Just a summary of Meridian’s day before their testimonies on this trip. This morning they all worked tirelessly either preparing for the Special Needs Family party or painting our newly installed fence. It was a hot day with minimal to no breeze, yet they did not let them slow down or even keep from having smiles on their faces as they poured out their all on this last day of ministry in the Mole. The afternoon was spent celebrating all of the special needs families! It was quite the party and everyone returned to their homes with lots of love and special gifts for each child! The rest of the group headed to town for one more day of sports camp and returned to campus sweaty but full of wonderfully memories of fellowship with their Haitian brothers and sisters. The last part of the day has been spent loving on the kids in the orphanage. They headed to the beach with all thirty-four children and are now sitting down with them in cafeteria enjoying some popcorn while watching Wreck It Ralph. It has been an awesome week of ministry alongside our brothers and sisters from Meridian. All of us in the Mole, both Haitian and American, are so very thankful for the way that they love us with all that they have. It truly is like having family come to visit when the Meridian Christian Church comes to the Mole.
-Morgan the intern
So, I woke up this morning fully prepared to leave early and go stay at the Coconut Villa for the night. When I found out that the plans had changed and I would be leaving with the rest of the group tomorrow, at first, honestly, I was a little bit upset. I’d already said goodbye to the orphans and cried all the subsequent tears, and I didn’t want to have to go through that again. But after having one more beach day with the orphans, I think I’m actually more ready to go home now than I was before. Of course, I don’t really want to leave, but I feel like I have more closure somehow, knowing that the other people in our group are saying goodbye with me. I suppose I find solidarity in the fact that I know my other team members will be just as sad as I am that we’re leaving the orphans behind. Mr. Fowler shared tonight something that he noticed at the beach with his friend Donley. You see, Donley is afraid of the water. Mr. Fowler, being the wonderful father that he is, carries him into the water, then opens his hold up so that his arms make a circle around Donley, the same way he taught his own children how to swim. He shared how that was a heartbreaking reminder of how these orphans don’t have the father figure he was able to provide for his own children, and how that is just more proof that these kids love us more than they have the words to say. The fact that Donley is comfortable enough with Mr. Fowler to brave the terrors of the sea proves his love for him in a way words never can. My own little pearl, Fabiola, has a tendency to fall asleep on my shoulder when I hold her. I can always tell she is going to fall asleep when she says to me, “Mwe remn ou,” then, when I don’t respond, she says it in English, “I love you.” These kids are not only amazing examples of strength and perseverance, but they are the owners of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known, and I can’t think of a better way to spend my last day in Haiti then with them. I am so thankful that God allowed me to spend that extra time with them.
Abby Hampton
As I sit in the cafeteria waiting for Wreck-it Ralph to start, sitting in my sweat soaked shirt watching the orphans file into the cafeteria, I’m not sure there’s a place I’d rather be. The past week has been exhausting, but at the same time life-giving; full of sadness and remorse for the people here and joy and happiness for their radiant smiles. I woke up this morning when the sun rose over the palm tree line and shined onto the porch where the men sleep. Sleepily, I opened my eyes; I hadn’t got much sleep the night before. There was a dog at the foot of my bed having a very passionate conversation with the rooster on the other side of campus at 2am. I rolled over to look towards the sun and was graced with a few quiet minutes to sit in awe of the sunrise He made. I find it ironic that a place saturated with darkness and sadness can be so beautiful and brilliant if you’re willing to look past the surface and be patient. With tomorrow morning approaching faster than I would like, I’m ready to be home, but at the same time, I never want to leave this beautiful country and all of the people who call it home. Please keep us in your prayers tonight as we travel tomorrow and we’ll see you soon. -Hans
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NOTE: Please continue to leave your comments of encouragement for the group as they finish up their last few days in the Mole! We do have to approve your comments though so be patient for them to appear on the blog. Thanks!
