Going Back to School

We spent the day working on craft projects and artwork with the older children ages 6 to 16. These items will be added to the sponsorship packages for HIS Home for Children. Folks, it's hot here, but the nights are delightfully cool.

Loubencia is a flourishing 9 year old. I met her 2 years ago after the quake and while she was very sick, she had a resoluteness of spirit that was a wonder to behold. With that toughness is a capacity for kindness. Yesterday, I watched her as she served glass after glass of water to the toddlers. She holds a special place in my heart.

We attended morning devotions at the HIS Home school. There are two classes taught by Mr. Merton and Mr. Phillym. The kids sang beautifully and from memory.

This lady is employed to do the wash for 30 boys. It's all done by hand. Here it is best to rely on electricity as little as possible.

Madame Franciose cooks lunch for about 40 school children. As you can see, the pot of beans and rice is cooking on top of a propane tank in the kitchen. In Haiti, it is best not to rely on electricity. Rice and red beans is a primary dish here. I have no idea how it is seasoned, but it is delicious.

I'm witih Jullina who has drawn a lovely picture and added a special note to me.

Tina is with her new buddy, Dave. He spent alot of time sitting between us coloring up a storm.

This is the entranceway and courtyard of His Father's House, the guesthouse where we are staying. It is a wonderful oasis for visitors in the Delmas 75 area. Hosts Julie and Garrett vanWagenen have been nothing but wonderfully gracious.

Jinia is decorating a bookmark.

Marie Mica is doing very well in school and I am very hopeful that she will earn her high school diploma. Education is one of the most important keys to development.

Geoff is surrounded by some of the girls in the older girls home as he shows them photos of his home in Michigan and his family. Geoff and his wife have adopted 2 young girls through HIS Home.