We start our days with group devotional time. Today’s message was taken from Psalm 100. After a hearty breakfast we toured the different facilities associated with Mission of Grace. There is a school for grades kindergarten through six, a church, a clinic, a “granny’s home”, and an orphanage compound which includes an area for babies through preteens, as well as a separate teenage girl’s home. The girl’s home houses about 18 young ladies.
It’s encouraging to see the progress from last year. When I was here in 2015, they were leveling the area where the school would be built and now there are 3 buildings on the site. The first picture below is the cleared and leveled land from last year. The second picture is one of the new school buildings. It’s still a work in progress…there are no windows or doors and no electricity.
While we were at the school we had the opportunity to talk with the principal, Mr. Billy. He is an energetic person who used to commute 2.5 hours to Carries. Recently he relocated his family to the village. A few of the children in each class appear to be a bit older. Many of these kids probably had to drop out of school previously, most likely because they couldn’t afford the $200 annual tutition. This may not sound like a lot of money but the medium annual income in Haiti is around $2,000. ALL STUDENTS must pay tuition.
The Granny’s home which was only partially completed last year now houses 10 elderly people and two younger adults, one with cerebral palsy and the other who is physically disabled. Our host shared that a couple of the residents there were actually left at their doorstep.
Last year our team built toilets in the orphanage. These were the first “flushable” toilets most people in the village had ever encountered (something WE in the US take for granted). Andre Lipford who is a general contractor, who happens to attend Alfred Street was instrumental in properly installing the commodes and sinks. Our team also poured the concrete steps and hung the doors. Today the toilets are in use. Someone actually stained the doors and painted the front so it looks wonderful!
In the evening we joined the men of Grace Church for bible study led by Rev. Michael Oakley. Service started at 5pm so it could end by 6pm because it gets dark. There are no street lights so it’s a bit of an arduous task getting back down the mountain.
What a great day!
My brother I’m forever grateful to God for allowing us to cross paths. You are not just an older brother to me but you are an inspiration. I really know that God smiles on you. Your effervescent spirit as well as your demeanor is second to none. I love you my brother. Keep doing what you’re doing. We think no one is watching, your actions are speaking volumes. Tell the gang I love them all with the love of Christ and my heart yearns to be there with them.
Bless you Andre. You know several people asked about you.
Awesome!!!!