Our final full day in Haiti started just like all days in Haiti – to the sounds of roosters ? and children. After spending some time with the kids before they went to school, we went to the morning staff devotional. I can think of few better ways to start a day.
After that, it was off to work. Keith wanted us to help cross off as many things off his “DG’s To-Do list” so he could focus on his goalie skills and his “Joan’s To-Do List.” The boys continued their landscaping services. Milford and David finished up the grapevine repair. Brooks and Kyle spent a fun-filled day with machetes trimming the trees. Ti David and Ti Kyle, Ti Julie and Julie served as a tree branch clean up crew. Julie moved into awesome therapy time with Ti Fi who lights up with joy whenever Julie gets close. Karen gave the three younger ones to the school for visits to preschool classes.
Milford and David finishing up grapevine repair
Brock (Ti Kyle) and John David – Ti David) doing tree trimming clean up.
Brooks doing tree trimming with a machete.
Kyle with trusty machete almost lost in tree
Molly (TiJulie) on cleanup – dragging the branches away
Julie continuing with excellent standing therapy for TiFi.
A visit to a preschool class is special
Milford and David also built a nifty little desk for Ti Luc (to hold his books for reading) that Joan requested as well as fixed a bunch of window screens to replace those broken by wayward JJ soccer balls. Brooks and Kyle took a break from the tree trimming to put a new rope on Karen’s swing. If it goes crashing down and injures Karen’s other hip, we apologize, as we have few skills outside of public speaking and machete wielding.
David and Milford building a little desk (book holder) for Ti Luc
Replacing rope on sofa swing
After some final play with the kids, we got a real treat. Our old friend Missionary James (missionaryjames.com) is back in the area and took us with him to show one of his films in Deschapelles. Karen, Keith, Joan, JJ, Moise, Ti Luc and Leica joined us for an awesome night watching a movie that presented the Gospel under the stars with a few hundred of our closest Haitian friends. Afterward, we were able to spend time praying for those who needed prayer. (And don’t we all?)
We got in late, but were able to continue our favorite tradition, praying for Karen and for all of HATS on the third floor under the stars. As we’re able to overlook the entire compound and surrounding area, we’re always humbled by the remarkable work God has called that feisty redhead to do. It’s humbling to be a small part of it each year.
This morning, we loaded up bright and early and headed for the adventure that is Port Au Prince. We experienced a serious traffic jam just a few blocks from the airport. Thankfully Daniel (our security police officer) was there to take care of things for us. He rolled down his window, yelled at a few drivers as well as a police officer, and we were on our way, miraculously weaving through the congestion.
Now it’s back to the States with the children and staff of HATS close to hearts and on our lips in prayer daily.
It’s all about the children. (And Karen ain’t so bad either ?).
~Brooks Boyett
www.mission2540.org
