Last whole Day

Okay, so I did get another chance to blog.

Last night, two of the other volunteers and I decided to sleep out under the stars. We loaded ourselves with bug spray, and found many baby blankets to cover with. The last few nights have gotten much cooler here, so we made sure to have some nearby if we needed them. We decided to stay at the main house, and "sleep" on the balcony in which we have been working on. It was so beautiful to see all the stars, and 3 shooting stars; with the bright shining moon. I was just marveling at God's creation, and reminded again that he allows us to see these extra simple things in life to reflect his beauty. Amazing. The sleep part wasn't as great, but halfway through the night I found a chair to sleep on, and I am feeling it now. I really wanted to see the sunrise, so we came downstairs to go to the other balcony so we could actually see it, and we didn't realize that they put their dog in front of the door at night; who started barking. We didn't want to wake everyone up at 5am, so we decided to watch it slowly rise to the point we could see the yellow glimpse. It was still such a good experience, and we didn't get too bit up like we were told we might.

I cannot believe today is my last day. I have been reflecting on these children, and what they have taught me; which is so much. I did not choose these children to love; I was given a piece of paper with the names of the eight children I would work with. I have grown to love them; even if some hours were/are harder than others, but I have seen such beauty and changes in the lives of these children. I feel like it is very similar to life, and to the people we meet and come into contact with. We may be quick to judge others, judge others off of their appearance, or just realize that we don't want to associate with certain people, but if I would have chosen the babies that were the cutest or the easiest...i would not have had the experience I have had. I have been challenged and frustrated at times, but now in the end looking back..i know I had these kids for a reason. God gave me the patience and understanding for each of these children. I have seen them overflowing with love, and I love how they just beam when I walk into the room. They probably see my face light up when I see them...so they do it back, I don't know, but I do know that I have seen the face of Jesus in each of them. They didn't need to give me love, because i was coming to show them love, but they have overwhelmed with Christ's love. These children have taught me to find joy in the small things, and love on others; even if they are not your best friend. These children have impacted my life, and I hope I was able to give them a tiny glimpse of the love of Christ. It is hard to think about not seeing these kids again in this lifetime, because I may come back, but they may be adopted by that time. I was here for a reason, and the Lord has revealed himself to me. We worship such a loving Father, and that is the love and arms that these kids are living in. Talking to adoptive parents..they have expressed their appreciation for us for serving them, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them in return for allowing us time with their precious family member that they can't wait to have home.

Sunday I went back to the Haitian Church, which is such a good experience. One of the first songs that we sang was, "How great thou art." They sang it in Creole, and I sang it in English, but we were singing to the same God. It reminded me of the amazingness of the world, and how we may seem different and do different things, but many of us strive to keep a relationship with our Father. He is glorified by our attempts, even though we fall short. He gives us spiritual gifts, skills, and a heart for something, and all that can line up together for furthering the kingdom of God!

Yesterday we had a birthday party for the kids who were born in July. I love to be able to celebrate their life with them, and show them that they are important, and we care about them. I went down to the nursery to get a baby, and he was fast asleep, but I had to wake him up to get him ready for his party. I whispered his name, and I don't think I have ever seen a baby get up out of his crib and on the floor so fast...it was so cute. The kids enjoy their party, and some may get to experience their first sugar high, but just about the time it kicks it..they are back in the care of the nannies, who work so hard...ooopsies. Speaking of sugar highs...we love walking to a little window shop down the street to get Torro, a resemblance of red bull, and Tampico, which is kinda like Sunny Delight. It def. gives us a boost for the day, and it is a fun little tradition we have had these past few weeks.

I have loved it here; and the Kids, staff, cultural, and volunteers have opened my eyes to greater things. I hope to be able to do something like this in the future again, but we are able to serve the Lord in whatever we do. Another thing we love here is the sticky buns, which get delivered once a week; so i think i am going to go enjoy one, and soak in this day.

Blessings to everyone, and it is hard to believe that this chapter in my life that I have been longing for is closing and will be back in PA tomorrow. Thanks again for every ones thoughts and prayers...i have felt them.