Brittany and Kelly's Blog

1/1/11--seems like a perfect date for the start of an amazing new year. Last night we were told at about 10:30 pm that we would be leaving at 5 am New Year's Day to hike two hours up a mountain to a mountain village. While we may have groaned at the prospect of rising before the roosters (yes we hear roosters every morning), it was an experience that could top any Times Square ball drop or champagne toast. It was pitch black when we started climbing the steep mountain. As we climbed farther up, the sun peeked over the ocean and mountains in the distance. The sky opened up into an amazing display of colors.

As we huffed and puffed our way up the mountain, we were passed by men on mules and a woman carrying supplies on her head. This steep journey, that even Brittney as a marathon runner was struggling with, is one that the Haitian people in the mountain make with ease. When we arrived in the village, we led the children, over 200 of them, into the church. We handed treat bags to each of them and fitted the girls with pillow case dresses and the boys with t-shirts. The joy on their faces could melt the hardest heart. We ended our visit with a prayer for the people of the village that God could provide for their needs.

In the afternoon we headed out on foot to another Lifeline site. Donald (the president of Lifeline), said that it was an easy walk, but we would describe it more as "off roading" as we trudged through the plantain fields. Contrasting starkly against the paradise of plantains and mango trees was the poor local village of earthquake-damaged houses and shacks. As we walked the local children, many shoeless, grasped our hands and tugged on our shirts while asking "my friend?". Donald gave us a tour of the school Lifeline has built and the orphanage that they have begun to construct. It's amazing; the school was built last December and shows no trace of earthquake damage-- it was done right, the way that Lifeline strives to do everything. Donald explained their plans to add on to the school, build a church, and how the orphanage will be run. It will be an entire community to feed, educate, and raise children so that they can not only survive but thrive and one day contribute to their community.

Our final destination of the day was to one of the poorest orphanages in the area. The people running it are indescribable, the love and hope they give these children is unparalleled. There were about 24 orphans to whom we gave fruit snacks, crackers, stuffed animals and clothes. We also colored with them and led them in songs. There was one little boy, one with special needs, that seemed to be missing his stuffed animal. Another girl came up, and at first Kelly thought she had taken his Tigger. But, it was just the opposite. The little girl, his twin sister, was safeguarding it for him. She looked after her brother and shared her food with him. This three-year-old girl who has no parents and no possessions in the world, could very well have kept the toy and food for herself. Instead, she was totally selfless. This is a theme we have seen over and over, like the little boy at the tent city who divided up his candy with the other boys--those with the least are willing to share the most. It is a lesson that we can follow. Kelly has decided to sponsor that three-year-old girl, and you can sponsor a child too, ensuring that they will get a full belly and the hope for a better life.