Day 7: I love you for LIFE

Today was Jimmy and Katia’s wedding. We were thrilled that it didn’t start till around 11, so we had time to sleep in until 7am and then enjoy our breakfast. In Haiti weddings are not very common because most people can’t afford them so when there is a wedding people get very dressed up! Up until today we hadn’t really put makeup on or done our hair so it was strange but fun to get all dressed up today. We squeezed everyone in the van and headed to the wedding site.
The wedding was at a hotel and it had a beautiful outdoor patio like stage with tables surrounding it for the reception. The ceremony was held a few steps away at the chapel and it was such a special ceremony. Three of the children were included in the wedding procession, a flower girl and mini bride(Nu-Nu) and groom (Hey you-nicknamed for always calling everyone hey you), they were SO cute!! Katia looked beautiful as she walked down the aisle; she had a fun gown with a long beautiful train and lacy gloves. She had a sparkle in her eye as she approached her groom and you could tell she had waited a long time for this moment. Pastor Pierre assisted another pastor and we were all thrilled when Jimmy walked up on the stage and asked Pierre to translate in English so we could all understand. The Pastor spoke about the 5 love languages: physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, gifts, quality time- and how it is so important to have them in your marriage. Several songs were sung, mostly hymns in French, a few solos from friends and Ridje (Katia’s son) and Alli (Jimmy’s son) sang a song/rap together.
After the ceremony we all headed over to the reception. Mike gave a speech: He reflected on the past two years and the change that he has seen in Jimmy . He told him that he was proud to call him his son. He wanted to let everyone know that Jimmy was a true living example of someone who was first changed by God and is now changing the lives of many. His love for Katia and the 68 chlldren at Zanfan Lakay is a blessing to all who know and are friends of Jimmy’s. Our team was honored to be part of this special day.
Alli, Jimmy’s son, asked Doug to play a couple songs with him- so in true Dougie style, he gave him a riff on the guitar and Alli rapped about his dad and giving thanks to God for everything in his life. Then they sang “I Can Only Imagine” together and even some of the wedding attendants sang along. It was a significant moment for Doug and Alli in honor of Jimmy and Katia.
We had planned on going to see the new property for the future site of the boys’ compound, however a storm hit just as the reception finished. Because of the crazy downpour of rain, we headed back to the hotel.
Our team took some time to rest, pack and then we all met up for dinner. We had our favorite club sandwich for the last time. Around 6:30pm we headed back to the boys home to hang out with them for a few hours.
It was still raining when we arrived so most of the kids were inside hanging out. However once the van pulled up, they came rushing out to open the door and greet us.
We all just chilled together, some of the boys were reading to us, we played cards, many of the boys played on some of our electronic devices (Angry Birds and Pinball were the popular choices!) and just enjoyed some of the last time we would have together. Doug even got to put a few of the very young ones to bed- Gerwinski , Peter and Stacey.
Tomorrow is going to be hard to say goodbye. Doug is already fighting back the tears as the kids continued to ask him and the others when we would be coming back. I was able to tell them tomorrow… but after tomorrow only God knows the plans He has for each of our team members.

Tomorrow is church with Pastor Pierre. They have asked Doug to sing a couple songs… Today is the Day and Chante, Chante, Chante. We have to be up before 6 am and on the road by 6:40.
Doug and I have been reflecting and praying quite a bit how we might continue to stay invested in the lives of these kids here in Haiti. We know that this was God’s perfect timing to have us come to Haiti and invest hardcore in these special kids. We will be back and we are forever changed from this real experience of loving the unloved.