It’s Day 3 and I’m finally blogging – of course the first day my computer was in the lost and found at the Haitian airport…now that I have miraculously recovered my computer I’m back in business. It has been a delight getting reacquainted with the children and receiving needed hugs. Some of the children attend a tutoring class in the morning and French classes are being taught by a teacher from the states who spending a few months at New Life as well. So in between class time the kids are working on thank you cards for their sponsors. They are very focused and determined to do a good job. Their artistic flair is so wonderful as it comes alive on paper. There are several other teams here with girls eager to help me orchestrate the project – because even if I had 10 hands it wouldn’t be enough. I really enjoy seeing their personalities come alive as they interact with each other. Again I marvel at how God created each of us with different talents and styles so we could join together to get a job done and further His Kingdom.
Without a fan we would probably smother. It’s hot and sticky and I’m hoping to sweat off a few dozen pounds in the night. Last night before bed Renee and I each had a gecko crawling down the wall on either side of us. I always prefer to keep an eye on them, because at least then I know where they are and don’t fear I am sharing my bed with them. The breeze during the day is a gift!
As in most families, a “family”meeting was held yesterday – just to be sure all the children and employees are aware of the daily duties and expected responsibilities. Can you imagine trying to manage a family of 140+? I am always amazed at all the intricacies that have to be in place in order to move forward. New needs pop up everyday – the struggles seem ever present. But, love abounds.
Today was a fun day with the typical Haiti twist. Despite running about 2 hours behind, we went to Marie’s orphanage and picked up one of the girls, and brought “little Patty” my God child back to New Life. We had great fun showing them the animals, fish tank of tilapia, swinging them high in the sky and convincing them the new experience of going down a tunnel slide, was really great fun! Doing puzzles, eating snacks, reading a new book together, eating more snacks and hearing their laughter of being tickled without ceasing was a joy. We ended the day with a special time of eating French fries and chicken nuggets (?) at our one and only favorite place. It seemed the girls had a fun day – I know we did.
Tomorrow will be another busy day. Jim and I have sponsored a little boy from Haiti for eight years through Compassion Organization. I have visited him here in Haiti four times in the past. Tomorrow he is coming with a representative/translator to visit me at New Life. In May I received a letter from him explaining that his Mom died in March while giving birth to a baby. A common occurrence in Haiti – and I am sure it was probably preventable if she had received proper medical care. Regardless, it will be bitter sweet to see him tomorrow,
The days are filling up with upcoming activities so I am sure Renee and I will have more events to share. A team of 12 here have been going outside the compound most days and doing a lot of ministry at a deaf camp. It’s all so interesting. Net working to learn how God uses those willing to serve is so interesting and inspiring. Some very committed, amazing people have shared their story with us during their stay.
My eyes are closing as I type this as I’m exhausted – but keep those prayers for protection coming. I will close by sharing that while inching down the road in the usual traffic jam and smoke filled street, we saw Michelle – a young beautiful girl who left Marie’s orphanage last year. She was standing in line at a community well, waiting her turn to pump a bucket of water to carry back to their one room home. A common practice – yet such a reminder of how precious the commodity of water is here. I suspect the potential of sleeping with a gecko would be the least concern of the majority of people going to bed here tonight. With thanksgiving I close.
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