Today marks the third day of our journey back to Haiti and our second day of work. Here are some of the high points of our trip thus far…
- Our travel was good overall. We had a one and a half hour delay at Miami due to lightning but had no other issues. The trip through customs and the Port-Au-Prince Airport was much easier than last time with no lost luggage. Our trip from the airport to Leogane was much quicker and easier than in June.
- Saturday we made our first visit to the orphanage. There were many familiarities and a few differences. The distinct smell was the same. The pure joy of the children in the orphanage to see “the machine” was the same (that’s what they call the rental vehicles we are driving). The conditions are roughly the same. The food situation seems to be getting better. The kids are eating two large meals per day, sometimes three. The first visit there brought back many of the same emotions as the first trip ranging from complete sadness to anger to joy that God counted us worthy to visit these kids…see James 1:27. Our interaction was completely informal…we just visited with the kids and played with them. The highlight for the kids was getting to take rides in “the machine” and get a view outside of their four walls. They were in silent awe as they rode in an air-conditioned SUV. It was quite touching to see their faces.
- Today we took breakfast to them prior to their two and a half hour worship service…yes, you read that right (no more complaining…lol). They got strawberry pop-tarts, a boiled egg, and a mandarine orange fruit cup. They hit the jackpot with the pop tarts! The ladies from First Lavaca spent a good portion of the morning cleaning the nasty sheets these children are sleeping on. We also purchased insecticide to kill the fleas, roaches, bed bugs, and other bugs that were rampant in the dorm areas. That was quite an experience. I only thought I had seen large cockroaches…sheesh. This afternoon consisted of day two of medicating the kids (props to Angela and Lynne for handling this so well) and play time. We had a group try to go buy groceries but to no avail as the stores were closed.
- Tomorrow we buy groceries, hand out the sack packs that North Park kids made during VBS, and prepare for a very busy Tuesday that MAY include a trip to the beach with all 100+ kids and a movie/birthday party night with all of them under their large tent. Please be in prayer about Tuesday…that could be a day these kids will never forget.
I must say what a pleasure it has been to serve with the folks from First Lavaca. We have three sisters and a mother here who have kept us all light-hearted with their constant laughter. That church has a huge responsibility from God to open an orphanage down here. But, if it’s God’s will, then He will see it through…pray for them.
Thank you North Park for making these trips happen. I will post more details as the week progresses…God bless!
Advertisement
