Peace

Since I was little, I have always found comfort and peace in art and creating. I am so thankful that God, the ultimate Creator, has provided us with the ability to capture glimpses of the beauty of His creation. As I was planning what kinds of supplies to bring to share with the children at the orphanage this summer, art supplies were on the top of the list. This weekend I pulled out the watercolor paints and supplies I brought for the students and took a few of the younger kids up to one of the classrooms for an "art lesson." The children were very excited to get the supplies and get to painting, so there wasn't much in the way of intensive instruction. They did seem to pick up some basics during our time together. Below are a few of the beautiful paintings they created and one shot of Palmey painting a rainbow.  For the very first time using a paintbrush and watercolor paints, I thought they did an amazing job!

In Haitian culture it is not unusual to see children being abused. Many of the children at the orphanage have histories of physical and emotional neglect and abuse from a very young age. One little boy who has been greatly impacted by his difficult history is Chandlin. After spending just a few minutes with Chandlin, it is easy to see that he has a hard time with respect and positive decision making. He is frequently kicked out of class and has spent a great deal of time with different adults being disciplined. Working with a child like Chandlin can be frustrating and exhausting, especially when he directs his anger and frustration toward other children in a violent manner. Knowing that he has come from a place of anger, violence, and abuse, helps open your heart to show him the grace and love God shows to each of us. When Chandlin showed interest in joining the group for painting, I was more than a little bit hesitant, but agreed that he could come along with the understanding that he would be kind to the other children and listen to my directions. It is amazing to see how the Lord works, because this was the first time I had observed Chandlin peaceful, respectful, and engaged in his learning. He was so eager to do everything right, and spent much of the time quietly focused on his painting. It was exciting to see him focus all of his energies into something productive, when he has often been very destructive with his words and his actions. At the end of the lesson, Chandlin thanked me with a big grin, and then asked when we would paint together again.

What an amazing God we serve, who uses even small things like a paintbrush and some paint, to help calm our spirits and open our hearts to the peace that comes from knowing Him. As more truth is poured into Chandlin's life, and as he has more moments of peace and quiet reflection, I pray that God will continue to guide him to the ultimate peace we find in knowing and serving God. Thank you all again for your prayers and loving support, the community of Christians is another way that God brings peace into our worlds. I am so thankful for this! Love in Christ, Jessie