Day 2

Day 2 from Cameron and Jake

We had a skeleton of a plan. Upon awakening still with no bags in possession, I (Cameron) found myself bonding with other members of the team, Tami in particular, as I had to give her my new toothbrush. After spending time in the Scriptures and eating some breakfast, we loaded into the truck and heated for St. Louis. Once there was a chicken in the way. Our driver did not stop. As we arrived at the orphanage, the children were in school. Natou, the handyman and papa, opened the gate for us and greeted all of us with a smile of familiarity, as most of us had met him on previous trips. After a time, Pastor LaBastille sounded the bell for the children to assemble for lunch. The majority of our afternoon, since we had no supplies, was spent primarily in hanging out with the kids and showing them affection as our heavenly Father does.

I, Cameron, had a really neat opportunity to talk to the two schoolteachers. The female teacher, Liusette, has incredible faith. It was very fun to delight mutually in our Lord and Savior! The other teacher, however, said that he did not believe in Jesus and only believed in a creator of some sort. As these two individuals pour into our kids day in and day out, pray that he would come to know the Lord and be a spiritual role model for our kiddos. Lord willing, I'll have another opportunity to talk to them both again on Thursday. There is no schoolbtomorrow because it will be the first anniversary of the earthquake. Pray that the Lord would speak to them in a powerful and saving way. Erik suggested we invite both to our showing of the Jesus film on Saturday.

I, Jake, had a wonderful time simply being with all of the children. The younger boys especially seemed to hover around me. Therson, age 5, was especially attached, even after only a few hours. One of our main "activities" was coloring in coloring books (which by the way, would make an excellent donation to LCF Haiti missions!), and Therson used my legs as a table to color on. After he finished, I assumed he wouls either keep his picture or turn it in to Janese with all the other children, bit he gave it to me intead! It was so touching tonrecieve a gift from this child who had next to nothing, especially seeing how intently i labored on it. It rinsed me so much of how we are to trust christ. Although the quality of our service will never be close to what He deserves, He is so glorified by the sincerity and focus that we can only give because he gives to us.

A few other notes: the tour de Haiti bike team from the global orphan project stopped by the orphanage today to give our kids fifteen bikes and spend some time with them. LCF's own Scott Rodgers was with them!

Also, Rick, a team member from PVBC, lost his footing walking down a staircase and broke a glass bowl, breaking it against the wall and cutting his hand. He was quickly taken the the hospital in Les Cayes and received stitches. Because of Haiti's less than sanitary environment. It has been decided that Rick will return home on Thursday, Lord willing, after spending tomorrow with tour de Haiti team.

The verses of the day were James 1:2-5: consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you encounter trials of various kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you asks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

-Jake and Cam