Church Service in Jacmel

I have the honor to share how the church service yesterday moved me. I tried to write this last night, but everytime I would type a word, emotion would well up in me and I would begin to cry. I needed some time to process the experience and go over in my heart & mind what I was feeling and what I experienced. I believe God has given me perpective and allowed me time to maybe not understand, but to embrace why I was effected so strongly.
We set off for church after feeding everyone in the house. The children looked beatiful in their Sunday best. The girls all in pretty dresses, the kind little girls like to twirl in and the boys all had matching shorts & shirts with stark white socks with black hard shoes...so handsome. We all piled into the car and when I say pile I mean 8 adults and 10 kids ALL in one vehicle made to hold 8!
We arrived at a beautiful Haitian church called Cyviadier Church or "Tina's church". The service had just started and we made our way down the isle to some saved seats. We sat across from a large group of teenagers that could sing as powerful as the Tabernace Choir! They were so powerful in their worship! There were families there and single mon's & dad's. In the front of the church the children aged 4 to maybe 10 sat alone. No parents with treats if they behaved, no gameboys to keep them busy, no markers & crayons. They sat there during the entire 3 hour-100 dgree temperature service. Now there were a few that had to get up and I can only guess to use the restroom, but they would soon return and take their place back on the hard bench.
Although I could not understand a single word that was being spoken, I've never felt the Holy Spirit so strong in a place. I sat with my eyes wide from the scene taking it all in. Such deep, deep faith coming from the service at times I felt as if I was drowning. I sat and held Daphne while the service took place. We stood everytime the Word was read and swayed when voices were raised. At one point during prayer with heads bowed I was listening to a beautiful woman speak the Word and was so moved by her passion - I knew I should keep my head bowed in respect and reverence, but she was so powerful that I felt my head jerk up to watch her and what I witnessed was so powerful that I write with tears in my eyes again. I watched this woman who probably had nothing according to American standards-her name or story I don't know-but what I do know is that she has the boldest and most fiercest faith I've ever witnessed. I watched stunned as she boldly stormed the gates of heaven with her prayers. I saw a woman who knows her Father in Heaven is in control of her world, His world and she trusted to go to Him with all of the chaos surrounding her in Haiti. She had her fist in the air with her head bowed and was powerfully speaking to God the maker of Heaven and Earth, as if He was before her and wanted to know what was on her heart. I sat weeping watching this woman I am changed by and again don't even know her name. I am changed because I have everything according to American standards. A big house, two cars in the garage, two incomes, health for me and my family and yet this woman taught me about having faith. Having faith in a God that has provided so many blessings, a faith that has been easy. I witnessed a woman with faith in a God that has provided her with a way to heaven through the death of His son on the cross. In the past, as a believer, I have felt my "cup" was full until God placed that woman in my path that showed me there is so much more waiting for me if I would just come to Him and ask to fill my cup. God is waiting for me and for you to storm the gates of heaven to come boldly before the throne to the one that can provide not just blessings...but life to the fullest!!!!

Danette