Day 7

Always the hardest day on our trips, the day to say goodbye.

More than most, this day was a roller coaster of emotions. From the joy of worshipping with our children, to the sadness of saying goodbye. From the grief of seeing two dead men lying in the road to the pleasure of dining with Moise Vaval in his home and worshipping at his church to end the day. Wow. Those are the cliff notes, read on if you want the more complete version……………..

We left for St. Louis early so we would have a little time with the kiddos before church. We knew we would have to leave immediately after church, so wanted as much time as possible.

From the moment we arrived, the looks on their faces told us they knew. The children are learning, they know the last day is hard. We hugged and took lots of pictures before church started. As always, it is a joy to worship with our orphans. A group of them sang a special song during the service. Everyone on the team had the opportunity to share something with the congregation. There is no doubt the children and the church there know how much we love them, and that an entire church in the US is supporting them. Thank you!

Leaving is bittersweet. Cameron’s French, which has been a blessing all week, was a curse for him on the last day. He hears the children begging us to stay. As difficult as it is, we realized that they are understanding relationship. They are experiencing love, which has always been our goal. It doesn’t make the leaving any easier, but does give us hope they can understand the love of their heavenly Father.

We were on the road to PAP by 11:30, with hopes of stopping at Marie’s (the lady who rescued our June team from the river!). We arrived at Maries about 1:30, but she was not there. She had left for the states just a few days before. We did see some of the staff who had served us in June, and Cameron left pictures for them from the river experience. It is so neat to see how God has allowed us relationships with people around Haiti. It is exciting to think how many we might have years from now.

On our way to PAP, we passed a terrible accident. Two young men were lying in the street dead. It was a vivid reminder of the life and death realities in Haiti. People here are far too accustomed to tragic death. I wondered how long the bodies had been there, would an ambulance come, would they get a funeral, would their family even know? Life in Haiti is hard.

When we arrived in PAP, Moise met us and led us to his home. Moise is the Global Orphan Project country director who was featured on 60 Minutes after the earthquake. His son, John Mark was killed in the earthquake. Moise is an incredible man of God, and what a treat to spend a few hours with he and his wife, Françoise in their home. She prepared a wonderful meal and the fellowship was sweet.

We then had the opportunity to visit his church. The church was destroyed in the earthquake, but the congregation has rebuilt it, and it was dedicated on the one year anniversary of the earthquake, January 12. There were thousands at the dedication service. This was the first Sunday to worship in the new building. What a blessing to celebrate God’s goodness with them. While we could not understand the songs they sung, it was easy to worship with them. Their dependence on the Lord shows in their worship, it is real joy. I had the opportunity to preach, what a humbling experience. It was one of those experiences I will never forget. During the service, the power went out for a minute or so, and God was faithful to just keep us going. Moise prayed to close the service and people were giving their lives to the Lord. The Holy Spirit is moving in Haiti. Thank you Lord for a glimpse of that to give us hope as we return home.

We spent the night at the Global Orphan Project Inn and will head to the airport shortly for our trip home. We are excited to return to families and friends, and to share our experience with others, but a part of us will always remain here. God has used Haiti to change us. I am praying He keeps changing me.

Thank you for all your prayers. We have definitely felt them. God was so good to us on this trip. To Him be the glory and honor and praise.

Blessings

Scott
For Team Haiti