Day 5 - 10/27/17

Our day started in typical Haitian fashion...we were all ready to hop in the tap-tap and our plans to head to the Home for the Sick and Dying Adults were cancelled. The government recently raised taxes, resulting in demonstrations throughout the city. One of those demonstrations  made our route unsafe and therefore, plans changed. Another way to state it, God had different plans for us today.
Before we knew it, we were headed up the mountain. On the way up, we had the opportunity to stop at a street side vendor. Not only did this allow us to bring home something special from Haiti, but it also gave us the opportunity to support the economy. As we made our way further and further from the city and up the mountain, we slowly began to see a different side of Haiti. God sure created a beautiful country. Once at the top, there was a restaurant where we were able to stand and take in a breathtaking view. From up there, you don't see the  sorrow, the dirt, the garbage, the struggle that the city streets reveal. You see Haiti's absolute beauty.
In the afternoon half of our team went to the Home for the Sick and Dying Babies. Although heartbreaking, our team described beautiful moments from their time there. The opportunity to hold the babies and children. A child, so lethargic that she wouldn't take a bite of food from our team member, but when another young child shared his noodles, she took the food right from him. A nurse, who was so wonderful with her care and love for the children. Listening to the giggles of children lined up to receive raspberries on their arm from one of our team members. Being able to calm the children down with singing "Jesus Loves Me." Moments like these remind us why we're here...to be the hands and feet of Jesus. To love like Jesus loved.
The second half of our team went to an orphanage for children with disabilities. Watching our team scoop the children up, push them in their wheelchairs, push them on the swings, tickle them to bring out their wonderful giggles and show them love with just a simple touch, it was beautiful.

Day 4~ Thursday, October 26th

Thursday day 4

This morning, before breakfast, I looked around at the early reisers. Some were reading things about Haiti. Others were studying English to Creoel flash cards. Yesterday, one of the team members helped me get a Creoel language application for my phone which I have started to study. Today, we are going to visit a place called Grace Village. We were there last year and I am looking forward to seeing the progress they have made in the past year.

The drive to Grace Village was encouraging in its own right because we saw so much new building underway.  Then, as we got close to Grace Village compound, we saw new construction there as well. However, the truly blessed thing was to see the way the methods of housing and educating the children have evolved.  The orphans are housed  in a family environment, where they have a mommy and poppy supervisor.  They eat their meals together and everyone has chores to do.  The point is, they are being taught group dynamics and family life skills in addition to the academic skills.

Another major change was in the quality of their computer room and library. They have many more books in English, French and Creoel.  They are also love books in Spanish.  These children are getting a rich learning environment. One that should prepare them to enter a job market and succeed.

After leaving Grace Village, we drove down the hill to their bakery where we picked up some cookies we ordered the day before.  From there we went to visit one of the 30 or so elders that are supported by Healing Haiti.  We brought a hot meal, washed her feet and rubbed body  lotion on her arms and legs. We asked what she needed. Like batteries for her electronic Bible, padding for her bed etc. Before we left, we  sang a couple of hymns. I can only speak for myself, but the action of washing feet as my Lord did with the disciples, always is a very moving experience for me.