Serving the least of these

At our group gathering this evening, the words we used to describe our day were much more positive and uplifting than a few we've had in days past. We had different feelings today - ones of joy, healing, adventure and special moments.

We were blessed to be able to take the children from Gertrude's Orphanage to the beach! What an experience!

They were SO excited when we arrived at the orphanage in our brightly colored bus for the trip. We all crammed into a vehicle

that would never pass any inspection in the states. No seat belts, no door, no glass on the windows and definitely overcrowded, but we sure had a great ride, most of us singing and chatting the whole way there.The rest of the kids were so engrossed in the scenery, silently looking out the windows as we passed through markets, by mountains and the picturesque oceanside.

It was almost a two hour drive to the public beach north of Port au Prince. We were able to take 22 orphans, - five of them with special needs.

The beach was beautiful, a white pebble covered floor with only a few traces of the garbage that covers the ground in the city. Around us a green lush background of mountains, palm trees and expansive ocean views gave us all the feeling we were not in Haiti, at least the Haiti we had seen.

The children and adults enjoyed splashing in the waves, playing on the beach and swimming with the help of us and water toys. It was pure enjoyment for everybody. We filled their stomachs with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, popcorn and juice. A meal that most of our children would think is normal. To them this was a treat.

Only three days ago we visited this same group of children in their home environment and yet most of us felt that we were with a completely different group today. The sounds of their squeals, the looks in their eyes and the simple touch of their precious hands told us that this day brought them a happiness they have not felt in a very long time.

The bus ride home was much quieter with quite a few sleeping children on our laps.It left us to reflect on the amazing day we all had and the blessed feeling we have to be a part of this mission.

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine,

the best of these you did for me."

Matthew 25:40

post written by Kim Venuta

Healing Haiti Team Member