Day 7

Our last full day in Haiti was.................full.

It began around 5am when we awoke to prepare for church in Les Cayes at 6. There was no water, which meant no flushing toilets and no showers. Thankfully everyone had showered Saturday night, except me! In typical Haitian style, we didn't leave for church until almost 7, but not to worry; they were just getting going when we arrived.

As I have said many times, worshipping here is like a taste of heaven; John's vision in Revelation of people from every tribe, and tongue and people and nation worshipping before the throne. While we couldn't understand most of what they were singing, we worhsipped together nonetheless. They did sing one song in English, and I was moved to tears.

We left Cayes church early at 8:30 to attend church in St. Louis du Sud with our kids. They are always precious, but in their Sunday best, they are adorable! What a blessing to worship alongside them! Don't know how to put it in words, but when they sing, you feel like you are in the company of angels. We were blessed. I had the opportunity to preach and as always, count it a special blessing.

We spent the afternoon with the kiddos. About 3 it began to rain so we headed to the church and sang; first our songs, then theirs. As we finished, several team members shared with the kids what the week had meant to them and then we prayed for them. As they left the church, each child got a vitamin, a snack, and a hug from each team member. It was special! Near the end, several boys broke down in tears, and so did the team. Then Pastor LaBastille's wife was crying. Even after a week, goodbye's are incredibly difficult. We tried to explain a team will return in January, Lord willing. But I am not sure what their minds comprehend. Hopefully over time, as we continue to come back, they will know how much we care.

After a quiet bus ride home, we had dinner with Samuel, our translator. Today is his 25th birthday. We sang Happy Birthday and had a cake for him. He grew up in an orphanage and said it was the first time anyone had every sung Happy Birthday for him. Afterwards, we gatehrered around and prayed for him. Louis told me later that Samuel was very blessed by the evening. He was sure a blessing to us. The week wouldn't have been what it was without his help. Hopefully he will be a regular when our next team comes!

You would have been so proud of this team. I stood back and watched them, love, serve and minister here. Our two teenagers, John and Jenna did an amazing job. The kids loved them! If they weren't kicking soccer balls around, they had multiple kids in their laps.

Greg and John S. were thinking, planning and working all week. What a blessing to have people who understand construction and site planning. The future of our village will be vastly improved as a result of these two guys being on the trip. But those skills were secondary to their love for the kids; they did such a great job of loving our children. Even when they were working, they had kids following them around, sometimes even helping!

Kelli cared for sick and scratched kiddos, while showering them with love. By the end of the week, some were looking for reasons to see the "Doctor".

Rob was always serving, anticipating needs and taking care of things before anyone could ask. He usually had a child over his shoulder or wrapped around his arms.

Brett led singing, often times in Creole. It was very impressive! He was always juggling, dancing and doing anything to make the kids smile.

Cindy, who had all of 36 hours to prepare for the trip, did an amazing job keeping us organized, preparing daily craft time with the kids, leading singing, and loving on kids. They loved her back!

Thank you for your prayers; we could not have done this without them! God is doing some really neat things in Haiti, and we are blessed as a church to be able to join Him here. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity.

We will leave on a 7:45 flight out of Les Cayes and hope to arrive in KC by 10PM. Please pray for safe and on time travel tomorrow.

Love from Haiti!

Scott
for Team Haiti