Before we made this journey, I had heard accounts of visits to this orphanage using phrases like:
"In the mountains of Cap Haitian."
"They have nothing."
"They literally only have 2 sets of clothing for each child."
"Bathing outside"
"Sleeping under mosquito nets"
Because of these phrases, I had a picture in my mind of what I would be encountering. This picture was of a dirty hut in the middle of the mountains.
While all the quoted phrases above are true, my idea of where we were going was vastly incorrect.
These photos are the location we were taken to-The Justice Rescue House. After questioning, I learned that a generous person has donated the use of this three-story "mansion" for the time period of two years. It is gorgeous! Many spacious rooms, three kitchens, several bathrooms, and a spacious walled play yard including fruit-bearing coconut trees and a make-shift basketball goal.
Here is the irony though:
While these children live in an architectural paradise, they have NO toys and clothing that does not fit and must be washed daily because that is all they have.
There are plenty of beds for each child to sleep alone, yet they sleep cuddled together because that is the security they know.
They bathe outside because the house lacks even the bare necessities like a shower rod and curtain to block the water from the rest of the restroom. (and because that is what they are used to-bathing outside)
As we walked in, I saw bright smiling faces. How could these be the same faces I saw back in September? Their eyes were bright and glistening. Their teeth showing from their excited wide smiles on their faces. They were eager to see us. THESE CHILDREN ARE THE FACES OF A SAVIOR!
While they were excited to have visitors, they were even more excited to see what was in our large bags that we had brought. I do believe that Piermenn, the nanny was the most excited of all. She has been caring for these angels with very little supplies. She has made due with what she had, but was eager for more items.
We went into a bedroom to show Piermenn what all we brought: cars, babies, legos, play kitchen toys, bubbles, and tons of sports balls. We also brought a few pairs of shoes and clothing, but not knowing the sizes needed, we were grossly unprepared in that department. The bags also contained needed items like toothbrushes and toothpaste, along with peanut butter.
After some short discussion, it was agreed that it would be best to give each child one toy and store the rest. These kids have NEVER had toys and we didn't know how well (or not) they would be taken care of. Piermenn also has a fear of never getting anything more so she was obviously storing it away so to make it last. I respected her wishes and we gave each child a toy-a car for the boys and a babydoll for the girls. It truly was CHRISTMAS in JUNE!
Simple Amazement
Loving her baby doll
These girls knew exactly what to do!
Showing off their cars and trucks!
The entire play yard became streets for their new toys.
My buddy thanking me for the toy.
Everyone began taking turns and sharing.
Exactly what I needed to cap of the night!
Couronne is my favorite soda in Haiti.
So part of our mission was completed in just the first hour of our arrival-to give needed supplies and toys. But, we were not done yet.
Before we headed to Cap, we asked Ryan V. (the head missionary) what he wanted us to accomplish while we were there. He stated that they had beds and food, the bare minimums of life, but they still didn't have tables to eat at. He asked Paul is he could build some tables. ABSOLUTELY!
We arranged for a private tap-tap to pick us up in the morning so we could head to town for supplies.
We enjoyed a great nights sleep after our nice cool showers! We were ready for a new day.
Wood-check!
Loaded down tap-tap
The guard getting us some nice refreshing coconut milk.
The BEST ever!
Everyone watching while Paul worked.
Tuckered out!
Viola! Finished project.
Paul knocked out three of these in a matter of a few hours.
Gems is pleased with the final product.
While we were only at Justice Rescue for barely over a day, I fell in love with these children and the wonderful adults making a difference in their lives!
Please continue to pray for the children, nanny, and guards at Justice Rescue!
Unfortunately, our time in Haiti was coming to a close. We had to leave bright and early the next morning to get back to Montroius. Our flight was leaving back to the US the day after that.
I am happy to announce we did find that glorious nice charter bus to take us back. It was heavenly!
I had some amazing conversations with God on the way home. He is opening my eyes to our future with Haiti and what is in store for us. I hope to be able to share that with you all soon, so please follow this blog and know that I will share as soon as I am able.
