Well, at long last here is that Comfort House update from me, Brooks Boyett, that you were long ago promised by my pampered friend David. Oh how I wished I was here last night to provide an update, but it was not to be. We spent the last several days living the life of luxury in the brand new, still very-much-in-development Comfort House compound in Lachappelle. We stayed in a small bungalow, had a bit of running water and the occasional power of an electric generator. We slept to the sounds of voodoo drums (at least the first night), the crowing of roosters, the braying of the Comfort’s two burros Lucy and Patrick, and the snoring of the Huckabays. We had an incredible adventure.
The Comfort House is home to 13 beautiful children. 12 were born HIV Positive, several have developed AIDS, a few are no longer HIV positive. All were abandoned and given up on. All are precious and healthy and full of life and energy. We spent the weekend helping Ray and Trisha move their crazy family from their house in Verrettes to the new digs. There were many, many items to move. Nolan and Jerry made many trips up and down the well paved, smooth, uncongested road. The rest of us did whatever we were told – carrying stuff, moving things, hammering, cooking, playing, changing diapers, and whatever else. More than anything, though, we were able to pour the love of Jesus into this little family.
Things were quite chaotic, as you might imagine. Saturday night, we put all the kids to bed in their new homes all by ourselves, as Ray and Trisha were in the old place packing up. This was quite stressful and unforeseen, and full of laughs. We may or may not have used duct tape on diapers, as most everything for the kids was packed up somewhere. But we survived it and are all the tougher for it. Our ladies, Jennifer, Paige, and Lori, were incredible troopers. No toilets and a simple faucet for washing made for tough conditions, but they survived. Soon, the Comfort compound will have a bathing station and toilets, so next year will be a bit easier.
It was a very difficult weekend but a complete and total blast. We got nearly everything moved and were able to have a great worship service with the family, spend time in prayer for each child, pray with Ray and Trisha and their workers, and be as big a blessing as we could be. Each of us was touched forever by the joy these kids brought us. And I can’t wait to be back next year to play with my new friends Rosy, William, Christian, Darlensky, Lulu, Nadia, Gessica, Roodline, Elda, Mason, Babo, Womise, and Marissa (whose names I don’t think I spelled correctly). Please pray for this sweet family and for a smooth transition for Ray and Trisha and peace to fill their new home. I’d load some pictures, but they’re on my phone and I am very exhausted.
PS. The HATS orphanage is absolutely wonderful. I got to do a few magic tricks for the kids here. It’s such a peaceful, joyous place. I may or may not be jealous of my pal David and his life of running water, toilets and imaginary Blue Bell Ice Cream. However, they didn’t get to eat Ray Comfort Homemade Pizza, which is absolutely amazingly delicious. If you want to see some pics of our fun, visit www.mission2540.wordpress.org later on this week.
~Brooks
