Just a quick note to say we did beach day yesterday with Marie's girls. Some of the ladies at New Life who take care of the children also joined us with their families. It was a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky. Rented a big bus, first stop New Life to pick all of us up and then off to Grace Hope Orphanage. When we arrived the girls where all ready to go, bathing suits on with hair braided. Of course, matching beads in hair to match bathing suits for all. Cathy, Patty and I all had three or four girls to a seat and off we went. Singing worship songs, eating candy and just plain catching up was the order of the day. We even tried to speak some English to see what the girls remembered and if they have advanced. As most of you are aware, the girls don't get out much so most eyes were focused on all of the interesting sights in the streets as we drove to the beach. I noticed the girls especially perked up whenever we went by someone selling ladies clothes. Should I be surprised that it isn't any different here then at home!!!! We arrived at the beach one and a half hours later. Stayed on shore long enough to count off, pray for everyone's safety and all were in the water in a blink of an eye. We became human floats for the little ones, through the beach ball around and taught the older girls to float and swim. Cathy, our triathlon participant, was the swim teacher for the day. The girls caught on early that this was her forte. Before I knew it, the girls were asking her to remove her sunglasses and get her head in the water! Breast stroke was the lesson for today and by the end they were like fish in water, promising we would all be a swim team next time with matching suits. Soon after, snack time was upon us. Bread and peanut butter all around as the girls were hungry. Had to remind them that lunch was coming shortly. Someone drove out from New Life with snacks and lunch for all. Finished up drinks and snacks and it was back into the water. Could have stayed in there all day as water temperature was like bathwater and crystal clear. Wasn't long before the lunch bell was ringing. Rice and beans, salad and beets were the order of the day. For dessert, a special treat, homemade brownies. Cathy gave up her medical kit spot in her luggage to make sure we had brownies mix for all the children this trip. Bless her heart. So Wednesday night after dinner the three of us got to it. Cathy poured the mix into the bowls while I mixed and Patty had the chief chef responsibility. She had to figure out the oven. The dial for the oven only had numbers one through six on it. So, as you can imagine, much experimentation was necessary. All in all, a great success and special treat for everyone. About 3:30 the call was for all out of the water. Time to change into something dry and hit the road! The trip home brought happy times as Sister Patty came through with hidden picture sheets and word searches for everyone. Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without one more piece of candy! After a few rain drops along the way and stops to drop some families off along our route, we arrived back at the girls orphanage. Saying goodbye is never easy, kisses, hugs and many blessings finished with, "see you next time". Back to New Life to enjoy a warm dinner and 7:00 devotions with the kids. For me, devotion time here is becoming bittersweet. Only one more evening with the children and my friend Chinaido who just loves to sing and worship our Lord and Savior! I will miss him. Thanks again to all that have been following our journey on FB and Haiti blog. Thank you for keeping us in prayer as well. See you soon,
Renee
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