T.G.I.F.

T.G.I.F. Thank God it's Friday has taken on a whole new meaning. Thank God for this Friday. The H.H. crew started the morning like it has already become routine. Jeff did not need to yell "Make it happen!" We were already on it. Gabe and Fan Fan had already returned from the morning church service. Breakfast was another feast and we all ate hearty anticipating the day. It was the sound of a new horn today. We prayed together giving thanks for all that we have seen and shared this week so far and continued to ask for His protection and blessing as we ventured out on our stylish new white bus.

First stop was Titayen. There is a special child there named Jude Jean Paul that we were introduced to. Although he is not well enough to interact with us, he knew we were there. We broke out in song and you could feel the Holy Spirit fill not only the small room, but each one of our hearts. It was a solemn, tearful parting. The local children guided us hand in hand on our short walk from Ju Paul's to Yvons Orphange. It was there we met 40 more very special children who greeted us with hugs and song.

Next stop Arcahaie beach. We were taking the kids swimming. We "kenneled up" toting 40 children and 12 adults gently packed in the 24 passenger H.H. bus. A fairly long ride through the streets of Haiti with laps drooping full of children and yet, not one complaint. Eyes were wide and smiles and song were constant. It didn't seem to matter much to them that when we arrived at the beach gate, they were asked to wait an additional Haitian 10-15 minutes. Once we were cleared to go we parked the bus and walked to the beach in surprisingly orderly fashion. A quick change and toes hit the shoreline. After the initial splash there was a beautiful chaos of flayling arms, legs, giggles, an shreaks of pure joy. Adults and children alike. Water logged to the point of wrinkled fingers, we rinsed and gathered together in prayer for a buffet lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, snack chips, a chocolate cookie, and tampico for drink. There was a rare photo opp to catch shivering cold, wet Haitian kids. The bus ride home was a bit more uneventful and much quieter. We drove back to Titanyen satisfied with a truly magnificent day. The hugs and kisses line was bitter sweet. The bus ride back to the guest house felt too empty.

A glorious sunset closes the day. Our hearts our left raw and open.