Bruce's Takeaways

I have several take a ways from the mission trip this year.  First is that there is a universal language among children in all parts of the world and that is love for each other and laughter.  Sitting up in the “pharmacy” this year all you could hear for the first two days was the laughter of the children of the orphanage and you would have had no idea that they were orphans or that you were in an impoverished country.  Maybe it is the innocence of youth but they were having fun and not concerned with the condition of things around them as they were just grateful for what they did have and the care that they were receiving.  You witnessed this same thing every day during our lunch breaks as the younger children played and the older ones went about their chores but with smiles on their faces.  I was not able to engage with the kids while they were all at the boy’s orphanage but I heard from others that it was the same as they colored or played basketball with Mel’s home made hoop.

Secondly, you can not help but be amazed and have admiration for the compassion and dedication exhibited by Emily, Cliney, and Pastor.  These individuals truly have the spirit of Christ in their hearts and genuine concern for the well being of “their kids”.  As much as I may like to, I am not sure that I could do what they do every day.  Their mission and vision for what they want to accomplish is very clear and they will not be deterred.  Spending a week of our time there is so small in comparison to what they do not only for the benefit of the kids but also for the future of Haiti itself.  

Lastly, I would like to thank all of you for the example you set for me in giving unselfishly of yourselves to help others in need and the Godlike way in which you did it.  Some of you I had just met for the first time but I do consider you to be friends and would be more than happy to go on the next mission trip with all of you.  

Additionally, I would like to thank Mark for his leadership and all the effort he put in to make this trip the success that it was and to Mike for his patience with me in the pharmacy until I was able to grasp the right way to fill prescriptions. 

God bless all of you and our friends in Haiti,

Bruce Landino     

Kathy Ledtke: You are all in my prayers

The people we served in Haiti were so grateful and felt we were doing them a favor...but they will never know that in my heart I can see so many of their faces; I continue to pray for them; I love them and I know I will see them again.  They were the ones that were a blessing to me!  

I have never been on a trip with such a cohesive, caring, cooperative, fun and kind group.  I love and respect each of you and just as I carry the faces of those sweet orphan children, I will always cherish the memories I have of our delightful team.  God's best to each of you always!

All my love, Kathryn Ledtke

Photo: Jen Wride and she says the little boy Kathy is cradling is named Peterson.