Trip Blog #3

In continuing to recap our recent Haiti mission trip, I wanted to talk about what we did last week a little bit more each post. It's still hard for me to believe we've almost been back a week already. It feels like we were gone much longer than just a week, and it also feels like it was so much longer than just one week ago. It's a strange feeling that I can't really explain except that I'm sure other people who travel out of the country for something like that do feel out of sorts for a little bit.

Back to the trip, though!

Day 3 found us getting ready Monday morning for the first work day. We headed to the work site and the kids ran out to catch the action any time they had a brief break from their schoolwork.

We worked as a team, guys passing buckets of concrete down, and tossing/catching empty buckets back to refill again. We had a pretty good system going for a good bit, and we exemplified the expression 'many hands make light work' so well that quickly we were left with not enough work to go around. After that, a few more experienced guys started to put the first roof up. Not having any 'leet roofing skillz' myself, I just got to spend more time with those precious kiddos! That was why I came to Haiti, to spend special time with those babies and love on them, so you won't hear me complain. I believe that we all have spiritual gifts, and while I might not be great with construction, I helped where I could. But I believe that God allowed me that down time to get to know these little ones more. I'm grateful for it! It wasn't long before I found myself getting attached to them. I especially connected with the littlest ones, David and Saintamene who were about 4 or 5. They just wanted to snuggle and cuddle, and I of course let them!

(This is Saintamene. Isn't she perfect? I really connected with this sweet girl!)

Here's a pic of Heather, Drew, and I playing soccer or 'futbol' with some of the HOA kids. It's funny how despite the language barrier, you still manage to connect. Play is universal. Smiles and Hugs and Cuddles have no language. Love is something every child needs and it doesn't matter what language you speak, or how skilled you are at construction to play with some kids. That's what it's all about. That's why we came!

Tuesday, Day 4

 L-R  Here is David and Clyphode, and the girls are Anadine, Christella, and Vitama. I worked hard to learn their names, and by the end of the trip I could tell all but 2 or 3 of the girls apart. 

This day there wasn't as much work for us to be done, as we again were blessed with many hands to do it. That just meant getting creative with what we called work! Instead of just standing around, we decided to clean up the rocky area where the kids play. 

See? It doesn't require a person to be able to do every kind of construction work? Just find something that needs to be done and plug in!  

If there's nothing to do, you can always cuddle up to David!

***Also, check out Al's blogs for another perspective. I did borrow a couple pictures from him as well. :D

4theVoiceless  

Family: Story: Legacy