Free to Love

Our team began our fourth day in Haiti by worshiping at the tent church.  Although most of it was in Creole we were surprised by how many songs we recognized and could sing along in English.  We were inspired, rejuvenated, and filled with His love and glory.

Today was a day where we could pick and choose how we spent our day. We decided to go to Gertrude's home for disabled children, and then to the hospital for sick and dying children. So back at the guest house, after worship, we enjoyed our delicious breakfast, and a quick change for Gertrude's.

We arrived in time to play with the children before lunch. We sang, and danced  to American and Haitian songs. One of our translators, Wilson, had a great time leading those songs and dances! The room was full of smiles, laughter, and fun!

We arrived back at the guesthouse for some extra time to rest. Some team members went to the neighboring pool, while others took the time to journal, nap, and rest. Then we got cleaned up and all ready to visit the hospital for sick and dying babies. When we arrived, we entered the room with they sickest babies. The aids were giving the babies their medicine for the day while handing us the bowls of food to feed the babies. We all had different experiences in feeding the babies. Some of them seemed very hungry and scarfed the food right down! While others felt too sick to eat. It was hard for some of us, especially the mothers and fathers, to accept that the children could not eat due to their current condition. After we had fed them and changed their diapers, we had time to hold and love them up! Some of the babies were so comfortable that they fell asleep in our arms.

Next, we went to the other room where the children were feeling better. Some changed diapers while others brought the children out to the playground to play! The children loved to have the one-on-one time with each of us, just as much as we enjoyed to play and love them to our fullest. Some of us had it easy on the benches snuggling up babies, while others were used as a human jungle-gym!

The hardest part of the day was having to say goodbye to all these children who blessed our day. Overall it was a great day of many emotions! We went into today hoping to make at least as much of a difference in their lives as they have made in ours.

We are free to run, free to dance, and free to live for YOU!

Alexa Hofstad and Michelle Weisenburger