March I7, 2010

I got a wonderful night's sleep. My head is feeling much better, stomach pain and diarrhea are still both horrible, but I have medicine for them now. This morning we're going to church, then to a food distribution. I'm not sure what the afternoon holds.

Church was great. It was probably the ugliest I've ever looked, nasty hair, no makeup...but the worship moved me beyond belief. There wasn't a message per se', we did a lot of worship, then the pastor shared a story of earthquake miracles. This was the first time since the earthquake that the congregation met....and it was packed! We were outside like an amphitheater set up and there were extra folding chairs, but still people standing! We didn't make it to the distribution because church ran later than we thought. After church, we went to see where the boys live. En route, we pulled over to get some avocados and mandarin oranges - SO GOOD! These tropical islands know how to make their fruit! I was feeling normal so far, no headache, no cramps... We got to the place where Joseph lives. They were straight up slums. There were small walkways in between each hut. I started to feel hot and light headed. We got to walk inside of Joseph's hut. There were 3 rooms divided by sheets. Each room was just about big enough for a twin mattress. He had a framed picture of Jesus hung up. I'm not sure if it was from what I was seeing & experiencing or completely physical...but I became dizzy and nauseous. Rebecca walked me to the back where a filthy stream and garbage was. I was dry heaving, but that sight and smell alone was enough to make me pass out. They took me back to the truck and I rested my head for about ten minutes before everyone else returned. They all got to go through the slum houses...something that no news crew is able to do...so that was a really great experience. But I missed it. On the way back home, we went by the airport to find a money exchanger. Street boys jumped on and almost got in the car asking for money. Rebecca talked to them and showed them love, then gave them each a little money. I teared up, it was the most heart wrenching sight. The boys that came up after she ran out whined and looked so sad. It broke my heart to pieces. She is so generous and loving towards kids who we would typically turn our heads in disgust at. After the airport, we found a man standing on the corner doing money exchange. Literally walking about with a hunk of money waving it around to advertise that he does exchanges. Why doesn't he get jumped? Who knows. See...it's not quite as dangerous as you all think ;) He counted and bartered a rate and they went back and fourth in Creole, then finally exchanged cash and we were on our way..it was so strange...Usually, it's a business transaction with double-pane glass, not what appears to be a drug deal on the streets. Now we're back at the house, done for the day. I'm going to rest and try to feel better.

For dinner we made spaghetti and it was scrumptious! I've been dehydrated and everything else, so it was nice to refuel! My nap was heavenly! All my pains and dizzy spells are gone. I have energy! And I'm going to need it tomorrow. We're going to Leslie's orphanage first. This is the one in tents and no building. We're going to do activities like games and crafts. In the afternoon, we're going back to Mother Theresa's home for the Destitute and Dying. Rebecca said they aren't as bad as usual...they are up and walking around. We're giving everyone pictures of Jesus, talking to them, listening to them... Candace read the Bible story of the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Being humbled that way and giving it all up for someone else is just absolutely incredible. She spoke about worshiping halfheartedly. We are worshiping through our work by serving. We discussed how we don't do good works to buy our spot in heaven, but we are using our God-given talents to love God's people and to show them God's love for them. To go through an entire life without even 5 minutes of love would be the most devastating thing ever. Rebecca said that there are people in this world who have never felt or been loved...and we are making it our personal missions to show those lonely souls love.