I've started this blog numerous times and could never finish it. My prayer is that through these words, people fully grasp the need and opportunities that God has given us to serve "the least of these."
The plane ride to Haiti was an anxious one. For many members on our team, this was not only our first trip to Haiti, but our first trip out of the country. The few that had made this journey before us were in constant conversation about what to expect in order to prepare everyone for the experience the next few days were going to hold. Our team arrived in Haiti on Sunday. We were immediately taken to our guest house where we began praying for and preparing small activities for the children at Life is Hope.
Our Guest House
Monday came. We all woke ready to go see the children. It seemed like it took forever to get all the supplies, and ourselves loaded onto the bus and mini van that were to transport us back and forth from the guest house to the orphanage. The bus ride seemed to take forever. Then finally, on a quiet back rode in Haiti, the bus stopped next to a tall cement wall with barbed wire across the top. I wasn't sure we were really at the orphanage, but I followed the lead and helped unpack the supplies to be taken in. The team and I were led around the corner of this cement wall to a huge metal looking gate. When the gate was opened, my first sight was not faces, but hands. Hands that were reaching out to grab someone. Tiny hands wanting to grab on to you and hug you as tightly as they could. I tell people that I'm so thankful I wore sunglasses because I could not stop the trail of tears that were streaming from my eyes. These children were latching on to complete strangers. I thought the whole reason for this trip was for us to show these precious children love, but in those first few moments, they showed me how to love.
The children waving goodbye!
After we walked through the gate each morning, one of my most favorite activities took place- Singing! We never had to start the song, the children would. They already knew songs like this little light of mine, Jesus Loves Me, and-of course- Little Sally Walker :) These were the few they knew in English. Most of the other songs they sang were in creole. Most times we recognized the tune, but not all the time. The song that was sang over and over- and not only at the orphanage but that story will come later :)- was This is the Day that The Lord Has Made. The children would sing in creole and we would sing in English. It was such a beautiful example of how Heaven will be while everyone is singing praises to our King. These children's voices were magical and beautiful. I can still hear their sweet little voices singing. Thank you, Lord, for sweet memories.
Kinson-our translator- leading the children in song
Kinson and Junior singing beautifully.
After singing, our team would break into "centers" -there's my teacher side. There would be around 5 activities going at one time for the children to choose between. "Centers" could consist of anything from painting canvases, painting fingernails, making paper airplanes, coloring, sock puppets, soccer, even playing with stickers. "Centers" would only last for about two maybe three hours, then for the remainder of the day- usually for the last 4 hours- the kids wanted us to just hold them. The older ones would play with our hair as we would be holding a younger child. Everyday, a young child would be rocked to sleep and held for the duration of the his/her nap. I can't help but wonder how many of those precious children were rocked to sleep last night- or even if they've been rocked since we left. My heart breaks at the thought of those sweet babies not having anyone to hold them tonight.
Smarc and I grew so close while I was in Haiti.
He painted this canvas by himself- writing and everything.
He wrote, "I love you. Jesus loves you."
Such a sweet memory that I will cherish forever!
On Wednesday, something happened that no one expected. A baby girl was brought in. She was so scared and wouldn't go to anyone. I honestly don't think she had ever even seen a "white" person. The only person this baby would go to was one of the older children, but she stayed busy with other activities. Of course we all kept our eye on her just in case. For most of the day she walked around taking in the new scenery- terrified of course. By the end of the day, I could tell she was getting sleepy, so I stayed close just in case. Then, after witnessing her head bobble a few times, I grabbed her praying she wouldn't mind, and held her. She fell fast asleep while holding on tightly to me. I thank God for that moment, that experience. That moment was one of my favorites of the week. I only wish I could be holding her now.
God taught me so much while being loved and loving on these children. We have so much love to give, and there are so many that need our love and care.
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