Happy New Year from Hands Across the Sea!
Our school students, teachers and administration are now enjoying a break. In December before school closed the students and teachers were blessed with a special Christmas meal and gift compliments of Bob and Linda Comeau of Yarmouth, NS. Bob and Linda came down and spent a busy week with us. They helped prepare the meal of rice and beans, Creole sauce, fried chicken, and salad. They also served the meals, complete with cold drinks, and gave everyone a gift bag.
That day there was a large amount of food, drinks and gifts to be transported from one compound to the other. Too much to do by hand. Thus, we filled the truck inside and out and I drove it next door to the school compound. When I drove into the school yard with coolers, and boxes of gifts, etc you can imagine the excitement of the children. The elementary students jumped up and down in joy shouting and singing. A happy day indeed for them.
One of the highschool students, when leaving the school afterwards, was overheard saying “Heaven came down at our school today.” That sums it up beautifully!! This was a special treat – a little big of heaven – for the students. Our thanks go to Bob and Linda for making Christmas special for them! The night prior Bob and Linda spent many hot and sweaty hours in my room preparing 220 gift bags. They both made comments about this being special for them too, and that this was what Christmas was all about. Their hearts were filled by being here and helping touch the lives of those who have little.
This year I enjoyed a different and special Christmas. This was my fifteenth Christmas since coming to Haiti. My daughters decided it was time for me to spend Christmas in Canada with them. We were all together in Calgary and it was a blessed and special time.
On January 1st, the orphanage children and I had a wonderful party together. We shared snacks and a meal, chocolate for everyone and gifts brought from my time in Canada.
The kids with their new clothes
Mirlande with her new dolly
Dieunel is very proud of his new outfit.
Ti Luc all dressed up!
~Karen
