Wednesday, September 21, 2016

A Day of Joy



Some of our team members woke up at 5:00 a.m. to watch the sunrise, and four guard dogs joined us.  The sunrise had a beautiful blue ray of light.   After a hearty breakfast, we went to Apparent Project - a wonderful non-profit organization giving economic empowerment to Haitians, so they can keep their families together and avoid relinquishing their children to orphanages.  We were fascinated with how they recycle trash by making beads, ceramic mugs, bags, stuffed animals, dolls, ornaments, clay, metal art, and more.   We went upstairs, and had delicious smoothies at The Clay Cafe.  Our next stop was to visit metal art vendors in Bon Repos, where we found a variety of gorgeous metal art made from oil drums.   We watched Haitians as they made metal art as well. And purchased some pieces to bring home with us.

Then, we stopped at Institut Montfort, an oral Deaf school where we were greeted with hugs, smiles, and high fives from Haitian children.  The students were in school when we arrived but the Director allowed us to go into school and visited 8th grade through high school in their classrooms on the second floor of the school.  We introduced ourselves and allowed the students to guess whether we were deaf or hearing; it was fun to watch them with their expressions.  After school was out for the day, we walked back to their dorms and visited the younger children.  We brought bubbles. They were so excited to blow the bubbles, even though they had to wait for their turn.  We also played with them and talked with them.  When time was up, we felt disappointed to go, but it was so great to see them with their beautiful smiles.  We headed back to the guesthouse where we had a wonderful supper of tacos.  Some of us went to the pool to cool off. 

"Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy." Philippians 3:1