Home

Yesterday we woke up at 4:00 and packed 25 children, 5 adults, and multiple boxes and bags into the truck to set off for Gonaives.  Most of the children that live at the Christian Light Ministries Orphanage are originally from the Gonaives area but came to live with Sherrie in Port Au Prince after the floods of 2008.  Although it was a very early morning and we had little extra space, everyone was excited to go visit.

After three hours of fairly good driving (the road to Gonaives has recently been repaved by a group from the Dominican Republic), we arrived at the home and school of Pastor Genada and his wife Rose (pictured below with their youngest daughter DJ who was born one day after the 2004 floods- Rose told us she almost delivered her on the roof as they escaped from the rising waters!).  This amazing couple and their children came to Haiti from the Philippines 16 years ago.  They have survived two floods, in 2004 and 2008, and have amazing stories of courage, friendship, and God's grace in keeping them safe and helping them rebuild both times. 

When we arrived in Gonaives most of the children had family members ready to take them home.  Older brothers and sisters, parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles were happy to see the children return home for a visit.  Many of the children who have family members were originally taken to the orphanage in Gonaives because there wasn't any food or money to support the children.  The families knew that sending them to Pastor Genada and Rose would give them security, and opportunities for education that would otherwise be out of their reach.

Above is a picture of Jovenel (left) and Lydger with their father.  Jovenel and I have been playing a Scrabble-like game each afternoon to practice his English.  He is a very bright student, only in 1st grade but he is reading on a 6th grade level in English.  He was telling me earlier this week that he was looking forward to visiting with his family.  On the ride back I showed Jovenel the picture of his father and he sat for a long time just looking at it.  I told him that his father was so happy to see him and that he must be very proud of his boys.  It was a heart-breaking moment thinking of the families who love and care for their children but simply have no means of supporting them.  The long drive and the cramped quarters didn't compare to the pure joy in Jovenel's eyes as he looked longingly at his father's smiling face.

As the days seem to fly past I realize that soon I will be returning to my home.  Life in New Hampshire will be different for me now, not because of any great thing I have accomplished, but because of the amazing lessons these children have taught me about faith and hope.  The reality that God is our perfect Father who loves and cares for us is more true to me after seeing these children live this reality each day.  This knowledge gives them comfort and I pray that I too would grow to find complete peace in His unfailing love.  Thank you for following along with me, I am so thankful to be able to share these amazing adventures with you! Love in Christ, Jessie

Provision

It is always good to take some time to thank the Lord for the ways that He provides for us.  I don't think I have ever been so aware of the grace that He shows each day in sustaining life.  Of course this provision looks very different in Haiti than it does in New Hampshire.  For example, each morning Beverly and I go out to the well to fill up the buckets for washing water.  In this unique way God provides for this basic need.

As I have noted earlier, everything in Haiti is subject to change.  We make plans with the understanding that the only certain thing here is that anything can happen.  For example, every afternoon during our "tutoring" sessions with the older students we have been trying to give them some time on computers to explore the world through technology.  They enjoy researching their favorite soccer players or looking at pictures of far away places.  These plans are often changed as the power will go off sometimes for days at a time.  And still, the Lord provides for our needs.  When there is no power we enjoy playing large card games or just sit around practicing our English by talking together with these amazing teenagers. 

Here in Haiti I have been so impressed with the constant spirit of thankfulness that these children demonstrate.  After living through multiple disasters and being left at an orphanage, they have been blessed with an inner power that allows them to show thankfulness for even the smallest of blessings.  What an important perspective- to be thankful for each moment, each interaction, each display of God's grace and mercy.  Below is a picture of the sun setting over Port Au Prince, and again I am thankful for this provision of beauty in creation.  Thank you for your continued love and involvement as the Lord provides more occasions to grow and learn from Haiti!  Love in Christ, Jessie