JJS Missions

I saw this cutie several times while serving in the village. Glad I had to opportunity to wrap him up in my arms for a minute and pleasantly surprised he went right to sleep while I held him.

What do you call spending the afternoon with 62 young people at a divinely created swimming pool? NON-STOP-FUN.

It required several trips and 2 vehicles to get the entire group up the mountain to Bwa Jira but it was worth it to see the joy on their faces as they frolicked in the warm waters cascading down the mountain to form this beautiful swimming hole. This is definitely a part of Haiti they don't publicize.

BLATANTLY DISRESPECTFUL is how I would describe the euphoria these young people show as they celebrate their consistent victories when we have played Uno. I am convinced they are cheating and may be even ganging up on me however, I must admit i have not uncovered their methodology yet. And they show absolutely no remorse.

Hanging out with a few of the fellas after church today. I have watched most of them grow from little boys to young men. They are kind, smart, courteous, and helpful. And, they are handsome. It's an added bonus and blessing that most of them have given their life to Christ. I love being around them and I cherish the time we spend together.

Meet some of the young people in my life. We enjoy loving on each other EVERYDAY.

I thoroughly enjoy visiting the orphanages in the evenings and I try to alternate between the girls and boys homes. Most nights the children gather for devotions just after sunset, before they go to bed. It is a spirited time of prayer and praise led by one of them. I love witnessng them exalt God.

Fridays have definitely turned into popcorn and movie night. We make sure everyone gets their own bag of popcorn. It tickles me that they enjoy Jackie Chan Kung Fu movies the most. They get super excited and start to cheer and clap when the hero gets the best of the villian. Funny, I told the girls I didn't think I was coming over tonight for the movie and it almost started a riot so you know where I will be this evening.

For both devotions and movie night, it seems sitting close to Mr Vernon is a coveted space and my lap is always in high demand. It's great to share this time with them..and it's a wonderful nightcap for me.

This morning I was invited to join the English class for their presentations and offer some observations. Their professor gave them a creative assignment to help them practice speaking English. He assigned individuals to conduct interviews, participate in debates or share a short speech. Overall, the young people did very well. It was obvious a few of them did not take their assignment seriously and were not prepared for their presentations. Others understood and captured the various nuances inherent in the English language. I can see the makings of future leaders, educators, and other professions in them. Bravo to the Mission of Grace and Foundation Guillaume for the exceptional things you are doing to prepare these young people for their future.

Today I was blessed to help unpack drums sent from the US to Haiti this past December. It is a pure joy to witness the excitement, and humbling to hear how the items in the drums are a blessing. As we were working, Ms. Lynn Joseph told me about a lady to whom she recently gave several underwear. With tears in her eyes the lady shared that she only had 2 pair of underwear and both of them were held together with safety pins. Ms. Lynn also shared how people don't believe her children are a part of an orphanage because they are always dressed so nice. She told me it is only because most of the clothes and shoes she finds in the drums are quality items, many with the price tags still attached.

Thank you to the many individuals, churches, and organizations who answer the call to help "stuff the drums" for our brothers and sisters in foreign countries. Your gifts and sacrifices mean a lot to the recipients.

Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
[9] So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. [10] Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Movie night and popcorn was a big hit at the girls orphanage

Fabiola looked (more) stunning when she walked into church in Sunday. But, I was blown away when I looked at her shoes. The word that came to my mind was "slay".