Day 3: Food, Glorious Food!

So....I write this blog at the same time as many people are gathering at St. Michael's for what is the start of a thought and vision that first came about last October...'we want to see St. Michael's  buzzing on a Wednesday night'. And, although I cannot be there tonight my thoughts and prayers are with the team as they are now meeting for Soul Suppers, and then on to the worship and group time.  Food....a great opportunity for fellowship as well as nourishment and it seemed to be that food was the way to go...when you are working for the day with babies and children it helps. These were such wonderful opportunities to spend time with, care for, pray for, and feed many babies and young children. ...and maybe see a few smiles. We spent the day at a centre for sick infants and young children, although some had received suitable treatment, but didn't have a home to go back to, and whilst these children had their nap time, we travelled to Gertrud's Orphanage.  We knew we had arrived at the centre when we saw a line of young mothers waiting to enter to see their babies and young children that were being cared for. Entering the new building carrying some of the items we had brought with us we were warmly greeted, and put straight to work. Babies who were not spending time with their mothers, both those who looked well and those obviously sick with fever needed to be consoled, cuddled, changed and fed.  It was a blessing to watch our team, especially the 8 men having an another opportunity with this stage of life-to bring a few moments of joy, smiles and laughter into these young lives, praying that  there will continue to know Christ. As with many homes here, a large wall and metal sliding gate surrounded Gertrud's. As we entered the courtyard, the children were excited to see us.  Despite the 90+' temperatures we spent time with these children, many of whom were orphans or disabled. They enjoyed what all children enjoy, to race around on their bicycles, chase bubbles, be pushed even higher on the swing set and of course be helped to eat their lunch of rice and stew.    Finishing off at the centre for sick infants in the afternoon, a much welcome rain storm broke the heat and gave children on the streets, as we drove passed, an opportunity to fill their buckets with water from the runoff and take a welcome shower.  These organisations and especially Healing Haiti were started as a thought, a word, a vision from the Lord.  We are now so blessed to join them as that vision has been realised in so many exciting ways. Tomorrow we go on to spend time with those at the other end of the age spectrum, as well as drop into Grace Village, where there is an air of excitement as they have a large supply of fish being delivered..... As I end this, I am sitting out in the cool night air, the afternoon rain still in the air. In the distance a tent mission for the local Haitians blasts out the closing hymn, 'Amazing Grace'. I wonder if John Newton can hear that?  

Martin