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| The whole crew at F.R.E.M. |
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my
brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40
Today was a full and fulfilling day! We had the opportunity
to visit two orphanages and care for a lot of kids. It’s hard to describe the rollercoaster
of emotions as we played games, gave hugs, played with, laughed with and loved
these children.
Ryan Epps Orphanage
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| These two were just so adorable! |
It was a treated for me to go here because I had the
opportunity to visit this one two years ago. Ryan Epps was founded by a husband
and wife who desired to care for the orphans. It’s a big undertaking here in
Haiti because taking in orphans is taking on the guardianship of these children
until the age out. Most of the orphanages are not set up for adoptions because the
majority of children have no birth certificate or records. Therefore, they
become a family.
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| Such beautiful smiles |
As the orphanage started developing and growing, the
husband/father was killed after withdrawing money from the bank. Rather than
closing the doors, his wife and grown son have taken over and continue to
minister to the children.
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| Bonita knows how to make friends and won Ashley's heart :) |
The facilities are very nice and well maintained. The
children are beautiful and well kept. The Gospel is taught and the children
sing praises with beautiful voices.
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| Alexis sharing bubbles with the girls |
Once again the volleyball team took the older students and
we took the little ones. We started with some coloring books, then stickers,
soon bubbles and sidewalk chalk. It really didn’t take too long for some of the
girls to take Daisy aside and braid her hair. Ashley and Alexis kept the kids
entertained with big smiles and loving hugs.
Jeremiah had the sidewalk chalk out and drew a few patterns
for the kids. One young boy grabbed a piece of sidewalk chalk, then placed
Jeremiah’s hand on his and wanted Jeremiah to show him how to draw a horse.
After he helped him draw it, the little guy drew another one on his own.
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| Shane and Bonita |
Shane played some football with the kids and got to meet
Bonita. Shane said, “Bonita is the coolest kid in the world!”
Tin Market
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| Wesley, one of our translators, sitting in a hand made throne. We called him, "king Wesley" the rest of the day. |
We had the opportunity to stop in and see the beautiful
artwork in the Tin Mark. These artisans take old steel drums and beat them into
artwork. The Tin Mark is about two blocks of numerous shops and everyone wants you
to stop and visit theirs. They barter for prices and that can be fun. However,
I have a hard time with it, but you have to play the game. I tried to make sure
everyone was happy after my purchase.
Tabarre Market (Sorry no pictures of the market)
Each day we stop at the Super Market, which is very similar
to our Acme or Giant Eagle. Only the very wealthy Haitians shop at the Super
Market. Tabarre Market is the type of market that 99% of Haitians go shopping.
Frank likes to call it the Walmart of Haiti.
It’s always a very interesting trip to walk through. Kalypso
led the way and we walked in a tight single file line through the many
departments. Hundreds of booths next to each other with just a narrow walk way
winding throughout.
You can get shoes, shampoo, fish, meats, veggies… you name
it and you can get it. The market is filled with people, vendors, trash, smells
and excitement. It was fun to walk through and say, “Bonsoir!” to the vendors.
Many sit there with very stoic faces, but as soon as we shouted bonsoir, their
faces lit up with bright smiles.
F.R.E.M. Orphanage
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| Walking up the road to F.R.E.M. |
Traveling to F.R.E.M. was a stark difference in orphanages.
The first two we visited were run differently but both very nice. F.R.E.M. was
a poorer place. Our objective was to deliver food, laundry soap and spend a
short hour with the children.
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| Jeremiah loving the kids |
We were greeted by big smiles and children grabbing our
hands as they walked us up a narrow hallway to the “court yard,” just a small
open corner of the compound. As I made my way through the crowd to put my
activities bag along the wall, I passed Naomi (a girl on the volleyball team)
holding this young boy. I looked at him with a big smile and said bonsoir, and
he reached out his hands and leaned for me. This little guy didn’t leave my
arms for the next 30 minutes or so.
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| Some great smiles here! |
Holding Christopher was such a special time knowing he, and
all the kids, do not get a lot of affection here. The lady who founded F.R.E.M.
didn’t really have a strategy when she started it. She saw a need for children
and was willing to take them into her home. Problem is that she has no money.
Praise God two churches in the states support the orphanage, one by sending the
food we delivered and the other by paying the rent. Yet still there are some
gaping holes.
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| Christopher and me |
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| Alexis getting her hair braided |
She priorities education over the basic essentials of life…food,
clothing and water. So sometimes the kids don’t get to eat as much as they
should. Praise God for IMF taking trips there and checking in on the kids. Last
week a medical team came through and was able to check all the kids out and
save lives.
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| Can Shane add one more kid? |
It’s a difficult place to be, standing there holding such
precious child and knowing that in a few short minutes you have to leave them
to return to the difficulties they face. Pray for the children and staff at F.R.E.M.
Pizza Amor
After leaving F.R.E.M., we made our way to Pizza Amor. This
has got to be the best pizza in all of Haiti! We had BBQ chicken, Chicken
Alfredo, Supreme and Tomato Basil pizzas! Delicious! It was a nice change of
pace for us to eat out instead of back at the lodge, even though the food is
fantastic at the lodge.
Tomorrow we have another opportunity to do a volleyball camp
and play with kids. We are exhausted tonight, but looking forward to a good night
of sleep and getting back to it in the morning!
Thanks for following along on our journey.
