Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Our Sunday morning started off with our usual delicious breakfast and devotion. Our topic this morning was joy and kindness. We have all experienced incredible joy throughout our week and have enjoyed sharing joy within our team and with those we've met along the way. The kindness showed to us by the Healing Haiti staff, children, directors of various organizations, and the people of Haiti is infectious!
Today we boarded the Tap Tap and headed to Leveque to attend the Deaf Church! The road to the church (as well as the school where the HDA students attend) is a VERY rocky and bumpy ride. Due to road conditions, we had to walk up a fairly steep and rocky path to get to the top of the hill. It was all worth it when we were greeted by the precious students who were all dressed up in their new Sunday finest! Many thanks to all who donated the beautiful clothing. The students were all smiles in their new outfits.
Pastors Benedict and Jacques Wilson offered prayers, worship songs, and the message about Daniel and how he fully trusted in God. To sit in this special place and worship with these beautiful children and adults is truly an honor and a blessing.
On the way back to HDA we stopped at Chez Maggy's, a true Haitian restaurant. We enjoyed chicken, fish, and goat, along with traditional fried plantains and rice and beans. With our bellies full, we returned to HDA and enjoyed some time hearing stories from the directors, Meredith and Keith Henderson, and then spent some time playing with the students. There was jump roping, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, a parachute, and soccer! Needless to say, we were all hot and tired when it was time to say our farewells. Good byes are never easy but we will always cherish these memories and the special friends we have made along the way.
To cool off and refresh ourselves, we headed up to spend some time reflecting on the week at the pool. We shared our favorite memories which included water truck day, La Loo Orphanage, the Home for Sick and Dying Babies and Children, pizza at Fleri, Montfort School for the Deaf, and the Haiti Deaf Academy.
We continued the conversation over a great meal of shepherd's pie and fresh vegetables. We wrapped up the evening uploading all of the photos from the week and continuing to reflect on all of the blessings we have received over the past seven days. One of the best blessings is to have shared this week as a TEAM, a team of friends who joyfully served in Haiti and grew in our faith. We will be sad to leave and part ways, but we know that we have a bond with one another through Jesus and nothing can break that bond. We want to say a special thank you to each and every person who has made this trip possible. You prayed, you purchased birdseed wreaths, jewelry, paintings, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and many other handmade items. You ordered cakes. You encouraged us when we needed it most, and for this and so much more, we are truly grateful. Thank you for following us in our journey and praying for our safe return tomorrow. We leave you with this Haitian phrase: N a we pi ta, Ayiti, or See you later, Haiti!
