Haiti-May 15, 2012

Tuesday, May 15

We got an early start again today, and were on the bus at 7.  The guys really like getting off to an early start, since it's cooler and they can work longer, especially important today since we are all going over to see the kids at 2.  After our prayer circle, the guys went after the block with gusto.

 First to reach the 10 block level (important because after that we do the bond beam) were Steve, Jake and Hunter. 

After letting the blocks set, the grout team followed along pouring the cells.

Mike and all the others working block were concentrating on the bathroom. But Mike also took time to show Ross the finer points of laying block.

After the bathroom was up to 7 layers, everyone concentrated on the main part of the building.

And by 2 we had 10 blocks all around the main building walls and 7 on the bathroom walls.

Tomorrow we will finish the bathroom up to 10 blocks and start forming the bond beam. We are going to do our best to pour concrete on Thursday, the team's last day. But today was more about the kids, and everyone put away our tools and headed over to the old orphanage site bearing gifts of clothes, games and sweets. We were met by the usual assembly of kids singing songs and Pastor Edmond giving a welcoming and thank-you speech.

And then we got to pass out stuff and play games. These are really some sweet, loving kids, they grab on to you and just won't let go, and they love to be photographed and see their pictures on the camera.

At four the kids got their big meal of the day, today it was flour dumplings in bean puree. After singing a song and reciting a prayer, they all dug in.

This little one seemed especially happy with her meal.

We all hated to leave them, but our time was up for today. No one in the group was unaffected by these children and their precarious living conditions. At wow time tonight team member after team member was either close to or in tears telling of their particular experience with the children and what it meant to them. And everyone is doubly resolved to get as much done as possible this week.  God has continued to bless us with safety and health and no rain, and we feel He is especially blessing us on this project, which is not just about helping and loving the kids, but in making His Glory known. Please pray for us as we finish out the week.