Homeward

Yesterday we packed 22 of the children and a handful of adults and took the 3 1/2 hour drive from Port au Prince to Gonaives.  In 2008 most of the children from the CLS Children's Home were relocated from Gonaives to Port au Prince after surviving a devastating flood.  At the time, the children had been living at an orphanage in Gonaives which was completely destroyed by 14 feet of mud.  The group of about 30 children were stranded on the tin roof of one of the structures at the orphanage for about 3 days before help arrived.  It is a heart-breaking story, but yesterday's journey wasn't about remembering why they left, but looking to who they left behind.  Many of the children from Gonaives still have family there, an aunt, grandparent, cousin, sibling, or even parents.  They take trips a few times a year to visit with their family members and to help them remember their home and where they came from.

This is the second trip I've made up to Gonaives with the children and I was so thankful for the opportunity to go again.  Being cramped into the back of the truck with all these precious kiddos is my favorite version of a road trip.  And being able to be there to capture the joy and love when the children are reunited with their loved ones is priceless...

Herode with his big brother.

Miselene, Shneider, Octaline, and Chandlin with their Grandmother and cousin.

Exaline with her brother.

J.J. with his Aunt.

It was a wonderful time of celebration and love as the kids spent the day together with their families.  These children have two homes now, one in Gonaives and one at the children's home at CLS in Port au Prince.  My prayer is that as they grow, they would recognize how loved and valued they are.

Thank you for following along on this journey!  Love in Christ, Jessie