Today's the day!

The first day of the 2015-2016 school year for some special kids.  For most of them, this is the first day of school they've ever attended in their entire lives.  A day to remember.

Thankful to the friends who saw the need and helped us believe it was possible to do something.  Thankful to the friends who financially gave to make this day possible.  Thankful to those who continue to pray for Haiti Awake as we seek God's will regarding our future with these children.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

— Ephesians 3:20-21

The Clarity of Compassion

And if we take the risk of personally touching and being touched by a suffering person, the miracle of sight can break into our own darkness.

When the clarity of compassion illuminates our vision, we can visualize healing that goes far deeper than physical cure. Through eyes of faith we recognize that this could be an opportunity for tragedy to be transformed into celebration so that the power of God may be seen at work in him and in her.

And even more amazing , when we stoop to personally touch one of these “undesirables” with hands-on care, we are touching the very heart of God :

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers [and sisters] of mine, you did for me”

— Matthew 25:40

                                                                                               ---Thoughts from Bob Lupton.

Now that I know.

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”

— William Wilberforce

Some days my heart is just so full of Haiti.   Today is one of those days.

Prior to the August trip, I didn't know every single child at the orphanage by name.  I knew their faces, and I had a list with all of their names and birthdays.  But I couldn't match each individual child to his or her name.

But now I can.

And some days that's just so hard.

Like today.

This is Handy.  He's the one who captured my heart in 2013.  He has a way of capturing everyone's heart who has the chance to meet him.

This is Augustin.  He's the oldest boy at Federick's.  He dreams of being a pastor one day.

This is Phebe.  She's small for her age (9 years old but the size of a 5 year old), and all she wants is to sit in your lap and be loved.  And . . . she has the most adorable dimples.

This is Davensky.   He's four years old.  He's the smallest child living with Federick.  Federick's son is younger, but Davensky is smaller.

This is Antonide.  She'll be 13 in October.  She's interested in learning and helping, and she mothers the younger boys and girls.

Esterlin is 10 years old.  He has the kindest, most gentle spirit.  

The is Fabenson.  He's a clown.  He likes to make people laugh.

This is Antoine.  He will be 9 years old on September 11.

This is Yvenson.  He's slow to warm up to people, but when he does, he lets you see his sweet spirit.  He feels things so deeply.

This is Lorvens.  He has the best smile.  He loves people and having fun . . . and he has some great dance moves.

Widcherline will be 8 years old in just a few weeks.  She is Davensky's older sister.

I'm just getting to know Cesnel.    My favorite thing about him?  His birthday is the same as mine!

This is Migerlson.  He's quiet.  He's easy to miss.  And I've got to make a great effort to get to know him better.

The other 4 children are Federick's own.  And they're loved by us, too.

Fenley

Fedlin

Roudelin

Kertchie

“Every child you encounter is a divine appointment.
”

— Wess Stafford

 I have called you by name, you are mine.  Isaiah 43:1