Orphanage Experiences

D and I have been placed in a unique situation in that, through our adoptions, we have been able to see the inner workings of two orphanages in Haiti. Being able to see two different places has allowed for us to have some good conversations with each other and other individuals as well about orphanage care and life. The first part of our trip was spent at Haiti Children's Home in Mirebalais, Haiti. It is run by an American mother and daughter who have been working in Haiti for over 20 years. During this part of our trip we put in 10 hour days at the orphanage, doing many different jobs from painting a mural in the baby room, to photographing portraits of all the children, to holding babies, to playing with older kids, to helping with meals and feedings. The second part of the trip was spent at Maison de Enfants de Deiu (For His Glory) in Port Au Prince. This trip was set up to allow for most of our time to be spent at the hotel with Kenson. However, we did spend a few hours at the orphanage and I have been to this orphanage before on a previous trip where I spent approximately 8 days, 8 hours each time at the orphanage. On this trip, D and I hung up the busy blankets we made for the babies' cribs, played with the older kids, and took photos of the children. On our previous trip to this orphanage, we did a ton of different things including painting murals, doing light construction projects, and organizing supplies. Here are some photos showing many of the ways in which we were able to serve.