(This was written yesterday…we had internet issues and couldn’t post).
Today is Wednesday, February 13, our second full day at the mission.
After a breakfast of waffles and scrambled eggs, we set off for our different adventures. Kristin and Dustin saw patients in the Clinic and organized the exam room and supplies. Tyler and Natalie staffed the pharmacy and helped take vital signs and consulted with medication questions from the medical team.
Lelia, Hannah, Chris, and Tammy went to the beach with four children and their teachers. The beach is located by a hotel that is across the street from the mission. We had a fun time giggling as we played in the waves. The view was beautiful with the mountains on one side and the amazing blue water on the other.
While we played Brian and Mason painted part of the clinic and Brian gave 2 pairs of his personal socks to a man who walked 40 minutes to the clinic in nothing but flip flops (his only shoes). We all joined together for lunch, which was a delicious Haitian gumbo and rice. With full stomachs we prepared for our second day of Vacation Bible School for the older children from the town.
Again we broke them up for crafts and sports camp. Afterward we walked the kids to the bridge. We tried to talk with the children but we had difficulty understanding each of them given the language barrier. We took pictures and hugged as we said goodbye. The town kids seemed to have a great time with us. I know we all had a lot of fun with them.
It was time for dinner, which included black beans with corn, fried chicken, fried plaintains, a roll, and a surprise – chocolate brownie. This evening we had the staff Valentine Party. It was great to see all of the people who are responsible for helping to keep the mission running let loose and have some fun with each other. We played lively games of Bingo, unrolled saran wrap balls full of surprises and handed out gift bags. It was a fun evening, full of laughing, cheering, smiles, and jokes.
As I reflect on the day and the people of Haiti, I continue to be in awe of their passion for life and thankfulness of the simple things we take for granted. When you read a story to your children at night, it’s a special moment, a bond between parent and child. When you read a story to 30 children in pajamas inside a cafeteria with cement walls, cement floors, and an aluminum roof; it’s so much more than a special moment. It’s life changing.
To be a child that’s afraid of the dark is only natural. Our children only have to walk across the hallway to find mom and dad to help them fall back to sleep. The children here have no hallways, no mom and dad, and no one to help them fall back to sleep. The story we read meant so much to the children, but it has forever changed the lives of those who read to them.
–Tammy and Dustin
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Please feel free to leave comments! Comments will be read each night at dinner!
Thanking God for your team to be able to be there. Also those special moments God gives you in blessing others with His Kingdom works and giving Him the Glory in all that you do.
I’m so glad you all are having an amazing time and that you are there to love on those kiddos! I continue to pray for you, your experiences, and the amazing adventures and work your are experiencing/doing. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all and a VERY Happy Valentine’s Day shout out to the big guy with green sunglasses and the Hot Box shirt. We love you SO much!
Glad to hear your making a difference at the mission. Happy Valentines Day. May God bless you and all at the mission. Love Dad.
Isabel had a “bad dream” and ended up in bed with me night before last, so this was especially poignant and of course it made Nana cry. Love to all of you. You are bringing hope into a country that desperately needs it. You are sincere and you are making a difference. We are seeing alarming posts of other missions sending their missionaries home due violence in Haiti. Trusting God to keep you safe – (but be careful anyway). ❤️
Almost forgot to wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
Very proud of this whole group and especially Mason and Hannah. You not only talk the talk but you also walk the walk with God’s Blessing. Please be careful and we pray for your health and safety and unforgettable experiences.
Mom and Dad
My heart is filled with many emotions for the work this team is doing. So thankful for willingness to share talents and selflessnesss of all on this trip. I couldn’t be more proud of my son Dustin and daughter in law Kristin. I know they will both be changed for lifetime as will those they minister to. God bless you all and may He protect all for safe travels home.
Looks & sounds like you are having a great time and being a blessing to the kido’s & staff thanks for your servant hearts. I know the kids are touching you deeply as well. I can picture it all as you tell the story of your day as if I was there with you. Wish I could be there with you all but I am glad to be with Rita yesterday. It went well depending on how she does the next step would be an additional surgery to make a permanent fix.
Brian & Mason can’t say I envy you painting hopefully the gas fumes weren’t too bad. Lol Take care & Gods blessing to all! Give the staff & kids a hug for me.
David.
Happy Valentines Day to my Valentine Tammy and also to the rest of you. It looks like you all are having an amazing time there sharing the Gospel to those kids and keeping busy with them. Praying that God will continue to bless everyone there and that he will keep you all safe. See you soon.
Tim Cullen