Continuation...Last Full Day

After breakfast we loaded up the truck and headed to Little Children of Jesus.  This facility cares for 90+ mentally and physically handicapped children and/or adults.  It's an amazing facility lead by a truly gifted and caring lady named Gladys Nolouse.  She has a staff of approximately 70 people who provide care twenty-four/seven.  In Haiti, mentally or physically challenged children or adults are often left behind.  So for our team, it's very encouraging and heartfelt to see these people cared for in such a loving manner.  As Pastor Bollinger said, "While their bodies may be broken, there is an alive and joyful spirit in all of them."  We felt we were all blessed by that today.  The biggest hit is Paul, who for the last three years, has made balloons of all sizes and shapes to share with the children. 

We returned to Hope House to finish the remaining jobs.  Joel's room has received one full coat of paint in both the bedroom and bathroom and all ceilings and walls have been repaired or installed.  We also completed two prototype benches to prove out the designs.  All is good.  We then cut wood for ten additional benches to be completed by future teams.  We like to think we set them up for success.  Others of the team found space in the storage depot for the chairs that will be used in the waiting area at the future clinic. 

To conclude the afternoon we ventured off to the metal workers village.  For the group this is interesting because of all the artistic work, as well as a real opportunity to walk and be about Haitians in a typical Haitian neighborhood.  It's safe to say that this mission group put a substantial amount of dollars into the Haitian economy.  The next trick was then to figure out how all those fine pieces of art were going to be packed in either suitcases or boxes within the weight and size restrictions.  After a lot of jiggering, cutting, and pasting, the mission was accomplished.  There should be no additional fees for excessive weight or size restrictions. 

For dinner we had a traditional chicken creole dish and mangoes for dessert.  Our devotional this evening was extremely reflective and emotional as people shared how this mission trip has impacted them and described the new relationships that were established and existing ones that were strengthened.  We all hope to share our experiences with our church community, friends, and others to stir interest in all the good things that are happening in Haiti. 

We as a mission team have appreciated those that have been following us on the blog.  We have enjoyed sharing our adventures and our serious moments, as well as our lighter ones.  Hopefully you all have enjoyed our communications.  We look forward to catching up with everyone upon our return.