As we crested the top of the hill, a glorious view appeared with both sunset ablaze and terrain that was sprouting color in every direction.  It was a postcard moment complete with a cool breeze.  CHAMPS had just wrapped up its last day of clinic, serving 515 patients in one day.  Exhausted and emotionally drained, we were filled up by the promise of this new land we were stepping on to.  HOME Team members Jusme, Pepe and Bully excitedly narrated to the team what the land meant and was going to become.  Pastor Jusme and his wife embraced as they talked about where their house would be placed.  Andre, one of the team translators and W.I.S.E. graduates began to sing, "Thanks, thanks, I give you thanks - for all you've done. I am so blest, my soul is at rest, Oh, Lord I give you thanks."  The rest of HOME joined in.

So many pictures from the week will be forever imprinted in my memory.  This picture was one so full of joy, promise, and the reality that our God is faithful.  He was showing me through all the pain and heartache we had been privy to, that He was in control.  He had provided health care workers who, through compassion and skill, delivered medical attention.  He provided skilled translators who were the bridge between languages and shared through example and words the love of Christ.  He provided safety in a week packed with travel.  He provided friendship and community.  He showed up on the faces of community leaders, pastors, children and a dentist, Vava, who would not quit.  And at that moment He shouted out through his creation, "HOME,”  you have made it home.

Ground breaking for Pastor Jusme and Esther’s house will be this month.  We look forward to updating you the progress of the construction. 

Treating  burns and abscesses - seeing a woman in her hut only 2 hours after giving birth - showing an 8 year old girl how to massage her bed-bound grandfather’s legs after he survived a stroke - transporting an 87 year old woman by truck to the closest hospital for fluids as she vomited  - passing out suckers to every child and adult swarming the medical rooms - caring for a beautiful little girl who admitted to being sexually abused - comforting a woman who had multiple miscarriages - providing a pair of glasses - treating a burn victim in his yard because he could not walk to the clinic - passing out Haitian grown rice - sharing laughter and tears, hope and encouragement - working hand in hand and heart to heart. This was CHAMPS and HOME January 4-11, 2017. 

I have known Kay Anderson for seven years.  It was my pleasure to work with her organization and team, Champs.  When we work with Kay we know things will be organized and professional.  This trip was no exception.  Pulling together people from Minnesota, Arizona, and Tennessee, Kay provided a perfect package.  Champs provided care to 1,526 Haitians in five days!  Luke101 invited Dr. Vava, a local Haitian dentist, to join the group; he volunteered his services throughout the week. Many times Vava called me over to the chair to show me teeth he wanted to save - but because of lack of equipment his only service to offer was an extraction. Vava pulled over 140 teeth in four and 1/2 days! 

On the final day, a small framed woman wearing a pale yellow dress emerged from the chair holding her jaw.  She had waited for hours for her turn with the dentist.  With her purse tucked under her arm she walked to the gate waving her other hand in the air and repeating, "Meci, meci, meci!"