Sunday - Church Day & Work Day 4

Hello friends and family!

Today has been a very special day. We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to go to church this morning and share in the word with fellow believers. Walking into church, we were amazed by the beautiful and passionate singing by the entire congregation. We were soon introduced to the congregation by the pastor that we met at the orphanage yesterday. We were welcomed to the stage to sing two songs and present a testomony. While Sam played the guitar, we sang "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" and "Amazing Grace"... (Compared to the Haititans, we just sounded like a couple of broken records)! They still clapped for us though, which was really sweet of them. Then, I was up to give a testamony. I spoke of how we didn't fully know what to expect on our journey to Haiti, but after being here, and getting to know the people, we have all been so inspired by their strength, trust in God, the way they love their neighbors, and their hope. For me, it was so emotional to hear the Haitians sing as we came in, and then speaking proved to be just as emotional. I said those things about the Haitians because they are so faithful to God, even after the earthquake that hit only six short years ago. The number one thing that comes to my mind when talking about this, is that, though the earth is totally broken beneath our feet, the people of Haiti are not broken. I shared Romans 5:1-8 with them, which ended up being a prelude to pastor's message about laying the foundation of being faithful to God. (He spoke from James chapter one). The whole service was creole, so we didn't understand much of anything (other than what our translator was able to provide in the pews with us), and it was so hot, but it was an amazing sight, and a beautiful sound.

After service, we went back to our Haitian home to rest up and eat lunch before heading back out to the work site that we have been serving at for most of our time here. We spent the whole afternoon and early evening hauling rocks down the rocky hill, which grew very slick after it started raining... Actually, it was more like pouring. Many of the children we have been growing close to helped us with the rocks, even in the rain. Some went home to put on jackets to come back, and others just shook it off like we did. It ended up being so fun, getting drenched and completely muddy from head to toe. It was surely special to know that the children who didn't need to help by any means, wanted to, and not only that, they were trying to hand us the rocks to bring down the hill, and then take them from us at the bottom of the hill to put them down for us. We really lucked out with a hard working and helpful team. Everyone was constantly checking in on how each other was doing and encouraging each other to keep going. Soson Odenel's son) was so sweet to take a sponge and a bucket of water to wipe the dirt off our arms and necks when we finished working.

When it was time to leave, it was a hard goodbye, but many hugs and kisses were passed around, and many photos were taken. We got back to our home again to shower and eat dinner with the pastor, his wife, some of his brothers and a security man. It was such a blast listening to the family joke with one another and joke with us as well. We were also able to celebrate Brenna's (up and coming birthday - on the 14th), through a suprise put on by pastor and his wife, which was a special cake made with figs and whipped cream and Haitian ice cream in many flavors. Everything was so delicious, and it was so nice to finally share a meal with everyone. Afterwards, pastor and his wife shared their testamonies with us, including how they met and how they were effected by the hurricane, and the programs they run to help support many children.

The day was so emotional and unique - I know that many of us are sad that we are leaving soon. For myself, I've found that Haiti feels like a home away from home, and I know that I will be back for a much longer period of time. All is well and we will see you guys soon!

XOXO, Audrey