When we first arrived at La Pherre, the 20 kids sang us some songs, which gave many of us goosebumps! Then, each child's name and age was presented to us, so we also had our children announce their names and ages. Next, we introduced the craft/activity that we brought. We brought paint sticks and paper plates, with duct tape to adhere the plate to the stick. Then we blew up balloons, and played a game with our new handmade paddles! We all had such a great time with it, and even involved some of the older women in playing. We also had some kids blowing bubbles, some of the older kids drawing pictures, and a game of "knots" going. Everyone was fully engaged and had a great time.
Here are some thoughts/highlights from various team members about the day:
Today I would pick the word "hope~filled." At La Pherre there were two boys in their late teens. When we arrived they were not very repsonsive. One of the team members brought a sketch pad and, as they began to draw, it was amazing how creative they were. They were so proud of their pictures and were writing beautiful things about their relationships with Christ. In conversation they were talking about their love for Jesus and their love for Haiti. As we left, the team taught them a simple song and we caught them writing down the words. I believe that the more of Christ they put in, the more of Him will come out. It gives me hope to think of all of the wonderful things they can accomplish with their lives and the change that will come from it. ~Beth
"Today we were at an orphanage and we were singing and dancing with the kids, then me and another girl from the team saw a young woman with a child so we went and talked to her and even though there was a "language Barrier" we still kind of got to know her and that the little boy was her son she seemed super sweet. We had a great time at La Pherre."
"Today was super fun! We got to go to La Pherre and Gertrude's orphanage. The first one La Pherre we got to draw and blow lots and lots of bubbles. One girl did not look very happy and then I put up the end of my hair up to her face, and she started laughing! She had a really big smile. At Gertrude's,I got to feed one girl and that was way out of my comfort zone, but I just told myself to be "flexible" and it all turned out ot be great, and I had a blast. Today was a really memorable day !" ~Abby
Michelle Carpenter Cassidy's highlights:
~Watching Emily figure out how to tie the garbage bag onto the tap tap.
~ Exchanging e mails with a young man named Dany (16) from our first stop at the ophanage. He reminded me of my own 2 boys ~ Josh (18) and Dan (15).
~ Dancing with a young girl from the 2nd orphanage. She could not walk or stand but she sat in her chair and held my hands and we danced while I sang (bad voice and all)!!
~ Discovering that a woman that has 6 kids should not sit at the back of the tap tap. Too bumpy!!!
~ Watching Emily "take charge" of our group while explaining the rules of some game named Mafia. She couldn't leave her teacher hat completely at home.
~ Sitting under the trees eating key lime pie at a a restaurant...somewhere in Haiti.
~ Watching Becca lead a workout with Cade and Ally. Becca even did a push up with Cade on her back!!
~ Enjoying the delicious peanut butter balls that Cathy made and put in her carry on to Haiti. They didn't even melt!
~ Most importantly, enjoying, treasuring, and taking in all of the wonderful and amazing experiences our day in Haiti has offered us.
Peace~ Michelle Carpenter Cassidy
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