We have had meetings with Madame Pastor and all the adult children and frankly they are not sure about the future of the orphanage right now. Together they have many decisions to make. They do hope to continue with it because they know their father cared for the children a lot and would not want the orphanage to close. He loved those children and truly felt led to care for them. We have had a long relationship with them and offered our support (personally and as an organization) as we sat together and reminisced about the past, yet prayed for the future.
We have a group here in Haiti this week and we will head to the orphanage as much as possible to help keep the children busy, to talk to them, pray with them, etc... but the family asked that we not stay long or get the children too "crazy". It is inappropriate for the children to be loud, running around, etc during this time. The family will have many of their friends, relatives and/or members of the community/church coming to pay their respects so the atmosphere needs to remain respectful.
There is always a balance between being a help and being a potential problem here. Our presence at the orphanage could give people the wrong ideas about how we are helping or what we are doing there and we must always remember the long-term effects. BUT we are blessed that the team is here and many have relationship with the children already from previous visits so we are praying God will use us all - whatever that looks like. Pray we are sensitive to His direction and open to be used to bring healing at this time. This team was prepared with Bible School lessons, crafts, etc already and had plans to do the Nanny Bible Study again as well. The Nannies and staff are looking forward to that and the children have been asking for team members as well. As always, God has gone before us preparing the way "for such a time as this".
We have a group here in Haiti this week and we will head to the orphanage as much as possible to help keep the children busy, to talk to them, pray with them, etc... but the family asked that we not stay long or get the children too "crazy". It is inappropriate for the children to be loud, running around, etc during this time. The family will have many of their friends, relatives and/or members of the community/church coming to pay their respects so the atmosphere needs to remain respectful.
There is always a balance between being a help and being a potential problem here. Our presence at the orphanage could give people the wrong ideas about how we are helping or what we are doing there and we must always remember the long-term effects. BUT we are blessed that the team is here and many have relationship with the children already from previous visits so we are praying God will use us all - whatever that looks like. Pray we are sensitive to His direction and open to be used to bring healing at this time. This team was prepared with Bible School lessons, crafts, etc already and had plans to do the Nanny Bible Study again as well. The Nannies and staff are looking forward to that and the children have been asking for team members as well. As always, God has gone before us preparing the way "for such a time as this".
Thanks in advance for your prayers. We will do our best to keep you informed. Blessings!!
AGAIN: If anyone wants to contribute toward medical expenses, funeral expenses or the extra costs the family has at this time, we ask you to do so ASAP. We have already given some financial assistance from the organization, but this week would be the best time to give whatever else comes in through your donations (should you feel God leading you to do so). You can send checks to Hearts United with Haiti PO Box 55, Morgantown, PA 19543 or online through our website/paypal www.heartsunitedwithhaiti.org
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