Sunday after church, we got the opportunity to visit the Be Like Brit Orphanage. Our contact’s husband is the head supervisor at the site. Be Like Brit is still in the construction process, but will be ready to open in December. The story behind Be Like Brit is unforgettable. Nineteen year old Brittney Gengel was in Haiti on a humanitarian trip with her school. On the exact day of the earthquake, she texted her parents and said, “They love us so much and everyone is so happy. They love what they have and they work so hard to get nowhere, yet they are all so appreciative. I want to move here and start an orphanage myself.” Tragically, a few hours later she was killed by the earthquake. Her parents decided that they wanted to continue her wish and they started an orphanage to honor Brittney.
The building is AMAZING! It’s actually in the shape of a B and has the most incredible view of the ocean. There is a running theme of three stars around the building. Brittney was the oldest of three children. The stars symbolize Brittney and her two siblings. It will be home to 66 orphans; 33 girls and 33 boys. There are house mothers that will live on site to take care of the children. These children will potentially go from the worst environment in Haiti to one of the nicest places I have seen here.
As we walked the halls, I had a tremendous amount of emotion. When we looked into each room where a precious little boy or girl would be sleeping, I couldn’t help but picture their little faces. Children that have been forgotten according to earthly standards will be remembered by Be Like Brit. I am so thankful that we serve a God that does not abandon us! Although these children may feel abandoned because they have no mother or father, we serve a God that will never leave or forsake them. They are sons and daughters of the King of Kings. They are so precious in His sight.
In your prayers, please don’t forget the orphans of Haiti and the final stages of Be Like Brit. They need guidance on choosing orphans for the facility. Unfortunately, there are way more orphans than beds in the building. This is an incredibly heartbreaking reality.
For more information, please visit www.belikebrit.org
In His love, Hannah
