Tears of Espwa (Hope)

The only word I can think of to describe the last few days is full. Not just in the sense that we have been very busy or eaten a lot of good Haitian food, but that it has been full of espwa (hope). Yesterday morning, we participated in a Christmas party for the children at Maison. It was full of treats for the kids like candy canes, crafts, pizza, cake and presents. It was so amazing watching their sweet faces light up over such simple treats.

Then, we had to leave the party early because I was speaking at Pierre's church. The church invited women from 40 different churches around the PAP area to attend. There were over 30 women there. Pierre said they had to serve food so the women would show up.  Funny, how that works in America too, and most likely, they are not literally starving. They served a sandwich (not sure what kind or what it was, but we ate it with a smile) and a drink.  I was told there was a group of women there from the mountains, which is rather difficult and often times dangerous for them to travel.  It was an amazing experience. Pierre also told me that no one has ever come to their church or area to speak just to women. It was the first time these ladies had ever heard a message directly to them as women.  They learned that they were special as a woman, that God loved them, and had a purpose for them. Next year, we are already planning a 2 day Woman's Retreat with these women.

Yesterday evening and the majority of today, we spent it with the children of Zan Fan la Kay. They were extremely generous to us, giving us lots of Coke (coca) and presents. We had the privilege and honor of being apart of their Christmas party as well. There are about 52 kids, and they each received an MP3 player. It was so fun watching those kids walk around and dance to the music. They were so happy.

As Brian mentioned in his blog, I also had the privilege to speak to the Nannies this afternoon. I have decided that I love speaking to Haitian women because I get a lot of head nods, and loud Amen's which fire me up. I am so humbled by how God moved so quickly in their hearts. During our 8 p.m. devotion the Nannies said they learned so much, and they now know that God values them as a woman. I believe there is espwa (hope) for the women in Haiti who have lived far too long under oppression and condemnation. 

The evening ended well with a great trip to Epidor with our family, Pierre's family and Wilson. I have posted a few pictures for you to see.