Update from Katie

Hi, my name is Katie Pickens and I am a long-term volunteer here in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I am guest-blogging for Scott as his is out of the country serving our brothers and sisters in Sudan. I volunteer with an organization called Global Ministries and have been in Haiti since January of this year. Not long after I moved to Haiti I met Scott through a mutual friend at our English-speaking church. He started describing his work and the orphanage and I felt my heart telling me, “you know that place!” After seeing pictures I knew I had been there and loved on some sweet kids through the organization that I work for. Although we do not have a direct connection some pastors that I work for know Pastor Justin so we went for a visit. Right away I knew that this place was special.

Because of this connection I have gone with Scott a couple of times up the mountain to visit and sing with the kids. My favorite was teaching them “Hallelujah, Praise ye the Lord” not only in English but in Creole. It was exciting to see their little faces light up as the realized it was their turn to stand and yell “Praise ye the Lord” or “Beniswa Letonel.” I have since taken this back to the states and taught some willing youth the Creole version. The kids at the orphanage sing better in English than the youth in the States sing in Creole!

I visited October 29th and this visit was also the first since Hurricane Sandy passed near Haiti. Pastor Justin’s church did sustain some damage during the storm. Parts of the roof joints blew off and flooding occurred inside the building. When I arrived, I found the children helping to dry the floor. They are good little helpers and had made quick work! The new roof in the orphanage stayed in tact, however because of some areas that were not covered yet the orphanage did flood once again. Once all the areas are covered this does not seem like it will be a problem again.

Every time I go and see their sweet familiar faces I feel blessed with the warmth of the Holy Spirit. This time was no different! Since Scott is traveling, he needed some one to take care of their bi-weekly delivery of food and home goods that helps to support the orphanage.

I was happy to volunteer and eager to be able to go see the children again. This time would possibly be my last visit as I will be heading home to the states soon. I didn’t really realize this until I was talking to Pastor Justin and he was saying thank you for the items that I delivered. He is so grateful to Heart of God International Ministries and to Scott for all that you have done. He is so gracious and sincere. All of a sudden I was crying, he didn’t say anything in particular but it was the realization that he is so gracious in this country that isn’t. His simple acts of kindness and gratitude have always moved me, but today it was different. Today, I realized I wouldn’t get to experience his gentle spirit in a while. I told him I was not sure if I would see him again and thanked him for the time he had shared with me and the love he gives to the children and staff.

Then I made my way over to the children. I just wanted to hug them and look at them for as long as I could. They are strong and growing, thanks to nutritious meals they are now receiving because of you! I realized some of them looked healthier and taller. None were sick or sad. All were smiling and bouncing around like all little kids do. Some being mischievous and stealing my camera from my back pocket others just sitting and enjoying their little snack of Cheetos.

As I was leaving and telling the children “Good-Bye” and telling them I would not be able to come back. Little Jude looks up at me and says “Wap priye pou m” (You pray for me). Wow, heart-breaking, tear-jerking, ernest faith! I will carry the love, hope, faith, spirit and sweet smiles with me forever. And of course little Jude, I will pray for you all every day!