Today we’ll share how life in Haiti has changed for children in the Compassion program since COVID-19. Then we’ll teach you how to make a popular local game that you can play with your friends!

 

Compassion in Quarantine

Since the pandemic officially hit Haiti in March 2020, Compassion’s church partners have taken action to protect and support vulnerable children and their parents. Across the country, church partners have gone to great lengths to aid children who could no longer attend school or center activities.

“The Lord has given us a very important mission. The difficult times we are experiencing now is only there to remind us how faithful He is and how He can take care of us in any situation. His relentless love and patience must regularly remind us that we owe this same duty to the most vulnerable. Because every action taken for the well-being of others is one more step towards the manifestation of the compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Children are used to being able to go to the Compassion Child Development Center for a safe place to play. Now that they are having to spend more time at home they may have to come up with their own toys.

Activity: Toy Hunt

Children living in poverty must get creative to make toys that don’t cost money. They use materials they find around their homes and streets. Print out this activity to help Jean collect items on his walk home from his Compassion center in Haiti. Then see what toys he can make out of them!

 

Activity: Play Osselets

There is one popular game kids can make for themselves using only modeling clay. The game is called Osselets (oss-LAY) and it is like the game of jacks, but some children in Haiti play it with goat knuckle bones — no kidding!

Try it For Yourself!

Supplies

(Adult help needed)

• 1 small bouncy ball
• 1 package of modeling clay in multiple colors
• colorful paints

Step 1

Roll your modeling clay into sections that are ½-inch thick.

 

Step 2

Using a dull knife, cut the rolls into ½-inch sections.

 

Step 3

Shape each section into a cube.

 

Step 4

Paint one dot on one side of each cube.

 

Play the Game

The first player begins by gently tossing all 5 osselets (dice) into the air and letting them land on the ground. The player then picks up the ball, tosses it in the air, and tries to pick up an osselet before the ball hits the ground. The goal is for the player to pick up an extra osselet each time until she has all 5 in her hand.

Here’s the tricky part: Before the player can pick up the osselet, she has to turn it so that the side with only 1 dot is facing up. If an osselet or the ball falls on the ground before another is picked up, it’s the next player’s turn.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What activities at the Child Development Center have you done at your school or church? What activities are different?
2. What would you miss (or have you missed) most if you could not attend school or church?
3. What surprised you about Michelet’s home?

CLOSING

To bring today’s time in Haiti to a close, read this verse aloud and then take a moment to pray for the country of Haiti.

BIBLE VERSE

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) –  “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

PRAYER

Jesus, Thank you for providing for my needs. I pray that I will always rely on you for my needs. I pray that my faith will grow strong and I will rest in knowing you are in control of my life. Amen.

Thanks for spending some time with us today! Check your inbox tomorrow for Day 3 of your journey to Haiti.