In June 2021, I drove our team back and forth from the compound to the Children’s Homes a few times. Most of the drive is on dirt roads, and because I grew up in Texas driving on ranches and farmland, I learned how to navigate these rugged areas. I have to say, these roads are extremely rugged. I learned why on Wednesday evening when it started to rain just as we were finishing. Within a few minutes, the roads were flooding. It’s only a half mile from the Children’s Homes to the compound, but each road had literally become a shallow river with water rapidly covering the ground and changing the topography. This happens with every rain. It is a wonder that the roads are ever smooth. Because the Haitian government doesn’t tend the streets, the townspeople carve out new paths after each rain.

Our team certainly made memories together on that rainy afternoon, and throughout the duration of the trip. Our construction project was at the Home where the girls live, so we had many of the girls hanging out with us this week. I was able to have some short conversations, and I am so impressed with their English. They are getting better each trip. I am thankful these girls are in a stable home, even though they don’t have a mom and dad. They are truly loved by the adults in their life, and God, our Father, has a special place in His heart for these children.

We didn’t get to see the boys much this week as they were in school, but we did spend some time with them on one day toward the end of the trip. Almost immediately we had a small group together out front to play soccer, and they played until it started to rain.

Poyis is an excellent father to these kids, and they love and respect him, despite coming from challenging circumstances. I am so thankful there are men and women who are loving them and helping them become the people God would have them be.

Wiley Kennedy serves as Director of International Ministries with Connect 2 Ministries. To learn more about Wiley, visit Who We Are, and to learn how you can make a difference, visit Join an Outreach Program.