Meet the girl in Purple. I think the purple dresses were the ones that fit her. Derlandie, 11, is also known as Naika. All the kids have nicknames and this is hers. Any guesses at what it means? Me neither, I think it’s just a name. One thing you have to realize about the girls in the orphanage is, they are all sassy. Except one. Derlandie is NOT that one.
She makes me laugh. When I would take pictures she would think it was funny to put things on the kids’ heads. She thought it was the funniest thing. But when it was her turn to get her picture taken, she got shy. I have probably 15 pictures like the one above of her making faces until I got a good one. Sometimes, when I was out and the orphans were walking to school or church or somewhere, I would see her and our eyes would meet. Most of the kids spoke to me by name, but not Derlandie, she made faces. 
I’d give my right, big toe to see one of her silly faces right about now. And hear her giggle and get a little cuddle hug from her. She’s a joy to be around and I hope these pictures give a glimpse at her beautiful soul.
Just a reminder to keep praying for Haiti. For our orphans. For Pastor Andre and Madame Justine. For Claudin and Madame Claudin. For all the sponsored kids in our program and their families. There is no way we can understand the things they go through everyday. Do not get weary praying for this country. There is joy in the long defeat.
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“Getting To Know…” is part of a blog series by Abby Lilly. To read more from Abby check out her personal blog: http://abbyquinn.blogspot.com/
