Rooftops and Bedtime Kisses

I've had this title in my head for quite a few days now so lets see where this goes....

 

Rooftops. All but one of my trips to Haiti the places I have stayed have roofs. Thankfully where I currently reside this also is the case. Throughout the past 3 years I have spent quite a few evenings watching the sun go down over a country that I love. The sunsets in Haiti are particularly magnificent! The colors that He paints over this great country put me in AWE of my Creator King. Here I often spend time with the Lord as the sun goes down. More times than not during this ritual tears well up in my eyes at the majesty of King Jesus.

 

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Psalm 19:1

 

His handiwork is unlike anyone else's! It can't be contained. It can be compared!

 

During this trip my times on the roof have taken on a whole new meaning. One night after exercising I told the older kids who come up/semi-participate to go on downstairs. They said the wanted to stay. I then replied "If you want to stay go get a Bible." They ran downstairs and back upstairs with Bib la's in hand! I told them they had to be silent and either le (read) or prie (pray). The 5 older kids have joined me for a few of my evenings on the roof. The first time as I sat and watched them read and kneel to pray tears welled in my eyes (yes, I admit I'm easily moved to tears at the things of God! I like to consider it a strength and say I am tender hearted!). How sweet of these children to just want to be with me and the Lord give me the idea to include them in my times with Him! I'm not sure how well they can read or how much they truly focused, but I fully trust Jesus to speak to his little ones! My prayer is that in these sweet times He reveals Himself to them in ways that they can't deny, in ways that they will never forget, and in a way that they long to sit before Him more! May these rooftop nights become a part of their new normal. May time with Jesus be something they crave even at the ages of 7, 8, and 9!

 

Bedtime Kisses. I've about decided there is nothing sweeter in the whole world! On my last trip to Haiti I was given a Jesus Storybook Bible in Creole. For you moms out there, there isn't a better books to read to young children. If you don't own it, I HIGHLY recommend purchasing it ASAP! Also, for those of you like me who need Baby Shower gift ideas: there you go, now you have it.  Anywho, I have had the joy of reading to the girls some nights before bed. The Lord has given my such a grace to be able to read Creole with about 85% accuracy (yes, Jetline the oldest corrects me when I say a word uncorrectly!) even though I haven't a clue what the words are saying. Most of the time I infer the story from pictures!  The girls lay in their cabons (beds) and listen intently and get really excited to see the pictures! After I finish I get to give and receive bedtimes kisses. Some nights also after devotion and chante (songs), led by the nannies, I venture downstairs and say Bon Wit (Good Night) to the boys and I have little ones running up to me giving hugs and bedtime kisses too. These times are just precious. I'm so thankful for the Father displaying His love for me through His beautiful little children!

 

I have LOTS more to say and promise a less serious and more humorous blog is to come, but for now I would ask for prayer. Please pray for unity among the leadership here at Faith, Hope, and Love. There is Sally, the Haitian Director, Samuel, the Driver, and myself all trying to make decisions, manage money, and love these kids the way the Father does. Pray that our recently begun prayer times would daily regroup us for what our purpose is in all of this, to serve God and bring Him glory! Pray for the children. Pray for healing. Each of them either came in with or has a chronic medical condition or a disability. Pray that the Mighty God come and restore to them health! That one by one He make them ANEW! Pray for provision. It takes ALOT to care for 24 children, but I'm always amazed at how He makes it happen and know they He cares more than I ever could. Pray for the Founder, Dorothy, as she has returned home: that these season at home be restful, that her back be healed and pain would be gone, and that the Lord grants her wisdom about what it looks like to best care of these children from here on out!

 

I'm so appreciative of each of you partnering with and supporting me in this journey! The love and support from those at home is felt daily!

 

To Him Be the Glory,

 

Tori