Growing Roots: 08/23/10

Our crew of Workers

Our crew of workers this year was a beautiful blessing to the camp and children. We have had the same 6 for the last three years and it was so neat to see the growth. The worked beautifully together. There was a deeper richness to the team this year, almost felt like family. At one point we were drumming and laughing and Titus, Children’s Pastor at church took off dancing in circles with the children. It might have been one of my favorite moments to see him cut loose with the children. Bobbing his shoulders up and down, singing, getting kids to join in, it was precious to watch it all unfold.

Each and every person added a piece to the team. Wilfete and Lou brought strength and humor to the day. They were a team. Side by side, fun to watch them interact. One day Wilfete and Lou acted out the story of the Lost Son. Wilfete the father and Lou the lost son. As Lou came running back to Wilfet and embraced in a hug their smiles showed great friendship, joy, and love. It has been so neat to see that cultivate over the years. They didn’t really know each other year one.

Titus, Children’s Pastor was a riot. Brought laughter to the day and strength to the singing and stories. Also brought discipline when out voices didn’t seem to cut it. Lin Lin and Michelda brought a sweet peace and love to the crew. They working hands were always nice to have when we were singing. Lin Lin is a quiet, young, woman. We put her in charge of leading the singing. One day she was trying to focus the children to sing, but somehow the drums were carrying over her voice. Instead of getting frustrated she grabbed a drum from an adult and started drumming faster, louder, and with more JOY. It was hilarious. Made me smile.

Great team. We would not have been able to do it without them.

A Mural of Magic

Caitlin found amazing JOY this year in painting the mural. The last picture is of a little boy named, Chodly. He became Caitlin's painting partner. Everyday he would be waiting for her and would work side by side until the day was done. She found so much joy, laughter, and peace in painting with him. Caitlin, also enjoyed painting with the people in the hospital. I would often show up after soccer and she would have put down a tarp and about twenty people would be sitting on it. All of them participating in the activity. Coloring, painting, bracelets, you name it, they were all participating. From old men to young, from mothers to daughter, everyone was working together. Neat sight!

Caitlin also had the opportunity to paint the bakery this year, which was classic. We were buying bread one day and asked the owner if he would want a mural on the bakery and all we heard was a big YES! Great experience because it attracted a different crowd of people. The bakery is located right in the middle of a big crossing of roads. So we got people coming and going, the motto drivers, and other children. We left and the owner said, "Come back and do the inside next time." Soon all of Passe Catabois will be covered with Caitlin's finest! The Pastor asked for the school to be done, inside and out!

A SOCCER TEAM of the toughest CATS!

I was blessed to have a soccer team this year. 5 little kiddos, the size of peanuts, but amazingly, big hearts. Everyday they would find me at about 3:30 and ask, "Are we playing today Miss. Leah?" One look at their cute little smiles, how could I say no. I gave them all jerseys and one would have thought it was Christmas morning and Santa just showed up with a new Gameboy. Little Ester said, "Is this really for me?" So darn precious. I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but Ester was my favorite. Opened up so much and became my little buddy, sidekick, partner in crime. Just precious. Our practice was about 30 minutes, but somehow they never noticed it was so short. From kicking to headballs to penalty kicks they found themselves part of a team. It was some of my sweetest moments in Haiti. Kicking around the soccer ball with these little kiddos. The day always ended with a team cheer. It went something like this, "1, 2, 3, WHOOOO!" They are only five, didn't want to make it too difficult!!!