day 17

Day 17 What a great day!

We were able to visit an orphanage in the first week we were here in Haiti. But, we didn't plan that trip, so we didn't have anything with us to give the kids. Our suitcases were filled with goodies and fun stuff that we were just itching to give away. SO, today we went back to that orphanage to give love and give gifts. What a treat. When we first arrived the children all seemed so sad. They were filthy, no shoes, runny noses, and had sores on many of their legs and arms. Their diapers were full, and their hearts seemed empty. It just broke our hearts. We unloaded a whole bunch of baby food and formula we had in the back of our pickup. I had heard that this orphanage had lots of little ones, so I had packed a box of Froot Loops that would melt in their mouths. I was excited to start passing them out. Well, you've heard the trouble the UN has had with food distribution? Crowd control needs to be thought through before hand. Man, am I stupid. I started to put 3 or 4 Froot Loops in each little hand. Slowly it made it to their mouths and pretty soon I was swarmed with little hands. They started yelling "White Mama, white mama!" in Creole. Before I knew it, I just couldn't get it into their hands quick enough and they were all crying! "Stupid, white mama" is what I have to say! Live and learn. I had to call for help and find a plan B.

We got more organized and had them all sit down and we handed out a little plastic toy for each child and candy smarties as they left the tarp. Whew. Crowd control complete. We held some little ones for a while. They were clammering for love and affection. If we put them down they just cried. Their tears just broke our hearts. After a while, I just wanted to play with some of them, so I snuck away from a very sad baby and pulled out the sidewalk chalk and Barb started blowing bubbles. That was the true highlight of my day. To finally see these little precious children smile was so awesome. I drew a hopscotch board on the concrete and taught them how to hop through it. They caught on fast and were laughing and having so much fun. Then I started to draw around their little dirty feet, and that was the best! I think they all just needed to feel special. That the "white mama" would take time to draw around each one of their feet put sparkles in their eyes. Oh, the power of a little love and a box of sidewalk chalk. (Thanks for the donations, Eagan Hills) We wrote Jesus' name on their sidewalk and prayed that God would care for these special little orphans. It was time to go home. We left a few in tears, but all decided it was worth it for them to have a day of fun and love. As we're getting close to finishing up our time here, it was a real treat to be the arms of Jesus to some precious children that really needed a touch from the Master.

We got home to see our 2 bunk houses almost completed. The commando construction team worked so hard all day. They wouldn't stop until they couldn't see anymore in the dark. We're all going to sleep hard tonight. There haven't been any quakes at night in the last few days. It has made for peaceful sleeping . We are grateful. Thanks for those of you who have prayed for that. Both Mike and I are tired, but healthy. (Another huge answer to prayer)

We continue to be amazed at God's grace for the country of Haiti. Revival and growth are spreading and the church is bursting at the seams. The silver lining is there to see. God is truly healing their land.

At the feet of Jesus,

Linda