I knew on the plane that I was with a special group. We had a large group, 18 including our leaders Tim and CherylAnn along with mostly first timers and strangers. Our plane was filled with Haitians and we were mixed amongst them. I witnessed one Britsionary offer gum to a Haitian who was struggling with ear pain and another Britsionary pay for a snack for a Haitian. Genuine moments. Kind souls for sure.

Arriving at BLB is an overwhelming emotional experience, especially the first time. Nothing can prepare you for the lump that arises in your throat as the 66 beautiful children sing “We Are the World”. But it’s the rush of out stretched arms that really catch you off guard as they finish singing and run to us for hugs. They don’t just hug, they look you in the eyes and squeeze love.

Our first night of reflection was delayed as the Zoo room had their first visitor. On the roof, we talked about our eye opening drive into Grand Goave from Port Au Prince. It can be a difficult sight, witnessing the sheer poverty for the first time. There is a lot of trash and there is still devastation from the earthquake. We also talked about Len, Brit’s dad, and the visions he had for the orphanage and for the future leaders of Haiti. He has been fortunate to have incredible support from donors in the US as well as guidance and foresight from people within Haiti. “As brothers we will stand and we’ll hold your hand. Hold your hand.”

Our coleaders worked well together and balanced each other well. Tim, my husband, has led 7 trips and I know he is humbled and full of gratitude for these experiences. He was joined by Mami CherylAnn, Mom of Brit, Bernie, Richie and the 66 beautiful children. CherylAnn is one of the funniest, wittiest, most honest, open and loving people I have ever met. The children adore her and she spends quality quiet time with all of them. But more so, it’s the love she has for Brit and her boys that radiates from her eyes and from her stories. Honestly, I was nervous to have her with us, unsure how I could express my smaller emotions in her presence. But she genuinely wanted us to share and ask her questions. The anxiety that some of us had initially, to have her with us, was quickly overshadowed by her warmth, laughter and home run hits.

Each morning we struggled to wake early enough to watch the magnificent sunrise from the roof. If we didn’t wake early enough, we were sure to wake to Tim’s rendition of “Good Morning Grand Goave. It’s a beautiful day at Brit’s Home. Everybody up!” Sunday we went to church and although it was extremely hot, all of the Britsionarys sat with children stuck to their legs or against their shoulders. We had a special treat, when for the first time, BLB children sang for the church. We visited the work site for the home that we would build for Myrta, a caregiver at BLB. As Sydney said, this was the foundation for our experience. Our journey was beginning.

Monday we began the work. We dugs holes and spread rocks and formed our first Bucket Brigade. With the exception of Devin, who often forgot that the buckets kept coming, it was a smooth process. Children came to watch and to ask for p-willys. These children were hungry, dirty with open sores and yet they asked our names, held our hands, learned “Head Shoulder Knees and Toes” and danced. Every day at the worksite, we listened to music and we danced. Dancing is such a universal and simple way to share ourselves. Throughout the week at the worksite, we were challenged by the heat and we were challenged by the children who wanted the candy. But together we spread concrete, hammered and lifted walls, and painted the blue and yellow home. We made friendships with workers and were in awe of Lyfetts small strong body as he mixed the concrete. Laporte said the opening prayer in English one day and Rose said the prayer in Creole another day. “We are the world connected by a common bond. Love the whole planet. Sing it along”

We had the privilege to get inside the walls of Haiti Arise’s Children Village where we held a baby, a gorgeous little girl and made silly snapchat faces with 3 small boys. We can’t imagine the lives these children could have had if they hadn’t been rescued and saved by this wonderful organization. Throughout the week, we encountered many different organizations in Haiti (Mission of Hope, Tree of Hope, Hands and Feet, Life Line, Food for the Poor), with different philosophies on how to help, and like BLB, each is doing their special part. If everyone picks up one starfish and tosses it back in the ocean, eventually the beach will be cleared.

Our week was sprinkled with magical moments, from mountain views, to warm ocean waters. We joined Bible studies, taught English classes, and played soccer. We cheered on spelling bees and French contests. We built beds, shopped at the market, and visited a voodoo temple. We danced and danced some more. We celebrated with Daffecat as she proudly wore her beautiful white birthday dress and shared her cake. We joined the talent show and “danced” our way through Hoe Down Throw Down. But mostly, we challenged ourselves every day, to make a connection, with a child, a caregiver, a construction worker or each other.

Reflection at night was a special time for our group. Wise, eloquent thoughts, and as Liam pointed out, wisdom doesn’t always come with age. Some of us were more challenged than others to share. But each night, we laughed at funny stories and then also cried as we shared our thoughts on Hope, Faith and Love.

Our last day was a very full day. Rose wrote a special blessing, in Creole and Matt sang a French prayer and as one hand, we gave Mytra the keys to her front door. “Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild a house….You thought you were here being made into a decent little cottage but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” Myrta was extremely excited for her new home and she openly expressed her gratitude and love for our hard work. She wasn’t sure what bed she

would sleep in that night.

At night, on the roof, we watched for shooting stars, a blinking light, to remind of why we were there. Britney Gengel went to Haiti, and after one day, knew that she wanted to start an orphanage. No one will ever understand why this tragedy occurred, but we can all be sure that her light will forever shine through the eyes of the 66 beautiful children and through the hands and hearts of the kind souls of the Greatest of All Teams. Always stay humble and kind.

Lisa Williams