Since the FAA banned American pilots and American planes from traveling into Port-au-Prince after gangs attacked commercial aircraft in November 2024, my visits to Haiti Awake have been limited. In fact, this is the least amount of time I’ve spent in Haiti in a single year since the founding of Haiti Awake. By God’s grace and with the help of good friends, I have, however, had the joy of traveling to Port-au-Prince four times in 2025. This October trip was, by far, the best of the four.
Our Haiti Awake staff has grown in both size and capacity this year, and I am incredibly proud of our leadership team and the way they are directing activities day-to-day on the ground. It was my great joy to join them for a few days to see what God is doing and how our organization has moved from surviving to thriving this year.
Thursday
I arrived in Cap-Haitien, then traveled on to Port-au-Prince. It was the 1st night of the family conference at EEGC.
Friday
We had a staff meeting in the morning, followed by a visit to CERMICOL in the afternoon. It was the 2nd night of the family conference at EEGC.
Saturday
I had the pleasure of visiting multiple English classes full of students from CCS in the morning, followed by day 3 of the family conference at EEGC.
Sunday
Sunday was full of joy and tears as we gathered for the last day of the family conference and said goodbye to Phebe who is now in Camp Perrin. I also had the joy of visiting the Charles family in their home. Given the government’s continued efforts around the north wall of the airport, I do not take for granted the ability to visit like this.
Monday
It was back to school for Handy and Davensky, and we had another staff planning time in the morning. This was followed by shopping for monthly CCS groceries, a trip across town to pick up Caleb and Widecherline from school, and a quiet evening with the boys while they did homework.
Tuesday
Tuesday morning came much too soon. After dropping the boys off at school, it was time to shower, change, and get to the airport. I was sad to say goodbye to everyone, but I’m hopeful I’ll be back in Port-au-Prince in early 2026.
It continues to be my great joy and privilege to know and love Haiti. A byento!