Rainy Sunday

“Rainy Sunday”
May 23, 2010

This entry is going to be a mix of really random updates. It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon and I mostly just feel like sleeping, not writing. Last night I watched Avatar with Pilingo and Enel. These are two of the guys at the orphanage who can speak English pretty well. Its funny that this is one of Pilingo’s favorite movies; he kept telling me over and over again.

Before church today, I had a nice quiet morning. Its been hard to find that here so it was really nice and needed. Two more days; its kind of killing me. I don’t know what to feel but I do know that it doesn’t feel good. Church was wonderful though and, those of you reading this who have experienced it would probably agree with this, hearing the kids sing is something else. I should have expected it but of course Pastor Daniel put me on the spot before he started preaching. “Is there something you’d like to say?” I should have learned by now that I ought always to have something prepared. A few of the GVN people showed up for the church service as well so I was able to properly introduce them. They’re interested in continuing to help out at the orphanage, including construction work & programs with the kids. After the service, I went with Pastor Daniel to drop them off at their compound, which is not far from here, and they showed us around a bit. They make these really cool benches and give them away to organizations etc. in the community and would love to give some to Faith and Love in Action. Very cool.

After that, Pastor and I came back here to eat and then he took me to show me a piece of land that he would like to build a church and school on. Its really close to the orphanage and guesthouse where I’m staying. He has been praying for God’s will about this property for awhile. He told me a bit about his vision and I assured him I’d be praying along with him. We’ll see what God does. I think I mentioned this but he has started five other churches, none of which are near Jacmel. He would like to see this one as the “central” church, where pastors and church leaders can come for seminars, etc. The school would be where the kids at the orphanage would go, along with kids in the community.

I certainly have learned a lot about the needs here over the past week. I suppose I should consider my time here a success then, as that is what I set out to do. Its hard not to feel discouraged at times though. There is so much… At the same time, I’m learning a lot about childlike faith and about God’s love. Sometimes that is all you have to hang on to.