Recollections from the first team trip to Pignon – 2014
Hello, my name is Saundie.
It was seven years ago this month that I visited Pignon with a small group from my church. Of the seven of us, Denny was the only one who had traveled to Haiti and knew Pastor Francois and the work he was doing at the Children’s Home and in his community. We were there to help Pastor with various projects at the orphanage, host a Vacation Bible School, explore the area to learn about the community, and play with the children.
The trip was eye-opening for me in ways I had expected, but also in many ways I had not anticipated. I remember landing in Port-au-Prince and boarding a very small plane to Pignon. It was hot and humid, as you would expect from a Caribbean island in the summer. Pastor Francois greeted us when the plane landed. He was excited when we arrived and welcomed us to his home. I remember eating plantains for the first time (but definitely not the last!).
Over the course of the week, we learned about many of the ways Loving Haiti supports Pastor Francois and his church. Our days were not planned or organized as I was used to back home. There was little preparation for things, and often we would just get up and go when we were needed, but it was never in a hurry. The children loved having us there. We played with them, laughed with them, and sometimes, we just sat with them. I think just having our attention was enough for them. On the days that we had VBS, children from all over the town came. We fed them lunch, and often it was their only meal for the day.
We also visited a feeding clinic that was run by friends of Pastor Francois. The feeding clinic provides formula, baby food, and medications for families with young children. This was a really touching experience for me. I am now a mother myself, and thinking back on this experience brings tears to my eyes. I cannot imagine being unable to feed my baby. I am so grateful for the people feeding the youngest of God’s children.
The poverty in Haiti is so striking, and while I was on the trip, I often thought how odd it was that I could hop on a plane and in a few hours be in a place full of wealth and comfort. I still struggle to understand the disparity, but I know that God is working in Haiti. I can see it in Pastor Francois’s smile, and I see it in every person who works with him to help those in his community.
I think what stood out to me the most was that Pastor Francois was simply doing what needed to be done. He saw a need in his community, and he and his wife have stepped in to help. They opened their doors and began feeding the children. As they did, others stepped up to support them and the ministry grew. I am so grateful I was able to meet the children and the people of Pignon.
