Valley View Day 1-jba.haiti
We arrived safely in Haiti yesterday, to the open arms of the children here at the orphanage & Mike & Bonnie.
First day sights and sounds can be overwhelming. The noises, smells and experiences tend to overwhelm. So our first night was kind of quiet (like all teams are I’m sure).
This morning Kim began our week with a devotion titled: Beauty from Ashes. Since our real work begins today–I thought it would be an appropriate way to begin this week’s experiences.
“My friend and I were talking earlier about Haiti. We were talking about something pretty specific, and she used the term “Beauty from Ashes”–to describe the country and the people and just the general way of life there.
Until you’ve been there, that phrase just sounds like another platitude uttered by white people in a land where beauty is measured by the kind of car you drive, your status in the world, by your perfect smile, perfect hair, and remodeled body. It’s not difficult to associate smoke and ashes with Haiti. The smell is pervasive–the plume of smoke fills the air at times in some areas.
But beauty–that’s even easier. Beauty in this land is in the scenes that you will miss if you only see the tragedy.
Beauty is in the faces of the children, who are like children everywhere. Who want to play, and sing and laugh and are full of joy and love.
Beauty is in the mothers and fathers who work hard every day all day to provide, yet are limited by their place within the hemisphere. By the decisions of governments that are bigger than theirs have made…by the decisions of politicians and sometimes madmen….
Haiti is full of beauty. It is my hope that the beauty of Jesus Christ will go with our team in the next week, and that we will shine His light and beauty on anyone who is willing to receive Him.”
To our families who are wondering, we are all happy and healthy. We are excited and looking for that beauty today!
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I am so happy that you all made it there safely, happy and healthy!! With Gods Grace!!!! We have many people praying for you all and the children and people of Haiti. Have fun, work hard, and be a Blesing to those children and show them the Love of Jesus!!!! Great Big Kisses and Hugs to my girls, Leslie and Keeley! I miss you already!! My Prayers are with you all!! I love You All!!!
Leslie & Keeley, We are thinking of you both. This is a very good thing you are doing. We love you both!
Girls,
We are very proud of you both. This is a great thing you are doing. We are thinking of you and love you.
Please let Tommy & Ashley know that Grandma Hartlage did fine with surgery on Monday and went home late Tuesday afternoon with a new pacemaker.
Love you both and are very proud of you!! Be careful but have fun with all those kiddos!
Dad & Stacey
xoxo
Leslie & Keeley,
We are thinking of you. Enjoy the time and fellowship together and be safe.
Love you both,
Jenny and Rex
Leslie & Keeley
I am very proud of both of you. I admire your willingness to give, and heed the call to help others less fortunate than you. Please be careful and know that I love you both! See you soon.
Love,
Your Big Brother
Leslie Jo (and Keeley too!)
I am so very proud of you! I pray for your safety, your health, and that the Haitian children there see the light of Jesus so plainly obvious through you.
Love & Blessings,
Kevin