When I think of sunshine and warm weather, I naturally think of going to the beach. In Haiti, at New Life Children’s Home, a day at the beach is a luxury not often experienced. Thanks to a generous individual, Tom Schmidt, who donated $500.00 for this event, on Saturday, February 9th, we were able to pack up almost 90 kids and many of the hired help and take them to the beach for the day. It was a real treat. I haven’t seen so much excitement in getting ready for the day since Christmas morning when my own kids were little. They were all scurrying around finding their seldom used swimwear, shorts, and/or t-shirts for the beach. They stood outside the orphanage Saturday morning in anticipation of the bus arrival. In order to transport everyone to the beach which is about an hour’s drive, we had to rent a “school” bus and driver. When the bus arrived the older boys helped to load the food and drinks onto the bus. The kids were then given a brief safety lesson followed by prayer. On to the bus and we were off.

The day itself was filled with fun and laughter. Though few of the kids know how to swim, they readily partook in wading and splashing in the shallow end. Even the adults had a good time. After a hearty lunch of hotdogs, apples, cookies, and juice, we all grabbed the last hour of water fun before the arduous task of finding every-one’s rightful clothing, dressing and loading back on to the bus. I dare say many of the kids had a nice nap on the way home.