Haiti, day four (9/26/17): Big Day Out

Flying at Kaliko Beach Club

Today was tiring in a different way. Today, my heart was touched to a different extent. Today was our BIG DAY OUT and boy, was it big.

We rented a bus to take the children from the orphanage to Kaliko Beach Resort, one of the two all inclusive resorts on the island. The ride was about three hours long. The air was hot and filled with gas, and the van seats were uncomfortable to say the least, but we had a little bit of air. None of that matter to the kids however, because they were just excited to leave the city that they are confined in.

All of the little beauties had on their finest clothes; some in dress shoes and loafers, others in dresses and button downs. In their culture, it is a sign of class to where more decent clothes when you are going out in public or in a group. Meanwhile, my team had on usual beach clothes and flip flops. I actually felt underdressed, but I forgot about that quickly.

I was the first one to hop into the pool. It was quite warm, and I picked Oliver up into the air and brought him in with me. He was so excited. Fanya got in next. She's only about 4 years old. She rode on my back as I swam around the pool for close to an hour it seemed like. Different kids spent the day jumping on my back and hanging on to me; all of their weary looks disappeared. They enjoyed playing with the balls and frisbees that we provided. I even indulged in a huge game of catch. Although many of the kids do not speak English and we cannot fully communicate, we all speak love. They are fond of me and I am of them. It gave me pleasure hearing my name all day long. We formed bonds and being in the presence of each other seemed to relieve pain and grief. These bonds created a hope and faith.

Myself and some of my little ones in the pool

Myself, James and Dave

All day, I considered Pastor Reggie's offer. He asked me late last night if I would come for Haiti to six month and teach ESL at the church and in the community home. I weighed the pros and cons and honestly couldn't come up with any cons except for the safety aspect of the ordeal. In some part of my heart, I feel like it is my duty to accept his offer and take the next step in completing my humanitarian work. Maybe this is what I need to figure out what happens next. This is what I've been waiting for because I've felt so empty and so incomplete for so long now. But anyways, I'll get back to that later.

Swimming around (courtesy of Dave)

Fania eating lunch

We had a buffet for lunch today and many of the kids have NEVER had that much food in their lives. The food consisted of maccaroni and cheese, rice and beans, legumes, corn and vegetables and so much more. The idea that they could even get more was so foreign. It was so cute watching them try to conquer mountains of food, but so sad at the same time. It seemed like they were trying to fill up and save for later because they have no idea when they will eat again. Unfortunately, our stomachs are just not made that way and eventually, we had to tell some of the babies to stop eating. Their stomachs were hard and poking out. It was a blessing to be part of such a life changing experience. They experienced bliss and I was just happy to be there to give it to them.

I'm very determined to learn creole. I think that would help me to understand more of the needs of 

the Haitian ​people. Language barriers truly do lessen my abilities to help, but I'll get there. I've been trying to pick up some words for a couple of days now but I know God will provide me with the necessary knowledge.

I am so so so thankful for this opportunity and it means a lot to me to be here. It was tough to raise the money because a lot of people did not support the idea, or me, or whatever it was, but God always provides. My spiritual connection with God is deepening. I'm starting and ending every day with prayer and I'm falling in love with this country. I'm praying for answers and for God to use me.

The ride home, of course, was terrible, but after a day like today, I have nothing to complain about. I'm living and learning.
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