Another great day in Haiti!

Today we visited Haitian Initiative in Cite Soleil. This is an impressive soccer and feeding program in the heart of one of the poorest neighborhoods this side of the Atlantic. Haitian Initiative (www.haitianinitiative.org) was founded by Tony Sanneh, a pretty successful soccer player? :)  I don't follow soccer, but I do love what he's doing with this idea. Children from the surrounding neighborhoods are brought into the program and have an opportunity to train for big games (like the Schwann's Cup in MN...the boys team traveled to MN last year for this!). They are held accountable for getting good grades and are also fed meals from Feed My Starving Children. Healing Haiti partners with HI by providing assistance with meals and clothing. Saw lots of Edina soccer jerseys - pretty fun!
     We were able to watch the girls wrap up practice, then moved on to delivering water in the neighborhood right outside of the HI practice field. Very hot, dry days led to long and hectic lines. Lots of kids to be loved on and played with, and buckets/barrels/tubs to be filled. We emptied the truck there, then visited another stop after a brief stay and refill at the well. This was our last stop for the day and this trip, and I heard some lamenting that fact (until next time..!!). Another very, very busy stop and probably more kids in one place than I've seen in a long time. At both stops we ran out of water before buckets, and I pray that those who went without today will be able to get what they need. Our truck visits these areas several times a week - even when short-term mission teams are not around - so that is some reassurance especially as the rain seems to be holding off.
     Had a bit of down time back at the guest house, then went to dinner at an authentic Haitian restaurant called Kokoye. Fun, fellowship, and great food!! Now we are all settling in for the evening and preparing for our last full day in-country. Wow, does time fly!

p.s.
Happy to report that our two down-and-out goers are back up and running! Thankfully a short-lived bug that was stomped by fluids, rest, and your prayers!

Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers! Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we prepare to wrap the week, say our goodbyes, and travel home. Ke Bondye Beni'ou!

~Jaime