(When I told you they treated us like kings and queens I wasn't lying)
(Rice we got Mama!)
While we waited on Yvrose, Adrian, and Alphonse to pick us up we took a walk to see the rest of the lodge grounds. The lodge we are staying at is owned by Betty and Edmund. Betty is a nurse from America that after coming once to Haiti felt called to move here, since then she has furthered her education with a masters and PhD in Public Health, and met her husband Edmund. They utilize these grounds to rent out rooms for public aid workers, missionaries, etc. We walked over to the new buildings and they are beautiful. We walked to the roof where it overlooks the sea and mountains.
We sorted supplies to take to Yvrose’s orphanage and then some to take to Darlene’s orphanage as well. They were filled with toiletries, toys, school supplies and medical. I have to tell you one of the most touching things from one of the bags we took to Yvrose’s, Laura from my small group gave me girls underwear to take, the young girls at the orphanage were overjoyed to get a pair of underwear! Rosita passed one out to each girl that would fit, and they were SO excited. Pretty humbling to think this would be so special to them. 
We also colored and played play-dough. These are treasures to them. The kids are all very creative and I got a few pictures to bring home from some of the kids. They are so giving. We tried to teach the kids the chicken dance...I am sure we looked like CRAZY people, but they laughed and learned quickly. The rest of the morning was spent loving on the kids. They crave touch and love. It is noticeable that even the older kids yearn for this too. 
I was watching some of the older ones acting out just to get our attention. Even if the attention they are getting is that of correction, they are still eager to get it. I listened to a few kids lung sounds, I am sure one little boy has pneumonia, if only antibiotics were as readily available as they are in the states. I wish I had more to give. More time to love on the kids and more resources to give them the medical attention they so desperately need. For the most part, the kids at Yvrose’s are healthy but a few need antibiotics. A lot of them need treatment for scabies. A little one died from bacterial pneumonia in January. My heart breaks because I know without a doubt if they had access to things as we do in the states, this wouldn’t have been an option. I can’t explain why I am having a hard time today, I feel like I am choking back the tears.
I was watching some of the older ones acting out just to get our attention. Even if the attention they are getting is that of correction, they are still eager to get it. I listened to a few kids lung sounds, I am sure one little boy has pneumonia, if only antibiotics were as readily available as they are in the states. I wish I had more to give. More time to love on the kids and more resources to give them the medical attention they so desperately need. For the most part, the kids at Yvrose’s are healthy but a few need antibiotics. A lot of them need treatment for scabies. A little one died from bacterial pneumonia in January. My heart breaks because I know without a doubt if they had access to things as we do in the states, this wouldn’t have been an option. I can’t explain why I am having a hard time today, I feel like I am choking back the tears. I want to be upfront first about this: I DO NOT PITY Haiti! I will admit I thought I needed to rescue these babies, I mean even taking a few would ensure their not having to endure a life like this. Right? Wrong! I talked with Yvrose about adoption, and if she adopts out, and she said no. I was surprised to hear her say she didn’t think that was best for Haiti. She talked about how she is raising them and teaching them to love the Lord and how she wants to equip Haiti with good, strong, Christian Haitian leaders! Wow, what a legacy she is leaving. She is teaching them to build their house on a solid rock (Matthew 7:24) She is teaching them to obey God and these children are eyewitness to God’s provision and her example of a SOLID way of living!!! I am challenged by Yvrose, to live more of this example! Thank you Lord for Yvrose, and for her love for you!
After leaving the orphanage we went on a prayer walk to several churches. It was quite a drive to get to the churches; they were mountainous areas/the bush. Saint Charles church was first.
The tin roof leaks and there are only a few benches (wood slab over two stumps). The team that was there the week before us secured the roof, but by all means and purposes it needs to be redone. We prayed in the church and then got back in the trucks and headed to a second church the River Church. 
It was precious to see how they had used pink and white pin-wheels and flowers to decorate the sanctuary. Again they need pews. Lord, what perfect timing for our church to be doing this renovation. Please help me to find a way to get them here! I was blessed to be able to pray for God’s protection and blessings on this church. Lord bless the congregants and those that will come to know Christ here. We then went to the beach and gathered rocks so that we will remember to pray for Haiti. 
The beach was all rocks; the sound of the water hitting the smooth rocks was soothing. There were huts all along the beach, some homes were made of concrete, but Yvrose said that you only had that if you had a lot of money. Let me tell you the huts were beautiful, they were so meticulously made with bamboo/dirt/grass.
The tin roof leaks and there are only a few benches (wood slab over two stumps). The team that was there the week before us secured the roof, but by all means and purposes it needs to be redone. We prayed in the church and then got back in the trucks and headed to a second church the River Church. 
It was precious to see how they had used pink and white pin-wheels and flowers to decorate the sanctuary. Again they need pews. Lord, what perfect timing for our church to be doing this renovation. Please help me to find a way to get them here! I was blessed to be able to pray for God’s protection and blessings on this church. Lord bless the congregants and those that will come to know Christ here. We then went to the beach and gathered rocks so that we will remember to pray for Haiti. 
The beach was all rocks; the sound of the water hitting the smooth rocks was soothing. There were huts all along the beach, some homes were made of concrete, but Yvrose said that you only had that if you had a lot of money. Let me tell you the huts were beautiful, they were so meticulously made with bamboo/dirt/grass. On the way home we had to hurry because we (the American’s) had to be home before 5 pm. They were to find out the results of the election. Amazingly enough, although we tried to not be there when the election and rioting was going on, we were right in the heart of it. There was much rejoicing in the streets of Jeremie, they all were anticipating that Martelley would win! Everyone was screaming "Alle Alle! Tete Kalle!" (Go! Go! bald head!). Haitians filled the streets cheering, there was a funeral going on at the same time, Yvrose told me to get pictures....I took video. They were dancing in the street with a casket over their heads, amazing. They were rejoicing, not only the life that had passed, but for a new power in office. As we were getting closer to the lodge one of the tires on Yvrose’s truck blew. Yvrose was a little worried, she said we needed to get home now, because as she explained, they won’t hurt her, but they would hurt us, especially if the election didn’t go as they wanted. Edmund happened to be just ahead of us and we got in his car and proceeded onto the lodge. Everyone made it home safely, we prayed for Yvrose and that she would get a tire and get home before dark! As we were eating dinner we heard the cheers and gunshots, Martelley was declared the winner of the primary election.
Lord, please be with the people of Haiti. Lord, please guide Martelley!
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