Saturday was hard. After spending our first few days at the Ryan Epps Orphanage, we ventured out to 2 other orphanages. Comparatively, the Ryan Epps home is an oasis in this desert of filth and poverty. What we saw while delivering beans, rice, and oil were conditions that can only be described as deplorable.
When we returned to the Villa Mamika, we ate dinner and had our devotion. Most of the conversation was centered on getting more help to a particular orphanage that has 46 kids in its care. While we visited, the children wanted to be held, so we did not have time to look at the conditions and take pictures of the facility. I asked if we could return and get some pictures to help tell the story of what we saw there, and Butch told us that we had a packed schedule, so it might not be possible. (What I heard was NO)
We had plans on Sunday to attend service, and return to the Ryan Epps Orphanage to hang out and play with the kids. Also scheduled was a surprise, Butch was planning on buying ice-cream for all of the kids.
When we retutned to our rooms I was angry. Angry that I could not solve the problem, angry that there was so little hope for those kids, and angry I could not do more with my time here in Haiti.
So I began writing my blog post. Most of the words were not fit for consumption, much less broadcasting them through our church and with our friends. So I claimed writers block and gave it up for the night. At that point I was broken.
Then I had an epiphany (in the early morning hours of Sunday) What if we got ice cream for the 46 kids, took it to them so that they would be distracted long enough to me to take pictures and ask some questions about the orphanage. I decided that I would ask Butch at breakfast, but I chickened out.
Then I thought about it, and decided to tell the idea to Dana, and have her approach Butch with the idea. Bingo, that is exactly what happened.
I look forward to telling you about the details of Saturday and Sunday, but it can wait. The important part is that we have seen what love can do for children by experiencing the Ryan Epps home. We hope that we can change the lives of those other 46 children that are not as fortunate.
Today was a good day. The anger is gone and the love of Christ has helped me mend.
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I would like to contue to say thanks to all of you that have prayed for us. The cards that we have received are wonderful (United Methodist Women, Sister Acts, Youth Group)
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