I am in love!

I am in love with the country of Haiti-the people, the sites, the sounds, all the work going on. I am in love with the children of Haiti-the orphans at Three Angels and the children (babies, mostly) in Mother Theresa's hospital. It is an amazing place, and I think that every American should visit at least once. Your life will be changed. I know that mine has, already.

I just can't get over the contrasts here....and I will write more on that later.

The hospital visit was very sad, and yet full of joy at the same time. There is so musch suffering...and yet there is love. We can do so little, and yet, we can do so much. We must do what we can.

It was a difficult visit at the hospital-the parents can only visit for a short time. The bell rang, and they had to leave. And then, the serious howling, crying and wailing began. Oh what an experience.

We all did what we could for who we could.....it wasn't enough, and yet it was just enough. What we must not forget is that this is not our work. It is the Lord's work. We all have a part to play, however small, however short. We must do what we can right here, right now to show love to people. God commands it.

I fed two babies...one an orphan, without any i.d. tag. no name, no date of birth, no date of admission. very sad. I also got peed on a time or two. I'm not a big fan of cloth diapers, fyi. And then, I was drawn to a tiny baby boy-his tag said 9 months old. And he probably didn't weigh but 10 pounds. skin and bones. just laying there. I picked him up and held him, and caressed him and rocked him for about 2 hours. So light. ugh. I tried to touch him, because of the 'failure to thrive' syndrome.....I rubbed his back, his belly, his feet, his legs and so on. We sat and rocked and coo-ed. By the end of my time with him he was smiling and pulling on my fingers-quite a grip for such a tiny little thing. It was an amazing time, just being fully present and doing the only thing I could do in the moment. And for this, I am grateful.

We went to Three Angels in the afternoon-and again, the contrast is huge. Took some kids outside and played. Blew bubbles, rode on bikes, ran, played with a ball, simple things really. But the kids laughed and smiled and their faces lit up. Lots of energy there!

Oh, and a 'coincidence' (there is no such thing) the baby I was drawn to hold at the hospital has the same first and middle name of the little one I am in love with at Three Angels and that I want to bring home with me. Permanently. I took it as a sign from God.

God is GREAT! and He is doing great things.....He is also doing small things through me, and I am awed to be a part of it.

Lots of power outages tonight, so I'm gonna go now...