Caribbean with the Boys (Day 6)

Tonight we are all just a little sun-kissed, after a day swimming in the Caribbean with the neighborhood boys. After breakfast this morning, we gathered 25 of the neighborhood boys headed off to the beach! Via bus and our tap-tap we made our way southwest to a Caribbean beach located in the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. The ride out was a blast as we got to see the largest market in Port-au-Prince and the contrast between the inner-city and the outskirts, which were less populated and more spread out; and less garbage, though there were numerous trash filled canals along the way. We finally began to see palm and banana trees, the Caribbean Sea to the east as we journeyed to the beach. The roads were much easier for those of us in the back of the tap-tap, not quite as bumpy but traffic was the same, with drivers making 3 lanes from a 2 lane highway.

We got to the beach after 2 stops; one to exchange money (dollars for goades) and a second time for another drinking water jug.  After a false start pulling in to an adjoining beach and a lot of maneuvering to park, we were there. The enclosed courtyard was walled from everything and was such a contrast from Port-au-Prince. The neighborhood boys had been anticipating their day and were so patient and obedient as we re-counted them and put bright colored wristbands on them.  To lose sight of any of them was not an option.  We unloaded beach toys and water, after which David needed serious bandaging (he cut is hand while carrying the water jug – but all was taken care of), but then our fun started! With minimal trouble we established which boys needed life jackets and determined that we would lifeguard from further out and watch/corral from there.  We had a blast and the boys alternately teased and splashed or watched out for each other. Not that they were perfect, but mostly so very well behaved and polite. Very little if any squabbling occurred; and except for one time that three ventured much too far down the beach collecting shells and coral, they even reminded each other not to stray too far from the group. We played for a long time before breaking for lunch and distributing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. These were quickly devoured. After this break there were pictures taken and Karl told the boys about Jesus and everlasting life.                                                                                    

After a wonderful day at the beach with the boys it was time for the ride home. On  the way home the 4 members of the team rode home in the boy’s bus and some of the boys accompanied the rest of the group on the tap-tap. On the tap-tap, several boys fell asleep on an adult shoulder. On the bus there was a lot of excitement and singing. A few of the boys, in the back, fell asleep after the exhausting day.

When we arrived back to the guesthouse and unloaded the transports, each kid was given a giftbag and a Frisbee, which resulted in a little (expected) chaos. And then it was back through the gate to the guesthouse.

It was such a blessing to spend the day with the boys. They are so full of joy and they love the Lord. Again, the world stood still as the boys belted out praise choruses on the ride home. Jesus is present in Haiti and there are big things happening. Bless you all and thank you for your support and prayer. Goodnight!