Orphans

"There are no orphans here..."  Last week during a very moving devotional, a team of youth from Kansas sang a song about how God welcomes all into His family. The words of this song have stuck with me as we have experienced more of the suffering and loss in Haiti, as well as the hope and joy found in God, our heavenly Father. 

As I've shared before, I am here working with a group of teachers from all over the States.  One of the teachers, Barbie, is an amazing woman who has quite the story of God's calling in her life.  Within the first few minutes of meeting Barbie, you will know a few thing about her.  You will know that she is a very intentional, caring, and welcoming person, and you will also know that she is in the process of adopting three teenagers from Haiti.  She felt God's call on her life after visiting an orphanage in Haiti, and is working through the stages to be able to take home three amazing Haitian teens, Shelove, Edeline, and Daniel (pictured below with Barbie) to live with her in Connecticut.

I was so amazed by Barbie and her children's stories, that I asked her if I could share it with you all.  I have been moved in many different ways during my visits around Haiti, but nothing has struck me more than going with Barbie this weekend to visit with her children at a local orphanage, about twenty minutes away from the school where we are working at this summer.  There are millions of children in Haiti, and as a result of poverty, poor health care, and a low quality of living conditions, many of these children are not able to live with their biological mothers and fathers.  Some children are being raised by aunts, uncles, grandparents, or other more distant relatives, while many, many others are being raised in orphanages. 

The quality of life in the orphanages in Haiti varies greatly and depends on those in charge and the resources available to them.  At the orphanage where Barbie's children are waiting, there is a problem with overcrowding.  Before the earthquake there were about 20 children, and today there are over 100.  When you walk through the entrance and into the big room where the children eat and play, you are greeted very quickly by a mob of smiling faces and a flurry of Creole.  One little boy, Chrislain (pictured below), has been dubbed "The Mayor" for his ability to welcome visitors and draw them in with his big smile and contagious laughter.  It was a joy to meet these children and be able to see the joyful hope in their eyes as the recognized Barbie, as one of the Mommas who is coming to spend time with her children. 

I can't imagine the heartache that Barbie and the many other parents must endure as they wait for paperwork and a complex and inconsistent system to push through their adoptions.  I admire their unfailing love, and am so strongly reminded of God's unfailing love for His children.  Although we are seperated from Him by sin, He still lovingly reaches out to us and adopts us as children.  When we feel alone and isolated, much like orphans, we can recall the patient and enduring love of God our Father. 

As the days pass and I struggle, in my weakness, with all kinds of frustrations and fears, I am so thankful to know there are friends and family praying for me and the other people working here this summer.  It is an honor to be able to come to Haiti, but the challenges are great, and having the support of friends far away is very meaningful!  Thank you for helping me through this journey!  Love in Christ, Jessie