Places

These past two weeks there have been a couple of teams here, so I have had several opportunities to get out and see a little more of La Gonave. And it is beautiful.

The Saline

This past week I helped one team with a VBS they were hosting. They hosted it in one of the neediest areas in town, the Saline or the salt flats. This area lies along the coast and floods often from heavy rains and high tides. The houses there are crumbling from the salt water, and there is always trash and waste in the streets.

But the people are beautiful. The children were great fun as they sang each day, and the pastor was a huge encouragement. We could tell by his big grin and bubbly spirit that he loves God and his congregation.

The team also went back twice to show The Passion of the Christ, and several people accepted Christ at both showings. This is exciting because the need here is so great. We can give away food, clothes, and money every day, and still people go hungry. This can get discouraging, but when you see people coming to know Jesus, it's a good reminder that God's the only one who can meet all our needs.

As a side note, the salt flats is quickly becoming my favorite areas in town because there are so many people to talk to there.

Church

Last Sunday I got to go to church in a small fishing village. We had to take a boat to get there. Then once we arrived, the water was too shallow for our boat to pull up to the dock. Another small boat had to row out and pick us up. It took 3 boats to get us back after church.

But going was a blessing because it showed me another side of Haiti. At one point the secretary was reporting on the monthly offering. One week it was less than 10 goudes, which is about 25 cents! I couldn't help but wonder if the people in the church were giving out of their poverty like the widow gospels.

The Sand Bar

There is a big sand bar just 10 minutes from the coast. We often go there to get away. Well last time we went, I put on goggles and looked at the coral wreath for the 1st time. It was incredible. There were tiny blue, orange, and neon yellow fish everywhere, and waves of sea grass covered the ocean floor. For the first time ever I wished I could breathe underwater. (Next time I'll take a snorkle.)