Our day began with another delicious breakfast of Haitian scrambled eggs,
freshly squeezed juice, pancakes, and Haitian style oatmeal. After
morning devotions, we eagerly hopped in the "tap-tap" (so called
because if you want to get off, you tap on the side of the vehicle). Our
first stop was the Haitian History Museum where we learned from our tour guide
the history of the country's quest for freedom from foreign domination.
The atrocities done to the citizens of Haiti during its fight for freedom humbled
us and reminded us of the sinful nature of mankind and our need for a
Savior. On our second stop we learned the history of Papillion.
This business was started by an American woman coming to Haiti to adopt a child
only to learn that the child had parents, but they could not afford to raise
that child. As a result, she helped start a business that would allow her
to provide work for the Haitians which would allow them to earn an income and
provide for their children. We supported their business by purchasing lunch
at their café and shopping in their boutique where they sell handcrafted goods
(many of which are produced in their production area across the street).
While at Papillion, we learned of the power of an idea blessed by God to work a
miracle in the life of God's people in Haiti. Our afternoon was spent in
ministry at the Home for Sick and Dying Babies. We entered a large room
with approximately 50 small, numbered cribs lined up with only a
narrow walkway between each set of 4 and the cribs lining the wall. In
each crib, there was an infant (1 month to 24 months old) in varying stages of
illness. Our mission was to assist the lady workers by feeding,
diapering, and holding these precious babies. As we held these babies, we
were able to pray for them, sing to them, and "Give our Hands to serve and
our hearts to love (Mother Teresa)." Matthew 25:40 says the
following: I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers of mine, you did for me. Thank you, Jesus, for this day of
highs and lows. -Linda
