Today we went to Ansefoleur, the Voo Doo capital of Haiti. We left after breakfast and rode in what they call a tap-tap (basically a pick-up with benches in the back). The sun was bright and hot, but the open breeze of the ride was wonderful. Also, the scenery was amazing. Ansefoleur is built on the ocean's shore, so as we climbed the mountains to the town the sights of poverty gave way to views of bright blue water and hills covered in palm trees. It was proof that God's beauty cannot be hidden in any place.

When we arrived in town, the first thing we visited was a “cross” monument on top of a mountain overlooking the town. Originally the cross was built over 100 years ago by a Christian ministry that had come to claim the land for the Lord. During a storm one night, the cross was struck by lightening, and now all that remains is a stump. The locals took that as a sign that Satan was angry with them and was reclaiming the land for himself. People will leave offerings at the monument to gain his favor. We were able to climb to the cross and pray around it, just as many groups before us had done.

Next we went to the Voo Doo temple in town where people go to worship. Because Americans had been so respectful in the past, they now almost always allow us to enter. We went to one of three rooms and prayed in the name of Jesus as others unknowingly worshiped inanimate objects. At the front of the room was a doll in a glass case that they worshiped. They believe that the doll fell out of the sky for them to worship, and so they sit with candles lit, hands lifted, and voices raised to this doll. Some people will move into a lower room of the temple until they feel that their prayers have been answered. They many even take a bath in disgusting, dirty water they claim is “holy water” to cleanse themselves. Again, we covered the temple in prayer as we walked through. It was a disappointing sight because among the pictures of gods they worship, there was a picture of Jesus. So they claim to know who Christ is, He just isn't the only way they use to get what they need. It made me extremely grateful for the grace God has given me to live in America and know the truth of His love.

Although the sight of their worship was disheartening, it still felt like a blessing that we were able to cover that place in prayer and learn how blessed we are.   - Kirbi