debra parker

The Rescue Center.

Waking up in Haiti was definitely a little surreal.  The morning alarm clock (also known as roosters) sounds off early.  After breakfast and morning devotions all 12 of us + Troy load up in the truck and head out to Cazale.  Lori and Licia work this center.  They literally rescue children who are dying and need medical attention to survive.  Some parents travel many hours just to reach their facility.  It is truly an amazing program.  Needless to say I was very excited to see this place and meet Licia face to face.  Lori is in the States right now.

The tour of the rescue center and clinic was more emotional than I had prepared for.  It was my first real glimpse of Haitian life.  We toured the nursery area and older children area quickly.  I think that most of us were in shock at the amount of sacrifice that is given to care for all these children.  There were at least a dozen babies in the nursery.  Most of them in a crib or sitting in a bumbo seat. There are four nannies who care for these babies.  Their hands were of course occupied with little bundles of joy.  Every time I made my way back through there I noticed that they were taking turns holding and feeding the babies.  I was so glad to see these babies feeling the touch of another human hand.  We take so many things for granted.

The hardest part for me was the older children area.  I think it is because some of these children are the ages of my own children. When we walked into the room there were about 20 children sitting on a mat along with their nannies.  They were so quiet.  It felt so strange.  With everything that was in me I desired to look away.  I didn’t.  I couldn’t.  As Licia was talking about their routine I looked at each child.  I grabbed the image but I did not have a clue what to do with it.  Most of the children come to the center suffering from Kawash which is a illness due to lack of nutrition.  This disease is fatal if not taken care of.  As I starred into the children’s faces I was so thankful for the ministry that Lori, Licia, and their Dad Zach have here.  If not for them a lot of these children would be dead today.

After our tour through the rescue center we walked over to the clinic.  They see patients and give medication here weekly.  Their work is essential to the Haitian community around them.  It is amazing that out here in the deep villages of Haiti God is giving love through none other than ordinary people.  of course.

Play time was the highlight of our visit to the center.  The kids were full of laughter and in awe at the simple bubbles being blown.  Jamie brought some sunglasses that were a riot.  The kids loved them.  We colored picture after picture all the while trying to steal a moment loving on some children.  I watched their smiles, the way that their eyes light up, and the pure joy the felt over simple things.  Songs were shared and piggy back rides given.  They enjoyed us and we enjoyed them.  I could feel the moments were coming to a close.  It made me sad.  How many times do these children see a group of weird white people come in play around and then just leave?  The answer is hard to take.  Once again I store it away for a later time.

Chrystal having fun with some bubbles.

Matt Papa doing his signature piggy back ride.