Day Two Ouanaminthe Haiti

Day Two in Ouanaminthe
We had an easy trip here on Sunday in a minibus after a layover in Santiago to buy supplies for the orphanage, and arrived just as church was letting out. What an incredible number of people come from all over the area to attend church here. It shows what an effect this place has had, not just in the lives of the children, but on individuals and families who see this incredible witness of Christ’s love. We were warmly greeted by everyone, and especially the children, who want to get a hug and hold your hand wherever you go.
After a tour of all the buildings and lunch, we broke up into teams to get assignments for the week for work as well as activities with the children. Some of us are building a better fence between the main courtyard and the construction zone where the clinic is being built so the kids don’t chase footballs and other toys into that area, and some of us are rebuilding the playground and others a much bigger and better clothesline for the drying of clothes (LOTS of clothes). We also have assignments with the children throughout the day (the best part), and even at night in the chapel where most of the Port-au-Prince children have their beds. The children here are so loving, and always want to do whatever it is you happen to be doing at the time (especially digging holes and filling them with cement!).
Today was market day here, with an absolutely incredible number of people going across the border into Dajabon and back over a very small, narrow bridge, all pushing and shoving to get small carts and big trucks and motorbikes through. It is amazing people don’t get killed. Last night trucks were lining up along the main road in Ouanaminthe to cross over this morning. It went on all day long.
Today was a school day too, and hundreds of children come to the school that is run by the orphanage, all very proud in their school uniforms. They have two shifts of students, some morning and others afternoon, and all are fed a nutritious lunch, probably the only meal most of them get.
Tomorrow we will celebrate birthdays for the kids, many of whom missed their birthdays because of the earthquake, as well as continuing our other activities. We are all getting to know the children better and better, and they are getting used to our attempts at Creole and French (and even Spanish). You would have to hear the amazing mix of words and phrases flying around! But everyone jokes and has a great time.
Tune in tomorrow, for the “rest of the story!”