At Uplift Haiti, we believe in transparency and community. We want you to get a glimpse into Pastor and his wife’s lives. They are the ones responsible for the children at our partner orphanage.
In some ways, our lives are very much the same: school, housework, chores, errands, and time together as a family. The way they accomplish these things looks different. Most of us have a reliable vehicle, so we can guarantee to drop off our kids at school every day or get what we need . Additionally, the way each culture views time is significantly different.
Our President, Jesse, describes the days in Haiti like this, “The pace of life is not American. I always feel a sense of calm there. It’s like the daily American pressure of performance is lifted while there.”
One thing you can count on at the orphanage is their love, commitment, and hard work. It shines in everything they do! Their devotion to the children goes beyond just meeting basic needs—it’s about nurturing them in every way. Today, we’re giving you an inside look at what a typical day looks like at the orphanage.
6:00 AM: Starting the Day with Purpose
The day begins early at the orphanage, with everyone up around 6 AM. The morning starts with breakfast prep—sometimes followed by a quick devotional. Everyone gathers for a meal, which is not just about food, but about coming together as a family.
After breakfast, the children prepare for school. It takes work to make sure everyone is ready—uniforms on, bags packed—thankfully, the older kids help get the younger ones ready.
Morning Routine: Off to School
After the children are ready, Pastor R takes the kids to school. If the vehicle is working, there are two trips in the morning and two in the afternoon. The kids go to a few different schools based on their ages. During this time Pastor’s wife, A., is busy taking care of the home. When the kids go to school, it’s the perfect time to get chores done. This is when she cooks, cleans, does the laundry, and maintains the house. She’s known as the organizer of the home.
Mid-Afternoon: School’s Out, Family Time Begins
By mid-afternoon, the kids are back home. The energy picks up as the adults prepare for the busy after-school hours.
Afterward, there’s time for games—mostly soccer outside. The children laugh and play together, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. The boys gravitate toward action movies, while the girls love a bit of romance—some things truly do stay the same across cultures.
During a visit to Haiti, one of our Board remembers recalls the older kids getting creative by performing, shooting, and editing their own films with his phone! This time spent in fun and laughter fosters not only creativity but a deep sense of belonging.
Evening: Winding Down with Worship & Reflection
As evening approaches, the adults and children come together for dinner. Afterward, a time of devotional and worship follows. This is a precious time for reflection, prayer, and sharing thoughts on the day. The children are encouraged to speak about what they are grateful for, and prayers are offered for their family, community, and the country of Haiti.
After devotional time, the children head to bed, but the work doesn’t stop for the caregivers. There’s always something else to tidy up, plan for, or prepare.
A Calm Yet Purposeful Pace
One of the unique aspects of life at the orphanage is the pace. It is not hurried or frantic. Instead, there is a sense of calm that pervades the daily routine. Life is slower in a way that allows the caregivers to focus on the essentials. Their main priority is caring for the children, nurturing them in faith, and preparing them for a better future.
Pastor R and his wife are the steady presence of love and support for the children. From morning to night, they pour their hearts into everything they do, and their efforts make a difference in the children’s lives.
A Heartfelt Invitation to Support Their Mission
As you’ve seen, a day at the orphanage is full of love, responsibility, and unwavering dedication. Your financial support allows Pastor and A to focus on the work inside the home instead of having to wonder how they’re going to pay for all of their needs. Your prayers give them strength and endurance to continue doing the work that God has called them to.
Would you consider supporting the orphanage in one of the following ways?
- Become a monthly donor to provide ongoing support for food, medical care, education, and more.
- Give a one-time donation to help cover urgent needs like school tuition, maintenance, or vehicle repairs.
- Pray for the children, caregivers, and the mission of the orphanage.
Each donation, no matter how small, helps us continue to offer the children the love, security, and education they need to grow and thrive.
Thank you for your support and for being part of the mission to change lives.
