Day 7

Today we went on a special outing to the Baptist Mission at the very top of the mountain.   It is basically a tourist attraction, but it had the most amazing view. 

As a special treat, we took some of the older boys from the boys' home with us for all their hard work this week.  They seemed very happy all day and it made our hearts rejoice.

While there, we toured a museum and a zoo.  The "zoo" consisted of rabbits in cages, giant fish in ponds, and some birds.  It was very different from what we see at zoos in the U.S.

When we returned to the boys' home from our outing, we played with the boys some more. It was so much fun and the final goodbye was heart breaking.

This has been an amazing trip and it has been great getting to know these children on a deeper level and getting to know each other on this 2014 Haiti team!  Each person on this team has an amazing talent, and each used it to bring honor and glory to God this week!

Thank you for your continued prayers this week and for safe travels back home.

Thoughts from Katie ~ "This is my third time coming to Haiti, and each time I fall more in love with the people, making it that much harder to say goodbye. Although I'm sad to be leaving, I feel humbled to have had the opportunity to serve these sweet children! They have blessed me in such a deep way, I feel overwhelmed by their kindness and acceptance! Praise the Lord for this honor of seeing His heart in a whole new way!" -Kati Miller

Day 6

Today was an amazing day as we traveled up to the sunshine home.  And when I say up it's nearly at the top of the mountain where there is an amazing view!  There were times we didn't think the bus was going to make it up because the road was so steep, but don't worry, friends and family, we made it to the sunshine home safe and sound.  

The Sunshine Home is one of the orphanages at the top of the mountain that doesn't really get much attention from people like us, so it is always a blessing for the kids when we make the trip up there.

We spent the day playing games, making huge bubbles with a kitty pool and hula hoops. The kids made pizza and s'mores.  Everyone's spirits were so high and happy, and it was truly a blessing to be with those kids and to love on them.  They really needed to see that love, and I think we all left a good piece of our hearts with each of those children.

Thoughts from Dorothy ~ "I always love going to the Sunshine Home and not just because it's up the mountain and much cooler weather. The kids were super sweet and loved all the attention. We had lots of fun playing with them and sharing God's Word. No matter how many times I come here, I am continually amazed by the beautiful spirit of the people here." 

Day 5

Today we spent the whole day at the boys' home sharing the love of Jesus with them through VBS and a couple of skits.  We also made pizzas, did more wood working with the older boys, and just played our hearts out!  It was a great day to love on the kids and just give them attention!  They are such a blessing!

Thoughts from Olivia ~ "Since I have been in Haiti I have experienced the most life changing moments. While here we have spent heart softening moments with the kids in both the boys' and the girls' homes. I look forward to coming home and sharing my experiences with friends and family." 

Day 4

Today was a very busy day and our team accomplished so much! 

At the girls' home, some of our team presented Vacation Bible School and celebrated birthdays for some of the girls and Madame Jeune with an exciting birthday party of painting, fun with rainbow looms, and making pizzas with English Muffins, cheese and pepperoni.  

Maddie keeping these boys busy!

The other half of the team went to the boys' home where the men taught the older boys more woodworking skills.  Some of the girls from our team also went to keep the younger boys occupied so they wouldn't get into any of the woodworking dangers!  

Later in the day, another crew left the boys' home and went to a village to participate with the Lord's Kitchen in handing out food. 

Faith taking care of this little fellow.

Prayers for our team and the ministry God is accomplishing through us here in Haiti are very much appreciated.  Keep the prayers coming! 

Day 3

Today began as a challenging day, but flexibility was the key.  The ladies in our group enjoyed working with the Lord's Kitchen passing out rice and vegetables to 150 children. The men did some construction work at the boys' home. 

Natalie and Ernest, two of our team members, are sharing what they loved about today and their experiences so far . . .

Thoughts from Natalie ~ "Today I woke up in a war zone of thoughts. In one side there where many lies, but on the other side there was the word of God. I spoke about trusting God to the girls, but I came to find that it was me who needed to trust Him and believe that He IS the firm foundation. The children today... I saw them smiling because of the little details that some forget to appreciate in life, like  holding their hands, saying their name, seating together. Their eyes are filled with hope in these moments, like if just for this lapse of time they are home."

Thoughts from Ernest ~ "Challenging start today turned into a memorable and productive day. This beautiful smile makes it all worthwhile."