One Last Day in Port-au-Prince

I have returned home but wanted to post photos from yesterday prior to catching the 5:30 flight back to the States.

My primary objectives for this specific trip were to carry in 100 pounds of supplies (primarily powdered infant formula for the orphaniage), assist with sponsorship packages for HIS Home for Children, hug as many children as possible, meet Eduardo, and to identify specific ways that folks back home might be able to help. These objectives were met. And this is probably sufficient reason to travel to Haiti.

But I also continue to go because of the enormous personal benefits that I receive. I meet amazing people with countless stories of tragedy, resilience, courage and hope. There is no better place to examine one's own lifestyle and values. The mangos are delicious. There is virtually no way to continue the delusion that one is really in control of things. You just have to go with the flow - slow down and enjoy being in the moment. And try not to rely too much on electricity.

So I invite you ( if you have not yet done so) to find your own "Haiti". Step out of your comfort zone and contribute your time and resources to those who need your help. I would suggest that you not waste your time and energy trying to "fix" the problem, but just respond to the need and go with the flow. Our Lord God calls us to serve and that is indeed Joy Filled Living.

Now for my final batch of photos:

At the courtyard of the HIS Home for Children boys house. Please note "basketball hoop" made by hooking seatless chair to wall and using soccer ball. These guys were pretty good.

Dave is one of the kindergardeners.

I wish I could remember all the kids' names, but alas no. There will be a special prize to the first person who goes to www.hishomeforchildren.com  , checks out the sponsorship page where there are photos and names of all the children and correctly identifies these 3 cuties. Just leave me a comment.

School yard. While there was some basketball shooting, the main game is soccer and these guys and gals are very competitive.



With some of my buddies.



Toddlers at their playground while the big kids are at school.

Take a piece of foam, wrap it like a Christmas gift with vinyl and duct tape and you have a new pad for the nursey changing table.

Joseph and Cherdinor. We had a fun time coloring and eating animal crackers.

This is Brandon. Those are socks on his hands to keep him from scratching the eczema on his face and scalp. The medicine has been helping and he was a happy camper. He has the biggest smile that just lights up his face.

Joceline loves to pose for the camera. In fact, the way it usually worked is that you would take a shot and then show it to the children. My camera screen is smudged from all the little fingers pointing and naming each person in the scene. It was very interactive.

This was a typical in our neighborhood to have bougainvilla cascading over the front yard walls.