Today started with great expectations, lots to do and adventures yet to be realized. We started the day with devotionals by talking about the experiences we all had at DBR and what it meant for our relationship to God, to the Church (the body of Christ) and to others. There is still a lot of processing to do, but there was a great sense of optimism, hope and enthusiasm for our calling to share what God is doing in our lives.
Pastor Savio Wooley
Just as we were about to wrap up, Pastor Savio Wooley arrived with fresh mangos to share. Pastor Wooley is supported through the House of Faith and is typical of many of the Haitians we’ve met. He’s filled with energy, laughter and dramatic interpretation of what Jesus means to him. He remembered that last year I gave my Croc to the orphanage with the instructions there were for Pastor Wooley. I was surprised he received them and at his gratitude after such a long time. So I have him the pair of Crocs I was wearing that the time and he was excited and grateful. We also gave him $20 to help with his ministry and living expenses.
BEFORE
After Wooley left, it was time to get to work. We completed the basketball stand and hoop (thanks to the support of VBS) and we bought another 5 gallons of paint and finished the hallway on the second floor.
But the big story of
AFTER
the day was going swimming in the ocean. We were all excited and when the boys arrived home from school at noon, we ate dinner at 1:30 and were on the road by 2:30.The boys all piled into one TapTap and the adults in another. I am happy to report we arrived safely and without incident.
Boy ready for the beach in a TapTap
We had a marvelous time swimming with the boys in the warm Caribbean water and I learned you really can see your feet clearly. We had a great time and hated to get out of the water, but believe it not this is winter in Haiti and the boys felt the
our TapTap that broke down 3 times
water was way to cold. They should try swimming off the cost of the US.
The ride home was an another adventure. The TapTap we were riding had another flat tire, this is the third time we’ve changed tires on this vehicle.
at the beach
Tonight we’re going to celebrate a group Birthday Party complete with ice Cream, present and photo shots. I’m sorry I can’t share the photos of the Birthday party at present, but look for them tomorrow you may just see a gift you gave in the hands of a very grateful boy.
Erin and Esther in the Caribbean
Haiti has a profound influence on all who experience her people, her spiritual depth and her calm return to a simple way of life. We’ve struggled with the inconveniences the Haitians take for granted, but they accept life as it comes, without
Pastor Steve
complaints and without blame. I think we could all do with a good dose of that!
Time to say Good-Bye to Haiti until next year.
“Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly
Sunset on the Haitian Bay
one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16
I am so glad that you guys got to go swimming in the ocean!