Day Of Rest

It was another 40 plus day as we enjoyed fellowship with our Haitian brothers and sisters in both Creole and English. We enjoyed hearing them sing for us and they applauded politely when we sang for them. Pastor Peter delivered the sermon with Luckner translating into Creole. The message was about the importance of having the Word, peace and the Holy Spirit hidden in your heart at all times. He also talked about the spiritual battles that need to be fought on the mission field, especially in Haiti where vodoo is commonly practiced. We have noticed as we try to sleep that the voodoo drums sometimes go on for hours.

As many rested in the early afternoon heat, a young man named Yvody visited the mission to meet the Newell family. When Heidi began working last year she felt that she wanted her tithes to go towards medical equipment for those that have orthopedic needs in Haiti. She felt blessed because where she lived she had all the advantages that are not available to the average Haitian. Yvody lost a lot of the use of his legs because of a fever he contracted when he was 13.  He needed new crutches and we were able to purchase them for him. He was proud to show us he could take a few steps now without the crutches as he regains some strength in his legs.

Each year the team takes a group photo with the orphanage kids. We kept on our Sunday go to meeting clothes even though by now it was about 40 degrees and we were melting.

Here's a candid of Leonard and Bob with Tifi, Aidan, and Dieunel:

Late in the afternoon we met to celebrate Josie's 4th birthday with singing, juice, cookies and gifts. It was cute when Leica piped up to announce that tomorrow was her birthday ;-}

After the celebration we enjoyed an afternoon stroll along the canal. There was a refreshing breeze as we walked. Some of the little ones found the trip a little long but found a comfortable spot for the return trip. Dieunel fell asleep on Colton's head.

School opens tomorrow after Christmas break and as a new term begins the desks are prepared for the returning students. All 220 students share two bathrooms as shown below.

Aidan has been taking many photographs hoping to contribute to the blog. Here is an example of his work.

As another day ends we prepare ouselves for a chorus of snores and other associated noises that have been described as so loud that even the roosters are complaining. A methane cloud sometimes forms that has prompted a no open flame policy.