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August 24, 2010: Henry Williams completed the Hope Force Reservist Training in Nashville and shortly afterward was called upon the help with the flood response in Central Tennessee. Having become a regular fixture around the office, Hope Force recognized his energy and organizational abilities and recruited Henry for the Haiti Shelter Team in August. Henry turned out to be a veritable Ironman, outpacing several junior teammates and making a grand impression on those with whom he worked
 Having been associated with Hope Force for a very short time, I was excited about the first call to a disaster where I could serve. It came much faster than I realized when the flood hit Nashville in early May. I had the privilege to assist homeowners and those affected by the disaster. Hope Force played a large part in organizing one section of the city where over 300 homes were impacted by the flood - cleaning out the homes and preparing them for re-build.
Jack Minton came to me and asked if I would be willing to go to Haiti for the tent project. Thinking the flood effort would tail off, I committed to go. Unfortunately, I did not know that flood recovery is not over in a few weeks and I began playing a larger part as the organization developed in this area. Since I had committed to going to Haiti, I left the flood rebuild process and went on the trip. God worked in a marvelous way with the flood operation – I know that it is not dependent on me but Him.
Hearing some real interesting stories made me aware of the situation in Haiti but I arrived not fully prepared to meet  what we were up against. I met two other men who were giving their efforts to the initiative besides Jack and we quickly began to gain an understanding of the tent project. The next nine days were going to give me new insight into a disaster situation that I never realized before.
Seeing the devastation of a country that never had a good infrastructure or thriving culture was “mind blowing.” The people were without houses, living in tents where they called home. Some places featured tent cities, where hundreds of tents would house the earthquake survivors.
We travelled to Sous Savanne which was a daily journey of two hours each way on sub-standard roads. The village, which was up in the mountains, sat in what was actually a very beautiful area - if you could look beyond the tremendous damage to the homes. Pictures of the community do not tell the story completely. We did a lot of charades and smiling to communicate with the people living there as they spoke Creole. It was very hot and daily rain showers added immensely to the humidity. We watched people react with joy and appreciation to the putting up of ‘their’ tents so they could now sleep in a dry place with more room. The tents were erected right next to the foundation of the fallen homes in many cases.
 I became close to the two key team leaders, Baden and Fritz. They were hard workers and we shared so much with one another including, hard work, sweat and a drink of water. Although we communicated with a few words we worked together so well. They were strong and so ready to point out situations and people who we were touching with the tents. They would climb up a coconut tree and get us some coconuts to share. What a great set of leaders to work with in this community.
What did I take away from this trip? I realized how well off we were in America including the flood victims I am working with in Nashville. I also took note that God met the needs of these poor people in very special ways - He is there for those millions of people in Haiti, just as He is for me. He also showed me again that he does not need me to accomplish His purpose but He wants me to join Him in glorifying God. I can now pray more effectively for these folks even though I cannot communicate well with any of them.
I also admire the leaders at Hope Force for their experience and maturity in these types of situations. We have a great deal of expertise here at Hope Force and wonderful potential to bring hope to those who are suffering.
View the photo galleries from the Haiti Shelter Project:
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