Giving

Our first day of school in the new classrooms was great fun!  The fifth and second grade classes were hard working and respectful and the morning went by quickly.  After lessons I pulled out a few boxes from a large shipment of pillowcase dresses that were sent to the orphanage from the states.  There are hundreds of adorable dresses in this shipment, all made by hand.  When we opened the boxes the girls were beside themselves with happiness.  They were dancing around the room holding these beautiful little creations up to themselves.  What a simple way to give to those in need!  There are many, many dresses left which we will hopefully be able to give out to the local community.  Here are Carmelle, Wilna, and Rosemarline posing with their new dresses:

In the afternoons Beverly and I are offering English "tutoring"  activities for the older students.  Today we went on the balcony to play card games and use the computer to do some research.  Tcharly and Marc played Uno with me for a while, happily winning many rounds and rubbing it in my face.  After this Kervens asked for help in translating some of his French poetry into English.  This was a big step for a teenage boy who is extremely reserved generally.  He came to Christian Light Ministry's orphanage after his orphanage in Gonaives (northern Haiti) was destroyed by a flood in 2008.  His poetry was all about the enduring nature of love, and it was so pure and thoughtful I was so amazed at his willingness to share with me.  He asked if I wanted to make a copy of the poetry, which I said would be a great blessing.  This giving nature, the ability and desire to give of self is so humbling to me.  If only I could do this all the time, to give of myself and live fully with others around me in such a quiet and caring way.  Again the students are teaching me more than I could hope to give in return!  Thank you for continuing to follow along with my adventures in Haiti!  Love in Christ, Jessie