Some kids call her “Ada,” and some call her Jessica. She and Bianca, her sister, have a brother here, Raphael. They came to us from Cape Haitian. Their aunt brought them to us, telling us that their parents had died aboard a “Haitian boat,” trying to get to the U.S.

We took the three children in. Bianca is in college here in Haiti, studying psychology. Ada and her brother are here at our orphanage. Ada loves to cook and is always so helpful!! She is in Philo and she is 18. She wants to be a doctor now, but she may change her thoughts. She loves to join in Praise Dances and she loves to sing! She will go far in her life. We all love “Ada,” Jessica!

Sherry

Last evening, we posted some pictures of the big “Birthday Bash Celebration” of 17 of our Love A Child children.

There are too many birthdays each month for each to have their own birthday party; it is very difficult to get to a “ grocery store” that sells ice cream or even to find birthday candles for the cake. (I had to buy the cake mix from the States and bring it in.) We could not buy “ice cream” as we normally do because we would have to go through gang territory. But, the kids had a delicious meal from the restaurant and afterward, cake at home! Each child got a little money in their envelope.

Left to right, front row: Joshua, 7; Ti Samuel, 9; Gina, 11; next row up, L to R: Rebecca, 17; Anna, 21; Fabiola, 15; Stephano, 13; Wilguens, 12; Esther, 20; Job, 26 (back row, Daniello, 13; Mackenson, 18; Raphael, 17; Georges, 25; Colin, 16; Dorrison, 16).

We actually had 17 at the end! Whew!

The kids have worked “very hard” in the heat of the depot, packing food for hungry families. They all have a heart for the poor and hungry. We are proud of all of them! Special thanks to our friends and partners who have helped us raise these children to love Jesus and serve the poor!

Thank you,
Bobby and Sherry

”He Could Hold a Heavy Haitian Hoe, but Not a Piece of Chalk!”

Jonas… The first time we saw Jonas, he was up in the mountains, working in the heat of the Haitian sun, in a garden. In his hands was a Haitian “wou,” a large, heavy Haitian garden hoe. He had to work in the hot sun with no water and when he finished, he got very little food. This is what happens in Haiti when a child loses his parents. He goes to live with a relative as a servant. He will be called a “restavek.” He will “never go to school,” and never eat as much as the owner’s children.

When we rescued Jonas, it took a long time for him to adjust. You would not believe what his biggest problem was…  “holding a pencil in his hand to learn to write!” He would often cry with big tears running down his face because he could not understand how to “hold a pencil or a piece of chalk!”

Jonas is in school, but he has to be in a class with younger children. He is such a sweet, humble, young boy, and hard-working. You can see him packing food with the other children. Jonas is a “gift from God,” and we love him very much.

Sherry

We are so proud of our Love A Child kids growing up! George, left, not only helps with our Feeding Programs, but drives our heavy-duty equipment and helps in so many ways. Jean Gardy is one of our accountants. He is “Mr. Cheapskate,” because he doesn’t let us buy anything that is too high! (I think he still has his first “Haitian Gourde,” he has earned!!) He doesn’t let anyone “overspend!” Dieuferly came all the way from the mountains with us, as we carried him on our mule. He had double clubfeet and many operations. He is our video guy/ photographer, and he is the one who finds the villages “most in need of food.” Mikael assists all his brothers in our Feeding Programs. He is responsible for security and making sure everything is ready, to cook food for the hungry children! He’s a tough little guy! These young men grew up “helping poor hungry children,” and God has blessed them! We are so proud of them and other Love A Child kids!

Sherry