First visit to Children's Home

Peterson, a graduate from the Children's Home, drove me and the interpreter the the Children's Home today. I did not recognize the ally due to all the rubble and tents in the road. My heart was altered by this change, as I see families struggling harder than before for water, sanitation and sleep in the ally.

I was greeted by the caregiver, the only caregiver of the children. He cooks, cleans, teaches and get the children ready for school and church. The most wonderful news is that the children KNOW Jesus. They go to youth group on Saturdays and church every Sunday. This young man, who was also an orphan, was raised in a solid Christian home and knows the Lord. As the last team remembers this was our biggest struggle with the Haiti Methodist Church, they did not take the boys to church and there was a void in Christian education. The children recited Psalm 23 to me and answered questions about Jesus better than most kids even in the states. Their little souls were starving for the word of God. I had 14 little sets of eyes focused on me for about 1 hours as I used materials from our own Cappy to share about our Shepherd during the times of darkness and times of rest. They loved to watch the little sheep getting lost then being called back by God. They loved how dumb sheep are and loved getting a little sheep as their own.

Their coloring books created by a dear friend, Kate, were a huge hit. The children were eager to color in the lines, adding their own combinations of colors. "Mike" brought me his picture for affirmation about 5 x, with his seeking eyes and little tug on my shirt. He never spoke with his mouth but his eyes told me he heard Jesus loved him. Oh, his little soul spoke volumes to me.

The tough news for all my old team members and our church: EVERYTHING we had purchased and brought down to help the boys learn and play, is gone. The shelves are empty except for a TV. No books, no puzzles, no legos, no musical instruments, no cars or trucks. It is all gone, all the kitchen supplies, tables, chairs, numbered drinking cups....gone. I know they are materialistic items, but very disturbing in the least. God knows and He will provide what is needed.

I will work with getting the boys more food this week and whatever else God puts before me. I will meet them at Frere Church tomorrow and teach again. Please stay in prayer, thank you!!!