your servants to lay seed on that fertile soil through the relationships built.

Father, protect each and every team member's safety, health, and strength of heart for what You have in store.

Help me, oh God, to serve, to surrender, and to strive to be more Christ-like because of this experience.

Haiti 2013 Photographs - January and April Trips

Hey everyone...

Photos from the most recent trips to Haiti can be viewed on our newhope church Haiti shutterfly account.

The log-in info is provided below.

God bless!!

Dave

Log-on to:  www.shutterfly.com
User email:  newhopehaiti@hotmail.com
Password:  jezuchrist

Wednesday, Day Six, 1 May

Wednesday (Day Six), 1 May

753a...

Good morning!!

And so begins our last full day here in Bohoc, for tomorrow morning we depart for PaP.

This morning began with a walk down to the river, followed by several cups of morning coffee, and then breakfast.  Soon we'll be heading out to do more work in the village.  Some of us will be working on a road-widening project while the rest of us will complete the cataloguing project we began three days ago.

Oh...gotta go.  Ramsey just walked by and said we're getting ready to do morning devotions.

See you in a bit!

1155a...

We all just got back from our morning work sessions.  Five of us finished the cataloguing project, while ten of us helped with a road widening project.  Regarding the cataloguing of children for sponsorships, I think that a total of 170 children were registered.  I can only image the fruit that will be born as all 170 children are quickly sponsored by families back in the U.S.  Please pray with me that all 170 will be fulfilled soon!!

I need to run as lunch is being served.

More later.

220p...

Most of us just woke up from our afternoon siestas, and now we're getting ready to head to the souvenir market.  The souvenir market is just for us, and it's comprised of between 40 and 50 women who come out to peddle things they've made or acquired.  As we try to do each time, we're all going to do our best to try to spread our purchases out among the women so that everyone gets at least some business.  After attending the  souvenir market, we're planning head back to The Wisdom Club.

4:59p...

We just got back from a wonderful time at The Wisdom Club.  We were all so impressed by the hunger (to learn) of the club members, and we've been especially impressed by the spirit, joy, and surrenderedness of Tyrondo, the adult mentor for the club.  I think some of our group is heading over across the street to play with some of the kids at Kris Sel Espwa, while some of us are taking some much needed down-time.  We're sad that this is our last day in Bohoc, but, as with everything, the ending of one journey is the beginning of another.

Thanks to all of you who've prayed for us throughout the week.  We're all so very grateful for your love and support of us, and we hope that someday you can come and be with us as we come back to visit with God's people again and again and again in this place.

2 May, 455a...

Last night was awesome!!

After dinner, we surprised by a visit from Kedum, a 35+ member choir from Maranatha Church right here in town.  Fabijean, who's the leader of the choir, said they've been singing together for a little over 32 years now.  Fabijean is such a warm, genuine soul; I remember Fabijean from previous trips.  Kedum was fabulous!!  What a blessing they were to all of us.  We had so much fun as we listened and clapped along to their singing.  They even sang a couple of songs that includes some English and one that included an African dialect.  Fabijean said, "We like to do this because we don't know yet what language will be spoken in Heaven, and we just want to make sure we're prepared." :o)

After the choir left, we circled-up and had our last meeting with the Bohoc Leadership Council (BLC).  Even though all of us were pretty tired by this point, what a special time this was for everyone, and what an honor it was just to be with these great men and women of God once again.  Provided below is a summary transcript of our last meeting...

Participants:

Jedlain Greffard, The 410 Bridge (410)

Adias, BLC¹

Jerome Greffard, BLC

Jasmin Jepseh, BLC

Madam Emma, BLC

Madam Jacques Maomi, BLC

Destruel, BLC

Pastor Isaacs, BLC

Dave, Team Haiti 2013/April

Shelly, Team

Denise, Team

Robert, Team

Tracy, Team

Amy Lynn, Team

Benjamin, Team

PBK, Team

Leslie, Team

Ramsay, Team

Myron, Team

Reah, Team

Joey, Team

Louise, Team

Tyler, Team

Note 1:  Six of the thirteen total council members were not present for this meeting.

Summary Transcript:

Adias...

The time has arrived to thank you for your presence here with us this week.

Thank you for leaving your country to come to Haiti.

We've been overjoyed to have you here to share this time with us.

Because of our many activities, not all of the BLC could be here.  But those of us who are here to talk with you.

When we met at the beginning of the week, we didn't have as much to share.  We do now!

Thank you for coming here to be with us.  We pray for God to give you a safe trip back home.

Jerome...

In the name of Haiti--greetings!

When Christopher Columbus found Haiti, he said, "This is a nice country."

I feel like a big man because I live in Haiti.  Haiti's a blessing for us...it's very dear to us.

Many spilled their blood so that we could be free.

We're so excited that you came to visit us again.

We have many beautiful people here in Haiti, but many who've not be able to go to school because of weak economics.

You came, and it was a blessing from God.

God loves us, and He must love you, too, because He allowed you to come and be with us!

Please remember us.

We thank your church, your families, and your friends for letting you come.

When you leave, please know that our people have a special place in their hearts for you.

The BLC loves you.

Even though I have 9 children, I feel really young because I get to work for the community.

I feel sad, though, because I am a widower.

Please keep me in your prayers so that I will be able to keep working for my community.

I know that some of you will come back because you know you have friends here.  And I believe, too, that God will send you back.

May God in his everlasting love be with you, and may He bless you, your family and your husband or wife...or, if you don't have a husband or wife, may he bless your girlfriend or a boyfriend.  And may He one day give you children, too.

Jepseh...

I was sad that I couldn't meet with you on that first day you were here.  But I was glad that I got to meet some of you at the soccer game on Sunday.

My name is Jepseh, and I am the secretary of the BLC.

We have joy in our hearts because you came to work together with us.  I'm happy, but sad at the very same time, because you're leaving us tomorrow.

We've all talked about how hard you've all worked.  And how hard young Benjamin worked on this his first trip to Haiti.  In him we saw the messages of your affection for us.

Thank you all for taking pictures of all our children and for widening the road.

Thank you for doing the home visits and for praying for our people.

Many of our people are asking when you will do more visits.  They love it when you honor them with your presence and prayers.  They will never forget you.

We cannot stop thanking you.

We hope those who are here for their first time will return to the states and share with their friends about their experiences so that more will come visit us next time.

Please tell them we don't want their money, only their friendship.

May God bless you all...for leaving your country, your families, and your jobs to come help us in our community.  Our thanks, too, are to Pastor Benji and your church.

We're looking forward to meeting again in January.

Adias...

If any of you have anything you'd like to share, please do so now.

Joey...

I really enjoyed the variety of activities we got to do this week.  I always enjoy the road widening and the comradeship.  I was disappointed, though, that we didn't get to spend a day with a Haitian family.  I was really looking forward to that.

I love Haiti!!

Bondye bene ou!!

Denise...

Thank you--ESPECIALLY, to the adults--who interacted with Tyler throughout the week.  I know that he's got a lot of energy, and everyone loved on him like he was their own child.  That was really special to me.  Thank you!

Louise...

I want you to know how much I appreciated being able to register your children for the sponsorship program.  I'm looking forward to newhope (and myself personally) supporting many of them.

Also, if I'm given another opportunity to come back to Bohoc, I'd like to spend more time at Madam Elmarie's home with her and the elders of your community.  I want more time loving and sharing with them.  Our time with them on this trip was too short!

Leslie...

I'd like to say thank you for opening my heart.

This was my very first time doing mission work.

What a beautiful people and a beautiful land for God to bring me to for me to begin my life of missionary work.

Since I've been here, I've seen happiness, sadness, hard work, and community like never before.

God spoke to me earlier when I was out at the road widening site.  This is what He said, "These are my people who build fences to open up community."  In my country, most people build fences to separate and close off community.

I must bring all of this back to my community and teach them that there is no separation in God.

And I thank you!

Amy Lynn...

It was such a blessing to be invited into people's homes to pray with them.

It was such a blessing, too, for us to be able to play with the children.

Thank you to all those who hosted us, to the women who cooked for us, to Jedlain, and to al the translators who worked with us throughout the week.  Everyone treated us so well.

Tracy...

I want to say thank you.

I missed all of you at the road widening [Jedlain:  Not me, because I was with you at the children registrations!]

As some of you may know, this was my second trip to Haiti.

Haiti is forever in my heart.

On this trip, I especially loved The Wisdom Club.

Pastor Chevenau talked about how much discipleship has been lacking in Haiti and how Haiti needs more hope.

At newhope, we have small groups that meet throughout our community in addition to church on Sundays.  I would love to be a part of more small groups here in Bohoc like The Wisdom Club.

Ramsay...

I'm very proud personally of how much the BLC has done here in the last three years.

You all are unsung heroes...unappreciated heroes.

See you in January!

Madam Emma...

We've been very happy to have you in our community.

May God protect you as you travel back home tomorrow.

We hope to see you again soon.

Madam Jacques Maomi...

I am a member of the LC and the leader of the Kris Sel Espwa Children's Group.

I felt so sorry that I could not be there with you and the kids on that first day.  I'm happy, though, because I love your presence in the community.

As I know that you are moms, dads, brothers, and/or sisters to others, please forgive my kids if any of them were mischievous.  [Ramsay:  They were all very well-behaved.]

Adias...

Finally....thank you!

We are very happy when we have teams come and give us feedback.

We wish that when you come back that the team will be bigger.  We'd like there to be at least 30 people on the next trip! [Dave:  Me, too!!]

I want to tell you that your home visits made everyone so very happy.  We do them after church ourselves.  We will make sure to keep them a part of your time here with us on every trip.

If no one else has anything to add, let's stand and pray.

PBK...

I have something to say...

I just want to thank you for the great translator we had--JEDLAIN!!

And so ended our last meeting with the BLC.

631a...

As we're getting ready to eat breakfast and because we have a very busy morning and day ahead of us, this will be my last post of the trip.

Again, I wish to write how thankful I am to all of you for praying for us and for keeping up with us while we were in-country here in Bohoc.  May God bless you richly.

In Him, and on behalf of Team Haiti 2013/April,

Dave

Haiti Unlocked

Bohoc, Haiti

2 May 2013