June 29, 2011

My eyes followed the high, concrete walls lining the curvy, unpaved road to the Foyer des Enfants. The tap-tap bounced and swayed its way up the side of the mountain, passing goats, a young girl carrying a basket on her head, and frightening loops of barbed wire that lined the tops of gates and cement walls. The jagged spirals screamed “Keep Out”, although most wanderers would probably not venture up the unpaved, 2.5-mile path unless they were invited or had a purpose to do so.

On the way there, we learned that the director of the orphanage was once an orphan himself. He now worked to provide food and a safe, hopeful environment for the next generation of Haitians. There were 85 children that lived in this remote area and came to school every day for a meal. They attended classes, received first aid, and learned farming skills to grow their own food and help feed the local village. After delivering supplies, setting up the water filtration systems, and teaching a bit about good hygiene and hand washing, we played with the kids.

At the end of the day, we headed to our tap-tap to make the trip back to the Convoy of Hope house. As we walked away, the most amazing sound filled the walled-in yard. I turned to see all the children standing together, singing to us. The words were in Haitian Creole, but we heard their message loud and clear.