Jocelyn's Journey to His New Home

We have mentioned Jocelyn many times as a prayer request on our blog.  This little guy has multiple health issues including respiratory problems from TB, a congenital heart defect, delays in physical, social and cognitive maturity,  and he is HIV positive.  He came to the hospital in early 2015 and most of the staff believed he would not survive.  He was abandoned by his family and left at the hospital to die.  

As I am reflecting on his arrival, it strikes me that this was also a very difficult time for the hospital leadership and staff and I am seeing the parallels between the healing and growth of our staff with the healing and growth of Jocelyn. 

You may remember, in early 2015, we experienced a period of discontent with our staff as changes were made to how and when they were paid.  As well, the leadership team had just finished a compression of the staff and some employees were not given new contracts.  It was one of the most difficult times of our service thus far.  

As Jocelyn was fighting for his life, the hospital was also fighting.  

When it became apparent that Jocelyn's family had abandoned him at the hospital, the staff began to provide much of his care.  Some of the doctors and nurses provided food for him, the laundry and housekeeping staff bathed and dressed him each day.  As time passed, some of our missionaries also became active in his day to day care.  With the love and care that was extended to him, Jocelyn began to heal and gain strength.  As well, Hopital Lumiere began to heal and gain strength too.  

Despite efforts by the missionary team and the local MEBSH pastor to find Jocelyn a new home in an orphanage or with a family, no place would take him.  He was strong enough to be released from the hospital, but had no place to go.  The staff and missionaries continued to care for him and he continued to grow and gain strength, much like our hospital in the past 1.5 years.  

In November 2015, a group of ladies came on a mission from Les Cayes to minister and evangelize at the hospital and in the community.  Most of these women were MEBSH pastors wives.  Before they came, one of the ladies had a dream that they would meet a child at the hospital that needed their help.  When they met Jocelyn and heard his story, she knew he was the child and that God was directing them to find him a home.  

After several months of looking for a place for Jocelyn, the lady who had the vision or dream about Jocelyn became to feel that God was leading her to take Jocelyn into her own home.  She shared her feelings with her husband, Pastor Borel Geneste, and with the group of ladies within her mission.  As all of them prayed for Jocelyn, God revealed to their hearts that they should make a place within their home for Jocelyn.  Soon thereafter, they began raising funds to build an addition to their upstairs apartment for Jocelyn and a caretaker.  

As part of this process, the mission group made a trip to visit Jocelyn's mother and grandmother.  They learned that they were steeped in sin and were able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.  Both made a beginning as Believers in Jesus Christ. This visit also helped them to identify a teenage, male cousin who is able and willing to live with Jocelyn in the Pastor's home.  This cousin will help care for Jocelyn. What a joy that some of his family will be involved in his care.

Today, our family had the privilege of delivering Jocelyn to his new home with Pastor and Madam Borel Geneste.    Following are some pictures from the day.

Farewell

This afternoon, we had a small farewell party for Jocelyn with the missionaries and some staff members.

Selah wanted to give Jocelyn some cars to play with at his new home.

Jocelyn is enjoying his new cars and some Coke.  The little guy won't touch his cookie though.

A piggy-back ride from Mara

Some of the staff saying Good-Bye to Jocelyn.  They will miss him!

He was very excited to ride in a machine (truck).  During the ride to Les Cayes, he called out the names of the animals we saw along the way.  Cabrit (Goat)  Chen (Dog) etc...

He was wide-eyed as we headed down the mountain.

Welcome to a New Home

Pastor Borel welcoming Jocelyn as Mara carries him to the home.

Upstairs to his upper room.

Checking out his new bed

Getting reassurance from Rick 

As we arrived at his new home, Jocelyn became very clingy and seemed to be scared.  This is very understandable as it is a new environment for him.  

Outside view of the new addition of rooms

The Fe Foge or iron works that will be installed on the wall outside his rooms.  These will prevent him from falling over the railing.

The hallway to his room and bathroom.           The room he will share with his cousin.

The bathroom for the boys to share.

As we arrived the mission group was having a service to welcome Jocelyn, to thank God for His provision and to pray for new family that is forming.  

The group of ladies that worked to provide a home for Jocelyn.

Jocelyn presenting a Thank You gift.

The new family that God has brought together

  

                   Jocelyn and his cousin Kenson   Pastor Borel, Madam Pastor Borel and Jocelyn

Please continue to pray for Jocelyn and his new caregivers!!  As we were leaving, Jocelyn seemed quite sad and apprehensive about his new home.  This will be a huge transition for all of them and they need our prayers.  We can see God's hand working in this situation, but our prayers must continue.