You've asked for them, and they are finally here.
Pictures from our youth group's trip to Haiti.
Our team did 3 days of Vacation Bible School for over 100 children from Cap Haitian and the surrounding area.
They broke up into three groups: teaching, games, and crafts.
Emma saw this and asked, "Are those kids in Haiti?"
"Yep, " I said.
"They don't look hopeless."
"No they look just like you. They are like you."
"But why are they so happy? Is it because Daddy is there?"
"Maybe, but I think it's mostly because God put something inside of all our hearts that lets us be glad, just because we're alive."
My husband elicits expressions like these from girls everywhere. He's very cute.
See what I mean!
As Donnie was showing me these pictures, he pointed some of them out, "She's an orphan. He's an orphan." I said, "Stop pointing them out unless you are willing to go back and bring them home to me." But truly, I wanted him to point them out. Orphans should have real faces to us, so that we can continually be praying that they'd find loving homes, families, and salvation through Jesus. I need to see their faces, even though it hurts.
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So, do you want to see how the dollies went over?
Initially, we thought the dolls would have to be distributed anonymously--to an outside church or orphanage. But since you helped make more than 150 dolls(!!!!!) there were enough for everyone, and then some left over! So on the last day of VBS, the team laid out all the dollies on two long benches.
And a few at a time, the children came in and picked out their own. To keep.
Certainly these little ones have never had the chance to pick from such an amazing assortment of anything. Let alone a special lovey to take home and keep.
They chose very carefully.
Look at the way the little girl in pink is admiring her new baby doll. Holding her on her hip, just like a good mommy:
The boys liked them, too...in their own way!
These two were made for each other!
This little girl was so excited, the team took three pictures of her, not one in focus. She was running, jumping, beaming.
Look at how many children got to take home their own dolls! Dolls made with love, just for them. Dolls covered in prayer for the children who would hold them. I don't have words to express how happy and grateful this makes me to all who participated.
Their sign says, "Merci Anna" but I can't take credit. The Lord laid this idea on my heart, and the Lord made it successful. He's the one who made you aware of it, too. So to me it says "Merci to all of you." Thank you so much for joining me in making these little ones so happy! I never dreamed that I'd be able to see these baby dolls in the arms of actual children. It wouldn't have happened without your help--we wouldn't have had enough to go around! And to those of you who weren't able to contribute this time, look at those faces!! I can't help but do this again. You'll have another chance to join us.
Here are a couple posts you might have missed about the baby doll drive:
Tips for Finishing Your Dollies
