Most days when I am in Haiti, it feels like there have been 2 or 3 days of stuff all packed into one day. Today was no exception.
We started the day off by heading out to Titanyen to pick up a few elders and bring them to Grace Village for the elderly Christmas party. We stopped at Izna's house first. Last time I was in Haiti, we moved her to this house. It was so nice to see that her house was so tidy, her new mattress was still there (we've had problems with her alcoholic son stealing her things) and that she was excited to go to the party. However, she need to change to get ready for the party. So I helped her change and we were off.
Next stop, Edmond's house. We were happy to see him outside getting a shave. No shaving cream or nice razor here....just a straight blade. We decided he needed some time to finish getting ready for the party and that we would send someone else down to get him.
At Grace Village, we all got to be reunited with friends we've missed....the Imslands, the long term missionaries, Ross and our Haitian friends we've grown to love. The school kids were on a break, so our kids jumped right in getting to know them on the playground.
The party started with a Christmas Pageant that our kids did a great job at. During the play, we sang Christmas Carols and the elders recognized the tunes and sang along with us in Creole. They loved the play. Next came the food....a delicious spread of traditional Haitian foods.....rice, fried chicken, pasta salad, veggies, a spicy coleslaw, fried plantains, a creamy pink salad. Then came the Christmas gifts....each received a water pitcher, jug or insulated food carrier. They were so excited and we had so much fun passing them out. And no party would be complete without cake! We ended by singing some songs together and praying. It made my heart so happy to bring and share such joy with these beautiful elderly that have seen so much in their long lives.
One of the most touching moments of the day was when Cadet, one of our newer translators, pulled me aside. He told me how doing things like this bring him so much joy. He said that he so often sees people, like our elders, that have so much need. He always wants to help but does not have the resources to help them. He was so grateful that he could participate....be a part of helping the people of Haiti that he loves so much. One of the favorite things he said to me was "If you could see inside my heart right now, you would know how much joy I have". How great that we are not only blessing these elders, but every person that gets to be a part of the day.....and that in turn blesses me beyond belief.
After the party, when the children had finished school and lunch, we were able to deliver letters to them from their sponsors and help them write a letter back. How great it is to see these kids each get something special to them....to know someone far away is thinking and praying about them!
After saying goodbye to old and new friends (my daughter now has a Haitian best friend :) ), we headed back to Port au Prince. Arriving at the guesthouse, we had only 5 minutes to freshen up before heading out for pizza at a restaurant in nearby Tabarre. Although, what should be nearby, seemed quite far during a crazy rush hour. The restaurant was run by some long term missionaries who open the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights only. It was quaint and beautiful and the pizza was delicious! The kids had their own table with Wilson, Maxim and Elisa and fought over who got to sit next to Wilson, whom they have each grown to love in just a few short days.
The day was still not over! Once we arrived back at the guesthouse, it was time for some promised salsa dancing lessons from Jean. The kids loved it! They cha cha cha'ed and even learned some pretty fancy twirls and dips!
After showers, we all finally collapsed into bed after 10pm! Oh my, what a long but amazing day in Haiti!!!
Thanks again for all your prayers for our trip. Our kids have been amazing.....such positive perspectives on Haiti, there has been no sickness, and we've felt so protected all week!
Sharon Mitchell (with my daughter, Siena)
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