I’m sitting on the roof in Neply, Haiti. It is a hot day and the shade and warm breeze feel amazing. Roosters crow in nearby courtyards, and I can hear motorcycles buzzing past and the sound of people starting their day. On the roof next door, the tin rattles in the wind; not loudly, almost like wind chimes. Thank you God, for it is a gorgeous morning to be in Haiti!

I was just here seven weeks ago, but it seems I cannot be here often enough. The feeding program feeds 43 children and elderly each week. The kids are excited to come and sing songs and practice scripture verses as they wait for their evening meal. There is such an excitement in the air, and yet, they patiently wait to fill their empty tummies. For the children in our program, this is their only meal for the day.

As I watch the children, I see many positive changes. Merly’s patch of orange hair is gone and the new growth is thick and black. Christ’s coloring is so much better. When I first met her she cried all the time and her skin was unusually pale. Overall, the children appear so much healthier and happier thanks to vitamins and nutritious meals.

Unfortunately, not all the kids are doing this well. The twin’s new hair is growing in blonde-orange and they have skin infections and fevers. The food they receive at the feeding program is the only nutrition and it’s just not enough for their three-year-old bodies; their parents have no money for food. It breaks my heart to see these children this way. I want to do so much more. Once school begins in September they will receive a morning snack in addition to their meals at the feeding program. It is still not enough, but it’s more than they currently eat.

Shilo Mission School is nearly ready to open in just a few weeks. Chairs and tables have been ordered, the uniform material selected (colors are orange and white), a chalk board has been purchased, and a parent meeting is scheduled prior to the start of the school year. It’s all coming together beautifully. It is amazing to see how God is using us to serve the poor, weak and disadvantaged. I feel so blessed to be part of this. As I watched Rosita walk with her new walker for the first time this week, tears came to my eyes. For me it was so simple: bring a walker to a sweet lady who can’t walk. But for her it was a life changing event that will forever change her quality of life for as many years as she has left on this earth.

Without a merciful God and generous people, none of this would be possible. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.