Thursday - Elders, Grace Village, Rosies and Fleri

We awoke this morning finding that there had been a beautiful, soaking rain.  If you've ever been to Haiti, or even heard anyone talk about Haiti, you may of heard that you need some flexibility!  Today was a fine example of that flexibility that was required--a couple of times over.

We were originally scheduled to go up into a village higher in the mountains that had been described as "lush."  We were encouraged to bring a long-sleeve shirt because it's cooler there, especially with the recent rain.  

It was decided while we were eating breakfast that today was not going to be a good day for us to go to this village because of the rain.  So, alternate plans were made (we switched Friday's plan for Thursday), and we headed from the guest house up to Titanyen.  We made plans to see four elders in the village that are sponsored in the Healing Haiti Elder Care Program.  Our team leader advised us on the brief bio of each of the elders we would see.  Our Haitian interpreter secured a meal, water and a drink for each of the elders we would see, then we went up into the village.  

At the home of the first elder, Lindor, we were welcomed by his smiling face.  He told us that he was happy because his friends had come to visit.  Our group, including our teens and pre-teens, served this elder with foot washing, neck massage, worship music and even a shave and mustache trim! We prayed with him before we left.  We then left his home and headed across the street where we visited with a young mom and her very plump baby!  The baby boy was loved on and passed from kid to kid for some snuggles.  A cousin of this young mom was also blessed by our young ladies when they painted her fingernails and toenails.  Again, we prayed with this family prior to departing, and hugs abounded!

Our next stop required a bit of flexibility when a neighbor told our interpreter that our next two ladies were not home.  We dropped off one of the meals with a neighbor/family member, then proceeded to a different elders home.  There, each of our team members were greeted into the property with a kiss on the cheek!  She received some love from our group in the form of foot washing, neck massage, and music. 

After our visits with the elders and their families, we proceeded up to Grace Village, where we toured the school.  Lots of school children joined our group by holding onto the hands of our team members.  We heard the story of how the orphanage and school developed to also include church and a program for job-creation.

Our next stop was quite a thrill for our participants, with a stop at Rosie's Boutique where we were able to get ICE CREAM!  We also were able to shop for some Haitian souvenirs including t-shirts, hand-made cards, journals and ornaments.  After Rosie's, we hopped back into the tap-tap and headed back into Titanyen for our final destination of the day.

We arrived to Fleri and were given a tour of the bakery and advised how the bakery has grown over the past few years,  Not only in how they increased their bread production, but also how many Haitians they have been able to employ!  After our tour of the bakery and restaurant, we ordered pizza and appetizers for all.  Now, I'm sure when you think of Haiti, you might not think of pizza, but let me tell you, this is some delicious pizza!  Our team agreed that this is not only good for Haiti, but may get top billing over some of our favorite pizzas back home!!

After pizza, the kids enjoyed some games in the courtyard including giant Jenga and cornhole.  We all returned to the guest house with full bellies and happy memories.  One of our young people wanted to make sure you all knew that he had fun spending time with the kids and the elders today!  

We look forward to serving tomorrow as well, whether that be plans to go up the mountain or whatever else we may get up to!  

Thank you for your continued prayers for the kids on this trip, as well as the moms (who have had some very proud-mama moments on this trip!).

Joy