Orphanage rounds...Monday 2-21

Monday morning came right on time...funny how that happens.  We had delicious french toast for breakfast and with full tummies we packed our bags with the gifts and goodies we brought for Marie's orphanage and COENHA.  We were so excited to see Frenzy and Rene again and were greeted with big smiles and tight hugs.  We had a list of "stops" we wanted to make, and contrary to most men - they nodded in agreement JOYFULLY and off we went.  First we stopped to see two of the girls who were in Marie's orphanage, and now live in a tiny, little room with their Mom.  Two weeks ago we were able to help their mom purchase a menagerie of items to sell to earn money for their food so we were anxious to see if progress had been made.  The three of them were as excited to see us, as we were them.  Michelle and Merlinda's mom had her "stand" in front of their "home."  All of her produce, spices, and products were displayed in an eye catching fashion and she looked very proud of her new business.  Selling anything and everything is the street is the norm here - selling enough to pay for food to eat for that day is the goal!  The girls shared their smiles and we shared smiles and tears alike.  While they have the very basics to survive - which is the norm in most of Haiti - their struggles and hardships were hard to witness.  Michelle has a very infected toe and attempts at receiving adequate medical care have been unsuccessful.  Doctors are suggesting she have it amputated - the solution the Dr.'s often come to...Seems like - if in doubt what or how to treat - AMPUTATE!

From there we stopped at a road side vender and bought big bags of rice (marked with US AID on the side.)  We visited the children at Pastor Wislet's orphanage and they seemed happy to see us. I know I was happy to see these innocent children who I hadn't seen since last Sept.  Joan - who is part of our team whipped out her ukelele (spelling) and began strumming some fun action songs - and before long the "crowd" loosened up and smiles were taking over most of the faces.  We brought every one their own personal bag of what we would call Cheetos - so with lots of crunching going on, we walked around and took photos, shared hugs and lots of "God loves you!"  There was a Haitian social worker there, which was encouraging  to learn that professional assistance IS available.

From there we went to Marie's orphanage - Grace House of Hope.  The girls were still in their school uniforms and looked so cute with their long blue ribbons hanging from the braids in their hair.  After mambo group hugs they sat on the half wall in front of the school like little Indians all in a row.  In no time, once again, Joan had everyone jumping, laughing and singing!  I think we probably looked the goofiest doing the Hokey Pokey - but it surely received the most laughs.  The girls also sang special songs to us that were beautifully sung in English.  The youngest four sang a worship song in English that brought tears to my eyes.  Their little voices sounding like angels and their deliverance with total sincerity.  Embarrassed giggles followed our clapping.  Our stay was limited as another team came from the  Lazarus Project and they had some fun craft projects awaiting the girls.  It is always great to be in their presence.  I sat quietly looking at each one and  took in their beauty, growth and maturity level compared to nearly four years ago.  Wonderful memories to reflect on.  I am happy that they are all in school and have the love of God in their heart.  Marie was busy with all the guests present, plus she has special services at her church each evening this week.

 While I was telling my little God daughter, Patty, goodbye - I hear music coming from the street.  There I found Joan playing her ukelele AGAIN - with five children from the street  drawn to her and the song she was teaching them.  As it turned out - she had exactly FIVE music making instruments in her backpack to share - so those with recorders were tooting away and the  new kazoo owners were being taught how to hum and make sounds!  As we drove away, waves and smiles were shared - each with a supply of "chicklets" (gum) and I suspect the newly formed band will practice into the night!  I just LOVE those unplanned interactions where children are blessed with love and give it back so freely.

We returned to New Life right in time for a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes and turkey!  We met some wonderful people from Kentucky who are also staying the night and then heading off tomorrow to provide meals and training for people in another town. We joined all the children for their nightly worship time which was a beautiful concert of 100 children praising God  - all songs sung in English. 

All in all it was a great day - and this old lady is exhausted!  Tomorrow has no specific plan - but I am sure it will be filled with unexpected, undeniable, memorable experiences.  I must share that this morning we went to retrieve our bags which had crackers, snacks and such to take with us today.  Unknowingly, we left them in a place that the rats have used as a hang out at night .... they had taken all the peanut butter crackers and ate every last one - leaving not even the PLASTIC WRAPPERS behind....they must recyle.  Anyway - being nearly phobic about these creatures.  I freaked and stood on a chair and made Renee go all thru the bag to be sure we weren't bringing any of them with us.  

Well - I'm sitting outside in the dark typing this, as the internet is only working outside our room.  There are big beetle bugs landing on my keyboard - so I shall close this blog down for tonight.  Let me end by saying that no matter how many times I've witnessed the streets of Haiti - it NEVER gets easier seeing the poverty and struggles of those I see.  We can't give up - the task seems unsurmountable - but we know of FIVE children for sure who woke up this morning and had no idea some stranger would share a song with them and a gift in return and maybe, just maybe, they went to bed tonight with song of hope in their heart. 

Patty