Uplifting

Today was very full, full and satisfying.

We started out our day again at Gertrude’s. Many of our team members who were there yesterday were a bit hesitant to return after an emotionally taxing time with the children yesterday. Much to our relief, when we arrived we were welcomed by a happy scene of the children marching, or wheeling, in a parade as part of a flag day celebration. These festivities left their mark on the remainder of the time we visited with most of the children animated and eager to engage with our group.

Though these children are facing incredibly difficult physical and mental challenges, we were able to get the sense that they were happy to see us. We spent our time, wheeling them around, dancing, swinging on the playground, and cuddling. We were also able to feel the children lunch. Many hands made light work. As with most experiences here, the joy of being a help also reinforces in our minds how much everyday need is present here. Each of us feels it, and I know that many of us wish we could do more.

After Gertrude’s, it was back in the tap-tap to LeFerre’s orphanage where we were greeted by many more smiling faces. And we were very excited because we had two very big surprises for them. The first surprise was that we had prepared to do a Sunday school lesson with them called "Breakfast with Jesus" from sparkhouse. Our team came alongside the kids to watch a fun video and do paper crafts that depicted Jesus coming to the disciples after the resurrection when then they were fishing in a boat. The disciples didn’t catch anything until they headed Jesus’ advice to drop the nets on the other side of the boat where they caught a ton of fish. Each child colored fish and flames over which to roast them. The older kids folded together paper boats and cut out disciple figurines. Then, in a large group, we put on a skit where all the children re-enacted the story. All the little fishes danced around and swam “jumped” into a large mesh net. There were many trills of laughter that touched all of us.

Our second surprise was even better. We let them know we are taking them to the beach tomorrow! 

Overall, today was an uplifting day. Each day, I feel we experience hope amid the pain, joy amid the sorrow, and small steps of progress for the wonderful people of Haiti.

~ Jaidyn Martin & Team