A Pouring Out

One year ago, I rode an escalator down into the sound of drums at the Port-au-Prince airport for the first time. Last week, I descended the same escalator, but this time there were no drums. The nervous excitement that I had last year was replaced by a focus on the itinerary for the week ahead—the volleyball clinic, the incoming team, the Korbanas House, the orphanage visits—the itinerary which, believe it or not, I was leading.

From the top floor of Village Solidarite, Port-au-Prince

When I travel, I love to take the form of a sponge. However, I think after my sixth trip to Haiti, it’s as if I am a sopping, soaked sponge that must be wrung out. The heaviness of increased responsibility is real and the pouring out is necessary.

The good thing is that the responsibility for these children is shared by many—including the awesome team of people that ventured with us on this June trip to Port-au- Prince. In addition to our solid Haiti-based crew of Alain, Ronald and Willy, we were able to host both a veteran and rookie traveling team. Tom Hogan, a former USA National Team Assistant Coach of mine whom God used to invite me into this world last July, was again leading the volleyball curriculum on the court for the 2012 USA Volleyball - Child in Hand Volleyball Clinic in Haiti. Richard Garner, Project Director for CiH, and his brother Mike Garner, serving as our security mastermind, kept us safe and focused, as always.

Marissa Fernandez

Marissa Fernandez and Courtney Searls, young and open to experiencing the truth of Haiti, remained ready to serve in any capacity. In addition to imparting energy and instruction on the volleyball court, the duo teamed up with Jennifer Charles, a passionate and observant Haitian-American college coach in the U.S., in photographing and recording the names of over 160 children at four CiH-serviced orphanages.

I am delighted to say that I believe the primary mission of teaching volleyball well and loving on the 50 plus coaches and 30 or so National Team players was accomplished. In light of this, I wish to highlight a few occurrences that stood out to me along the way…

FAMILIAR FACES
It is true that every time I travel to and from Haiti, I see at least one large group of white-skinned people all wearing the same color t-shirt with a cross or scripture verse somewhere to be found. I do not judge their cause; in fact, in general, I would say that I support it. Yet, what often happens is that such missionaries come for a short time, make promises out of desperation to see change, and then for whatever reason the loving faces that spoke of hope never return and the promises remain only that. Then the people of Haiti see a white face like mine and are often skeptical and guarded—understandably so.

And that is why it is difficult for me to explain how powerful it was to be a face that did come back and to feel the appreciation in the eyes of the coaches on that first day of training. And inside of me, the joy was bubbling over—I couldn’t help it! To again see the faces of “Smiley,” Jean and Winston, and others was a very special gift.

SHE DID IT, SO MAYBE I CAN TOO
During introductions before we began the first training session with the National Team players, I remember time pausing for a moment. Jennifer surprised the crowd by introducing herself in the native language creole. The greater stir happened after she briefly acknowledged her college coaching career in the USA. Heads of her fellow Haitians began to nod, eyes sparkled, and I saw one of the older men tap his fist to his chest in approval as fresh inspiration settled in.

BETTER THAN CUBA
While coaching the Men’s National Team players, Tom would often begin each new instruction with, “The best teams in the world do this…” The reason he did that is because the athletic potential and tenacious hunger of the Haitian athletes that stood before us could absolutely rival the best teams in the world. No smoke. No fake let’s-just-make-them-feel-good-and-happy juice. Instead, he communicated a dose of truth that motivates and warrants a call to more discipline, refinement of technique, and hard work.

CEMENT MUCH?
During our one hour lunch break at a delicious Haitian buffet, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Caroline Graham, the daughter of Margarette Graham—head of the Haitian Volleyball Federation and heartbeat of forward movement for volleyball in Haiti. Caroline a young setter currently training with the Women’s National Team, and I were exchanging stories of knee pain. She informed me that the team usually practices at various schools around Port au Prince—all of which are outdoors on cement (ouch!).

I also learned that there are only two indoor courts in Haiti—notice I did not say two courts in the city of Port-au-Prince, but two in the entire country. To Caroline’s additional frustration, the one in PaP has been under construction for over a year now, and the other indoor court is on the opposite side of the country in Cap-Haitian. I look forward to the day when I can look her in the eye and say the indoor Multi Sport Facility, that CiH, USAV, and other organizations are building in PaP, is ready for use!

PRAYER
One of the most beautiful sights of my life is to see a group of men and women fall to their knees and cast off their hats in readiness to converse with the Almighty God. I have been honored to see and be a part of such humility twice here in Haiti following a session of playing and learning about volleyball. Words cannot express the joy and love that radiates in those moments. Glory—all the glory—belongs to Jesus who will always be found by those who seek Him with all of their heart.

POWER SHARING
Last month Child in Hand and Orphans to Ambassadors installed a complete solar panel system at the Foyer Evangelique orphanage in Criox des Bouquets. We were able to check the status of the system last week, learning that everything is functioning very well—HOORAY! Not only that, but the leadership is maximizing the resource even further by using the extra power to bring in additional money from neighbors who need their cell phones charged!

LITTLE BY LITTLE
Imagine my surprise when I walked into Foyer Evangelique, and in the midst of a strong embrace, my Haitian sister Stenda says to me with a big smile, “I saw you on TV, Tracy!” She was referring to the press conference that occurred on the final day of the clinic.

Both Tom and I, as well as the head coach for the Haitian Women’s National Team were interviewed by local radio, television, and newspapers about the expanding volleyball vision in Haiti. This was a great honor and opportunity, because we must increase awareness. The Haitian Volleyball Federation (FHVB) needs governmental support in order for the ignition of volleyball to gain traction. The press conference shows that the local media was beginning to take note—hey, something is happening here.

The morning after the press conference, Jennifer and I were able to carve out a two-hour "classroom" session with the coaches. We reviewed what they learned on the court the previous two days and discussed details of coaching philosphy (i.e. "What is Success?" and "How will you motivate your players?"). The best part was all of the questions and hands that were popping up throughout the group!

It is worth it to invest in coaches, as well as players. Coaching is mentoring. And what if volleyball is more than just an activity to pass time, but a tool to help inspire Haiti?

THE MAN IN THE BACKGROUND
I would like to mention a man who came on this trip that I had never met before. One thing he said to me is that he prefers to remain in the background, so I will respect that and keep him there—for now. Of course, he helped us advance the mission of Child in Hand—even in ways that we did not know to ask. Even more, his story of God’s hand in his life and the actions that illustrate that fact filled me with great encouragement and inspiration. Merci anpil...

FRISBEE SLAPPIN
Remember how there were no drums at the airport when I arrived in Haiti? Well, that is because the drums were coming later, and by another hand. Within a tiny cement room dimly lit by the fading sunshine, I sat on splintered wood benches with 15 children. The rhythm began simply with a little beat boxing base from the back of my throat and soon swelled into 30 hands banging on benches, snapping and frisbee clapping, with the intermittent “Whoop!”

Loud, unplanned music from the soul… and for the soul.

 

Thanks to God. Thanks to Lily. Thanks to all those involved with Child in Hand who are so patient with me and gracious as I learn.

On with the sponge life …