Today was our first full day in Haiti and words cannot even describe how amazing it was. We woke up at the crack of dawn and had a breakfast of cereal and mangos. All eleven of us girls somehow managed to get ready for church with our one toilet, one shower, and one sink. Church was nothing like I have ever experienced. It took us about 45 minutes in a TapTap (basically a truck with a barred in truck bed where all eighteen of us try to fit). Church is outdoors with just a roof over top. As soon as we walked in, kids of all ages sprinted to us wanting to be held and hugged and loved. Although we are unable to understand a single word they say, we expressed our love through our actions. The actual ceremony is full of a pastor preaching, tons of singing, and a short play to display a teaching. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I watched the hundreds of adults, children, and us Americans praise the same God. Every one of us had a least a half of a dozen children surrounding us at all times. Church was from 10 a.m. to around 12 p.m. and although I knew almost nothing they were saying, I still felt very connected to everyone in worship. After Church, we ate lunch of chicken, plantains, and rice at a small restauraunt in town that seemed to be extremely popular with Haitians and Americans alike. We arrived back at the house around 2 p.m., quickly changed, and rode over to Tom's place where he cares for fourteen orphans and twelve of his "boys." [boys that have come to live with him and help him run the LightHouse (ophanage)] Most of these boys are teens or above and some have places of their own now. We painted the kitchen and three bedrooms at the Lighthouse. After, Chad grilled probably 100 hot dogs for all of us for dinner.
My favorite part of the day was meeting a nine year old boy that lives at the Lighthouse named Jovince. He was born with a disease that is easily curable in the states but unfortunately was unable to get the medicine when he was born and the disease has now caused him to be blind. He is the most loving and perfect little boy I have ever met. As Nate said, he helped me paint the walls even though he would never be able to see his work. I genuinely cannot express how I feel about this little, innocent boy. He has touched my heart and I believe I have changed just through my interactions with him. Mom and Dad, if you are reading this do not be surprised if I come home with another son for you. I am so blessed to be able to experience every moment here. This is my heaven.
-Krista Kuhlman
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