Yes, you’re reading it correctly. I was blessed with a nickname at HATS that spread quite quickly through the compound. A few of the kids said more than once to me “Fancy Nancy, you are funny, but you also talk a lot!” I would answer, “Yes, yes I do” and those who know me back home would agree, so that’s where it started! I had also given nicknames to the kids when I couldn’t remember their names, especially the first day, which obviously backfired!
As I sit on the second of three flight connections to get back home I’ve had time to reflect, browsing through my photos with many blessings and memories of hugs, kisses, laughter, joy and heartbreak. That’s when it finally hit me and the tears started to flow! I am so thankful to Jesus for the opportunity to serve at HATS and to finally experience the great work that God is doing there.
The kids were on a break from school so they were with us for morning devotions along with the employees. Every morning we would sing together loudly and clap to every beat imaginable praising Jesus which was followed by someone offering up a prayer of thanksgiving and dedicating our day to Him. The songs and prayers were done in their native tongue, Creole, but I didn’t have to speak the language to join in worship and prayer. God knows!
My favourite part of each day followed our devotions where everyone would hug one another with a greeting in Creole and/or English, usually “have a good day”. And they know how to hug!!
For what little French I can speak it came in mighty handy as I could communicate with the kitchen workers, kids who only knew Creole and the house mothers.
On our final evening, as the last of the younger kids were sent to bed, one named Dieunel aka by me as
Dudu came asking for Fancy Nancy. He gave me a candy that tasted like coffee! A small gesture but to me it was so very meaningful. Every morning I’d be looking for my coffee, prepared by the lovely Germaine, and then a second cup later in the morning so he knew Fancy Nancy Loved her coffee. Goodness I love and miss that kid! I believe he was the one mostly responsible for my nickname too!
I look forward to seeing them all again when I visit next time.
I have so much more to say but I’ll leave that for another blog!
God bless,
Talk-A-Lot (~Nancy)
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