Day # 4 - Grace Village, Elder Visits and Mass Grave

Day 4 – Grace Village, Elder visits and mass graves

Another beautiful day filled with blessings in Haiti.  Many of us started with 6 a.m. ‘tent’ church (not really a tent but it used to be) Worship with the devote Haitian people is so powerful.  There is a ‘rhythm’ to the way they pray as they walk around the church or back and forth in the aisle – obviously full of the ‘joy’ of the Lord.

Next, ‘fellowship’ between our amazing team over breakfast and again on the tap tap on our way to Grace Village.  What a loving ‘family’ they have created for the children – God’s children.  It was so apparent how much the staff love and ‘care’ for every child.  The kids were playing and having so much ‘fun’ in their safe home – the women were working so hard preparing their meals and the teachers dedicating their life and giving their ‘time’ to each child.  All within the backdrop of the ocean and the ‘beauty’ of the mountains.

Next we had a tour of the future bakery – proud mamma moment as Rob is very involved in this project.  This project will bring so much to the future of the people of Haiti.  A bakery school – commercial bakery – and restaurant – all providing a way for the people of Haiti to support themselves and their families.  I can’t wait for pizza the next time I visit!

Finally, off to the elder visits! My favorite stop last year and again today.  We all had to ‘humble’ ourselves as we served these precious elders – so full of love, lessons and unabashed pure faith in God above. We washed their feet – as Jesus did for his disciples – we massaged them (Sam was an elder favorite), we prayed with them and for them, and shared music with them.  My heart was ‘heavy’ when we left them and I was a little ‘worried’ about their future, but they aren’t – they have complete trust in our God.  I loved how they freely asked for specific prayers – I want to be able to do that too.

I was ‘awestruck’ at our final stop – the Mass Grave – a beautiful monument being built to remind us all not to forget all those who lost their lives in the 2010 earth quake.  We won’t ever forget them!!

Back to the guest house for more fellowship and dinner.  It is traditional to share a word of the day – to share in 1 word what stood out for us each day. Today they ranged from ‘bipolar’ to ‘joy’ I have highlighted each word of the day in today’s blog.  I hope it gives each reader a glimpse of this gift we’ve been given.  It has been a ‘fullcircle’ day from the children at Grace to the elder visits to the memorial of those now in the arms of our Father in heaven.  Wow what a day!  God is good – Everyday.  Thank you Father for this most precious day.

Love Always,

Kathy