Clinic in Canaan

In June 2011, True Love Live was able to connect with two compassionate doctors from Texas, Joella and Tad. They worked alongside Gospel Fire Ministry out in Camp Canaan to put together a two day medical clinic. The doctors were able to see over 15o patients and give love and hope to these people who were hungry, sick, and malnourished. Tad, one of the volunteer doctors stated that most of these children are missing out on basic protein and are so hungry…he  could see the beginning stages of malnourishment. It is just going to get worse if they don’t start eating more protein enriched food.The line of patients was consistent and eager.

The Team: Angela, Moses, Joella, Tad, Sarah, Rose, & Carmelo

Below: The Doctors hard at work.

beautiful haiti

There are times when one feels that you are experiencing real beauty that many people will never get to experience. This beauty cannot be explained, but it must be experienced. People try to take pictures to try to capture it, but still if you are not there at that very moment you are missing out. I hope to encourage you to seek out those opportunities that will take your breath away.

I hope to share with you two of these moments in Haiti:

Below is a beautiful time where children are having fun in the light of the sunset, outside of a youth rally, and on top of their houses. They are playing with their kites that they have made out of plastic bags and sticks.

Here below shows how after much effort and progress these children get a consistent meal for lunch every day at school.

progress out in Camp Canaan

Went out to Camp Canaan to visit the church and it bring so much joy and happiness.  Working along side Gospel Fire Ministry to help the poor, orphans, sick, and hungry. There was a church service and after each service all the kids get sweet Haitian juice and protein enriched crackers. I am working on my Creole and every time I visit I am able to communicate more and more. Mwen Remen Ayiti!=I love Haiti!

Haiti

Update: March 19, 2011

Out in Camp Canaan I get the privilege to attend a VERY UNIQUE church service. While I do not understand most of the service, because it is in Creole, I get to sit next to precious children and make peanut butter sandwiches to give out to the kids at the end.  Working with my other Haitian friends has been such a blessing and learning experience. Gospel Fire Ministry is still working hard to help the people out in Camp Canaan. They hope to build a small kitchen and continue school during the week and church every Sunday.

This weekend is the presidential election so many people will not be on the streets. During the elections it is very dangerous. This election is very crucial please keep Haiti in your prayers.

Christmas Party in Camp Canaan

Here are so pictures from December 24th out in Camp Canaan with the Gospel Fire Ministries:

One Year

Word of the day: Pencils

All of us could be considered pencils. God is using us to make a beautiful masterpiece. We are a mere reflection of the inexpressible, indescribable, undeserving love that envelops all of humankind.

“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”- Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa put it so perfectly that we get to be a tool that is being used to write a love letter. This love letter that we get to be apart of is a beautiful song, a sweet whisper, and a caring smile. 

Love can be an inexpressible language. Sometimes love cannot be contained in simple writing or any combination of words.  From the very beginning love began because of the omniscience, omnipotent, omnipresent love that God sent to drive into the depths of each of your hearts. Many times man gets distracted or clouded visions of the hope that is within. 

Today is JANUARY 12, 2011 and it has officially been 1 year since the earthquake.

Today I had the privilege to worship with over 10,000 Haitian people in a church service from 6am to 6pm.

Today I was able to connect with so many different people that I have missed over the Holiday break. 

Today is a new day. 

Currently Haiti needs our prayers for healing and continual restoration.

If you would like to look at some amazing photos of the before and after shots check out:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/01/haiti_one_year_later.html

Returning back to Haiti has been a tough and honest reminder of how small my view was of God and the world. Today I was able to checkup with Gospel Fire Ministries and they told me all about Christmas party they had over the break with Camp Canaan.  They told me about the children and how much fun they are having. It made me realize what I am here for and what a beautiful love letter we all get to be apart of.

It was hard saying “good-bye” to family and friends because I hard such an amazing time back in California. Thank you again to all of those I was able to see or talk to over the break.

Gospel Fire School

Here is a video update of Camp Canaan and the affects of Hurricane Tomas. Praise God it did not hit Haiti has hard as expected. The North and South was strongly affected but not P.A.P where many of the tent cities are located.

Hurricane Tomas

November 5, 2010
WORD OF THE DAY: TOMAS

HURRICANE TOMAS is beginning to pass over Haiti. It has been raining since yesterday and the winds are estimated to reach 80 mph if it continues to be a category 1. From the National Hurricane Center it states, “…AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE PLANE FINDS THAT TOMAS HAS BECOME A HURRICANE…”

For me, Sarah Carlson, I am safe at the place that I am staying.  This morning I woke up at 5am to the thought of  the families out in Camp Canaan and all over Haiti who are living in the tent cities. They will have no protection in this storm. All we can do is pray that many of them were able to find people to stay with. The Haitian Government told the people to find another place to go… without providing a place for them to go. The Hurricane has not even hit Port-au-Prince yet and the consistent rain is going to devastate so many people.

I am not sure what God is doing but I know that He is in control. The song by David Crowder Band “How He Loves” has a whole new meaning to me. When it states that “He is Jealous for me…loves like a Hurricane…I am a tree…bending  beneath the wind and weight of his mercy…” I am able to get a better picture of God’s love for us.  The strength of God’s love is incomparable and so powerful. One’s own heart begins to ache as you realize just how much He loves us.

If you would like to follow along with the status of the Hurricane you can check out this website. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#TOMAS   It is very helpful and it is updated about every 6 hours so you can see the progress.

Please continue to PRAY!

Problems

TRUE LOVE LIVE UPDATE
November 2, 2010

WORD OF THE DAY: PROBLEMS

If is it not one problem then it is the next. As my Haitian friend told me two nights ago, “I feel like I am running, running, running and running and end up back in the same place.” He was trying to tell me why he wanted to move because it was so frustrating here. Just when you think you have a place to stand you slip and fall.

Haiti is survival of the fittest…this I know.

Haiti is a beautiful, enchanting, and fascinating place but at the same time there are many problems. I do not mean to bash Haiti in any way because each day that I am here I feel so blessed to be here. I love it here and I could not imagine myself anywhere else.

A few days ago I was talking to one of my fellow teachers about how we should document the corruption/injustice toward the Haitian people since the earthquake.  I mentioned this idea to another colleague who has lived here most of his life and he told me that people get killed for doing those types of things. The problems in Haiti are horrendous and the people allowing the problems are very very dangerous. The problems in Haiti are not getting fixed.

When I first heard about the earthquake a classmate of mine, that is Haitian, told be that this is probably the best thing for Haiti.   I could not understand how she could say that.
I asked her, “all these people had died…how can you say that?”
She replied, “before the earthquake many people did not even know of Haiti. Now Haiti will FINALLY get some help.”
Yes, I would have to agree with her that many people did not know about Haiti and that Haiti did receive help BUT at the same time NOW where is Haiti?? It is off the news, off the map, and worse off. There are problems. Problems that are not being fixed.

True Love Live is still alive and working. God is still moving and God is still opening doors. Life can get a hold of everyone and time can seem to pass by so fast.

Now the problems are not just healing from the traumatic  experience on January 12th. Now they are dealing with the Cholera epidemic and Hurricane Tomas that is heading straight toward Haiti.

Check out an article to understand the severity of the storm heading this way:

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Tropical-Storm-Strengthens-Threatens-Haiti-106535279.html

or follow the status of the hurricane on:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

The problems in Haiti are frustrating and can become overwhelming.

PRAYER:
Please pray. Please pray for the problems. The big problems and the small. God is in control and He is guiding and leading us. Please pray for Haiti.
Pray for open hearts and protection against the storm and sickness.
Pray for the gospel to penetrate the thoughts, heart, and minds of the people.

progress!!!!!

WORD OF THE DAY: Progress…

Some exciting news…out in Camp Canaan there has been huge PROGRESS…

Prayer:
For God to bring people.
The Cluster Meeting with NGO’s next Tuesday.
Joy & Perseverance.
Sickness (in the tent city and with me)

Check out the Video Below to see that amazing progress!!! We need help to do more—->

Water

UPDATE: September 15, 2010

WORD OF THE DAY: water

True Love Live has been working with Generosity Water to raise support and money to drill clean drinking water wells out in Camp Canaan, HAITI.

This video below shows where we are working and some of the faces we are hoping to bring clean water to:

check out this short clip——>

If you would like to donate PLEASE check out this website below. The money donated will go STRAIGHT TO CLEAN drinking water.

Generosity Water

PRAYER:
God heal the hearts of the broken.
His will be done- not ours.
Perseverance to press on.
Open Doors.

Perseverance

TRUE LOVE LIVE UPDATE
September 9, 2010

WORD OF THE DAY: Perseverance

So much has been happening in the past week. Where to start?
Life has it’s ups and downs but the important thing is to keep your eyes on the prize. We all press on toward the prize to which Christ has called us to. TRUE LOVE LIVE is still working along side Gospel Fire and Generosity Water to bring clean drinking water and food out to Camp Canaan. As we return week after week it is a reminder of the reality of how most of the Haitian people are still living. Things have not changed and are going to continue to stay the same unless something huge takes place. Out in the tent city they sleep on the ground with what materials they have collected. When it rains the ground very quickly turns into mud.

Their shelters are close to nothing and they wear whatever clothes they can find.  Fighting over food and water is a daily occurrence…this is perseverance.  Life can get so distracting sometimes and we can forget just how blessed we are.

The earthquake is still so raw and so fresh in so many peoples minds. Just today I had a student ask if i felt the earthquake at 3 am last night or if the classroom will be okay because there is a crack in the wall.  Teachers at the school have lost loved-ones and there are even some teachers who have not returned as a result of January 12th.  This year is a new year and Haiti continues to persevere. Haitian’s are honestly some of the strongest people I know and they have the ability to persevere through some of the hardest times.

As TRUE LOVE LIVE continues to persevere along-side Gospel Fire we will continue to pray, seek guidance, ask for help, and take up the full armor of God against the enemy that so easily discourages so many of us. From Asia to Antarctica helping people and serving others is no easy task.  Finding people who are genuine and legitimate to do that job can even be even more difficult.

HUGE PRAISE we have been working more and more with Generosity Water and their connection here in Haiti called Operation Blessing. We went out with them and surveyed the land and the location of where we will be able to dig the fresh water wells. It has been a long process and it will continue to be a long process but with perseverance God is able to work. If you would like to help donate to help build a well out in Camp Cannan or just to see more about what is going on with the well please check out this link—–>
http://mygenerositywater.org/24

Please PRAY for…
-More guidance and discernment
-Finances for the shelters
-PERSEVERANCE
-& JOy

Sharpening

August 30, 2010

Back in Camp Canaan

August 25, 2010 True Love Live returns to Camp Canaan.

Working on shelters and getting clean water.

Back to School

True Love Live August 23, 2010

Words of the Day: Open Doors

Yesterday morning, I (Sarah Carlson) arrived safely with TRUE LOVE LIVE into Port-au-Prince Haiti, into the HOT- humid- morning air. I had a friend, Carmelo, from the Gospel Fire Ministry inside the airport (which is unheard of) ready to usher me back into this beautiful country. It was a difficult process leaving family and friends and even though I sat by myself in the airport I didn’t feel alone:) I have the sandwich of support behind me and ahead of me. I am not sure what God has in store but he is already reminding me that HE IS IN CONTROL.

TRUE LOVE LIVE IS ALIVE!!!! & God continues to open doors!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Not after one day in Haiti True Love Live began to connect and continue the relationships as the doors begin to open:

True Love Live has been reconnecting with Gospel Fire and Uni Techo Para Mi Pais to be able to bring more assistance and love out to Camp Canaan. We are hoping to raise support to bring shelters out to the tent city for a school, medical clinic, and a church.

I just got off the phone with Jonathan Shapiro who was helping us sell a car to raise money to buy a car here in Haiti.  He just informed me that the car was sold for $3,500. In order for us to get a reliable car we will have to raise around $1500 but we are already more than half way:) This is new and exciting news!!!!

On a side-note: The new teaching job is exciting and very challenging. My role as an ESL teacher could change to an 8th grade teacher and my classroom is still needed to be set-up. Lots to do in so little time:)  Morning Star Christian Academy has been taking care of me and I feel very loved here.

PRAY:

-God will provide a means to a end (with transportation). This is a huge necessity as we begin to make more and more connections with organizations.

-Support for the shelters in Camp Canaan

-Wisdom and Discernment

Thanks for your love,

Sarah Carlson

Gospel Fire Video

Backpacks!

Word of the Day: BACKPACKS

Yesterday we set out on a mission to take the BACKPACKS to an orphanage called Foyer D’Orelph. As we arrived it was hard to believe the living situation and just how many children were there. It was an exciting process to be able to deliver the BACKPACKS but it was hard to hold back the tears. One of my teammates from Gospel Fire asked if I was okay and I replied “no, I am not okay. This is not okay… these children…this hurts my heart. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!”

As we sat a girl came over and held my hand and began to lean on me. These children need love, hope, and a change. It was good to see that the supplies that we brought over were going to children who do not have anything. It was encouraging to see the smiles on their faces and at the same time saddening to know that they will continue to sleep on the concrete floors and wear the same stained/dirty clothes.

As we drove away I uploaded the pictures of us passing out the backpacks and my heart hurt. It hurt. I know there are GREATER THINGS ARE YET TO COME AND GREATER THINGS ARE STILL TO BE DONE IN THIS CITY.

We returned later that night to give them a couple boxes of rice enriched with protein that we received just a couple of days ago. This will help for 2 or 3 days but GREATER THINGS MUST HAPPEN.

It is a step by step process and I am looking forward to more open doors and I am looking forward to see God continue to move in amazing always.

True Love is alive. Christ is alive in us and I am excited to put the video footage online so everyone can see the real live faces smiling ASAP.

Please be praying for:

-Perseverance

-Guidance & Direction

-Financial funds for shelter project

Thank you again for your love,

Sarah Carlson

Forty

Sorry for the delay in updates and thank you for all your encouragement. Haiti is crazy

Word of the Day: Forty

It has been forty days and forty nights here in Haiti. Waking up to the electricity turning on and off is now the least of my worries. As we drove around yesterday I began to realize how I have become numb to the destruction around me. The plies of rubble and the mounds of garbage now blend into the landscape.

Yesterday, Mikie (a fellow Californian who arrived here 2 days ago) and I were able to hitch a ride with some newfound friends and head to Wahoo Bay. I could see why so many Haitian told me that I need to visit a beach. The beaches in Haiti are so beautiful with thecrystal clear water, the white sand and the water a perfect refreshing temperature. It was nice to have a change of scenery for one day.

Today True Love Live was able to head out to Camp Canaan to meet up with an organization called Un Techo Para Mi Pais (A Roof for My Country). We were able to discuss getting building supplies to build a long-term education center and clinic out in the tent city. Partnering with various organizations out here has been a very difficult but a rewarding process.

Prayer:

Open Doors for Organizations/Partnerships.

Continue to be flexible.

Perseverance for the last 4 days.

Financial.

Thank You for all your support!

Sarah Carlson

Tent City Leaders

Last Saturday we were able to sit down with the tent city leaders and discuss our partnership. They told us in Camp Canaan there are 30,000 people and it is split up into 5 different sections. The section that we are serving in is section “B”. They asked us “why are you helping section B they are the useless in this society” and as they said that I thought of the versus: Matthew 25: 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” These people that we are helping are the poorest of the poor and have had the last pick when it would come to assistance. They would be considered “the least of these”.

GOOD NEWS: The leaders said we give you the “green light” and they are on board with what we are doing. It seems that their hearts have changed (answer to many prayers) from selfishness to helpfulness. We were also able to go with them to look at the piece of land that we are working on and they told us that they want to give us a bigger piece of land.  On this land Gospel Fire hopes to build a school, medical clinic, and a church.

Without water…

This little girl drinks clean water out of the plastic bags. In the tent city that she lives they have to walk 3 to 5 kilometers to get clean drinking water. We want to change this.

Some Exciting News…

Dear Family, Friends, Prayer Team, Help, & Encouragers,

Since the earthquake, on February 12th, 2010 that killed over 230,000 Haitian people, I have had the opportunity to help with the disaster relief three different times. Each visit there brought many challenges, but the hardest part was leaving to go back to the states.  I would fall in love with the people I would meet and the way in which I was able to witness God’s mighty hand provide.  Finally, I will not have to say “good-bye” to those relationships that I have built over the summer because…

I have one of the MOST amazing opportunities to live in HAITI for the next year!!

I WAS OFFERED THE JOB to work for the next year as an ESL/Second Grade teacher at Morning Star Christian Academy (MCA), located in Haiti.

Playground at MCA

What this means is that I will be able to live in Haiti for the next year teaching.  I will be able to make connections with the teachers living on campus and all the employees that make Morning Star run effectively.  The organization we are working with, Gospel Fire, happens to all be staff at this school!  I think living here full time, working, and teaching will be the best thing for TRUE LOVE LIVE.  By being fully immersed into their culture I will be able to truly understand what their needs are.  This will be great for TRUE LOVE LIVE and the other organizations that we have partnered with such as DoYourPart Inc. and Generosity Water.  We have been working together to assist with the immediate needs of the Haitian people by providing clean drinking water as well as long-term educational needs for the communities.

God continues to answer prayer after prayer to provide opens doors to help the sick, elderly, starving, needy, tired, and hopeless.  This has not been without patience but it has been a miraculous sight!   It has been a crazy adventure each time as we begin new partnerships with True Love Live, our organization that is empowering the Haitian people to help assist other Haitian people with the resource ALL FOR THE sake of the GOSPEL!

BECAUSE OF THESE CHANGES my summer trip will be cut a few days short. I am going to be leaving on the 16th to head back to the States and flying back to Haiti on the 21st into PAP to continue in the process of making connections and see where God leads TRUE LOVE LIVE.

NOW… I want to ask you for your help.  I am in need…a huge need. I need your help! As I continue to pursue God with my life I would like to ask for your prayers. Also, since this has been a prayerful last minute discussion to move here and work at Morning Star my funds are very low. I have been living in Haiti for the past month on the support from back home. It is going to cost $350 to change my flight and then I am going to buy another round trip ticket from August 21st to December. I will be getting supplies and packing up my life for this next year in 5 days. WOW! I have lots to do!  If you could help in any way possible it would much appreciated.

After calculating flights, medication, transportation, and supplies, my goal is to raise $2000 by August 16th. I know this is a lot and in a short amount of time but I know God will provide just enough. He always does!

Checks can be made out to:

Sarah Carlson in the memo write: Haiti Trip

And send it to 5540 Starboard Ct. Discovery Bay Ca 94505

OR

For a tax-deduction you can write checks to:

DoYourPart Inc. in the Memo please write: True Love Live- Sarah Carlson.

And send it to:

DOYOURPART 3248 Valarie Ave. Simi Valley CA 93063

Every bit helps!

Stay updated: Truelovelive.org

or if you would like email updates, shoot me your email!

Love <3 Sarah Carlson