Hey Friends.
I’ll try to recap the last 12 hours or so.
As our time in the pool was winding down at the hotel, the kids were treated to Coke and French Fries…big luxuries for them. I must say….long neck glass bottled Coke is definitely the way to go…somehow it tastes MUCH BETTER that way. Again though, JOY everywhere. Even more beautiful was seeing these kids share food with one another…making sure the youngest to the oldest were included…these one time strangers of one another-brought together by love-and living out beautiful community together.
Afterwards we took the kids back to the house and Danny (the dad/the missionary) took Steve, Kristi, and myself around town to see where many of these kids had been rescued from off the streets. Heartbreaking. Motivating. And a greater sense of awe and gratefulness for this mission and how their willingness to create an environment marked by the love of Jesus in every way really does lead to transformed lives. To look at these kids now-it’s even MORE AMAZING seeing just a glimpse firsthand of where many of them were.
We also stopped by the old orphanage that they just moved out of 3 weeks ago. It was smack in the middle of a fairly dangerous neighborhood-right off a busy street-both of which made it mandatory that the kids never leave the house unattended. This was especially meaningful to see because it was Crosspointe’s latest gift of funds from our DRIVE commitments that paid a 2 year lease in advance on a new home they just moved into. Crosspointe-YOU ROCK! Their new home is SUCH A BETTER ENVIRONMENT. It’s removed from a busy street, it’s quiet, the kids can safely leave the compound, play soccer in the grass, and the 9 girls (ages 7-17) upgraded from 1 bathroom to 3! That alone should get an AMEN from all the ladies! Though still surrounded by poverty all around-the house shines as this beautiful oasis of hope.
Another great joy has been seeing a new girl, Tina, be brought into the home just this week. Her father had already died and her mother was in a nearly fatal accident 4 months ago, and she’s been given little, if any hope of surviving-and even if she does-she would have severe brain damage. So, after her mom’s accident, Tina was sold into slavery where she’s been the last 4 months. This last weekend she was rescued and brought into the home. Fortunately we got that news ahead of time and we were able to go out and purchase her all sorts of new clothes. Seeing her countenance transform over the past few days has been a beautiful experience. Once very shy and guarded-now she gives HUGE HUGS and has a smile that can melt your heart. Tonight she put on one of her new dresses and flip flops and headed off to church for the first time. I’m so excited for all that lies ahead for her.
Which is one of the reasons I love the mission of this home-to raise these kids together as a family-that they may see firsthand a Christian family modeled for them-that terrible generational cycles of hopelessness may be broken-and life resurrected in every way. That these kids may grow up-equipped with a passion for Jesus, a great education, and a model of family marked by committed, unconditional love-and in turn become leaders and influencers throughout Haiti. It’s a beautiful, compelling vision and one I’m so proud to partner with. Crosspointe-know you are contributing to LIFE REVOLUTION in Haiti and take time to celebrate that today and praise God for the wonderful gifts and resources He has entrusted to us.
I’m hating that I’ll miss The Approach tonight because it’s going to be AWESOME. Stephen and a great team of leaders have been planning it for the past couple months and it’s definitely something you’ll want to check out.
Talk soon. Grace and peace.
PS..the internet was down last night and this morning. We just got back from the ocean with the kids. Again, immeasurable joy. I'd love to post more pictures but the internet is CREEPING right now so word pics will have to do.
Who needs photos when you paint such descriptive word pictures. Thanks for sharing the passion in your heart! Can't wait to hear more when you return. Praying for a safe trip. ~Eddie
Posted by: Eddie Owens | July 27, 2007 at 12:59 PM