Julianne greeted me like she always does, with a big smile and in a quiet, sweet voice, “Bonswa!” Then she grabbed my hand and led me down the dusty, dirt road to her school to play. She motioned for me to sit on the ground to play a traditional Haitian game similar to Jax, called Roslē, but you play with rocks.
As some of you know, for safety reasons, the expat staff had to reluctantly return home for almost a month due to political unrest in February. But “for such a time as this” Back2Back’s leadership in Haiti who stayed behind didn’t miss one beat in ensuring the children were loved, seen and known while we were stateside. I am one proud sister.
I returned home to Haiti on January 8th. Yes, I just called Haiti home. Weird I know, but it feels good. When you are doing what is best for you and for others, you know you are in the sweet spot of God’s will, and that home is more than just a physical place.
Like for most accountants, January is a busy month getting the books closed, our systems rolled over to the new year, and new budgets loaded.
2019 is especially busy and exciting because we will see the opening of our new home in Haiti. Continue reading
Six months ago, I boarded a plane with nothing but my passion to serve the orphaned and vulnerable child, a suitcase filled with coffee, three different translations of the Bible, Raid (to kill all the unidentified bugs), essential oils, and one pair of wedges (because you never know when you might need some heels, even in Haiti).
I was ready for such a time as this.
Nope. Continue reading
It was another hot Saturday in Haiti and, per usual, I was sweating. I was working with four other adults from the B2B team. The B2B team was comprised of the Haiti Site Director, child psychologist and two of our Home Captains, who are on staff with Back2Back. The Haiti Site Director oversees the entire staff here in Haiti, the site, and each partnering children’s home. The Home Captains oversee one specific children’s home each and any staff that work directly with the home and in the home.
We were taking 30 of the older children from two of our four homes here in Haiti to serve at a community center operated by the government for about 100 boys who live on the street. Continue reading
I want to start off by letting all of my North Carolina friends and family know how much we have been praying for you here in Haiti. Ya’ll have weathered hurricane Florence like champions and are living out what Jesus meant when He said, “love your neighbor as yourself.” Turning Flo into an outpouring of love and strength. Continue reading
On August 8th, 2018 my Nana died. She had been sick for a while with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Even though I knew this day would be coming, when someone is physically taken from you it feels like the wind is knocked out of you. Or someone cuts off your arm and you know you will never get it back. Grateful though that Nana now knows the joy of what true abundant life is, fully healed in the arms of our Father.
At the time of her death, I was in Ohio attending some trainings with Back2Back. This timing showed me just how known and loved I am by Jesus. Continue reading
This month has been full of surprises. You might have seen news about the recent protests and riots in Haiti due to the increase in gas prices. It was chaotic, violent, and concerning, but things have calmed down and returning back to normal.
Haiti is anything but predictable and boring. Continue reading
Bonjou! Or Bon Swa! Depending on what time you are reading this. Bonjou is good morning in Creole and Bon Swa is good evening. As far as the language goes, that is about all I have learned so far. Basically fluent.
It’s been about a month since I left the US. I am getting settled in my new home, the office, and adjusting to the rhythm of Haiti. The staff and everyone I have met so far have been so encouraging, hospitable, and kind. Continue reading
You know when the things you love to do start to collide with the plans God has for you? That is when I knew global missions was going to be more than just a short term mission trip, and was actually a part of God’s larger plan for my life and His Kingdom. Continue reading
Sarah Ann Noland 