Chickens & the HUG That Never Lets Go

My theme song is God's love and justice, and I'm singing it right to you, God. -Psalm 101:1

Today was our final orphanage visit. What a full and abundant day it was! Some of us set out early in the morning to purchase chickens from the market for Well Being orphanage. Sights, sounds, squawks, herding the chicken in, and the list goes on. We finally arrived (after a 3 hour jaunt) to Well Being. Joseph, a young teen there, helped us carry them to the coop. There were about 40 total. After we had finished, we loaded up to pick up the rest of the crew and head to Children Household of Tomorrow. What a joyous and precious bunch! My phrase for this visit is "the hug that would never let go". As you can see in the picture above, this is my friend, Laurie. She came over shortly after we arrived and hugged me our entire stay. I would dance, but she would continue to hug--never letting go. It was truly a precious visit.

Honestly, I can say that the Lord began to speak to my heart through this little one. He started to say how this is how His love is and how he longs for us to "hug" Him. He said that oftentimes we hug and immediately run away and go and hang out with friends or run towards something else, but how he loves it when we hold on--refusing to let go. On the flip-side, I also heard Him say how this is how His love is--holding onto us (even when we're unaware) and hugging us. He said that His love never lets go and keeps on holding on. How incredible, huh?

Tomorrow we head out to church at Source de la Grace and have a day of debriefing and preparing to head home on Monday. It's been an incredible time and one where the Lord once again opens my eyes to His unfailing love. Love and peace to you all! Until tomorrow...au voir! 

Dancing, Jamming, & Giving Praise

Singers and dancers give credit to Zion: "All my springs are in You!"

-Psalm 87:7 (MSG)

Today was a day of dancing, jamming, and giving praise to Jesus--our King and Lord! We as a team went up into the mountains to HCRM orphanage. We worshipped the Lord and held little ones and prayed with them, but my heart was specifically touched as one of the teens in our group took it upon herself to teach some of the other teens some dance moves. Before I knew it, the deck was full and the kids were learning a new dance that they hadn't learned to Brit Nicole's song, Ready or Not. 

Before my eyes, I was witnessing youth share the love of Jesus with other youth and it was a beautiful sight. I went towards the courtyard and found the male youth playing soccer and basketball with some of the guys that lived at HCRM. Some of us jump roped downstairs. All of the kindness and love of Jesus was being displayed. I can see His smile and it's beautiful. I am once again overtaken by the beauty of Jesus in all the Haitians around me.

Joy in the Little Things

No place I would rather be. There's no place I'd rather be than here in Your love.

Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain and I can't control. I want more of You, God.

-United Pursuit Band

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--when they see the love you have for each other." -John 13:34-35

Yesterday, I was blessed to go to Well Being. Since it had only been 10 days since I'd been in Haiti and at Well Being, my heart was overflowing to visit the children at Well Being. The "little man" in this picture with me is Moise. He has several disabilities, but I believe is one of the most joyful children that I've ever encountered. He has touched many hearts--reminding us of the simplistic grace of Jesus. Since one of my past team members asked me to give him numerous hugs, I thought that it was only fitting that I not only gave him hugs, but got a snapshot with him. This picture truly captures the face of Jesus and I love it!

In addition to playing with Moise, my fabulous Texan team played a rigorous game of soccer with the kids, while encouraging them with the gospel. Others remained in the back, including myself, by helping with the washing. Through numerous shifts we were able to accomplish the washing in a day. There are normally 3 "mamas" helping out with this chore, as well as the cooking. But at the moment, they are down to 1 "mama" doing all the cooking and washing for 26 children! Talk about a lot of work! Praise God for His strength and His perfect timing. When asked if we could help her with the washing and cooking, I was overwhelmed by the smile and gratefulness and relief that filled her face. She was reminded, as I was, that we are never alone. God created community and for us to lean on each other. Seeing clothes lines completely filled with clothes never looked so incredible!!

Yesterday was a day filled with thankfulness and gratefulness and a reminder of how nothing is possible without the love of Jesus. It was also a day of finding joy in the small and simple things. What a gift! I am forever grateful and my heart continues to overflow for the people of Haiti!

Frowns to Giggles

He will fill your mouth with laughter... -Job 8:21

Let me introduce you to Linda. This morning, I found this little girl unresponsive and shy. She wouldn't say a word--even when other Haitians were asking her for her name. So, I decided that I wanted to learn a bit of Hatian Creole. My fabulous translator has begun teaching me. Needless to say, through hugs, kisses, and smiles, the Lord broke through and she began laughing and playing. Her heart began to open up and I found mine doing the same. 

It's amazing what the love of Jesus can do and how it breaks through walls and barriers. There's such beauty in the laughter of a child. I know that it personally melts my heart and reminds me of how precious life is. Linda, just like numerous other kids I met today, just needed someone to remain patient. In Corinthians, God talks about how the first characteristic of love is patience. This has been a year long scripture to me, but it once again rang true in my afternoon with Linda.

So, I'm leaning into LOVE through patience, a smile, persistence, and an expectation of giggles. Don't forget to enjoy the precious gifts that are ever before you!