Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 7.

“Orevwa! Bonswa!” We left Wings of Refuge in a tangle of arms and legs and kisses left wet on each other’s faces. As Pepe (who is very likely the most skilled bus driver in the entire world) waited patiently outside, we scrambled for last minute photos and hugs with the kids. “Angelina! Jovaness! (Insert the name of another adorable kid from WOR here)! Souri!” could be heard all around the home seconds before we stepped on the bus (“Souri,” pronounced “sue-wee” is Creole for “smile”) Would you be surprised if I said it was difficult to leave? Somehow I didn’t think it would be as we sat watching Madagascar with the kids moments before. We were all pretty exhausted from two full days with the kids (read Ashley’s blog for details on our epic adventure to the beach) and their limitless excitement and movement only seemed to increase as our energy and stamina faded. But we did leave and even now, two days later, it is difficult not to get emotional thinking about the kids. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not reaching for the tissue box to dry my eyes as I write this haha, but I am saying that it’s hard not to think about them, and even harder not to miss them. To God be the glory though. He made some amazing kids!

So, what are some things I learned from the trip? Holly is right--you haven’t had real mango until you’ve had Haitian mango; never complain that the water running out of the shower head is too hot when you have the option of having a hot shower everyday; don’t expect to pull your sunglasses out in front of a kid in Haiti and not have it reached for, put on by said Haitian child, and for you to capture the funniest picture ever as they wear them upside down. Note: they will expect you to do the same; it is probably immensely difficult to live in a tent with your family for two years, as many people have done since the 2010 earthquake, and yet families living in tent cities still manage to form a loving and hopeful community with kids that love to watch Tom and Jerry and dance with strangers from America who speak hardly any Creole. As a girl who’s never been outside of the country or even on a mission trip before, I could probably fill at least 20 more pages with the things I learned immersed in a different country, culture and language.

But you want to hear something cool? One God. He’s the link, the absolute one true and living link among us all. Because of Him, I can say that nine of us from Williamsburg, Virginia flew hundreds of miles to Petionville, Haiti not to spend time with complete strangers, but our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the same Father. We’ve been adopted into the same family. So I thank God for the blessing and privilege that it was to meet my little brothers in sisters all the way in Haiti, and my wonderful, gifted, talented, anointed, diligent, encouraging, beautiful, Godly, self-less, confident, hilarious, kind, blessed and highly favored older brothers and sisters (aka Pastor Wilson, Mommy Pas, and everyone connected with their church and Wings of Refuge Children home--for real, the kids are cute but I wish you could meet these people! They love God and by His grace are doing a wonderful job showing God’s love in Haiti--WOR is in wonderful and blessed hands!)

Now, forgive me for the pretty abrupt ending but this blog is long past due to Holly. Thank you for reading and GOD BLESS!

- Sarina Adkins