Village Blog

Day 3 Haiti: Aren't they adorable???

Posted by Jen Mahachko on

Today we hung out with the little kindergarten classes this morning! Aren't they adorable??? We sung songs, learned about their colors, played games, and hung out while they ate lunch. Today was the first day that the kids were provided lunch (rice and beans) at Respite. Lunch was given to them courtesy of a new company they contracted with, otherwise, only a few of the kids would have brought a lunch to eat. They fill the plastic plate heaping full and the kids eat all of it!

I love these Haitians. They are so warm and welcoming to us!  

I really felt God's spirit upon us today in everything we did. The school week started off on a solid note. Half of our team spent time with the kindergarten classes,  playing games with them, helping them learn their colors, singing with them, and just loving on them! The rest of our team spent time with the first graders, teaching them simple math.  

It's been so much fun to watch Max Duff & Riley Carlson (Becki's son), who are the two younger ones, really beginning to shine brightly! The Respire kids adore them, and they are both coming out of their shells in many ways: leading games and songs, and just interacting with the kids.

The school is situated on top of the mountain, with a gorgeous view of the valley of Gressier and the ocean. Their playground equipment was donated by "Kids around the world," which is the organization that Dave Mogle serves with.  I believe he and Deb even came down to install it!

Lunch at the cafe was full of great conversation. God has really brought us together and we're bonding well!
 
The food at the cafe and the Respire house has been outstanding! We've enjoyed delicious rice & beans (a Haitian staple), mango banana smoothies, yummy cinnamon rolls,  and pate. It sounds like cat food or liver, but not. Its a Haitian specialty (chicken & spicy cole slaw deep fried in dough).  We're fueled up for the long 15-minute leg/lung burning climb up the mountain!

My favorite part of today was the English class in the afternoon. We had about 10-12 young adults who come to learn to speak English. There are beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Several of our team were with the advanced class, reading through and discussing Mark 2 & 3 in the Bible. They were so engaging and on fire for the Lord!  One young man talked about how he and his family and friends fasted for 3 days after the earthquake in Haiti. They thought that Jesus was really coming back the day the earthquake happened! They shared how they knew that they had been spared by the grace of God, and drew their strength from Him during that difficult time. Wow, what testimonials they have!

We're looking forward to some worship music and prayer with our team tonight and another blessed day tomorrow. God has been glorified in our work and through our obedience. Thank you for your prayers!

Love and blessings to all!

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