Turn left at the hole!

So we got a little lost heading back to the church after our day at the orphanage today. We were driving around the narrow & steep streets of Carrefour Feuilles for a while with all of us watching for familiar landmarks, and then we spotted it -- a huge pothole at the intersection where we're supposed to turn to the church. Only in Haiti!! Despite the piles of rubble and rough roads remaining from the earthquake last year though, life has definitely moved on. The streets are busy with folks young & old going about their daily business, rush hour traffic just like any other cities, and many houses are being rebuilt brick by brick (or in some cases tents) -- what a testament to the amazing tenacity and strength of the Haitian people!

But I'm getting ahead of myself... We started our day at the orphanage with the pastor recounting his experience of the orphanage collapsing during the earthquake, and how he & his wife & the children had to live in a "tent city" for a period of time. Thankfully before long, God provided a new home for them through various connections with international organizations and they were able to move into their current location. They were gracious to let our team walk through their bedrooms and cooking quarters, and though the rooms were modest in size and several children have to share each bed, it is clear that this home is taken care of with much love. The children again welcome us into their home with much enthusiasm and affection. We spent some time today cleaning up the courtyard which is littered with rubble, and then more time singing and playing musical chairs and Bible storytelling with the kids. The biggest hit of the day -- finger painting! 

Continue to pray for these very precious children -- they are adorable beyond words, eager to learn, creative and smart. Pray also for the pastor & wife of this home, as well as the many pastors and church leaders in the area who continue to work for community development. Pray that we will all see & obey God's mission, as one Body in  Christ.

[Alice]