So I guess I have a lot to catch you guys up on! I'm sorry I couldn't post yesterday... the internet was being, well, the internet. Anyway, I guess I will take you through the highlights of the week.
Wednesday: My group stayed in St. Louis all day. In the morning we did Grocery Ministries, which is where we buy groceries from the market and give them away at random houses. It was really fun. In the afternoon, we partied with the Gran Moun a lot. Bubbles, singing, dancing, silly masks, coloring... the works. I even had a dance with a charming old man named Dwivay Blan... we're buds now.
After that we had a shaving cream party with the special needs kids. Best. Party. Ever. Seriously.
Thursday: Today we went to Ansefoleur--where the Voodoo temple and monument are. That trip always makes for some pretty interesting discussion... I really want to finish Tell My Horse when I go home now. I should have brought it. :P
Friday: We got to go to Tortuga! Probably my favorite trip out of all of them. I love it. Some people have to take enough Dramamine to knock someone out just to avoid tossing their lunch overboard, but I love the boatride. One of my favorite little girls is there from last year and she actually remembered me!
This trip was hard, though... My group had planned a Bible lesson for 150 of the schoolkids there, but there were other kids there, too, that we weren't expecting. Kids that couldn't afford school. Kids that were obviously malnurished. Kids that we didn't bring enough peanut butter sandwiches for. You will never understand how it feels to deny a hungry child food until you're put in the situation. It was terrible. But we couldn't do anything about. Not then, anyway. Someday.
Saturday: Today we went out to the orphanage... three hours there, three hours back. We did the Bible lesson with them also and they made little tambourines. It was cute. One little 6-year-old boy had a hernia, so we actually got to take him back to the mission. We're hoping that the doctors here can fix him up so he can go back with the next group that drives out to the orphanage. Can't we go anywhere without seeing hungry or sick kids?
Sometimes I feel so helpless.
Creole Lesson #3: Eske ou sonje mwen? (Do you remember me?)
Yes it does feel that way...there are so many hungry people in the world that need help.
ReplyDeleteAnd it makes me angry when people complain about stupid things in their life when their silly little pains do not measure up to the real pains and needs of the homeless and hungry.
Its good to know that there are selfless and unselfish souls like you that can make a tiny difference.
Love you,
Papa :)
Melissa
ReplyDeleteFeeling helpless is a terrible feeling and it is one I have experienced a lot. I think the key is to have a willing mind and heart our Creator will fill in the blanks. It is so exciting to follow you in your journey.
Anita