Hello Iowa:
Crazy to think there is just one more day until we come home - we are all feeling mixed emotions about that. This morning we went to the orphanage, which was where the kids that we took to the beach came from. It was not your Anne of Green Gables orphanage though; we noticed plywood beds (with no mattresses), a small kitchen, a classroom, and a small play area. We spoke with the pastor of the orphanage, who shared that his number one priority was feeding the children (most of the time they get fed twice a day, but if funding is not available, they are fed once). He is also very dedicated to educating the children. He explained that following the earthquake the building was a gathering place. All of the children were happy to see us again, and we all enjoyed visiting with them again. Please join us in praying for Pastor Josef and his ministry at the orphanage.
Following the orphanage, we visited a few different schools, both public and private; many of the students are no longer in session at this time, but we were able to see many classrooms, supply closet, principal office, and other key parts of a school. There is a tuition to attend both; private school students pay about $250 a year for everything they need (if interested in sponsoring a child, contact Patti). Public schools are free, but students have to pay a fee about three times a year. Private school systems are similar to US school systems.
Next we ate lunch; ham and cheese sandwiches, rice, fried potatoes, chicken, and sweet potatoes are a few of the staples that we have enjoyed in the past week. We have also enjoyed many unique foods, including a green golf ball sized fruit this morning at breakfast; those who tried it thought it tasted like peaches and gave you cottonmouth. This evening we also visited an ice cream shop, where we enjoyed vanilla, rum raisin, and chocolate flavors.
Later this afternoon, we went back to the tent city for the feeding program. If you remember from earlier in the week, this may be one of their only meals this week. We served rice, beans, and hot dogs today; we all continue to feel blessed by what we have.
Following the feeding program, we taught VBS for the final time this week, which was at the church near the guesthouse. Today we taught about helping our neighbors, the Good Samaritan story, praised Jesus, and had a snack. All of us haveenjoyed the VBS experience as much as the kids, as well as acting out different Bible stories. We also met many of the kids that are being sponsored through the ETCH Program (if interested, contact Patti), which was a rewarding experience. ETCH stands for "Education to Change Haiti," meaning that a person has the opportunity to sponsor a Haitian child to go to school. ETCH is a District-run program. These kids also had to be fitted for a school uniform and shoes during this same time.
We closed the day again in Bible study. We started the week with the theme "we are here to love" and have added "serve, touch, change, and listen." Tonight we met under the theme "we are here to share." We read Ephesians 4:1-12 and discussed the importance of unity in the body of Christ. We have grown together as a team and tonight went around the circle recognizing the contributions everyone has made - building each other up!
We look forward to a less hectic schedule - a little shopping, packing, and organizing the supplies and clothing we plan to leave here.
We're anxious to see all of you and are so thankful for your prayers.
God bless you - The Haiti team
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