We sailed off to Ile a Vache, about a 45 minute boat ride, Friday morning. We hiked up the hill to the new school. It is now a free standing 5 room building waiting for a roof. As I neared the school a young boy apporached me and grabbed my hand. He was a schoolboy evidenced by the uniform he was wearing. He kept looking up at me and finally said "Catsile!" which was his name. As soon as he said it I recognized him as the little boy who latched onto me on the trip in March. When I found out in March he was not sponsored to go to school, we asked his parents if they would like him in school and sponsored him. I was so astounded he was watching for me and found me. The other children were in class but he managed to escape and look for the "Blancs" (white people) coming to Grand Plains, Ile a Vache. He once again clung to me most of the time we were there. I had brought a backpack for him since he was now a schoolboy. As he accepted it he was so moved I believe he was crying. I was told that he probably could not believe anyone would do such a thing for him. Can you imagine such a small token making such a big impact?
We held a foot clinic under a mango tree. Young men brought benches out from the school for the patients to sit on. More people were interested in having their blood pressure taken than feet fixed. I think they were intereste in how the blood pressure machine worked.
On Saturday we went to an orphanage run by an elderly nun. She was a frail little woman that cares for 20+ handicapped children. I cannot describe the conditions. I hope you will all have a chance to see Mark's pictures. The children are well cared for, but medical attention is scarce. The Sister asked that the Orphanage in Les Cayes bring medication to her if they can spare some.
After leaving the Orphanage we were treated to "a little corner of Heaven" in a beautiful sand bar. It was right in the middle of the ocean! We could pull the boat up and get out and walk on it. There was drift wood, sea erchins, starfish, shells and lots of coral. As I walked to the center of it I noticed a piece of coral in a familiar shape. As I picked it up it was very clearly the shape of a cross. What a wonderful souvineer to bring back home.
We returned to Les Cayes safely and look forward to Church tomorrow.
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4 comments:
Such a great story about your little friend Mrs. Rychel! Thanks for sharing it :-).
Thank you for keeping us up to date. God bless you all.
Love,
Wendy
Thanks so much Jackie for all of your updates. Your description of the sand bar is what Tina thinks heaven would be like, maybe with a dolphin and a waterfall added in!
We pray for your safe travel back home.
God Bless,
Michael & Tina Repas
Your story of the young boy brought me to tears. I have so much. Thanks for sharing and putting things in perspective. We're praying for safe travel home.
Chris
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