An Afternoon Adventure

A few weeks ago the boys and I jumped at the chance to go visit an orphanage in Williamson. The boys were super excited about our afternoon adventure, that is until we got there. We pulled into the orphanage/churchyard and hopped out of the truck. It was interesting to watch the boys as they took in their surroundings. They were so timid. There was a small metal swing set and monkey bars in the yard so I headed in that direction. The orphanage boys came out to get a better look at us. I greeted them in Creole, which sparked a whole series of questions. I chatted away with them and introduced Joshua, Olivier and Joseph. Slowly but surely Joshua started talking to the boys and a short while later all three of them were running around showing off their dance moves and doing flips. Once I knew they would be ok, I headed into the church to see what everyone else was up to.

I saw the Pastor and went to introduce myself.  When I greeted him in Creole he was literally speechless and had the most hilarious look on his face. It was for sure the best reaction I have ever received from speaking to someone in Creole. He just kept giggling and saying, “Oh my goodness she speaks like a Haitian. Say something else!” over and over. We were having a good laugh when I saw a teeny baby come in the church. I beelined it over to see if I could get some cuddles in.

When I got over I realized that there were actually two babies.; a small but healthy looking little girl and a tiny little boy with a substantial fro. I sat down with the women who brought the babies in and listened as they shared the story of these babies. Their sister had no idea she was pregnant with twins until the second one was delivered. She had the babies in their home, and there were complications with  no nurses or doctors around to intervene there was no hope to save her. She passed away shortly after the twins were born. The two sisters were already taking care of their 6 younger siblings when the babies came along. They were doing their best to take care of the babies, but were struggling to feed them since formula is so terribly expensive. We sat and chatted, prayed with them and enjoyed our time with these cute babies. 

Soon it was time to round up the kids and get ready to head back home. I went back outside and found the boys having an absolute blast with their new buddies. They were all asking when they would play together again. I promised them we would be back again.

We climbed back on the canter and started our journey home.  As I watched the mountains pass by out the window I couldn’t help but wonder what would become of those babies. I feel like I have heard so many stories lately about mother’s dying in childbirth. Families left to care for the infants and no means to properly provide for them. 

There is so much need here. It’s hard to even begin to fathom how we can make any difference in the grand scheme of things. But you do what you can and keep on keeping on. We were able to send a care package for the babies later that week. It’s only a drop in the bucket, but hopefully it relieved some of the stress for a couple days at least. 

Peace, love and babies,

Rachel