Haiti Teen Challenge was first on the day - we had an opportunity to visit and worship with the young men who have found a second chance through this great program. Some in our group have worked with MN Teen Challenge, so it was cool to see these groups blend and share their experiences. After worship and witness to several brave testimonies, we had time to visit, play basketball, or help with lunch preparations. I chose to watch the masters at work in the kitchen and even dive in a little bit (I peeled onions ;) ... ). Yum. I could get used to Haitian cooking :) It was nice to visit with Jeanette and Jenae, and learn a bit about how to make a flavorful and not-so-spicy stew :)
Then on to The Apparent Project, where many Haitian men and women find a second chance at working to provide for themselves and their families. We were given a tour of the store and various work areas where pieces of art were in the works. The attention to detail and intricate work is amazing. Beaded bracelets and necklaces, pottery, clutches and purses sewn on-site. Everything is made on-site. The beads are clay or rolled paper. Clay is rolled, fired, hand-painted and handed off for beading. Paper? Cut from cereal boxes and rolled tightly around a pin to create a bead. So. Cool. Check out some pictures here -- www.apparentproject.org.
Some downtime at the Guest House, then on to Gertrude's Orphanage, where 52 beautiful children of varying ages and abilities reside. These kids are given a second chance at life and love in this home. We spent some time just loving on them...hugs, playing ball, holding babies. Love. Lots of Love.
"You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of the dust.
You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of us"
Thank you for giving me a glimpse into the people of Haiti by sharing these pictures and the link to some of their artwork. Praying God will continue to bless Haiti and you through your caring for His people! P.S. Lauren, He's got your back!
ReplyDelete