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
