Frames and English

Today was our first full day at the Desire project with the 63 kids we sponsor.  One of our ideas for introducing our kids to the congregation was for the kids to demonstrate their artistic ability by painting photo frames that we brought with us and bring back their masterpieces to share with our congregation.  After getting instructions, the kids went to work on the unfinished pine frames.  Things went very smoothly although some creative boys were trying to keep the unused paint in cups for use later not realizing that it would dry up quickly.  Mission accomplished and the frames are packed in the boxes awaiting a return to Fort Collins.
Today was also the day for us to launch a pilot English program for the Desire kids.  Over the past few visits to Desire our teams have noticed that when we arrive the younger children run to us immediately and the older kids hang back not wanting to compete for attention.  We decided that we would focus an activity to engage them and try teaching some basic English through introductions and weaving the story of creation into the lessons.  Our team did a fantastic job with the English and Pastor Jeannot was filled with joy by what he saw.  I was too.  English has been on my heart for the Haitian kids because in Haiti, if you can speak English, you have 10 times better chance at getting a job than if you don't speak English.  As we look into what is one of the best ways that Faith can pour into the lives and future of these kids, English has been one of those ways.  By piloting an English program, we have discovered how this might be implemented as an ongoing focus of our ministry to the Desire kids.
God truly had His hand on this day as we continued to learn the children's names and grow closer with them through demonstrating the love of Jesus.
Reflecting back to our second day on our first trip this past March, I remember Pastor Jeannot saying to me, "Listen to that..." as we heard laughter and sounds of happy children, "Today is a very good day."  I would say that today was also a very good day with the Lord smiling down on His children because at Desire, God is moving in big ways.