The First Day

I didn’t expect the emotions of this day. My way of decompressing is to write it all down, so here it is.

We arrived at the orphanage this afternoon, and I was greeted by my dear friend Marie France, who is expecting a baby in December! I had no idea that a new baby was on the way, so I was very excited! Clenide, another dear woman, gave me a huge hug. I knew this was just the beginning. A few children greeted us on the porch, and then we began making our way down the hall. When I arrived at Baby Room 1, I could hardly wait to see the babies and nannies. They all kissed and hugged me, and told me they were thankful to God that I was back. They all told me they were so happy that I was back. I felt so loved and missed. Gorvendo found me on the porch, so he was the first one I picked up. I had to set him down to hold Faika, and then put her down to scoop up Cove! My sweet baby who was so tiny when he arrived, and is now a healthy 4 month old with sweet curly hair. He smiled his sweet smile at me, and I felt so content to be holding him! I had to leave him in the room to keep moving to the next room, where I saw Bedlet and Bedson. They met their parents yesterday. I’ve been praying for their parents since June, when I arrived at the orphanage. The first two weeks of that trip were really hard emotionally for me, because I knew that they needed a family, and I couldn’t be it. I started praying fervently for their parents around the 2nd week of June, which is when their new adoptive parents were signing paperwork to begin the adoption process. God is so good, and He answers our prayers even when we don’t know it.

When I went out back to see the older children, the elder girls started shouting for me to join them in their room. I went over, and there was Maraha! Her new name is Victoria, because the root of her name Maraha means bitter, and does not fit her at all. So Victoria it is. She was there because her father came to the orphanage distraught because he had no food for her today, and no money to buy food for her. So there she was, with her sweet white hair ribbons. I was so surprised to see her, but so thankful to know she is okay. Please keep praying for her and her dad, Sean. I know he is really struggling right now, and he loves his daughter and wants only good things for her as any father wants, I know.

I saw a lot of my older girls today as well. They are all so beautiful, and I’m excited to give them the Bibles that my customers purchased for them. I think I’ll give them to the girls tomorrow. And the older boys too. 

I started working on the office project that will consume a lot of my time. It will be a great thing when it is done. I’m praying for perseverance in this project, so that I am able to see it through to completion.

It has been a long day, but one filled with great things. I’m thankful for this opportunity to be here with my Haitian family, and want to stretch each minute as long as I can. I’m excited about all the great things that are happening here, and can’t wait to see what else God has for us this week.