Visual snapshots

Grace Village and Gertrude's Orphanages: Grace Village is a visit that I just love. I adore each of the children that live there. Every time I go there I try to touch each one with a smile, a back rub, a hug. Each time I go God puts a different one in front of me that needs a little extra. It is so good to be used by God.
Sierra bonded with a few of the children but was struggling with some mild tummy troubles. She did however, connect with a young man who is able to draw beautifully. She told me that she enjoyed talking to him as he drew pictures.

Gertrude's was Sierra's favorite stop of the day. She found a baby (her true passion) and held her almost the entire time. She clung to Sierra as Sierra walked around showing her things and playing 'mama'. Watching her be a little girl and give love is a wonderful thing.

There is a boy named Maxo that I have been holding almost every time I come to Gertrude's. He is 4 years old and is blind. A volunteer told me today that he has cataract (which is common among Haitian babies because of malnourished moms). They have been trying to get him a surgery for a year but have not been able to get it to go through. Apparently it can be reversed if the surgery is done before 5 years old. She told me that currently they have a surgery scheduled for February, but in Haiti a lot can change in that much time. This makes me feel many emotions; sad that a boy may stay blind, angry at the unfairness , hopeful in that he still has some time, and determined to pray daily that God will be his advocate.

On these mission trips we get to some amazing things, hard but amazing. We come home exhausted and yet filled. Sometimes the mamas need to let loose, the mamas went outside and danced in the rain.