Today was our third day here at the Mole. When we arrived on Friday we were told that school had been cancelled for the orphans because of the rain. This surprised us, because it takes a mini blizzard for school to close back in Michigan, but we’ve come to realize how detrimental heavy rains are here. Again today, school was cancelled and people took to their homes. Our group, however, covered up in raincoats and ponchos and went out into town anyways. We were greeted with smiles that were often followed by some laughter and I’m sure some mocking. If nothing else, we provided some entertainment to our Haitian friends as we walked around sopping wet.
Our first stop this morning was Landie’s house. Landie is a 15 year-old girl with Down syndrome that is a part of the Special Needs Ministry Emma and Susan began a few summers ago. When we arrived, Landie ran to Susan with a beautiful smile. Landie’s mom was so hospitable and brought out countless chairs for our group to sit on. It didn’t take long before a dozen kids or so were also huddled on Landie’s front porch to make beaded bracelets and necklaces with us. I was fortunate to sit next to Landie the majority of our time there and continuously told her how beautiful she was. She made the most elaborate jewelry and Emma and I were able to paint her nails a pretty pink. As Mr. Fowler said, she was ready for a night out!
We then hiked back to campus, walking down hills that were looking more like streams. On our way we stopped at a store to buy drinks for Fedna and Gigi, two girls back at the mission that we planned to love on before lunch. Susan bought their drinks knowing they were their favorites. When we got back, the girls joined us in the cafeteria where we had games and toys set out for them to play with. Gigi drank her tropical drink cuddled up on Mr. Fowler’s lap, while Fedna had a whole table of friends around her. Both girls are nonverbal, but their smiles made us feel like our time with them was so appreciated.
The rain stopped just in time for lunch, but of course started back up again for our second journey into town. This walk was even wetter than the first, but well worth it because we were able to visit Claude and Elveson. I was able to visit both boys on my first trip to Haiti two summers ago, so seeing them again was amazing. The last time I saw Claude he wasn’t able to walk on his own, and now he’s much bigger and moving around independently. We didn’t get to spend much time with Elveson but he was excited to see us, and we’re hopeful he’ll make it to school this week so we’ll be able to spend more time with him. Elveson is a spirited little boy with an amazing, toothless smile that I’m really hoping to see again before heading back to the states. Before leaving, Addison prayed over the family and then we broke up into two groups. One headed to David’s house with Bethany to continue working on sign language with his family, while my group headed back for Women’s Ministry.
Back at campus, Women’s Ministry began with beautiful worship lead by Mama Gigi. Hearing them so passionately worship and pray was inspiring and it was evident in that moment that the Holy Spirit was moving. I was later moved to tears as Mrs. Fowler reminded the women how loved they are by our prayer warriors back in the states. We have been continuously reminded that our Haitian friends are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ and we have been so blessed by them over the last three days. We are excited and eager to see how God works in us and through us over the next 3 or 4 days and we appreciate your continued prayers! -Taylor
Love these updates. Sorry you got soaked. But you all look cute and I can tell you are doing important work for the LORD! Keep up your spirits. You are touching lives. Praying for your energy level to stay high. God Bless you!
Love seeing your sweet, soggy smiling faces!! Continue shining His beautiful Light!! Praying for you all!
Love reading about the adventures y’all are having assisting Susan in her special needs ministry, super cool stuff!!!! Truly inspired by y’alls hearts on coming back year after year to assist in the work that the Lord is doing in and through Jody, Jose, Miss Beth and Susan. Praying that all of your minutes are multiplied as y’all love on and are loved on by those around y’all. The Lord shines brightly through each one of y’all and I know He is doing amazing works in y’alls hearts as well as the sweet people y’all encounter. Press on!!!
PS. I really do say y’all this much I tried to find other words to use but “you guys” just doesn’t suffice.
I love keeping up with you through these newsy updates and pictures. Praying for you all today–praising God for His work in and through you! Blessings!
Oh how I wish I were there loving on the kids, staff & Castillo’s.
I love seeing the beaming faces of the kids as they receive their new shoes. What a blessing and thankful for this gift.
I pray the time with the Pastor Agenor and the area pastors was rewarding. I look forward to continuing this and growing this relationship.
Thank you all for your love and passion for this mission and community.
” Reminder to Mr. Fowler, you have devotions for our team meeting Saturday morning.”
Blessings
Mr. Tom
So glad everyone is doing well and able to get out and help others even with all of the rain.
Taylor we are thrilled you were able to see some of those kiddos who touched your heart last time you were there. And we hope you got to see them again before you head home.
We wish everyone a good night’s sleep and safe travels home. God Bless you all and the good work you are doing.