Thursday we send teams to the school, senior home, little orphanage, the Grace orphanage and the construction project. Mrs Lyn Joseph, the founder of Mission of Grace, shared with us that the children at the orphanage she runs ARE NOT orphans. Even though their birth parents no longer care for them, she and her husband are their parents so she insists we call them “Children of Grace”. Indeed as you enter the compound these words are inscribed on the gates.
I receive word that the team that went to the school today turned it out. The report was the children were having so much fun learning that the principal was alarmed and was headed over there to see what was going on. It is a blessing that they had such a great time learning. To that end, most Haitians take education very seriously. Children are expected to arrive at school on time in clean and neat uniforms. Most of the classrooms our teams visited did not have any lights, doors, or windows. There are window and door cutouts but nothing in them. Most classes have either chalk boards or dry eraser boards but the writing utensils, chalk, pens, etc. are in short supply. None of these things seem to dampen the students enthusiasm nor the teachers resolve to teach.
I also received word that things were popping at the Grandma/Grandpa House. The team
was there to celebrate the birthday of two of the residents. I understand the music was loud and secular, and a couple of them got on the dance floor and never slowed down. They dined on cup cakes, had party favors, and the celebrants were even gussied up for the occasion. They seemed to really enjoy the love and attention they received. One of our team members shared that as they walked back through the village after the celebration several villagers stopped them to inquire about the shenanigans they heard about happening up on the hill.
I joined in with the construction team in the morning as we continued to build the house for the cook at the soup kitchen. It’s remarkable how the workers are able to precisely place the blocks without the benefit of the tools and equipment we use in the States.
In the afternoon we disperse teams to the little orphanage and the Grandma/Grandpa house where the residents receive massages and mani/pedis. It’s a pleasure to see the joy on their faces as they are pampered by the team. A couple of the ladies insist on having back massages and start to take off their clothes right there on the porch…too funny. There is also one young man who is confined to a wheelchair but sits patiently waiting for a massage. The smile on his face as a member of the team finally begins to work on his legs and feet is absolutely priceless. Our goodbyes are a little emotional as we realize this is the last time we will have the opportunity to visit with them. I witness one team member begin to cry openly as a resident prolongs the embrace all the while whispering “thank you” over and over again. Pictured below is a resident proudly showing her manicure, the residents being pampered, and the view from the front porch of their residence.
Each evening after we have finished dinner we spend a little time discussing the high and low points of the day. Thursday evening is a very emotional one. The team has become very attached to the residents we have served this week and the plight of some of them tug at the heart strings. Admittedly it’s difficult to see people suffering and NOT be moved. More importantly it dawns on the team that today is the last workday and we will not get to spend any more time in the village during this mission. One missionary insists that she NEEDS to go back to the clinic one last time and repeatedly asks my permission but I cannot grant her request. While I look upon their tears I remind the team that God called each of us to do a specific task and that that task has been completed. And as difficult as it may be, they must accept the reality that “their calling” has been fulfilled and they must “shift gears” and prepare to return home. It is my sincere prayer that their lives have been permanently changed and they, just like me, will be committed to doing all they can to help support and sustain the underprivileged and underserved people of Haiti.