As we write this, it is 10:45 PM and the team is still together following our 8 PM meeting—still worshipping, praying, sharing Scripture with one another. There is a sense that we must come together and rely upon God’s power more than we were prepared to do when we woke up today. Some extra time before his throne will help, and we all know it.
During the debriefing session at the beginning of our meeting, as we shared our hearts’ reflections on the day, there was one major theme: discouragement. Maybe not what you expected to hear, but if we are honest, it is true. We experienced some things today that caused our hearts to hurt . . .
The two of us (Drew and Sara) took eight of the kids to a medical clinic in Les Cayes. One kid, Windy (new since January) does not use his left eye (we’re thinking he may be blind in that eye). Another, Rosela, has been ailing for a while, and we were hoping for a diagnosis for her prolonged disability and suffering. The other six have an itch outbreak on their skin. After sitting in the waiting room for a while (precious time with those kiddos!), the kids were rushed one-by-one in front of the “doctor,” and he hurried through, not answering Sara’s questions and not giving us anything conclusive.
The rest of the team experienced disappointment in St. Louis at the hands of the administration of our orphanage. Kelsey, Lisa, Jewel, Linda, Brandi, Aubrey and Andrea made a concerted effort to reach out to the mommas, but the mommas were defensive and disengaged. Meanwhile, the kids did not eat all day until 4:45 PM when they were treated to a pudding mixture of flour, sugar, and water. Add in the fact that there are rising tensions between our administration and El Shaddai Ministries, and we have a recipe for tension and sadness.
The day was certainly not all cast in gloom. There were several sprinkles of light along the way! Later in the day, Jewel received a hug from two of the mommas who appreciated the shoes we brought for them (the kids got them too). Kelsey and others heard several “mesi”s (“thank you”s) from them after helping with the laundry. The two of us received a love note from Rosela while we waited at the clinic. Travis had the whole camp busting tunes after they attended his spontaneous beep-box and rhythm class. Greg had a kid attempt to share half of his granola bar after Greg gave it to him. Linda is now known as “crazy lady” after she told the kids that “sweet potatoes have eyes” in Creole (she was trying to tell them to share!) Travis, Tyler, and Greg got started constructing the roof for the latrine. All of the ladies had the opportunity to pray with Sarah (our translator Samuel’s girlfriend) and hear her testimony. What a tangible, powerful reminder that there are Haitians who worship our Lord passionately!
These moments cause us to fall deeper in love with our kids. As Linda said tonight, we feel like we each have about 90 Haitian kids of our own now. And this is why we are so disheartened when we realize that they are not being cared for to the fullest potential. Please pray for Scott as he prepares to have a tough conversation with some leaders tomorrow. Pray for us, that God would continue to supply us with his energy and love to pour out on the kids. Pray for our kids, that God would care for them with his omnipotent hands.
It was sweet time tonight with the team tonight. We are leaning on the Lord and leaning on each other as we minister together. Please join with us in seeking God’s power and control over our situation. He is the King. We are simply serving him and trusting Him.
With love,
Drew and Sara
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