March 30, 2013

Happy Easter & Anniversary

Haiti Children Haiti Orphanage Holidays

Tomorrow is Easter. It is also the 9th anniversary of the Center of Hope (Haiti). For COHH, it is only fitting that the two events coincide for we know that we represent His mercy and grace upon children in Haiti. COHH is not one or two people, but rather many people who have for 9 years worked to achieve our mission in Haiti.

This week, even though the children had time off from school prior to Easter, they came to school nonetheless because they heard that volunteers from Michigan, Becky and Lisa, her 17-year old daughter, would be at their school this week. What a week it has been. About their visit, Becky wrote:

 “It is a beautiful day in Hinche, Haiti.  Day one we made Easter Egg pictures, had an Easter egg hunt, told the story of Jesus and the meaning of Easter and discussed symbols in the US and how they relate to Easter as well as customs.  The kids decorated white paper bags with markers, stencils, and foam stickers and that was their "basket" to see if the Easter Bunny would come to Haiti.  I am happy to report that he did and each child did find their "basket" yesterday.

Day 2 - we made cross design pictures, a jelly bean prayer necklace, a fun spring flower picture and the kids used their imagination and materials that we  brought to customize their pictures.  There are definitely some budding artists in the group.  Retold the story of Jesus and the crucifixion (using a different book) and in general had a wonderful time.  The kids shared songs with us and hugs and kisses for Miss Lisa were plentiful at the end of the day.  My daughter has decided that she definitely wants to be a teacher since the trip.  I thank you for the opportunity for her to have this experience.  Although there are other schools in Haiti we could have hooked up with, the facilities and numbers at COHH are manageable and excellent.  It would have been difficult to do any quality crafts with students that number over a 100.

Thank you Becky and Lisa for being not only great teachers, facilitators and Easter bunnies, but most importantly for being Christ-like to our children.