Market, Loving Heart, SDMT

Hellen, John and I left after breakfast and devotionals and took a tap-tap to the main market, essentially a gigantic intersection full of cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, people, music, animals, and, oh, yes, things for sale. Clothes, shoes, food, drinks, jewelry, electronics, you name it.

We had two Haitians with us, which made us a tiny bit less conspicuous, but not much. The Haitians took us to their friends' stalls and we haggled for corn, rice, beans and cooking oil at three different places. What should have taken 30 minuites took over an hour. It was such a great experience to be in the midst of everyday life in this country that I love.

We got back, loaded up, and headed back to Loving Heart, where we received a VERY warm welcome from the children. We taught a lesson, played with balloons, held little ones, played a little soccer, and jumproped a little. Olivia and I got a great cooking lesson in the outdoor kitchen (running water in the indoor one, and a washing machine out back!), on how they make their giant pot of beans and rice with mackerel tomato sauce.

This orphanage has its lease coming up in August, which is unable to be renewed because of some bureacratic red tape, and they do not know where they will go next.

Today we learned the stories of several of the children, and it is just heartbreaking. This orphanage is set up to do adoption. I've never been to an orphanage where that was a possibility. Sure does change your thought process.

It was very hard to say goodbye today. Very. Many of them ask when we are coming back. How do you answer that question?

We left and went to SMDT. Another great orphanage. Big inside space, small outdoor space, indoor kitchen that might have running water, not sure, and an outdoor kitchen. Very well-run with high hopes to add school for neighborhood children in an effort to keep them from being dropped off at the orphanage so that they will get an education. The son of the director, Carlo, is 25 and in his first year of law school. He does a lot to help with the running of the orphanage.

This orphanage has its lease coming up in September, and the landlord has upped the price by 33%, so he does not know if they will be able to afford to stay.

I was very quickly shown to the outdoor kitchen to help :) and got put in charge of stirring the grits. Holy moly, was that a big pot of grits! And they were almost done, so it about ripped my arm off. Then I helped serve them, and she kept telling me to give them more, which is encouraging. They topped it with some vegetables and some kind of gravy.

There are about 27 kids, of all ages, but mostly younger ones. There were only a couple that were very shy or withdrawn. They loved music, playing and just being held. Holly taught them a dance routine, which they loved.

All the youth have blown me away with their maturity and their selflessness. What a great experience for them, for the children, and for the rest of the team to see thim in action for the Lord!

Pictures later...