Beach Party Goodbye

Before travelling to Haiti, Dan,

the orphanage director, told us that the

kids have never seen the ocean, and had never been in a pool. 

He suggested that we leave the kids on a happy note

with a beach party. 

To say that this was pure joy for the kids would be a tremendous understatement.

The morning of the party,

the kids stayed in their rooms while we decorated. 

We blew up beach balls, filled two baby pools,

hung decorations, cut fruit and prepared water balloons. 

All the while, little eyes peered at us through tiny openings in the wall, and little voices said, "Bonjour".

When the children first entered, they were given leis.

They came in silent, with curious eyes. 

Unsure of what was happening.

It didn't take long; however,

for the air to be filled with the sound of squeals.

The little girls hopped in one pool,

and the little boys in another. 

They stripped down into their new underwear,

and piled on top of each other. 

(Thanks to those who donated little packs of underwear!)

The giant smiles priceless.

Although our hearts were heavy at the thought of

leaving them at the end of the party,

their joy was contagious.

Brooke, Angela and Margaret brought supplies

for the kids to paint t-shirts. 

(Many thanks to Margaret's friend who generously donated shirts.)

The treat for the day was bowls of fruit,

cut up from our day at the market. 

Costs in Haiti are extremely high,

so this $100+ of fruit was a rare luxury.

The kids ate every bite, with no exception.

Our hope is that we also blessed the nannies this week.

These women are the hands and feet of Christ EVERY day.

Another huge hit was our water balloon toss. 

Every child smiled from ear to ear.

And at the end,

the children prayed for us. 

For us.

We have no doubt that God hears their prayers

and delights over them.

We came to bless them,

but we were the ones who received the blessing.