Wednesday

This morning was spent in two different places, but we came to see that God had a clear hand on each person to be exactly where they were called to be. We began the day with all of us aboard the tap-tap. Emmanuel, one of our guides, began singing "God is so good" and soon all of us had joined in. As the harmonies came out and we sang out as one, it seemed like a holy moment.

Our first stop was at the home of sick and dying children where 9 of us were going to serve. 4 rooms were each filled with 20 cribs. We came during visiting time so the outside area was filled with mothers visiting their children and a couple other teams playing with little ones. Our group dispersed into a couple of the rooms-- with the "least of these", those too sick to be up and about. I was blown away by how everyone jumped in and started loving on these babies. many were severely malnourished, some crying or moaning, others reaching out to be held. It's such a simple thing, to just be with a child. To hold them, rub their back, and whisper prayers over them. And yet, God is there, moving among them. As we left at noon, many of us were speechless, unable to put into words what we experienced. Sickness, darkness, and yet utter love and tenderness.

The second group of 8 went on to pick up several of the children at Gertrude's and go on to the hotel pool for water therapy. As it happened, each of the children seemed perfectly fitted to the team member they were with. In the pool, they helped the children relax their muscles through the sense of water and touch. it amazed them how quickly they adjusted to the water and how trusting they were of the team, even though they could only communicate with their eyes. After getting out of the water, the real show began starring the one and only Jim Johnson and Jody Eiffert and their infamous dance skills which sent one of the little girls into fits of giggles. We all were privileged to view the video later on-- priceless! When the other group picked them up, the whole group was full of smiles and joy-- so impacted by this experience and these special kids.

We all stopped for a quick lunch and then headed to Gertrude's to see the rest of the children and help with lunch. There were about 20 children, most with special needs. I'm blown away by the staff at places like this- women who day after day, hour by hour, love and care for these children that need so much help and care. I was so excited to find out they were having Feed My Starving Children MannaPack Rice! Working for FMSC stateside, you hear about the impact you make, but to be spoon-feeding a little girl in Haiti myself... it's a whole new perspective! Christine and I got to help do the dishes-- I think the staff was surprised we asked to help- but to bless and help these women who are the real heroes in caring for orphans is a blessing to us!

Back home we prepped for the next day while some of the team were able to visit Haiti Teen Challenge where they focus on the issue of fatherlessness and teaching young men to live as godly fathers and impact their communities for good. The night ended with an impromptu worship time with 4-part harmonies, practicing for singing with the elders tomorrow. And then, salsa dancing lessons for us all on the rooftop patio from Healing Haiti's own Jean!

Today was like a kaleidoscope, as Steve aptly put it tonight... you look through and you see beauty and joy and wonder, but a small twist of it and there is darkness. Today was a mix of both. It was a day of embracing the moment, serving the least of these alongside the unsung heroes who care for the kids everyday. These children are strong, they share with us unspoken love and they experience the healing light of our savior. God is so good as he arranges appointments for each of us and gives us validation that we are called to be here. We want to have servant hearts, be available and run into God's arms as we reach out for the raised arms of kids wanting to be loved. Like the man who threw the starfish back in the ocean, while we may not be able to touch and save all the orphans in Haiti, we can make a difference in one in each moment... and that's what it's all about.

Anna Lisa