The Woman In Blue

Barbara Walker is a humble woman who has dedicated her whole heart and life to the unfortunate children of a desolate country called Haiti. Giving children a new hope and future for tomorrow, Walker (65), started facilitating adoptions 20 years ago and is still marching onward through the process today. Walker started building homes and churches in Brazil, until her boss felt ashamed because she was working harder than most of the men and told her to sit the next trip out. She called him a "female chauvinist pig" and quit on the spot! Within a week she received a phone call from a close friend and was invited to help start a business in a different country just 700 miles off the coast of Florida, Haiti. Little did Walker know her work as a construction worker would soon be over, and God would open another door to fulfill her life purpose, "Reach Out to Haiti". Living a selfless life in a selfish world is not easy for any human, yet Walker is known all over the world for her joy in helping anyone in need.

"Out of the most severe trial their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability." 2 Corinthians 8:2-3

Barbara Walker explains, "It wasn't by accident I was called to do a paint job at an orphanage where I found neglected, starving, worm-bellied children." Walker returned to the orphanage every day and noticed the pattern of a little baby's life in particular. He was fed one bottle of ceri-milk (which is baby cereal mixed with formula) in the morning and they gave him one diaper change and sat him in the corner. They didn't touch him until bedtime and then they gave him another bottle of ceri-milk and one more diaper change. Barbara decided she needed to find a way to get this child out... and FAST! This was the first of the many successful adoption stories, thanks be to God and the Woman in Blue!


THE WOMEN OF THE VILLAGE~

Manual labor is not a strange thing to the women at Ruuska Village. Washing clothes by hand, carrying water buckets, and cooking over an open fire are just a few of their daily tasks. The women who live there are employed nannies; Barbara gives them food, clothing, a wage, and a place to stay. Some women, who have educations or special talents such as sewing and teaching, are paid a higher salary.

Men are not allowed to stay at the village, but do come to visit or work. Trucks are filled with gravel by hand and mixed for cement to build the perimeter walls, fix potholes, and to add stories to the houses. Young boys also help with this task. They work fast and hard... all day, every day!

"A new command I give you: love one another.....as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34, 35

Barbara Walker

If you would like to contribute to the children and families at Ruuska Village please send gifts to: Barbara Walker, 168 Gutbrodt Rd., Melrose, NY 12121 Thank you!