4th of July
We woke up to kids working hard at 7 a.m. Jerry and a few other boys continued to help the masons who are laying some cement for Pastor, girls were sweeping the dirt path clear of debris while others helped prepare food, and still others were getting ready for the washer women to come.
The kids understand that we are taking some of them to the market each day. They are all clamoring to go, and we are trying to convince them that they will all get a chance before we leave. Today we took:
Chedlin, 15 or 16 years old, brother to Dieulene. Mom passed away, the person who was taking care of them in Cap Haitien asked one of Pastor’s children there if they would please ask Pastor to take them. The dad comes to visit 3-4 times a year. As Pastor was sharing with us, if there is only one parent alive, the desperate poverty of life here makes it too difficult to care for them and try to work, too.
Michelda, 6 years old, who is Modeline’s sister. When her father brought them here 5 years ago, Pastor was advised by others not to take her–she was too sick, too malnourished, and she was going to die. Fortunately he didn’t listen and today she is bright-eyed and full of life! I remember photos of her from Abby and Denny’s first trip, and she never smiled. Look at her now:-)
Kencia, 10 years old–her aunt worked with Pastor some years ago, and she asked him to take Kencia and her sister Mia as there was no way to adequately provide for them.
Gerald on my lap, 8 years old–Pastor met his aunt in Cap Haitien, his mom was pregnant very young and couldn’t take care of him. The aunt was not able to care for him for very long, and Pastor agreed to meet his mom and take him.
Felicienne, 14 years old (although she wrote “20” by her name–she likes to think she is older!)–she and her brother came to Pastor several years ago. Their father had requested many years ago that Pastor come pray for him; Pastor calls him a “magician” and says he is involved with occult practices. The father relapses into his old ways and has HIV; their mom finally left for the DR. The father pleaded with Pastor to take them–“I can die if I know they are with you.”
Their stories are hard, and life here is hard. However, the children are joy-filled and well-cared for at Loving Haiti!
And Emil, who will go with us every day just because we need him!
The girls all bought hair clips and Felicienne threw in a bracelet/earring set, Chedlin bought a little lock with keys (apparently the older boys have a drawer? they can lock), and Gerald bought some crème, or lotion. I asked Emil to make sure Gerald gets to use it and not everyone else take it, although he will probably share and it will be gone very soon. It’s interesting to see what these kids do when given the chance to purchase something. Even if things don’t last, the opportunity to shop and make a decision for themselves as to what they need or want is a good one. Clothes, etc. get given to them and they wear whatever has been donated. Being able to buy something small for themselves is a big thing, especially for the little ones.
We ended with a snack and a cold drink. Kencia finished hers before Michelda, and Michelda poured a little of hers into Kencia’s bottle. Emil gave part of his Gatorade to Jerry, who was still working at noon when we got home. Selfishness is rare among these kids!
When we returned, big Moses (from yesterday) came down to look at my adult picture dictionary. I gave him some notecards and I think he is still writing down phrase in Kreyol/English. I told him and Emil that next year we will have a more formal structure for learning English, as they really want that. In the meantime, we have impromptu sessions as evening falls or whenever I am able to sit down with the older children.
A few notes–the littles like to play with the sweat that pours from my chest and face, swirling their fingers through it on my skin. They also like to trace the ropey veins on my hands and play with the extra/saggy skin between my thumb and forefinger…?! The neighbors behind our room, outside the compound fence, know we’re here and make the rooster sound when we enter–that is Mark’s trademark here, and the washer women crow as we walk by them too:-)
And we met an American couple, about our age, in the market today. We’d seen them on their motorcycle Wednesday as we drove out to the feeding clinic. They are here for 3 years with Many Hands for Haiti (mh4h.org). We hope to have a chance to visit with them before we leave–networking here and learning of each group’s work is a good thing.
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4 Comments
by Carol
On July 7, 2014
Another great update! Thanks for taking the time to tell us a little about each child’s story. That helps give us good perspective. It’s hard to imagine living in such desperate poverty that you have to give up your children to people who you believe will keep them alive and maybe even help them “thrive”… which is clearly happening with these children! Imagine you sleep well even though it’s hot because you’ve got to be worn out every night! Thanking God that you didn’t even mention the word “mosquito” in this update!
Love you guys, Carol
by Lynn
On July 7, 2014
Jill – I really appreciate hearing the childrens’ stories – I didn’t know a lot of this.
And how fun to take each of them shopping – great idea.
It’s in the 90s in Oregon this week! Hope you get some relief from the heat.
Lynn
by Rose Pauly
On July 8, 2014
Wow, Jill, my hearts breaks with the stories of these children, yet there is such beauty and hope inserted into their lives through Loving Haiti! Thank you for all that you and your family are doing for the hurting children in this country. The love of God and His touch is truly seen in the midst of suffering. God bless you all!
by Bonnie Ryan
On August 3, 2014
Jill, I just stumbled on your blog! It is lovely! I will be following and praying for your ministry.
Bonnie