Day 6

Salutations,

Hebrews 12:2-3 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning the shame and set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

This verse spoke to me (Tami) as we prepared to go out into the city of St. Louis to invite people to the Jesus movie. Every person we met was welcoming and truly happy to talk with us. We have been told several times by our interpreters that our presence in Haiti is encouraging to the people. It is mind boggling to think that our presence is so welcomed by those we interacted with. The villagers were so warm and open to invite us into their space and let us in return invite them to be with us at the church. Pastor and his wife, Venice accompanied us during this time of going out in to the town. Amy Newberry sent us the verse from Mark 1:38-39 where Jesus is preaching in Galilee and instructs his disciples to go out into the towns. We all felt that is what we were doing today.

A huge highlight of this trip is that the children are asking for previous visitors by name. That is such a huge honor in the Haitian culture, when one is not present and asked for in conversation they are verbalizing that they care for you.

Yesterday we finished and opened the library which the children have been enjoying. When we returned to the orphanage this morning you could hear the sounds of laughter and toys buzzing. After a while, some of us began to wonder where two of our members disappeared only to find them in the midst of approximately 50-60 children in the library observing them play. Thank you all for bringing so many smiles to their faces.

Prior to leaving the orphange for the day, we got to teach hand washing and wash all the children’s hands. Similar to when Jesus washes the disciple’s feet in John chapter 13. There is something to be said when you humble yourself and wash another’s hands, you feel more like you are channeling Jesus. You could see the children relax and enjoy us clipping their nails, washing with soap and water and rubbing in cocoa butter. Oh yeah, we also prayed over each child during the special one on one time.

Randomness from Team Haitian 2011.

"I'm not the smartest tack in the shed."--Tami-after a long days work
"Ma'am you are in a third world country anything can happen"--Bob American baggage claim man
“Du...Rag. Look du-rag! I spoke Creole. What does that mean? (As it sits below a photo of a man wearing one on his head)- Tami
“ I thought after the second time he would be whatever.” Erik- after tuna left his hand for the third time and landed on the Haitian next to him.
"Don't take a picture of my beef bourguignon"--Tami saying and Janese thinking
“Hey baby, I Love You!!- Random Haitian man’s proclamation to Joelle.(prayers being anwered???)
"Our driver is from Son-of-a-Mango?"--Jake (that would be Santa Domingo)
“Did you say..Girls we have a long drive to Port au Prince to eat more apples.” Janese- the slightly hearing impaired member.
"That just gets my Goat!"- Tami

Tami, Janese, Erik, Cameron, and Jake